SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Water Affordability Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. INTEGRATED PERMITTING PROCESS. (a) In General.--Section 402(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(6) Integrated permits.-- ``(A) Definition of publicly owned permittee.--In this paragraph, the term `publicly owned permittee' means either-- ``(i) a treatment works (as defined in section 212) that is publicly owned; or ``(ii) a municipal separate storm sewer system referred to in this section. ``(B) Planning approach.--The Administrator shall establish a comprehensive and integrated planning approach to the obligations under this section of a publicly owned permittee-- ``(i) under which permit obligations may be implemented according to a schedule that-- ``(I) accounts for the financial capability of the publicly owned permittee; ``(II) prioritizes permit obligations according to the most cost- effective and environmentally beneficial outcomes; ``(III) accounts for the preexisting maintenance, operational, and regulatory obligations of the publicly owned permittee under this section; and ``(IV) enables the publicly owned permittee to implement innovative approaches to meet those obligations; and ``(ii) that accounts for changed circumstances in the obligations of the publicly owned permittee, such as-- ``(I) new innovative treatment approaches; ``(II) new regulatory requirements; and ``(III) changes in financial capability.''. (b) Duration of Permits.--Section 402(b)(1)(B) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342(b)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, except that a permit with a term of more than 5 years but not more than 25 years may be approved if the permittee has an approved integrated plan established under subsection (a)(6)''. SEC. 3. UPDATING OF GUIDANCE. (a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Affordability.--The term ``affordability'' means, with respect to payment of a utility bill, a measure of whether an individual customer or household can pay the bill without undue hardship or unreasonable sacrifice in the essential lifestyle or spending patterns of the individual or household, as determined by the Administrator. (3) Financial capability.--The term ``financial capability'' means the financial capability of a community to make investments necessary to make water quality-related improvements, taking into consideration the criteria described in subsection (b)(2)(A). (4) Guidance.--The term ``guidance'' means the guidance published by the Administrator entitled ``Combined Sewer Overflows--Guidance for Financial Capability Assessment and Schedule Development'' and dated February 1997, as applicable to combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. (b) Updating.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update the guidance to ensure that the evaluations by the Administrator of financial capability assessment and schedule development meet the criteria described in paragraph (2). (2) Criteria.--The criteria described in this paragraph are that, under the updated guidance-- (A) in assessing the financial capability of a community-- (i) greater emphasis should be placed on local economic conditions; (ii) for regional systems, consideration should be given to the economic conditions of political jurisdictions and significant demographic groups within each region; (iii) prescriptive formulas for use in calculating financial capability and thresholds for expenditure should not be considered to be the only indicator of the financial capability of a community; (iv) site-specific local conditions should be taken into consideration in analyzing financial capability; (v) a single measure of financial capability or affordability (such as median household income) should be viewed in the context of other economic measures, rather than as a threshold to be achieved; and (vi)(I) consideration should be given to the economic outlook of a community, including the potential impact of program requirements over time, in the development of implementation schedules; and (II) the assessment should take into consideration other essential community investments relating to water quality improvements; (B) with respect to the timing of implementation of water quality-related improvements-- (i) environmental improvement implementation schedules should be structured to mitigate the potential adverse impact on distressed populations resulting from the costs of the improvements; (ii) implementation schedules should reflect local community financial conditions and economic impacts; (iii) implementation schedules should allow permittees up to 30 years to implement water quality-related improvements in appropriate cases in which the cost of implementing the improvements places a high financial burden on the permittee; and (iv) existing implementation schedules should be modified in appropriate cases taking into consideration the criteria set forth in this subparagraph; (C) with respect to implementation-- (i) a determination of local financial capability may be achieved through an evaluation of an array of factors the relative importance of which may vary across regions and localities; and (ii) an appropriate methodology should give consideration to such various factors as are appropriate to recognize the prevailing and projected economic concerns in a community; and (D) the residential indicator should be revised to include-- (i) a consideration of costs imposed upon ratepayers for essential utilities; (ii) increased consideration and quantification of local community-imposed costs in regional systems; (iii) a mechanism to assess impacts on communities with disparate economic conditions throughout the entire service area of a utility; (iv) a consideration of the industrial and population trends of a community; (v) recognition that-- (I) the median household income of a service area reflects a numerical median rather than the distribution of incomes within the service area; and (II) more representative methods of determining affordability, such as shelter costs, essential utility payments, State affordability criteria, and State and local tax efforts, should be considered; (vi) a consideration of low-income ratepayer percentages; and (vii) impacts relating to program delivery, such as water quality infrastructure market saturation and program management. (3) Implementation.--The updated guidance should indicate that, in a case in which a previously approved long-term control plan or associated enforceable agreement does not prohibit modification of the plan or terms of the agreement (including financial capability considerations), and all parties are in agreement that a change is needed or that the plan or agreement does not prohibit reopening to address changes in the economic or financial status of the community since the effective date of the plan or agreement, reconsideration and modification of financial capability determinations and implementation schedules based on the criteria described in paragraph (2) is appropriate. (4) Applicability.--The Administrator shall apply the updated guidance, including the criteria described in paragraph (2), to each determination and analysis of affordability, financial capability, or widespread and substantial economic impact related to implementation of a program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). (c) Publication and Submission.--Upon completion of the updating of guidance under subsection (b), the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register and submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives the updated guidance. SEC. 4. CAPITALIZATION GRANT AGREEMENTS. Section 602(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1382(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (10) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(11) the State will use at least 15 percent of the amount of each capitalization grant received by the State under this title after September 30, 2015, to provide assistance to municipalities of fewer than 10,000 individuals that meet the affordability criteria established by the State under section 603(i)(2) for activities included on the State's priority list established under section 603(g), to the extent that there are sufficient applications for such assistance.''. SEC. 5. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS. (a) Extended Repayment Period.--Section 603(d)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(d)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``20 years'' and inserting ``the lesser of 30 years or the design life of the project to be financed with the proceeds of the loan''; and (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``not later than 20 years after project completion'' and inserting ``upon the expiration of the term of the loan''. (b) Additional Subsidization.--Section 603 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 1383) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(i) Additional Subsidization.-- ``(1) In general.--In any case in which a State provides assistance to a municipality or intermunicipal, interstate, or State agency under subsection (d), the State may provide additional subsidization, including forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, and grants to benefit a municipality that-- ``(A) meets the State's affordability criteria established under paragraph (2); or ``(B) does not meet the State's affordability criteria if the recipient-- ``(i) seeks additional subsidization to benefit individual ratepayers in the residential user rate class; and ``(ii) demonstrates to the State that such ratepayers will experience a significant hardship from the increase in rates necessary to finance the project or activity for which assistance is sought. ``(2) Affordability criteria.-- ``(A) Establishment.--On or before September 30, 2015, and after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, a State shall establish affordability criteria to assist in identifying municipalities that would experience a significant hardship raising the revenue necessary to finance a project or activity eligible for assistance under section 603(c)(1) if additional subsidization is not provided. Such criteria shall be based on income data, population trends, and other data determined relevant by the State, including whether the project or activity is to be carried out in an economically distressed area, as described in section 301 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161). ``(B) Existing criteria.--If a State has previously established, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, affordability criteria that meet the requirements of subparagraph (A), the State may use the criteria for the purposes of this subsection. For purposes of this Act, any such criteria shall be treated as affordability criteria established under this paragraph. ``(C) Information to assist states.--The Administrator may publish information to assist States in establishing affordability criteria under subparagraph (A). ``(3) Use of capitalization grants.--A State shall use not less than 20 percent but not more than 30 percent of the amount of the capitalization grants received by the State under this title in fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2015, to provide additional subsidization to eligible recipients under paragraph (1).''.

