SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; PURPOSE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Safe NOW Act of 2006''. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a National Sex Offender Risk Classification Task Force to create guidelines for the establishment of a risk-based sex offender classification system that will-- (1) classify sex offenders based on the threat of danger each sex offender poses to the public; and (2) allow law enforcement agencies and the public to identify the most dangerous sex offenders listed in sex offender registries by using the classification system. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Sex offender registry.--The term ``sex offender registry'' means a registry of sex offenders, and a notification program, maintained by a jurisdiction. (2) Jurisdiction.--The term ``jurisdiction'' means any of the following: (A) A State. (B) The District of Columbia. (C) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (D) Guam. (E) American Samoa. (F) The Northern Mariana Islands. (G) The United States Virgin Islands. (H) Any Federally recognized Indian tribe. SEC. 3. NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER RISK CLASSIFICATION TASK FORCE. (a) Task Force Established.--There is established, under the general authority of the Attorney General, the National Sex Offender Risk Classification Task Force (referred to in this Act as the ``Task Force''). (b) Duties.-- (1) In general.--The Task Force shall-- (A) create preliminary guidelines for the establishment of a risk-based sex offender classification system; (B) administer the demonstration program under section 4; and (C) create final guidelines for the establishment of a risk-based sex offender classification system that shall be made available to jurisdictions for use in accordance with section 7, and that shall be created using the information gathered through-- (i) the demonstration program under section 4; and (ii) the activities of the working groups under paragraph (3). (2) Creation of guidelines.--In creating the guidelines required under this subsection, the Task Force shall consider-- (A) empirically-based assessment tools available to assess the dangers posed by sex offenders; (B) the methods used to classify sex offenders for the purposes of sex offender registries in use by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies as of the date of enactment of this Act, and how those methods differ from a risk-based sex offender classification system; (C) means by which information regarding the risk- based classification of sex offenders may be comprehensively and consistently disseminated to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and the public; (D) opportunities available to sex offenders (especially those who are not under court supervision) to change their risk-based classification, including voluntary participation in sex offender treatment and monitoring programs; and (E) any negative consequences that have resulted from Megan's Law (Public Law 104-145; 110 Stat. 1345), and steps that might be taken to reduce such negative consequences. (3) Working groups.--The Chair shall designate 5 working groups within the Task Force, each of which shall conduct one of the following activities: (A) Survey the methods of risk classification used by each jurisdiction, as of the date of enactment of this Act, and identify changes to such methods that jurisdictions could implement to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of sex offender registries. (B) Research and analyze the effectiveness of the most recently developed tools available (as of the date of enactment of this Act) to assess the dangers posed by sex offenders and to classify sex offenders based on risk. (C) Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Federal, State, and local sex offender registration and notification procedures in use as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and propose methods to improve any such weaknesses. (D) Analyze Federal, State, and local law enforcement agency procedures for community notification regarding sex offenders (as of the date of enactment of this Act), and determine the most appropriate procedures to notify communities regarding sex offenders of varying risk-based classifications. (E) Develop a resource guide that Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies may use to educate the public about the prevention of sex offenses, the dangers posed by sex offenders, the systems used to classify sex offenders, and the access and use of sex offender registries. (c) Membership.-- (1) In general.--The Task Force shall consist of 20 members, who shall be appointed by the Attorney General within 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and who shall include-- (A) the Chair; (B) one representative from each of the following: (i) the Safe NOW Project; (ii) the National Association to PROTECT Children; (iii) Parents For Megan's Law, Inc.; (iv) the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers; (v) the National Sheriffs' Association; (vi) the National Association of Police Organizations; (vii) the American Probation and Parole Association; (viii) the American Psychological Association; (ix) the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; (x) the Washington State Institute for Public Policy; (xi) the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (xii) the Office for Victims of Crime; (xiii) the Center for Sex Offender Management; (xiv) the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center; (xv) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (xvi) the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; and (C) three representatives of the academic community who specialize in risk assessment of sex offenders. (2) Selection criteria.--The Attorney General shall appoint to the Task Force a Chair and a diverse group of members who are knowledgeable in the fields of sex offender management, community education, risk assessment of sex offenders, and sex offender victim issues. (3) Terms; vacancies.--The term of office for members shall be for the life of the Task Force. A vacancy in the Task Force shall not affect the powers of the Task Force, and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. (4) Compensation.-- (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Chair and members of the Task Force shall be paid at the rate of $500 per day for each day, including travel time, during which he or she is engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the Task Force. (B) A member of the Task Force who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States or a Member of Congress shall receive no additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of his or her service to the Task Force. (C) All members of the Task Force shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties to the extent authorized by chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Meetings.-- (1) Frequency.--The Task Force shall meet not less than 4 times per year, at the call of the Chair. The Attorney General shall call the first meeting of the Task Force within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, or within 30 days after the date on which legislation is enacted making appropriations to carry out this Act, whichever date is later. (2) Record.--The Task Force shall maintain records of an active roster of membership, meeting minutes, and any other information the Chair may require. (3) Public meetings; notice.--Task Force meetings shall be open to the public, except as determined otherwise by the Chair (or other official to whom the authority has been delegated by the Chair). Notice of all meetings shall be published in the Federal Register not later than 30 days before the date of such meeting. (4) Closed meetings.--No later than 7 days after any Task Force meeting (or a portion of such a meeting) is closed to the public, a report shall be prepared for the Attorney General by a designated member the Task Force who was present for the entirety of such meeting, which shall contain, at a minimum, a list of individuals present and the activities conducted at such closed meeting. SEC. 4. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Task Force is authorized to carry out a demonstration program under which the Task Force shall award one grant to each of 5 selected jurisdictions to carry out the activities under subsection (b). (b) Program Activities.--A selected jurisdiction shall use a grant awarded under subsection (a) to-- (1) use the preliminary guidelines created by the Task Force under section 3(b) to implement a risk-based sex offender classification system to classify sex offenders registered in the jurisdiction's sex offender registry; (2) demonstrate the extent to which such preliminary guidelines provide for the successful implementation of an effective risk-based sex offender classification system; and (3) identify ways such preliminary guidelines may be improved to provide better guidance for the successful implementation of an effective risk-based sex offender classification system. (c) Applications.--A jurisdiction desiring to participate in the demonstration program shall submit an application to the Task Force at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Task Force may require. (d) Selection of Jurisdictions.-- (1) Not later than 9 months after the date of the first meeting of the Task Force, the Task Force shall select 5 jurisdictions to participate in the demonstration program from the applications received under subsection (c). (2) The Task Force shall develop criteria to select jurisdictions to participate in the demonstration program. In developing such criteria and selecting jurisdictions, the Task Force shall consider-- (A) the importance of the participation of demographically and geographically diverse jurisdictions in the demonstration program; and (B) the willingness and ability of jurisdictions to-- (i) collaborate with officials in such jurisdiction responsible for the management of sex offenders; (ii) report to the Task Force on the effectiveness of the preliminary guidelines created under section 3(b); (iii) provide recommendations to the Task Force regarding the improvement of such preliminary guidelines and the creation of final guidelines; and (iv) provide information about their participation in the demonstration program to other jurisdictions implementing a risk-based sex offender classification system. (e) Duration.--A grant awarded under this subsection shall be for the one-year period beginning on the date one year after the date of the first meeting of the Task Force, and shall not be renewable. (f) Assistance and Review.--The Task Force shall provide technical assistance as necessary to the jurisdictions selected to participate in the demonstration program, and shall document the demonstration program experience of each selected jurisdiction in the final report required under section 5. SEC. 5. REPORTS. (a) The Task Force shall provide to the Attorney General and to the relevant committees of Congress-- (1) not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Task Force, an initial report containing-- (A) preliminary guidelines for the establishment of a risk-based sex offender classification system to be used for the demonstration program under section 3; (B) a list of the jurisdictions selected to participate in such demonstration program; and (C) a summary of the activities conducted by, and the findings of, each working group under section 3(b)(3); and (2) not later than 6 months after the date of the expiration of the demonstration program grants made under section 4, a final report containing-- (A) final guidelines for the establishment of a risk-based sex offender classification system, as required under section 3(b); and (B) a summary of the information gathered through the demonstration program under section 4, including any information provided by the jurisdictions that participated in such program that was considered by the Task Force in the creation of the final guidelines under subparagraph (A). SEC. 6. TERMINATION OF TASK FORCE. The Task Force shall terminate 90 days after the final report under section 5 is provided to the Attorney General and the relevant committees of Congress. SEC. 7. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING USE OF GUIDELINES. It is the sense of Congress that each jurisdiction should use the final guidelines created by the Task Force under this Act to implement a risk-based sex offender classification system to classify sex offenders registered in such jurisdiction's sex offender registry. SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act (except for section 4), $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007, 2008, and 2009. (b) Demonstration Program.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the demonstration program under section 4.

