SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of 2016'' or the ``STOP Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO UNITED STATES MAIL SECURITY. (a) Importer of Record.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (B) of section 484(a)(2) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(B)) is amended to read as follows: ``(B)(i) When an entry of merchandise is made under this section, the required documentation or information shall be filed or electronically transmitted-- ``(I) by the owner or purchaser of the merchandise; ``(II) when appropriately designated by the owner, purchaser, or consignee of the merchandise, by a person holding a valid license under section 641; or ``(III) in the case of non-letter class mail, by the Postmaster General or a designee of the Postmaster General, which may include a person holding a valid license under section 641. ``(ii) When a consignee declares on entry that he or she is the owner or purchaser of merchandise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may, without liability, accept the declaration. ``(iii) For the purposes of this Act, the importer of record must be one of the parties who is eligible to file the documentation or information required by this section. ``(iv) In this subparagraph, the term `non-letter class mail' means any product of the United States Postal Service or a Universal Postal Union designated operator that is provided pursuant to-- ``(I) the Universal Postal Union's Parcel Post Regulations and Final Protocol; or ``(II) the Universal Postal Union's Letter Post Regulations and Final Protocol, except `small letters' as defined in Article RL 124(1), as such regulations were in effect on the date of the enactment of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of 2016.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Informal Entries.--Section 498 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1498) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Regulations Related to Informal Customs Entries.-- ``(1) Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than six months after the date of the enactment of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of 2016, the Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to require the Postmaster General or designee of the Postmaster General, which may include a person holding a valid license under section 641, to file informal customs entries for all non-letter class mail that meets the informal entry requirements of this section and subpart C of part 143 of title 19, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(2) Non-letter class mail.--In this subsection, the term `non-letter class mail' has the meaning given that term in section 484(a)(2)(B)(iv).''. (c) De Minimis Shipments.-- (1) Reduction or modification of exemption.--Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1321) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) The Postmaster General or a designee of the Postmaster General, which may include a person holding a valid license under section 641, shall be designated as the importer of record for non- letter class mail (as that term is defined in section 484(a)(2)(B)(iv)) that is subject to the regulations issued pursuant to subsection (a) or (b).''. (2) Regulations.--Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by paragraph (1). (d) Customs Fees.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (6) of section 13031(a) of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (19 U.S.C. 58c(a)(6)) is amended to read as follows: ``(6)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for each item of dutiable mail for which a document is prepared by a customs officer, $5. ``(B) For the arrival of each item of any non-letter class mail (as that term is defined in clause (iv) of section 484(a)(2)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(B))), $1.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (e) Mandatory Advanced Electronic Information for Non-Letter Class Mail.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (K) of section 343(a)(3) of the Trade Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-210; 19 U.S.C. 2071 note) is amended to read as follows: ``(K) The Secretary shall require the Postmaster General to provide the information required in paragraphs (1) and (2) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for any non-letter class mail (as that term is defined in clause (iv) of section 484(a)(2)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(B))) imported into the United States.''. (2) Regulations.--Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to carry out subparagraph (K) of section 343(a)(3) of the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by paragraph (1). (f) Limitation on International Postal Arrangements.--The Secretary of State may not conclude any international postal arrangement pursuant to the authority set out in section 407 of title 39, United States Code, that is inconsistent with this Act or any amendment made by this Act.

Summary: Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of 2016 or the STOP Act of 2016 This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make the Postmaster General or Postmaster General designee, including a person holding a valid customs broker's license, the importer of record for non-letter class mail imported into the United States. The term "non-letter class mail" means any product of the U.S. Postal Service or a Universal Postal Union designated operator that is provided pursuant to: the Universal Postal Union's Parcel Post Regulations and Final Protocol; or the Universal Postal Union's Letter Post Regulations and Final Protocol, except small letters, as in effect upon enactment of this bill. The bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to impose a duty of $1 on each item of non-letter class mail imported into the United States. The bill amends the Trade Act of 2002 to direct the Department of the Treasury to require the Postmaster General to provide for the advanced electronic transmission to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection of certain information on non-letter class mail imported into the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Trade Normalization With Cuba Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) with the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba is no longer a threat to the United States or the Western Hemisphere; (2) the continuation of the embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba that was declared in February of 1962 is counterproductive, adding to the hardships of the Cuban people while making the United States the scapegoat for the failures of the communist system; (3) in the former Soviet Union, the Eastern bloc countries, China, and Vietnam, the United States is using economic, cultural, academic, and scientific engagement to support its policy of promoting democratic and human rights reforms; and (4) the United States can best support democratic change in Cuba by promoting trade and commerce, travel, communications, and cultural, academic, and scientific exchanges. SEC. 3. REMOVAL OF PROVISIONS RESTRICTING TRADE AND OTHER RELATIONS WITH CUBA. (a) Authority for Embargo and Sugar Quota.--Section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2370(a)) is repealed. (b) Trading With the Enemy Act.--The authorities conferred upon the President by section 5(b) of the Trading With the Enemy Act, which were being exercised with respect to Cuba on July 1, 1977, as a result of a national emergency declared by the President before that date, and are being exercised on the day before the effective date of this Act, may not be exercised on or after such effective date with respect to Cuba. Any regulations in effect on the day before such effective date pursuant to the exercise of such authorities, shall cease to be effective on such date. (c) Exercise of Authorities Under Other Provisions of Law.-- (1) Removal of prohibitions.--Any prohibition on exports to Cuba that is in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act under the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall cease to be effective on such effective date. (2) Authority for new restrictions.--The President may, on and after the effective date of this Act-- (A) impose export controls with respect to Cuba under section 5, 6(j), 6(l), or 6(m) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and (B) exercise the authorities he has under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act with respect to Cuba pursuant to a declaration of national emergency required by that Act that is made on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat, that did not exist before the enactment of this Act, to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. (d) Cuban Democracy Act.--The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 6001 and following) is repealed. (e) Repeal of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.-- (1) Repeal.--The Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 is repealed. (2) Conforming amendments.--(A) Section 498A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295a) is amended-- (i) in subsection (a)(11) by striking ``and intelligence facilities, including the military and intelligence facilities at Lourdes and Cienfuegos,'' and inserting ``facilities,''; (ii) in subsection (b)-- (I) in paragraph (4) by adding ``and'' after the semicolon; (II) by striking paragraph (5); and (III) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5); and (iii) by striking subsection (d). (B) Section 498B(k) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295b(k)) is amended by striking paragraphs (3) and (4). (C) Section 1611 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c). (D) Sections 514 and 515 of the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 (22 U.S.C. 1643l and 1643m) are repealed. (f) Termination of Denial of Foreign Tax Credit With Respect to Cuba.--Subparagraph (A) of section 901(j)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to denial of foreign tax credit, etc., with respect to certain foreign countries) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new flush sentence: ``Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, this subsection shall not apply to Cuba after the date which is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this sentence.''. (g) Sugar Quota Prohibition Under Food Security Act of 1985.-- Section 902(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 is repealed. SEC. 4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES. Any common carrier within the meaning of section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153) is authorized to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. The authority of this section includes the authority to upgrade facilities and equipment. SEC. 5. TRAVEL. (a) In General.--Travel to and from Cuba by individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States, and any transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, may not be regulated or prohibited if such travel would be lawful in the United States. (b) Transactions Incident to Travel.--Any transactions ordinarily incident to travel which may not be regulated or prohibited under subsection (a) include-- (1) transactions ordinarily incident to travel or maintenance in Cuba; and (2) normal banking transactions involving foreign currency drafts, traveler's checks, or other negotiable instruments incident to such travel. SEC. 6. DIRECT MAIL DELIVERY TO CUBA. The United States Postal Service shall take such actions as are necessary to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba, including, in the absence of common carrier service between the 2 countries, the use of charter providers. SEC. 7. NEGOTIATIONS WITH CUBA. (a) Negotiations.--The President should take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba-- (1) for the purpose of settling claims of nationals of the United States against the Government of Cuba for the taking of property by such government; and (2) for the purpose of securing the protection of internationally recognized human rights. (b) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``national of the United States'' and ``property'' have the meanings given those terms in section 502 of the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 (22 U.S.C. 1643a). SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; and (3) the sugar quota prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba after enactment of this Act. Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by United States citizens or residents. Requires the United States Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Directs the President to negotiate with the Government of Cuba for the purpose of: (1) settling claims of U.S. nationals for the taking of property by such government; and (2) securing the protection of internationally recognized human rights.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Beverage Container Recycling Initiative Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The failure to reuse and recycle empty beverage containers represents a significant and unnecessary waste of important national energy and material resources. (2) The littering of empty beverage containers constitutes a public nuisance, safety hazard, and aesthetic blight and imposes on public agencies, private businesses, farmers, and landowners unnecessary costs for the collection and removal of the containers. (3) Solid waste resulting from the empty beverage containers constitutes a significant proportion of municipal solid waste and increases the cost and problems of effectively managing the disposal of the waste. (4) It is difficult for local communities to raise the necessary capital to initiate comprehensive recycling programs. (5) The reuse and recycling of empty beverage containers would help eliminate unnecessary burdens on individuals, local governments, and the environment. (6) Several States have previously enacted and implemented State laws designed to protect the environment, conserve energy and material resources, and promote resource recovery of waste by requiring a refund value on the sale of all beverage containers. (7) The laws referred to in paragraph (6) have proven inexpensive for government to administer and effective at reducing financial burdens on communities by internalizing the cost of recycling and litter control to the producers and consumers of beverages. (8) A national system for requiring a refund value on the sale of all beverage containers would act as a positive incentive to individuals to clean up the environment and would-- (A) result in a high level of reuse and recycling of the containers; and (B) help reduce the costs associated with solid waste management. (9) A national system for requiring a refund value on the sale of all beverage containers would result in significant energy conservation and resource recovery. (10) The reuse and recycling of empty beverage containers would eliminate unnecessary waste management burdens on the Federal Government, State and local governments, and the environment. (11) The collection of unclaimed refunds from a national system of beverage container recycling would provide the resources necessary to assist comprehensive reuse and recycling programs throughout the United States. (12) A national system of beverage container recycling is consistent with the intent of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.). (13) This Act is consistent with the goals established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency during June 1996 that include a national goal of 35 percent source reduction and recycling by 2005, coupled with a reduction in per capita waste generation. SEC. 3. BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING. (a) In General.--The Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subtitle K--Beverage Container Recycling ``SEC. 12001. DEFINITIONS. ``In this subtitle: ``(1) Beverage.--The term `beverage' means beer, ale, or other drink produced by fermenting malt, spirits, wine, wine coolers, soda or noncarbonated water, and all nonalcoholic carbonated or noncarbonated drinks in liquid form and intended for human consumption except for milk and dairy-derived products. ``(2) Beverage container.--The term `beverage container' means a bottle, can, jar, or other container made of glass, metal, or plastic which has been sealed by a manufacturer and which, at the time of sale, contains 4 liters or less of a beverage. ``(3) Beverage distributor.--The term `beverage distributor' means a person who sells or offers for sale in interstate commerce to beverage retailers beverages in beverage containers for resale. ``(4) Beverage retailer.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `beverage retailer' means a person who-- ``(i) purchases from a beverage distributor beverages in beverage containers for sale to a consumer; or ``(ii) sells or offers to sell in commerce beverages in beverage containers to a consumer. ``(B) Beverage vending machines.--The Administrator shall promulgate regulations that define `beverage retailer' for any case in which a beverage in a beverage container is sold to a consumer through a beverage vending machine. ``(5) Consumer.--The term `consumer' means a person who purchases a beverage container for any use other than resale. ``(6) Refund value.--The term `refund value' means the amount specified as the refund value of a beverage container under section 12002. ``(7) Unbroken beverage container.--The term `unbroken beverage container' includes-- ``(A) a beverage container opened in a manner in which the container was designed to be opened; and ``(B) a beverage container made of metal or plastic that is compressed if the statement of the amount of the refund value of the container is still readable. ``(8) Wine cooler.--The term `wine cooler' means a drink containing less than 8 percent alcohol (by volume)-- ``(A) consisting of wine and plain, sparkling, or carbonated water; and ``(B) containing a non-alcoholic beverage, flavoring, coloring material, fruit juice, fruit adjunct, sugar, carbon dioxide, preservatives, or any other natural or artificial blending materials (or any combination thereof). ``(9) Spirits.--The term `spirits' means any liquor produced by distillation or, if produced by any other process, strengthened or fortified by the addition of distilled spirits of any kind. The term includes fortified wine. ``(10) Wine.--The term `wine' means any liquor containing not more than 15.5 percent alcohol by volume which is produced by the fermentation of fruit or other agricultural products containing sugar and to which no spirits are added. The term includes table wine, still wine, sparkling wine, and champagne, if the alcohol content is not above 15.5 percent by volume. ``SEC. 12002. REQUIRED BEVERAGE CONTAINER LABELING. ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in section 12007, no beverage distributor or beverage retailer may sell or offer for sale in interstate commerce a beverage in a beverage container unless-- ``(1) in the case of wine and spirit containers, there is clearly, prominently, and securely affixed to, or printed on, the container a statement of the refund value of the container in the amount of 15 cents (as adjusted under subsection (c)); and ``(2) in the case of all other containers, there is clearly, prominently, and securely affixed to, or printed on, the container a statement of the refund value of the container in the amount of 5 cents (as adjusted under subsection (c)). ``(b) Size and Location of Statement.--The Administrator shall promulgate regulations establishing uniform standards for the size and location of the refund value statement on beverage containers. ``(c) Adjustments of Refund Value.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall adjust the amount of the refund value of the container under subsection (a)-- ``(A) on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the Department of Labor since the date of enactment of this subtitle; and ``(B) on the date that is 10 years after the initial adjustment made under paragraph (1), and each 10 years thereafter, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the Department of Labor since the most recent adjustment. ``(2) Rounding.--The Administrator shall round any adjustment under paragraph (1) to the nearest 5 cent increment. ``SEC. 12003. COLLECTION OF REFUND VALUE. ``(a) Collection From Retailers by Distributors.--In the case of each beverage in a beverage container sold in interstate commerce to a beverage retailer by a beverage distributor, the distributor shall collect from the retailer or redemption center the amount of the refund value shown on the container. ``(b) Collection From Consumers by Retailers.--In the case of each beverage in a beverage container sold in interstate commerce to a consumer by a beverage retailer, the retailer shall collect from the consumer the amount of the refund value shown on the container. ``(c) Other Collections.--No person other than a person described in subsection (a) or (b) may collect a deposit on a beverage container. ``SEC. 12004. RETURN OF REFUND VALUE. ``(a) Payment by Retailer.-- ``(1) In general.--If a person, other than a beverage distributor or beverage retailer, tenders for refund an empty, unbroken, and reasonably clean beverage container to a beverage retailer who sells (or has sold at any time during the 90-day period ending on the date of tender) the same brand of beverage in the same kind and size of container, the retailer shall promptly pay the person the amount of the refund value stated on the container. ``(2) Limitations.