Summary: Clean Water Affordability Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a comprehensive and integrated planning approach to the obligations concerning permits for pollutant discharges of a publicly owned permittee. Defines such a permittee as a treatment works that is publicly owned or a municipal separate storm sewer system. Requires the approach to such obligations to: (1) include requirements for a schedule under which they may be implemented, and (2) account for changed circumstances in the obligations of the publicly owned permittee. Allows approval of a permit under a state-administered program with a term of more than 5 but no more than 25 years if the permittee has an integrated plan approved under this Act. Requires the Administrator to update the guidance entitled "Combined Sewer Overflows--Guidance for Financial Capability Assessment and Schedule Development," dated February 1997, to ensure that the evaluations by the Administrator of financial capability assessment and schedule development meet specified criteria, including criteria used in: (1) assessing financial capability of a community to make investments necessary to make water quality-related improvements, and (2) implementing water quality-related improvements. Revises requirements for capitalization grant agreements with states for establishing water pollution control revolving funds. Requires states to set aside 15% of funds for assistance to municipalities of fewer than 10,000 individuals that meet specified affordability criteria. Authorizes the fund to be used to make loans at terms not to exceed 30 years or the design life of the project to be financed with the proceeds of the loan (currently 20 years). Authorizes a state to provide additional subsidization, including forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, and grants to benefit a municipality that: (1) meets affordability criteria, or (2) does not meet such criteria if the recipient seeks the additional subsidization to benefit ratepayers that will experience a significant hardship from the increase in rates necessary to finance the project or activity for which assistance is sought. Establishes affordability criteria to assist in identifying municipalities that would experience a significant hardship raising the revenue necessary to finance a project or activity eligible for assistance.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Professional's Access To Health Workforce Integration Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. CAREER SUPPORT FOR SKILLED, INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) According to the Association of Schools of Public Health, projections indicate a nationwide shortage of up to 250,000 public health workers needed by 2020. (2) Similar trends are projected for other health professions indicating shortages across disciplines, including within the fields of nursing (500,000 by 2025), dentistry (15,000 by 2025), pharmacy (38,000 by 2030), mental and behavioral health, primary care (46,000 by 2025), and community and allied health. (3) A nationwide health workforce shortage will result in serious health threats and more severe and costly health care needs, due to, in part, a delayed response to food-borne outbreaks, emerging infectious diseases, natural disasters, fewer cancer screenings, and delayed treatment. (4) Vulnerable and underserved populations and health professional shortage areas will be most severely impacted by the health workforce shortage. (5) According to the Migration Policy Institute, over 2,000,000 college-educated immigrants in the United States today are unemployed or underemployed in low- or semi-skilled jobs that fail to draw on their education and expertise. (6) Approximately 2 out of every 5 internationally educated immigrants are unemployed or underemployed. (7) According to Drexel University Center for Labor Markets and Policy, underemployment for internationally educated immigrant women is 28 percent higher than for their male counterparts. (8) According to the Drexel University Center for labor markets and policy, the mean annual earnings of underemployed immigrants were $32,000, or 43 percent less than United States born college graduates employed in the college labor market. (9) According to Upwardly Global and the Welcome Back Initiative, with proper guidance and support, underemployed skilled immigrants typically increase their income by 215 percent to 900 percent. (10) According to the Brookings Institution and the Partnership for a New American Economy, immigrants working in the health workforce are, on average, better educated than United States-born workers in the health workforce. (b) Grants to Eligible Entities.-- (1) Authority to provide grants.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services acting through the Bureau of Health Workforce within the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, or the Office of Minority Health (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') may award grants to eligible entities to carry out activities described in subsection (c). (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall-- (A) be a clinical, public health, or health services organization, a community-based or nonprofit entity, an academic institution, a faith-based organization, a State, county, or local government, an Area Health Education Center, or another entity determined appropriate by the Secretary; and (B) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Authorized Activities.--A grant awarded under this section shall be used-- (1) to provide services to assist unemployed and underemployed skilled immigrants, residing in the United States, who have legal, permanent work authorization and who are internationally educated health professionals, enter into the American health workforce with employment matching their health professional skills and education, and advance in employment to positions that better match their health professional education and expertise; (2) to provide training opportunities to reduce barriers to entry and advancement in the health workforce for skilled, internationally educated immigrants; (3) to educate employers regarding the abilities and capacities of internationally educated health professionals; (4) to assist in the evaluation of foreign credentials; and (5) to facilitate access to contextualized and accelerated courses on English as a second language. (d) Definition.--In this section: (1) The term ``health professional'' means an individual trained for employment or intended employment in the field of public health, health management, dentistry, health administration, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, social work, psychiatry, other mental and behavioral health, allied health, community health or wellness work, including fitness and nutrition, or other fields as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (2) The term ``underemployed'' means being employed at less skilled tasks than an employee's training or abilities would otherwise permit. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.

Summary: Professional's Access To Health Workforce Integration Act of 2015 Directs the Department of Health and Human Services, acting through the Bureau of Health Workforce within the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, or the Office of Minority Health (HHS), to award grants to eligible entities to: provide services to assist unemployed and underemployed skilled immigrants residing in the United States, who have legal, permanent work authorization and who are internationally educated health professionals, in entering into and advancing in the American health workforce with employment matching their health professional skills, education, and expertise; provide training opportunities to reduce barriers to entry and advancement in the health workforce for skilled, internationally educated immigrants; educate employers regarding the abilities and capacities of internationally educated health professionals; assist in the evaluation of foreign credentials; and facilitate access to contextualized and accelerated courses on English as a second language. Includes as an eligible entity a clinical, public health, or health services organization, a community-based or nonprofit entity, an academic institution, a faith-based organization, a state, county, or local government, or an Area Health Education Center that submits an application that meets HHS requirements. Defines "health professional" as an individual trained for employment or intended employment in specified fields, including public health, health management, dentistry, health administration, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, social work, psychiatry, and other mental and behavioral health, allied health, and community health or wellness work.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Monument Creation and Protection Act'' or the ``National Monument CAP Act''. SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON SIZE; CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE OBJECTS. Section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest'' and inserting ``object or objects of antiquity''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected'' and inserting ``in accordance with the limitations outlined in subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h)''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Limitation on Size of National Monuments.--Except as provided by subsections (f), (g), and (h), after the date of the enactment of this subsection, land may not be declared under this section in a configuration that would create a national monument-- ``(1) that is more than 640 acres; and ``(2) whose exterior boundary is less than 50 miles from the closest exterior boundary of another national monument declared under this section. ``(f) Exception for Monuments of Less Than 5,000 Acres.--Subsection (e) shall not apply to the designation of a national monument under this section if the national monument so designated-- ``(1) would be less than 5,000 acres; ``(2) would have all exterior boundaries 50 miles or more from the closest exterior boundary of another national monument declared under this section; and ``(3) has been reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate. ``(g) Exception for Monuments of 5,000 Acres and up to 10,000 Acres.-- ``(1) In general.--Subsection (e) shall not apply to the designation of a national monument under this section if the national monument so designated-- ``(A) would be at least 5,000 acres but not more than 10,000 acres; and ``(B) would have all exterior boundaries 50 miles or more from the closest exterior boundary of another national monument declaration under this section. ``(2) Other requirement.--A monument described in this subsection shall be subject to the preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement as part of a review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The choice of environmental review document shall be within the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate. ``(h) Exception for Monuments 10,000 Acres and up to 85,000 Acres.--Subsection (e) shall not apply to the designation of a national monument under this section if the national monument so designated-- ``(1) would be at least 10,000 acres but not more than 85,000 acres; ``(2) would have all exterior boundaries 50 miles or more from the closest exterior boundary of another national monument declaration under this section; and ``(3) has been approved by the elected governing body of each county (or county equivalent), the legislature of each State, and the Governor of each State within whose boundaries the national monument will be located (and the Governor of each such State has transmitted a copy of each such approval to the President). ``(i) Exception for Emergency Designation.