Summary: Safe NOW Act of 2006 - Establishes the National Sex Offender Risk Classification Task Force to create guidelines for a risk-based sex offender classification system. Authorizes the Task Force to carry out demonstration programs in five selected jurisdictions to: (1) use the Task Force's preliminary guidelines to implement such a system for their sex offender registries; and (2) identify ways to improve such guidelines. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state, federally recognized Indian tribe, and U.S. possession and territory should use final Task Force guidelines to implement such a system for its registry.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Agency contract.--The term ``agency contract'' means an oral or written agreement in which a student athlete authorizes a person to negotiate or solicit on behalf of the student athlete a professional sports contract or an endorsement contract. (2) Athlete agent.--The term ``athlete agent'' means an individual who enters into an agency contract with a student athlete, or directly or indirectly recruits or solicits a student athlete to enter into an agency contract, and does not include a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or guardian of such student athlete, or an individual acting solely on behalf of a professional sports team or professional sports organization. (3) Athletic director.--The term ``athletic director'' means an individual responsible for administering the athletic program of an educational institution or, in the case that such program is administered separately, the athletic program for male students or the athletic program for female students, as appropriate. (4) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Trade Commission. (5) Endorsement contract.--The term ``endorsement contract'' means an agreement under which a student athlete is employed or receives consideration for the use by the other party of that individual's person, name, image, or likeness in the promotion of any product, service, or event. (6) Intercollegiate sport.--The term ``intercollegiate sport'' means a sport played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements for participation by a student athlete are established by a national association for the promotion or regulation of college athletics. (7) Professional sports contract.--The term ``professional sports contract'' means an agreement under which an individual is employed, or agrees to render services, as a player on a professional sports team, with a professional sports organization, or as a professional athlete. (8) State.--The term ``State'' includes a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (9) Student athlete.--The term ``student athlete'' means an individual who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be eligible in the future to engage in, any intercollegiate sport. An individual who is permanently ineligible to participate in a particular intercollegiate sport is not a student athlete for purposes of that sport. SEC. 3. REGULATION OF UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE ACTS AND PRACTICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONTACT BETWEEN AN ATHLETE AGENT AND A STUDENT ATHLETE. (a) Conduct Prohibited.--It is unlawful for an athlete agent to-- (1) directly or indirectly recruit or solicit a student athlete to enter into an agency contract, by-- (A) giving any false or misleading information or making a false promise or representation; or (B) providing anything of value to a student athlete or anyone associated with the student athlete before the student athlete enters into an agency contract; (2) enter into an agency contract with a student athlete without providing the student athlete with the disclosure document described in subsection (b); or (3) predate or postdate an agency contract. (b) Required Disclosure by Athlete Agents to Student Athletes.-- (1) In general.-- In conjunction with the entering into of an agency contract, an athlete agent shall provide to the student athlete, or, if the student athlete is under the age of 18 to such student athlete's parent or legal guardian, a disclosure document that meets the requirements of this subsection. Such disclosure document is separate from and in addition to any disclosure which may be required under State law. (2) Signature of student athlete.--The disclosure document must be signed by the student athlete, or, if the student athlete is under the age of 18 by such student athlete's parent or legal guardian, prior to entering into the agency contract. (3) Required language.--The disclosure document must contain, in close proximity to the signature of the student athlete, or, if the student athlete is under the age of 18, the signature of such student athlete's parent or legal guardian, a conspicuous notice in boldface type stating: ``Warning to Student Athlete: If you agree orally or in writing to be represented by an agent now or in the future you may lose your eligibility to compete as a student athlete in your sport. Within 72 hours after entering into this contract or before the next athletic event in which you are eligible to participate, whichever occurs first, both you and the agent by whom you are agreeing to be represented must notify the athletic director of the educational institution at which you are enrolled, or other individual responsible for athletic programs at such educational institution, that you have entered into an agency contract.''. SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT. (a) Unfair or Deceptive Act or Practice.--A violation of this Act shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)). (b) Actions by the Commission.--The Commission shall enforce this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. SEC. 5. ACTIONS BY STATES. (a) In General.-- (1) Civil actions.--In any case in which the attorney general of a State has reason to believe that an interest of the residents of that State has been or is threatened or adversely affected by the engagement of any athlete agent in a practice that violates section 3 of this Act, the State may bring a civil action on behalf of the residents of the State in a district court of the United States of appropriate jurisdiction to-- (A) enjoin that practice; (B) enforce compliance with this Act; (C) obtain damage, restitution, or other compensation on behalf of residents of the State; or (D) obtain such other relief as the court may consider to be appropriate. (2) Notice.-- (A) In general.--Before filing an action under paragraph (1), the attorney general of the State involved shall provide to the Commission-- (i) written notice of that action; and (ii) a copy of the complaint for that action. (B) Exemption.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to the filing of an action by an attorney general of a State under this subsection, if the attorney general determines that it is not feasible to provide the notice described in that subparagraph before filing of the action. In such case, the attorney general of a State shall provide notice and a copy of the complaint to the Commission at the same time as the attorney general files the action. (b) Intervention.-- (1) In general.--On receiving notice under subsection (a)(2), the Commission shall have the right to intervene in the action that is the subject of the notice. (2) Effect of intervention.--If the Commission intervenes in an action under subsection (a), it shall have the right-- (A) to be heard with respect to any matter that arises in that action; and (B) to file a petition for appeal. (c) Construction.--For purposes of bringing any civil action under subsection (a), nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent an attorney general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney general by the laws of that State to-- (1) conduct investigations; (2) administer oaths or affirmations; or (3) compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and other evidence. (d) Actions by the Commission.--In any case in which an action is instituted by or on behalf of the Commission for a violation of section 3, no State may, during the pendency of that action, institute an action under subsection (a) against any defendant named in the complaint in that action-- (e) Venue.--Any action brought under subsection (a) may be brought in the district court of the United States that meets applicable requirements relating to venue under section 1391 of title 28, United States Code. (f) Service of Process.--In an action brought under subsection (a), process may be served in any district in which the defendant-- (1) is an inhabitant; or (2) may be found. SEC. 6. PROTECTION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. (a) Notice Required.--Within 72 hours after entering into an agency contract or before the next athletic event in which the student athlete may participate, whichever occurs first, the athlete agent and the student athlete shall each inform the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student athlete is enrolled, or other individual responsible for athletic programs at such educational institution, that the student athlete has entered into an agency contract, and the athlete agent shall provide the athletic director with notice in writing of such a contract. (b) Civil Remedy.-- (1) In general.--An educational institution has a right of action against an athlete agent for damages caused by a violation of this Act. (2) Damages.--Damages of an educational institution may include losses and expenses incurred because, as a result of the conduct of the athlete agent, the educational institution was injured by a violation of this Act or was penalized, disqualified, or suspended from participation in athletics by a national association for the promotion and regulation of athletics, by an athletic conference, or by reasonable self- imposed disciplinary action taken to mitigate actions likely to be imposed by such an association or conference. (3) Costs and attorneys fees.--In an action taken under this section, the court may award to the prevailing party costs and reasonable attorneys fees. (4) Effect on other rights, remedies and defenses.--This section does not restrict the rights, remedies, or defenses of any person under law or equity. SEC. 7. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that States should enact the Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2000 drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, to protect student athletes and the integrity of amateur sports from unscrupulous sports agents. In particular, it is the sense of Congress that States should enact the provisions relating to the registration of sports agents, the required form of contract, the right of the student athlete to cancel an agency contract, the disclosure requirements relating to record maintenance, reporting, renewal, notice, warning, and security, and the provisions for reciprocity among the States.

