SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Millennium Challenge Compact Improvement Act (MCIA)''. SEC. 2. MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE COMPACT. (a) Duration of Compacts.--Section 609 of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7708) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (j); and (2) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection: ``(j) Duration of Compact.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (2), the duration of a Compact shall not exceed 5 years. ``(2) Exception.--The duration of a Compact (including a regional Compact) may exceed 5 years if the Board-- ``(A) determines that the Compact includes a project that cannot be completed in 5 years or less; and ``(B) approves a duration for the Compact of not more than 10 years. ``(3) Advance notification.--Not later than 15 days before the Board approves a duration for a Compact that exceeds 5 years pursuant to subparagraph (2), the Board, acting through the Chief Executive Officer, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an advance notification of such approval, including a detailed explanation for the determination and approval.''. (b) Concurrent and Subsequent Compacts.--Section 609 of such Act (22 U.S.C. 7708) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (k); and (2) by inserting after subsection (j) (as amended by subsection (a)) the following new subsection: ``(k) Concurrent and Subsequent Compacts.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of paragraph (2), and in accordance with the requirements of this title, an eligible country and the United States-- ``(A) may enter into and have in effect more than one Compact at any given time; and ``(B) may enter into subsequent Compacts after the expiration of existing Compacts. ``(2) Requirements.-- ``(A) Concurrent compacts.--An eligible country and the United States may enter into a concurrent Compact (including a regional Compact) only if the Board determines that the country is making considerable and demonstrable progress in implementing the terms of its existing Compact and supplementary agreements thereto. ``(B) Subsequent compacts.--An eligible country and the United States may enter into a subsequent Compact only if the Board determines that the country has substantially met the objectives of prior Compacts between the country and the United States and supplementary agreements thereto, or the Board determines that the eligible country has demonstrated sufficient capacity to perform successfully on a subsequent Compact.''. (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) apply with respect to Compacts entered into between the United States and an eligible country under the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 before, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 613(b)(2)(A) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 7712(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``the'' before ``Compact'' and inserting ``any''. SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF REGIONAL ASSISTANCE. (a) Assistance.--Section 605(a) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7704(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The assistance contemplated by this subsection may be provided through a Compact with a country individually and/or through a Compact with two or more countries in the same geographic region collectively.''. (b) Eligible Entities.--Section 605(c) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 7704(c)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the end; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) an entity, structure, or other arrangement established by two or more eligible countries in connection with a regional Compact.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Compact.--Section 609(a) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 7708(a)) is amended by inserting after ``only if the country'' the following: ``(or countries, in the case of a regional Compact)''. (2) Assistance for development of compact.--Section 609(g) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 7708(g)) is amended-- (A) by inserting after ``eligible country'' the following: ``(or countries, in the case of a regional compact)''; and (B) by inserting at the end before the period the following: ``(or countries, as appropriate)''. (3) Suspension and termination of assistance.--Section 611 of such Act (22 U.S.C. 7710) is amended-- (A) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c) Regional Compacts.--In the case of a regional compact, the Chief Executive Officer may-- ``(1) after consultation with the Board, suspend or terminate assistance in whole or in part to one or more countries, as appropriate, based on a determination consistent with subsection (a); and ``(2) reinstate assistance for a country or countries, as appropriate, based on a determination consistent with subsection (b).''.

Summary: Millennium Challenge Compact Improvement Act (MCIA) - Amends the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 to authorize under specified circumstances: (1) Millennium Challenge Compacts in excess of five years; and (2) concurrent Compacts. States that assistance may be provided through a Compact with a country individually and/or through a Compact with two or more countries in the same geographic region collectively. Sets forth provisions regarding suspension or termination of regional Compacts.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Scaling Up Manufacturing Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR MANUFACTURING FACILITY COSTS. (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 45S. MANUFACTURING FACILITY EXPENDITURES. ``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an eligible business, the manufacturing facility expenditure credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified facility construction expenditures of the taxpayer for the taxable year. ``(b) Eligible Business.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `eligible business' means any corporation or partnership-- ``(A) which is engaged in an active trade or business, ``(B) which is headquartered in the United States, ``(C) substantially all of the management or administrative activities of which are performed in the United States, ``(D) which has not (prior to placing into service the manufacturing facility designated for purposes of this section) placed in service a manufacturing facility, ``(E) which is a start-up company, and ``(F) with respect to which all debt obligations issued by, and equity interests in, have a rating of B minus (or its substantial equivalent) or higher from a credit rating agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). ``(2) Start-up company.--The term `start-up company' means any corporation or partnership-- ``(A) which first has both gross receipts and qualified research expenses (as defined in section 41(b)) in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2012, or ``(B) which has both gross receipts and qualified research expenses (as so defined) in fewer than 3 taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, and before January 1, 2018. ``(c) Qualified Facility Construction Expenditures.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified facility construction expenditures' means amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer-- ``(A) for the construction of a facility (designated for purposes of this section by the taxpayer at such time and in such form and manner as the Secretary shall prescribe) in the United States to manufacture a qualified product (including amounts for professional services necessary for the planning of such construction), and ``(B) for the purchase of specialized equipment for use at such facility and required for the manufacture of such product. ``(2) Qualified product.--The term `qualified product' means any product which, prior to construction of the facility with respect to which a credit is allowed under this section, the taxpayer has produced and sold to a bona fide purchaser, and such purchaser has placed such product in service. ``(d) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Recapture.-- ``(A) In general.--If, as of the close of any taxable year, there is a recapture event with respect to any facility of the taxpayer with respect to which a credit was allowed under this section, then the tax of the taxpayer under this chapter for such taxable year shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of-- ``(i) the applicable recapture percentage, and ``(ii) the aggregate decrease in the credits allowed under section 38 for all prior taxable years which would have resulted if the qualified facility construction expenditures of the taxpayer described in subsection (c)(1) with respect to such facility had been zero. ``(B) Applicable recapture percentage.-- ``(i) In general.--For purposes of this subsection, the applicable recapture percentage shall be determined in accordance with the following table: ``If the recapture event The applicable recapture percentage occurs in: is: Year 1............................................. 100 Year 2............................................. 80 Year 3............................................. 60 Year 4............................................. 40 Year 5............................................. 20 Years 6 and thereafter............................. 0. ``(ii) Years.--For purposes of clause (i), year 1 shall begin on the first day of the taxable year in which the facility with respect to which a credit was allowed under this subsection was placed in service. ``(C) Recapture event.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) In general.