SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Refinancing Education Funding to Invest (REFI) for the Future Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) there is approximately $1,100,000,000,000 of outstanding student loan debt in the United States, including more than $150,000,000,000 in private education loans; (2) as of 2008, 81 percent of individuals graduating with an undergraduate degree with more than $40,000 in student loans had a private education loan; (3) the limited number of lenders in the private education loan marketplace reduce the ability of borrowers with private education loans to restructure, refinance, or negotiate repayment terms for their current loans, leading to excessive debt burdens and potential default; and (4) excessive student indebtedness reduces economic activity, threatens homeownership, hurts small business growth, and limits opportunities for economic expansion in rural communities. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to spur economic growth, by establishing a mechanism to allow borrowers of private education loans to refinance their loans in order-- (1) to facilitate greater competition in the private education lending and refinancing markets; (2) to address inefficiencies in the private education lending and refinancing markets; (3) to encourage innovation in the private education refinancing markets; and (4) to promote the participation of private capital in the private education refinancing markets. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``private education loan'' has the same meaning as in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)); and (2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Treasury, other than in the context of the Secretary of Education. SEC. 4. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO CREATE A CREDIT FACILITY TO INCREASE MARKET EFFICIENCY IN THE STUDENT LOAN MARKET. (a) Authority.-- (1) In general.-- (A) Credit facilities authorization.--Upon a determination by the Secretary that borrowers are unable to secure adequate credit accommodations with existing private education loans, the Secretary, notwithstanding any provision of section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091), is authorized to establish lending, purchase, and other credit facilities to-- (i) accommodate reasonable refinancing opportunities or other loan adjustments that-- (I) improve the sustainability of payments for the borrower; and (II) reduce the likelihood of delinquency and default on private education loans; (ii) benefit borrowers that are most likely to have private student debt service obligations that represent a disproportionate share of their income; and (iii) ensure that borrowers pay lower interest rates that are commensurate with credit risk, so that they may pursue more economically productive activities, such as home purchases and small business formation. (B) Consultation.-- (i) In general.--Any determination under subparagraph (A) shall be made jointly with the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. (ii) Compliance system.--Prior to establishing a facility under this subsection, the Secretary, or any administrator designated by the Secretary to establish a program to carry out the authority provided in this subsection, shall establish a compliance system in consultation with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. (2) No net cost to government.--Mechanisms established under this subsection shall not result in any net cost to the Federal Government, as determined jointly by the Secretary, the Secretary of Education, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (b) Federal Register Notice.--Prior to exercising any authority provided under subsection (a), the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to seek comment from interested parties on its proposed exercise of such authority, including-- (1) the terms and conditions governing the lending, purchases, or other credit facilities authorized by subsection (a); (2) an outline of methodology and factors considered in the purchase or restructuring of private education loans; (3) private education loan modification options that may be available for existing loans; (4) how they will ensure that borrowers whose education debt service obligations represent a disproportionate share of their income will be provided relief; and (5) how the use of the methodology and factors, as proposed in the notice, will be used to ensure that any exercise of authority by the Secretary will result in no net cost to the Federal Government. (c) Initial Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes-- (1) a plan of the Secretary to implement credit mechanisms under the authority of this Act; (2) a description of macroeconomic benefits of increased efficiency and refinance activity in the student loan market; and (3) a description of the benefits through the use of such authority to private education loan borrowers, including how any incidental net gain from the credit mechanism would be used to benefit student borrowers. (d) Annual Reports.--Beginning 1 year after the date of the first use of the authority provided under this section, the Secretary shall provide an annual report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives describing the utilization, impact, and financial performance of any program established under the authority of this section. (e) Public Awareness.--Not later than 60 days after the date of publication of a notice in the Federal Register pursuant to subsection (b), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, shall begin a national awareness campaign to alert all private education loan borrowers who may benefit from any program or facilities established under this section. Such campaign shall include outreach to targeted populations of borrowers that are most likely to have private education loan debt service obligations that represent a disproportionate share of their income. (f) Expiration of Authority.--Three years after the date on which a credit facility is established under this Act, and not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, any new lending, purchase, or other activity initiated through the facilities established by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall cease. SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that the Federal financial institutions, such as the Federal Financing Bank and the Federal Reserve banks, and federally chartered private entities, such as the Federal home loan banks, should consider, in consultation with the Secretary and the Secretary of Education, using available authorities in a timely manner, if needed, to assist in ensuring that borrowers of private education loans can secure credit accommodations to refinance existing loans, in a manner that results in no increased costs to taxpayers.