Summary: Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act - Prohibits an agent from: (1) directly or indirectly recruiting or soliciting a student athlete to enter into an agency contract by giving false or misleading information or making a false promise or representation or by providing anything of value to the athlete before entering into such a contract; (2) entering into an agency contract with a student athlete without providing the required disclosure document; or (3) predating or postdating an agency contract.Requires an agent, in conjunction with the signing of an agency contract, to provide to the athlete a separate disclosure document that includes notice that if the athlete signs the contract he or she may lose eligibility to compete as a student athlete in that sport. Requires the student athlete to sign such document before signing the agency contract.Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes civil actions by State attorneys general under specified circumstances.Requires the agent and the athlete, within 72 hours after entering into an agency contract or before the next athletic event in which the athlete may participate, whichever occurs first, to provide notice to the educational institution that the athlete has entered into an agency contract. Grants an educational institution a right of action against an agent for damages caused by such agent's failure to provide such notice.Expresses the sense of Congress that States should enact the Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2000 drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws to protect student athletes and the integrity of amateur sports from unscrupulous sports agents.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Administration Accountability Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. AMENDING SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION BUDGETARY MATTERS. (a) Annual Budget.--Section 704(b)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 904(b)(1)(A)) is amended to read as follows: ``(b)(1)(A) The Commissioner shall prepare and submit an annual budget estimate for the Administration directly to the President and Congress.''. (b) Contents of Budget.--Section 704(b)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 904(b)(1)(B)) is amended to read as follows: ``(B) The Commissioner shall include in the annual budget prepared pursuant to subparagraph (A) the following: ``(i) The total number of cases pending at each hearing office, listed by hearing office, and an aggregate total of all cases pending at all hearing offices. ``(ii) The total number of cases pending for over the preceding year at each hearing office, listed by both hearing office and presiding administrative judge, and an aggregate total of all cases pending for over such year at all hearing offices. ``(iii) The average duration of time to process each case at each hearing office, listed by hearing office. ``(iv) The staffing levels at each hearing office and field office, including a listing of job titles, classifications, and the number of staff within each title and classification.''. (c) Comprehensive Work Force Plan.--Section 704(b)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 904(b)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Not later than 90 days before a revision of the comprehensive work force plan, the Commissioner shall submit the document setting forth the revision to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate.''. SEC. 3. CLOSURE OF FIELD OR HEARING OFFICES. (a) Moratorium on Closure or Consolidation of Field or Hearing Offices or New Limitations on Access to Such Offices.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commissioner of Social Security shall take no action on or after the date of the enactment of this Act to close or consolidate field or hearing offices of the Social Security Administration or to otherwise impose any new limitation on access to such offices. (2) Cessation of moratorium upon report to congress.-- Paragraph (1) shall cease to be effective 180 days after the Commissioner submits to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a detailed report outlining and justifying the process for selecting field or hearing offices to be closed or consolidated or otherwise to have limited access. Such report shall include-- (A) an analysis of the criteria used for selecting field or hearing offices for closure, consolidation, or limited access; (B) a description of how the Commissioner has analyzed and considered relevant factors, including but not limited to transportation and communication burdens faced by individuals serviced by the offices, including elderly and disabled citizens; and (C) a description of any method of cost-benefit analysis applied by the Commissioner in connection with closures and consolidations of field or hearing offices, and other limitations on access to field or hearing offices, including any analysis that takes into account-- (i) the anticipated savings resulting from the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access; (ii) the anticipated costs associated with replacing services lost by the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access; (iii) the anticipated effects on employees of the offices affected; and (iv) such other relevant factors as may be determined by the Commissioner, including but not limited to transportation and communication burdens faced by individuals serviced by the offices, including elderly and disabled citizens. (b) Requirements for Future Closures, Consolidations, and New Limitations on Access.-- (1) In general.--Section 704 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 904) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Field and Hearing Offices ``(f)(1) The Commissioner may not close a field or hearing office of the Administration, consolidate two or more such offices, or otherwise impose any new limitation on public access to any such office, unless the Commissioner complies with the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) in connection with the closure, consolidation, or limitation on public access. ``(2)(A) The requirements of this paragraph are met in connection with a closure, consolidation, or new limitation on access referred to in paragraph (1) only if-- ``(i) not later than 120 days before the date of the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access, the Commissioner provides effective public notice of the proposed closure, consolidation, or limitation on access (including, to the extent practicable, notice by direct mailing and through community outlets such as newspapers and posting in heavily frequented public spaces) to individuals residing in the area serviced by the affected office or offices; and ``(ii) not earlier than 30 days after the issuance of public notice pursuant to clause (i) and not later than 45 days before the date of the proposed closure, consolidation, or limitation on access, the Commissioner conducts at least 2 public hearings (scheduled so that the first and last such hearings are separated by at least 10 days), at which the Commissioner presents the justifications for the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access described in subparagraph (B) and provides for attendees an opportunity to present their views regarding the proposed closure, consolidation, or limitation on access. ``(B) The justifications referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall consist of the following: ``(i) an analysis of the criteria used for selecting the field or hearing office or offices for closure, consolidation, or limited access; ``(ii) a description of how the Commissioner has analyzed and considered relevant factors, including but not limited to transportation and communication burdens faced by individuals serviced by the offices, including elderly and disabled citizens; and ``(iii) a description of a method of cost-benefit analysis which shall be applied by the Commissioner in connection with the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access, and which shall take into account-- ``(I) the anticipated savings resulting from the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access; ``(II) the anticipated costs associated with replacing services lost by the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access; ``(III) the anticipated effects on employees of the offices affected; and ``(IV) such other relevant factors as may be determined by the Commissioner, including but not limited to transportation and communication burdens faced by individuals serviced by the offices, including elderly and disabled citizens. ``(C) The notice provided pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i) shall include notice of the time and place of the public hearings to be conducted pursuant to clause (A)(ii) and of the right of aggrieved individuals to appeal to the Commissioner regarding the proposed closure, consolidation, or limitation on access pursuant to paragraph (4). ``(3) The requirements of this paragraph are met in connection with a closure, consolidation, or limitation on access referred to in paragraph (1) only if, not later than 30 days before the date of the proposed closure, consolidation, or limitation on access, the Commissioner submits to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and each Member of the Congress representing a State or congressional district in which the affected office or offices are located a detailed final report in support of the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access. Such report shall include-- ``(A) the justifications described in paragraph (2)(B), (including any amendments made to such justifications after the public hearings conducted pursuant to paragraph (2)(A)); ``(B) any findings made by the Commissioner pursuant to the public hearings; ``(C) the status of any appeals regarding the closure, consolidation, or new limitation on access which were commenced pursuant to paragraph (4) before the date of the report; ``(D) the final decision of the Commissioner regarding the closure, consolidation, or new limitation on access; and ``(E) such other information as the Commissioner considers relevant. ``(4)(A) Upon timely request by any individual who makes a showing in writing described in subparagraph (B) in connection with a proposed closure, consolidation, or limitation on access referred to in subparagraph (A), the Commissioner shall give such individual an opportunity for a hearing with respect to the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access. The request for the hearing shall be considered timely only if it is made not later than 30 days before the proposed date of the closure, consolidation, or limitation on access. The Commissioner shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and each Member of the Congress representing a State or congressional district in which the affected office or offices are located the Commissioner's findings based on the hearing and a description of any action taken or to be taken by Commissioner on the basis of such findings. ``(B) A showing described in subparagraph (A) shall consist of a showing that-- ``(i) the determination of the Commissioner to close a field or hearing office, consolidate field or hearing offices, or impose a new limitation on access to a field or hearing office is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, not in accordance with law, or not based on substantial evidence; or ``(ii) the Commissioner has failed to observe procedures required by law in connection with the closure, consolidation, or new limitation on access.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall apply with respect to closures and consolidations of field or hearing offices and impositions of new limitations on access to such offices occurring after the cessation of the moratorium under subsection (a) of this section.