--A recapture event occurs with respect to any facility if-- ``(I) the taxpayer becomes insolvent, or ``(II) the taxpayer disposes of the facility to another person who, at this time of the disposition, is not an eligible business. ``(ii) Special rule for facilities not placed in service within 5 years.--In the case of a facility with respect to which a credit is allowed under this section which is not placed in service before the close of the 5th taxable year beginning after the first taxable year for which the credit was so allowed, a recapture event shall be treated as having occurred with respect to such facility in year 1. ``(2) Credit may be assigned.--The amount of qualified facility construction expenditures with respect to a facility which would (but for this paragraph) be taken into account under subsection (a) for any taxable year by any person (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as the `initial taxpayer')-- ``(A) may be taken into account by any other person to whom such expenditures are assigned by the initial taxpayer, and ``(B) shall not be taken into account by initial taxpayer. Any person to whom such expenditures are assigned under subparagraph (A) shall be treated for purposes of this title as the taxpayer with respect to such expenditures. ``(3) Controlled group.--All members of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 52(a)) and all persons under common control (within the meaning of section 52(b)) shall be treated as 1 person for purposes of this section. ``(4) Predecessor.--Any reference in this section to a corporation or partnership shall include a reference to any predecessor of such corporation or partnership. ``(5) Denial of double benefit.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a credit is allowed under this section in connection with any expenditure for any property, the basis of such property shall be reduced by the amount of the credit so allowed.''. (b) Denial of Double Benefit.--Section 280C of such Code is amended by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection: ``(i) Manufacturing Facility Expenditures.--No deduction shall be allowed for that portion of the expenses otherwise allowable as a deduction taken into account in determining the credit under section 45S for the taxable year which is equal to the amount of the credit determined for such taxable year under section 45S(a).''. (c) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by inserting after paragraph (36) the following: ``(37) manufacturing facility expenditure credit determined under section 45S(a).''. (d) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (a) of section 1016 of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (36), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (37) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(38) to the extent provided in section 45S(d)(2).''. (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Scaling Up Manufacturing Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain start-up companies that are headquartered in the United States a tax credit for up to 25% of their costs for the construction of a manufacturing facility and for the purchase of specialized equipment for use at such facility. Defines a "start-up company" as any corporation or partnership that: (1) first has both gross receipts and qualified research expenses in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2012, or (2) has both gross receipts and qualified research expenses in fewer than three taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, and before January 1, 2018.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. At-will employment status for new Federal employees. Sec. 3. Immediate suspension of employees for misconduct or poor performance. Sec. 4. Limitation on appeal rights. Sec. 5. Restriction of pay raises. Sec. 6. Forfeiture of CSRS or FERS annuity for any employee convicted of a felony. Sec. 7. Transfer from Senior Executive Service to General Schedule. Sec. 8. Limitation on official time and use of Government resources in carrying out union activities. SEC. 2. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT STATUS FOR NEW FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any employee in the civil service (as that term is defined in section 2101 of title 5, United States Code) hired on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act shall be hired on an at- will basis. Such an employee may be removed or suspended, without notice or right to appeal, from service by the head of the agency at which such employee is employed for good cause, bad cause, or no cause at all. (b) Clarification of Employment Protections.--Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (a), this Act shall not be construed to extinguish or lessen any effort to achieve equal employment opportunity through affirmative action or any right or remedy available to any employee or applicant for employment in the civil service who is hired subject to subsection (a) under-- (1) the title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; (2) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age; (3) the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex; (4) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of handicapping condition; (5) the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-199); (6) the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of marital status or political affiliation; (7) the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, in the case of employees of the legislative branch who are subject to such Act; (8) the protections relating to prohibited personnel practices (as that term is defined in section 2302 of title 5, United States Code); or (9) any law protecting the employment rights of veterans. (c) Appeal.-- (1) In general.--Any employee or applicant for employment who is subject to subsection (a) and who seeks a remedy under any law listed in subsection (b) with respect to an adverse personnel action may, in addition to the remedies provide by such law, seek an available remedy as provided under-- (A) title 5, United States Code, including appealing such action to the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Office of the Special Counsel; (B) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; or (C) consistent with the requirements of section 9, any applicable collective bargaining agreement. (2) Limitation.--An employee or applicant for employment may appeal an adverse personnel action only to a single agency, and may not thereafter bring any appeal pertaining to such dismissal before any other agency. (d) Application.--This section shall apply with respect to any employee hired on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. (e) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, each agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government to which this section applies shall develop operating standards consistent with the requirements of this section, including standards with respect to-- (1) notifying any employee hired on or after date specified in subsection (a) that such employee is an at-will employee; (2) determining which senior positions within such agency or instrumentality have the authority to separate an at-will employee from service; and (3) ensuring adequate oversight is in place to ensure that any separation of an at-will employee is not a result of discrimination or other violation of any law listed under subsection (b). (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Employee.--The term ``employee'' has the meaning given such term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, and includes any officer or employee of the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission. (2) Personnel action.--The term ``personnel action'' has the meaning given such term in section 2302(a)(2)(A) of such title. (3) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term under section 2108(1) of such title. SEC. 3. IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF EMPLOYEES FOR MISCONDUCT OR POOR PERFORMANCE. (a) In General.--Chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SUBCHAPTER VI--IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION FOR MISCONDUCT OR POOR PERFORMANCE ``Sec. 7551. Definitions ``In this subchapter-- ``(1) the term `employee' has the meaning given such term in section 7501(1) and includes any employee of the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission, but does not include any at-will employee (as determined under section 2 of the Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency Act); and ``(2) the term `suspend' means the placing of any employee, for misconduct or poor performance, in a temporary status without duties. ``Sec. 7552. Immediate suspension for misconduct or poor performance ``(a) Under regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management, the head of an agency may suspend (with or without pay) an employee of such agency if the head determines that the misconduct or performance of the employee warrants such suspension. The period of any such suspension shall be determined by the head. ``(b) An employee who is suspended under subsection (a) is entitled, after suspension, to-- ``(1) a written notice, not later than 10 days after the first day of such suspension, stating the specific reasons for the suspension; ``(2) a reasonable time, but not less than 10 days, to answer orally and in writing and to furnish affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer; ``(3) be represented by an attorney or other representative; and ``(4) a review of the case by the agency head and a written final decision and the specific reasons therefor at the earliest practicable date. ``(c) An employee against whom an action is taken under this section is entitled to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under section 7701 of this title. During such appeal, the Merit Systems Protection Board may not take any action to reinstate the employee to the position of employment from which such employee is suspended until the date of the final decision of such appeal. ``(d) Copies of the notice of proposed action, the answer of the employee if written, a summary thereof if made orally, the notice of decision and reasons therefor, and any order affecting the suspension, together with any supporting material, shall be maintained by the agency and shall be furnished to the Merit Systems Protection Board upon its request and to the employee affected upon the employee's request. ``(e) In the case of critical necessity, the head of an agency may immediately replace an employee suspended under subsection (a) without regard to sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``subchapter vi--immediate suspension for misconduct or poor performance ``7551. Definitions. ``7552. Immediate suspension for misconduct or poor performance.''. SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON APPEAL RIGHTS. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an employee (as that term is defined in section 2(g)(1)) or applicant for employment may not appeal an adverse personnel action to more than 1 agency. SEC. 5. RESTRICTION OF PAY RAISES. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an employee may not receive an increase in annual rate of pay if such employee did not receive at least a score of 4 or 5 out of 5 (or an equivalent rating with respect to a performance appraisal system that does provide for such a scoring system) on such employee's latest performance review under the performance appraisal system applicable to such employee. (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall submit to Congress a report that contains recommendations for a single- agency rating system. (c) Collective Bargaining Agreements.-- (1) Application.--The requirements of this section shall apply to any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the head of an agency on or after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Grievance.--In the case of an employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement referred to in paragraph (1), a grievance filed on behalf of such employee that results in an increased performance rating for such employee may not result in an increase in annual rate of pay for such employee. (d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``employee'' has the meaning given such term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, and includes any officer or employee of the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission. SEC. 6. FORFEITURE OF CSRS OR FERS ANNUITY FOR ANY EMPLOYEE CONVICTED OF A FELONY. (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 8323. Forfeiture of annuity for felony conviction. ``(a)(1) An individual appointed to the service who is not subject to the requirements of section 2 of the Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency Act may not be paid an annuity or retired pay on the basis of the service of the individual which is creditable toward the annuity if the individual was finally convicted of a felony offense. ``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `felony offense' means any felony offense committed by the individual that is related to the performance of any position within the service occupied by such individual. ``(b) An individual who is an at-will employee (as determined under section 2 of the Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency Act) may not be paid an annuity on the basis of the service of the individual which is creditable toward the annuity if the individual was finally convicted of a felony offense-- ``(1) when such individual was performing creditable service (as that term is defined in section 8332 or 8411); or ``(2) after such individual has separated from the service, but only if such offense is related to the performance of any position within the Government formerly occupied by such individual. ``(c) In this section, the term `finally convicted' has the meaning given such term in section 8332(o)(A)(6).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections of subchapter II of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 8322 the following new item: ``8323. Forfeiture of annuity for felony conviction.''. SEC. 7. TRANSFER FROM SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE TO GENERAL SCHEDULE. (a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 3397 as section 3398; and (2) by inserting after section 3396 the following: ``Sec. 3397. Transfer to General Schedule positions ``(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the head of any agency may transfer a covered individual to a position within the General Schedule (subchapter III of chapter 53). ``(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including the requirements of section 3594, any covered individual transferred to a General Schedule position under subsection (a) shall, beginning on the date of such transfer, receive the annual rate of pay applicable to such position. ``(c) In this section, the term `covered individual' means an individual occupying a Senior Executive Service position who is not an at-will employee (as determined under section 2 of the Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency Act).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections of subchapter VIII of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 3397 and inserting the following new items: ``3397. Transfer to General Schedule positions. ``3398. Regulations.''. SEC. 8. LIMITATION ON OFFICIAL TIME AND USE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES IN CARRYING OUT UNION ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--Section 7131 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 7131. Limitation on official time ``In carrying out any activities relating to the internal business of a labor organization (including the solicitation of membership, elections of labor organization officials, and collection of dues), an employee may not-- ``(1) perform such activities unless such employee is in a non-duty status; or ``(2) use any Government property (including office space or computers).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7131 and inserting the following new item: ``7131. Limitation on official time.''.

Summary: Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency Act This bill requires civil service employees to be hired on an at-will basis beginning one year after this bill's enactment. Such an employee may be removed or suspended from service by the agency head for good cause, bad cause, or no cause at all, without notice or right to appeal. The bill specifies how an employee or applicant may seek a remedy under specified employment protection statutes with respect to an adverse personnel action. The bill permits an agency to suspend an employee for misconduct or poor performance. The employee may appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board, which may not reinstate the employee until a final decision is made on such appeal. In the case of critical necessity, an agency may immediately replace a suspended employee. An employee or applicant may not appeal an adverse personnel action to more than one agency. The bill prohibits an employee who does not receive a score of four or five out of five (or an equivalent rating) on his or her latest performance review from receiving a pay raise. A grievance filed on behalf of such employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement that results in an increased performance rating for such employee may not result in a pay raise. The OPM shall submit a report that contains recommendations for a single-agency rating system. An individual appointed to the civil service who is not subject to this bill's requirements regarding at-will employment may not be paid an annuity or retired pay on the basis of such service if the individual was finally convicted of a felony offense: (1) when such individual was performing creditable service, or (2) after such individual has separated from service if such offense is related to the performance of his or her government position. An agency may transfer an individual occupying a Senior Executive Service position who is not an at-will employee to a position within the General Schedule. The bill: (1) eliminates provisions authorizing official time for an employee serving as an exclusive representative in the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement, and (2) prohibits an employee from using government property in carrying out any activities relating to the internal business of a labor organization.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Adoption Promotion Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR ADOPTION EXPENSES. (a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 22 the following new section: ``SEC. 23. ADOPTION EXPENSES. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year the amount of the qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer with respect to the adoption of a child. ``(b) Limitations.-- ``(1) Dollar limitation.--The aggregate amount of qualified adoption expenses which may be taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to the adoption of a child shall not exceed $5,000 ($7,500, in the case of a child with special needs). ``(2) Income limitation.--The amount allowable as a credit under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount so allowable (determined without regard to this paragraph but with regard to paragraph (1)) as-- ``(A) the amount (if any) by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (determined without regard to sections 911, 931, and 933) exceeds $65,000, bears to ``(B) $30,000. ``(3) Denial of double benefit.