-- ``(1) In general.--Subsection (e) shall not apply to the designation under this section of a national monument of any acreage amount if designation is made to prevent imminent and irreparable harm to the object or objects of antiquity to be protected by the designation. ``(2) One year limitation.--A national monument designation under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is one calendar year after the date of the designation. ``(3) One time designation.--Land designated as a national monument under this subsection-- ``(A) may only be so designated one time; and ``(B) may not also be permanently designated as a national monument under this section. ``(4) Rights and uses.--Land designated as a national monument under this subsection shall remain subject to-- ``(A) valid existing rights; and ``(B) uses allowed on the day before such designation under an applicable Resource Management Plan or Forest Plan. ``(j) Presidential Authority To Reduce Size of Declared Monuments.--The President may-- ``(1) reduce the size of any national monument declared under this section by 85,000 acres or less; or ``(2) reduce the size of any national monument declared under this section by more than 85,000 acres only if the reduction-- ``(A) has been approved by the elected governing body of each county (or county equivalent), the legislature of each State, and the Governor of each State within whose boundaries the national monument will be located (and the Governor of each such State has transmitted a copy of each such approval to the President); and ``(B) has been reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate. ``(k) Non-Federally Owned Property.--After the date of the enactment of this subsection, land may not be declared as a national monument under this section in a configuration that would place non- federally owned property within the exterior boundaries of the national monument without the express written consent of the owners of that non- federally owned property. ``(l) Effect of Declaration on Federal Funds.--No declaration under this section shall be construed to increase the amount of Federal funds that are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year. ``(m) Water Rights Associated With a Declaration.--Water rights associated with a declaration under this section-- ``(1) may not be reserved expressly or by implication by a declaration under this section; and ``(2) may be acquired for a declaration under this section only in accordance with the laws of the State in which the water rights are based. ``(n) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section: ``(1) Declaration; declared.--The terms `declaration' and `declared' shall only include the creation or expansion of a national monument under this section. ``(2) Land.--The term `land' shall not include submerged land or water. ``(3) Object or objects of antiquity.-- ``(A) The term `object or objects of antiquity' means-- ``(i) relics; ``(ii) artifacts; ``(iii) human or animal skeletal remains; ``(iv) fossils (other than fossil fuels); and ``(v) certain buildings constructed before the date of the enactment of this subsection. ``(B) The term `object or objects of antiquity' does not include-- ``(i) natural geographic features; and ``(ii) objects not made by humans, except fossils (other than fossil fuels) or human or animal skeletal remains.''.

Summary: National Monument Creation and Protection Act This bill amends the Antiquities Act of 1906 to allow the President to declare by public proclamation an object or objects of antiquity (currently, historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest) that are situated on lands owned or controlled by the federal government to be national monuments. "Objects of antiquity" means relics, artifacts, human or animal skeletal remains, fossils, and certain buildings constructed before enactment of this bill. The bill prescribes limits on land that may be declared to be a national monument based on acreage, proximity to other national monuments, whether it has been reviewed by the Department of the Interior or Agriculture (USDA) under the National Environmental Policy Act, and whether it has been approved by each county and state within whose boundaries it will be located. Such limitation shall not apply to a designation made to prevent imminent and irreparable harm to the object or objects of antiquity to be protected. Such exception shall end after one year and may be used only once. The President may reduce the size of any declared national monument: (1) by 85,000 acres or less; or (2) by more than 85,000 acres only if the reduction has been approved by each county and state within whose boundaries the monument will be located and reviewed by Interior or USDA under the National Environmental Policy Act. The bill prohibits any land from being declared as a national monument in a configuration that would place nonfederally owned property within the monument without first obtaining the owners' written consent.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Veteran Home Loan Act ''. SEC. 2. PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO MAKE DIRECT HOUSING LOANS TO NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS. (a) Permanent Authority.--Section 3761 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``establish and implement a pilot program under which the Secretary may'' in the first sentence; and (B) by striking ``shall establish and implement the pilot program'' in the third sentence and inserting ``shall make such loans''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``In carrying out the pilot program under this subchapter, the'' and inserting ``The''; and (3) by striking subsection (c). (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3762 of such title is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(1)(E), by striking ``the pilot program established under this subchapter is implemented'' and inserting ``loans under this subchapter are made''; (2) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``carry out the pilot program under this subchapter in a manner that demonstrates the advisability of making direct housing loans'' in the second sentence and inserting ``make direct housing loans under this subchapter''; (3) in subsection (i)-- (A) by striking ``the pilot program provided for under this subchapter and'' in paragraph (1); (B) by striking ``under the pilot program and in assisting such organizations and veterans in participating in the pilot program.'' in paragraph (2)(A) and inserting ``under this subchapter and in assisting such organizations and veterans with respect to such housing benefits.''; and (C) by striking ``in participating in the pilot program.'' in paragraph (2)(E) and inserting ``with respect to such benefits.''; (4) in subsection (j)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``through 2006''; and (ii) by striking ``the implementation of the pilot program'' and inserting ``activities conducted''; and (B) by striking ``pilot program'' each place it appears in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) and inserting ``housing benefits under this subchapter''. (c) Establishment of Maximum Amount of Loans.--(1) Subsection (c)(1)(B) of section 3762 of such title is amended-- (A) by striking ``(B) The'' and inserting ``(B)(i) The''; (B) by striking ``The amount'' in the second sentence and inserting ``Subject to clause (ii), the amount''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(ii) The amount of any increase under clause (i) may not exceed an amount determined by subtracting-- ``(I) the amount referred to in subparagraph (A), from ``(II) the amount of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit limitation determined under section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2)) for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved.''. (2) Subsection (j)(1) of such section is amended by inserting ``referred to in subsection (c)(1)(A)'' before the period at the end. (d) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (c)(1)(A) of section 3762 of such title is amended by inserting ``veteran'' after ``Native American''. (e) Clerical Amendments.--(1) The heading for subchapter V of chapter 37 of such title is amended to read as follows: ``SUBCHAPTER V--DIRECT HOUSING LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS''. (2) The heading for section 3761 of such title is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3761. Permanent authority to make direct housing loans to Native American veterans''. (3) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking the items relating to subchapter V and section 3761 and inserting the following new items: ``subchapter v--direct housing loans for native american veterans ``3761. Permanent authority to make direct housing loans to Native American veterans.''. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR DIRECT LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS TO A VETERAN WHO IS THE SPOUSE OF A NATIVE AMERICAN. (a) Extension.--Subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 3764 as section 3765; and (2) by inserting after section 3763 the following new section: ``Sec. 3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans ``(a) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this section, for purposes of this subchapter, a qualified non-Native American veteran is deemed to be a Native American veteran, except that any reference in this subchapter to the jurisdiction of a tribal organization over a Native American veteran is deemed to be a reference to the Native American spouse of the qualified non-Native American veteran. ``(b) In making direct loans under this subchapter to a qualified non-Native American veteran, the Secretary shall ensure that the tribal organization permits, and the qualified non-Native American veteran actually holds, possesses, or purchases, using the proceeds of the loan, jointly with the Native American spouse of the qualified non- Native American veteran, a meaningful interest in the lot, dwelling, or both, that is located on trust land. ``(c) Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed as precluding a tribal organization from imposing reasonable restrictions on the right of the qualified non-Native American veteran to convey, assign, or otherwise dispose of such interest in the lot, dwelling, or both if such restrictions are designed to ensure the continuation in trust status of the lot, dwelling, or both. Such requirements may include the termination of the interest of the qualified non-Native American veteran in the lot, dwelling, or both upon the dissolution of the marriage of the qualified non-Native American veteran to the Native American spouse.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3765 of such title, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) The term `qualified non-Native American veteran' means a veteran who-- ``(A) is the spouse of a Native American, but ``(B) is not a Native American.''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3764 and inserting after the item relating to section 3763 the following new items: ``3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans. ``3765. Definitions.''.