Summary: Social Security Administration Accountability Act of 2012 - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to require the Commissioner of Social Security to submit an annual budget estimate of the Social Security Administration (SSA) (instead of a budget) directly to Congress and the President (instead of first to the President, who would submit it to Congress). Revises requirements for the general contents of the SSA budget, requiring inclusion of the number of cases pending at each hearing office and the average processing time. Prohibits the Commissioner from closing or consolidating SSA field or hearing offices, or otherwise limiting public access to one, until 180 days after submitting to specified congressional committees a detailed report outlining and justifying the process for selecting field offices to be closed, consolidated, or otherwise have limited access. Prohibits the Commissioner from closing an SSA field or hearing office, consolidating two or more such offices, or otherwise imposing any new limitation on public access to any such office unless the Commissioner follows certain administrative procedures.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Port of Entry Personnel and Infrastructure Funding Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Northern border.--The term ``Northern border'' means the international border between the United States and Canada. (2) Port of entry.--The term ``port of entry'' includes land, air, and sea ports of entry into the United States. (3) Southern border.--The term ``Southern border'' means the international border between the United States and Mexico. SEC. 3. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION PERSONNEL. (a) Staff Enhancements for Customs Officers.--In addition to positions authorized as of the date of the enactment of this Act, United States Customs and Border Protection shall hire, train, and assign to duty during fiscal years 2009 through 2012-- (1) 2,000 full-time officers to serve on primary inspection lanes at land ports of entry on the Northern border and the Southern border; (2) 1,000 full-time officers to serve on primary inspection lanes at air and sea ports of entry on the Northern border and the Southern border; (3) 600 supervisory full-time officers to serve on the Northern border and the Southern border; and (4) 200 support staff for ports of entry along the Northern border and the Southern border. (b) Staff Enhancements for Customs Officers in Texas.--In addition to positions authorized on the date of the enactment of this Act, United States Customs and Border Protection shall hire, train, and assign to duty during fiscal years 2009 through 2012-- (1) 750 full-time officers to serve on primary inspection lines at land ports of entry in Texas; and (2) 500 full-time officers to serve on primary inspection lines at air and sea ports of entry in Texas. (c) Waiver of FTE Limitation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive any limitation on the number of full-time equivalent personnel assigned to the Department of Homeland Security in order to fulfill the requirements under subsections (a) and (b). (d) Secure Communication and Equipment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, ensure that all United States Customs and Border Protection agents and officers are equipped with secure 2-way communication and satellite-enabled devices to ensure communication between agents and ports of entry, patrol, and inspection stations, and other Federal, State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. (e) Retention Incentives, Training, and Salaries.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, ensure that the requirements under this subsection are met. (2) Training.-- (A) New hires.--All new United States Customs and Border Protection officers (including new supervisory officers) shall receive initial law enforcement training at the Federal Law Enforcement Center. Such training shall include-- (i) at least 30 hours of training on immigration and nationality law; (ii) language training to ensure proficiency in Spanish and in any other language frequently used by aliens on the Southern border, unless such officers have already demonstrated proficiency in such languages; (iii) training on the law and standards governing the use of force in apprehension and detention of aliens; and (iv) training on ethics and substance abuse. (B) Existing cbp officers.--All existing United States Customs and Border Protection officers shall receive annual law enforcement training in a manner, and at such locations, as prescribed by the Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection. Such refresher training shall include-- (i) at least 10 hours on immigration and nationality law, including recent changes through legislative action, litigation, administrative regulations, and policy interpretations of the Department of Homeland Security; (ii) refresher training on the law and standards governing the use of force in apprehension and detention of aliens; and (iii) training on ethics and substance abuse. (3) Recruitment and retention bonuses.--To the extent necessary to retain qualified United States Customs and Border Protection port of entry officers and border patrol agents, the Secretary may pay recruitment incentives that are not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000. (4) Special rules for incentive payments.-- (A) In general.--Any recruitment incentive payment shall be paid to each new employee, in a lump sum, after the employee has entered on duty and completed 6 months of service. (B) Retention incentives.--A retention incentive payment shall-- (i) be paid to an employee, in a lump sum, at the end of the fiscal year in which the qualified employee is selected by the Secretary, or a delegate of the Secretary, for receipt of such payment; (ii) not be limited solely to work performance, but may be based on criteria such as-- (I) longevity of service and experience; (II) comparative salaries for law enforcement officers in other Federal agencies; and (III) costs for replacement and training of a new employee; (iii) be contingent upon the selected employee signing an agreement, under penalty of perjury, to remain in Federal service at his or her current location for at least 3 years; (iv) be subject to reimbursement if the employee fails to complete the required 3 years of Federal service due to voluntary or involuntary separation from service. (f) Salaries.--Section 101(b) of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (8 U.S.C. 1711(b)) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations for CBP Employees.--There are authorized to be appropriated to United States Customs and Border Protection such sums as may be necessary to increase, beginning January 1, 2008, the annual rate of basic pay for United States Customs and Border Protection employees who have completed at least 1 year of service-- ``(1) to the annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS-12 of the General Schedule under subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, for officers and agents who have been paid at the annual rate of basic pay payable for a position at GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-8, or GS-9 of the General Schedule; ``(2) to the annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS-12, step 10, GS-13, or GS-14, step 1, respectively, of the General Schedule, for supervisory officers and supervisory border patrol agents who have been paid at an annual rate of pay payable for positions at GS-10, GS-11, or GS-12 of the General Schedule; and ``(3) to the annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS-8, GS-9, or GS-10, respectively, of the General Schedule, for assistants who have been paid at an annual rate of pay payable for positions at GS-5, GS-6, or GS-7 of the General Schedule.''. SEC. 4. PORTS OF ENTRY INFRASTRUCTURE. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may-- (1) construct additional ports of entry along the Northern border and the Southern border; and (2) determine the location for new ports of entry, except as provided under subsection (c). (b) Consultation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate locations for new ports of entry after consultation with the Secretary of Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, appropriate representatives of States, local governments, and Indian tribes, and property owners in the United States. Such consultations shall be designed to minimize the impact of the new ports of entry on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life for the communities and residents located near the proposed sites at which the such ports of entry will be constructed. (c) Expansion of Texas Ports of Entry.-- (1) Eagle pass.--The Secretary shall expand the vehicle, cargo, and pedestrian inspection lanes at the Eagle Pass, Texas port of entry by 6 additional primary and secondary inspection lanes by the end of fiscal year 2012. (2) Laredo.--The Secretary shall expand the vehicle, cargo, and pedestrian inspection lanes at the Laredo, Texas port of entry by 6 additional primary and secondary inspection lanes by the end of fiscal year 2012. SEC. 5. EXEMPTION FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT AND THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT. (a) Administrative Procedures Act.--Chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Administrative Procedure Act''), and any other law relating to rulemaking, information collection, or publication in the Federal Register, shall not apply to any action to implement this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, to the extent the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, or the Secretary of Labor determines that compliance with any such requirement would impede the expeditious implementation of this Act or the amendments made by this Act. (b) Paperwork Reduction Act.--Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act''), shall not apply to any action to implement this Act or the amendments made by this Act to the extent the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, or the Secretary of Labor determines that compliance with any such requirement would impede the expeditious implementation of such Act or the amendments made by this Act. SEC. 6. EXEMPTION FROM GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING AND HIRING RULES. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in implementing this Act-- (1) the competition requirements under section 303 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253) shall not apply; (2) any executive agency entering into a contract to implement this Act may use noncompetitive procedures in accordance with section 303(c) of such Act; (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security may enter into contracts to implement the programs described in this Act in advance of the receipt of any fees imposed on any beneficiary or petitioner for benefits under this Act; (4) the Secretary may not collect fees in excess of the amount necessary to defray the costs of the programs described in this Act; (5) the Secretary may appoint employees on a term, temporary limited, or part-time basis without regard to-- (A) the number of such employees; (B) the ratio between the number of such employees and the number of permanent full-time employees; and (C) the duration of such employees' employment; and (6) nothing in chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, shall affect the authority of any Department of Homeland Security management official to hire employees under this subsection on a temporary limited or part-time basis. (b) Limitations on Judicial Review.--The determination of an executive agency under section 303 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act (41 U.S.C. 253(c)) shall not be subject to challenge by protest to-- (1) the Government Accountability Office under subchapter V of chapter 35 of title 31, United States Code; or (2) the Court of Federal Claims under section 1491 of title 28, United States Code. (c) Reports.--Any executive agency exercising the authority granted under subsections (a) and (b) shall-- (1) immediately submit written notification to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; and (2) submit a quarterly report on the estimated obligations incurred pursuant to the authority granted under subsection (b). SEC. 7. AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE LEASEHOLDS. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may acquire a leasehold interest in real property, and may provide in a lease entered into under this section for the construction or modification of any facility on the leased property, if the Secretary determines that the acquisition of such interest, and such construction or modification, are necessary to facilitate the implementation of this Act. SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--In addition to any funds otherwise available, there are authorized to be appropriated-- (1) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to carry out subsections (a) and (b) of section 3; (2) $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to carry out section 3(d); (3) $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to carry out section 3(e)(1); (4) $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to carry out section 3(e)(3); (5) such sums as may be necessary to carry out section 3(f) for fiscal year 2008 and for each succeeding fiscal year; and (6) $400,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2010 to carry out section 4. (b) International Agreements.--In addition to any funds otherwise made available, there are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for continued implementation of-- (1) the Secure Border Initiative, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the US-VISIT program on the Northern border and the Southern border; and (2) the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.

Summary: Emergency Port of Entry Personnel and Infrastructure Funding Act of 2007 - Directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for FY2009-FY2012 to hire, train, and assign additional customs and border protection personnel (with an additional allotment for Texas) for the Northern and Southern U.S. borders. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to ensure such personnel are equipped with secure two-way communication devices and that existing personnel and new hires receive law enforcement training. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) construct additional ports of entry along the Northern and Southern U.S. borders; and (2) determine the location for new U.S. ports of entry. Requires expansion of the vehicle, cargo, and pedestrian inspection lanes at Eagle Pass, Texas, and Laredo, Texas. Exempts the provisions of this Act from: (1) the Administrative Procedures Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act; and (2) federal competitive contracting and hiring requirements. Authorizes appropriations, including for continued implementation of: (1) the Secure Border Initiative, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the US-VISIT program; and (2) the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) Senator Mark O. Hatfield and Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse served the United States with distinction and honor; (2) Senator Hatfield and Congresswoman Furse have had a lasting impact on the relationship between the United States and Native Americans; (3) Senator Hatfield and Congresswoman Furse have been champions of the rights of Native Americans and Alaska Natives and worked in Congress to strengthen tribal self-governance; and (4) it is a fitting tribute to the leadership, courage, and bipartisan spirit that Senator Mark O. Hatfield and Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse exemplify to establish in their names programs to encourage excellence in tribal government. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Board of Trustees of the Foundation established under section 4(b). (2) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means a citizen or national of the United States or a permanent resident alien of the United States. (3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Foundation established by section 4(a). (4) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Mark O. Hatfield- Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Fund established by section 7. (5) Institute.--The term ``Institute'' means the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University. (6) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (7) State.--The term ``State'' means-- (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) American Samoa; (D) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; (E) Guam; (F) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; (G) the Federal States of Micronesia; (H) the Republic of Palau; (I) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (J) the United States Virgin Islands. SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MARK O. HATFIELD-ELIZABETH FURSE SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN TRIBAL GOVERNANCE FOUNDATION. (a) Establishment.--There is established as an independent entity in the Executive branch the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Foundation. (b) Board of Trustees.-- (1) In general.--The Foundation shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a Board of Trustees. (2) Membership.--The Board shall be comprised of 12 trustees, of whom-- (A) 2 trustees shall be individuals appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, after considering recommendations of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the minority leader of the House of Representatives; (B) 2 trustees shall be individuals appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, after considering recommendations of the President pro tempore of the Senate, in consultation with the majority and minority leaders of the Senate; (C) 5 trustees, not more than 3 trustees of whom shall be of the same political party, shall be individuals appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who have demonstrated leadership and interest in strengthening tribal self- governance, such as tribal leaders involved in health and public policy development affecting Native American and Alaska Native communities; (D) 1 trustee shall be the Secretary of the Interior; (E) 1 trustee shall be the Secretary of Education; and (F) 1 trustee shall be the president of Portland State University, who shall serve as a nonvoting member and shall not be eligible to serve as Chairperson. (c) Term.-- (1) In general.--The term of a member of the Board shall be 6 years, except that-- (A) in the case of the trustees first taking office-- (i) as designated by the President, 1 trustee appointed under subsection (b)(2)(B) and 2 trustees appointed under subsection (b)(2)(C) shall serve 2 years; (ii) as designated by the President, 1 trustee appointed under subsection (b)(2)(A) and 2 trustees appointed under subsection (b)(2)(C) shall serve 4 years; and (iii) as designated by the President, 1 trustee appointed under subsection (b)(2)(A), 1 trustee appointed under subsection (b)(2)(B), and 1 trustee appointed under subsection (b)(2)(C) shall serve 6 years; and (B) a trustee appointed to fill a vacancy shall-- (i) serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the trustee was appointed; and (ii) be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment for that vacancy was made. (d) Travel and Subsistence Pay.