TITLE I--INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION SEC. 101. PARTICIPATION IN THE THIRTEENTH REPLENISHMENT OF THE RESOURCES OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. The International Development Association Act (22 U.S.C. 284-284s) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 22. THIRTEENTH REPLENISHMENT. ``(a) Contribution Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--The United States Governor of the Association may contribute on behalf of the United States an amount equal to the amount appropriated under subsection (b), pursuant to the resolution of the Association entitled `Additions to IDA Resources: Thirteenth Replenishment'. ``(2) Subject to appropriations.--Any commitment to make the contribution authorized by paragraph (1) shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts. ``(b) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For the contribution authorized by subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury, without fiscal year limitation.''. SEC. 102. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. Title XV of the International Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262o--262o-2) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 1504. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. ``(a) Achievement of Certain Policy Goals.--The Secretary of Treasury should instruct the United States Executive Director at each multilateral development institution to inform the institution of the following United States policy goals, and to work toward achieving the goals at the institution before June 30, 2005: ``(1) No later than 60 calendar days after the Board of Directors of the institution approves the minutes of a Board meeting, the institution shall post on its website an electronic version of the minutes, with material deemed too sensitive for public distribution redacted. ``(2) The institution shall keep a written transcript or electronic recording of each meeting of its Board of Directors and preserve the transcript or recording for at least 10 years after the meeting. ``(3) All public sector loan documents, country assistance strategies, sector strategies, and sector policies prepared by the institution and presented for endorsement or approval by its Board of Directors, with materials deemed too sensitive for public distribution redacted or withheld, shall be made available to the public 15 calendar days before consideration by the Board or, if not then available, when the documents are distributed to the Board. ``(4) The institution shall post on its website an annual report containing statistical summaries and case studies of the fraud and corruption cases pursued by its investigations unit. ``(5) The institution shall require that any health, education, or poverty-focused loan, credit, grant, document, policy, or strategy prepared by the institution includes specific outcome and output indicators to measure results, and that the indicators and results be published periodically during the execution, and at the completion, of the project or program. ``(b) Publication of Written Statements Regarding Inspection Mechanism Cases.--No later than 60 calendar days after a meeting of the Board of Directors of a multilateral development institution, the Secretary of the Treasury should provide for publication on the website of the Department of the Treasury of any written statement presented at the meeting by the United States Executive Director at the institution concerning-- ``(1) a project on which a claim has been made to the inspection mechanism of the institution; or ``(2) a pending inspection mechanism case. ``(c) Congressional Briefings.--At the request of the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Secretary of the Treasury or the designee of the Secretary should brief the requesting committee on the steps that have been taken by the United States Executive Director at any multilateral development institution, and by any such institution, to implement the measures described in this section. ``(d) Publication of `No' Votes and Abstentions by the United States.--Each month, the Secretary of the Treasury should provide for posting on the website of the Department of the Treasury of a record of all `no' votes and abstentions made by the United States Executive Director at any multilateral development institution on any matter before the Board of Directors of the institution. ``(e) Multilateral Development Institution Defined.--In this section, the term `multilateral development institution' shall have the meaning given in section 1701(c)(3).''. TITLE II--ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND SEC. 201. PARTICIPATION IN THE SEVENTH REPLENISHMENT OF THE RESOURCES OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND. The Asian Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 285-285aa) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 31. ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO SPECIAL FUNDS. ``(a) Contribution Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--The United States Governor of the Bank may contribute on behalf of the United States an amount equal to the amount appropriated under subsection (b), pursuant to the resolution of the Bank entitled `Seventh Replenishment of the Asian Development Fund'. ``(2) Subject to appropriations.--Any commitment to make the contribution authorized by paragraph (1) shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts. ``(b) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For the contribution authorized by subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury, without fiscal year limitation.''. TITLE III--AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND SEC. 301. PARTICIPATION IN THE NINTH REPLENISHMENT OF THE RESOURCES OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND. The African Development Fund Act (22 U.S.C. 290g--290g-15) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 217. NINTH REPLENISHMENT. ``(a) Contribution Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--The United States Governor of the Fund may contribute on behalf of the United States an amount equal to the amount appropriated under subsection (b), pursuant to the resolution of the Fund entitled `The Ninth General Replenishment of Resources of the African Development Fund'. ``(2) Subject to appropriations.--Any commitment to make the contribution authorized by paragraph (1) shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts. ``(b) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For the contribution authorized by subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury, without fiscal year limitation.''.

Summary: Amends specified Federal laws to authorize appropriations for: (1) the U.S. contribution to the thirteenth replenishment of the International Development Association; (2) the U.S. contribution to the seventh replenishment of the Asian Development Fund; and (3) the U.S. contribution to the ninth replenishment of the African Development Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at each multilateral development institution to inform such institution of specified U.S. policy goals (and to work toward achieving such goals at the institution before June 30, 2005). Requires each institution to: (1) post on its website an electronic version of Board of Directors meeting minutes within 60 days after any such meeting, with material deemed too sensitive for public distribution redacted; (2) keep a written transcript or electronic recording of each Board meeting and preserve it for at least ten years; (3) make available to the public 15 days before Board consideration (or if not then available, when the documents are distributed to the Board) all public sector loan documents, country assistance strategies, sector strategies, and sector policies prepared by the institution and presented for Board endorsement or approval; (4) post on its website an annual report of statistical summaries and case studies of fraud and corruption cases pursued by its investigations unit; and (5) require any health, education, or poverty-focused loan, credit, grant, document, policy, or strategy prepared by it to include specific outcome and output indicators to measure results, and that such indicators and results be published periodically during execution, and at the completion, of the project or program. Urges the Secretary no later than 60 days after a meeting of the Board of a multilateral development institution to provide for publication on the Department of the Treasury's website of the institution's written statements regarding inspection mechanism claims and cases.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Environmental Risk Evaluation Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND POLICY. (a) Definitions.--As used in this section: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Adverse effect on human health.--The term ``adverse effect on human health'' includes any increase in the rate of death or serious illness, including disease, cancer, birth defects, reproductive dysfunction,developmental effects (including effects on the endocrine and nervous systems), and other impairments in bodily functions. (3) Risk.--The term ``risk'' means the likelihood of an occurrence of an adverse effect on human health, the environment, or public welfare. (4) Source of pollution.--The term ``source of pollution'' means a category or class of facilities or activities that alter the chemical, physical, or biological character of the natural environment. (b) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment are useful but imperfect tools that serve to enhance the information available in developing environmental regulations and programs; (2) cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment can also serve as useful tools in setting priorities and evaluating the success of environmental protection programs; (3) cost and risk are not the only factors that need to be considered in evaluating environmental programs as other factors, including values and equity, must also be considered; (4) current methods for valuing ecological resources and assessing intergenerational effects of sources of pollution need further development before integrated rankings of sources of pollution based on the factors referred to in paragraph (3) can be used with high levels of confidence; (5) methods to assess and describe the risks of adverse human health effects, other than cancer, need further development before integrated rankings of sources of pollution based on the risk to human health can be used with high levels of confidence; (6) periodic reports by the Administrator on the costs and benefits of regulations promulgated under Federal environmental laws, and other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare, will provide Congress and the general public with a better understanding of-- (A) national environmental priorities; and (B) expenditures being made to achieve reductions in risk to human health, the environment, and public welfare; and (7) periodic reports by the Administrator on the costs and benefits of environmental regulations will also-- (A) provide Congress and the general public with a better understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and uncertainties of cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment and the research needed to reduce major uncertainties; and (B) assist Congress and the general public in evaluating environmental protection regulations and programs, and other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare, to determine the extent to which the regulations, programs, and actions adequately and fairly protect affected segments of society. (c) Report on Environmental Priorities, Costs, and Benefits.-- (1) Ranking.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall identify and, taking into account available data, to the extent practicable, rank sources of pollution with respect to the relative degree of risk of adverse effects on human health, the environment, and public welfare. (B) Method of ranking.--In carrying out the rankings under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall-- (i) rank the sources of pollution considering the extent and duration of the risk; and (ii) take into account broad societal values, including the role of natural resources in sustaining economic activity into the future. (2) Evaluation of regulatory and other costs.--In addition to carrying out the rankings under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall evaluate-- (A) the private and public costs associated with each source of pollution and the costs and benefits of complying with regulations designed to protect against risks associated with the sources of pollution; and (B) the private and public costs and benefits associated with other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare, including direct development projects, grant and loan programs to support infrastructure construction and repair, and permits, licenses, and leases to use natural resources or to release pollution to the environment, and other similar actions. (3) Risk reduction opportunities.--In assessing risks, costs, and benefits as provided in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator shall also identify reasonable opportunities to achieve significant risk reduction through modifications in environmental regulations and programs and other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare. (4) Uncertainties.--In evaluating the risks referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator shall-- (A) identify the major uncertainties associated with the risks; (B) explain the meaning of the uncertainties in terms of interpreting the ranking and evaluation; and (C) determine-- (i) the type and nature of research that would likely reduce the uncertainties; and (ii) the cost of conducting the research. (5) Consideration of benefits.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consider and, to the extent practicable, estimate the monetary value, and such other values as the Administrator determines to be appropriate, of the benefits associated with reducing risk to human health and the environment, including-- (A) avoiding premature mortality; (B) avoiding cancer and noncancer diseases that reduce the quality of life; (C) preserving biological diversity and the sustainability of ecological resources; (D) maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment; (E) valuing services performed by ecosystems (such as flood mitigation, provision of food or material, or regulating the chemistry of the air or water) that, if lost or degraded, would have to be replaced by technology; (F) avoiding other risks identified by the Administrator; and (G) considering the benefits even if it is not possible to estimate the monetary value of the benefits in exact terms. (6) Reports.-- (A) Preliminary report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall report to Congress on the sources of pollution and other Federal actions that the Administrator will address, and the approaches and methodology the Administrator will use, in carrying out the rankings and evaluations under this section. The report shall also include an evaluation by the Administrator of the need for the development of methodologies to carry out the ranking. (B) Periodic report.-- (i) In general.--On completion of the ranking and evaluations conducted by the Administrator under this section, but not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall report the findings of the rankings and evaluations to Congress and make the report available to the general public. (ii) Evaluation of risks.--Each periodic report prepared pursuant to this subparagraph shall, to the extent practicable, evaluate risk management decisions under Federal environmental laws, including title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (commonly known as the ``Safe Drinking Water Act'') (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.), that present inherent and unavoidable choices between competing risks, including risks of controlling microbial versus disinfection contaminants in drinking water. Each periodic report shall address the policy of the Administrator concerning the most appropriate methods of weighing and analyzing the risks, and shall incorporate information concerning-- (I) the severity and certainty of any adverse effect on human health, the environment, or public welfare; (II) whether the effect is immediate or delayed; (III) whether the burden associated with the adverse effect is borne disproportionately by a segment of the general population or spread evenly across the general population; and (IV) whether a threatened adverse effect can be eliminated or remedied by the use of an alternative technology or a protection mechanism. (d) Implementation.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall-- (1) consult with the appropriate officials of other Federal agencies and State and local governments, members of the academic community, representatives of regulated businesses and industry, representatives of citizen groups, and other knowledgeable individuals to develop, evaluate, and interpret scientific and economic information; (2) make available to the general public the information on which rankings and evaluations under this section are based; and (3) establish methods for determining costs and benefits of environmental regulations and other Federal actions, including the valuation of natural resources and intergenerational costs and benefits, by rule after notice and opportunity for public comment. (e) Review by the Science Advisory Board.--Before the Administrator submits a report prepared under this section to Congress, the Science Advisory Board, established by section 8 of the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 4365), shall conduct a technical review of the report in a public session.

Summary: Environmental Risk Evaluation Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) rank sources of pollution with respect to the relative degree of risk of adverse effects on human health, the environment, and public welfare; (2) evaluate the private and public costs associated with each pollution source and the costs and benefits of complying with regulations designed to protect against risks associated with such pollution; and (3) evaluate the public and private costs and benefits associated with other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare. Requires the Administrator to identify opportunities to achieve risk reduction through modifications in environmental regulations and programs and other Federal actions with impacts on health, the environment, or public welfare. Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify the major uncertainties associated with the risks and explain the meaning of the uncertainties in terms of interpreting the ranking and evaluation; and (2) determine the type and nature of research that would likely reduce such uncertainties and the cost of conducting such research. Requires the Administrator to consider and estimate the monetary and other values of the benefits associated with reducing risk to health and the environment. Establishes triennial reporting requirements with respect to rankings and evaluations and requires such reports to evaluate risk management decisions under Federal environmental laws that present inherent and unavoidable choices between competing risks. Provides for review of reports by the Science Advisory Board prior to submission.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1995''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Section 6002(7) of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. 2451(7)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``declining'' after ``perceived''; and (2) by striking ``the growing local interest,'' and inserting ``the increasing need for local planning and management on a metropolitan statistical area basis,''. SEC. 3. AIRPORTS AUTHORITY. (a) Board of Directors.--Section 6007 of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. 2456) is amended by striking subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) and inserting the following: ``(e) Board of Directors.-- ``(1) Appointment.--The Airports Authority shall be governed by a board of directors of 11 members as follows: ``(A) 1 member shall be appointed by the Governor of Virginia. ``(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia. ``(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Governor of Maryland. ``(D) 2 members shall be appointed by the Virginia State legislature. ``(E) 2 members shall be appointed by those representatives from Virginia local governments who are on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. ``(F) 2 members shall be appointed by those representatives from the District of Columbia government who are on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. ``(G) 2 members shall be appointed by those representatives from Maryland local governments who are on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The Chairman shall be appointed from among the members by a majority vote of the members and shall serve until replaced by a majority vote of the members. ``(2) Restrictions.--Members (A) shall serve without compensation other than reasonable expenses incident to board functions, and (B) must reside within the Washington Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area. ``(3) Terms.--Members shall be appointed for terms of 4 years. ``(4) Required number of votes.--7 votes shall be required to approve bond issues and the annual budget. ``(f) Airport Noise.-- ``(1) Balanced environmental protection.--In order to protect the public from the impact of aircraft noise and at the same time provide for suitable air transportation service to the Washington Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area, a proposed action of the board of directors which could result in a change in the impact of aircraft noise in the vicinity of a Metropolitan Washington Airport may not take unless, at least 60 days before the action is to take effect, the board of directors-- ``(A) notifies, in writing, the Committee on Noise Abatement at National and Dulles Airports of the Washington Council of Governments of the action for the purpose of allowing such committee the opportunity to review, and submit comments on, the action; and ``(B) submits, in writing, to such committee a response to any comment of such committee with respect to the action within 30 days after the date of receipt of such comment.''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the amendments made by sections 2 and 3 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Limitation on Applicability.--Persons appointed as members of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on the date of the enactment of this Act shall continue to serve on such board until their respective terms expire under former section 6007(e). (c) Initial Appointments.-- (1) Virginia appointments.--The Governor of Virginia shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(A) a person to fill the vacancy of the first member appointed by the Governor of Virginia under former section 6007(e)(1)(A) whose term expires after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Virginia State legislature shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(D) persons to fill the vacancies of the second and third members appointed by the Governor under former section 6007(e)(1)(A) whose terms expire after such date of enactment. Representatives from Virginia local governments shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(E) persons to fill the vacancies of the fourth and fifth members appointed by the Governor under former section 6007(e)(1)(A) whose terms expire after such date of enactment. (2) District of columbia appointments.--The Mayor of the District of Columbia shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(B) a person to fill the vacancy of the first member appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia under former section 6007(e)(1)(B) whose term expires after the date of the enactment of this Act. Representatives from the District of Columbia government shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(F) persons to fill the vacancies of the second and third such members appointed by the Mayor under former section 6007(e)(1)(B) whose terms expire after such date of enactment. (3) Maryland appointments.--The Governor of Maryland shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(C) a person to fill the vacancy of the first member appointed by the Governor of Maryland under former section 6007(e)(1)(C) whose term expires after the date of the enactment of this Act. Representatives from Maryland local governments shall appoint under new section 6007(e)(1)(G)-- (A) a person to fill the vacancy of the second member appointed by the Governor under former section 6007(e)(1)(C) whose term expires after such date of enactment; and (B) a person to fill the vacancy of the member appointed by the President under former section 6007(e)(1)(D) when the term of such member expires after such date of enactment. (d) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Former section 6007(e).--The term ``former section 6007(e)'' means section 6007(e) of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) New section 6007(e).--The term ``new section 6007(e)'' means section 6007(e) of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986, as amended by section 3 of this Act.

Summary: Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise congressional findings with respect to the two federally owned airports in the Washington metropolitan area to declare a perceived declining limited need for a Federal role in the management of these airports and increasing need for local planning and management on a metropolitan statistical area basis. (Sec. 3) Revises the composition of the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Repeals the mandate for and authority of a Board of Review of the Airports Authority, thus abolishing it. Prohibits any proposed action of the Board of Directors which could result in a change in the impact of aircraft noise in the vicinity of a Metropolitan Washington Airport unless, at least 60 days before the action is to take effect, it: (1) notifies the Committee on Noise Abatement at National and Dulles Airports of the Washington Council of Governments of the action to allow them an opportunity to review, and submit comments on, such action; and (2) submits to such committee a response to any committee comment with respect to such action. (Sec. 4) Requires persons appointed as members of the Board upon the enactment of this Act to continue to serve until their original terms expire. Provides for the appointment of persons to fill vacancies on the Board.


SECTION 1. NATIONAL TESTS. (a) OERI Annual Spending Plan.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a spending plan for activities funded through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement for each fiscal year, prior to the obligation of any funds for the fiscal year. (b) Exclusive Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the National Assessment Governing Board established under section 412 of the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 9011) (hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Board'') shall hereafter have exclusive authority over all policies, direction, and guidelines for establishing and implementing voluntary national tests for 4th grade English reading and 8th grade mathematics. (c) Availability.--The tests described in subsection (b) shall be made available to a State, local educational agency, or private or parochial school, upon the request of the State, agency, or school, and the use of the tests shall not be a condition for receiving any Federal funds. (d) Contract.-- (1) In general.--Within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall review the national test development contract in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, and modify the contract as the Board determines necessary. If the contract cannot be modified to the extent determined necessary by the Board, the contract shall be terminated and the Board shall negotiate a new contract, under the Board's exclusive control, for the tests. (2) Board duties.--In exercising the Board's responsibilities under paragraph (1) regarding the national tests, and notwithstanding any action undertaken by the Department of Education or a person contracting with or providing services for the Department regarding the planning, or the development of specifications, for the tests, the Board shall-- (A) ensure that the content and standards for the tests are the same as the content and standards for the National Assessment; (B) exercise exclusive authority over any expert panel or advisory committee that will be or is established with respect to the tests; (C) ensure that the tests are linked to the National Assessment to the maximum degree possible ; (D) develop test objectives, test specifications, and test methodology; (E) develop policies for test administration, including guidelines for inclusion of, and accommodations for, students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency; (F) develop policies for reporting test results, including the use of standards or performance levels, and for test use; (G) have final authority over the appropriateness of all test items; (H) ensure that all items selected for use on the tests are free from racial, cultural, or gender bias; and (I) take such actions and make such policies as the Board determines necessary. (e) Consent Required.--No State or local educational agency may require any private or parochial school student, or home-schooled individual, to take any test developed under this Act without the written consent of the student or individual. (f) NAGB Amendments.--Section 412 of the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 9011) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(1)-- (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ``(A) three Governors, or former Governors, of whom not more than 1 shall be a member of the same political party as the President;''; (B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: ``(B) two State legislators, of whom not more than 1 shall be a member of the same political party as the President;''; (C) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``one representative'' and inserting ``three representatives''; (D) by amending subparagraph (I) to read as follows: ``(I) two mayors, of whom not more than 1 shall be a member of the same political party as the President;''; (E) by striking subparagraph (J); and (F) by redesignating subparagraphs (K), (L), and (M) as subparagraphs (J), (K), and (L), respectively; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and may not exceed a period of 3'' and inserting ``and shall be for periods of 4''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``consecutive'' after ``two''; (3) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows: ``(d) Vacancies.--As vacancies on the Board occur, new members of the Board shall be appointed by the Secretary from among individuals who are nominated by the Board after consultation with representatives of the individuals described in subsection (b)(1). For each vacancy, the Board shall nominate at least 3 individuals who are qualified by experience or training to fill the particular Board vacancy.''; and (4) in subsection (e) by adding at the end the following: ``(7) Independence.--In the exercise of its functions, powers, and duties, the Board shall be independent of the Secretary and the other offices and officers of the Department. The Secretary shall, by written delegation of authority, authorize the Board to award grants and contracts, and otherwise operate, to the maximum extent practicable, independent of the Department.''. (g) Appointments.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the Senate, shall appoint individuals to fill vacancies on the National Assessment Governing Board caused by the expiration of the terms of members of the Board, or the creation of new membership positions on the Board pursuant to amendments made by this Act.

Summary: Directs the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement, before any funds are obligated for a fiscal year, to submit to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a spending plan for activities funded through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement for such year. Gives to the National Assessment Governing Board (established under the National Education Statistics Act of 1994) exclusive authority over all policies, direction, and guidelines for establishing and implementing voluntary national tests for fourth grade English reading and eighth grade mathematics. Requires such tests to be made available, upon request, to a State, local educational agency, or private or parochial school. Prohibits making the use of such tests a condition for receiving any Federal funds. Directs the Board to review the current national test development contract, and modify it as necessary, or terminate it and negotiate a new contract under the Board's exclusive control. Sets forth Board responsibilities with respect to development of, and content and standards for, such tests. Prohibits a State or local educational agency from requiring any private or parochial school student, or home-schooled individual, to take any test developed under this Act without the student's or individual's written consent. Amends the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 to: (1) revise requirements for appointment of Board members; and (2) provide that the Board, in its exercise of its functions, powers, and duties, shall be independent of the Secretary of Education and the other offices and officers of the Department of Education. Directs the Secretary to appoint individuals to fill vacancies on the Board caused by expiration of member terms or creation of new membership positions under this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The industrialization of China and India has driven demand for nonfuel mineral commodities, sparking a period of resource nationalism exemplified by China's reduction in exports of rare-earth elements necessary for telecommunications, military technologies, healthcare technologies, and conventional and renewable energy technologies. (2) The availability of minerals and mineral materials are essential for economic growth, national security, technological innovation, and the manufacturing and agricultural supply chain. (3) The exploration, production, processing, use, and recycling of minerals contribute significantly to the economic well-being, security and general welfare of the Nation. (4) The United States has vast mineral resources, but is becoming increasingly dependent upon foreign sources of these mineral materials, as demonstrated by the following: (A) Twenty-five years ago the United States was dependent on foreign sources for 30 nonfuel mineral materials, 6 of which the United States imported 100 percent of the Nation's requirements, and for another 16 commodities the United States imported more than 60 percent of the Nation's needs. (B) By 2011 the United States import dependence for nonfuel mineral materials had more than doubled from 30 to 67 commodities, 19 of which the United States imported 100 percent of the Nation's requirements, and for another 24 commodities, imported more than 50 percent of the Nation's needs. (C) The United States share of world wide mineral exploration dollars was 8 percent in 2011, down from 19 percent in the early 1990s. (D) In the 2012 Ranking of Countries for Mining Investment, out of 25 major mining countries, the United States ranked last with Papua New Guinea in permitting delays, and towards the bottom regarding government take and social issues affecting mining. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Strategic and critical minerals.--The term ``strategic and critical minerals'' means minerals that are necessary-- (A) for national defense and national security requirements; (B) for the Nation's energy infrastructure, including pipelines, refining capacity, electrical power generation and transmission, and renewable energy production; (C) to support domestic manufacturing, agriculture, housing, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure; and (D) for the Nation's economic security and balance of trade. (2) Agency.--The term ``agency'' means any agency, department, or other unit of Federal, State, local, or tribal government, or Alaska Native Corporation. (3) Mineral exploration or mine permit.--The term ``mineral exploration or mine permit'' includes plans of operation issued by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service pursuant to 43 CFR 3809 and 36 CFR 228A respectively. TITLE I--DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC SOURCES OF STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MINERALS SEC. 101. IMPROVING DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MINERALS. Domestic mines that will provide strategic and critical minerals shall be considered an ``infrastructure project'' as described in Presidential Order ``Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects'' dated March 22, 2012. SEC. 102. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEAD AGENCY. (a) In General.--The lead agency with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit shall appoint a project lead who shall coordinate and consult with other agencies, cooperating agencies, project proponents and contractors to ensure that agencies minimize delays, set and adhere to timelines and schedules for completion of reviews, set clear permitting goals and track progress against those goals. (b) The lead agency with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit shall determine any such action would not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 if the procedural and substantive safeguards of the lead agency's permitting process alone, any applicable State permitting process alone, or a combination of the two processes together provide an adequate mechanism to ensure that environmental factors are taken into account. (c) The lead agency with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit shall enhance government coordination on permitting and review by avoiding duplicative reviews, minimizing paperwork and engaging other agencies and stakeholders early in the process. The lead agency shall consider the following best practices: (1) Deferring to and relying upon baseline data, analysis and reviews preformed by State agencies with jurisdiction over the proposed project. (2) Conducting reviews concurrently rather than sequentially to the extent practicable and when such concurrent review will expedite rather than delay a decision. (d) At the request of a project proponent, the project lead of the agency with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit shall enter into an agreement with the project proponent and other cooperating agencies that sets time limits for each part of the permit review process including the following: (1) The decision on whether to prepare a document required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (2) A determination of the scope of any document required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (3) The scope of and schedule for the baseline studies required to prepare a document required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (4) Preparation of any draft document required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (5) Preparation of a final document required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (6) Consultations required under applicable laws. (7) Submission and review of any comments required under applicable law. (8) Publication of any public notices required under applicable law. (9) A final or any interim decisions. (e) In no case should the total review process described in subsection (d) exceed 30 months unless agreed to by the signatories of the agreement. (f) The lead agency is not required to address agency or public comments that were not submitted during the public comment periods provided by the lead agency or otherwise required by law. (g) The lead agency will determine the amount of financial assurance for reclamation of a mineral exploration or mining site, which must cover the estimated cost if the lead agency were to contract with a third party to reclaim the operations according to the reclamation plan, including construction and maintenance costs for any treatment facilities necessary to meet Federal, State or tribal environmental standards. (h) This section shall apply with respect to a mineral exploration or mine permit for which an application was submitted before the date of the enactment of this Act if the applicant for the permit submits a written request to the lead agency for the permit. The lead agency shall begin implementing this section with respect to such application within 30 days after receiving such written request. (i) With respect to strategic and critical materials within a federally administered unit of the National Forest System, the lead agency shall-- (1) exempt all areas of identified mineral resources in Land Use Designations, other than Non-Development Land Use Designations, in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act from the procedures detailed at and all rules promulgated under part 294 of title 36, Code for Federal Regulations; (2) apply such exemption to all additional routes and areas that the lead agency finds necessary to facilitate the construction, operation, maintenance, and restoration of the areas of identified mineral resources described in paragraph (1); and (3) continue to apply such exemptions after approval of the Minerals Plan of Operations for the unit of the National Forest System. SEC. 103. CONSERVATION OF THE RESOURCE. In developing the mineral exploration or mine permit, the priority of the lead agency shall be to maximize the development of the mineral resource, while mitigating environmental impacts, so that more of the mineral resource can be brought to the market place. SEC. 104. FEDERAL REGISTER PROCESS FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION AND MINING PROJECTS. (a) Preparation of Federal Notices for Mineral Exploration and Mine Development Projects.--The preparation of Federal Register notices required by law associated with the issuance of a mineral exploration or mine permit shall be delegated to the organization level within the agency responsible for issuing the mineral exploration or mine permit. All Federal Register notices regarding official document availability, announcements of meetings, or notices of intent to undertake an action shall be originated and transmitted to the Federal Register from the office where documents are held, meetings are held, or the activity is initiated. (b) Departmental Review of Federal Register Notices for Mineral Exploration and Mining Projects.--Absent any extraordinary circumstance or except as otherwise required by any Act of Congress, each Federal Register notice described in subsection (a) shall undergo any required reviews within the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture and be published in its final form in the Federal Register no later than 30 days after its initial preparation. TITLE II--JUDICIAL REVIEW OF AGENCY ACTIONS RELATING TO EXPLORATION AND MINE PERMITS SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS FOR TITLE. In this title the term ``covered civil action'' means a civil action containing a claim under section 702 of title 5, United States Code, regarding agency action affecting a mineral exploration or mine permit. SEC. 202. TIMELY FILINGS. A covered civil action is barred unless filed no later than the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the final Federal agency action to which it relates. SEC. 203. EXPEDITION IN HEARING AND DETERMINING THE ACTION. The court shall endeavor to hear and determine any covered civil action as expeditiously as possible. SEC. 204. LIMITATION ON PROSPECTIVE RELIEF. In a covered civil action, the court shall not grant or approve any prospective relief unless the court finds that such relief is narrowly drawn, extends no further than necessary to correct the violation of a legal requirement, and is the least intrusive means necessary to correct that violation. SEC. 205. LIMITATION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES. Sections 504 of title 5, United States Code, and 2412 of title 28, United States Code (together commonly called the Equal Access to Justice Act) do not apply to a covered civil action, nor shall any party in such a covered civil action receive payment from the Federal Government for their attorneys' fees, expenses, and other court costs. Passed the House of Representatives July 12, 2012. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2012 - Title I: Development of Domestic Sources Of Strategic and Critical Minerals - (Sec. 101) Deems a domestic mine that will provide strategic and critical minerals to be an "infrastructure project" as described in Presidential Order "Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects" dated March 22, 2012. (Sec. 102) Sets forth the responsibilities of the lead agency (federal, state, local, tribal, or Alaska Native Corporation) with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit with respect to project coordination, agency consultation, project proponents, contractors, and the status and scope of any environmental impact statement. Requires the lead agency to determine that any such action would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) if the procedural and substantive safeguards of the lead agency's permitting process alone, any applicable state permitting process alone, or a combination of the two processes together provide an adequate mechanism to ensure that environmental factors are taken into account. Requires the lead agency's project lead, at a project proponent's request, to enter into an agreement with the project proponent and other cooperating agencies that sets time limits for each part of the permit review process. Applies this Act to a mineral exploration or mine permit for which an application was submitted before enactment of this Act if the applicant so requests in writing. Requires the lead agency to begin implementing this Act with respect to such application within 30 days after receiving such a request. Requires the lead agency, with respect to strategic and critical materials within a federally administered unit of the National Forest System, to: (1) exempt from federal regulations governing Special Areas all areas of identified mineral resources in Land Use Designations (other than Non-Development Land Use Designations); (2) apply such exemption to all additional routes and areas that the agency finds necessary to facilitate the construction, operation, maintenance, and restoration of the areas of the identified mineral resources; and (3) continue to apply such exemptions after approval of the Minerals Plan of Operations for the unit. (Sec. 103) Declares the priority of the lead agency is to maximize mineral resource development while mitigating environmental impacts, so that more of the mineral resource can be brought to the market place. (Sec. 104) Prescribes the Federal Register notice process for mineral exploration and mining projects. Title II: Judicial Review Of Agency Actions Relating To Exploration And Mine Permits - (Sec. 202) Bars a civil action claiming legal wrong caused by an agency action unless it is filed by the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the final federal agency action to which it relates. (Sec. 203) Requires the court to hear and determine any covered civil action as expeditiously as possible. (Sec. 204) Prohibits the court, in a covered civil action, from granting or approving prospective relief unless it finds that such relief is narrowly drawn, extends no further than necessary to correct the violation of a legal requirement, and is the least intrusive means necessary to correct such violation. (Sec. 205) Declares inapplicable to such a civil action specified requirements of the Equal Access to Justice Act relating to award of costs and fees to a prevailing plaintiff. Prohibits payment from the federal government for court costs of a party in such a civil action, including attorneys' fees and expenses.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Aviation Industry Stabilization Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENT OF TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE. Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 49, United States Code. SEC. 3. AVIATION INSURANCE. (a) Authority.--Section 44302(a)(1) is amended by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''. (b) Extension of Policies.--Section 44302(f)(1) is amended by striking ``August 31, 2003, and may extend through December 31, 2003,'' and inserting ``December 31, 2007,''. (c) Coverage.--Section 44303 is amended-- (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``In general.--'' and inserting ``In General.--''; and (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``during the period beginning on'' and inserting ``on or after''; and (B) by striking ``and ending on December 31, 2003,''. (d) Termination Date.--Section 44310 and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 443 are repealed. SEC. 4. LOAN GUARANTEES AND LINES OF CREDIT FOR AVIATION FUEL COSTS. (a) Extension of Application Period.--Notwithstanding section 1300.16 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any other provision of law or regulation, applications for Federal credit instruments authorized by section 101 of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note; 115 Stat. 230) may be filed for a period of 30 days following the date on which the President authorizes the military to use force against the Republic of Iraq in calendar year 2003, and the Air Transportation Stabilization Board determines that an extraordinary increase in jet fuel prices (as defined in section 11(a)(3)) has occurred. (b) Publication of Notice.--The Board shall publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing that applications may be filed under subsection (a) and another notice when the time for such applications will end. (c) Limitations on Federal Credit Instruments.--A Federal credit instrument issued by the Board in accordance with this section shall-- (1) be for the purpose of allowing an air carrier to secure financial obligations to pay for its aviation fuel purchases for a period of 6 months or the period that begins on the date the Board determines that an extraordinary increase in jet fuel prices has occurred and ends on the date that the Secretary of Transportation determines that the average price for jet fuel in calendar year 2003 is equal to or less than the average price reported by major air carriers for calendar year 2002, whichever period ends sooner; and (2) be for the actual increased aviation fuel cost incurred by the air carrier or a reasonable estimate of such cost over the average price of commercial aviation fuel reported to the Secretary of Transportation by air carriers during calendar year 2002, as determined by the Board. (d) Maximum Amount of Federal Credit Instruments.--The maximum amount of Federal credit instruments that may be issued by the Board in accordance with this section shall be $3,000,000,000. The Board shall establish a formula setting the maximum amount of Federal credit instruments that may be issued to any air carrier based on the percentage of gallons of aviation fuel consumed by that air carrier in proportion to the total gallons of aviation fuel consumed by all air carriers during calendar year 2002. (e) Special Rules.-- (1) Limitation on applicability.--Sections 102(c), 102(d)(1), and 102(d)(2) of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note; 115 Stat. 231- 232) shall not apply to Federal credit instruments to be issued in accordance with this section. (2) Inclusion of lines of credit.--For purposes of Federal credit instruments to be issued in accordance with this section, the term ``Federal credit instrument'', as used in section 107(2) of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (115 Stat. 234), includes a line of credit and a guarantee of a line of credit issued by a third party. (3) Treatment of time period.--The 2-year period referred to in section 104(a) of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note; 115 Stat. 233) shall be treated with respect to an application filed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section as being the 2- year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting an application filed before the date of enactment of this Act for a Federal credit instrument authorized by section 101 of the Air Transportation Safety and Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note; 115 Stat. 230). (g) Major Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term ``major air carrier'' has the meaning such term has under section 41720(a) of title 49, United States Code. SEC. 5. AIR MARSHALS. Not later than 90 days after all cockpit doors that are required to be strengthened under section 104(a) of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44903 note; 115 Stat. 605-606) are strengthened, the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security shall consider whether it is necessary to require Federal air marshals to be seated in the first class cabin of an aircraft with strengthened cockpit doors and report to Congress (in classified form if necessary) on the results of such reconsideration. SEC. 6. SCREENING OF MAIL. (a) Improved Screening.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security shall undertake, without a decrease in aviation security, such action as may be necessary to improve the screening of mail so that it can be carried on passenger flights of air carriers. (b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the Transportation Security Administration's pilot program to determine whether canine teams can be used to screen mail before being placed aboard passenger-carrying aircraft. SEC. 7. REIMBURSEMENT OF AIR CARRIERS FOR CERTAIN SCREENING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. The Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security, within available resources, shall reimburse air carriers and airports for the following: (1) All screening and related activities that the air carriers or airports perform or are responsible for performing, including-- (A) the screening of catering supplies; (B) checking documents at security checkpoints; (C) screening of passengers; and (D) screening of persons with access to aircraft. (2) The provision of space and facilities used to perform screening functions if such space and facilities have been previously used, or were intended to be used, for revenue- producing purposes. SEC. 8. REIMBURSEMENT OF AIR CARRIERS FOR FORTIFYING COCKPIT DOOR. The Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security shall reimburse air carriers for the cost of fortifying cockpit doors in accordance with section 48301(b) of title 49, United States Code. SEC. 9. REIMBURSEMENT OF AIR CARRIERS FOR CERTAIN LOSSES RESULTING FROM WAR WITH IRAQ. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall reimburse an air carrier for any financial losses that the Secretary determines are attributable to the loss of air traffic resulting from the use of force against the Republic of Iraq in calendar year 2003. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 10. AIRLIFT SERVICES. Section 41106 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Compensation of Contractors.--An airlift services contract entered into by the Secretary of Defense and an air carrier described in subsection (a) shall ensure that the air carrier is compensated for the positioning, de-positioning, and other ferry portions of missions performed under the contract.''. SEC. 11. STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE. (a) Requirement.-- (1) Drawdown.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the President authorizes the military to use force against the Republic of Iraq in calendar year 2003, the Secretary of Energy shall drawdown and distribute petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in quantities of not less than 500,000 barrels per day, to the extent necessary to remedy a dislocation in the jet fuel market or an extraordinary increase in the price of jet fuel. (2) Dislocation in jet fuel market.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a dislocation in the jet fuel market occurs when the inventories of United States domestic jet fuel (as reported by the Department of Energy) decrease by more than 25 percent over the previous 3-year rolling average. (3) Extraordinary price increase.-- (A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1) and section 4, an extraordinary increase in the price of jet fuel occurs when the quotient exceeds by 50 percent the average price for jet fuel reported to the Secretary of Transportation by air carriers for 2002. (B) Calculation of quotient.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the quotient is calculated by dividing by 2 the sum of the Gulf Coast and New York Harbor 5-day spot average prices of jet fuel. (b) Cessation.-- The Secretary of Energy may cease any drawdown under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that-- (1) there no longer is any dislocation in the jet fuel market; or (2) in the case of a drawdown resulting from an extraordinary increase in the price of jet fuel, the quotient calculated under subsection (a)(3) no longer exceeds by 50 percent the average price for jet fuel reported to the Secretary of Transportation by air carriers for 2002. SEC. 12. CARGO CARRIED ABOARD PASSENGER-CARRYING AIRCRAFT. (a) Establishment of Working Group.--The Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security shall establish an air cargo security working group with industry experts from the Transportation Security Administration, passenger airlines, indirect air carriers, shippers, small businesses, and other related groups to develop recommendations on the enhancement of the current known shipper program. (b) Duties of Working Group.--The working group shall analyze the effectiveness of the current known shipper program, develop recommended enhancements, and present its findings and recommendations to the Under Secretary. In developing its recommendations, the working group shall take into consideration the extraordinary air transportation needs of small or isolated communities and unique operational aspects of carriers that serve such communities. SEC. 13. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO AIR CARRIER FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. (a) Analysis.--The Comptroller General shall analyze the factors contributing to the financial difficulties of air carriers for the purpose of determining possible approaches to alleviate such difficulties. (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the analysis, together with recommendations.