Summary: Native American Veteran Home Loan Act - Amends Federal veterans law to: (1) convert into a permanent program the pilot program (set to expire after December 31, 2008) under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may make direct housing loans to Native American veterans; (2) limit the amount of any increase in the principal amount of any direct housing loan made to a Native American; and (3) extend the eligibility for such direct loans to a non-Native American veteran who is the spouse of a Native American.


SECTION 1. HOMEBUYER CREDIT ALLOWED FOR ANY PURCHASE OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE. (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``who is a first-time homebuyer of a principal residence'' and inserting ``who purchases a principal residence''. (b) Application to Only 1 Sale.--Subsection (b) of section 36 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Application to only 1 sale.-- ``(A) In general.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to more than 1 sale or exchange of a principal residence by the individual. ``(B) Special rule for joint returns.--In the case of a joint return with respect to the sale or exchange of a principal residence, if a credit was allowable under subsection (a) to a spouse for a prior sale or exchange of a principal residence, paragraph (1) shall be applied by reducing the $8,000 in subparagraph (A) thereof and the $4,000 in subparagraph (B) thereof by the credit so allowable (one-half of such credit in the case of a joint return).''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Subsection (c) of section 36 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (1) (defining first-time homebuyer) and by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively. (2) The heading for section 36 of such Code is amended by striking ``First-time''. (3) The item in the table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code relating to section 36 is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. Homebuyer credit.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to residences purchased after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 2. 1-YEAR EXTENSION OF HOMEBUYER CREDIT. (a) In General.--Subsection (h) of section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code is amended by striking ``December 1, 2009'' and inserting ``December 1, 2010''. (b) Extension of Waiver of Recapture.--Subparagraph (D) of section 36(f)(4) of such Code is amended-- (1) by striking ``December 1, 2009'' and inserting ``December 1, 2010'', and (2) in the heading by striking ``for purchases in 2009'' and inserting ``certain purchases''. (c) Election To Treat Purchase in Prior Year.--Subsection (g) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(g) Election To Treat Purchase in Prior Year.--For purposes of this section (other than subsections (c) and (f)(4)(D)), a taxpayer may elect to treat a purchase of a principal residence-- ``(1) after December 31, 2008, and before January 1, 2010, as made on December 31, 2008, and ``(2) after December 31, 2009, and before December 1, 2010, as made on December 31, 2009.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. DEDUCTION FOR LOSS FROM SALE OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE. (a) In General.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter I of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the following new section: ``SEC. 224. LOSS FROM SALE OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE. ``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year any loss recognized on the sale or exchange of property during the taxable year if, during the 5-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used by the taxpayer as the taxpayer's principal residence for periods aggregating 2 years or more. ``(b) Limitations.-- ``(1) Aggregate limitation.--The aggregate amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a) for all taxable years shall not exceed $6,000 ($12,000 in the case of a joint return). ``(2) Annual limitation.-- ``(A) In general.--The amount allowed to a taxpayer as a deduction under subsection (a) for a taxable year shall not exceed $2,000 ($4,000 in the case of a joint return). ``(B) Carryforward.--If the deduction allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation imposed by subparagraph (A) for the taxable year, the excess shall be carried to each of the 2 succeeding taxable years and added to the deduction allowable under subsection (a) for such succeeding year. ``(3) Exclusion of loss allocated to nonqualified use.-- ``(A) In general.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to so much of the loss from the sale or exchange of property as is allocated to periods of nonqualified use. ``(B) Allocation.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), loss shall be allocated to periods of nonqualified use based on the ratio which-- ``(i) the aggregate periods of nonqualified use during the period such property was owned by the taxpayer, bears to ``(ii) the period such property was owned by the taxpayer. ``(C) Period of nonqualified use; coordination with recognition of gain attributable to depreciation.--For purposes of this paragraph, rules similar to the rules of subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 121(b)(5) shall apply. ``(4) Application to only 1 sale.-- ``(A) In general.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to more than 1 sale or exchange of a principal residence by the taxpayer. ``(B) Special rule for joint returns.--In the case of a joint return with respect to the sale or exchange of a principal residence, if a deduction was allowable under subsection (a) to a spouse for a prior sale or exchange of a principal residence, paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) shall be applied by reducing the dollar amounts therein by the deduction so allowable (one-half of such deduction in the case of a joint return). ``(c) Applicable Rules.--For purposes of this section, rules similar to the rules of subsection (d) of section 121 shall apply, except that paragraph (6) thereof shall be applied by substituting `loss' for `gain'. ``(d) Election To Have Section Not Apply.--This section shall not apply to any sale or exchange with respect to which the taxpayer elects not to have this section apply. ``(e) Termination.--The section shall not apply to the sale or exchange of a principal residence after December 31, 2010.''. (b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.-- Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by inserting before the last sentence the following new paragraph: ``(22) Loss from sale of principal residence.--The deduction allowed by section 224.''. (c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating to section 224 and inserting the following: ``Sec. 224. Loss from sale of principal residence. ``Sec. 225. Cross reference.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the first-time homebuyer tax credit to: (1) extend such credit to all purchasers of a principal residence; (2) limit the credit to one sale or exchange of a principal residence; and (3) extend such credit through November 30, 2010. Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction through 2010 for losses from the sale or exchange of a principal residence.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Benefits Administration Improvement Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of claims for veterans compensation and pension. (2) The accuracy of claims processing within the Veterans Benefits Administration has been a subject of concern to veterans, Congress, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. (3) While the Veterans Benefits Administration has reported in the past a 95 percent accuracy rate in processing claims, a new accuracy measurement system known as the Systematic Technical Accuracy Review found that, in 1998 and again in 2000, initial reviews of veterans claims were accurate only 64 percent of the time. (4) The Veterans Benefits Administration could lose up to 30 percent of its workforce to retirement by 2003, making adequate training for claims adjudicators even more necessary to ensure veterans claims are processed efficiently. (5) The Veterans Benefits Administration needs to take more aggressive steps to ensure that veterans claims are processed in an accurate and timely fashion so as to avoid unnecessary delays in providing veterans with compensation and pension benefits. (6) In 2001 the expected appeals processing time for a claim from notice of disagreement to final decision is 621 days. (7) As of September 2001, the Veterans Benefits Administration backlog of pending work was 533,029 claims. SEC. 3. IMPROVEMENT OF PROCESSING OF VETERANS BENEFITS CLAIMS. (a) Plan Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the processing of claims for veterans compensation and pension. (b) Elements.--The plan under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Mechanisms for the improvement of training of claims adjudicators and for the enhancement of employee accountability standards in order to ensure that initial reviews of claims are accurate and that unnecessary appeals of benefit decisions and delays in benefit payments are avoided. (2) Mechanisms for strengthening the ability of the Veterans Benefits Administration to identify recurring errors in claims adjudications by improving data collection and management relating to-- (A) the human body and impairments common in disability and pension claims; and (B) recurring deficiencies in medical evidence and examinations. (3) Mechanisms for implementing a system for reviewing claims processing accuracy that meets the internal control standard of the Federal Government on separation of duties and the program performance audit standard of the Federal Government on organizational independence. (4) Mechanisms for evaluating the impact of the Training and Performance Support System on the accuracy and consistency of claims processing. (5) Quantifiable goals for each of the mechanisms developed under paragraphs (1) through (4). (c) Consultation.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with and obtain the views of veterans organizations, county veteran service associations, and other interested parties. (d) Implementation.--The Secretary shall implement the plan under subsection (a) commencing 60 days after the date of the submittal of the plan under that subsection. (e) Modification.--(1) The Secretary may modify the plan submitted under subsection (a). (2) Any modification under paragraph (1) shall not take effect until 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a notice regarding such modification. (f) Reports.--Not later than January 1, 2003, and every six months thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report assessing implementation of the plan under subsection (a) during the preceding 6 months, including an assessment of whether the goals set forth under subsection (b)(5) are being achieved. (g) Funding.--The Secretary shall carry out the plan under this section in any fiscal year using amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the Veterans Benefits Administration for that fiscal year.