--A trustee shall serve without pay, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of a member of the Board. (e) Location of Foundation.--The Foundation shall be located in Portland, Oregon. (f) Executive Director.-- (1) In general.--There shall be an Executive Director of the Foundation, who shall be appointed by the Board. (2) Duties.--The Executive Director-- (A) shall be the chief executive officer of the Foundation; and (B) shall carry out the functions of the Foundation, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board, and such other functions consistent with this Act as the Board shall prescribe. (3) Compensation.--The Executive Director shall be compensated at the rate specified for an employee in level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 5. PURPOSES. The purposes of the Foundation shall be-- (1) to develop resources to properly train Native American and Alaska Native tribal council members in self-government and related fields; (2) to foster among people in the United States greater recognition and understanding of the role of tribal self- government in the development of the United States; (3) to identify critical issues facing tribal governments; (4) to establish a program for tribal governance research at the Institute; and (5) to provide educational outreach regarding tribal self- government. SEC. 6. AUTHORITY OF THE FOUNDATION. (a) In General.--The Foundation, in consultation with the Institute, may identify and conduct such programs, activities, and services as the Foundation considers appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Foundation. (b) Programs, Activities, and Services.--The Foundation may, in accordance with this section-- (1) award scholarships, fellowships, internships, and grants; and (2) provide grants to the Institute to carry out and manage other programs, activities, and services. (c) National Competition.--The Foundation may provide, directly or by contract, for the conduct of national competition for the purpose of selecting recipients of scholarships, fellowships, internships, and grants awarded under this Act. (d) Award of Scholarships, Fellowships, Internships, and Grants.-- (1) In general.--The Foundation may award scholarships, fellowships, internships, and grants to eligible individuals who meet the minimum criteria established by the Foundation, for study in fields relating to tribal governance. (2) Elizabeth furse scholars.--Recipients of scholarships, fellowships, internships, and grants under this Act shall be known as ``Elizabeth Furse Scholars''. (e) Scholarships.-- (1) In general.--The Foundation may award scholarships to outstanding-- (A) undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers relating to tribal governance; and (B) Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in tribal public policy. (2) Payments.--An eligible individual awarded a scholarship under this Act may receive payments under this Act only during such periods as the Foundation determines that the eligible individual-- (A) is maintaining satisfactory proficiency and devoting full time to study or research; and (B) is not engaging in gainful employment other than employment approved by the Foundation under regulations of the Board. (3) Reports.-- (A) In general.--The Foundation may require reports containing such information, in such form, and to be filed at such times as the Foundation determines to be necessary from any eligible individual awarded a scholarship under this Act. (B) Certificate.--Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, a report under subparagraph (A) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an appropriate official at the institution of higher education, approved by the Foundation, stating that the individual is making satisfactory progress in, and is devoting essentially full time to, study or research. (f) Fellowships.--The Foundation may award fellowships to-- (1) outstanding graduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in fields relating to tribal governance; (2) outstanding Native American and Alaska Native graduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in tribal public policy, law, or medicine; and (3) faculty from a variety of disciplines to bring the expertise of the faculty to the Foundation. (g) Internships.--The Foundation may award internships to deserving and qualified-- (1) individuals, for use in participating in internships in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major tribal governance organizations; and (2) Native American and Alaska Native individuals, for use in participating in internships in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major public health or public policy organizations. (h) Grants.--The Foundation shall award grants to the Institute-- (1) to provide for an annual panel of experts to discuss contemporary tribal governance issues; (2) to conduct tribal governance policy research; (3) to conduct research on Native American and Alaska Native tribal public policy issues; and (4) to invite visiting policymakers to share practical experiences with the Foundation. (i) Coordination.--The Foundation shall assist in the development and implementation of a program for tribal governance research to be located at the Institute. (j) Program Priorities.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Foundation shall determine-- (A) the priority of the programs to be carried out under this Act; and (B) the amount of funds to be allocated for the programs. (2) Requirements.--Of amounts made available to carry out this section-- (A) not less than 50 percent shall be used for the programs described in subsections (e), (f), and (g); (B) not less than 20 percent shall be made available to the Institute to carry out subsections (h) and (i), on the conditions that-- (i) a 25-percent matching share is provided from other non-Federal sources; and (ii) adequate space at the Institute is made available by the Institute for the Executive Director and other appropriate staff of the Foundation; and (C) not more than 15 percent shall be used for salaries and other administrative purposes. SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF MARK O. HATFIELD-ELIZABETH FURSE SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN TRIBAL GOVERNANCE TRUST FUND. (a) Establishment of Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the ``Mark O. Hatfield- Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Trust Fund'', to be administered by the Foundation, consisting of amounts appropriated to the fund under section 10. (b) Investment of Fund Assets.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest in full, at the direction of the Board, the amounts appropriated to the Fund. (2) Eligible investments.--The investments shall be in public debt securities with maturities suitable for the needs of the Fund. (3) Interest.--Investments in public debt securities shall bear interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity. SEC. 8. EXPENDITURES AND AUDIT OF TRUST FUND. (a) In General.--The Foundation shall pay from the interest and earnings of the Fund such amounts as the Board determines are appropriate to enable the Foundation to carry out this Act. (b) Audit by Government Accountability Office.-- (1) In general.--The activities of the Foundation and the Institute under this Act may be audited by the Government Accountability Office under such regulations as may be promulgated by the Comptroller General of the United States. (2) Access.--Representatives of the Government Accountability Office shall have access to all books, accounts, records, reports filed and all other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by the Foundation and the Institute that pertain to federally-assisted activities and are necessary to facilitate the audit. SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. To carry out this Act, the Foundation may-- (1) appoint, and fix the compensation of, such personnel as are necessary to carry out this Act, except that in no case shall an employee other than the Executive Director be compensated at a rate that exceeds the maximum rate for employees in grade GS-15 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code; (2) procure or fund the Institute to procure temporary and intermittent services of such experts and consultants as are necessary to the extent authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the rate specified at the time of such service for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code; (3) promulgate such regulations as the Foundation considers to be necessary governing the manner in which the functions of the Foundation shall be carried out; (4) accept, hold, administer, and use gifts, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Foundation; (5) accept and use the services of voluntary and noncompensated personnel and reimburse such personnel for travel expenses, including per diem expenses, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code; (6) enter into contracts, grants, or other arrangements or modifications of contracts, grants, or arrangements to carry out this Act, which contracts, grants, arrangements, and modifications may, with the concurrence of at least \2/3\ of the members of the Board, be entered into without performance bond or other bond, and without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5); and (7) make other necessary expenditures. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $50,000,000.

