SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Effective and impartial enforcement of the law is one of the most important functions of government. (2) The preservation of our form of government and the rights of our citizens are dependent upon competent and professional law enforcement agencies. (3) Responsibility for law enforcement in the United States reposes primarily with State and local governments. (4) Approximately 22,400 local government entities exist in the 50 states; one-third of all Americans live in nonurban areas; of the 17,120 law enforcement agencies, 90 percent serve populations of less than 25,000 residents and 75 percent serve a population of fewer than 10,000 residents. (5) Rural violent crime has increased over 53 percent from 1983 to 1995, and is taking a toll on small town and rural citizens and small town and rural law enforcement personnel. (6) Rural law enforcement agencies totaling 12,735 (police departments and sheriffs offices serving a population of under 25,000) have needs in the areas of providing management education and training, a clearinghouse, professional evaluation, technical assistance, practical research and analyses, and computer and forensic education and training as identified by the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (7) The National Center for Rural Law Enforcement has cooperated in the past and will continue to cooperate with the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to promote the development and implementation of management education and training, a clearinghouse, professional evaluation, technical assistance, practical research and analyses, and computer and forensic education and training for rural law enforcement agencies. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CENTER FOR RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. (a) In General.--For the purpose of assisting rural law enforcement agencies with management education and training, maintaining a clearinghouse, evaluation, technical assistance, research, computer and forensic education and training, and providing such other support as may be necessary or useful, there is authorized to be established a private, nonprofit corporation, to be known as the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement which shall be neither an agency nor establishment of the United States Government. (b) Incorporators.--The Board of Directors first appointed shall be deemed the incorporators, and the incorporation shall be deemed to have been effected from the date of the first meeting of the Board. (c) Residence.--The Center shall be located in, and shall be considered, for purposes of venue in civil actions, to be a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, or at such other place as the Board may subsequently direct. SEC. 4. CORPORATE POWERS. The Center-- (1) shall have succession, and may sue and be sued, in its corporate name; (2) may adopt and use a corporate seal which shall be judicially noticed; (3) may adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws; (4) may purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire and hold such property as it deems necessary or convenient in the transaction of its business, and may dispose of any such property; (5) shall be eligible to apply for and to make grants from or to, and to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements without regard to the Federal Procurement Acquisition Regulations with, Federal, State, and local governments, public or private institutions, organizations, entities, and individuals necessary or convenient to the exercise of the functions or powers conferred explicitly or implicitly by this Act; (6) may arrange, as permitted by law, for the loan, detail or assistance, or use of facilities, personnel, or equipment from Federal, State, or local agencies, departments, or entities on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis; (7) may request from any Federal department or agency such information, data, and materials as may be necessary or convenient to the exercise of the functions or powers conferred explicitly or implicitly by this Act although the head of such department or agency may decline to comply with such a request; (8) may solicit and accept gifts, devises, grants and donations of property, including cash or services in furtherance of its function and mission; (9) shall have such other powers as may be necessary or appropriate for the exercise of the functions or powers conferred specifically or implicitly by this Act; and (10) is prohibited from supporting any political party or candidate for elective or appointive office. SEC. 5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. (a) Composition.--The Board of the Center shall be composed of 18 members as follows: (1) Two members from each of the 6 regions (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and West) shall be appointed from rural law enforcement agencies serving rural areas. (2) One member shall be appointed from the International Association of Directors of State Law Enforcement Training. (3) Two members shall be selected from personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and shall hold membership on the Board in an ex officio capacity. The members shall be selected by and serve at the pleasure of the Director of the FBI. (4) The president of the University of Arkansas shall be an ex officio Board member. (5) The Executive Director of the Center shall be an ad hoc Board member. (6) One resident of a rural area shall be selected to serve as an ad hoc member. (b) Initial Board.-- (1) Selection of members.--Appointive members of the initial Board of Directors shall be selected cooperatively by the president of the University of Arkansas, the Director of the FBI, and the Executive Director of the preexisting National Center for Rural Law Enforcement at the University of Arkansas. (2) Designation of chairman.--The president of the University of Arkansas and the Director of the FBI shall designate a chairman from among the appointees to the initial Board. (3) Term of office.--The term of office for appointive members of the initial Board shall be 3 years. (4) Selection of successors.--Not later than 90 days before the expiration of such 3-year term, the Board shall select, with the advice and counsel of the president of the University of Arkansas and the Director of the FBI, successors to the initial appointive members. (c) Subsequent Boards.-- (1) Term of office.--The term of office for appointive members to subsequent Boards shall be 6 years. (2) Staggered terms.--The successor appointive Board members, at their first meeting, will draw lots from 1 to 6 years. (3) Subsequent selections.--The Board shall select, with the advice and counsel of the president of the University of Arkansas and the Director of the FBI, successors as may be necessary or appropriate to replace members who resign or otherwise vacate their offices or whose terms of office expire within 90 days. (4) Term limit.--No member shall serve more than 1 uninterrupted 6-year term. (5) Election of chairman.--After the initial Board has been replaced, as appropriate or necessary, the Board shall elect a chairman from among its appointive members. The chairman's term of office shall be coextensive with that individual's term of office on the Board. (d) Functions.--The Board shall direct the exercise of all of the business and powers of the Center, including the adoption, amendment, and repeal of bylaws. The Board shall appoint (subject to specific provisions herein) and oversee the Executive Director and other corporate officers in the performance of their duties. (e) Quorums.--Vacancies on the Board shall not impair the powers of the Board to execute the functions of the Center if there are not less than 7 voting members in office. Such number shall also constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board. (f) Compensation and Status.-- (1) In general.--The members of the Board shall serve without compensation from the Center but are authorized to receive whatever pay, allowances, and benefits to which they are otherwise entitled by virtue of their Federal, State, or local government employment. (2) Expenses.--The members may be compensated for travel and per diem expenses by the Center at rates authorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their permanent duty stations in the performance of Center business. (3) Status.--Other than the 2 ex officio members from the FBI, members of the Board shall not be considered officers or employees of the United States for any purpose. SEC. 6. OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. (a) Executive Director.-- (1) Initial executive director.--The Executive Director of the preexisting National Center for Rural Law Enforcement at the University of Arkansas shall serve as the initial Executive Director for the Center with a term of 3 years. (2) Subsequent appointments.--After the initial 3-year term of the first Executive Director, the Board of Directors shall select and appoint, without regard to the provisions of the civil service laws applicable to officers and employees of the United States, and after consultation with the Director of the FBI and the president of the University of Arkansas, a successor whose term of office shall be 5 years. (3) Vacancy.--The Board may at any time select and appoint, after consultation with the Director of the FBI and the president of the University of Arkansas, a successor to replace an Executive Director who resigns or otherwise vacates office or whose term of office will expire within 30 days. An Executive Director appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the predecessor was selected and appointed shall serve for the remainder of such term. (4) Consecutive terms.--No person shall serve as the Executive Director for more than 2 consecutive terms, excluding the term of the initial Executive Director. (5) Compensation.--The Board shall fix the Executive Director's compensation, benefits, and allowances. (6) Duties.--The Executive Director shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for-- (A) the management and administration of the Center, (B) the conduct of its day-to-day affairs and business, (C) the performance of its officers, agents, and employees, and (D) the establishment of an advisory board to assist the Executive Director with policy issues. (b) Additional Staff.--The Executive Director shall select and nominate for appointment by the Board such other senior officers, assistants, and employees as may be necessary for the transaction of the Center's business and subject to Board concurrence, fix their compensation and define their duties. Officers may be removed by the Executive Director for cause subject to the concurrence of the Board. Assistants and other employees may be removed by the Executive Director without Board concurrence. (c) FBI Staff.