Summary: Veterans Benefits Administration Improvement Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the congressional veterans' committees, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the House (the entities) a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the processing of claims for veterans' compensation and pension. Requires such plan to include the training of claims adjudicators and the enhancement of accountability standards to improve the timeliness and accuracy of such claims processing. Allows for plan modifications, but requires prior notification to the entities followed by a 30-day waiting period. Provides plan funding.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Healthy Schools Partnerships Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. HEALTHY SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIPS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(j) Healthy Schools Partnerships Demonstration Program.-- ``(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means a school food authority that demonstrates that the school food authority has collaborated, or will collaborate, with 1 or more local partner organizations (including academic experts, registered dietitians or other nutrition professionals, community partners, or non-profit organizations) to achieve the purposes described in paragraph (2). ``(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the demonstration project established under this subsection are-- ``(A) to assist schools in improving the nutritional standards of school meals and the overall school environment; and ``(B) to use local resources and expertise to promote collaborations and develop sustainable and replicable models for making systemic changes that promote good nutrition and healthy living among students. ``(3) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a demonstration project under which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to fund collaborations of academic experts, nonprofit organizations, registered dietitians or other nutrition professionals, community partners, and local schools to test and evaluate innovative models to improve nutrition education, student decisionmaking, and healthy school environments. ``(4) Application.-- ``(A) In general.--An eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(B) Contents.--In addition to any other requirements of the Secretary, each application shall-- ``(i) identify the 1 or more problems that the eligible entity will address; ``(ii) identify the activity that the grant will be used to fund; ``(iii) describe the means by which the activity will improve the health and nutrition of the school environment; ``(iv) list the partner organizations that will participate in the activity funded by the grant; and ``(v) describe the metrics used to measure success in achieving the stated goals. ``(5) Priority.--In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that demonstrate-- ``(A) a severe need to improve the school environment, as demonstrated by high numbers of students receiving free or reduced price lunches, high levels of obesity or other indicators of poor health status, and health disparities in the community served by the school; ``(B) a commitment by community partners to make in-kind or cash contributions; and ``(C) the ability to measure results. ``(6) Use of funds.--An eligible entity shall use a grant received under this subsection-- ``(A) to assess the problem of childhood obesity and poor nutrition in the school environment; ``(B) to develop an innovative plan or intervention to address specific causes of the problem in coordination with outside partners, including by developing and testing innovative models to improve student health and nutrition as measured by-- ``(i) changes that result in healthier school environments, including more nutritious food being served in cafeterias and available a la carte; ``(ii) increased nutrition education; ``(iii) improved ability of students to identify healthier choices; ``(iv) changes in attitudes of students towards healthier food; ``(v) student involvement in making school environments healthier; ``(vi) increased access to physical activity, physical education, and recess; ``(vii) professional development and continuing education opportunities for school administrators, teachers, and school nurses; and ``(viii) changes in school policies that promote access to healthier food and physical activity; ``(C) to implement the plan or intervention in partnership with outside partners; ``(D) to measure and evaluate effectiveness of the intervention; or ``(E) to assess the sustainability and replicability of this model. ``(7) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.''.

Summary: Healthy Schools Partnerships Act of 2010 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a demonstration project awarding grants to school food authorities that collaborate with academic experts, nonprofit organizations, registered dietitians or other nutrition professionals, community partners, and local schools to test and evaluate innovative models to improve nutrition education, student decisionmaking, and healthy school environments. Gives grant priority to school food authorities that demonstrate: (1) a severe need to improve the school environment; (2) a commitment by community partners to make in-kind or cash contributions; and (3) the ability to measure results.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDING. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Young Child Tax Credit Act''. (b) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) Economists have found similar effects of the importance of income in the earliest years with returns to school achievement. (2) Pediatricians and other child development experts have long talked about the critical importance of the earliest years of life. (3) Young children, including babies and toddlers, are the poorest people in the country by age. (4) With the recent improvements signed into law in December, together, the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit now lift more children out of poverty than any other Federal policies. (5) Families with young children receive the smallest child tax credits, despite the fact that the economic literature suggests that these credits have particularly beneficial effects for families with young children. (6) Economists have found that large fluctuations in a family's income can be detrimental to the development of young children. Research on scarcity have found it is hard for parents to focus on children if they are worrying about having sufficient income to meet their family's needs. SEC. 2. YOUNG CHILD TAX CREDIT. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 36B the following new section: ``SEC. 36C. YOUNG CHILD TAX CREDIT. ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to the product of-- ``(1) the applicable dollar amount, multiplied by ``(2) the number of qualifying children of the taxpayer for which the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 and who (as of the close of such taxable year) have not attained age 3. ``(b) Applicable Dollar Amount.--For purposes of this section, the term `applicable dollar amount' means with respect to any taxable year, the product of-- ``(1) 1.5, multiplied by ``(2) the dollar amount in effect under section 24(a) for the taxable year. ``(c) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the phaseout amount for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income (as defined in section 24(b)(1)) exceeds the threshold amount (as defined in section 24(b)(2)). ``(2) Phaseout amount.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `phaseout amount' means 1.5 multiplied by the first dollar amount in section 24(b)(1). ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualifying child' has the meaning given such term by section 24(c). ``(e) Identification Requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year. ``(f) Reconciliation of Credit and Advance Credit.-- ``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit allowed under this section for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the aggregate amount of any advance payments of such credit under section 7527A for such taxable year. ``(2) Excess advance payments.--If the aggregate amount of advance payments under section 7527A for the taxable year exceed the amount of the credit allowed under this section for such taxable year (determined without regard to paragraph (1)), the tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year shall be increased by the amount of such excess.''. (b) Advance Payment of Credit.--Chapter 77 of such Code is amended by inserting after section 7527 the following new section: ``SEC. 7527A. ADVANCE PAYMENT OF YOUNG CHILD TAX CREDIT. ``(a) In General.--As soon as practicable and not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program for making advance payments of the credit allowed under section 36C on a monthly basis, or as frequently as the Secretary determines to be administratively feasible, to taxpayers allowed such credit (determined without regard to section 36C(f)(1)). ``(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may make payments under subsection (a) only to the extent that the total amount of such payments made to any taxpayer during the taxable year does not exceed the amount determined under subsection (a) of section 36C with respect to such taxpayer (determined without regard to subsections (c) and (f) of such section). Such program shall make reasonable efforts to apply the limitation of section 36C(c) with respect to payments made under such program.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 152(f)(6)(B) of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii), by striking the period at the end of clause (iv) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(v) the credit under section 36C (relating to young child tax credit).''. (2) Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''. (3) Section 6213(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (P), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (Q) and inserting ``, and'', and by inserting after subparagraph (Q) the following new subparagraph: ``(R) an omission of a correct TIN required under section 36C(e) (relating to young child tax credit) to be included on a return.''. (4) Section 6402(m) of such Code is amended by striking ``or 32'' and inserting ``, 32 or 36C''. (5) Section 6695(g) of such Code is amended by striking ``or 32'' and inserting ``32, or 36C''. (6) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''. (7) The table of sections for subpart C 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 36B the following new item: ``Sec. 36C. Young child tax credit.''. (8) The table of sections for chapter 77 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7527 the following new item: ``Sec. 7527A. Advance payment of young child tax credit.''. (d) Effective Date.-- (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016. (2) Advance payment program.--The Secretary of the Treasury, or his designee, shall establish the program described in section 7527A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) not later than such date.

Summary: Young Child Tax Credit Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a new refundable tax credit based on the number of their qualifying children under the age of three and the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Advance payments of credit amounts shall be made to taxpayers each month.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Investment Improvement Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. SBIC PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 308(i)(2) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 687(i)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``In this paragraph, the term `interest' includes only the maximum mandatory sum, expressed in dollars or as a percentage rate, that is payable with respect to the business loan amount received by the small business concern, and does not include the value, if any, of contingent obligations, including warrants, royalty, or conversion rights, granting the small business investment company an ownership interest in the equity or increased future revenue of the small business concern receiving the business loan.''. (b) Funding Levels.--Section 20 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)(1)(C)(i), by striking ``$800,000,000'' and inserting ``$1,200,000,000''; and (2) in subsection (e)(1)(C)(i), by striking ``$900,000,000'' and inserting ``$1,500,000,000''. (c) Definitions.-- (1) Small business concern.--Section 103(5) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662(5)) is amended-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii), and indenting appropriately; (B) in clause (iii), as redesignated, by adding ``and'' at the end; (C) by striking ``purposes of this Act, an investment'' and inserting the following: ``purposes of this Act-- ``(A) an investment''; and (D) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) in determining whether a business concern satisfies net income standards established pursuant to section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act, if the business concern is not required by law to pay Federal income taxes at the enterprise level, but is required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined by allowing a deduction in an amount equal to the sum of-- ``(i) if the business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the enterprise level, the net income (determined without regard to this subparagraph), multiplied by the marginal State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; and ``(ii) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under clause (i), multiplied by the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation;''. (2) Smaller enterprise.--Section 103(12)(A)(ii) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662(12)(A)(ii)) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``except that, for purposes of this clause, if the business concern is not required by law to pay Federal income taxes at the enterprise level, but is required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined by allowing a deduction in an amount equal to the sum of-- ``(I) if the business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the enterprise level, the net income (determined without regard to this clause), multiplied by the marginal State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; and ``(II) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under subclause (I), multiplied by the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation''. (d) Technical Corrections.-- (1) Repeal.--Section 303(g) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 683(g)) is amended by striking paragraph (13). (2) Issuance of guarantees and trust certificates.--Section 320 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 687m) is amended by striking ``6'' and inserting ``12''. (3) Elimination of table of contents.--Section 101 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 661 note) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. ``This Act may be cited as the `Small Business Investment Act of 1958'.''.

Summary: Small Business Investment Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) define "interest" for purposes of small business loans granted under the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program; and (2) increase the FY 1999 and 2000 funding levels for such program. Provides for the determination of an eligible small business or smaller enterprise that is not required to pay Federal income tax at the corporate level but that is required to pass income through to its shareholders or partners by using a specified formula to compute its after-tax income. Requires the Small Business Administration to issue SBIC guarantees and trust certificates at periodic intervals of not less than every 12 (currently, six) months.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe Transit and Rail Awareness and Investments for National Security Act of 2004'' or the ``Safe TRAINS Act''. SEC. 2. HOMELAND SECURITY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANTS. (a) Authorization.--The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to make grants for the purpose of improving the security of public transportation systems against acts of terrorism. The grant program shall be administered by the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security-- (1) in consultation with the Director of the Office of Domestic Preparedness, to ensure that the program is consistent with other Department of Homeland Security grant programs; (2) with the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection to ensure that grant awards are consistent with critical infrastructure risk assessments and protective priorities as they relate to public transportation; and (3) with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to ensure that technology aspects of grant proposals are feasible and generally consistent with existing technologies and standards. (b) Considerations.--Among the considerations on which grants shall be awarded are the following: (1) Risk of terrorism, including threat assessment, vulnerabilities of public transportation systems, potential effects of acts of terrorism against public transportation systems, and past acts of terrorism against modes of transportation. (2) Merits of the proposed projects to increase national security, based on a consideration of-- (A) threats; (B) vulnerabilities; (C) consequences, including human casualties and economic impacts; (D) consequence management; (E) the likelihood that such projects would have been pursued in the normal course of business and in the absence of national security considerations; and (F) feasibility, based on the technical and operational merits of the projects. (c) Allowable Use of Funds.--Grants made under this section shall be used for the purposes of-- (1) support for increased capital investments in cameras, close-circuit television, and other surveillance systems; (2) increased capital investment in command, control, and communications systems, including investments for redundancy and interoperability and for improved situational awareness, such as emergency call boxes and vehicle locator systems; (3) increased training, including for carrying out exercises under section 3, and technical support for public transportation employees, especially for security awareness, prevention, emergency response, including evacuation, and decontamination; (4) expanded deployment of equipment and other measures, including canine detection teams, for the detection of explosives and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents; (5) capital improvements and operating activities, including personnel expenditures, to increase the physical security of stations, vehicles, bridges, and tunnels; (6) capital improvements and operating activities to improve passenger survivability in the event of an attack, including improvements in ventilation, drainage, fire safety technology, emergency communications systems, lighting systems, passenger egress, and accessibility by emergency response personnel; (7) acquisition of emergency response and support equipment, including fire suppression and decontamination equipment; and (8) expansion of employee education and public awareness campaigns regarding security on public transportation systems. (d) Eligible Recipients.--Grants shall be made available under this section directly to owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems. Owners, operators, and providers of infrastructure over which public transportation operates, but which is not primarily used for public transportation, may also be eligible for grants at the discretion of the Secretary. (e) Accountability.--The Secretary shall adopt necessary procedures, including audits, to ensure that grants made under this section are expended in accordance with the purposes of this Act and the priorities and other criteria developed by the Secretary. If the Secretary determines that a recipient has used any portion of the grant funds received under this section for a purpose other than the allowable uses specified for that grant under this section, the grantee shall return any amount so used to the Treasury of the United States. (f) Procedures for Grant Award.--The Secretary shall prescribe procedures and schedules for the awarding of grants under this section, including application and qualification procedures, and a record of decision on applicant eligibility. The Secretary shall issue a final rule establishing the procedures not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (g) Cost Share.--Grants made under this section shall account for no more than-- (1) 85 percent for fiscal year 2005; (2) 80 percent for fiscal year 2006; and (3) 75 percent for fiscal year 2007, of the expense of the purposes for which the grants are used. (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this section-- (1) $1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2005; (2) $900,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; and (3) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2007. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until expended. SEC. 3. TRAINING EXERCISES. (a) Guidelines.