Summary: Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent entity of the executive branch the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Foundation to be located in Portland, Oregon, to: (1) develop resources to properly train Native American and Alaska Native tribal council members in self-government and related fields; (2) foster greater recognition and understanding of the role of tribal self-government in the development of the United States; (3) identify critical issues facing tribal governments in the Nation; (4) establish a program for tribal goverance research at the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University; and (5) provide educational outreach regarding tribal self-government. Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships, fellowships, internships, and grants to eligible individuals who meet the minimum criteria established by the Foundation for study in fields relating to tribal governance. Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers relating to tribal goverance, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives intending to pursue careers in tribal public policy. Authorizes the Foundation to award fellowships to: (1) outstanding graduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in fields relating to tribal governance, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives intending to pursue advanced degrees in tribal public policy, law, or medicine; and (2) faculty from a variety of disciplines to bring their expertise to the Foundation. Authorizes the Foundation to award internships to deserving and qualified: (1) individuals to work in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major tribal governance organizations; and (2) Native American and Alaska Native individuals to work in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major public health or public policy organizations. Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Institute to: (1) provide for an annual panel of experts to discuss contemporary tribal governance issues; (2) conduct research in tribal governance policy and on Native American and Alaska Native tribal public policy issues; and (4) invite visiting policymakers to share practical experiences with the Foundation. Establishes in the Treasury the Mark O. Hatfield- Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Trust Fund to be administered by the Foundation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. Extension of program. Sec. 4. Data standardization. Sec. 5. Spending policies for assistance under State TANF programs. Sec. 6. Technical corrections. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF PROGRAM. (a) Family Assistance Grants.--Section 403(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(1) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking `` each of fiscal years 1996'' and all that follows through ``2003'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2012''; (2) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) by inserting ``(as in effect just before the enactment of the Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act)'' after ``this paragraph'' the 1st place it appears; and (B) by inserting ``(as so in effect)'' after ``this paragraph'' the 2nd place it appears; and (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2003'' and inserting ``2012''. (b) Healthy Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grants.-- Section 403(a)(2)(D) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2012''. (c) Maintenance of Effort Requirement.--Section 409(a)(7) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``fiscal year'' and all that follows through ``2013'' and inserting ``a fiscal year''; and (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii)-- (A) by striking ``for fiscal years 1997 through 2012,''; and (B) by striking ``407(a) for the fiscal year,'' and inserting ``407(a),''. (d) Tribal Grants.--Section 412(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 612(a)) is amended in each of paragraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A) by striking ``each of fiscal years 1997'' and all that follows through ``2003'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2012''. (e) Studies and Demonstrations.--Section 413(h)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 613(h)(1)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 1997 through 2002'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2012''. (f) Census Bureau Study.--Section 414(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 614(b)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 1996'' and all that follows through ``2003'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2012''. (g) Child Care Entitlement.--Section 418(a)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 618(a)(3)) is amended by striking ``appropriated'' and all that follows and inserting ``appropriated $2,917,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''. (h) Grants to Territories.--Section 1108(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1308(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``for fiscal years 1997 through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2012''. (i) Prevention of Duplicate Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012.-- Expenditures made pursuant to the Short-Term TANF Extension Act (Public Law 112-35) for fiscal year 2012 shall be charged to the applicable appropriation or authorization provided by the amendments made by this section for such fiscal year. (j) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. DATA STANDARDIZATION. (a) In General.--Section 411 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 611) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Data Standardization.-- ``(1) Standard data elements.-- ``(A) Designation.--The Secretary, in consultation with an interagency work group which shall be established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State and tribal perspectives, shall, by rule, designate standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported under this part. ``(B) Requirements.--In designating the standard data elements, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable-- ``(i) ensure that the data elements are nonproprietary and interoperable; ``(ii) incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by an international voluntary consensus standards body, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, such as the International Organization for Standardization; ``(iii) incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model; and ``(iv) incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. ``(2) Data reporting standards.-- ``(A) Designation.--The Secretary, in consultation with an interagency work group established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State and tribal perspectives, shall, by rule, designate standards to govern the data reporting required under this part. ``(B) Requirements.--In designating the data reporting standards, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate existing nonproprietary standards, such as the eXtensible Business Reporting Language. Such standards shall, to the extent practicable-- ``(i) incorporate a widely-accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable format; ``(ii) be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles; and ``(iii) be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary.''. (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to information required to be reported on or after October 1, 2012. SEC. 5. SPENDING POLICIES FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER STATE TANF PROGRAMS. (a) State Requirement.--Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(12) State requirement to prevent unauthorized spending of benefits.-- ``(A) In general.--A State to which a grant is made under section 403 shall maintain policies and practices as necessary to prevent assistance provided under the State program funded under this part from being used in any electronic benefit transfer transaction in-- ``(i) any liquor store; ``(ii) any casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment; or ``(iii) any retail establishment which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. ``(B) Definitions.--For purposes of subparagraph (A)-- ``(i) Liquor store.--The term `liquor store' means any retail establishment which sells exclusively or primarily intoxicating liquor. Such term does not include a grocery store which sells both intoxicating liquor and groceries including staple foods (within the meaning of section 3(r) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(r))). ``(ii) Casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment.--The terms `casino', `gambling casino', and `gaming establishment' do not include a grocery store which sells groceries including such staple foods and which also offers, or is located within the same building or complex as, casino, gambling, or gaming activities. ``(iii) Electronic benefit transfer transaction.--The term `electronic benefit transfer transaction' means the use of a credit or debit card service, automated teller machine, point-of-sale terminal, or access to an online system for the withdrawal of funds or the processing of a payment for merchandise or a service.''. (b) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(16) Penalty for failure to enforce spending policies.-- ``(A) In general.--If, within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, any State has not reported to the Secretary on such State's implementation of the policies and practices required by section 408(a)(12), or the Secretary determines, based on the information provided in State reports, that any State has not implemented and maintained such policies and practices, the Secretary shall reduce, by an amount equal to 5 percent of the State family assistance grant, the grant payable to such State under section 403(a)(1) for-- ``(i) the fiscal year immediately succeeding the year in which such 2-year period ends; and ``(ii) each succeeding fiscal year in which the State does not demonstrate that such State has implemented and maintained such policies and practices. ``(B) Reduction of applicable penalty.--The Secretary may reduce the amount of the reduction required under subparagraph (A) based on the degree of noncompliance of the State. ``(C) State not responsible for individual violations.--Fraudulent activity by any individual in an attempt to circumvent the policies and practices required by section 408(a)(12) shall not trigger a State penalty under subparagraph (A).''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 409(c)(4) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(c)(4)) is amended by striking ``or (13)'' and inserting ``(13), or (16)''. SEC. 6. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. (a) Section 404(d)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 604(d)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``subtitle 1 of Title'' and inserting ``Subtitle 1 of title''. (b) Sections 407(c)(2)(A)(i) and 409(a)(3)(C) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 607(c)(2)(A)(i) and 609(a)(3)(C)) are each amended by striking ``403(b)(6)'' and inserting ``403(b)(5)''. (c) Section 409(a)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(2)(A)) is amended by moving clauses (i) and (ii) 2 ems to the right. (d) Section 409(c)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(c)(2)) is amended by inserting a comma after ``appropriate''. (e) Section 411(a)(1)(A)(ii)(III) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 611(a)(1)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended by striking the last close parenthesis. Passed the House of Representatives December 15, 2011. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV to extend the TANF program through FY2012. Directs the Secretary of HHS to designate standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported under TANF. Requires states to maintain policies and practices necessary to prevent the use of state TANF assistance in any transaction in any: (1) liquor store; (2) casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment; or (3) retail establishment which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. Prescribes an administrative penalty for states which failure to enforce such requirement.