--To assist the Center in carrying out its functions and programs, the Director of the FBI may assign, on a full-time basis, not more than 4 FBI personnel to the Center on a nonreimbursable basis. Personnel so assigned will remain employees of the Federal Government for all purposes and will not become employees of the Center for any purpose. (d) Status.--Unless otherwise an employee of the Federal Government, officers and employees of the Center shall not be considered to be employees of the United States for any purpose. SEC. 7. FUNCTIONS. (a) In General.--In cooperation with the FBI, the Center, an educational entity, shall provide for the development of a rural law enforcement educational program through consultation with institutions of higher learning and the Board. The Center shall provide for-- (1) the development and delivery of management education and training, clearinghouse, evaluation, technical assistance, practical research and evaluation, and computer and forensic education and training for and to rural law enforcement agency personnel, including supervisory and executive managers; (2) the delivery of technical assistance, including research and studies into the causes and prevention of criminal activity, to rural law enforcement agencies; (3) equitable education opportunities; (4) the development, promotion, and voluntary adoption of national educational and training standards and accreditation certification programs for rural law enforcement agencies and personnel; (5) the development and dissemination of information designed to assist States and units of local government in small town and rural areas throughout the country; (6) grants to, and contracts with, Federal, State, and local government, units of local rural law enforcement, public and private agencies, educational institutions, organizations and individuals to carry out this subtitle; (7) the establishment and maintenance of a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on criminal justice and rural law enforcement, including programs for the prevention of crime and recidivism; (8) the delivery of assistance, in a consulting capacity, to criminal justice agencies in the development, establishment, maintenance, and coordination of programs, facilities and services, training, and research relating to crime in rural areas; (9) encouragement and assistance to Federal, State, and local government programs and services; (10) the development of technical education and training teams to aid in the development of seminars, workshops, education and training programs within the States and with the State and local agencies that work with small town and rural law enforcement managers; (11) conducting, encouraging, and coordinating research relating to law enforcement and criminal justice issues, including the causes, assessment, evaluation, analysis, and prevention of criminal activity; (12) the formulation and recommendation of rural law enforcement policy, goals, and standards applicable to involved criminal justice agencies, organizations, institutions, and personnel; and (13) the evaluation by institutions of higher learning for the purpose of encouraging programs of study for rural law enforcement. (b) Discretionary Activities.--The Center may-- (1) create an organizational structure with regional representation for the purpose of-- (A) delivering management education and training; (B) conducting research focused on small town and rural law enforcement needs; (C) providing technical assistance; (D) creating a clearinghouse focused on small town and rural law enforcement; (E) conducting evaluations for the benefit of small town and rural law enforcement; (F) providing education and training in forensics; and (G) providing education and training in computers; (2) confer with and request the assistance, services, records, and facilities of State and local governments or other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals; and (3) procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at rates of compensation not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate authorized for members of the Senior Executive Service, ES-6, Level V, as authorized by section 5352 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 8. METHODS. In carrying out its functions under this section, the Center shall-- (1) utilize consensus building; and (2) work in cooperation with-- (A) small town and rural, non urban law enforcement agencies; (B) agencies of Federal, State, and local governments; and (C) institutions of higher learning, law enforcement associations and other not-for-profit organizations; (3) request and receive from other Federal departments and agencies such statistics, data, program reports, and other materials necessary for the Center to carry out its functions; (4) arrange with and reimburse the heads of other Federal departments and agencies for the use of personnel, facilities, or equipment of such departments and agencies; and (5) use the assistance, services, records, and facilities of State and local governments or other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) The term ``Board'' means the Board of Directors of the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement. (2) The term ``Center'' means the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement. (3) The term ``Executive Director'' means the Executive Director of the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement. (4) The term ``FBI'' means the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (5) The term ``rural area'' means an area with a population of 25,000 or less. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act-- (1) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; and (2) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002.

Summary: Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1997 - Authorizes the establishment of the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement as a private, nonprofit corporation for the purpose of assisting rural law enforcement agencies with management education and training, maintaining a clearinghouse, evaluation, technical assistance, research, computer and forensic education and training, and providing other support. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS TO REQUIRE NEW PENALTIES AND ADMINISTRATOR VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBSIDY PROGRAMS. (a) Addition of Repayment Penalty.--Section 1001B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-2) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``the Secretary may for a period not to exceed 5 crop years deny the issuance of payments to the person or legal entity.'' and inserting ``the Secretary shall for a period not less than 5 years, or permanently, deny the issuance of payments to the person or legal entity.''; (2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as subsections (d) through (f), respectively; and (3) after subsection (b), by inserting the following new subsection: ``(c) Repayment.--If a person or legal entity is determined under subsection (d) of section 1001D to be ineligible for benefits or payments, the person or legal entity shall reimburse the Secretary for the full amount of any benefit or payment described in subsection (b) of such section that the person or legal entity has already received while the person or entity was ineligible.''. (b) Addition of Income Verification and Enforcement Procedures.-- Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection: ``(d) Income Verification and Enforcement.-- ``(1) Submission to administrator.--Within 30 days after receiving an application from a person or legal entity for a benefit described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall request the Administrator of the Internal Revenue Service (referred to in this subsection as the `Administrator') to verify the average adjusted gross income, average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income of the person or legal entity. The request for verification shall include the following: ``(A) The name of the person or legal entity. ``(B) The social security number or employer identification number of the person or legal entity. ``(C) Any other information that the Secretary determines to be relevant in assisting the Administrator in verifying the average adjusted gross income, average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income of the person or legal entity. ``(2) Administrator determination and denial of benefits.-- ``(A) Administrator determination.--Not later than 30 days after the receipt of a verification request under paragraph (1) or a request of redetermination under paragraph (3), the Administrator shall-- ``(i) determine whether the average adjusted gross income, average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income of the person or legal entity is within the applicable limitations established under subsection (b); and ``(ii) notify the Secretary of the results of such determination. ``(B) Denial of benefits.--Subject to paragraph (3), if the Administrator determines under subparagraph (A) that a person or legal entity does not comply with the applicable limitations set forth in subsection (b), the Secretary shall deny the issuance of applicable payments and benefits specified in subsection (b) to the person or legal entity, under similar terms and conditions as described in section 1001B. ``(3) Farm service agency reconsideration for ineligible applicants.-- ``(A) Submission of evidence to farm service agency.--A person or legal entity subject to denial of benefits under paragraph (2) may request a reconsideration of the denial by the Farm Service Agency office serving the location in which the person or legal entity resides or operates. The person or legal entity shall submit evidence, accompanied with a certification by a certified public accountant, to support the claim that the person or legal entity satisfies the income eligibility requirements under subsection (b). ``(B) Submission of evidence to administrator.--If the Farm Service Agency determines that the claim of the person or legal entity is supported by the evidence submitted under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit the evidence to the Administrator for a second determination under paragraph (2)(A). ``(C) Time requirement.--The Farm Service Agency shall make the determination in subparagraph (B) within 30 days after the date on which the person or legal entity submits the evidence under subparagraph (A). ``(4) Limitation on redetermination.--A person or legal entity may not apply for more than one redetermination, as described under paragraph (3), a calendar year.''.

Summary: Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to deny certain agricultural commodity payments for not less than five years, or permanently, to a person or legal entity that has knowingly engaged in, or aided in the creation of a fraudulent document, or failed to disclose material information relevant to the administration of such benefits. (Current law authorizes payment denial for up to five crop years.) Requires that a person or legal entity that received benefits while ineligible due to excess income repay such amounts fully. Directs the Secretary to request the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify the income-related eligibility of a benefit applicant, and deny benefits to a person or entity determined to be ineligible. Authorizes Farm Service Agency reconsideration of a denial.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills Act of 2015''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY Sec. 101. References to title 49, United States Code. Sec. 102. Notice to property owners and residents. Sec. 103. Facility operation information standards. Sec. 104. Availability of industry standards and procedures adopted in regulations by reference. Sec. 105. Considerations for identification of high-consequence areas. TITLE II--PIPELINE SPILL PREVENTION Sec. 201. Assessment of oil spill impacts and response in the Great Lakes. Sec. 202. Great Lakes Basin water crossing study and alternatives assessment. Sec. 203. Prohibition on transport of crude oil on Great Lakes. Sec. 204. Definition of worst case discharge. TITLE I--INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY SEC. 101. REFERENCES TO TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE. Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 49, United States Code. SEC. 102. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS. Section 60102(c)(4) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Notice to property owners and residents.-- ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall prescribe minimum standards to require the owner or operator of a pipeline facility to notify all owners and residents of property located within 2,000 feet of a transmission line of the facility of-- ``(I) the proximity of the property to the transmission line; and ``(II) in the case of a transmission line located on private residential property, the specific location of the line on the property. ``(ii) Required information.--The notice under clause (i) shall include, at a minimum-- ``(I) a method for electronic access to the information described in clause (i) through the Geospatial Platform or such other Federal data archive as the Secretary considers appropriate; ``(II) information on how to obtain a map of the pipeline system through the National Pipeline Mapping System; and ``(III) such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(iii) Deadlines.--The notice under clause (i) shall be provided not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subparagraph and at least once every 3 years thereafter.''. SEC. 103. FACILITY OPERATION INFORMATION STANDARDS. Section 60102(d) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (2) in paragraph (3), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (3) in paragraph (5), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (4) by designating paragraphs (1) through (6) as subparagraphs (A) through (F), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and (5) by striking ``The Secretary'' and all that follows through ``shall include--'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills Act of 2015, the Secretary shall prescribe minimum standards under this section requiring an operator of a pipeline facility subject to this chapter-- ``(A) to maintain information related to operating the facility as required by the standards prescribed under this chapter; and ``(B) to provide that information, including any updates and changes, to the Secretary, State regulatory officials, State and local emergency responders, and such other entities as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(2) Local emergency responders.--In the case of a local emergency responder, the Secretary shall provide the information described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (E), and (F) of paragraph (4) only to the extent applicable to the local district. ``(3) Maintenance.--The Secretary shall keep on file the information submitted to the Secretary under paragraphs (1) and (2). ``(4) Information.--The information shall include--''. SEC. 104. AVAILABILITY OF INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ADOPTED IN REGULATIONS BY REFERENCE. Section 60102 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(q) Availability of Industry Standards and Procedures Adopted in Regulations by Reference.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that industry standards and procedures adopted by reference as part of the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program under this chapter are easily available to the public free of charge. ``(2) Application.--This subsection shall apply to regulations issued before, on, or after the date of enactment of this subsection.''. SEC. 105. CONSIDERATIONS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH-CONSEQUENCE AREAS. Section 60109 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Considerations for Identification of High-Consequence Areas.--In identifying high-consequence areas under this chapter, the Secretary shall consider-- ``(1) the age of the pipe; ``(2) whether the pipe at issue can be inspected using the most modern instrumented internal inspection devices; ``(3) whether the pipe at issue crosses open waters of the Great Lakes; and ``(4) the type of commodity (including the type and grade of petroleum product) being transported through the pipe.''. TITLE II--PIPELINE SPILL PREVENTION SEC. 201. ASSESSMENT OF OIL SPILL IMPACTS AND RESPONSE IN THE GREAT LAKES. (a) Assessment.-- (1) In general.--The Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall-- (A) identify measures to respond to spills or leaks of oil in the Great Lakes; and (B) conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of such measures in preventing significant or substantial harm to the public health or welfare, including fish, shellfish, wildlife, public and private property, shorelines, and beaches of the Great Lakes system. (2) Elements.--The assessment required under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) new scientific research on the impacts of a spill or leak of oil or a hazardous substance in fresh water under a wide range of meteorological and hydrological conditions, including an evaluation of the impacts of different types of petroleum, including synthetic oil from tar sands; (B) an evaluation of oil spill or leak prevention and response plans (including techniques to address submerged oil recovery and recovery in ice-choked waters) in order to identify vulnerabilities and existing threats to the Great Lakes system; and (C) recommendations to foster improvements to safety technologies, spill response planning, clean-up techniques, and environmental protection systems. (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the assessment required under subsection (a). SEC. 202. GREAT LAKES BASIN WATER CROSSING STUDY AND ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT. (a) Survey Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, working with pipeline facility owners, operators, and State governments, shall conduct a comprehensive water crossing survey of all intrastate and interstate hazardous liquid pipeline facilities that cross waterways in the Great Lakes Basin in the waters of the United States (as defined in the final rule of the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency entitled ``Clean Water Rule: Definition of `Waters of the United States''' (80 Fed. Reg. 37054; June 29, 2015)). (b) Elements.--The survey required under subsection (a) shall-- (1) produce a comprehensive map of all hazardous pipeline waterway crossings in the Great Lakes Basin, including lakes, rivers, and streams; (2) evaluate the condition and structural integrity of pipelines at each crossing, considering factors that include pipeline thickness, diameter, weld integrity, internal and external corrosion, age, pressure, control and shut-off valves, burial depths, water depths, currents, and ice cover; (3) identify risks of leak and rupture resulting from pipeline integrity failures, or any other vulnerability at the pipeline water crossings; (4) identify gaps in data and information that exist in the pipeline network in the Great Lakes Basin, and request information related to pipeline integrity or risks from owners and operators with facilities that cross lakes, rivers, and streams; and (5) produce recommendations to prevent future leaks, ruptures, and failures that could result in damage to waterways and natural resources in the Great Lakes Basin. (c) National Research Council Study.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall enter into a joint agreement with the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences to conduct a study in connection with the survey under this section. (2) Elements.--The study conducted under this subsection shall include-- (A) a study covering the elements described under paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (b); (B) consideration of ways in which review of facility response plans as required by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) and approval of permits under section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) of future and existing pipelines that cross waterways in the Great Lakes Basin would help prevent spills in the Great Lakes; and (C) a risk assessment analysis for alternative transportation options to the hazardous liquid pipeline facility that crosses from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan through the Straits of Mackinac, including-- (i) no action (status quo); (ii) rerouting; (iii) decommissioning and abandoning; (iv) replacing; (v) modifying operations (such as limiting pipeline product transport to only natural gas liquids); and (vi) other transportation means. SEC. 203. PROHIBITION ON TRANSPORT OF CRUDE OIL ON GREAT LAKES. Section 108 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1258) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: ``(e) Prohibition on Transport of Crude Oil on Great Lakes.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective beginning on the date of enactment of the Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills Act of 2015, crude oil (as that term is defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code) and crude oil derived from oil sands may not be transported on the Great Lakes by vessel (as that term is defined in section 3 of title 1, United States Code).''. SEC. 204. DEFINITION OF WORST CASE DISCHARGE. Section 311(a)(24)(B) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(24)(B)) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, including conditions in which waters that may receive a discharge are covered in whole or in part by ice''.

Summary: Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe minimum standards to require the owner or operator of a pipeline facility to notify all owners and residents of property located within 2,000 feet of a transmission line of: the property's proximity to the line, and the line's specific location if it is on private residential property. DOT shall ensure that industry standards and procedures adopted as part of the federal pipeline safety regulatory program are easily available to the public free of charge. In identifying high-consequence areas, DOT shall consider specified features of a pipe, including its age, whether it can be inspected using the most modern instrumented internal inspection devices, whether it crosses open waters of the Great Lakes, and the type of commodity it transports. The Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research shall: identify measures to respond to spills or leaks of oil in the Great Lakes; and assess their effectiveness in preventing significant or substantial harm to the public health or welfare. DOT shall: conduct a comprehensive water crossing survey of all intrastate and interstate hazardous liquid pipeline facilities that cross U.S. waterways in the Great Lakes Basin; and enter into a joint agreement with the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences to identify gaps in data and information in the Basin pipeline network, and make recommendations to prevent future leaks, ruptures, and failures that could result in damage to Basin waterways and natural resources. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is amended to: prohibit vessel transportation of crude oil and crude oil derived from oil sands on the Great Lakes; and include in the meaning of "worst-case discharge," in the case of an offshore or onshore facility, the largest foreseeable discharge in adverse weather conditions (as in current law) in which waters that may receive a discharge are covered by ice.


SECTION 1. CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS WITH LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS. (a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25C the following new section: ``SEC. 25C. CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS WITH LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to $1,200 multiplied by the number of applicable individuals with respect to whom the taxpayer is an eligible caregiver for the taxable year. ``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Applicable individual.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `applicable individual' means, with respect to any taxable year, any individual who has been certified, before the due date for filing the return of tax for the taxable year (without extensions), by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Social Security Act) as being an individual with long-term care needs described in subparagraph (B) for a period-- ``(i) which is at least 180 consecutive days, and ``(ii) a portion of which occurs within the taxable year. Such term shall not include any individual otherwise meeting the requirements of the preceding sentence unless within the 39\1/2\ month period ending on such due date (or such other period as the Secretary prescribes) a physician (as so defined) has certified that such individual meets such requirements. ``(B) Individuals with long-term care needs.--An individual is described in this subparagraph if the individual is at least 6 years of age and-- ``(I) is unable to perform (without substantial assistance from another individual) at least 3 activities of daily living (as defined in section 7702B(c)(2)(B)) due to a loss of functional capacity, or ``(II) requires substantial supervision to protect such individual from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment and is unable to perform, without reminding or cuing assistance, at least 1 activity of daily living (as so defined) or to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary (in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services), is unable to engage in age appropriate activities. ``(2) Eligible caregiver.-- ``(A) In general.--A taxpayer shall be treated as an eligible caregiver for any taxable year with respect to the following individuals: ``(i) The taxpayer. ``(ii) The taxpayer's spouse. ``(iii) A brother or sister of the taxpayer. ``(iv) The mother or father of the taxpayer. ``(B) Special rules where more than 1 eligible caregiver.-- ``(i) In general.--If more than 1 individual is an eligible caregiver with respect to the same applicable individual for taxable years ending with or within the same calendar year, a taxpayer shall be treated as the eligible caregiver if each such individual (other than the taxpayer) files a written declaration (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) that such individual will not claim such applicable individual for the credit under this section. ``(ii) No agreement.--If each individual required under clause (i) to file a written declaration under clause (i) does not do so, the individual with the highest modified adjusted gross income (as defined in section 32(c)(5)) shall be treated as the eligible caregiver. ``(iii) Married individuals filing separately.--In the case of married individuals filing separately, the determination under this subparagraph as to whether the husband or wife is the eligible caregiver shall be made under the rules of clause (ii) (whether or not one of them has filed a written declaration under clause (i)). ``(c) Identification Requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any applicable individual unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such individual, and the identification number of the physician certifying such individual, on the return of tax for the taxable year. ``(d) Taxable Year Must Be Full Taxable Year.--Except in the case of a taxable year closed by reason of the death of the taxpayer, no credit shall be allowable under this section in the case of a taxable year covering a period of less than 12 months.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 6213(g)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (L), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (M) and inserting ``, and'', and by inserting after subparagraph (M) the following new subparagraph: ``(N) an omission of a correct TIN or physician identification required under section 25C(c) (relating to credit for taxpayers with long-term care needs) to be included on a return.''. (2) The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25B the following new item: ``Sec. 25C. Credit for taxpayers with long-term care needs.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for caregivers of individuals with long-term care needs in an amount equal to $1,200 for each such individual with respect to whom the taxpayer is an eligible caregiver for the taxable year.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) By provision 64 of the agreement between the United States and the Choctaws and Chickasaws dated March 21, 1902 (32 Stat. 641, 655-56), approved July 1, 1902, 640 acres of property were ceded to the United States for the purpose of creating Sulphur Springs Reservation, later known as Platt National Park, to protect water and other resources and provide public access. (2) In 1976, Platt National Park, the Arbuckle Recreation Area, and additional lands were combined to create Chickasaw National Recreation Area to protect and expand water and other resources as well as to memorialize the history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation. (3) More recently, the Chickasaw Nation has expressed interest in establishing a cultural center inside or adjacent to the park. (4) The Chickasaw National Recreation Area's Final Amendment to the General Management Plan (1994) found that the best location for a proposed Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center is within the Recreation Area's existing boundary and that the selected cultural center site should be conveyed to the Chickasaw Nation in exchange for land of equal value. (5) The land selected to be conveyed to the Chickasaw Nation holds significant historical and cultural connections to the people of the Chickasaw Nation. (6) The City of Sulphur, Oklahoma, is a key partner in this land exchange through its donation of land to the Chickasaw Nation for the purpose of exchange with the United States. (7) The City of Sulphur, Oklahoma, has conveyed fee simple title to the non-Federal land described as Tract 102-26 to the Chickasaw Nation by Warranty Deed. (8) The National Park Service, the Chickasaw Nation, and the City of Sulphur, Oklahoma, have signed a preliminary agreement to effect a land exchange for the purpose of the construction of a cultural center. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to authorize, direct, facilitate, and expedite the land conveyance in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Act. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the Chickasaw National Recreational Area lands and interests therein, identified as Tract 102-25 on the Map. (2) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means the lands and interests therein, formerly owned by the City of Sulphur, Oklahoma, and currently owned by the Chickasaw Nation, located adjacent to the existing boundary of Chickasaw National Recreation Area and identified as Tract 102-26 on the Map. (3) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Proposed Land Exchange and Boundary Revision, Chickasaw National Recreation Area'', dated September 8, 2003, and numbered 107/800035a. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 4. CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA LAND CONVEYANCE. (a) Land Conveyance.--Not later then 6 months after the Chickasaw Nation conveys all right, title, and interest in and to the non-Federal land to the United States, the Secretary shall convey all right, title, and interest in and to the Federal land to the Chickasaw Nation. (b) Valuation of Land to Be Conveyed.--The fair market values of the Federal land and non-Federal land shall be determined by an appraisal acceptable to the Secretary and the Chickasaw Nation. The appraisal shall conform with the Federal appraisal standards, as defined in the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions developed by the Interagency Land Acquisition Conference, 1992, and any amendments to these standards. (c) Equalization of Values.--If the fair market values of the Federal land and non-Federal land are not equal, the values may be equalized by the payment of a cash equalization payment by the Secretary or the Chickasaw Nation, as appropriate. (d) Conditions.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the conveyance of the non-Federal land authorized under subsection (a) shall not take place until the completion of all items included in the Preliminary Exchange Agreement among the City of Sulphur, the Chickasaw Nation, and the National Park Service, executed on July 16, 2002, except as provided in paragraph (2). (2) Exception.--The item included in the Preliminary Exchange Agreement among the City of Sulphur, the Chickasaw Nation, and the National Park Service, executed on July 16, 2002, providing for the Federal land to be taken into trust for the benefit of the Chickasaw Nation shall not apply. (e) Administration of Acquired Land.--Upon completion of the land exchange authorized under subsection (a), the Secretary-- (1) shall revise the boundary of Chickasaw National Recreation Area to reflect that exchange; and (2) shall administer the land acquired by the United States in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, not later than six months after the Chickasaw Nation conveys all interest in specified non-Federal land (formerly owned by the City of Sulphur, Oklahoma, located adjacent to the existing boundary of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area), to take specified Federal land (in that Area) into trust for the benefit of the Chickasaw Nation. Requires that the value of the Federal and non-Federal land be determined by an appraisal acceptable to the Secretary and the Chickasaw Nation. Directs that if the values of the lands are not equal they may be equalized through a cash equalization payment by the Secretary or the Chickasaw Nation. Conditions the land conveyance on the completion of all items included in the Preliminary Exchange Agreement among the City of Sulphur, the Chickasaw Nation, and the National Park Service, executed on July 16, 2002, but makes inapplicable the item providing that the Federal land be taken into trust for the benefit of the Chickasaw Nation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF GAO FINDINGS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Immigration Anti- Discrimination Improvement Act of 1993''. (b) Congressional Approval of GAO Findings.--The Congress approves the findings of the Comptroller General contained in the General Accounting Office (GAO) report entitled ``Immigration Reform: Employer Sanctions and the Question of Discrimination'', dated March 29, 1990 (identification number GAO/GGD-90-92). SEC. 2. APPLICATION OF PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PROVISIONS. (a) In General.--Section 274B(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) Use of funds.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, United States Code, all civil penalties collected under this section shall be credited to the appropriation to be used in carrying out this section.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to penalties assessed during fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1994. SEC. 3. INCREASE IN BUDGET AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIFIC ENFORCEMENT. In addition to any other accounts authorized to be appropriated, there are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1994), $10,000,000 for activities of regional offices of the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices within the Department of Justice. SEC. 4. ANNUAL REPORTS. Section 274B of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(m) Annual Reports.-- ``(1) GAO.--The Comptroller General shall submit to Congress each year a report concerning-- ``(A) the pervasiveness of unfair immigration- related employment practices described in subsection (a), and ``(B) enforcement under this section with respect to such practices. ``(2) Attorney general.--The Attorney General shall submit to Congress each year a report on the enforcement actions under this section (and under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) with respect to unfair immigration-related employment practices described in subsection (a).''. SEC. 5. RECEIPT OF CHARGES THROUGH DISTRICT OFFICES. Section 274B(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Special Counsel shall provide for agreements with Federal and State agencies involved with enforcement of laws relating to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin under which such agencies would receive charges respecting unfair immigration-related employment practices under this section and promptly forward such charges to the Special Counsel.''. SEC. 6. NATIONAL HOTLINE. Section 274B(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The Special Counsel shall establish a national, toll-free telephone service to receive charges of unfair immigration-related employment practices and otherwise provide for such outreach efforts as will educate the public concerning the provisions of this section.''. SEC. 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. The Attorney General, through or in consultation with the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, shall provide technical assistance to States and local governments concerning the provisions of section 274A and 274B of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the roles provided for receipt of charges of violations of such sections. SEC. 8. MONITORING PANEL. The Attorney General shall establish a monitoring panel, composed of citizens, representatives of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, La Raza, and other community-based organizations, civil rights groups, public interest groups, and nonprofit foundations, to monitor the application of the anti-discrimination provisions in section 274B of the Immigration and Nationality Act and to report annually to the Attorney General and the Congress respecting such implementation. SEC. 9. DEPARTMENT FROM FEDERAL CONTRACTS AS ADDITIONAL SANCTION FOR PERVASIVE VIOLATORS. (a) In General.--Section 274B(g)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(g)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Additional remedy.--If an administrative law judge determines that a person or entity has engaged in or is engaging in a pervasive pattern of unfair immigration-related employment practices, the judge may order the person or entity to be disqualified from being issued any contract under Federal law during a period of up to 1 year.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to unfair immigration-related employment practices occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Immigration Anti-Discrimination Improvement Act of 1993 - Expresses congressional approval of a specified General Accounting Office immigration employment discrimination report. Increases budget authority for Department of Justice regional offices of the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with regard to unfair immigration-related employment provisions to: (1) authorize penalties collected under such provisions to be used in carrying out enforcement activities; (2) require inclusion of enforcement and related activities in certain reports to the Congress; (3) establish a national toll-free telephone hotline; (4) subject persons who engage in pervasive violations of such provisions to a one-year Federal contract disqualification; and (5) provide for District Office receipt of charges. Directs the Attorney General to appoint a citizens and community group panel, including members of specified Mexican-American organizations, to monitor the application of such anti-discrimination provisions and to report annually to the Attorney General and to the Congress.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS TO BE EMPLOYED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Pilot Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to be known as the ``Grow Our Own Directive'' or ``G.O.O.D.'' pilot program (in this section referred to as the ``pilot program'') to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as physician assistants of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Information on pilot program.--The Secretary shall provide information on the pilot program to eligible individuals under subsection (b), including information on application requirements and a list of entities with which the Secretary has partnered under subsection (g). (b) Eligible Individuals.--An individual is eligible to participate in the pilot program if the individual-- (1) has medical or military health experience gained while serving as a member of the Armed Forces; (2) has received a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree, or postbaccalaureate training in a science relating to health care; (3) has participated in the delivery of health care services or related medical services, including participation in military training relating to the identification, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders; and (4) does not have a degree of doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of dentistry. (c) Duration.--The pilot program shall be carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Selection.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall select not less than 250 eligible individuals under subsection (b) to participate in the pilot program. (2) Priority for selection.--In selecting individuals to participate in the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to the following individuals: (A) Individuals who participated in the Intermediate Care Technician Pilot Program of the Department that was carried out by the Secretary between January 2011 and February 2015. (B) Individuals who agree to be employed as a physician assistant for the Veterans Health Administration at a medical facility of the Department located in a community that-- (i) is designated as a medically underserved population under section 330(b)(3)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A)); and (ii) is in a State with a per capita population of veterans of more than 9 percent according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics and the United States Census Bureau. (e) Educational Assistance.-- (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide educational assistance to individuals participating in the pilot program, including through the use of scholarships, to cover the costs to such individuals of obtaining a master's degree in physician assistant studies or a similar master's degree. (2) Use of existing programs.--In providing educational assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program under chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, and such other educational assistance programs of the Department as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Use of scholarships.--The Secretary shall provide not less than 35 scholarships under the pilot program to individuals participating in the pilot program during each year in which the pilot program is carried out. (f) Period of Obligated Service.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with each individual participating in the pilot program in which such individual agrees to be employed as a physician assistant for the Veterans Health Administration for a period of obligated service specified in paragraph (2). (2) Period specified.--With respect to each individual participating in the pilot program, the period of obligated service specified in this paragraph for the individual is-- (A) if the individual is participating in the pilot program through a program described in subsection (e)(2) that specifies a period of obligated service, the period specified with respect to such program; or (B) if the individual is participating in the pilot program other than through a program described in such subsection, or if such program does not specify a period of obligated service, a period of three years or such other period as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program. (g) Breach.-- (1) Liability.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an individual who participates in the pilot program and fails to satisfy the period of obligated service under subsection (f) shall be liable to the United States, in lieu of such obligated service, for the amount that has been paid or is payable to or on behalf of the individual under the pilot program, reduced by the proportion that the number of days served for completion of the period of obligated service bears to the total number of days in the period of obligated service of such individual. (2) Exception.--If an individual is participating in the pilot program through a program described in subsection (e)(2) that specifies a period of obligated service, the liability of the individual for failing to satisfy the period of obligated service under subsection (f) shall be determined as specified with respect to such program. (h) Mentors.--The Secretary shall ensure that a physician assistant mentor or mentors are available for individuals participating in the pilot program at each facility of the Veterans Health Administration at which a participant in the pilot program is employed. (i) Partnerships.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall seek to partner with the following: (1) Not less than 15 institutions of higher education that-- (A) offer a master's degree program in physician assistant studies or a similar area of study that is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant; and (B) agree-- (i) to guarantee seats in such master's degree program for individuals participating in the pilot program who meet the entrance requirements for such master's degree program; and (ii) to provide individuals participating in the pilot program with information on admissions criteria and the admissions process. (2) Other institutions of higher education that offer programs in physician assistant studies or other similar areas of studies that are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. (3) The Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense. (4) The Veterans' Employment and Training Service of the Department of Labor. (5) Programs carried out under chapter 41 of title 38, United State Code, for the purpose of marketing and advertising the pilot program to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who may be interested in the pilot program. (j) Administration of Pilot Program.--For purposes of carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall appoint or select within the Office of Physician Assistant Services of the Veterans Health Administration the following: (1) A Deputy Director for Education and Career Development of Physician Assistants who-- (A) is a physician assistant, a veteran, and employed by the Department as of the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) is responsible for-- (i) overseeing the pilot program; (ii) recruiting candidates to participate in the pilot program; (iii) coordinating with individuals participating in the pilot program and assisting those individuals in applying and being admitted to a master's degree program under the pilot program; and (iv) providing information to eligible individuals under subsection (b) with respect to the pilot program; and (C) may be employed in the field at a medical center of the Department. (2) A Deputy Director of Recruitment and Retention who-- (A) is a physician assistant, a veteran, and employed by the Department as of the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) is responsible for-- (i) identifying and coordinating the needs of the pilot program and assist the Secretary in providing mentors under subsection (h) to participants in the pilot program; and (ii) coordinating the staff of facilities of the Veterans Health Administration with respect to identifying employment positions and mentors under subsection (h) for participants in the pilot program; and (C) may be employed in the field at a medical center of the Department. (3) A recruiter who-- (A) reports directly to the Deputy Director of Recruitment and Retention; and (B) works with the Workforce Management and Consulting Office and the Healthcare Talent Management Office of the Veterans Health Administration to develop and implement national recruiting strategic plans for the recruitment and retention of physician assistants within the Department. (4) An administrative assistant, compensated at a rate not less than level GS-6 of the General Schedule, or equivalent, who assists with administrative duties relating to the pilot program in the Office of Physician Assistant Services and such other duties as determined by the Secretary to ensure that the Office runs effectively and efficiently. (k) Report.-- (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The extent to which the pilot program is effective in improving the ability of eligible individuals under subsection (b) to become physician assistants. (B) An examination of whether the pilot program is achieving the goals of-- (i) enabling individuals to build on medical skills gained as members of the Armed Forces by entering into the physician assistant workforce of the Department; and (ii) helping to meet the shortage of physician assistants employed by the Department. (C) An identification of such modifications to the pilot program as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services consider necessary to meet the goals described in subparagraph (B). (D) An assessment of whether the pilot program could serve as a model for other programs of the Department to assist individuals in obtaining certification and employment in other health care fields. (l) Source of Amounts.--Not less than $8,000,000 of the amount necessary to carry out the pilot program shall be derived from amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs before the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR USING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO EDUCATE AND HIRE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish standards described in subsection (b) to improve the use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program under chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, and other educational assistance programs of the Department, including the pilot program under section 2, to educate and hire physician assistants of the Department. (b) Standards.--The standards described in this subsection are the following: (1) Holding directors of medical centers of the Department accountable for failure to use the educational assistance programs described in subsection (a) and other incentives-- (A) to advance employees of the Department in their education as physician assistants; and (B) to improve recruitment and retention of physician assistants. (2) Ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of such title is available for participants in the pilot program under section 2 to fill vacant physician assistant positions at the Department, including by-- (A) including in all vacancy announcements for physician assistant positions the availability of the Education Debt Reduction Program; and (B) informing applicants to physician assistant positions of their eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program. (3) Monitoring compliance with the application process for educational assistance programs described in subsection (a) to ensure that such programs are being fully utilized to carry out this section. (4) Creating programs, including through the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Incentive Scholarship Program under subchapter VI of chapter 76 of such title, to encourage employees of the Department to apply to accredited physician assistant programs. (c) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section. SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF PAY GRADES FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE COMPETITIVE PAY. (a) Establishment of Pay Grades.--Section 7404(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCHEDULE ``Physician Assistant IV. ``Physician Assistant III. ``Physician Assistant II. ``Physician Assistant I.''. (b) Competitive Pay.--Section 7451(a)(2) of such title is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): ``(B) Physician assistant.''; and (3) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking ``and registered nurse'' and inserting ``registered nurse, and physician assistant''. (c) National Strategic Plan.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement a national strategic plan for the retention and recruitment of physician assistants of the Department of Veterans Affairs that includes the establishment and adoption of standards for the provision of competitive pay to physician assistants of the Department in comparison to the pay of physician assistants in the private sector. (2) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the national strategic plan under paragraph (1).

Summary: Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the Grow Our Own Directive or G.O.O.D. pilot program to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as VA physician assistants. An individual is eligible to participate in the program if the individual: has medical or military health experience gained while serving in the Armed Forces; has received a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree, or postbaccalaureate training in a science relating to health care; has participated in the delivery of health care services or related medical services; and does not have a degree of doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of dentistry. The VA shall: provide educational assistance to program participants for the costs of obtaining a master's degree in physician assistant studies or a similar master's degree, ensure that mentors are available for program participants at each VA facility at which a participant is employed, and seek to partner with specified government programs and with appropriate educational institutions that offer degrees in physician assistant studies. The VA shall: establish specified standards to improve the education and and hiring of VA physician assistants, and implement a national plan for the retention and recruitment of VA physician assistants that includes the adoption of competitive pay standards. VA physician assistant pay grades are established.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be referred to as the ``Satellite Home Viewer Protection Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. Section 119(a)(2) is amended by adding the following at the end: ``(D) Notice to subscribers.--A satellite carrier that makes secondary transmissions of a primary transmission made by a network station pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall, prior to providing service of broadcast signals under this title to a subscriber, provide the subscriber with a written statement describing and quoting the network territorial restrictions of subsections (a) (2), (5), (8), (9), and (10) of this section. Such statement shall describe the circumstances under which a subscriber may not be eligible for satellite service of a particular network station, and a subscriber's rights under subsection (a)(8) of this section. With respect to subscribers currently receiving broadcast signals under this title, the satellite carrier shall provide the written statement described in this subsection to such subscribers no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.''. SEC. 3. SIGNAL INTENSITY MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES. Section 119(a)(8) is amended as follows: (1) Subparagraph (A) is amended to read: ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), upon a challenge by a network station regarding whether a subscriber is an unserved household within the predicted grade B contour of the station, the satellite carrier shall, within 30 days after receipt of the challenge-- ``(i) inform the subscriber who is the subject of the challenge from the network station in writing that the network station has challenged the subscriber's receipt of the signal of the same network from the satellite carrier; and ``(ii) offer the subscriber the option of the satellite carrier conducting a measurement of the signal intensity of the subscriber's household to determine whether the household is an unserved household. If the subscriber does not request, in writing, the satellite carrier to conduct a signal intensity measurement within 30 days of notification of the challenge from the satellite carrier, the satellite carrier shall terminate service to that household of the signal that is the subject of the challenge, and within 30 days thereafter notify the network station that made the challenge that service to that household has been terminated. If the subscriber requests the satellite carrier to conduct a signal intensity measurement as described in clause (ii), the satellite carrier shall give reasonable notice to the network station issuing the challenge to the subscriber that the satellite carrier will be conducting a signal intensity measurement.''. (2) Subparagraph (B) is amended to read: ``(B) Effect of measurement; costs.--If the satellite carrier conducts a signal intensity measurement under subparagraph (A) and the measurement indicates that-- ``(i) the household is not an unserved household, the satellite carrier shall, within 60 days after the measurement is conducted, terminate the service to that household of the signal that is the subject of the challenge, and within 30 days thereafter notify the network station that made the challenge that service to that household has been terminated. In addition, the subscriber that requested the satellite carrier to conduct the measurement shall reimburse the satellite carrier for the costs of the measurement within 60 days after receipt of the measurement results and a statement of costs of the measurement; or ``(ii) the household is an unserved household, the station challenging the service shall reimburse the satellite carrier for the costs of the signal measurement within 60 days after receipt of the measurement results and a statement of the costs of the measurement. (3) Subparagraph (D) is deleted. SEC. 4. SIGNAL INTENSITY MEASUREMENT; ARBITRATION. Section 119(a)(11) is amended as follows: ``(11) Signal intensity measurement; arbitration.-- ``(A) Voluntary negotiation.--Satellite carriers and network broadcasters may negotiate the terms and conditions, including technical standards and costs, of the signal intensity measurement described in subsection (a)(8). A complete description of the agreed upon terms of the measurement shall be filed with the Register of Copyrights no later than 30 days after execution of the agreement. ``(B) Arbitration.--If satellite carriers and network broadcasters are unable to agree to the terms and conditions of the signal intensity measurement within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, they shall submit the matter to binding arbitration. Such arbitration shall be governed by the provisions of title 9 of the United States Code, and shall be completed and a decision rendered no later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act. The parties shall give notice to the Register of Copyrights of any determination reached by arbitration no later than 30 days after issuance of the determination. Such determination shall be dispositive. SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendments made by this Act take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Transitional Signal Intensity Measurement Procedures.--The provisions of section 119(a)(8), relating to the transitional signal intensity measurements, shall cease to be effective on December 31, 1997.

Summary: Satellite Home Viewer Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal copyright law to require a satellite carrier that makes secondary transmissions of a primary transmission by a network station, prior to providing broadcasting signals to a subscriber, to provide such subscriber with a written statement describing and quoting the network territorial restrictions related to such retransmission. Requires a satellite carrier, within 30 days of receipt of a challenge by a network station as to whether a subscriber is an unserved household within the predicted Grade B contour of such station, to: (1) inform the subscriber of the challenge; and (2) offer such subscriber the option of the satellite carrier conducting a measurement of the signal intensity of the subscriber's household to determine whether such household is an unserved household. Requires the satellite carrier to: (1) terminate service to such a household if its subscriber does not request a signal intensity measurement within 30 days of notification of the challenge from the satellite carrier; and (2) notify the network station that such service has been terminated. Outlines procedures to be taken after a signal measurement has been taken. Repeals a provision allowing a network station to challenge a subscriber outside the predicted Grade B contour of the network station. Authorizes satellite carriers and network broadcasters to negotiate the terms and conditions of the signal intensity measurement described under this Act. Requires a complete description of such agreement to be filed with the Register of Copyrights within 30 days after its execution. Provides for arbitration of such an agreement if the parties cannot agree to terms and conditions within 30 days after the enactment of this Act.


SECTION 1. CHILD WELFARE SERVICES. Section 422(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 622(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (10) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(11) provide that-- ``(A) the State shall not require any parent or legal guardian to transfer custody of a child in order to have the child placed outside the home of the parent or legal guardian, if the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain services provided under the plan for the child's emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability; ``(B) any such placement of a child shall be made pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement (as defined in section 472(f)(2)); ``(C) the State shall have responsibility for the placement of any child subject to a voluntary placement agreement (as so defined), and for the care of any child so placed; and ``(D) the State shall apply procedural safeguards to assure each child so placed of dispositional hearings of the type, and at the times, specified in section 475(5)(C).''. SEC. 2. FAMILY PRESERVATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES. (a) In General.--Section 432(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 632(a)) is amended by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: ``(6) provides that-- ``(A) the State shall not require any parent or legal guardian to transfer custody of a child in order to have the child placed outside the home of the parent or legal guardian, if the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain services provided through the State program under this subpart for the child's emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability; ``(B) any such placement of a child shall be made pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement (as defined in section 472(f)(2)); and ``(C) the State shall have responsibility for the placement of any child subject to a voluntary placement agreement (as so defined), and for the care of any child so placed; and ``(D) the State shall apply procedural safeguards to assure each child so placed of dispositional hearings of the type, and at the times, specified in section 475(5)(C);''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 432(b)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 632(b)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(other than of subsection (a)(6))'' after ``this section''. SEC. 3. FOSTER CARE MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (16); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (17) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(18) provides that-- ``(A) the State shall not require any parent or legal guardian to transfer custody of a child in order to have the child placed outside the home of the parent or legal guardian, if the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain foster care maintenance payments for the child; ``(B) any such placement of a child shall be made pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement; and ``(C) the State shall have responsibility for the placement of any child subject to a voluntary placement agreement, and for the care of any child so placed.''. (b) Modification of Voluntary Placement Agreements.--Section 472(f)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 672(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``legal'' before ``guardians'' each place such term appears; and (2) by inserting ``, and which does not transfer legal custody of the child to the State'' before the period. (c) Rule of Construction.--Section 474 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 674) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) The provisions of this part, individually or in combination, shall not be construed to require a State to have legal custody of a child in order to receive payments under this part for services provided for the child outside the child's home.''. SEC. 4. MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES. Section 505(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 705(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the end; (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following paragraph: ``(6) provides that-- ``(A) the State shall not require any parent or legal guardian to transfer custody of a child in order to have the child placed outside the home of the parent or legal guardian, if the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain services provided through the State under this title for the child's emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability; ``(B) any such placement of a child shall be made pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement (as defined in section 472(f)(2)); ``(C) the State shall have responsibility for the placement of any child subject to a voluntary placement agreement (as so defined), and for the care of any child so placed; and ``(D) the State shall apply procedural safeguards to assure each child so placed of dispositional hearings of the type, and at the times, specified in section 475(5)(C).''. SEC. 5. MEDICAID. Section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (61); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (62) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (62) the following new paragraph: ``(63) provide that the State agency shall provide assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that-- ``(A) the State does not require any parent or legal guardian to transfer custody of a child in order to have the child placed outside the home of the parent or legal guardian, if the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain medical assistance for the child under the State plan for the child's emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability; ``(B) any such placement of a child shall be made pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement (as defined in section 472(f)(2)); ``(C) the State shall have responsibility for the placement of any child subject to a voluntary placement agreement (as so defined), and for the care of any child so placed; and ``(D) the State shall apply procedural safeguards to assure each child so placed of dispositional hearings of the type, and at the times, specified in section 475(5)(C).''. SEC. 6. SOCIAL SERVICES. Title XX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397-1397f) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 2008. PROHIBITION AGAINST REQUIRING PARENTS TO SURRENDER CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SERVICES FOR SUCH CHILDREN. ``The Secretary shall not make any payment to a State under this title if the State does not have in effect laws and procedures which-- ``(1) prevent the State from requiring any parent or legal guardian to transfer custody of a child in order to have the child placed outside the home of the parent or legal guardian, if the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain any service for the child for the child's emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability, which is furnished in whole or in part through the use of funds provided under this title; ``(2) any such placement of a child shall be made pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement (as defined in section 472(f)(2)); ``(3) the State shall have responsibility for the placement of any child subject to a voluntary placement agreement (as so defined), and for the care of any child so placed; and ``(4) the State shall apply procedural safeguards to assure each child so placed of dispositional hearings of the type, and at the times, specified in section 475(5)(C).''. SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1995.

Summary: Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit States from requiring parents or legal guardians to transfer legal custody of their children for the sole purpose of obtaining public services for such children under certain provisions for: (1) child welfare services; (2) family preservation and support services; (3) foster care maintenance payments; (4) maternal and child health services; (5) Medicaid; and (6) block grants to States for social services.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. PRODUCTS CONTAINING CERTAIN PATHOGENS OR CONTAMINANTS ADULTERATED. (a) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 1(m) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(m)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by inserting ``or a microbial pathogen that is associated with serious illness or death'' after ``which may render it injurious to health''; and (B) by inserting ``or such a microbial pathogen'' after ``added substance''; and (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: ``(B) if it bears or contains a strain of a microbial pathogen, such as Campylobacter or Salmonella, that is resistant to not less than two critically important antibiotics for human medicine (as specified in the World Health Organization's list of Critically Important Antimicrobials);''; and (C) in subparagraph (E) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) by striking ``clause (B), (C), or (D)'' and inserting ``this subparagraph or subparagraph (C) or (D)''. (b) Poultry and Poultry Products.--Section 4(g) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 453(g)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by inserting ``or a microbial pathogen that is associated with serious illness or death'' after ``which may render it injurious to health''; and (B) by inserting ``or such a microbial pathogen'' after ``added substance''; and (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: ``(B) if it bears or contains a strain of a microbial pathogen, such as Campylobacter or Salmonella, that is resistant to not less than two critically important antibiotics for human medicine (as specified in the World Health Organization's list of Critically Important Antimicrobials);''; and (C) in subparagraph (E) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) by striking ``clause (B), (C), or (D)'' and inserting ``this subparagraph or subparagraph (C) or (D)''. (c) Eggs and Egg Products.--Section 4(a) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1033(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by inserting ``or a microbial pathogen that is associated with serious illness or death'' after ``which may render it injurious to health''; and (B) by inserting ``or such a microbial pathogen'' after ``added substance''; and (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: ``(B) if it bears or contains a strain of a microbial pathogen, such as Campylobacter or Salmonella, that is resistant to not less than two critically important antibiotics for human medicine (as specified in the World Health Organization's list of Critically Important Antimicrobials);''; and (C) in subparagraph (E) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) by striking ``clause (B), (C), or (D)'' and inserting ``this subparagraph or subparagraph (C) or (D)''. SEC. 3. TESTING FOR CERTAIN PATHOGENS OR CONTAMINANTS REQUIRED. (a) Meat and Meat Food Products.--The Federal Meat Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 9 (21 U.S.C. 609) the following new section: ``SEC. 9A. TESTING FOR CERTAIN PATHOGENS OR CONTAMINANTS REQUIRED. ``Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, for purposes of examinations or inspections conducted under this Act, establish sampling protocols and testing procedures using the methods and technologies the Secretary determines are most appropriate-- ``(1) to determine if meat and meat food products are adulterated within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2)(B) of section 1(m); and ``(2) to prevent the use in commerce of any product that is determined to be so adulterated.''. (b) Poultry and Poultry Products.--The Poultry Products Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 8 (21 U.S.C. 457) the following new section: ``SEC. 8A. TESTING FOR CERTAIN PATHOGENS OR CONTAMINANTS REQUIRED. ``Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, for purposes of examinations or inspections conducted under this Act, establish sampling protocols and testing procedures using the methods and technologies the Secretary determines are most appropriate-- ``(1) to determine if poultry and poultry products are adulterated within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2)(B) of section 4(g); and ``(2) to prevent the entry into or flow or movement in commerce of, or the burdening of commerce by, any such product that is determined to be so adulterated.''. (c) Egg and Egg Products.--The Egg Products Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 7 (21 U.S.C. 1036) the following new section: ``SEC. 7A. TESTING FOR CERTAIN PATHOGENS OR CONTAMINANTS REQUIRED. ``Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, for purposes of examinations or inspections conducted under this Act, establish sampling protocols and testing procedures using the methods and technologies the Secretary determines are most appropriate-- ``(1) to determine if eggs and egg products are adulterated within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2)(B) of section 4(a); and ``(2) to prevent the entry into or flow or movement in commerce of, or the burdening of commerce by, any such product that is determined to be so adulterated.''. SEC. 4. REGULATIONS; EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) Regulations.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this Act. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to meat and meat food products, poultry and poultry products, and eggs and egg products entering into interstate or foreign commerce on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to revise the definition of "adulterated" to make explicit the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) authority to issue a recall of meat, poultry, and egg products that contain microbial pathogens associated with serious illness or death or are resistant to two or more antibiotics critically important for human medicine. Requires the USDA to establish sampling protocols and testing procedures necessary to determine if meat, poultry, and egg products are adulterated under this Act and to prevent the entry, flow, or movement of those products into commerce.