Summary: Refinancing Education Funding to Invest (REFI) for the Future Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon determining that borrowers are unable to secure adequate credit accommodations with existing private education loans, to establish credit facilities to: (1) accommodate reasonable loan adjustments that reduce the likelihood that borrowers become delinquent or default on their loans, (2) benefit borrowers that are most likely to have private student debt service obligations that represent a disproportionate share of their income, and (3) ensure that borrowers pay lower interest rates that are commensurate with credit risk so that they can pursue more economically productive activities. Requires the decision that borrowers are unable to secure adequate credit accommodations to be made by the Secretary jointly with the Secretary of Education and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB). Prohibits the establishment of such credit mechanisms from resulting in any net cost to the federal government. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a national awareness campaign to alert all private education loan borrowers who may benefit from those credit facilities or programs. Terminates any activities initiated through such a credit facility three years after such facility is established or not later than five years after this Act's enactment. Expresses the sense of the Congress that federal financial institutions and federally chartered private entities should consider the timely use of their available authorities to assist borrowers of private education loans in refinancing such loans in a manner that results in no increased costs to taxpayers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Energy-Efficient Cool Roof Jobs Act''. SEC. 2. DEPRECIATION RECOVERY PERIOD FOR CERTAIN ROOF SYSTEMS. (a) 20-Year Recovery Period.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (F) of section 168(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to classification of certain property) is amended to read as follows: ``(F) 20-year property.--The term `20-year property' means-- ``(i) initial clearing and grading land improvements with respect to any electric utility transmission and distribution plant, and ``(ii) any qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property.''. (2) Qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property.--Section 168(e) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(9) Qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified energy- efficient cool roof replacement property' means any roof system-- ``(i) which is placed in service-- ``(I) above conditioned or semi- heated space on an eligible commercial building, and ``(II) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and ending on December 31, 2013, ``(ii) which has a slope equal to or less than 2:12, ``(iii) which replaces an existing roof system, and ``(iv) which includes-- ``(I) insulation which meets or exceeds the minimum prescriptive requirements in tables A-1 to A-9 in the Normative Appendix A of ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2009, and ``(II) in the case of an eligible commercial building located in a climate zone other than climate zone 6, 7, or 8 (as specified in ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010), a primary roof covering which has a cool roof surface. ``(B) Cool roof surface.--The term `cool roof surface' means a roof the exterior surface of which -- ``(i) has a 3-year-aged solar reflectance of at least 0.55 and a 3-year-aged thermal emittance of at least 0.75, as determined in accordance with the Cool Roof Rating Council CRRC-1 Product Rating Program, or ``(ii) has a 3-year-aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of at least 64, as determined in accordance with ASTM Standard E1980, determined-- ``(I) using a medium-wind-speed convection coefficient of 12 W/m2.K, and ``(II) using the values for 3-year- aged solar reflectance and 3-year-aged thermal emittance determined in accordance with the Cool Roof Rating Council CRRC-1 Product Rating Program. ``(C) Roof system.--The term `roof system' means a system of roof components, including roof insulation and a membrane or primary roof covering, but not including the roof deck, designed to weather-proof and improve the thermal resistance of a building. ``(D) Eligible commercial building.--The term `eligible commercial building' means any building-- ``(i) which is within the scope of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010, ``(ii) which is located in the United States, ``(iii) with respect to which depreciation (or amortization in lieu of depreciation) is allowable, and ``(iv) which was placed in service prior to December 31, 2009. ``(E) ASHRAE.--The term `ASHRAE' means the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.''. (b) Requirement To Use Straight Line Method.--Paragraph (3) of section 168(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(J) Any qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property.''. (c) Alternative System.--The table contained in section 168(g)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by striking the last item and inserting the following new items: ``(F)(i)........................................... 25 (F)(ii)........................................... 27.5''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Energy-Efficient Cool Roof Jobs Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify any qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property as 20-year property for depreciation purposes. Defines "qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property" as any roof system that: (1) is placed in service above conditioned or semi-heated space on an eligible commercial building during the period between the enactment of this Act and December 31, 2013, (2) has a slope equal to or less than 2:12, (3) replaces an existing roof system, and (4) includes insulation meeting specified standards and a primary roof covering that has a cool roof surface.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Offshore Fracking Transparency and Review Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. MORATORIUM ON OFFSHORE FRACTURING AND ACID WELL STIMULATION TREATMENT. Notwithstanding the terms of any lease or permit issued before the date of the enactment of this Act, no person may engage in hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region until the Secretary of the Interior has published a report under section 3 and issued a final environmental impact statement under section 4. SEC. 3. STUDY OF CONDUCT AND IMPACTS OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING AND ACID WELL STIMULATION IN THE PACIFIC OCS REGION. (a) In General.--To ensure the relevant agencies' data incorporate the latest science and practices of the oil and gas industry, the Secretary of the Interior shall conduct a study of the conduct and impacts of hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region. (b) Included Topics.--The study shall include, but shall not be limited to-- (1) preparation of a descriptive inventory of all chemicals used in offshore oil and gas development and production activities in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region, including chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments; (2) the volumes of chemicals used and disposed of in such activities; (3) the risks of a spill of such chemicals; (4) an analysis of the methods by which such chemicals enter the environment during hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments; (5) a quantification, to the extent possible, of the amount of such chemicals that enter the environment during hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments; and (6) any other related matters the Secretary determines necessary. (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress and publish a report on the study conducted under this section. SEC. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT. Not later than 18 months after the issuance of the report under section 3, the Secretary of the Interior shall, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and in consultation with appropriate State agencies, issue an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) regarding the impacts on the marine environment and public health of offshore hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments conducted in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region. SEC. 5. PUBLIC NOTICE. The Secretary shall notify all relevant State and local regulatory agencies and publish a notice in the Federal Register-- (1) within 30 days after receiving any application for a permit that would allow the conduct of offshore hydraulic fracturing or an acid well stimulation treatment in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region; and (2) within 30 days after the conduct of offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment in such region under a permit or other authorization issued by the Secretary. SEC. 6. COMPILATION AND DISCLOSURE OF ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall compile and maintain a list of all offshore hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments that have taken place, or that take place after the enactment of this Act, in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region. (b) Included Information.--For each instance of offshore hydraulic fracturing or an acid well stimulation treatment, the Secretary shall include on the list-- (1) the date the offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment was conducted; (2) the location where the offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment was conducted; (3) the chemicals used, including identification of the chemical constituents of mixtures, Chemical Abstracts Service numbers for each chemical and constituent, material safety data sheets if available, and the amount of each chemical used; (4) the total volume of fluid used in the hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment; (5) the volume of wastewater generated during the hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment and the manner in which it was disposed of; and (6) the intended purpose and results of the offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatments. (c) Unavailable Information.--If any information listed in subsection (b) is not available for a given instance of offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment, the Secretary shall note the absence of the information and provide an explanation of why the information is not available. (d) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make the list created under subsection (b) available to the public, including by publishing it on the Internet site of the Department of the Interior. SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Hydraulic fracturing.--The term ``hydraulic fracturing'' means an operation conducted in an individual wellbore designed to increase the flow of hydrocarbons from a rock formation to the wellbore through modifying the permeability of reservoir rock by fracturing it, except that such term does not include enhanced secondary recovery, including water flooding, tertiary recovery, and other types of well stimulation operations. (2) Acid well stimulation treatment.--The term ``acid well stimulation treatment''-- (A) means a well stimulation treatment that uses, in whole or in part, the application of one or more acids to the well or underground geologic formation; and (B) includes-- (i) such stimulation treatment at any applied pressure or in combination with hydraulic fracturing treatments or other well stimulation treatments; (ii) acid treatments conducted at pressures lower than the applied pressure necessary to fracture the underground geologic formation (commonly referred to as acid matrix stimulation treatments); and (iii) acid fracturing treatments.