-- ``(A) In general.--No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense for which a deduction or credit is allowable under any other provision of this chapter. ``(B) Grants.--No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense to the extent that funds for such expense are received under any Federal, State, or local program. ``(C) Reimbursement.--No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense to the extent that such expense is reimbursed and the reimbursement is excluded from gross income under section 138. ``(c) Carryforwards of Unused Credit.--If the credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation imposed by section 26(a) for such taxable year reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under this subpart (other than this section), such excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the credit allowable under subsection (a) for such taxable year. No credit may be carried forward under this subsection to any taxable year following the fifth taxable year after the taxable year in which the credit arose. For purposes of the preceding sentence, credits shall be treated as used on a first-in first-out basis. ``(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Qualified adoption expenses.--The term `qualified adoption expenses' means-- ``(A) reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, and other expenses-- ``(i) which are directly related to, and the principal purpose of which is for, the legal and finalized adoption of an eligible child by the taxpayer, and ``(ii) which are not incurred in violation of State or Federal law or in carrying out any surrogate parenting arrangement, and ``(B) in the case of the adoption of a child with special needs, any other expenses. ``(2) Expenses for adoption of spouse's child not eligible.--The term `qualified adoption expenses' shall not include any expenses in connection with the adoption by an individual of a child who is the child of such individual's spouse. ``(3) Eligible child.--The term `eligible child' means any individual who has not attained age 18 as of the time of the adoption. ``(4) Child with special needs.--The term `child with special needs' means any eligible child if-- ``(A) a State has determined that the child cannot or should not be returned to the home of his parents, and ``(B) such State has determined that there exists with respect to the child a specific factor or condition (such as his ethnic background, age, or membership in a minority or sibling group, or the presence of factors such as medical conditions or physical, mental, or emotional handicaps) because of which it is reasonable to conclude that such child cannot be placed with adoptive parents without providing adoption assistance. ``(e) Married Couples Must File Joint Returns.--Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 21(e) shall apply for purposes of this section.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 22 the following new item: ``Sec. 23. Adoption expenses.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995. SEC. 3. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM CERTAIN PLANS MAY BE USED WITHOUT PENALTY TO PAY ADOPTION EXPENSES. (a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to exceptions to 10-percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(D) Distributions from certain plans for adoption expenses.--Distributions to an individual from an individual retirement plan of so much of the qualified adoption expenses (as defined in section 23(d)) of the individual as does not exceed $2,000.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subparagraph (B) of section 72(t)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or (C)'' and inserting ``, (C) or (D)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to payments and distributions after December 31, 1995. SEC. 4. EXCLUSION OF AMOUNTS RECEIVED UNDER EMPLOYER'S ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to items specifically excluded from gross income) is amended by redesignating section 137 as section 138 and by inserting after section 136 the following new section: ``SEC. 137. ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. ``(a) In General.--Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for qualified adoption expenses in connection with the adoption of a child by an employee if such amounts are furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program. ``(b) Limitations.-- ``(1) Dollar limitation.--The aggregate amount excludable from gross income under subsection (a) for all taxable years with respect to the adoption of any single child by the taxpayer shall not exceed $5,000 ($7,500, in the case of a child with special needs (as defined in section 23(d)(4))). ``(2) Income limitation.--The amount excludable from gross income under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount so excludable (determined without regard to this paragraph but with regard to paragraph (1)) as-- ``(A) the amount (if any) by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (determined without regard to this section and sections 911, 931, and 933) exceeds $75,000, bears to ``(B) $40,000. ``(c) Adoption Assistance Program.--For purposes of this section, an adoption assistance program is a plan of an employer-- ``(1) under which the employer provides employees with adoption assistance, and ``(2) which meets requirements similar to the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) of section 127(b). An adoption reimbursement program operated under section 1052 of title 10, United States Code (relating to armed forces) or section 514 of title 14, United States Code (relating to members of the Coast Guard) shall be treated as an adoption assistance program for purposes of this section. ``(d) Qualified Adoption Expenses.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified adoption expenses' has the meaning given such term by section 23(d).''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the item relating to section 137 and inserting the following: ``Sec. 137. Adoption assistance programs. ``Sec. 138. Cross reference to other Acts.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995.

Summary: Adoption Promotion Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a tax credit of up to $5,000 for qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year. Provides a limitation based on modified adjusted gross income. Permits unused credit to be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year on a first-in first-out basis, but prohibits carrying forward credit to any taxable year following the fifth taxable year after the taxable year in which the credit arose. Allows distributions from an individual retirement plan to be used without penalty to pay for adoption expenses. Excludes from gross income aggregate amounts of up to $5,000 ($7,500 in the case of a child with special needs) paid or expenses incurred by the employee for qualified adoption expenses in connection with the adoption of a child if such amounts are received under an employer's adoption assistance program. Provides a limitation based on modified adjusted gross income.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1995''. (b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal 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 a section or other provision of the Public Health Service Act. SEC. 2. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 224(g)(3) (42 U.S.C. 233(g)(3)) is amended by striking the last sentence. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 224(k) (42 U.S.C. 233(k)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(A)-- (A) by striking ``For each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995'' and inserting ``For each fiscal year''; and (B) by striking ``(except'' and all that follows through ``thereafter)''; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995'' and inserting ``for each fiscal year''. SEC. 3. CLARIFICATION OF COVERAGE. Section 224 (42 U.S.C. 233) is amended-- (1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``an entity described in paragraph (4)'' in the first sentence and all that follows through ``contractor'' in the second sentence and inserting the following: ``an entity described in paragraph (4), and any officer, governing board member, or employee of such an entity, and any contractor of such an entity who is a physician or other licensed or certified health care practitioner (subject to paragraph (5)), shall be deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for a calendar year that begins during a fiscal year for which a transfer was made under subsection (k)(3) (subject to paragraph (3)). The remedy against the United States for an entity described in paragraph (4) and any officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor''; and (2) in subsection (k)(3), by inserting ``governing board member,'' after ``officer,''. SEC. 4. COVERAGE FOR SERVICES FURNISHED TO INDIVIDUALS OTHER THAN CENTER PATIENTS. Section 224(g)(1) (42 U.S.C. 233(g)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraph (1) as paragraph (1)(A); and (2) by adding at the end thereof the following: ``(B) The deeming of any entity or officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section shall apply with respect to services provided-- ``(i) to all patients of the entity, and ``(ii) subject to subparagraph (C), to individuals who are not patients of the entity. ``(C) Subparagraph (B)(ii) applies to services provided to individuals who are not patients of an entity if the Secretary determines, after reviewing an application submitted under subparagraph (D), that the provision of the services to such individuals-- ``(i) benefits patients of the entity and general populations that could be served by the entity through community-wide intervention efforts within the communities served by such entity; ``(ii) facilitates the provision of services to patients of the entity; or ``(iii) are otherwise required under an employment contract (or similar arrangement) between the entity and an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity.''. SEC. 5. APPLICATION PROCESS. (a) Application Requirement.--Section 224(g)(1) (42 U.S.C. 233(g)(1)) (as amended by section 4) is further amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``For purposes of this section'' the following: ``and subject to the approval by the Secretary of an application under subparagraph (D)''; and (2) by adding at the end thereof the following: ``(D) The Secretary may not under subparagraph (A) deem an entity or an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section, and may not apply such deeming to services described in subparagraph (B)(ii), unless the entity has submitted an application for such deeming to the Secretary in such form and such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe. The application shall contain detailed information, along with supporting documentation, to verify that the entity, and the officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity, as the case may be, meets the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph and that the entity meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (h). ``(E) The Secretary shall make a determination of whether an entity or an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity is deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section within 30 days after the receipt of an application under subparagraph (D). The determination of the Secretary that an entity or an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity is deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section shall apply for the period specified by the Secretary under subparagraph (A). ``(F) Once the Secretary makes a determination that an entity or an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of an entity is deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section, the determination shall be final and binding upon the Secretary and the Attorney General and other parties to any civil action or proceeding. Except as provided in subsection (i), the Secretary and the Attorney General may not determine that the provision of services which are the subject of such a determination are not covered under this section. ``(G) In the case of an entity described in paragraph (4) that has not submitted an application under subparagraph (D): ``(i) The Secretary may not consider the entity in making estimates under subsection (k)(1). ``(ii) This section does not affect any authority of the entity to purchase medical malpractice liability insurance coverage with Federal funds provided to the entity under section 329, 330, 340, or 340A. ``(H) In the case of an entity described in paragraph (4) for which an application under subparagraph (D) is in effect, the entity may, through notifying the Secretary in writing, elect to terminate the applicability of this subsection to the entity. With respect to such election by the entity: ``(i) The election is effective upon the expiration of the 30- day period beginning on the date on which the entity submits such notification. ``(ii) Upon taking effect, the election terminates the applicability of this subsection to the entity and each officer, governing board member, employee, and contractor of the entity. ``(iii) Upon the effective date for the election, clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (G) apply to the entity to the same extent and in the same manner as such clauses apply to an entity that has not submitted an application under subparagraph (D). ``(iv) If after making the election the entity submits an application under subparagraph (D), the election does not preclude the Secretary from approving the application (and thereby restoring the applicability of this subsection to the entity and each officer, governing board member, employee, and contractor of the entity, subject to the provisions of this subsection and the subsequent provisions of this section.''. (b) Approval Process.--Section 224(h) (42 U.S.C. 233(h)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and all that follows through ``entity--'' and inserting the following: ``The Secretary may not approve an application under subsection (g)(1)(D) unless the Secretary determines that the entity--''; and (2) by striking ``has fully cooperated'' in paragraph (4) and inserting ``will fully cooperate''. (c) Delayed Applicability for Current Participants.--If, on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, an entity was deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of section 224(g) of the Public Health Service Act, the condition under paragraph (1)(D) of such section (as added by subsection (a) of this section) that an application be approved with respect to the entity does not apply until the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on such date. SEC. 6. TIMELY RESPONSE TO FILING OF ACTION OR PROCEEDING. Section 224 (42 U.S.C. 233) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following subsection: ``(l)(1) If a civil action or proceeding is filed in a State court against any entity described in subsection (g)(4) or any officer, governing board member, employee, or any contractor of such an entity for damages described in subsection (a), the Attorney General, within 15 days after being notified of such filing, shall make an appearance in such court and advise such court as to whether the Secretary has determined under subsections (g) and (h), that such entity, officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity is deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section with respect to the actions or omissions that are the subject of such civil action or proceeding. Such advice shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of subsection (c) that the Attorney General certify that an entity, officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity was acting within the scope of their employment or responsibility. ``(2) If the Attorney General fails to appear in State court within the time period prescribed under paragraph (1), upon petition of any entity or officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity named, the civil action or proceeding shall be removed to the appropriate United States district court. The civil action or proceeding shall be stayed in such court until such court conducts a hearing, and makes a determination, as to the appropriate forum or procedure for the assertion of the claim for damages described in subsection (a) and issues an order consistent with such determination.''. SEC. 7. APPLICATION OF COVERAGE TO MANAGED CARE PLANS. Section 224 (42 U.S.C. 223) (as amended by section 6) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following subsection: ``(m)(1) An entity or officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of an entity described in subsection (g)(1) shall, for purposes of this section, be deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service with respect to services provided to individuals who are enrollees of a managed care plan if the entity contracts with such managed care plan for the provision of services. ``(2) Each managed care plan which enters into a contract with an entity described in subsection (g)(4) shall deem the entity and any officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity as meeting whatever malpractice coverage requirements such plan may require of contracting providers for a calendar year if such entity or officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity has been deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section for such calendar year. Any plan which is found by the Secretary on the record, after notice and an opportunity for a full and fair hearing, to have violated this subsection shall upon such finding cease, for a period to be determined by the Secretary, to receive and to be eligible to receive any Federal funds under titles XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act. ``(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term `managed care plan' shall mean health maintenance organizations and similar entities that contract at-risk with payors for the provision of health services or plan enrollees and which contract with providers (such as entities described in subsection (g)(4)) for the delivery of such services to plan enrollees.''. SEC. 8. COVERAGE FOR PART-TIME PROVIDERS UNDER CONTRACTS. Section 224(g)(5)(B) (42 U.S.C. 223(g)(5)(B)) is amended to read as follows: ``(B) in the case of an individual who normally performs an average of less than 32\1/2\ hours of services per week for the entity for the period of the contract, the individual is a licensed or certified provider of services in the fields of family practice, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology.''. SEC. 9. DUE PROCESS FOR LOSS OF COVERAGE. Section 224(i)(1) (42 U.S.C. 233(i)(1)) is amended by striking ``may determine, after notice and opportunity for a hearing'' and inserting ``may on the record determine, after notice and opportunity for a full and fair hearing''. SEC. 10. AMOUNT OF RESERVE FUND. Section 224(k)(2) (42 U.S.C. 223(k)(2)) is amended by striking ``$30,000,000'' and inserting ``$10,000,000''. SEC. 11. REPORT ON RISK EXPOSURE OF COVERED ENTITIES. Section 224 (as amended by section 7) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following subsection: ``(n)(1) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1995, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report on the following: ``(A) The medical malpractice liability claims experience of entities that have been deemed to be employees for purposes of this section. ``(B) The risk exposure of such entities. ``(C) The value of private sector risk-management services, and the value of risk-management services and procedures required as a condition of receiving a grant under section 329, 330, 340, or 340A. ``(D) A comparison of the costs and the benefits to taxpayers of maintaining medical malpractice liability coverage for such entities pursuant to this section, taking into account-- ``(i) a comparison of the costs of premiums paid by such entities for private medical malpractice liability insurance with the cost of coverage pursuant to this section; and ``(ii) an analysis of whether the cost of premiums for private medical malpractice liability insurance coverage is consistent with the liability claims experience of such entities. ``(2) The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: ``(A) A comparison of-- ``(i) an estimate of the aggregate amounts that such entities (together with the officers, governing board members, employees, and contractors of such entities who have been deemed to be employees for purposes of this section) would have directly or indirectly paid in premiums to obtain medical malpractice liability insurance coverage if this section were not in effect; with ``(ii) the aggregate amounts by which the grants received by such entities under this Act were reduced pursuant to subsection (k)(2). ``(B) A comparison of-- ``(i) an estimate of the amount of privately offered such insurance that such entities (together with the officers, governing board members, employees, and contractors of such entities who have been deemed to be employees for purposes of this section) purchased during the three-year period beginning on January 1, 1993; with ``(ii) an estimate of the amount of such insurance that such entities (together with the officers, governing board members, employees, and contractors of such entities who have been deemed to be employees for purposes of this section) will purchase after the date of the enactment of the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1995. ``(C) An estimate of the medical malpractice liability loss history of such entities for the 10-year period preceding October 1, 1996, including but not limited to the following: ``(i) Claims that have been paid and that are estimated to be paid, and legal expenses to handle such claims that have been paid and that are estimated to be paid, by the Federal Government pursuant to deeming entities as employees for purposes of this section. ``(ii) Claims that have been paid and that are estimated to be paid, and legal expenses to handle such claims that have been paid and that are estimated to be paid, by private medical malpractice liability insurance. ``(D) An analysis of whether the cost of premiums for private medical malpractice liability insurance coverage is consistent with the liability claims experience of entities that have been deemed as employees for purposes of this section. ``(3) In preparing the report under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall consult with public and private entities with expertise on the matters with which the report is concerned.''. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove provisions ending, on a specified date, the application of provisions: (1) deeming health care practitioner officers, employees, or contractors of certain entities (migrant and community health centers and grant recipients for health services to the homeless and to residents of public housing) to be employees of the Public Health Service (PHS); and (2) making a malpractice action against the United States the sole remedy against such practitioners. Adds governing board members to the list of practitioners deemed to be PHS employees. Allows, in certain circumstances, deeming the practitioners to be PHS employees while treating individuals who are not patients of such entities. Requires approval of an application for the deeming. Sets forth an application process. Directs the Attorney General to appear in State court actions to advise the court whether an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor has been deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service. Provides for the application of coverage to managed care plans. Revises the requirements: (1) to be considered a contractor of such an entity; and (2) of due process regarding exclusion of specific individuals from coverage. Reduces the maximum limit on the fund set up to cover annual estimated claims. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on: (1) the claims experience of entities deemed to be employees under this Act; (2) the risk exposure of those entities; (3) the value of private sector risk management services; and (4) certain comparisons, analyses, and estimates related to this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Since 1948, United States Presidents and both houses of Congress, on a bipartisan basis and supported by the American people, have repeatedly reaffirmed the special bond between the United States and Israel, based on shared values and shared interests. (2) The Middle East is undergoing rapid change, bringing with it hope for an expansion of democracy but also great challenges to the national security of the United States and our allies in the region, particularly to our most important ally in the region, Israel. (3) The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing its decades-long pattern of seeking to foment instability and promote extremism in the Middle East, particularly in this time of dramatic political transition. (4) At the same time, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to enrich uranium in defiance of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. (5) A nuclear-weapons capable Iran would fundamentally threaten vital United States interests, encourage regional nuclear proliferation, further empower Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terror, and pose a serious and destabilizing threat to Israel and the region. (6) Over the past several years, with the assistance of the Governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria, Hizbollah and Hamas have increased their stockpile of rockets, with more than 60,000 now ready to be fired at Israel. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to add to its arsenal of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, which threaten Iran's neighbors, Israel, and United States Armed Forces in the region. (7) As a result, Israel is facing a fundamentally altered strategic environment. (8) Pursuant to chapter 5 of title 1 of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-11; 117 Stat. 576), the authority to make available loan guarantees to Israel is currently set to expire on September 30, 2012. SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY. It is the policy of the United States: (1) To reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel as a Jewish state. As President Barack Obama stated on December 16, 2011, ``America's commitment and my commitment to Israel and Israel's security is unshakeable.'' And as President George W. Bush stated before the Israeli Knesset on May 15, 2008, on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, ``The alliance between our governments is unbreakable, yet the source of our friendship runs deeper than any treaty.''. (2) To help the Government of Israel preserve its qualitative military edge amid rapid and uncertain regional political transformation. (3) To veto any one-sided anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations Security Council. (4) To support Israel's inherent right to self-defense. (5) To pursue avenues to expand cooperation with the Government of Israel both in defense and across the spectrum of civilian sectors, including high technology, agriculture, medicine, health, pharmaceuticals, and energy. (6) To assist the Government of Israel with its ongoing efforts to forge a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side-by-side in peace and security, and to encourage Israel's neighbors to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. (7) To encourage further development of advanced technology programs between the United States and Israel given current trends and instability in the region. SEC. 4. UNITED STATES ACTIONS TO ASSIST IN THE DEFENSE OF ISRAEL AND PROTECT UNITED STATES INTERESTS. It is the sense of Congress that the United States Government should take the following actions to assist in the defense of Israel: (1) Seek to enhance the capabilities of the Governments of the United States and Israel to address emerging common threats, increase security cooperation, and expand joint military exercises. (2) Provide the Government of Israel such support as may be necessary to increase development and production of joint missile defense systems, particularly such systems that defend against the urgent threat posed to Israel and United States forces in the region. (3) Provide the Government of Israel assistance specifically for the production and procurement of the Iron Dome defense system for purposes of intercepting short-range missiles, rockets, and projectiles launched against Israel. (4) Provide the Government of Israel defense articles and defense services through such mechanisms as appropriate, to include air refueling tankers, missile defense capabilities, and specialized munitions. (5) Provide the Government of Israel additional excess defense articles, as appropriate, in the wake of the withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq. (6) Examine ways to strengthen existing and ongoing efforts, including the Gaza Counter Arms Smuggling Initiative, aimed at preventing weapons smuggling into Gaza pursuant to the 2009 agreement following the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as measures to protect against weapons smuggling and terrorist threats from the Sinai Peninsula. (7) Offer the Air Force of Israel additional training and exercise opportunities in the United States to compensate for Israel's limited air space. (8) Work to encourage an expanded role for Israel with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), including an enhanced presence at NATO headquarters and exercises. (9) Expand already-close intelligence cooperation, including satellite intelligence, with Israel. SEC. 5. ADDITIONAL STEPS TO DEFEND ISRAEL AND PROTECT AMERICAN INTERESTS. (a) Extension of War Reserves Stockpile Authority.-- (1) Department of defense appropriations act, 2005.--Section 12001(d) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287; 118 Stat. 1011) is amended by striking ``more than 8 years after'' and inserting ``more than 10 years after''. (2) Foreign assistance act of 1961.--Section 514(b)(2)(A) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2011 and 2012'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2013 and 2014''. (b) Extension of Loan Guarantees to Israel.--Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-11; 117 Stat. 576) is amended under the heading ``Loan Guarantees to Israel''-- (1) in the matter preceding the first proviso, by striking ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''; and (2) in the second proviso, by striking ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''. SEC. 6. REPORTS REQUIRED. (a) Report on Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME).-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the status of Israel's qualitative military edge in light of current trends and instability in the region. (2) Substitution for quadrennial report.--If submitted within one year of the date that the first quadrennial report required by section 201(c)(2) of the Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-429; 22 U.S.C. 2776 note) is due to be submitted, the report required by paragraph (1) may substitute for such quadrennial report. (b) Reports on Other Matters.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on each of the following matters: (1) Taking into account the Government of Israel's urgent requirement for F-35 aircraft, actions to improve the process relating to its purchase of F-35 aircraft, particularly with respect to cost efficiency and timely delivery. (2) Efforts to expand cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, energy, cyber-security, and other related areas. (3) Actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the Eastern Mediterranean. SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. (2) Qualitative military edge.--The term ``qualitative military edge'' has the meaning given the term in section 36(h)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(h)(2)). Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 27, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 - (Sec. 3) States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the commitment to Israel's security as a Jewish state, (2) support Israel's right to self-defense and help Israel preserve its qualitative military edge, (3) expand military and civilian cooperation, (4) assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side-by-side in peace and security, and (5) veto any one-sided anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take specified actions to assist in Israel's defense, including: (1) enhancing development and production of joint missile defense systems, (2) providing appropriate defense articles and services, (3) strengthening security initiatives and bilateral training exercises, and (4) encouraging an expanded role for Israel with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Sec. 5) Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend authority to transfer certain obsolete or surplus Department of Defense (DOD) items to Israel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend authority to make additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles. Amends the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 to extend specified loan guarantee authority to Israel. (Sec. 6) Directs the President to submit reports to Congress regarding: (1) the status of Israel's qualitative military edge; (2) actions that could improve the process related to Israel's purchase of F-35 aircraft; (3) cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, energy, cyber-security, and other related areas; and (4) actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the Eastern Mediterranean.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Interest on Business Checking Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO DEMAND DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS AT DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS. (a) Interest-Bearing Transaction Accounts Authorized.-- (1) Federal reserve act.--Section 19(i) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371a) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a member bank may permit the owner of any deposit, any account which is a deposit, or any account on which interest or dividends are paid, to make not more than 24 transfers per month (or such greater number as the Board may determine by rule or order), for any purpose, to a demand deposit account of the owner in the same institution. With respect to an escrow account maintained in connection with a loan, a lender or servicer shall pay interest on such account only if such payments are required by contract between the lender or servicer and the borrower, or a specific statutory provision of the law of the State in which the security property is located requires the lender or servicer to make such payments. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent an account offered pursuant to this subsection from being considered a transaction account for purposes of this Act.''. (2) Home owners' loan act.--Section 5(b)(1) of the Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464 (b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(G) Transfers.-- ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, a Federal savings association may permit the owner of any deposit or share, any account which is a deposit or share, or any account on which interest or dividends are paid, to make not more than 24 transfers per month (or such greater number as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may determine by rule or order under section 19(i) of the Federal Reserve Act to be permissible for member banks), for any purpose, to a demand deposit account of the owner in the same institution. ``(ii) Escrow accounts.--With respect to an escrow account maintained in connection with a loan, a lender or servicer shall pay interest on such account only if-- ``(I) such payments are required by contract between the lender or servicer and the borrower; or ``(II) a specific statutory provision of the law of the State in which the security property is located requires the lender or servicer to make such payments. ``(iii) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent an account offered pursuant to this subsection from being considered a transaction account (as defined in section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act) for purposes of the Federal Reserve Act.''. (3) Federal deposit insurance act.--Section 18(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1828(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Transfers.-- ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, an insured nonmember bank or insured State savings association may permit the owner of any deposit or share, any account which is a deposit or share, or any account on which interest or dividends are paid to make not more than 24 transfers per month (or such greater number as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may determine by rule or order under section 19(i) of the Federal Reserve Act to be permissible for member banks), for any purpose, to a demand deposit account of the owner in the same institution. ``(B) Escrow accounts.--With respect to an escrow account maintained in connection with a loan, a lender or servicer shall pay interest on such account only if-- ``(i) such payments are required by contract between the lender or servicer and the borrower; or ``(ii) a specific statutory provision of the law of the State in which the security property is located requires the lender or servicer to make such payments. ``(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent an account offered pursuant to this subsection from being considered a transaction account (as defined in section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act) for purposes of the Federal Reserve Act.''. (b) Repeal of Prohibition on Payment of Interest on Demand Deposits.-- (1) Federal reserve act.--Section 19(i) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371a) is amended to read as follows: ``(i) [Repealed].''. (2) Home owners' loan act.--Section 5(b)(1) of the Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464(b)(1)) is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``savings association may not--'' and all that follows through ``(ii) permit any'' and inserting ``savings association may not permit any''; and (B) by striking subparagraph (G). (3) Federal deposit insurance act.--Section 18(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1828(g)) is amended to read as follows: ``(g) [Repealed].''. (4) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect at the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON RESERVES AT FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS. (a) In general.--Section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(12) Earnings on reserves.-- ``(A) In general.