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Productivity Innovation Challenge Act of 2015'' or the ``EPIC Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to assist energy policy innovation in the States to promote the goal of doubling electric and thermal energy productivity by January 1, 2030. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Energy productivity.--The term ``energy productivity'' means, in the case of a State or Indian tribe, the gross State or tribal product per British thermal unit of energy consumed in the State or tribal land of the Indian tribe, respectively. (2) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). (3) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6202). SEC. 4. PHASE 1: INITIAL ALLOCATION OF GRANTS TO STATES. (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue an invitation to States to submit plans to participate in an electric and thermal energy productivity challenge in accordance with this section. (b) Grants.-- (1) In general.--Subject to section 7, the Secretary shall use funds made available under section 8(b)(1) to provide an initial allocation of grants to not more than 25 States. (2) Amount.--The amount of a grant provided to a State under this section shall be not less than $500,000 nor more than $1,750,000. (c) Submission of Plans.--To receive a grant under this section, not later than 90 days after the date of issuance of the invitation under subsection (a), a State (in consultation with energy utilities, regulatory bodies, and others) shall submit to the Secretary an application to receive the grant by submitting a revised State energy conservation plan under section 362 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6322). (d) Decision by Secretary.-- (1) Basis.--The Secretary shall base the decision of the Secretary on an application submitted under this section on-- (A) plans for improvement in electric and thermal energy productivity consistent with this Act; and (B) other factors determined appropriate by the Secretary, including geographic diversity. (2) Ranking.--The Secretary shall-- (A) rank revised plans submitted under this section in order of the greatest to least likely contribution to improving energy productivity in the State; and (B) provide grants under this section in accordance with the ranking and the scale and scope of a plan. (e) Plan Requirements.--A plan submitted under subsection (c) shall provide-- (1) a description of the manner in which-- (A) energy savings will be monitored and verified and energy productivity improvements will be calculated using inflation-adjusted dollars; (B) a statewide baseline of energy use and potential resources for calendar year 2010 will be established to measure improvements; (C) the plan will promote achievement of energy savings and demand reduction goals; (D) public and private sector investments in energy efficiency will be leveraged with available Federal funding; and (E) the plan will not cause cost-shifting among utility customer classes or negatively impact low- income populations; and (2) an assurance that-- (A) the State energy office required to submit the plan, the energy utilities in the State participating in the plan, and the State public service commission are cooperating and coordinating programs and activities under this Act; (B) the State is cooperating with local units of government, Indian tribes, and energy utilities to expand programs as appropriate; and (C) grants provided under this Act will be used to supplement and not supplant Federal, State, or ratepayer-funded programs or activities in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Uses.--A State may use grants provided under this section to promote-- (1) the expansion of policies and programs that will advance industrial energy efficiency, waste heat recovery, combined heat and power, and waste heat-to-power utilization; (2) the expansion of policies and programs that will advance energy efficiency construction and retrofits for public and private commercial buildings (including schools, hospitals, and residential buildings, including multifamily buildings) such as through expanded energy service performance contracts, equivalent utility energy service contracts, zero net-energy buildings, and improved building energy efficiency codes; (3) the expansion of residential policies and programs designed to implement best practice policies and tools for residential retrofit programs that-- (A) reduce administrative and delivery costs for energy efficiency projects; (B) encourage streamlining and automation to support contractor engagement; and (C) implement systems that encourage private investment and market innovation; (4) the establishment or expansion of incentives in the electric utility sector to enhance demand response and energy efficiency, including consideration of additional incentives to promote the purposes of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)), such as appropriate, cost-effective policies regarding rate structures, grid improvements, behavior change, combined heat and power and waste heat-to-power incentives, financing of energy efficiency programs, data use incentives, district heating, and regular energy audits; and (5) leadership by example, in which State activities involving both facilities and vehicle fleets can be a model for other action to promote energy efficiency and can be expanded with Federal grants provided under this Act. SEC. 5. PHASE 2: SUBSEQUENT ALLOCATION OF GRANTS TO STATES. (a) Reports.--Not later than 18 months after the receipt of grants under section 4, each State (in consultation with other parties described in subsection (b)(3)(F)) that received grants under section 4 may submit to the Secretary a report that describes-- (1) the performance of the programs and activities carried out with the grants; and (2) in consultation with other parties described in subsection (b)(3)(F), the manner in which additional funds would be used to carry out programs and activities to promote the purposes of this Act. (b) Grants.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the receipt of the reports required under subsection (a), subject to section 7, the Secretary shall use amounts made available under section 8(b)(2) to provide grants to not more than 6 States to carry out the programs and activities described in subsection (a)(2). (2) Amount.--The amount of a grant provided to a State under this section shall be not more than $15,000,000. (3) Basis.--The Secretary shall base the decision of the Secretary to provide grants under this section on-- (A) the performance of the State in the programs and activities carried out with grants provided under section 4; (B) the potential of the programs and activities described in subsection (a)(2) to achieve the purposes of this Act; (C) the desirability of maintaining a total project portfolio that is geographically and functionally diverse; (D) the amount of non-Federal funds that are leveraged as a result of the grants to ensure that Federal dollars are leveraged effectively; (E) plans for continuation of the improvements after the receipt of grants under this Act; and (F) demonstrated effort by the State to involve diverse groups, including-- (i) investor-owned, cooperative, and public power utilities; (ii) local governments; and (iii) nonprofit organizations. SEC. 6. ALLOCATION OF GRANTS TO INDIAN TRIBES. (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall invite Indian tribes to submit plans to participate in an electric and thermal energy productivity challenge in accordance with this section. (b) Submission of Plans.--To receive a grant under this section, not later than 90 days after the date of issuance of the invitation under subsection (a), an Indian tribe shall submit to the Secretary a plan to increase electric and thermal energy productivity by the Indian tribe. (c) Decision by Secretary.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the submission of plans under subsection (b), the Secretary shall make a final decision on the allocation of grants under this section. (2) Basis.--The Secretary shall base the decision of the Secretary under paragraph (1) on-- (A) plans for improvement in electric and thermal energy productivity consistent with this Act; (B) plans for continuation of the improvements after the receipt of grants under this Act; and (C) other factors determined appropriate by the Secretary, including-- (i) geographic diversity; and (ii) size differences among Indian tribes. (3) Limitation.--An individual Indian tribe shall not receive more than 20 percent of the total amount available to carry out this section. SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION. (a) Independent Evaluation.--To evaluate program performance and effectiveness under this Act, the Secretary shall consult with the National Research Council regarding requirements for data and evaluation for recipients of grants under this Act. (b) Coordination With State Energy Conservation Programs.-- (1) In general.--Grants to States under this Act shall be provided through additional funding to carry out State energy conservation programs under part D of title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.). (2) Relationship to state energy conservation programs.-- (A) In general.--A grant provided to a State under this Act shall be used to supplement (and not supplant) funds provided to the State under part D of title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.). (B) Minimum funding.--A grant shall not be provided to a State for a fiscal year under this Act if the amount of funding provided to all State grantees under the base formula for the fiscal year under part D of title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.) is less than $50,000,000. (c) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a State in a challenge established under this Act shall be voluntary. SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $100,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. (b) Allocation.--Of the total amount of funds made available under subsection (a)-- (1) 30 percent shall be used to provide an initial allocation of grants to States under section 4; (2) 61 percent shall be used to provide a subsequent allocation of grants to States under section 5; (3) 4 percent shall be used to make grants to Indian tribes under section 6; and (4) 5 percent shall be available to the Secretary for the cost of administration and technical support to carry out this Act. SEC. 9. OFFSET. Section 422(f) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17082(f)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the end; and (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: ``(4) $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015; ``(5) $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and ``(6) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.''.

Summary: Energy Productivity Innovation Challenge Act of 2015 or the EPIC Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a voluntary electric and thermal energy productivity challenge grant program for providing support to states for: advancing industrial energy efficiency, waste heat recovery, combined heat and power, and waste heat-to-power utilization; advancing energy efficiency construction and retrofits for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings; expanding residential policies and programs designed to implement best practice policies and tools for residential retrofit programs that reduce administrative and delivery costs for energy efficiency projects, encourage streamlining and automation to support contractor engagement, and implement systems that encourage private investment and market innovation; establishing or expanding incentives in the electric utility sector to enhance demand response and energy efficiency; and promoting state activities involving both facilities and vehicle fleets than can be a model for other action to promote energy efficiency. DOE must: (1) provide subsequent grants for activities to assist energy policy innovation in the states and to promote the goal of doubling electric and thermal energy productivity by January 1, 2030, and (2) invite Indian tribes to participate in the productivity challenge grant program. As an offset to the cost of this bill, the bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reduce the authorized amount of appropriations for FY2016-FY2017 for the Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative.