SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Banking Equal Treatment Act of 2000''. SEC. 2. PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON RESERVES AT FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS. (a) In General.--Section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Earnings on reserves.-- ``(A) In general.--Balances maintained at a Federal reserve bank by or on behalf of a qualified depository institution may receive earnings to be paid by the Federal reserve bank at least once each calendar quarter at a rate or rates not to exceed the general level of short-term interest rates. ``(B) Regulations relating to payments and distribution.--The Board may prescribe regulations concerning-- ``(i) the payment of earnings in accordance with this paragraph; ``(ii) the distribution of such earnings to the depository institutions which maintain balances at such banks or on whose behalf such balances are maintained; and ``(iii) the responsibilities of depository institutions, Federal home loan banks, and the National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility with respect to the crediting and distribution of earnings attributable to balances maintained, in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(B), in a Federal reserve bank by any such entity on behalf of depository institutions. ``(C) Qualified depository institution defined.-- The term `qualified depository institution' means-- ``(i) any depository institution that-- ``(I) is an insured depository institution (as defined in section 3(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) or an insured credit union (as defined in section 101(7) of the Federal Credit Union Act); and ``(II) meets the requirements for affordable transaction accounts in section 4 of the Banking Equal Treatment Act of 2000; and ``(ii) any depository institution that is neither an insured depository institution (as so defined) or an insured credit union (as so defined).''. (b) Authorization for Pass Through Reserves for Member Banks.-- Section 19(c)(1)(B) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(c)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``which is not a member bank''. (c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 19 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(4) (12 U.S.C. 461(b)(4)), by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (2) in subsection (c)(1)(A) (12 U.S.C. 461(c)(1)(A)), by striking ``subsection (b)(4)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''. SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF FEDERAL RESERVE SURPLUSES. Section 7(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 290) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Additional transfers for fiscal years 2001 through 2005.-- ``(A) In general.--In addition to the amounts required to be transferred from the surplus funds of the Federal reserve banks pursuant to paragraph (1), the Federal reserve banks shall transfer from such surplus funds to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the general fund of the Treasury, such sums as are necessary to equal the net cost of section 19(b)(12), as estimated by the Office of Management and Budget in each of the fiscal years 2001 through 2005. ``(B) Allocation by federal reserve board.--Of the total amount required to be paid by the Federal reserve banks under subparagraph (A) for fiscal years 2001 through 2005, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall determine the amount each such bank shall pay in such fiscal year. ``(C) Replenishment of surplus fund prohibited.--No Federal reserve bank may replenish such bank's surplus fund by the amount of any transfer by such bank under subparagraph (A) during the fiscal year for which such transfer is made.''. SEC. 4. AFFORDABLE BANKING SERVICES. (a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, each insured depository institution shall make available to consumers a consumer transaction account, to be known as an ``affordable transaction account'', with the following features to be prescribed jointly by the Federal banking agencies, by regulation: (1) Initial deposit.--The maximum amount which an insured depository institution may require as an initial deposit, if any. (2) Minimum balance.--The maximum amount an insured depository institution may require as a minimum balance, if any, to maintain such account. (3) Minimum number of free withdrawals.--A minimum of 8 withdrawal transactions, including withdrawals by negotiable or transferable instruments for the purpose of making payments to third parties and electronic fund transfers, during any periodic cycle at no additional charge to the account holder. (4) Maximum monthly service charge.--The maximum amount an insured depository institution may charge per periodic cycle for the use of such account. (b) Fees for Withdrawal Transactions in Excess of Minimum Number of Free Withdrawals.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of any affordable transaction account-- (A) an insured depository institution may impose a reasonable per-transaction charge for any withdrawal transaction described in subsection (a)(3) other than a transaction required under such subsection to be provided free; or (B) the depository institution may impose the fees and charges normally applied to other consumer transaction accounts available at that depository institution. (2) Limitations.-- (A) Periodic cycle fee adjustment.--The amount of any charge per periodic cycle imposed by an insured depository institution on any affordable transaction account pursuant to paragraph(1)(B) shall be reduced by the charge imposed under subsection (a)(4). (B) Maximum amount.--At no time shall the total amount of fees and charges imposed by an insured depository institution on any affordable transaction account exceed the total amount of fees and charges that is normally applied to other consumer transaction accounts available at the depository institution. (c) Conditions for Opening any Affordable Transaction Account.--An insured depository institution may require as a condition for opening or maintaining any affordable transaction account that-- (1) the holder of the account be a resident of the State in which the account is opened or maintained; and (2) the deposits to the account of recurring payments such as Social Security, wage, or pension payments be made by direct deposit if that form of deposit is available to both the consumer and the depository institution. (d) Other Terms and Conditions.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in this section and any regulations prescribed under this section, any affordable transaction account may be offered by an insured depository institution subject to the same rules, conditions, and terms normally applicable to other consumer transaction accounts offered by the depository institution. (2) Prohibition on discrimination against affordable transaction account holders in providing other services.--The amount of any fee or charge imposed on a holder of any affordable transaction account by an insured depository institution for specific services provided to such account holder which are not directly related to the maintenance of such account may not exceed the fee or charge imposed by the depository institution for providing the same services in connection with other consumer transaction accounts offered by the depository institution. (e) Affordable Transaction Accounts Not Required for Individuals Who Maintain Other Transaction Accounts.--An insured depository institution shall not be required to permit any person to open or maintain an affordable transaction account pursuant to this section if such person maintains another consumer transaction account either at that depository institution or any other insured depository institution. (f) Alternative Arrangements.--In lieu of the affordable transaction account required by this section, an insured depository institution may make available an alternative form of account or other banking services if the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that such alternative form of account or services are at least as advantageous to consumers as the affordable transaction account. (g) Disclosure Requirements.--. (1) Posted notices.--If an insured depository institution posts in the public area of any office of the institution a notice of the availability of other consumer transaction accounts, the depository institution shall also post equally conspicuous notice in such public area and in the same manner the availability of its affordable transaction accounts. (2) Printed material.--If an insured depository institution makes available in the public area of any office of the institution printed material describing the terms of its other consumer transaction accounts, the depository institution shall also make comparable descriptive printed material concerning the affordable transaction accounts available in the same such area and in the same manner. (h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Consumer transaction account.--For purposes of this section, the term ``consumer transaction account'' means a demand deposit account, negotiable order of withdrawal account, share draft account, or any similar transaction account used primarily for personal, family or household purposes. (2) Depository institution.--The term ``depository institution'' has the same meaning as in section 19(b)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act. (3) Federal banking agency.--The term ``Federal banking agency''-- (A) has the same meaning as in section 3(z) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; and (B) includes the National Credit Union Administration Board. (4) Insured depository institution.--The term ``insured depository institution''-- (A) has the same meaning as in section 3(c)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; and (B) includes an insured credit union (as defined in section 101(7) of the Federal Credit Union Act. (i) Compliance With More Stringent State Law.--If a depository institution operates in a State the laws of which, including regulations, require a depository institution operating in such State to meet requirements for affordable transaction accounts which are more advantageous to the consumer than the requirements of this section or the regulations prescribed under this section, such depository institution may not be treated as a qualified depository institution for purposes of section 19(b)(12) of the Federal Reserve Act, unless such depository institution meets the requirements of this section and the requirements of such State law. (j) Rule of Construction.--No provision of this section, title LXII of the Revised Statutes of the United States, the Home Owners' Loan Act, the Bank Enterprise Act of 1991, or any other Federal law may be construed as preempting, or providing any basis for the Comptroller of the Currency or the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to conclude that Federal law in any way preempts, the law of any State which requires depository institution operating in that State to provide affordable transaction accounts, including the Omnibus Consumer Protection and Banking Deregulation Act of 1994 of the State of New York and the New Jersey Consumer Checking Account Act (as in effect on the the date of the enactment of this Act).

Summary: Requires the Federal reserve banks to transfer specified surplus funds to the Board for transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the general fund of the Treasury for FY 2001 through 2005. Prohibits replenishment of the surplus fund during the fiscal year for which such transfer is made. Mandates that each insured depository institution make available to consumers a consumer transaction account to be known as an "affordable transaction account". Sets forth operational parameters to be prescribed by the Board.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The development and implementation of technology is a crucial component of combating terrorism and implementing homeland security strategies. (2) Israel and Israeli industries have extensive experience with matters pertaining to homeland security generally and anti-terrorism specifically, including expertise in the fields of border integrity, transportation security, first responder equipment, and civil defense planning. (3) The United States and Israel have an extensive history of working cooperatively and successfully to assist with the development of agricultural, defense, telecommunications, and other technologies mutually beneficial to each country, as exemplified by the success of the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation, commonly referred to as the BIRD Foundation. (4) Initiated in 1977 as a grant program funded in equal parts by the governments of the United States and Israel in support of joint United States-Israeli business ventures, the BIRD Foundation has invested $180 million in 600 projects over the past 27 years and has realized $7 billion in sales and the development of a number of important technologies. (5) The establishment of a similar bi-national foundation, or the expansion of the BIRD Foundation, to support the development of technologies and services applicable to homeland security would be beneficial to the security of the United States and Israel and would strengthen the economic ties between the two countries. SEC. 3. UNITED STATES-ISRAEL HOMELAND SECURITY FOUNDATION. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) is amended by inserting after section 307 (6 U.S.C. 187) the following new section: ``SEC. 307A UNITED STATES-ISRAEL HOMELAND SECURITY FOUNDATION AND GRANT PROGRAM. ``(a) Establishment and Purpose.-- ``(1) Establishment authorized.--The Secretary may establish a United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation (in this section referred to as the `Foundation'), for the purpose of awarding conditional grants to joint business ventures between United States and Israeli private corporate entities to develop, manufacture, sell, or otherwise provide products and services with applications related to homeland security. ``(2) Administration.--The Secretary shall administer the grant program through the Directorate of Science and Technology. ``(b) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an applicant shall-- ``(1) be a joint venture consisting of United States and Israeli private corporate entities; ``(2) be in the process of developing a product or service determined by the Secretary to have applications related to homeland security; and ``(3) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary a capability to develop, manufacture, sell, and support the product or service. ``(c) Application.--An eligible entity may apply for a grant under this section by submitting to the Secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require and containing the following information: ``(1) An identification of the entity that is applying for the grant. ``(2) The activities that the entity anticipates will be funded by the award of a grant. ``(3) The services or products the entity anticipates will be made available, either commercially or otherwise, as a result of an award of a grant. ``(4) A detailed capital budget for the proposed project, including the manner in which the grant funds will be allocated and expended. ``(5) Such other information as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Amount of Grant.--A grant under this section may not exceed 50 percent of the total proposed cost for the development, manufacture, and provision of the product or service of the applicant described in the application. ``(e) Grant Repayment.--A grant recipient shall repay the grant to the Foundation as the Secretary may reasonably require. Grant repayments may not exceed more than 150 percent of the grant awarded, adjusted for inflation in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. ``(f) Advisory Board.-- ``(1) Representatives.--Administration of the Foundation shall include an advisory board comprised of public and private sector representatives. ``(2) Membership of advisory board.-- ``(A) United states membership.--Membership to the advisory board shall include the Director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Director of International Affairs of the Department of Homeland Security. ``(B) Israeli membership.--The Secretary shall extend an invitation to the relevant Israeli government officials for their participation on the advisory board. ``(g) Foundation Funding.--Subject to subsection (i), if the Secretary decides to establish the Foundation under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use not less than $25,000,000 of the funds available in the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies, established under section 307(c)(1), to administer the Foundation. ``(h) Alternative Mechanism to Support Homeland Security Products and Services.--Subject to subsection (i), if the Secretary decides not to establish the Foundation under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use not less than $25,000,000 of the funds available in the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies, established under section 307(c)(1), to support the efforts of the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to make grants to joint United States-Israeli business ventures for projects related to homeland security. ``(i) Shared Endowment.--Any expenditure by the United States under this section shall be equal to the expenditure by Israel for the same purpose.''.

Summary: United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation for awarding conditional grants to joint business ventures between U.S. and Israeli private corporate entities to develop, manufacture, sell, or otherwise provide products and services with applications related to homeland security. Limits grant amounts to 50 percent of proposed costs. Requires grant recipients to repay the Foundation up to 150 percent of the grant awarded. Directs the Foundation to include an advisory board. Provides Foundation funding through the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies. Directs the Secretary, if not establishing the Foundation, to use a specified amount from such Fund to support the efforts of the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to make grants to joint U.S.-Israeli business ventures for projects relating to homeland security.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``STEM Network Act''. SEC. 2. GRANTS AUTHORIZED. (a) In General.--From amounts made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary of Education shall make grants to eligible networks to expand STEM education. (b) Eligible Network Defined.--In this Act, the term ``eligible network'' means a State-based STEM network or similar organization, which-- (1) may include the participation of State officials, educators, administrators, parents, industry leaders, philanthropists, and representatives from the STEM communities; and (2) aims to increase student achievement in the STEM disciplines at the elementary schools and secondary schools in its State, particularly at schools with a high concentration of low-income students and at rural schools (within the meaning of part B of title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.)). SEC. 3. ELIGIBLE NETWORK APPLICATION. (a) In General.--An eligible network seeking a grant under section 2 shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (b) Matching Requirement.--In order to receive a grant under section 2, an eligible network shall agree to provide, either directly or through private contributions, non-Federal matching funds equal to not less than 30 percent of the amount of the grant. SEC. 4. USES OF FUNDS. Each eligible network receiving a grant under section 2 shall use the funds to carry out one or more of the following: (1) Testing, validating, sharing, and scaling up STEM education research, promising practices, and exemplary programs among members of the network and with other eligible networks receiving grants under section 3. (2) Identifying points of weakness and strength among State STEM education efforts, prioritizing strategies for addressing problem areas, and communicating State needs to the Secretary. (3) Assisting in the implementation of rigorous common content standards in STEM education for grades prekindergarten through grade 12 that reflect common elements between such disciplines and take into consideration-- (A) the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards Initiative; (B) established international standards and 21st century skills; (C) the needs of English language learners and special education students; and (D) the need to increase scientific literacy of prekindergarten through grade 12 students. (4) Assisting and supporting the development and implementation of innovative STEM assessments based on common content standards in mathematics and science. (5) Promoting and developing rigorous undergraduate pre- service teacher programs in institutions of higher education that emphasize STEM content in the part of the program that focuses on elementary school education. (6) Promoting and developing curriculum tools and professional development for in-service STEM teachers that foster innovation and inventiveness. (7) Developing STEM career pathways that reflect the projected STEM workforce needs of the 21st century that may include mentoring programs and STEM professional outreach. (8) Developing STEM-related workforce education and training programs in secondary schools and institutions of higher education to enhance the skills of workers to meet the needs of business and industry. (9) Developing systems for the implementation of extended learning times on school sites to enhance STEM education inside and outside of the classroom. SEC. 5. EVALUATION AND REPORT. Not later than 2 years after receiving a grant under section 2, each eligible network receiving such a grant shall-- (1) conduct periodic independent evaluations, by grant or by contract, of the eligible network's effectiveness at accomplishing the activities described in section 4, which shall include an assessment of the impact of such activities on STEM teaching and learning; and (2) prepare and submit a report on the results of each evaluation described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary. SEC. 6. PROHIBITIONS. In implementing this Act, the Secretary may not-- (1) endorse, approve, or sanction any STEM curriculum designed for use in any elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; or (2) engage in oversight, technical assistance, or activities that will require the adoption of a specific STEM program or instructional materials by a State, local educational agency, or school. SEC. 7. TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS. The total amount of grants made under this Act in any fiscal year may not exceed $20,000,000. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) The terms ``elementary school'', ``local educational agency'', and ``secondary school'' have the meanings given such terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (2) The term ``high concentration of low-income students'' has the meaning given such term in section 1707 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537). (3) The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (5) The term ``State'' means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands. (6) The term ``STEM'' means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Summary: STEM Network Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to state-based STEM networks or similar organizations to increase elementary and secondary school students' achievement in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, particularly in rural and low-income schools. Includes among grant uses: testing, sharing, and scaling up STEM education research, promising practices, and exemplary programs; identifying state STEM education weaknesses and prioritizing strategies to address them; implementing rigorous common STEM education content standards; developing and implementing innovative STEM assessments; promoting and developing pre- and in-service STEM teacher training; developing STEM career pathways and workforce education and training programs that reflect 21st century workforce needs; and facilitating the implementation of extended STEM learning times on school sites. Requires grantees to conduct periodic independent evaluations of their effectiveness in accomplishing those activities. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) endorsing or approving any STEM curriculum designed for use in an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; or (2) requiring a state, local educational agency, or school to adopt a specific STEM program or instructional materials.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT OF VETERANS AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1133 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART F--PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT OF VETERANS AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION ``SEC. 781. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT OF VETERANS AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. ``(a) Grants Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary is authorized to award grants to institutions of higher education to enable the institutions of higher education to establish programs that support veterans who are students at such institutions by providing and coordinating services that address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of such veterans. ``(2) Grant period.--A grant awarded under this section shall be awarded for a period of 3 years. ``(b) Selection of Grant Recipients.-- ``(1) Application.--An institution of higher education seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(2) Approval.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approve or disapprove each application submitted by an institution of higher education under paragraph (1). In determining whether to approve or disapprove an application, the Secretary shall consider the following: ``(A) The number of veterans enrolled as students at the institution of higher education. ``(B) The needs of such veterans at such institution. ``(C) The ability of such institution to sustain a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success described in subsection (c)(2)(A) after the completion of the grant period described in subsection (a)(2). ``(D) The equitable distribution of grants under this section among various types and sizes of institutions of higher education. ``(E) The equitable geographic distribution of grants under this section. ``(F) The equitable distribution of grants under this section among rural and urban areas. ``(c) Use of Grant Funds.-- ``(1) Program required.--Each institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant to establish a program that supports each veteran who is a student at such institution by providing and coordinating services that address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of such veteran. ``(2) Required program activities.--Each program established under paragraph (1) shall include the following: ``(A) Establishing a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success on the campus of the institution of higher education that provides a single point of contact to coordinate comprehensive support services for veterans who are students, including the following: ``(i) Admissions. ``(ii) Registration. ``(iii) Financial aid. ``(iv) Veterans benefits. ``(v) Academic advising. ``(vi) Student health. ``(vii) Personal or mental health counseling. ``(viii) Career advising. ``(ix) Disabilities services. ``(B) Establishing a support team for veterans who are students, including representatives from the student veteran association and veteran service office of such institution of higher education, if any. ``(C) Providing a full-time or part-time coordinator whose primary responsibility is to coordinate the program. ``(D) With respect to such veterans, monitoring the rates of enrollment, persistence, and completion of programs of education at such institution. ``(3) Optional program activities.--With respect to veterans who are students at an institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section, a program established under paragraph (1) by such institution may include the following: ``(A) Outreach to, and recruitment of, veterans. ``(B) Supportive instructional services for veterans, which may include-- ``(i) personal, academic, and career counseling, as an ongoing part of the program; ``(ii) tutoring and academic skill-building instruction assistance, as needed; and ``(iii) assistance with special admissions and transfer of credit from previous postsecondary education or experience. ``(C) Assistance in obtaining student financial aid. ``(D) Housing support. ``(E) Providing classes that are limited to veterans to help them fulfill general education requirements. ``(F) Providing activities designed to ease the transition of veterans to life on the campus of such institution. ``(G) Support for veteran student organizations and veteran student support groups on campus. ``(H) Coordination of academic advising and admissions counseling with military bases and National Guard and Reserve units in the area. ``(I) Such other support services as the institution considers necessary to ensure the success of veterans in achieving the veterans' educational and career goals. ``(d) Evaluation and Accountability Plan.--The Secretary shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for programs established under subsection (c)(1) to measure the impact of such programs, including an objective measure of whether the rates of enrollment, persistence, and completion of programs of education at institutions of higher education by veterans increase as a result of such programs.''.

Summary: Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs that support veterans who are students by providing and coordinating services that address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Requires each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Checking Account Fairness Act''. SEC. 2. ADJUSTMENT OF CHECK HOLD PERIODS REQUIRED. (a) In General.--Section 603(d) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4002(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Coordination with check clearing for the 21st century act.-- ``(A) In general.--The Board shall prescribe regulations under paragraph (1)-- ``(i) to reduce the time periods under subsections (a), (b), or (e), in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (1), to take into account the time within which any receiving institution can reasonably expect to learn of the nonpayment of most items for each category of checks under the Checking Clearing for the 21st Century Act or the regulations implementing such Act; and ``(ii) to eliminate distinctions between the schedules established under subsections (a), (b), or (e) if the Board finds that such distinctions no longer have any significance for any category of checks under the Checking Clearing for the 21st Century Act or the regulations implementing such Act. ``(B) Paragraph (2) adjustments.--The Board shall, by regulation, eliminate the extension provided under paragraph (2) for deposits of any category of checks if the Board finds that the extension has no substantial usefulness under the Checking Clearing for the 21st Century Act or the regulations implementing such Act.''. (b) Regulations.--The Board shall prescribe the regulations required under the amendment made by subsection (a) in final form before the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO CHECKING ACCOUNT CONSUMERS. (a) Deposits at Proprietary ATMs.--Section 603(a)(2) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4002(a)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraphs (B)(ii) and (C)(ii), by inserting ``or is deposited at a proprietary ATM'' before the semicolon at the end of each such subparagraph; and (2) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``, or a check deposited at a proprietary ATM,'' after ``deposited in a branch of a depository institution''. (b) Limitation on Certain Fees During Check Hold Period.--Section 607 of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4006) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) Limitation on Certain Fees During Check Hold Period.--If a receiving depository institution has received a provisional or final settlement with respect to a check deposited in an account at the depository institution and such depository institution has not yet made the proceeds of the deposit available to the accountholder, the receiving depository institution may not assess any fee for an overdraft, or any fee associated with the payment of an overdraft, that would not have occurred if such funds so deposited were available.''. (c) Credits Required to Be Posted Before Debits.--Section 607 of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4006) is amended by inserting after subsection (f) (as added by subsection (b) of this section) the following new subsection: ``(g) Order of Posting.--In the process of posting credits and debits against a checking account used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes after the close of any business day, the receiving depository institution shall credit all deposits to the account before debiting any check drawn on the account and presented to the depository institution for payment.''. (d) Saturdays May Be Treated as Business Days.--Section 602(3) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4001(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``For purposes of this title, however, Saturday shall be treated as a business day in the calculation of any period within which funds deposited in an account at a receiving depository institution are required be made available under this title, if with respect to checks received by the depository institution for which it is the originating institution, the depository institution debits accounts on Saturdays for such checks.''. (e) Reduction in Check Holds for Nonlocal Check Deposits.--Section 603(b)(2) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4002(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``not more than 4 business days shall intervene between'' and inserting ``funds shall be made available on the 2nd business day after''. (f) Adjustment for Inflation for Large Check Limitation.-- (1) In general.--Section 604(a)(3) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4003(a)(3)) is amended by striking ``$5,000'' each place such term appears and inserting ``$7,500''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The paragraph heading for section 604(a)(3) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act is amended by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting ``$7,500''. (g) Adjustment for Small Deposit Availability.-- (1) In general.--Section 603(a)(2)(D) of of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4002(a)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ``$100'' and inserting ``$500''. (2) Technical and conforming amendment.--The heading for subparagraph (C) of section 603(b)(3) of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4002(b)(3)(C)) is amended by striking ``$100 availability'' and inserting ``Coordination with other amount available''. (h) Fees for Services not Requested.--Section 607 of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4006) is amended by inserting after subsection (g) (as added by subsection (c) of this section) the following new subsection: ``(h) Fees for Services not Requested.--No depository institution may impose any fee for paying any check drawn on an account in spite of a lack of sufficient funds in the account to pay such check or any similar activity (commonly referred to as `bounce protection') unless the accountholder has affirmatively requested such service.''. (i) Clarification of Preemption.--Section 608 of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (12 U.S.C. 4007) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) by inserting ``or (c)'' after ``subsection (a)''; and (B) by inserting ``, but only to the extent of any such inconsistency'' before the period at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) Clarification of Inconsistency.--A State law shall not be construed as inconsistent with this title, or any regulation prescribed under this title, if the protection such law affords the consumer by such law is greater than the protection afforded by this title. For purposes of determining congressional intent with respect to preemption, the purpose of this title shall be construed to be the establishment of a minimum basis of protection for the consumer and not the creation of a uniform national rule.''. SEC. 4. RECREDIT FOR ALL CONSUMERS UNLESS SUBSTITUTE CHECKS ARE PROVIDED WITHOUT COST UPON REQUEST. Section 7(b) of the Checking for the 21st Century Act (12 U.S.C. 5006(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Fees for substitute checks.--If any bank that holds the account of a consumer imposes any fee for producing a copy of a substitute check for such consumer with respect to such account, the expedited recredit process established under this section shall be available for all charges initiated by check against any such account regardless of whether a substitute check was involved or was provided to the consumer.''.

Summary: Consumer Checking Account Fairness Act - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe regulations to: (1) reduce the expedited funds availability time periods to take into account the time within which any receiving institution can reasonably expect to learn of the nonpayment of most items for each category of checks under the Checking Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21 Act) or its implementing regulations; and (2) eliminate distinctions between the time period schedules if the Board finds that they no longer have any significance for any category of checks under such Act or regulations. Extends the next business day availability requirement to funds deposited at a proprietary ATM. Sets a limit upon certain overdraft fees imposed during a check hold period. Requires a depository institution to credit all deposits to a consumer checking account before debiting any check drawn on the account and presented for payment. Requires that Saturday be treated as a business day in the calculation of any period within which funds deposited in an account are required to be made available if the depository institution debits accounts on Saturdays for checks received. Reduces from four business days to two business days the mandatory check hold period on funds deposited by nonlocal checks. Prohibits a depository institution from imposing a fee for paying any check drawn on an account which lacks sufficient funds (bounce protection) unless the accountholder has requested check protection service. Amends the Check 21 Act to provide that if a bank that holds the account of a consumer imposes any fee for producing a copy of a substitute check, the expedited recredit process shall be available for all charges initiated by check against the account regardless of whether a substitute check was involved or provided to the consumer.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Home Construction Lending Regulatory Improvement Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. It is the purpose of this Act to-- (1) immediately provide authority and guidance that Federal and State bank regulators can use to ensure that Federal and State chartered banks and thrifts that provide financing to America's home builders are permitted to make loans, provide ongoing liquidity, and ensure stable financing to such home builders; and (2) enable Federal and State chartered banks and thrifts to provide initial and ongoing credit to America's home builders to aid in restoring liquidity to the home building sector and to restore vitality to the United States residential housing market. SEC. 3. COORDINATED RULEMAKING. (a) Initiation of Proceedings.--Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the appropriate Federal banking agencies shall initiate a coordinated rulemaking with respect to financial institutions under their respective jurisdictions that make real estate loans to home builders. Such rulemaking shall provide for the following: (1) Elimination of the 100 percent of bank capital measurement.-- (A) Loan origination.--If any qualified financial institution is holding real estate loans in its lending portfolio that in the aggregate represent 100 percent or more of its total capital, the appropriate Federal banking agency shall not prohibit any such institution from continuing to make such loans to home builders. (B) Lending decisions.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall not prevent a qualified financial institution from making a real estate loan to a home builder that has a viable project. (C) Qualified financial institution defined.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term ``qualified financial institution'' means a financial institution that received, in the most recent examination of the institution, a CAMEL composite rating of 1, 2, or 3 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System. (2) Realistic market based appraisals.-- (A) Valuation standard.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall require that entities used by financial institutions to assess the value of collateral, with respect to a real estate loan, associated with any viable project in such institution's lending portfolio utilize an as completed valuation to make such an assessment. (B) Arms length transactions.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall require that entities used by financial institutions to assess or review underwriting standards and collateral values for real estate loans made by such institutions after the date of the enactment of this Act use comparable sales involving arms length transactions to make such an assessment or review. (3) Prohibition on compelling lenders to call or curtail loans in good standing.-- (A) Home builders in good standing.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall not compel a financial institution to call or curtail a real estate loan of a home builder that is in good standing. (B) Maximum market valuation.-- (i) In general.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall, in the case that a home builder is in good standing on a real estate loan but the home builder's collateral, with respect to that loan, has decreased in value based on an as completed valuation, permit a financial institution to work with such home builder to realize the maximum current market valuation of such collateral using workout methods or other appropriate means. (ii) Period of workout methods.--Workout methods may be utilized up to a 24-month period following the issuance of final regulations under subsection (c). In no case shall any real estate loan be required to be charged off until the financial institution holding such loan has worked in good faith to exhaust all workout methods or other appropriate means. (C) Reclassification of loans.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall not require a financial institution to reclassify any real estate loan in this paragraph on such institution's balance sheet, unless there is a significant reason under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 310-10-35-55 or 310-10-35-57. (4) Waiting period.--If the enactment of paragraphs 2 or 3 of this subsection helps to improve a financial institution's CAMEL composite rating under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System from a 4 or 5 to a 1, 2, or 3 in such institution's next examination that begins after the date that final regulations are issued pursuant to subsection (c), such institution's improved rating shall take effect no earlier than 24 months after such rating was received. (b) Coordination, Consistency, and Comparability.--Each of the agencies with authorities referred to in subsection (a) shall consult and coordinate with the other such agencies and authorities for the purpose of assuring, to the extent possible, that the regulations by each such agency and authority are consistent and comparable with those prescribed by the other such agencies and authorities. (c) Deadline.--Not later than 6 months after the enactment of this Act, each of the agencies with authorities referred to in subsection (a) shall issue final regulations to implement rules issued under this Act. (d) Agency Authority.--The rules issued under this Act shall be enforced by the appropriate Federal banking agencies with respect to financial institutions under their respective jurisdictions. (e) Effect on State Law.--The rules issued under this Act shall not supercede the law of any State except to the extent that such law is inconsistent with such rule, and then only to the extent of the inconsistency. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate federal banking agency.--The term ``appropriate Federal banking agency'' has the same meaning as is given such term in section 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(q)). (2) Arms length transaction.-- (A) In general.--The term ``arms length transaction'' means a negotiated real estate transaction between a buyer and seller in which such buyer and seller act independently of each other. (B) Transactions excluded.--Such term shall not include any transaction involving a short sale or foreclosed property or any other distressed real property. (3) As completed valuation.--The term ``as completed valuation'' means the estimated market value of collateral after the full completion and absorption of the development and construction associated with the highest and best use of the collateral. (4) Financial institution.--The term ``financial institution'' means an entity regulated by, and under the supervision of, any appropriate Federal banking agency. (5) Good standing.--The term ``good standing'' means making payments on a real estate loan in accordance with the agreement of such loan. (6) Real estate loan.--The term ``real estate loan'' means any indebtness (secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual security interest on real property) acquired for the purpose of purchasing or improving real property, including indebtness acquired for-- (A) land acquisition; (B) land development; and (C) residential construction projects. (7) Total capital.--The term ``total capital'' means the total risk-based capital of a financial institution as reported periodically by such institution in the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's Call Report or Thrift Financial Reports, as applicable. (8) Viable project.--The term ``viable project'' means a real estate project that a financial institution has determined continues to have a reasonable prospect of reaching completion and sale. (9) Workout methods.--The term ``workout methods'' means techniques to prevent a real estate loan defaulting, including workout assistance, loan modifications, loan write downs, and flexibility on reappraisal methods.

Summary: Home Construction Lending Regulatory Improvement Act of 2011 - Directs the appropriate federal banking agencies to initiate a coordinated rulemaking with respect to financial institutions under their respective jurisdictions that make real estate loans to home builders. Requires such rulemaking to provide for: (1) elimination of the 100% of bank capital measurement, (2) realistic market-based appraisals, and (3) a prohibition against compelling lenders to call or curtail loans in good standing. Prohibits a federal banking agency also from preventing a qualified financial institution from making a real estate loan to a home builder that has a viable project.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. REFERENCES Except as otherwise expressly provided therein, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.). SEC. 3. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Section 202(a) (33 U.S.C. 1121(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (1) and inserting the following: ``(D) encourage the development of preparation, forecast, analysis, mitigation, response, and recovery systems for coastal hazards; ``(E) understand global environmental processes and their impacts on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and''; (2) by striking ``program of research, education,'' in paragraph (2) and inserting ``program of integrated research, education, extension,''; and (3) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following: ``(6) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, through the national sea grant college program, offers the most suitable locus and means for such commitment and engagement through the promotion of activities that will result in greater such understanding, assessment, development, management, and conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. The most cost-effective way to promote such activities is through continued and increased Federal support of the establishment, development, and operation of programs and projects by sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, and other institutions, including strong collaborations between Administration scientists and research and outreach personnel at academic institutions.''. (b) Purpose.--Section 202(c) (33 U.S.C. 1121(c)) is amended by striking ``to promote research, education, training, and advisory service activities'' and inserting ``to promote integrated research, education, training, and extension services and activities''. (c) Terminology.--Subsections (a) and (b) of section 202 (15 U.S.C. 1121(a) and (b)) are amended by striking ``utilization,'' each place it appears and inserting ``management,''. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. Section 203 (33 U.S.C. 1122) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4) by striking ``utilization,'' and inserting ``management,''; (2) in paragraph (11) by striking ``advisory services'' and inserting ``extension services''; (3) in each of paragraphs (12) and (13) by striking ``(33 U.S.C. 1126)''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(17) The term `regional research and information plan' means a plan developed by one or more sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes that identifies regional priorities.''. SEC. 5. NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM. (a) Program Elements.--Section 204(b) (33 U.S.C. 1123(b)) is amended-- (1) by amending in paragraph (1) to read as follows: ``(1) sea grant programs that comprise a national sea grant college program network, including international projects conducted within such programs and regional and national projects conducted among such programs;''; (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) administration of the national sea grant college program and this title by the national sea grant office and the Administration;''; and (3) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: ``(4) any regional or national strategic investments in fields relating to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources developed in consultation with the Board and with the approval of the sea grant colleges and the sea grant institutes.''. (b) Technical Correction.--Section 204(c)(2) (33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``Within 6 months of the date of enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Reauthorization Act of 1998, the'' and inserting ``The''. (c) Functions of Director of National Sea Grant College Program.-- Section 204(d) (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``long range''; (2) in paragraph (3)(A)-- (A) by striking ``(A)(i) evaluate'' and inserting ``(A) evaluate and assess''; (B) by striking ``activities; and'' and inserting ``activities;''; and (C) by striking clause (ii); and (3) in paragraph (3)(B)-- (A) by redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (iii) through (v), respectively, and by inserting after clause (i) the following: ``(ii) encourage collaborations among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes to address regional and national priorities established under subsection (c)(1);''; and (B) in clause (iii) (as so redesignated) by striking ``encourage'' and inserting ``ensure''. SEC. 6. PROGRAM OR PROJECT GRANTS AND CONTRACTS. Section 205 (33 U.S.C. 1124) is amended-- (1) by striking ``States or regions.'' in subsection (a)(2) and inserting ``States, regions, or the Nation.''; and (2) by striking the matter following paragraph (3) in subsection (b) and inserting the following: ``The total amount that may be provided for grants under this subsection and subsection 208(b) during any fiscal year shall not exceed an amount equal to 5 percent of the total funds appropriated for such year under section 212.''. SEC. 7. EXTENSION SERVICES BY SEA GRANT COLLEGES AND SEA GRANT INSTITUTES. Section 207(a) (33 U.S.C. 1126(a)) is amended in each of paragraphs (2)(B) and (3)(B) by striking ``advisory services'' and inserting ``extension services''. SEC. 8. FELLOWSHIPS. Section 208(a) (33 U.S.C. 1127) is amended-- (1) by striking ``Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002, and every 2 years thereafter,'' in subsection (a) and inserting ``Every 2 years,''; and (2) by striking ``year.'' in subsection (b) and inserting ``year and is not subject to Federal cost share requirements''. SEC. 9. NATIONAL SEA GRANT ADVISORY BOARD. (a) Redesignation of Sea Grant Review Panel as Board.-- (1) Redesignation.--The sea grant review panel established by section 209 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1128), as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act, is redesignated as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board. (2) Membership not affected.--An individual serving as a member of the sea grant review panel immediately before the enactment of this Act may continue to serve as a member of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board until the expiration of such member's term under section 209(c) of such Act (33 U.S.C. 1128(c). (3) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to such sea grant review panel is deemed to be a reference to the National Sea Grant Advisory Board. (4) Conforming amendments.-- (A) In general.--Section 209 (33 U.S.C. 1128) is amended by striking so much as precedes subsection (b) and inserting the following: ``SEC. 209. NATIONAL SEA GRANT ADVISORY BOARD. ``(a) Establishment.--There shall be an independent committee to be known as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board.''. (B) Definition.--Section 203(9) (33 U.S.C. 1122(9)) is amended to read as follows: ``(9) The term `Board' means the National Sea Grant Advisory Board established under section 209.''; (C) Other provisions.--The following provisions are each amended by striking ``panel'' each place it appears and inserting ``Board'': (i) Section 204 (33 U.S.C. 1123). (ii) Section 207 (33 U.S.C. 1126). (iii) Section 209 (33 U.S.C. 1128). (b) Duties.--Section 209(b) (33 U.S.C. 1128(b)) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Duties.-- ``(1) In general.--The Board shall advise the Secretary and the Director concerning-- ``(A) strategies for utilizing the sea grant college program to address the Nation's highest priorities regarding the understanding, assessment, development, management, and conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; ``(B) the designation of sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes; and ``(C) such other matters as the Secretary refers to the Board for review and advice. ``(2) Biennial report.--The Board shall report to the Congress every two years on the state of the national sea grant college program. The Board shall indicate in each such report the progress made toward meeting the priorities identified in the strategic plan in effect under section 204(c). The Secretary shall make available to the Board such information, personnel, and administrative services and assistance as it may reasonably require to carry out its duties under this title.''. (c) Membership, Terms, and Powers.--Section 209(c)(1) (33 U.S.C. 1128(c)(1)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``coastal management,'' after ``resources management,''; and (2) by striking ``utilization,'' and inserting ``management,''. (d) Extension of Term.--Section 209(c)(2) (33 U.S.C. 1128(c)(2)) is amended to read as follows: ``(2) The term of office of a voting member of the Board shall be 4 years. The Director may extend the term of office of a voting member of the Board once by up to 1 year.''. (e) Establishment of Subcommittees.--Section 209(c) (33 U.S.C. 1128(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(8) The Board may establish such subcommittees as are reasonably necessary to carry out its duties under subsection (b). Such subcommittees may include individuals who are not Board members.''. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 212 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1131) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (a)(1) and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title-- ``(A) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; ``(B) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; ``(C) $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; ``(D) $115,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; ``(E) $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and ``(F) $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.''; (2) in subsection (a)(2)-- (A) by striking ``biology and control of zebra mussels and other important aquatic'' in subparagraph (A) and inserting ``biology, prevention, and control of aquatic''; and (B) by striking ``blooms, including Pfiesteria piscicida; and'' in subparagraph (C) and inserting ``blooms; and''; (3) in subsection (c)(1) by striking ``rating under section 204(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``performance assessments''; (4) by striking subsection (c)(2) and inserting the following: ``(2) regional or national strategic investments authorized under section 204(b)(4);''. SEC. 11. REPEAL OF ANNUAL COORDINATION REPORT REQUIREMENT. Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 857-20) is repealed.

Summary: National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to: (1) substitute "management" for "utilization" in the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources"; (2) substitute "extension services" for "advisory services" in the definition of "project"; and (3) add a definition for "regional research and information plan." (Sec. 5) Adds regional and national projects as elements of the national sea grant college program. Removes a reference to the sea grant review panel from provisions relating to the administration of the program. Refers to regional or national (under current law, national) strategic investments being developed with the approval of sea grant colleges and the sea grant institutes (under current law, with the approval of the sea grant review panel and the colleges and institutes). Revises the program director's duties. Requires that sea grants or contracts be responsive to the needs or problems of the nation, as well as to individual states and regions. (Sec. 6) Limits the special grant and graduate fellowship amounts that may be provided to 5% (under current law, 1%) of the amount appropriated for the National Sea Grant College Program. (Sec. 7) Requires that sea grant colleges provide extension (under current law, advisory) services. (Sec. 8) Exempts marine policy fellowships from federal cost sharing requirements. (Sec. 9) Redesignates the sea grant review panel as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and modifies it's duties and powers and various administrative matters. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Allows any appropriated amounts exceeding the amounts appropriated for FY2003 to be distributed (among other places) to certain regional or national (under current law, national) strategic investments. (Sec. 11) Repeals a National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 provision requiring an annual report to the House Committee on Resources and Science and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the Coastal Ocean Program and the National Sea Grant College Program, and the National Science Foundation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland Act'' or the ``SAFE TECH Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the Transportation Security Administration. (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. SEC. 3. THIRD PARTY TESTING OF SECURITY SCREENING TECHNOLOGY. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security, shall develop a program to enable a vendor of transportation security screening technology to obtain testing, including as an alternative to the Administration's testing process under paragraph (9) of section 114(f) of title 49, United States Code, by an appropriate third party, as determined by the Administrator, in consultation with the Under Secretary, of such technology before procurement or development of such technology. (b) Detection Testing.-- (1) In general.--The third party testing program authorized under subsection (a) shall include detection testing to evaluate the performance of a security screening technology relating to the probability of detection, the probability of false alarm, and other indicators that such technology is able to meet the Administration's mission needs for detection of-- (A) explosives; and (B) prohibited items. (2) Coordination with final processes.--To the extent practicable, and without compromising the integrity of the Administration's testing process under paragraph (9) of section 114(f) of title 49, United States Code, or the Department of Homeland Security's oversight of such testing process, or increasing costs to the Administration, the Administrator shall coordinate the third party detection testing under paragraph (1) with any associated subsequent final Department of Homeland Security testing. (3) International partnerships.--To the extent practicable and permissible under law, and in accordance with national security interests of the United States, the Administrator shall-- (A) share with appropriate international partners detection testing information and standards; and (B) coordinate with such appropriate international partners to align such testing information and standards to maximize the capability to detect explosives and other threats. (c) Alternative Testing Factors.--Third party testing under subsection (a) may include as an alternative, at the discretion of the Administrator, the testing at the TSA Systems Integration Facility of the Administration, including testing for-- (1) health and safety factors; (2) operator interface; (3) human factors; (4) environmental factors; (5) throughput; (6) reliability, maintainability, and availability factors; and (7) interoperability. (d) Testing Framework.--The Administrator, in consultation with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security, shall-- (1) establish a framework for the third party testing under this section to determine if the security screening technology that is the subject of such testing satisfies the Administration's requirements before such technology may enter or re-enter, as applicable, operational testing at an airport or other transportation facility; and (2) use phased implementation to allow the Administration and the third party concerned to establish best practices. (e) Prioritization of Third Party Testing.--The Administrator may prioritize, when appropriate, the field testing of security screening technology and equipment by third parties. (f) Eligible Entities.-- (1) United states ownership.--An entity providing third party testing under the program developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall be owned and controlled by a citizen of the United States. (2) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to an entity that is a United States subsidiary of a parent company that has implemented a foreign ownership, control, or influence mitigation plan that has been approved by the Defense Security Service of the Department of Defense prior to seeking to engage in third party testing. The Administrator has complete discretion to reject any proposal from a company to provide testing under subsection (a) that requires a waiver under this paragraph. (3) Conflicts of interest.--The Administrator shall ensure, to the extent possible, that an entity providing third party testing under this section does not have a contractual, business, or other pecuniary interest (exclusive of any such testing) in-- (A) the security screening technology subject to such testing; or the (B) vendor of such technology. SEC. 4. RECIPROCAL RECOGNITION OF SECURITY STANDARDS. (a) In General.--The Administrator, in coordination with the European Civil Aviation Conference, shall continue development of a validation process for the reciprocal recognition of security validation processes for recognition of security screening technologies or certification authorities for deployment. (b) Requirement.--The validation process under subsection (a) shall ensure that the certification process of each participating international security partner or recognized certification authority complies with Administration standards. SEC. 5. GAO REVIEW. Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a study on the third party testing program developed under this Act. Such study shall include a review of the following: (1) Any efficiencies or gains in effectiveness achieved in the Administration's operations as a result of such program. (2) The degree to which the Administration conducts timely and regular oversight of entities engaged in such testing. (3) The effect of such program on the following: (A) The introduction of innovative detection technologies into security screening operations. (B) The availability of testing for technologies developed by small to medium sized businesses. (C) Any vulnerabilities associated with such program including with respect to the following: (i) National security. (ii) Conflicts of interest between entities carrying out such testing and entities with such technologies to be tested. (iii) Waste, fraud, and abuse. Passed the House of Representatives January 9, 2018. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland Act or the SAFE TECH Act (Sec. 3) This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a program allowing a vendor to obtain performance testing of transportation security screening technology through a third party as an alternative to the TSA's regular testing process. (Sec. 4) The TSA must develop a process for reciprocal recognition of security standards in coordination with the European Civil Aviation Conference. (Sec. 5) The Government Accountability Office must report on the third-party testing program established by this bill.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Export Enhancement Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. OPIC ISSUING AUTHORITY. Section 235(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2195(a)(3)) is amended by striking ``1999'' and inserting ``2003''. SEC. 3. IMPACT OF OPIC PROGRAMS. (a) Additional Requirements.--Section 231A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2191a) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: ``(b) Environmental Impact.--The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall not vote in favor of any action proposed to be taken by the Corporation that is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented, unless for at least 60 days before the date of the vote-- ``(1) an environmental impact assessment or initial environmental audit, analyzing the environmental impacts of the proposed action and of alternatives to the proposed action has been completed by the project applicant and made available to the Board of Directors; and ``(2) such assessment or audit has been made available to the public of the United States, locally affected groups in the host country, and host country nongovernmental organizations.''; and (3) in subsection (c), as so redesignated-- (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Board''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) In conjunction with each meeting of its Board of Directors, the Corporation shall hold a public hearing in order to afford an opportunity for any person to present views regarding the activities of the Corporation. Such views shall be made part of the record.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OPIC. Section 233(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2193(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking the second and third sentences; (2) in the fourth sentence by striking ``(other than the President of the Corporation, appointed pursuant to subsection (c) who shall serve as a Director, ex officio)''; (3) in the second undesignated paragraph-- (A) by inserting ``the President of the Corporation, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, the United States Trade Representative, and'' after ``including''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The United States Trade Representative may designate a Deputy United States Trade Representative to serve on the Board in place of the United States Trade Representative.''; and (4) by inserting after the second undesignated paragraph the following: ``There shall be a Chairman and a Vice Chairman of the Board, both of whom shall be designated by the President of the United States from among the Directors of the Board other than those appointed under the second sentence of the first paragraph of this subsection.''. SEC. 5. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. (a) Purpose.--Section 661(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2421(a)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end of the second sentence the following: ``, with special emphasis on economic sectors with significant United States export potential, such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and environment''. (b) Contributions of Costs.--Section 661(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2421(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Contributions to costs.--The Trade and Development Agency shall, to the maximum extent practicable, require corporations and other entities to-- ``(A) share the costs of feasibility studies and other project planning services funded under this section; and ``(B) reimburse the Trade and Development Agency those funds provided under this section, if the corporation or entity concerned succeeds in project implementation.''. (c) Funding.--Section 661(f) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2421(f)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(A) by striking ``$77,000,000'' and all that follows through ``1996'' and inserting ``$48,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter''; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``in fiscal years'' and all that follows through ``provides'' and inserting ``in carrying out its program, provide, as appropriate, funds''. SEC. 6. IMPLEMENTATION OF PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF TPCC. The Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee shall-- (1) report on the actions taken or efforts currently underway to eliminate the areas of overlap and duplication identified among Federal export promotion activities; (2) coordinate efforts to sponsor or promote any trade show or trade fair; (3) work with all relevant State and national organizations, including the National Governors' Association, that have established trade promotion offices; (4) report on actions taken or efforts currently underway to promote better coordination between State, Federal, and private sector export promotion activities, including co-location, cost sharing between Federal, State, and private sector export promotion programs, and sharing of market research data; and (5) by not later than March 30, 2000, and annually thereafter, include the matters addressed in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) in the annual report required to be submitted under section 2312(f) of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4727(f)). SEC. 7. TIMING OF TPCC REPORTS. Section 2312(f) of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4727(f)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 1995, and annually thereafter,'' and inserting ``March 30 of each year,''. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: (Sec. 3) Revises certain OPIC requirements to prohibit the OPIC Board of Directors from voting in favor of any proposed action likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented, unless: (1) an environmental impact assessment or initial environmental audit has been completed by the project applicant and made available to the Board of Directors; and (2) such assessment or audit has been made available to the U.S. public, locally affected groups in the host country, and host country nongovernmental organizations. Requires OPIC in conjunction with each Board of Directors' meeting to hold a public hearing in order to afford an opportunity for any person to present views regarding OPIC activities. (Sec. 4) Revises the composition of the OPIC Board of Directors. (Sec. 5) Revises the purposes of the Trade and Development Agency to include, with respect to the promotion of U.S. private sector participation in development projects in developing and middle-income countries, special emphasis on economic sectors with significant U.S. export potential, such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and environment. Directs the Agency to require corporations and other entities to: (1) share the costs of feasibility studies and other project planning services; and (2) reimburse the Agency those funds it has provided, if the corporation or entity concerned succeeds in project implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Requires the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to: (1) report on actions taken to eliminate the areas of overlap and duplication identified among Federal export promotion activities; (2) coordinate efforts to sponsor or promote any trade show or trade fair; (3) work with all relevant State and national organizations, including the National Governors' Association, that have established trade promotion offices; and (4) report to Congress on actions taken to promote better coordination among State, Federal, and private sector export promotion activities. (Sec. 7) Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to change the deadline for TPCC annual reports from September 30 to March 30.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 1999''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO EXTENDED BENEFIT PROGRAM. (a) Repeal of Certain State Law Requirements.--Section 202 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended-- (1) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (a); and (2) by repealing subsection (c). (b) Establishment of Mandatory Triggers Based on Total Unemployment.-- (1) State `on' and `off' indicators.--Subsection (d) of section 203 of such Act is amended to read as follows: ``State `On' and `Off' Indicators ``(d) For purposes of this section-- ``(1) There is a State `on' indicator for a week if-- ``(A)(i) the average rate of total unemployment in such State (seasonally adjusted) for the period consisting of the most recent three months for which data for all States are published before the close of the week equals or exceeds 7.5 percent, and ``(ii) the average rate of total unemployment in such State (seasonally adjusted) for the 3-month period referred to in clause (i) equals or exceeds 110 percent of such average for either (or both) of the corresponding 3-month periods ending in the two preceding calendar years; or ``(B) the average rate of total unemployment for such State (seasonally adjusted) for the period consisting of the most recent 3 months for which data for all States are published before the close of the week equals or exceeds 10 percent. ``(2) There is a State `off' indicator for a week unless the requirements of subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) are satisfied.''. (2) Determination of rates of total unemployment and insured unemployment.--Subsection (e) of section 203 of such Act is amended to read as follows: ``Determination of Rates of Total Unemployment and Insured Unemployment ``(e)(1) For purposes of this Act, determinations of the rate of total unemployment in any State for any period (and of any seasonal adjustments) shall be made by the Secretary. ``(2)(A) For purposes of subsection (f)(2), the rate of insured unemployment for any thirteen-week period shall be determined by reference to the average monthly covered employment under the State law for the first four of the most recent six calendar quarters ending before the close of such period. ``(B) For purposes of subsection (f)(2), the term `rate of insured unemployment' means the percentage arrived at by dividing-- ``(i) the average weekly number of individuals filing claims for regular compensation for weeks of unemployment with respect to the specified period, as determined on the basis of the reports made by the State agency to the Secretary, by ``(ii) the average monthly covered employment for the specified period. ``(C) Determinations under subsection (f)(2) shall be made by the State agency in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.''. (c) Requirements for Supplemental Benefits During High Unemployment Periods.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (B) of section 202(b)(3) of such Act is amended to read as follows: ``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `high unemployment period' means any period during which an extended benefit period would be in effect if-- ``(i)(I) section 203(d)(1)(A)(i) were applied by substituting `10 percent' for `7.5 percent'; and ``(II) section 203(d)(1)(B) were applied by substituting `12.5 percent' for `10 percent'; and ``(ii) section 203(f)(1)(A)(i) were applied by substituting `8 percent' for `6.5 percent'.''. (2) Technical amendment.--Subsection (b) of section 202 of such Act is amended by moving the text of paragraph (3)(A) of such subsection 2 ems to the left. (d) Amendments to Alternative Trigger.--Section 203(f) of such Act is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Effective with respect to compensation for weeks of employment beginning after March 6, 1993, the'' and inserting ``In lieu of applying the indicator specified in subsection (d)(1)(A), a''; (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) A State may by law provide that, for the purpose of beginning or ending any extended period under this section, in addition to the indicators specified in subsection (d) and paragraph (1) of this subsection-- ``(A) there is a State `on' indicator for a week if the rate of insured unemployment under State law for the period consisting of such week and the immediately preceding twelve weeks equals or exceeds 6 percent; and ``(B) there is a State `off' indicator for a week if the requirement set forth in subparagraph (A) is not satisfied. Notwithstanding the provision of any State law described in this paragraph, any week for which there would otherwise be a State `on' indicator shall continue to be such a week and shall not be determined to be a week for which there is a State `off' indicator.''. SEC. 3. SPECIAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATES. Section 903(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1103(a)(3)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A) by amending clauses (i) and (ii) to read as follows: ``(i) be subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), to the extent such amounts are not in excess of the sum of-- ``(I) $20,000,000, plus ``(II) the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor to be the difference between the amount necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the unemployment compensation program for the succeeding fiscal year (taking into account workload and other appropriate factors) and $2,419,000,000, and ``(ii) be subject to subparagraph (D), to the extent such amounts are in excess of the sum of subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i).''; (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``(A)(i)'' and inserting ``(A)(i)(II)''; (3) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (4) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: ``(B) The Secretary of Labor shall reserve the amount specified in subparagraph (A)(i)(I) (at the close of fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001) to award grants to the States in fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002 to assist in the implementation of alternative base periods for determining the eligibility of claimants. Such alternative base periods shall reduce the period of time between the end of the base period for a claimant and the filing of a claim for compensation. The amounts reserved pursuant to this subparagraph shall be available to the Secretary of Labor for obligation through fiscal year 2002.''. SEC. 4. SOLVENCY REQUIREMENTS. Section 903(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1103(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3)(A) If the Secretary of Labor finds that, as of December 31, 2001, a State has not achieved, or made acceptable progress toward achieving, the solvency target established pursuant to subparagraph (B), then, subject to the limitation described in subparagraph (C), the amount available under this section for transfer to such State account for the succeeding fiscal year shall, in lieu of being so transferred, be transferred to the States meeting the requirements of this subsection. The transfers shall be made to such States based on the share of funds of each such State under subsection (a)(2), except that, for purposes of this subparagraph, the ratio under subsection (a)(2) shall be adjusted by excluding the wages attributable to the States failing to meet the requirements of this subparagraph. ``(B)(i) For December 31, 2001, the solvency target shall be an average high cost multiple of 1.0. For purposes of this subparagraph, the average high cost multiple represents the number of years a State could pay unemployment compensation (based on the reserve ratio of such State) if the State paid such compensation at a rate equivalent to the average benefit cost rate such State paid in the three calendar years during the preceding 20 calendar years (or, if longer, during the period consisting of the preceding three recessions as determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research) that the benefit cost rates were the highest. For purposes of making this determination-- ``(I) the term `reserve ratio' means the ratio determined by dividing the balance in the State account at the end of the calendar year by the total covered wages in the State for such year; ``(II) the term `benefit cost rate' means the rate determined by dividing the unemployment compensation paid during a calendar year by the total covered wages in the State for such year; and ``(III) the ratio and rates determined under subclauses (I) and (II) shall exclude the wages and unemployment compensation paid by employers covered under section 3309 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. ``(ii) For December 31, 2001, acceptable progress towards achieving the solvency target shall mean that a State has reduced any difference between 1.0 and the average high cost multiple of such State (if such multiple is less than 1.0) that the Secretary found to exist as of December 31, 1998, by an amount equal to or exceeding 5 percent of such difference. ``(iii) The Secretary may adjust the solvency target specified in clause (i), or the criteria for determining whether there is acceptable progress towards achieving the solvency target specified in clause (ii), for States that experience significant increases in unemployment during the period between December 31, 1998, and December 31, 2001. The Secretary shall establish objective criteria for making such adjustments. ``(iv) A State shall include, as part of the annual State plan relating to the administration of grants under this title, such information as the Secretary may request relating to the manner in which the State intends to achieve the solvency target established pursuant to this paragraph. ``(C) The requirements of subparagraph (A) shall apply to excess (referred to in subsection (a)(1)) remaining in the employment security account at the close of fiscal year 2002 that are equal to or less than $2,900,000,000. Such requirements shall not apply to any such excess amounts that are greater than $2,900,000,000.''. SEC. 5. TREATMENT OF SHORT-TIME COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. (a) General Rule.--Section 3306 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3306) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(u) Short-Time Compensation Program.--For purposes of this chapter, the term `short-time compensation program' means a program under which-- ``(1) the participation of an employer is voluntary; ``(2) an employer reduces the number of hours worked by employees in lieu of temporary layoffs; ``(3) such employees whose workweeks have been reduced by at least 10 percent are eligible for unemployment compensation; ``(4) the amount of unemployment compensation payable to any such employee is a pro rata portion of the unemployment compensation which would be payable to the employee if such employee were totally unemployed; ``(5) such employees are not required to meet the availability for work or work search test requirements while collecting short-time compensation benefits, but are required to be available for their normal workweek; ``(6) eligible employees may participate in an employer- sponsored training program to enhance job skills if such program has been approved by the State agency; ``(7) the State agency may require an employer to continue to provide health benefits, and retirement benefits under a defined benefit pension plan (as defined in section 414(j)) to any employee whose workweek is reduced pursuant to the program as though the workweek of such employee had not been reduced; ``(8) the State agency may require an employer (or an employers' association which is party to a collective bargaining agreement) to submit a written plan describing the manner in which the requirements of this subsection will be implemented and containing such other information as the Secretary of Labor determines is appropriate; and ``(9) the program meets such other requirements as the Secretary of Labor determines are appropriate.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Subparagraph (E) of section 3304(a)(4) of such Code (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(4)(E)) is amended to read as follows: ``(E) amounts may be withdrawn for the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program (as defined under section 3306(u));''. (2) Paragraph (5) of section 3306(f) of such Code (26 U.S.C. 3306(f)(5)) is amended to read as follows: ``(5) amounts may be withdrawn for the payment of short- time compensation under a short-time compensation program (as defined under subsection (u)); and''. (3) Section 303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(a)(5)) is amended by striking ``the payment of short-time compensation under a plan approved by the Secretary of Labor'' and inserting ``the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program (as defined in section 3306(u) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986)''. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the provisions of this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Extended Benefit Amendments.-- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of section 2 of this Act shall take effect for the weeks beginning on or after October 1, 2002. (2) Pursuant to the enactment of appropriate provisions of the State law, the provisions of section 2 may, with respect to such State, take effect for weeks which begin earlier than the weeks specified in paragraph (1), but not earlier than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Amends title IX (Employment Security Administrative Financing) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to modify the ceiling on the Federal Unemployment Account. Provides for special distributions of funds to the States under SSA title IX. Directs the Secretary of Labor to reserve specified amounts for grants to States to assist in implementing alternative base periods for determining the eligibility of claimants for unemployment compensation. Requires States to achieve or make substantial progress toward achieving certain solvency targets for their unemployment compensation accounts. Directs the Secretary to transfer to other States' accounts the amount that would otherwise be transferred to the account of a State that violates such requirement under SSA title IX. Revises SSA title IX requirements for distribution to States of certain excess amounts in the Employment Security Administration Account as of the close of FY 2002. Amends the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to extend the self-employment assistance program. Amends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) under the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for treatment of short-time compensation programs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Great Falls Preservation and Redevelopment Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act-- (1) the term ``District'' means the Great Falls Historic District established under section 4; and (2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 3. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to preserve and interpret the educational and inspirational benefit of the unique and distinguished contribution to our national heritage of certain historic and cultural lands, waterways, and edifices of the Great Falls Historic District. Such purpose shall be carried out with an emphasis on harnessing this unique urban environment for its educational and recreational value, and enhancing economic and cultural redevelopment within the District. SEC. 4. GREAT FALLS HISTORIC DISTRICT. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the city of Paterson in the county of Passaic in the State of New Jersey the Great Falls Historic District. (b) Boundaries.--The boundaries of the District shall be the boundaries as specified for the Great Falls Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the District through cooperative agreements in accordance with this Act. (b) Grants; Cooperative Agreements.-- (1) In general.--In expending sums made available pursuant to this Act, the Secretary may make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, nonprofit entities for-- (A) the purchase of property or easements; (B) emergency stabilization; and (C) the establishment of a coordinated fund. (2) Purpose.--Grants and cooperative agreements entered into under this subsection shall be used to carry out this Act, including the following activities: (A) An evaluation of-- (i) the condition of historic and architectural resources existing on the date of enactment of this Act; and (ii) the environmental and flood hazard conditions within the District. (B) Recommendations for-- (i) rehabilitating, reconstructing, and adaptively reusing such historic and architectural resources; (ii) preserving viewsheds, focal points, and streetscapes; (iii) establishing gateways to the District; (iv) establishing and maintaining parks and public spaces; (v) restoring, improving, and developing raceways and adjacent areas; (vi) developing public parking areas; (vii) improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation within the District; (viii) improving security within the District, with an emphasis on preserving historically significant structures from arson; and (ix) establishing a visitor's center. (c) Restoration, Maintenance, and Interpretation.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the owners of properties within the District of historical or cultural significance as determined by the Secretary, pursuant to which the Secretary may mark, interpret, improve, restore, and provide technical assistance with respect to the preservation and interpretation of such properties. (2) Requirements.--Each agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall contain provisions ensuring that-- (A) the Secretary shall have the right of access at reasonable times to public portions of the property for interpretive and other purposes; and (B) no changes or alterations shall be made in the property except by mutual agreement. (d) Cooperative Agreements With State.--In administering the District, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the State of New Jersey, or any political subdivision thereof, for rendering, on a reimbursable basis, rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services, cooperative assistance by nearby law enforcement and fire preventive agencies, and for other appropriate purposes. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.

Summary: Great Falls Preservation and Redevelopment Act of 1993 - Establishes the Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with: (1) nonprofit entities for the purchase of property or easements, emergency stabilization, and the establishment of a coordinated fund to carry out this Act; (2) property owners for the preservation and interpretation of properties of historical or cultural significance; and (3) the State of New Jersey for rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services in the District. Authorizes appropriations.