--Not later than 4 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish guidelines for the conduct by recipients of grants under section 2 of appropriate exercises for emergency response and public transportation employee training purposes. (b) Plans.--Not later than 6 months after receipt of a grant under section 2, the recipient of such grant shall transmit to the Secretary its emergency response plan as well as a plan for conducting exercises for emergency response and public transportation employee training purposes pursuant to the guidelines published under subsection (a). (c) Exercises.-- (1) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after receipt of a grant under section 2, the recipient of such grant shall conduct an exercise pursuant to the plan for conducting exercises transmitted under subsection (b). (2) Exemptions.--The Secretary may exempt a grant recipient from the requirement under paragraph (1) if the recipient has recently conducted an equivalent exercise. (3) Notice and report.--Not later than 30 days after conducting an exercise under paragraph (1) or as described in paragraph (2), the recipient shall notify the Secretary that such exercise has been completed, including a description of the results of the exercise and findings and lessons learned from the exercise, and shall make recommendations for changes, if necessary, to existing emergency response plans. If the recipient revises an emergency response plan as a result of an exercise under this subsection, the recipient shall transmit the revised plan to the Secretary not later than 6 months after the exercise. (d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical assistance in the design, preparation for, and conduct of emergency response exercises. (e) Use of Plans.--The Secretary shall ensure that information submitted to the Secretary under this section is protected from any form of disclosure that might compromise public transportation security or trade secrets. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Secretary may use such information, on a nonattributed basis unless otherwise agreed to by the source of the information, to aid in developing recommendations, best practices, and materials for use by public transportation authorities to improve security practices and emergency response capabilities. SEC. 4. SECURITY BEST PRACTICES. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, develop, disseminate to appropriate owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems, public transportation employees and employee representatives, and Federal, State, and local officials, and transmit to the Congress a report containing best practices for the security of public transportation systems. In developing best practices, the Secretary shall be responsible for consulting with and collecting input from owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems, public transportation employee representatives, first responders, industry associations, private sector experts, academic experts, and appropriate Federal, State, and local officials. SEC. 5. PUBLIC AWARENESS. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a national plan for public outreach and awareness. Such plan shall be designed to increase awareness of measures that the general public, public transportation passengers, and public transportation employees can take to increase public transportation system security. Such plan shall also provide outreach to owners, operators, providers, and employees of public transportation systems to improve their awareness of available technologies, ongoing research and development efforts, and available Federal funding sources to improve public transportation security. Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall implement the plan developed under this section. SEC. 6. SECURITY PLAN. (a) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement executed under section 7, shall develop a strategic plan for the security of the Nation's public transportation systems and transmit to Congress a report containing a summary of that plan. Such plan shall-- (1) include a comprehensive assessment of risks to the Nation's public transportation systems, including an assessment of threats of terrorist attack, vulnerabilities against terrorist attack, and human, economic, and national security consequences of terrorist attack; (2) take into account actions taken or planned by both public and private entities to address identified security issues; (3) describe measures for prevention, protection, and preparedness, including recommended actions and best practices (as described in section 4); (4) make prioritized recommendations for improving public transportation system security; (5) identify specific actions the Federal Government should take to provide increased security support for public transportation systems, both generally and in periods of high or severe threat levels of alert; (6) identify measures for coordinating initiatives undertaken by the public and private sectors to increase security of public transportation systems; (7) contain an estimate of the cost to implement measures, recommendations, and best practices, and other actions contained within the plan; (8) identify milestones and timeframes for implementing measures, recommendations, and best practices, and other actions contained within the plan; and (9) identify methods for measuring progress against the plan and communicating such progress to owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems and to Congress. (b) Implementation.--The Secretary shall begin implementation of the plan not later than 3 months after its development. (c) Consultation; Use of Existing Resources.--In developing the plan under this section, the Secretary shall be responsible for consulting with and collecting input from owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems, public transportation employee representatives, first responders, industry associations, private sector experts, academic experts, and appropriate Federal, State, and local officials. (d) Format.--The Secretary may submit the report in both classified and unclassified formats if the Secretary considers that such action is appropriate or necessary. (e) 2-Year Updates.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall update the plan every 2 years, as necessary, and transmit such updated report to Congress. SEC. 7. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT. Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Transportation shall execute a Memorandum of Agreement governing the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, respectively, in addressing security matters for public transportation systems, including the process the departments will follow to promote communications, efficiency, and nonduplication of effort. Such Memorandum of Agreement shall also establish a formal mechanism to ensure coordination and the timely sharing of expertise and information between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, as appropriate, in public transportation security. SEC. 8. NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CENTERS. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish more than 1 but not more than 4 National Transportation Security Centers at institutions of higher education to assist in carrying out this Act and to conduct research and education, and to develop or provide professional training, including the training of public transportation employees and public transportation-related professionals, with emphasis on utilization of intelligent transportation systems, technologies, and architectures. (b) Criteria.--The Secretary shall designate the Centers according to the following selection criteria: (1) The demonstrated commitment of the institution to transportation security issues. (2) The use of and experience with partnerships with other institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, or other nonprofit laboratories. (3) Capability to conduct both practical and theoretical research and technical systems analysis. (4) Utilization of intelligent transportation system technologies and architectures. (5) Ability to develop professional training programs. (6) Capability and willingness to conduct education of transportation security professionals. (7) Such other criteria that the Secretary may designate. (c) Funding.--The Secretary shall provide such funding as is necessary to the National Transportation Security Centers established under subsection (a) to carry out this section. SEC. 9. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION. (a) In General.--No employee or other person may be harassed, prosecuted, held liable, or discriminated against in any way-- (1) because that person-- (A) has commenced or caused to be commenced, or is about to commence; (B) has testified or is about to testify at; or (C) has assisted or participated in, or is about to assist or participate in any manner in, a proceeding or any other action to enhance public transportation security; or (2) because that person has refused to violate or assist in the violation of any law, rule, or regulation related to public transportation security. (b) Application of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Amendments.-- (1) Civil action to protect against retaliation in fraud cases.--Section 1514A of title 18, United States Code, shall apply to subsection (a) of this section as if-- (A) an act or refusal to act described in subsection (a) were described in such section 1514A; and (B) a violation of subsection (a) were a violation of such section 1514A(a). (2) Retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant.-- Section 1513(e) of title 18, United States Code, shall apply to a violation of subsection (a) of this section as if the violation of subsection (a) were a violation of such section 1513. SEC. 10. DEFINITION. For the purposes of this Act-- (1) the term ``public transportation employees'' means security personnel, dispatchers, vehicle and vessel operators, other onboard employees, maintenance and support personnel, and other appropriate employees of owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems; and (2) the term ``public transportation systems'' means passenger, commuter, and light rail, including Amtrak and subways, buses, commuter ferries, and other modes of public transit.

Summary: Safe Transit and Rail Awareness and Investments for National Security Act of 2004 (Safe TRAINS Act) - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to improve the security of public transportation systems (including passenger, commuter, and light rail) against acts of terrorism. Sets forth grant uses and requirements. Directs grant recipients to submit to the Secretary their emergency response plan as well as a plan for conducting exercises for emergency response and public transportation employee training pursuant to guidelines published by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and disseminate to appropriate owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems (including public transportation employees), and Federal, State, and local officials, a report containing best practices for the security of public transportation systems; (2) develop a national plan for public outreach and awareness of measures the public can take to increase public transportation system security; (3) develop a strategic plan for the security of the Nation's public transportation systems; (4) execute in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, a Memorandum of Agreement governing the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, respectively, in addressing security matters for public transportation systems; and (5) establish National Transportation Security Centers at institutions of higher education to assist in carrying out this Act, to conduct research and education, and to develop or provide professional training of public transportation employees. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for employees or other persons who have commenced, testified at, or participated in, a proceeding to enhance public transportation security, or who have refused to violate or assist in the violation of any regulation related to public transportation security.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pro-Growth Budgeting Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. MACROECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSES. (a) In General.--Part A of title IV of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``macroeconomic impact analysis of major legislation ``Sec. 407. (a) Congressional Budget Office.--The Congressional Budget Office shall, to the extent practicable, prepare for each major bill or resolution reported by any committee of the House of Representatives or the Senate (except the Committee on Appropriations of each House), as a supplement to estimates prepared under section 402, a macroeconomic impact analysis of the budgetary effects of such bill or resolution for the ten fiscal-year period beginning with the first fiscal year for which an estimate was prepared under section 402 and each of the next three ten fiscal-year periods. Such estimate shall be predicated upon the supplemental projection described in section 202(e)(4). The Director shall submit to such committee the macroeconomic impact analysis, together with the basis for the analysis. As a supplement to estimates prepared under section 402, all such information so submitted shall be included in the report accompanying such bill or resolution. ``(b) Economic Impact.--The analysis prepared under subsection (a) shall describe the potential economic impact of the applicable major bill or resolution on major economic variables, including real gross domestic product, business investment, the capital stock, employment, interest rates, and labor supply. The analysis shall also describe the potential fiscal effects of the bill or resolution, including any estimates of revenue increases or decreases resulting from changes in gross domestic product. To the extent practicable, the analysis should use a variety of economic models in order to reflect the full range of possible economic outcomes resulting from the bill or resolution. The analysis (or a technical appendix to the analysis) shall specify the economic and econometric models used, sources of data, relevant data transformations, and shall include such explanation as is necessary to make the models comprehensible to academic and public policy analysts. ``(c) Definitions.--As used in this section-- ``(1) the term `macroeconomic impact analysis' means-- ``(A) an estimate of the changes in economic output, employment, interest rates, capital stock, and tax revenues expected to result from enactment of the proposal; ``(B) an estimate of revenue feedback expected to result from enactment of the proposal; and ``(C) a statement identifying the critical assumptions and the source of data underlying that estimate; ``(2) the term `major bill or resolution' means any bill or resolution if the gross budgetary effects of such bill or resolution for any fiscal year in the period for which an estimate is prepared under section 402 is estimated to be greater than .25 percent of the current projected gross domestic product of the United States for any such fiscal year; ``(3) the term `budgetary effect', when applied to a major bill or resolution, means the changes in revenues, outlays, deficits, and debt resulting from that measure; and ``(4) the term `revenue feedback' means changes in revenue resulting from changes in economic growth as the result of the enactment of any major bill or resolution.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents set forth in section 1(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 406 the following new item: ``Sec. 407. Macroeconomic impact analysis of major legislation.''. SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL CBO REPORT TO BUDGET COMMITTEES. Section 202(e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(4)(A) After the President's budget submission under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, in addition to the baseline projections, the Director shall submit to the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate a supplemental projection assuming extension of current tax policy for the fiscal year commencing on October 1 of that year with a supplemental projection for the 10 fiscal- year period beginning with that fiscal year, assuming the extension of current tax policy. ``(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term `current tax policy' means the tax policy in statute as of December 31 of the current year assuming-- ``(i) the budgetary effects of measures extending the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; ``(ii) the budgetary effects of measures extending the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; ``(iii) the continued application of the alternative minimum tax as in effect for taxable years beginning in 2011 pursuant to title II of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, assuming that for taxable years beginning after 2011 the exemption amount shall equal-- ``(I) the exemption amount for taxable years beginning in 2011, as indexed for inflation; or ``(II) if a subsequent law modifies the exemption amount for later taxable years, the modified exemption amount, as indexed for inflation; and ``(iv) the budgetary effects of extending the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax provisions of title III of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. ``(5) On or before July 1 of each year, the Director shall submit to the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Long-Term Budget Outlook for the fiscal year commencing on October 1 of that year and at least the ensuing 40 fiscal years.''. Passed the House of Representatives February 2, 2012. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Pro-Growth Budgeting Act of 2012 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare for each major bill or resolution reported by any congressional committee (except the congressional appropriations committees), as a supplement to CBO cost estimates, a macroeconomic impact analysis of the budgetary effects of such legislation for the 10-fiscal year period beginning with the first fiscal year for which such estimate was prepared and each of the next three 10-fiscal year periods. Defines "major bill or resolution" as any bill or resolution whose budgetary effects, for any fiscal year in the period for which a CBO cost estimate is prepared, is estimated to be greater than .25% of the current projected U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) for that fiscal year. Requires the analysis to describe: (1) the potential economic impact of the bill or resolution on major economic variables, including real GDP, business investment, the capital stock, employment, interest rates, and labor supply; and (2) the potential fiscal effects of the measure, including any estimates of revenue increases or decreases resulting from changes in GDP. Requires the analysis (or a technical appendix to it) to specify the economic and econometric models used, sources of data, relevant data transformations, as well as any explanation necessary to make the models comprehensible to academic and public policy analysts. (Sec. 3) Amends CBA to require the CBO Director, after the President's budget submission and in addition to the baseline projections, to report a supplemental projection to the congressional budget committees, assuming extension of current tax policy for the fiscal year commencing on October 1 of that year, with a supplemental projection for the 10-fiscal year period beginning with that fiscal year, again assuming the extension of current tax policy. Defines "current tax policy" as the tax policy in statute as of December 31 of the current year, assuming: (1) the budgetary effects of measures extending the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; (2) the continued application of the alternative minimum tax (AMT) as in effect for taxable years beginning in 2011, with a specified assumption for taxable years beginning after 2011; and (3) the budgetary effects of extending the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax provisions of title III of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Requires CBO to report to such committees, on or before July 1 of each year, the Long-Term Budget Outlook for: (1) the fiscal year commencing on October 1 of that year, and (2) at least the ensuing 40 fiscal years.