--Balances maintained at a Federal reserve bank by or on behalf of a depository institution to meet the reserve requirements of this subsection applicable with respect to such depository institution shall receive earnings to be paid by the Federal reserve bank at least once each calendar quarter at a rate or rates not to exceed the general level of short term interest rates. ``(B) Regulations relating to payments and distribution.--The Board may prescribe regulations concerning-- ``(i) the payment of earnings in accordance with this paragraph; ``(ii) the distribution of such earnings to the depository institutions which maintain balances at such banks or on whose behalf such balances are maintained; and ``(iii) the responsibilities of depository institutions, Federal home loan banks, and the National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility with respect to the crediting and distribution of earnings attributable to balances maintained, in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(B), in a Federal reserve bank by any such entity on behalf of depository institutions which are not member banks.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 19(b) of federal reserve act.--Section 19(b)(4) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)(4)) is amended-- (A) by striking subparagraph (C); and (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively. (2) Section 19(c) of federal reserve act.--Section 19(c)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``subsection (b)(4)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''. <greek-d>

Summary: Interest on Business Checking Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to: (1) provide that a depository institution may permit owners of interest or dividend paying accounts to make up to 24 transfers monthly for any purpose to their other demand deposits in the same institution; and (2) repeal the proscription against the payment of interest on demand deposits.Prescribes conditions for interest payments on escrow accounts.Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require a Federal reserve bank to pay interest at least quarterly on any balance maintained by a depository institution at the reserve bank to meet its reserve requirements.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Franked Mail Savings Act''. SEC. 2. OFFICIAL MASS MAILING ALLOWANCE. Section 311(f) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 (2 U.S.C. 59e(f)) is amended to read as follows: ``(f)(1) There is established in the House of Representatives an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. ``(2) The Official Mass Mailing Allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives-- ``(A) shall be available only for postage for any mass mailing sent by such Member as franked mail; ``(B) shall be the sole source of funding for any such postage; and ``(C) shall be available, in a session of Congress (subject to paragraph (5)(A)(ii)), in an amount not to exceed the total amount allocated to the Official Mail Allowance of such Member in such session. ``(3) No amount may be transferred to or from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives (including as described in the parenthetical matter in subsection (a)(2)(A)), except as provided in subsection (e)(3)(B). ``(4) For purposes of subsection (b), the Official Mass Mailing Allowance of (and any mass mailing sent by) a Member of the House of Representatives shall be treated separately from the Official Mail Allowance of (and any other official mail sent by) such Member. ``(5) Otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to mass mailings sent by a Member of (or Member-elect to) the House of Representatives shall continue to govern such mass mailings-- ``(A) except that-- ``(i) for purposes of carrying out those other provisions of law, the term `mass mailing' shall have the meaning given it under paragraph (8); and ``(ii) a mass mailing may not be sent if it would be postmarked during any session that begins in an even-numbered calendar year (excluding any mail sent after the Tuesday next after the 1st Monday in November of such year, and any mass mailing described in section 3210(a)(6)(B) of title 39, United States Code); and ``(B) except as otherwise provided in this subsection. ``(6) A Member of the House of Representatives shall-- ``(A) before making any mass mailing, submit a sample of the mail matter involved to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with applicable provisions of law, rule, or regulation; ``(B) before making any mailing of substantially identical mail which totals 250 pieces or less (but more than 50), and which in every other respect meets the definition of a mass mailing, submit a sample of the mail matter involved to such Commission; and ``(C) before making any mailing of substantially identical mail, in the nature of a town meeting notice, which totals more than 50 pieces, and which in every other respect (aside from such nature and number) meets the definition of a mass mailing, submit a sample of the mail matter involved to such Commission. ``(7)(A) The regulations prescribed in connection with subsection (a)(3) shall be amended to require, in addition to the information otherwise required to be included in the quarterly report referred to therein, a statement of-- ``(i) costs charged against the Official Mass Mailing Allowance of each Member; and ``(ii) the number of pieces of mail in any mass mailing sent by a Member. ``(B) The House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards shall by regulation establish procedures under which there shall be made available to the public for review and copying any matter submitted to the Commission under paragraph (6). Any copying under the preceding sentence shall be at the expense of the person who requests the copying. ``(8) For the purpose of this subsection-- ``(A) the term `mass mailing' means, with respect to a session of Congress, any mailing of newsletters or other pieces of mail with substantially identical content (whether such mail is deposited singly or in bulk, or at the same time or different times), totaling more than 250 pieces in that session, except that such term does not include any mailing-- ``(i) of matter in direct response to a communication from a person to whom the matter is mailed; ``(ii) from a Member of Congress to other Members of Congress, or to Federal, State, or local government officials; ``(iii) of a news release to the communications media; or ``(iv) described in clause (iv) or (v) of section 6(b)(1)(B) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1995 (39 U.S.C. 3210 note), subject to the same restriction as specified in such clause (iv) with respect to a Member of the Senate; ``(B) the term `franked mail' has the meaning given such term by section 3201(4) of title 39, United States Code; and ``(C) the term `town meeting notice' means (including for purposes of subparagraph (A)(iv)) any mailing which-- ``(i) relates solely to a notice of the time and place at which a Member of the House of Representatives or 1 or more members of the Member's staff will be available to meet constituents regarding legislative issues or problems with Federal programs; ``(ii) appears on a mailing 5\1/2\" x 8" or smaller; ``(iii) includes not more than 3 references to the Member (excluding any reference appearing as the frank, consisting of the signature and name at the end of the mailing, or otherwise specified in regulations of the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards); and ``(iv) does not include any picture, sketch, or other likeness of the Member.''. SEC. 3. PROVISIONS RELATING TO MEMBERS' OFFICIAL MAIL ALLOWANCE. (a) Reduction in Maximum Allocation.--Section 311(e)(2)(B)(i) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 (2 U.S.C. 59e(e)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by striking ``3'' and inserting ``0.5''. (b) Limitation on Transfers.--Paragraph (3) of section 311(e) of such Act is amended to read as follows: ``(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no amount may be transferred to or from the Official Mail Allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives. ``(B) A Member of the House of Representatives may transfer amounts from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance of the Member to the Official Mail Allowance of the Member.''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall take effect as of the first day of the first regular session of Congress beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Franked Mail Savings Act - Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to establish an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. Requires the Official Mass Mailing Allowance to be: (1) available only for postage for any mass mailing sent by a Member as franked mail; (2) the sole source of funding for any such postage; and (3) available in a session of Congress in an amount that does not exceed the total amount allocated to the Official Mail Allowance of a Member in such session. Treats the Official Mass Mailing Allowance and mass mailings separately from the Official Mail Allowance. Continues the applicability of current provisions of law relating to mass mailings sent by a Member or Member-elect subject to certain conditions. Sets forth requirements for the submission of samples of mass mailings to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. Revises the formula for determining the Official Mail Allowance (thereby reducing the maximum allocation allowed). Prohibits the transfer of any amount (except for amounts from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance) to or from the Official Mail Allowance of a Member. (Currently, transfers up to a specified amount are allowed from the Official Expenses and Clerk Hire Allowances.)