Summary: Aviation Industry Stabilization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to change from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of an American aircraft or foreign-flag aircraft.Grants the Secretary authority to extend through calendar year 2007 the termination date of any insurance policy issued to an air carrier.Makes permanent the Secretary's authority to declare an air carrier a victim of terrorism not liable for third party claims arising out of acts of terrorism.Extends the period for an air carrier to apply for a loan guarantee or line of credit to pay for its aviation fuel costs or increases in aviation fuel costs under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act.Requires the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, after all cockpit doors are strengthened, to consider and report to Congress on whether it is necessary to require Federal air marshals to be seated in the first class cabin of an aircraft with strengthened cockpit doors.Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) undertake action necessary to improve the screening of mail so that it can be carried on passenger flights; and (2) reimburse air carriers for certain screening and related activities as well as the cost of fortifying cockpit doors, and for any financial losses attributed to the loss of air traffic resulting from the use of force against Iraq in calendar year 2003.Requires that an airlift services contract entered into by the Secretary of Defense and an air carrier provide for the air carrier to be compensated for the positioning, repositioning, and other ferry portions of missions performed under the contract.Requires the Secretary of Energy, if the use of force against Iraq is authorized in calendar year 2003, to drawdown and distribute petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the extent necessary to remedy a dislocation in the jet fuel market or an extraordinary increase in the price of jet fuel.Establishes an air cargo security working group composed of various groups to develop recommendations on the enhancement of the current known shipper program.Directs the Comptroller General to analyze factors contributing to the financial difficulties of air carriers to determine possible approaches to alleviate such difficulties.


SECTION 1. PILOT PROGRAM FOR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS TO CONSTRUCT NEW FACILITIES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Program Authorized.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a program under which the Secretary may enter into not more than five partnership agreements with entities described in paragraph (2) to conduct one or more-- (A) super construction projects (as defined in section 8103(e)(3) of title 38, United States Code); (B) major medical facility projects (as defined in section 8104(a)(3) of title 38, United States Code); or (C) major construction projects to construct new cemeteries or to develop additional gravesites or columbarium niches at existing cemeteries. (2) Entities described.--Entities described in this paragraph are the following: (A) A State or local authority. (B) An organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code. (C) A limited liability corporation. (D) A private entity. (E) A donor or donor group. (F) Any other non-Federal Government entity. (b) Application of Certain Laws.--The authority under this section may be carried out notwithstanding any other provision of law (including section 8103(e) of title 38, United States Code), except for-- (1) Federal laws relating to environmental and historic preservation; and (2) subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Davis-Bacon Act''). (c) Selection of Projects.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the projects that the Secretary may select for the program are projects for which-- (A)(i) Congress has appropriated partial funding for the project; or (ii) The Department of Veterans Affairs has identified a need for the project through its long- range capital planning process by listing the project on the Major Construction Strategic Capital Investment Planning priority list included in the budget submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code; and (B) an entity described in subsection (a)(2) has entered into or is willing to enter into a formal agreement with the Secretary to independently finance or donate amounts for the project, in an amount acceptable and at no additional cost to the Federal Government. (2) Selected construction project.-- (A) In general.--One of the five partnership agreements that the Secretary is authorized to enter into under subsection (a) is a partnership agreement to conduct a project to design, finance, and construct a new ambulatory care center in Omaha, Nebraska. (B) Space and parking.--The project described in subparagraph (A) shall include space and parking as determined necessary by the Secretary. (C) Contribution of funds.--The Secretary may contribute funds for the project described in subparagraph (A) in an amount not to exceed $56,000,000, and in no event shall the contribution or liability of the Secretary exceed such amount except to the extent that additional funds are appropriated for the project. (d) Requirements of Entities.-- (1) Agreements.--Each partnership agreement entered into under subsection (a) with an entity described in paragraph (2) of that subsection for the conduct of a project under this section shall provide for the following: (A) The entity shall conduct any necessary environmental and historic preservation due diligence, comply with local zoning requirements (except for studies and consultations required of the Department under Federal law), and obtain any permits required before beginning construction in connection with the project. (B) The entity shall use construction standards required of the Department when designing and building the project, except to the extent the Secretary determines otherwise. (C) The entity shall establish a Board of Directors described in paragraph (2) to oversee the conduct of the project (in this section referred to as the ``Board''). (2) Board of directors.-- (A) Composition.-- (i) In general.--The Board shall be comprised of not fewer than 5 and not more than 10 members as follows: (I) Not fewer than one member shall be a veteran who is not an employee of the Department. (II) Not fewer than one member shall be an employee of the Department and function as a nonvoting member of the Board. (ii) Chair.--The Board shall designate a Chair from among the members of the Board to oversee the activities of the Board. (iii) Conflicts.--All current or proposed members of the Board shall promptly disclose any actual or potential conflicts to the Secretary and must agree as a condition of their appointment to the Board to remove themselves from membership on the Board if the Chair and Secretary jointly agree that doing so is appropriate due to an actual or potential conflict. (B) Charter.--Not later than 180 days after inception, or such other timeframe as the Secretary may approve, the Board shall establish a written charter to describe the roles, responsibilities, policies, and procedures of operation of the Board to ensure successful project management, design, and construction, and completion of the designated project. (C) Duties.-- (i) In general.--The Board shall be responsible for overseeing the activities needed to finance, design, and construct the designated project for the Department. (ii) Updates.--The Board shall submit to the Secretary written updates regarding the status of the designated project at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall specify. (D) Defense to department.--The Board shall defer to the Secretary on all matters that are inherent to the mission and operations of the Department, including conditional or final acceptance of the designated project. (E) Dissolution.--The Board may not dissolve until after the Secretary has provided final acceptance of the completion of the designated project to the Board, plus such additional time or contingencies as the Board and the Secretary may jointly approve. (e) Project Funds.-- (1) From department.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (c)(2), and except to the extent that additional funds are appropriated for a project, the Secretary may provide funds to help finance, design, and construct the project in an amount not to exceed the total amount appropriated for the project at the time of the partnership agreement under subsection (a) between the Department and the entity described in subsection (a)(2) that is conducting the project. (B) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary shall provide funds pursuant to subparagraph (A) under such terms, conditions, and schedule as the Secretary determines appropriate. (2) From entity.--The entity described in subsection (a)(2) that is conducting the project shall be required to contribute all funds in addition to the funds provided under paragraph (1) that are needed to complete the project. (f) Application.--To be eligible to participate in the program under this section, entities described in subsection (a)(2) shall submit to the Secretary an application to address needs relating to facilities of the Department, including health care needs, identified in the Construction and Long-Range Capital Plan of the Department, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including the following: (1) The name, resume, and description of the experience of the project manager for each project that the entity is proposing to pursue with the Secretary under the program. (2) A description of the proposed monetary and non-monetary contributions of the entity for the project, and how future funding will be secured. (3) A description of the process the entity would use to select a third-party contractor or developer, as applicable, to perform the work necessary to complete the project. (4) A description of the Board and project management plan that the entity will use, to ensure concise and consistent communication between all parties involved in the project. (5) A description of the procedures that the entity will use to review, monitor, and process change orders when received, including how input and feedback by the Department will be incorporated, particularly for issues that would affect the time or cost of the project. (6) A detailed estimate of the costs to complete the project. (7) A description of the estimated timeline for completion of the project and milestones associated with the activities needed to finance, design, and construct the project. (8) An agreement to obtain an independent annual financial audit of all activities and costs relating to the project in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (9) Such other information as the Secretary may require. (g) Annual Report on Projects.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the budget submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, information regarding any projects conducted under this section during the year preceding the submittal of the budget. (2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall provide a detailed status of projects conducted under this section, including the percentage completion of the project. (h) Comptroller General Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a biennial report on the partnership agreements entered into under the program under this section. (i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the authority of the Secretary to enter into other agreements that are authorized by law and not inconsistent with this section.

Summary: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a program under which it may enter into up to five partnership arrangements with a state or local authority, a tax exempt non-profit corporation, a limited liability corporation, a private entity, a donor, or other non-federal entity to conduct: super construction projects (a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than $100 million); major medical facility projects (a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than $10 million, excluding an acquisition by exchange); or major construction projects to construct a new cemeteries or to develop additional gravesites or columbarium niches at existing cemeteries. The VA may select projects for which: (1) Congress has appropriated partial funding or the VA has identified a need through its long-range capital planning process by listing it on the Major Construction Strategic Capital Investment Planning priority list included in the annual budget submitted to Congress by the President, and (2) a non-federal entity has entered into or is willing to enter into a formal agreement with the VA to independently finance or donate an acceptable amount of project funds at no additional cost to the federal government. One of the non-federal entity partnership agreements shall be a project to design, finance, and construct a new ambulatory care center in Omaha, Nebraska. Each partnership agreement shall require the partner entity to: conduct necessary environmental and historic preservation due diligence, comply with local zoning requirements, and obtain any permits required for construction; use construction standards required of the VA when designing and building the project, except to the extent the VA determines otherwise; and establish a Board of Directors to oversee the project. The VA shall include in the annual budget submitted to Congress by the President information regarding any projects conducted under this bill during the preceding year.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Tobacco Program Administrative Reform Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. ASSESSMENT UPON TOBACCO PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS TO COVER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TOBACCO PROGRAMS. (a) Covered Department Costs.--Not later than September 30 of each fiscal year, the Secretary of Agriculture shall estimate the costs to be incurred by the Department of Agriculture during the next fiscal year-- (1) to administer the tobacco quota program under subtitle B of title III of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1311 et seq.); (2) to administer the tobacco price support program under sections 106, 106A, and 106B of the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1445, 1445-1, 1445-2); (3) to carrying out crop insurance programs for tobacco, including the costs to be incurred by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation under section 508(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)) to pay the premium for catastrophic risk protection for tobacco crops and the Federal portion of the premium for various additional coverages available for tobacco crops; and (4) to extension services related to tobacco production and marketing. (b) Adjustment of Estimate.--If the estimate prepared for a fiscal year under subsection (a) proves to be insufficient to cover the actual costs described in such subsection that were incurred by the Department during that fiscal year, the Secretary shall adjust the estimate for the next fiscal year to recoup the additional costs incurred by Department and paid out of Department funds. (c) Market Share and Assessment Determinations.--As soon as possible after preparing the estimate for a fiscal year under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine the market share of each tobacco product manufacturer and each tobacco product importer during the most recent calendar year and the amount of the assessment payable by the tobacco product manufacturer or tobacco product importer for that fiscal year. (d) Individual Amount of Assessments.--The amount of an assessment payable by each tobacco product manufacturer and tobacco product importer under this section for a fiscal year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying-- (1) the total amount of costs estimated by the Secretary under subsection (a), as adjusted under subsection (b), for that fiscal year; by (2) the market share of the tobacco product manufacturer or tobacco product importer during the most recent calendar year determined under subsection (d). (e) Collection, Deposit, and Availability of Assessments.-- (1) Collection.--At such time each fiscal year and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe, each tobacco product manufacturer and tobacco product importer shall remit to the Secretary a nonrefundable assessment in the amount determined for that tobacco product manufacturer or tobacco product importer for that year under subsection (d). The Secretary may enforce the collection of assessments under this paragraph in the courts of the United States. (2) Tobacco assessment fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the ``Tobacco Assessment Fund'', which shall consist of all assessments collected under paragraph (1). (3) Authorized uses of fund.--Amounts in the Tobacco Assessment Fund shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation, to cover the Department costs described in subsection (a). (4) Refunds.--If the Secretary determines that amounts collected under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year and deposited in the Tobacco Assessment Fund exceed the amounts required to cover anticipated Department costs under subsection (a) for that fiscal year, plus a reasonable reserve, the Secretary shall refund the excess amounts to tobacco product manufacturers and tobacco product importers using the same proportion for each tobacco product manufacturer and tobacco product importer as used in the original assessment. (f) Effect on Crop Insurance Premiums; Existing Assessments.--(1) Amounts made available to the Secretary under this section may not be used to change the crop insurance premiums assessed to tobacco producers under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) relative to other crops. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the assessments imposed and collected-- (A) for deficit reduction purposes under section 106(g) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1445(g)); or (B) to finance operations of No Net Cost Tobacco Funds under section 106A of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1445-1) and No Net Cost Tobacco Accounts under section 106B of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1445-2). (g) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: (1) Tobacco product importer.--The term ``tobacco product importer'' has the meaning given the term ``importer'' in section 5702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 5702). (2) Tobacco product manufacturer.--The term ``tobacco product manufacturer'' has the meaning given the term ``manufacturer of tobacco products'' in section 5702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 5702); except that the term does not include a person that only manufactures cigars or pipe tobacco. (3) Market share.--The term ``market share'' means the ratio of-- (A) the tax liability of a tobacco product manufacturer or tobacco product importer for a calendar year under section 5703 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 5703); to (B) the tax liability of all tobacco product manufacturers and tobacco product importers for that calendar year under such section. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture. (5) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of Agriculture.

Summary: Tobacco Program Administrative Reform Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) estimate the annual (fiscal year) Department of Agriculture tobacco program costs; and (2) assess tobacco importers and product manufacturers based upon cost and market share. Establishes in the Treasury the Tobacco Assessment Fund.


SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION AND UPDATING AMENDMENTS. The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-692) is updated as follows: (1) In section 2, by adding at the end the following: ``(6) The Corridor contained the only historic system of the Industrial Revolution that integrated anthracite mining and resource extraction, canals and railroads, commerce and heavy industry, and a remarkable number of the historic elements of the system are intact.''. (2) In section 4, by striking ``Environmental Resources'' and inserting ``Conservation and Natural Resources''. (3) In section 8-- (A) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and review and approval by the Secretary of the strategic plan'' after ``in section 10(a)''; (B) by inserting ``and the strategic plan'' after ``goals of the Plan''; (C) by amending the text of subsection (b)(1) to read as follows: ``assisting the Commonwealth, political subdivisions and non-profit agencies in preserving the historic transportation system of Canals and overland railroads and the maintenance of the system as a trail significant to nation;''; (D) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``governments'' and inserting ``agencies''; (E) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``in the Corridor'' and inserting ``and heighten the understanding of the Corridor's nationally important stories''; and (F) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Stategic Plan.--The Corporation shall develop a Strategic Plan that takes in account the findings and recommendations of the study titled `Connecting Stories, Landscapes and People: Exploring the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Partnership' conducted by the National Park Service Conservation Study Institute. The strategic plan shall complement the management plan for the Corridor by guiding future investment, strengthening and serving the partnership network, positioning the Corridor to take advantage of opportunities, and prioritizing actions.''. (4) In section 9, by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Corporation as Local Management Entity.--Upon the date of the enactment of this subsection, the local management entity for the corridor shall be the Corporation. ``(d) Implementation of Management Plan.--The Corporation will assume the duties of the Commission for the implementation of the management action plan. ``(e) Use of Funds.--The Corporation may use Federal funds made available under this Act-- ``(1) to make grants to and enter into cooperative agreements with the Commonwealth, political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals; ``(2) to hire, train, and compensate staff; ``(3) to enter into contracts for goods and services; and ``(4) to obtain money from any source under any program or law requiring the recipient of such money to make a contribution in order to receive such money.''. (5) In section 10-- (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``shall assist the Commission'' and inserting ``shall, upon the Corporation's request, assist''; (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``Commission'' each place it appears and inserting ``Corporation''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Transition MOU.--The Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Corporation to assure appropriate transition of the local management to the Corporation and coordination with the Corporation regarding the implementation of the management action plan. ``(f) Special Resource Studies.-- ``(1) Sites and features.--The Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of sites and associated landscape features within the boundaries of the Corridor that contribute to the understanding of the Corridor's national significance. To provide appropriate context regarding the contribution of anthracite mining, industries, transportation and commerce to the nation's growth and industrial development, the special resource study shall review the resources of the greater anthracite region of Pennsylvania covered by other designated national heritage areas. ``(2) Potential designation.-- ``(A) Authorization.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this subsection, the Secretary, in coordination with the Corporation, shall complete the special resource study to evaluate the possibility of-- ``(i) designating one or more site or landscape feature as a unit of the National Park System; and ``(ii) coordinating and complementing actions by the Corporation, Commonwealth, political subdivisions and non-profit agencies, in the preservation and interpretation of significant resources within the Corridor and greater anthracite region. ``(B) Study.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the special resource study is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.''. (6) In section 12-- (A) by striking ``Commission'' each place it appears and inserting ``Corporation''; and (B) by striking ``2007'' and inserting ``2019''. (7) In section 13, by striking ``Commission'' and inserting ``Corporation''. (8) In section 14-- (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(7) the term `Corporation' means the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Incorporated, an organization described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation.''.

Summary: Amends the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 to revise the appropriate steps the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission is required to take in implementing its Cultural Heritage and Corridor Management Plan for the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor. Requires the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Incorporated to develop a Strategic Plan for the Corridor that takes into account the findings and recommendations of a specified study conducted by the National Park Service Conservation Study Institute. Requires the plan to compliment the Corridor's management plan. Makes the Corporation the management entity for the Corridor, assuming the Commission's duties in implementing the management action plan. Authorizes the Corporation to use federal funds to make grants to and enter into cooperative agreements with Pennsylvania, local governments, nonprofit corporations, and individuals. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites and associated landscape features within the Corridor, including resources of the greater anthracite region of Pennsylvania covered by other designated national heritage areas, that contribute to the understanding of the Corridor's national siginificance. Requires the Secretary, in coordination with the Corporation, to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the possibility of: (1) designating one or more sites or landscape features as a unit of the National Park System; and (2) coordinating and complementing actions by the Corporation, Pennsylvania, local governments, and nonprofit agencies in the preservation and interpretation of significant resources within the Corridor and greater anthracite region. Extends the Corporation, in place of the Commission, through November 18, 2019.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means land owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Washington County in the State. (2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map prepared by the Bureau of Land Management entitled ``Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area'' and dated November 14, 2014. (3) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means the State land identified on the map as State land. (4) Proposed exchange parcel.--The term ``proposed exchange parcel'' means the approximately 1,205 acres of Bureau of Land Management land identified on the map as ``Proposed Exchange Parcel''. (5) Recreation area.--The term ``Recreation Area'' means the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area established by section 3(a). (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (7) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Utah. SEC. 3. HURRICANE SAND DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, UTAH. (a) Designation.--There is established in the State the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area to provide for-- (1) the enhancement of recreational uses; and (2) the use of off-highway vehicles. (b) Boundary.-- (1) In general.--The Recreation Area shall consist of the approximately 18,447 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in the State identified on the map as ``Open OHV Area''. (2) Exclusion.--The proposed exchange parcel shall be excluded from the Recreation Area. (c) Administration of Recreation Area and Proposed Exchange Parcel.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall-- (1) administer the Recreation Area and proposed exchange parcel-- (A) in accordance with-- (i) the applicable Federal laws (including regulations) and rules applicable to the Bureau of Land Management; and (ii) applicable land use plans; and (B) consistent with the administration of the Sand Mountain Open OHV Area, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) only allow uses of the Recreation Area that are consistent with the purposes described in subsection (a). (d) Fish and Wildlife.--Nothing in this section affects the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State with respect to fish and wildlife in the State. (e) Adjacent Management.--Nothing in this section creates any protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Recreation Area. (f) Use of Off-Highway Vehicles.--The land described in subsection (b)(1) shall remain open, in perpetuity, to the use of off-highway vehicles. SEC. 4. EXCHANGE OF FEDERAL LAND AND NON-FEDERAL LAND. (a) In General.--If the State offers to convey to the United States title to the non-Federal land, the Secretary shall-- (1) accept the offer; and (2) on receipt of all right, title, and interest in and to the non-Federal land, convey to the State all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land. (b) Valid Existing Rights.--The exchange authorized under subsection (a) shall be subject to valid existing rights. (c) Title Approval.--Title to the Federal land and non-Federal land to be exchanged under this section shall be in a format acceptable to the Secretary and the State. (d) Appraisals.-- (1) In general.--The value of the Federal land and the non- Federal land to be exchanged under this section shall be determined by appraisals conducted by 1 or more independent appraisers retained by the State, with the consent of the Secretary. (2) Applicable law.--The appraisals under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized appraisal standards, including, as appropriate, the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions. (3) Approval.--The appraisals conducted under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Secretary and the State for approval. (e) Equal Value Exchange.-- (1) In general.--The value of the Federal land and non- Federal land to be exchanged under this section-- (A) shall be equal; or (B) shall be made equal in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Equalization.-- (A) Surplus of federal land.--If the value of the Federal land exceeds the value of the non-Federal land, the value of the Federal land and non-Federal land shall be equalized, as determined to be appropriate and acceptable by the Secretary and the State-- (i) by reducing the acreage of the Federal land to be conveyed; or (ii) by adding additional State land to the non-Federal land to be conveyed. (B) Surplus of non-federal land.--If the value of the non-Federal land exceeds the value of the Federal land, the value of the Federal land and non-Federal land shall be equalized by reducing the acreage of the non-Federal land to be conveyed, as determined to be appropriate and acceptable by the Secretary and the State. (f) Status and Management of Non-Federal Land.--On conveyance to the Secretary, the non-Federal land shall, in accordance with section 206(c) of the Federal Land Policy Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(c)), be added to, and administered by the Secretary as part of, the Recreation Area.

Summary: Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area Act of 2015 Establishes the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area in Utah, consisting of approximately 18,447 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, to provide for the enhancement of recreational uses and the use of off-highway vehicles. Excludes 1,205 acres to be used in a land exchange under this Act. Provides for the conveyance of federal lands in Washington County, Utah, in an equal-value exchange for certain non-federal lands.