--(A) A retailer may limit the total number of beverage containers which the retailer will accept from any one consumer or other person in any one business day to 240 containers, or any other number greater than 240. ``(B) A retailer may refuse to accept beverage containers during no more than 8 hours in any one business day. If a retailer refuses to accept beverage containers under this subsection, the hours during which the retailer would accept containers shall be conspicuously posted. ``(b) Payment by Distributor.-- ``(1) In general.--If a person tenders for refund an empty and unbroken beverage container to a beverage distributor who sells (or has sold at any time during the 90-day period ending on the date of tender) the same brand of beverage in the same kind and size of container, the distributor shall promptly pay the person-- ``(A) the amount of the refund value stated on the container; plus ``(B) an amount equal to at least 2 cents per container to help defray the cost of handling. ``(2) Tendering beverage containers to other persons.--This subsection shall not preclude any person from tendering a beverage container to a person other than a beverage distributor. ``(c) Agreements.-- ``(1) In general.--Nothing in this subtitle precludes an agreement between a distributor, a retailer, or other person to establish a centralized beverage container collection center, including a center that acts as an agent of the retailer. ``(2) Agreement for crushing or bundling.--Nothing in this subtitle precludes an agreement between a beverage retailer, a beverage distributor, or other person for the crushing or bundling (or both) of beverage containers. ``SEC. 12005. ACCOUNTING FOR UNCLAIMED REFUNDS AND PROVISIONS FOR STATE RECYCLING FUNDS. ``(a) Unclaimed Refunds.-- ``(1) Payments to states.--At the end of each calendar year, each beverage distributor shall pay to each State an amount equal to the sum by which the total refund value of all containers sold by the distributor for resale in that State during the year exceeds the total sum paid during that year by the distributor under section 12004(b) to persons in the State. ``(2) Use by states.--The total amount of unclaimed refunds received by any State under this section shall be available to carry out pollution prevention and recycling programs in the State. ``(b) Refunds in Excess of Collections.--If the total amount of payments made by a beverage distributor for any calendar year under section 12004(b) for any State exceeds the total amount of the refund values of all containers sold by the distributor for resale in the State, the excess shall be credited against the amount otherwise required to be paid by the distributor to that State under subsection (a) for a subsequent calendar year, designated by the beverage distributor. ``SEC. 12006. PROHIBITIONS ON DETACHABLE OPENINGS AND POST-REDEMPTION DISPOSAL. ``(a) Detachable Openings.--No beverage distributor or beverage retailer may sell, or offer for sale, in interstate commerce a beverage in a metal beverage container a part of which is designed to be detached in order to open the container. ``(b) Post-Redemption Disposal.--No retailer or distributor or agent of a retailer or distributor may dispose of any beverage container labeled pursuant to section 12002 or any metal, glass, or plastic from the beverage container (other than the top or other seal of the container) in any landfill or other solid waste disposal facility. ``SEC. 12007. EXEMPTED STATES. ``(a) Exemption.--Sections 12002 through 12005 and sections 12008 and 12009 shall not apply in any State that has adopted and implemented requirements applicable to all beverage containers sold in the State if the Administrator determines the requirements to be substantially similar to the requirements of sections 12002 through 12005 and sections 12008 and 12009. ``(b) Determination of Tax.--No State or political subdivision of a State that imposes a tax on the sale of any beverage container may impose a tax on any amount attributable to the refund value of the container. ``(c) Effect on Other Laws.--Nothing in this subtitle affects the authority of any State or political subdivision of a State-- ``(1) to enact or enforce (or continue in effect) any law concerning a refund value on containers other than beverage containers; or ``(2) to regulate redemption and other centers that purchase empty beverage containers from beverage retailers, consumers, or other persons. ``SEC. 12008. PENALTIES. ``A person who violates section 12002, 12003, 12004, or 12006 shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. ``SEC. 12009. REGULATIONS. ``Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations to carry out this subtitle. ``SEC. 12010. EFFECTIVE DATE. ``Except as provided in section 12009, this subtitle takes effect on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle.''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. prec. 6901) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subtitle K--Beverage Container Recycling ``Sec. 12001. Definitions. ``Sec. 12002. Required beverage container labeling. ``Sec. 12003. Collection of refund value. ``Sec. 12004. Return of refund value. ``Sec. 12005. Accounting for unclaimed refunds and provisions for State recycling funds. ``Sec. 12006. Prohibitions on detachable openings and post-redemption disposal. ``Sec. 12007. Exempted States. ``Sec. 12008. Penalties. ``Sec. 12009. Regulations. ``Sec. 12010. Effective date.''.

Summary: National Beverage Container Recycling Initiative Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, ale, or other drinks produced by fermenting malt, soda or noncarbonated water, and all nonalcoholic carbonated or noncarbonated drinks in liquid form (except for dairy products) in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of five cents. Bars sales of wine and spirits unless their beverage containers carry a refund value of 15 cents. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amount at ten-year intervals. Requires: (1) distributors to collect from retailers or redemption centers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers; and (2) retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Authorizes retailers to limit the daily amount of containers accepted from any one person. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements substantially similar to those under this Act. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Ports-to-Forts Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Seaports serve vital national interests by supporting the mobilization and deployment of United States troops, facilitating the flow of trade, and creating jobs. (2) The Commercial Strategic Seaport Grant Program is designed to facilitate the movement of military forces securely through United States seaports with minimal disruptions to commerce. (3) The exponential growth of commercial cargo over the past 20 years has generated concern over the potential for conflict between military and commercial needs and about the future adequacy of the commercial strategic seaport infrastructure to meet national security requirements. (4) The existing infrastructure at seaports may not be readily available when required by the Department of Defense. SEC. 3. COMMERCIAL STRATEGIC SEAPORT GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Maritime Administrator, subject to the availability of appropriations, may make a grant to a State or port authority to assist that State or port authority to conduct repair or construction activities relating to a commercial strategic seaport. (b) Application.-- (1) In general.--To be eligible for a grant under this section, a State or port authority shall submit to the Administrator, by not later than 1 year after publication of notice under paragraph (2), an application in such form and containing such information as the Administrator may require. The application shall include, at a minimum, a certification that any grant funds received by the State or port authority shall be used only as provided under subsection (c). (2) Notice.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in the Federal Register, publish notice that applications are being accepted for grants under subsection (a). (3) Application acceptability.--If the Administrator determines that an application received under paragraph (1) is incomplete or unacceptable, the Administrator shall-- (A) reject the application; and (B) advise the State or port authority that submitted the application of the reasons for the rejection. (4) Reapplication.--If the Administrator rejects a State's or port authority's application under paragraph (1), that State or port authority may submit an additional application under that paragraph not later than the end of the 1-year application period established under that paragraph. (c) Use of Funds.-- (1) State.--A State that receives a grant under subsection (a) may only use funds from such grant for direct or indirect costs of repair or construction activities relating to-- (A) a commercial strategic seaport; or (B) bridges, roads, rail systems, and other infrastructure in the vicinity of such seaport. (2) Port authority.--A port authority that receives a grant under subsection (a) may only use funds from such grant for direct or indirect costs of repair or construction activities relating to infrastructure that is part of the commercial strategic seaport. (d) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which a State or port authority receives a grant under subsection (a), and annually thereafter until all repair or construction activities to be carried out under the grant are completed, the State or port authority shall submit a report to the Administrator that includes-- (1) a description of the progress made with respect to such activities; and (2) a detailed list of all expenses related to such activities. (e) Authorization of Use of Department of Defense Appropriations.-- Such sums as are necessary to carry out this section may be used by the Maritime Administrator from any amounts otherwise appropriated for the Department of Defense after the date of the enactment of this Act. (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Commercial strategic seaport.--The term ``commercial strategic seaport'' means a port (including bridges, roads, rail systems, and other infrastructure that is part of the port) that the Secretary of Defense has determined to be vital to the readiness and cargo throughput capacity of the Department of Defense. (2) Port authority.--The term ``port authority'' means a local port authority with jurisdiction over a commercial strategic seaport. (3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several States of the United States and Guam.

Summary: Ports-to-Forts Act of 2012 - Directs the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to make grants to states or port authorities to cover the direct or indirect costs for repair or construction of: (1) commercial strategic seaports; or (2) bridges, roads, rail systems, and other infrastructure near such seaports.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CERTAIN LEASES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS ANGELES CAMPUS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out leases described in subsection (b) at the Department of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California. (b) Leases Described.--Leases described in this subsection are the following: (1) An enhanced-use lease of real property under subchapter V of chapter 81 of title 38, United States Code, for purposes of providing supportive housing, as that term is defined in section 8161(3) of such title. (2) A lease of real property for a term not to exceed 50 years to a third party to provide services that principally benefit veterans and their families and that are limited to one or more of the following purposes: (A) The promotion of health and wellness, including nutrition and spiritual wellness. (B) Education. (C) Vocational training, skills building, or other training related to employment. (D) Peer activities, socialization, or physical recreation. (E) Assistance with legal issues and Federal benefits. (F) Volunteerism. (G) Family support services, including child care. (H) Transportation. (I) Services in support of one or more of the purposes specified in subparagraphs (A) through (H). (3) A lease of real property for a term not to exceed 10 years to an institution of the State of California that has had a medical affiliation with the Department at the campus specified in subsection (a) for more than 20 years, if-- (A) the lease is consistent with the master plan described in subsection (e); (B) the provision of services to veterans is the predominant focus of the activities of the institution at the campus during the term of the lease; and (C) the institution expressly agrees to provide, during the term of the lease and to an extent and in a manner that the Secretary considers appropriate, services and support that-- (i) principally benefit veterans and their families, including veterans that are severely disabled, women, aging, or homeless; and (ii) may consist of activities relating to the medical, clinical, therapeutic, dietary, rehabilitative, legal, mental, spiritual, physical, recreational, research, and counseling needs of veterans and their families or any of the purposes specified in any of subparagraphs (A) through (I) of paragraph (2). (c) Limitation on Land-Sharing Agreements.--The Secretary may not carry out any land-sharing agreement pursuant to section 8153 of title 38, United States Code, at the campus specified in subsection (a) unless such agreement-- (1) provides additional health care resources to the campus; and (2) benefits veterans and their families other than from the generation of revenue for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (d) Prohibition on Sale of Property.--Notwithstanding section 8164 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary may not sell or otherwise convey to a third party fee simple title to any real property or improvements to real property made at the campus specified in subsection (a). (e) Consistency With Master Plan.--The Secretary shall ensure that each lease carried out under this section is consistent with the new master plan under development as of the date of the enactment of this Act that will detail how the campus specified in subsection (a) will be used to benefit all veterans. (f) Compliance With Certain Laws.-- (1) Laws relating to leases and land use.--If the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs determines, as part of an audit report or evaluation conducted by the Inspector General, that the Department is not in compliance with all Federal laws relating to leases and land use at the campus specified in subsection (a), or that significant mismanagement has occurred with respect to leases or land use at the campus, the Secretary may not enter into any lease or land-sharing agreement at the campus, or renew any such lease or land-sharing agreement that is not in compliance with such laws, until the Secretary certifies to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, and each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives who represents the area in which the campus is located that all recommendations included in the audit report or evaluation have been implemented. (2) Compliance of particular leases.--No lease may be entered into or renewed under this section unless the lease complies with chapter 33 of title 41, United States Code, and all Federal laws relating to environmental and historic preservation. (g) Notification and Reports.-- (1) Congressional notification.--With respect to each lease or land-sharing agreement intended to be entered into or renewed at the campus specified in subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, and each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives who represents the area in which the campus is located of the intent of the Secretary to enter into or renew the lease or land-sharing agreement not later than 45 days before entering into or renewing the lease or land-sharing agreement. (2) Annual report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, and each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives who represents the area in which the campus specified in subsection (a) is located an annual report evaluating all leases and land- sharing agreements carried out at the campus. (3) Inspector general report.-- (A) In general.--Not later than each of two years and five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and as determined necessary by the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs thereafter, the Inspector General shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, and each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives who represents the area in which the campus specified in subsection (a) is located a report on all leases carried out at the campus and the management by the Department of the use of land at the campus, including an assessment of the efforts of the Department to implement the master plan described in subsection (e) with respect to the campus. (B) Consideration of annual report.--In preparing each report required by subparagraph (A), the Inspector General shall take into account the most recent report submitted to Congress by the Secretary under paragraph (2). (h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the authority of the Secretary to enter into other agreements regarding the campus specified in subsection (a) that are authorized by law and not inconsistent with this section. (i) Principally Benefit Veterans and Their Families Defined.--In this section the term ``principally benefit veterans and their families'', with respect to services provided by a person under a lease of property, land-sharing agreement, or revocable license agreement-- (1) means services-- (A) provided exclusively to veterans and their families; or (B) that are designed for the particular needs of veterans and their families, as opposed to the general public, and any benefit of those services to the general public is ancillary to the intended benefit to veterans and their families; and (2) excludes services in which the only benefit to veterans and their families is the generation of revenue for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (j) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Prohibition on disposal of property.--Section 224(a) of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161; 121 Stat. 2272) is amended by striking ``The Secretary of Veterans Affairs'' and inserting ``Except as authorized under section 2 of the Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs''. (2) Enhanced-use leases.--Section 8162(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, other than an enhanced-use lease under section 2 of the Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015,'' before ``shall be considered''.

Summary: Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out certain leases at the VA's West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California, for: (1) supportive housing; (2) health, education, family support, vocational training, and other services that principally benefit veterans and their families; and (3) a lease of real property to a California institution that has had a long-term medical affiliation with the VA at such Campus.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES IN ACT. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Mental Health Improvement Act''. (b) References to Social Security Act.--Whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to or repeal of a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of the Social Security Act. SEC. 2. INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL SERVICES. (a) Services Covered.--Section 1812(a) (42 U.S.C. 1395d(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) inpatient hospital services furnished primarily for the diagnosis or treatment of mental illness or substance abuse for up to 60 days during a year.''. (b) Limitation on Coverage.--Section 1812(b)(3) (42 U.S.C. 1395d(b)) is amended to read as follows: ``(3) inpatient hospital services furnished primarily for the diagnosis or treatment of mental illness or substance abuse that are furnished to the individual during a year after such services have been furnished to the individual for a total of 60 days during the year.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1812(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1395d(a)(1)) is amended by inserting ``(other than services described in paragraph (5))'' after ``inpatient hospital services'' the first place it appears. (2) Section 1812(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1395d(b)(1)) is amended by inserting ``(other than services described in paragraph (3))'' after ``inpatient hospital services'' the first place it appears. (3) Section 1812 (42 U.S.C. 1395d) is amended by striking subsection (c). (4) Section 1814(a) (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (A); (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(other than inpatient psychiatric hospital services)''; and (C) by striking paragraph (4). (5) Section 1861 (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended by striking subsection (c). (d) Effective Date; Transition.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect January 1, 1996, except that-- (1) an individual who at any time prior to such date has been furnished inpatient psychiatric hospital services (as defined for purposes of title XVIII of the Social Security Act as of the date of the enactment of this Act) for 190 consecutive days is not entitled to any services under section 1812(a)(5) (as added by subsection (a)(3)); and (2) in the case of an individual who is not described in paragraph (1) and is receiving inpatient psychiatric hospital services (as defined for purposes of title XVIII of the Social Security Act as of the date of the enactment of this Act) on December 31, 1995, for which payment may be made under section 1812 of such Act, the number of days of services for which the individual is entitled under section 1812(a)(5) (and the number of days applicable under section 1812(b)(3)) shall be equal to the greater of 60 or the difference between 190 days and the number of days of such inpatient psychiatric hospital services furnished to the individual prior to January 1, 1996. SEC. 3. INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES. (a) Coverage Under Part A.--Section 1812(a) (42 U.S.C. 1395d(a)), as amended by section 2(a), is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (4); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(6) intensive residential services (as described in section 1861(qq)) furnished to an individual for up to 120 days during any calendar year, except that such services may be furnished to the individual for additional days during the year if necessary for the individual to complete a course of treatment to the extent that the number of days of inpatient hospital services described in paragraph (5) that may be furnished to the individual during the year (as reduced under such paragraph) is not less than 15.''. (2) Services described.--Section 1861 (42 U.S.C. 1395x), as amended by section 146(a) of the Social Security Act Amendments of 1994, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Intensive Residential Services ``(mm)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the term `intensive residential services' means inpatient services provided in any of the following facilities: ``(A) Residential detoxification centers. ``(B) Crisis residential programs or mental illness residential treatment programs. ``(C) Therapeutic family or group treatment homes. ``(D) Residential centers for substance abuse treatment. ``(2) No service may be treated as an intensive residential service under paragraph (1) unless the facility at which the service is provided-- ``(A) is legally authorized to provide such service under the law of the State (or under a State regulatory mechanism provided by State law) in which the facility is located or is certified to provide such service by an appropriate accreditation entity approved by the State in consultation with the Secretary; and ``(B) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may impose to assure the quality of the intensive residential services provided. ``(3) No service may be treated as an intensive residential service under paragraph (1) unless the service is furnished in accordance with standards established by the Secretary for the management of such services.''. (3) Reduction in days of coverage for inpatient services.-- Section 1812(a)(5) and section 1812(b)(3), as amended by section 2, are each amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, reduced by a number of days determined by the Secretary so that the actuarial value of providing such number of days of services under this paragraph to the individual is equal to the actuarial value of the days of inpatient residential services furnished to the individual under paragraph (6) during the year after such services have been furnished to the individual for 120 days during the year (rounded to the nearest day).''. (4) Amount of payment.--Section 1814 (42 U.S.C. 1395f) is amended-- (A) in subsection (b) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``other than intensive residential services,'' after ``hospice care,''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Payment for Intensive Residential Services ``(m) The amount of payment under this part for intensive residential services under section 1812(a)(6) shall be equal to-- ``(1) the lesser of-- ``(A) the reasonable cost of such services, as determined under section 1861(v), or ``(B) the customary charges with respect to such services, less the amount a provider may charge as described in clause (ii) of section 1866(a)(2)(A): ``(2) if such services are furnished by a public provider of services or by another provider which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that a significant portion of its patients are low-income (and requests that payment be made under this clause), free of charge or at nominal charges to the public, the amount determined in accordance with subsection (b)(2); and ``(3) if (and for so long as) the conditions described in subsection (b)(3) are met, the amounts determined under the reimbursement system described in such section.''. SEC. 4. LOWERING COINSURANCE FOR CERTAIN OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES. (a) In General.--Section 1833(c) (42 U.S.C. 1395l(c)) is amended by striking ``mental, psychoneurotic, and personality disorders'' and all that follows through ``are incurred'' and inserting the following: ``mental illness or substance abuse of an individual who, at the time such expenses are incurred, is over 18 years of age, is not an inpatient of a hospital, and has received 5 or more sessions of such treatment during the calendar year,''. (b) Requiring Services To Be Furnished in Accordance With Management Standards.--Section 1862(a) (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)), as amended by section 156(a)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act Amendments of 1994, is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (14); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following new paragraph: ``(16) in the case of any items or services furnished under part B for the treatment of mental illness or emotional disturbance (including substance abuse), if the services are not furnished in accordance with standards established by the Secretary for the management of such services.''. SEC. 5. INTENSIVE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES. (a) Coverage.-- (1) In general.--Section 1832(a)(2)(J) (42 U.S.C. 1395k(a)(2)(J)) is amended to read as follows: ``(J) intensive community-based services (as described in section 1861(ff))-- ``(i) for an unlimited number of days during any calendar year, in the case of services described in section 1861(ff)(2)(E) that are furnished to an individual who is a seriously mentally ill adult, a seriously emotionally disturbed child, or an adult or child with serious substance abuse disorder (as determined in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary), ``(ii) in the case of day treatment services for an individual under 19 years of age described in section 1861(ff)(2)(C), for up to 180 days during any calendar year, except that such services may be furnished to the individual for a number of additional days during the year equal to the difference between the total number of days of intensive residential services which the individual may receive during the year under part A (as determined under section 1812(a)(6)) and the number of days of such services which the individual has received during the year, or ``(iii) in the case of any other such services, for up to 90 days during any calendar year, except that such services may be furnished to the individual for the number of additional days during the year described in clause (ii).''. (2) Reduction in number of days of intensive residential services.--Section 1812(a)(6) (42 U.S.C. 1395d(a)(6)), as added by section 3(a), is amended-- (A) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``such services''; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, and (B) reduced by a number of days determined by the Secretary so that the actuarial value of providing such number of days of services under this paragraph to the individual is equal to the actuarial value of the days of intensive community-based services furnished to the individual under section 1832(a)(2)(J) during the year after such services have been furnished to the individual for 90 days (or, in the case of services described in section 1832(a)(2)(J)(ii), for 180 days) during the year (rounded to the nearest day).''. (b) Services Described.--Section 1861(ff)(2) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ff)(2)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``are--'' and inserting ``are as follows:''; (2) in subparagraph (C)-- (A) by inserting ``behavioral aide services,'' after ``nurses'', and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(to the extent authorized under State law)''; (3) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (G); (4) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``, and'' and inserting a period; (5) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (H) as clauses (i) through (viii) and moving such subparagraphs 2 ems to the right; (6) by inserting before clause (i) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(A) Partial hospitalization services consisting of--''; (7) by inserting after clause (viii) (as so redesignated) the following new subparagraphs: ``(B) Psychiatric rehabilitation services. ``(C) Day treatment services for substance abuse treatment for individuals of any age and for other mental health services for individuals under 19 years of age. ``(D) In-home services. ``(E) Case management services, including collateral services designated as such case management services by the Secretary. ``(F) Ambulatory detoxification services.''; and (8) in subparagraph (I)-- (A) by striking ``such'' and inserting ``Such'', and (B) by redesignating such subparagraph as subparagraph (G). (c) Permitting Non-Physician Providers To Supervise Individual Program of Treatment.--Section 1861(ff)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ff)(1)) is amended by inserting after ``supervision of a physician'' the following: ``(or, to the extent permitted under the law of the State in which the services are furnished, a non-physician mental health or substance abuse treatment professional)''. (d) Requiring Services To Meet Management Standards.--Section 1861(ff)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ff)(1)) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, but does not include any item or service that is not furnished in accordance with standards established by the Secretary for the management of such services.''. (e) Programs Eligible To Provide Services.--Section 1861(ff)(3) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ff)(3)) is amended to read as follows: ``(3) A program described in this paragraph is a program (whether facility-based or freestanding) which is furnished by an entity-- ``(A) legally authorized to furnish such a program under State law (or the State regulatory mechanism provided by State law) or certified to furnish such a program by an appropriate accreditation entity approved by the State in consultation with the Secretary; and ``(B) meeting such other requirements as the Secretary may impose to assure the quality of the intensive community-based services provided.''. (f) Waiver of Copayment for Case Management Services Furnished to Certain Individuals.--Section 1833(a)(2) (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(2)), as amended by section 147(f)(6)(C) of the Social Security Act Amendments of 1994, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or (E)'' and inserting ``(E), or (F)''; (2) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E); (3) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (F); and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(G) with respect to services described in section 1832(a)(2)(J)(i), the amount determined under subparagraph (B), except that `100 percent' shall be substituted for any reference in such subparagraph to `80 percent';''. (g) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1835(a)(2)(F) (42 U.S.C. 1395n(a)(2)(F)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``partial hospitalization'' and inserting ``intensive community-based''; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``physician'' and inserting ``physician (or, to the extent permitted under the law of the State in which the services are furnished, a non-physician mental health professional)''. (2) Section 1861(s)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``partial hospitalization'' and inserting ``intensive community-based''. (3) Section 1861(ff) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ff)) is amended-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``Partial Hospitalization'' and inserting ``Intensive Community-Based''; and (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``partial hospitalization'' and inserting ``intensive community-based''. (4) Section 1866(e)(2) (42 U.S.C. 1395cc(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``partial hospitalization'' and inserting ``intensive community-based''. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 1996.

Summary: Medicare Mental Health Improvement Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) include under Medicare coverage inpatient hospital services for up to 60 days during a year when furnished primarily for the diagnosis or treatment of mental illness or substance abuse; (2) require patient payment for services rendered beyond such limit; and (3) make such changes effective on January 1, 1996 (with exceptions and transition provisions). (Sec. 3) Includes under Medicare coverage the following "intensive residential services" for up to 120 days in a year: (1) residential detoxification centers; (2) crisis or mental illness residential treatment programs; (3) therapeutic family or group treatment homes; and (4) residential centers for substance abuse treatment. Requires facilities providing such services to be authorized to do so and to meet quality standards imposed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Allows additional days to be taken for intensive residential services from the 60 days permitted for inpatient hospital services (with an actuarial cost limit), requiring at least 15 days to be retained yearly for the latter services. Provides for the determination of payment amounts for intensive residential services. (Sec. 4) Subjects inpatient hospitalization and intensive residential services to the same deductibles and copayment as inpatient hospital services for physical disorders. (Sec. 5) Makes mental health case management services available with no copayment and for an unlimited duration for an adult with serious mental illness, a child with a serious emotional disturbance, or an adult or child with a serious substance abuse disorder. Makes day treatment available for up to 180 days annually for children under 19. Allows additional days for day treatment services for such children to be taken from intensive residential services (with an actuarial cost limit). Authorizes coverage for up to 90 days annually, with a 20 percent copayment requirement, for: (1) partial hospitalization; (2) psychiatric rehabilitation; (3) day treatment for substance abuse and for children under age 19; (4) in-home services; (5) case management; and (6) ambulatory detoxification. Permits non-physician mental health or substance abuse professionals to supervise an individual plan of treatment to the extent permitted under State law. Requires any program furnishing mental health or substance abuse services to be legally authorized under State law or accredited by an organization approved by the Secretary in consultation with the State. Requires such programs to meet standards established by the Secretary for the management of such services.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Head Start Improvement Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS. The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 635. SHORT TITLE. ``This subchapter may be cited as the `Head Start Act'. ``SEC. 636. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. ``It is the purpose of this subchapter to promote the school readiness of low-income children by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development in a learning environment that supports children's growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning. ``SEC. 637. DEFINITIONS. ``For purposes of this subchapter: ``(1) Delegate agency.--The term `delegate agency' means a public, private nonprofit (including a community-based organization, as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), or for- profit organization or agency to which an eligible entity has delegated all or part of the responsibility of the grantee for administering funds under this subchapter. ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means the recipient of a subgrant under section 639(d)(3)(A). ``(3) Financial assistance.--The term `financial assistance' includes assistance provided by grant, agreement, or contract, and payments may be made in installments and in advance or by way of reimbursement with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments or underpayments. ``(4) Grant recipient.--The term `grant recipient' means the recipient of a grant under section 639(a). ``(5) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' means any tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community of Indians, including any Native village described in section 3(c) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(c)) or established pursuant to such Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. ``(6) Local educational agency.--The term `local educational agency' has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). ``(7) Low-income child.--The term `low-income child' means a child who is age 5 or younger, and is from a family with an income below 100 percent of the poverty line for the most recent fiscal year for which satisfactory data are available. ``(8) Poverty line.--The term `poverty line' means the official poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget)-- ``(A) adjusted to reflect the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers, issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occurring in the 1-year period or other interval immediately preceding the date such adjustment is made; and ``(B) adjusted for family size. ``(9) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. ``(10) State.--The term `State' means a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The term includes the Republic of Palau, except during any period for which a Compact of Free Association is in effect, contains provisions for early childhood education or development, and prohibits the assistance provided under this subchapter. ``SEC. 638. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter $8,598,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020. ``SEC. 639. BLOCK GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, beginning on October 1 of the first fiscal year following the date of enactment of the Head Start Improvement Act of 2015, from the amounts appropriated to carry out this subchapter under section 638 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible States and Indian tribes from allotments made under subsection (b) in accordance with this section. ``(b) Allotments.-- ``(1) Formula.--The Secretary shall allot the amount appropriated under section 638 for a fiscal year among the eligible States and Indian tribes in proportion to the number of children, age 5 and younger, who are from families with incomes below 100 percent of the poverty line for the most recent fiscal year for which satisfactory data are available and who are in an eligible State or Indian tribe, compared to the number of such children for that fiscal year who are in all eligible States or Indian tribes. ``(2) Calculation.--For purposes of counting the number of children who are in an eligible State under paragraph (1), the children who are counted in an eligible Indian tribe in that State shall be excluded. ``(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State or Indian tribe shall submit an application to the Secretary that includes the number of low-income children in the State or Indian tribe. ``(d) Use of Funds.-- ``(1) In general.--A grant recipient under this section shall use 100 percent of the grant funds-- ``(A) for prekindergarten education programs in the State or Indian tribe involved; ``(B) for the administration of the programs described in subparagraph (A); and ``(C) to provide direct technical assistance, oversight, monitoring, research, and training with respect to the programs described in subparagraph (A). ``(2) Certification.--The Governor, or other chief executive, of each grant recipient shall certify that all grant funds received under this section will be used to directly or indirectly provide comprehensive education and related services to low-income children and their families. ``(3) Grant recipient responsibilities.--A grant recipient shall-- ``(A) award subgrants to eligible entities (as defined by the grant recipient) to enable such entities to provide, directly or through a delegate agency, prekindergarten education programs in the State or Indian tribe involved; ``(B) establish rules and standards for the entities awarded subgrants under subparagraph (A); and ``(C) monitor compliance by entities awarded subgrants under subparagraph (A). ``(4) Flexibility.--Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal law (other than this section)-- ``(A) a grant recipient shall have full flexibility to use grant funds to finance a prekindergarten education provider, service, or program; and ``(B) in particular, to the extent permitted under State law, may use the grant funds to establish a portable voucher system that allows a parent of a low- income child to use a portion of the grant funds, other available public funds, or private funds to pay some or all of the costs of attendance at a private prekindergarten education program. ``(5) Members of indian tribes.--A member of an Indian tribe who is eligible to receive services pursuant to a program funded under this section may elect to receive such services from any eligible entity for the State or Indian tribe in which the member resides. ``(e) Matching Funds.--A grant recipient shall provide matching funds from non-Federal sources equal to 20 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities described in this section. ``(f) Administrative Costs.--No eligible entity that receives a subgrant to provide a program under this subchapter shall use more than 15 percent of the subgrant funds for the administrative costs of the program. ``SEC. 640. LIMITATIONS ON ASSISTANCE. ``Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to require a grant recipient to establish a publicly funded program of early childhood education and development, or to require any child to participate in such a publicly funded program, including a preschool program funded by a grant recipient, or to participate in any initial screening (other than a health screening) before participating in a publicly funded program of early childhood education and development, except as provided under sections 612(a)(3) and 635(a)(5) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3), 1435(a)(5)). ``SEC. 641. GOALS; MONITORING. ``(a) Self-Assessments.--Not less frequently than once each program year, each grant recipient shall conduct a comprehensive self- assessment of the effectiveness and progress of the grant recipient's program under this subchapter in meeting program goals established by the grant recipient. The self-assessment shall include a determination of the number of low-income children served by the program carried out by the grant recipient under this subchapter. ``(b) Reports.--The grant recipient shall develop, and make available to the public, an online and searchable report containing the self-assessment, and an improvement plan to strengthen any areas identified in the self-assessment as weaknesses or in need of improvement. The report shall include the number of low-income children served by the program carried out by the grant recipient under this subchapter. ``(c) Ongoing Monitoring.--Each grant recipient shall establish and implement procedures for the ongoing monitoring of their respective programs, to ensure that the operations of the programs work toward meeting the program goals. ``SEC. 642. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS. ``Each grant recipient shall make available to the public a report published online at least once in each fiscal year that discloses the following information, from the most recently concluded fiscal year, except that reporting such information shall not reveal personally identifiable information about an individual child or parent: ``(1) The total amount of public and private funds received and the amount from each source. ``(2) An explanation of budgetary expenditures and proposed budget for the fiscal year. ``(3) The total number of children and families served, the average monthly enrollment (as a percentage of funded enrollment), and the percentage of eligible children served. ``(4) The results of the most recent self-assessment under section 641. ``(5) Information about parent involvement activities. ``(6) Information about the grant recipient's efforts to prepare children for kindergarten. ``SEC. 643. RECORDS. ``Each recipient of financial assistance under this subchapter shall keep records, including records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such financial assistance, the total cost of the program or activity in connection with which such financial assistance is given or used, and the amount of that portion of the cost of the program or activity supplied by other sources. ``SEC. 644. RESEARCH. ``(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study-- ``(1) of the different approaches and best practices used by States and Indian tribes in carrying out the program under this subchapter; and ``(2) that is limited to the information provided in the online reports made available by grant recipients under sections 641 and 642. ``(b) Report.--Not later than October 1 of the fourth fiscal year after the date of enactment referred to in section 639(a), the Comptroller General shall submit a report containing the results of the study to the appropriate committees of Congress. ``SEC. 645. NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISIONS. ``No grant recipient shall provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this subchapter unless the grant or contract relating to the financial assistance specifically provides that no person with responsibilities in the operation of the program or activity will discriminate with respect to any such program or activity because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs, or because of a disability in violation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794). ``SEC. 646. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES. ``(a) Restrictions.--A program assisted under this subchapter, and any individual employed by, or assigned to or in, a program assisted under this subchapter (during the hours in which such individual is working on behalf of such program), shall not engage in-- ``(1) any partisan or nonpartisan political activity or any other political activity associated with a candidate, or contending faction or group, in an election for public or party office; ``(2) any activity to provide voters or prospective voters with transportation to the polls or similar assistance in connection with any such election; or ``(3) assisting, promoting, or deterring union organization. ``(b) Registration.--No funds appropriated under this subchapter may be used to conduct voter registration activities. Nothing in this subchapter prohibits the availability of Head Start facilities during hours of operation for the use of any nonpartisan organization to increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office. ``SEC. 647. ADVANCE FUNDING. ``For the purpose of affording adequate notice of funding available under this subchapter, appropriations for carrying out this subchapter are authorized to be included in an appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. ``SEC. 648. GENERAL PROVISIONS. ``(a) Limitation.--Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize or permit the Secretary or any employee or contractor of the Department of Health and Human Services to mandate, direct, or control, the selection of a curriculum, a program of instruction, or instructional materials, for a Head Start program carried out by an eligible entity. ``(b) Special Rule.--Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize an eligible entity carrying out a program or activity or a local educational agency to require the other to select or implement a specific curriculum or program of instruction.''. SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendment made by this Act shall apply beginning on October 1 of the first fiscal year following the date of enactment of the Improvement Act of 2015.

Summary: Head Start Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Head Start Act to replace the existing Head Start program with block grants to states and Indian tribes for prekindergarten (pre-K) education. Instead of providing direct financial assistance to Head Start agencies, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall allot block grant funds for pre-K education among eligible states and Indian tribes in accordance with their relative proportions of children, age five and younger, from low-income households. Grant recipients shall use the grant funds to: (1) award subgrants to eligible entities that provide pre-K education programs; (2) administer such programs; and (3) provide technical assistance, oversight, monitoring, research, and training. Under current law, HHS is authorized to designate, monitor, and establish standards for Head Start agencies. The bill instead shifts pre-K program oversight and control to states and Indian tribes, which shall have full flexibility to use grant funds to finance the pre-K programs of their choice. In addition, grant recipients may use grant funds to establish portable voucher systems that allow costs to be paid for attendance at private pre-K education programs. Under current law, federal financial assistance for a Head Start program is generally limited to 80% of total program costs. The bill maintains this limitation by requiring grant recipients to provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending Act'' or the ``CORE Spending Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established a commission to be known as the ``Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending'' (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ``Commission''). SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. (a) Mandatory Legislation Development.-- (1) Issues to address.--The Commission shall examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address the following issues: (A) The unsustainable imbalance between long-term Federal spending commitments and projected revenues. (B) Increasing net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth. (C) The implications of foreign ownership of debt instruments issued by the United States Government. (D) Improving the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues. (2) Policy solutions.--Legislation developed to address the issues described in paragraph (1) may include the following: (A) Reforms that limit the growth of entitlement spending to ensure that the programs are fiscally sustainable. (B) Reforms that strengthen the safety net functions of entitlement programs to provide assistance to the neediest people. (C) Incentives to increase private savings. (D) Automatic stabilizers or triggers to enforce spending and revenue targets. (E) Any other reforms designed to address the issues described in paragraph (1). (3) Limitation.--The legislation developed under this subsection may not include any new, or any increase in an existing, Federal tax. (b) Optional Development of Cost Estimate Alternatives.--The Commission shall by an affirmative vote of 5 members develop not more than 2 methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the method currently used by the Congressional Budget Office. Any such alternative method must be designed to address any flaws in the method currently used with regard to estimating the positive economic effects of legislation. SEC. 4. INITIAL TOWN HALL STYLE PUBLIC HEARINGS. (a) In General.--The Commission shall hold at least 1 town hall style public hearing within each Federal reserve district, and shall, to the extent feasible, ensure that there is broad public participation in the hearings. (b) Hearing Format.--During each hearing, the Commission shall present to the public, and generate comments and suggestions regarding, the issues described in section 3, policies designed to address the issues, and tradeoffs between the policies. SEC. 5. REPORT. The Commission shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to Congress and the President containing the following: (1) A detailed description of the activities of the Commission. (2) A summary of comments and suggestions generated from the town hall style public hearings. (3) A detailed statement of any findings of the Commission as to public preferences regarding the issues, policies, and tradeoffs presented in the town hall style public hearings. (4) A detailed description of the long-term fiscal problems faced by the United States. (5) A list of policy options for addressing those problems. (6) Criteria for the legislative proposal to be developed by the Commission. SEC. 6. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL. (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date the report is submitted under section 5 and by a vote of two-thirds of the members, the Commission shall submit a legislative proposal to Congress and the President designed to address the issues described section 3. (b) Proposal Requirements.--The proposal must, to the extent feasible, be designed-- (1) to achieve generational equity and long-term economic stability; (2) to address the comments and suggestions of the public; and (3) to meet the criteria set forth in the Commission report. (c) Inclusion of Cost Estimate.--The Commission shall submit with the proposal-- (1) a long-term CBO cost estimate prepared under section 14 for the proposal; and (2) if an alternative cost estimate method is developed by the Commission, a 50-year cost estimate using such method. SEC. 7. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS. (a) In General.--The Commission shall be composed of 15 voting members appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) and 2 nonvoting members described in paragraph (2). (1) Voting members.--(A) The President shall appoint 3 members, one of which the President shall appoint as chairperson of the Commission. (B) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint 3 members. (C) The minority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint 3 members. (D) The majority leader of the Senate shall appoint 3 members. (E) The minority leader of the Senate shall appoint 3 members. (2) Nonvoting members.--The Comptroller General of the United States and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall each be nonvoting members of the Commission and shall advise and assist at the request of the Commission. (b) Limitation as to Members of Congress.--Each appointing authority described in subsection (a)(1) who is a Member of Congress may only appoint 1 Member of Congress to the Commission. (c) Date for Original Appointment.--The appointing authorities described in subsection (a)(1) shall appoint the initial members of the Commission not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Terms.-- (1) In general.--The term of each member is for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled not later than 30 days after such vacancy occurs and in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (e) Pay and Reimbursement.-- (1) No compensation for members of commission.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Commission may not receive pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on the Commission. (2) Travel expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or a majority of its voting members. (g) Quorum.--Six voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. SEC. 8. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION. (a) Director.-- (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c) and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission shall appoint and fix the pay of a director. (2) Duties.--The director of the Commission shall be responsible for the administration and coordination of the duties of the Commission and shall perform other such duties as the Commission may direct. (b) Staff.--In accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, subject to subsection (c), and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the director may appoint and fix the pay of additional personnel. (c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that pay fixed under subsection (a) may not exceed $150,000 per year and pay fixed under subsection (b) may not exceed a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of their regular employment without interruption. (e) Experts and Consultants.--In accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the director may procure the services of experts and consultants under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 9. POWERS OF COMMISSION. (a) Hearings and Evidence.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings in addition to the town hall style public hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it. (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take under this section. (c) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States. (d) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act. (e) Contract Authority.--To the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act. (f) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. SEC. 10. TERMINATION. The Commission shall terminate 60 days after submitting its legislative proposal. SEC. 11. ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL OF PRESIDENT. The President may, not later than 60 days after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, submit to Congress an alternative to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. SEC. 12. ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET. The Committee on the Budget of either House may, in consultation with the relevant committees of their respective House and not later than 60 days after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, have published in the Congressional Record an alternative to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. SEC. 13. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION. (a) Introduction.--On the first legislative day after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate shall introduce (by request) the legislation submitted by the Commission. (b) In the House of Representatives.-- (1) Privileged consideration.--In the House of Representatives, if a committee to which the legislation has been referred has not reported the legislation before the expiration of the 60-day period described in section 12, then-- (A) that committee shall be discharged from consideration of the legislation; (B) the legislation shall be placed on the appropriate calendar; and (C) a motion to proceed to the consideration of the legislation is highly privileged and is not debatable. (2) Amendments limited.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an amendment to the legislation may not be offered in the House of Representatives. (B) Permitted amendments.--(i) Any Member may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal submitted by the President. (ii) Any Member may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. (iii) The chairman of the House Committee on the Budget may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal published in the Congressional Record by the House Committee on the Budget. (C) Points of order.--An amendment offered under subparagraph (B) is subject to a point of order if-- (i) the amendment is not accompanied by a long-term CBO cost estimate of the amendment; or (ii) the long-term CBO cost estimate of the amendment exceeds the long-term CBO cost estimate of the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. (D) Multiple amendments.--If more than one amendment is offered under this paragraph, then each amendment shall be considered separately, and the amendment receiving both a majority and the highest number of votes shall be the amendment adopted. SEC. 14. LONG-TERM CBO COST ESTIMATE. (a) Preparation and Submission.--When the Commission, the President, or the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of either House submits a written request to the Director of the Congressional Budget Office for a long-term CBO cost estimate of legislation proposed under this Act or an amendment referred to in section 13(b)(2)(B), the Director shall prepare the estimate and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible. (b) Content.--A long-term CBO cost estimate shall include-- (1) an estimate of the cost of each provision of the legislation or amendment for first fiscal year it would take effect and for each of the 50 fiscal years thereafter; and (2) a statement of any estimated future costs not reflected by the estimate described in paragraph (1).

Summary: Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending Act, or CORE Spending Act - Establishes the Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address them. Authorizes the President and the House or Senate Budget Committee to submit alternatives to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare a long-term cost estimate of legislation proposed under this Act or a related amendment, and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.