Summary: Offshore Fracking Transparency and Review Act of 2015 This bill prohibits both hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatment in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region until the Secretary of the Interior has: (1) reported to Congress on the conduct and impacts of hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments in the Region; and (2) issued, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency, a final environmental impact statement regarding the impacts upon the marine environment and public health of offshore hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments conducted in such Region. The Secretary must notify all relevant state and local regulatory agencies and publish in the Federal Register within 30 days: (1) receipt of any application for a permit that would allow either offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment in the Region; and (2) the conduct of offshore hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment in the Region pursuant to a permit or other authorization issued by the Secretary. The Secretary shall also maintain and publicize a list of all offshore hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation treatments that have taken place in the Region or that take place after enactment of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Anti-Corruption Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. PUBLIC CORRUPTION. (a) Offenses.--Chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 226. Public corruption ``(a) State and Local Government.-- ``(1) Honest services.--Whoever, in a circumstance described in paragraph (3), deprives or defrauds, or endeavors to deprive or to defraud, by any scheme or artifice, the inhabitants of a State or political subdivision of a State of the honest services of an official or employee of the State or political subdivision shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. ``(2) Fair and impartial elections.--Whoever, in a circumstance described in paragraph (3), deprives or defrauds, or endeavors to deprive or to defraud, by any scheme or artifice, the inhabitants of a State or political subdivision of a State of a fair and impartially conducted election process in any primary, run-off, special, or general election through one or more of the following means, or otherwise-- ``(A) through the procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent or that are invalid, under the laws of the State in which the election is held; ``(B) through paying or offering to pay any person for voting; ``(C) through the procurement or submission of voter registrations that contain false material information, or omit material information; ``(D) through the filing of any report required to be filed under Federal or State law regarding an election campaign that contains false material information or omits material information; or ``(E) through engaging in intimidating, threatening, or deceptive conduct, with the intent to prevent or unlawfully discourage any person from voting for the candidate of that person's choice, registering to vote, or campaigning for or against a candidate, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. ``(3) Circumstances in which offense occurs.--The circumstances referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) are that-- ``(A) for the purpose of executing or concealing a scheme or artifice described in paragraph (1) or (2) or attempting to do so, a person-- ``(i) places in any post office or authorized depository for mail matter, any matter or thing to be sent or delivered by the Postal Service, deposits or causes to be deposited any matter or thing to be sent or delivered by any private or commercial interstate carrier, or takes or receives therefrom any such matter or thing, or knowingly causes to be delivered by mail or such carrier according to the direction thereon, or at the place at which it is directed to be delivered by the person to whom it is addressed, any such matter or thing; ``(ii) transmits or causes to be transmitted by means of wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce any writings, signs, signals, pictures, or sounds; ``(iii) transports or causes to be transported any person or thing, or induces any person to travel in or to be transported in, interstate or foreign commerce; or ``(iv) uses or causes the use of any facility in interstate or foreign commerce; ``(B) the scheme or artifice affects or constitutes an attempt to affect in any manner or degree, or would if executed or concealed affect, interstate or foreign commerce; ``(C) in the case of an offense described in paragraph (1), the honest services of the official or employee relate to a governmental office of a State or political subdivision of a State which receives funds derived from an Act of Congress in an amount not less than $10,000 during the 12-month period immediately preceding or following the date of the offense; or ``(D) in the case of an offense described in paragraph (2), an objective of the scheme or artifice is to secure the election of an official who, if elected, would have any authority over the administration of funds derived from an Act of Congress totaling $10,000 or more during the 12-month period immediately preceding or following the election or date of the offense. ``(b) Federal Government.--Whoever deprives or defrauds, or endeavors to deprive or to defraud, by any scheme or artifice, the inhabitants of the United States of the honest services of a public official or a person who has been selected to be a public official shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. ``(c) Offense by an Official Against an Employee or Official.-- ``(1) Criminal offense.--Whoever, being an official, public official, or person who has been selected to be a public official, directly or indirectly discharges, demotes, suspends, threatens, harasses, or in any manner discriminates against an employee or official of the United States or of a State or political subdivision of a State, or endeavors to do so, in order to carry out or to conceal a scheme or artifice described in subsection (a) or (b), shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. ``(2) Civil action.--(A) Any employee or official of a State or political subdivision of a State who is discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any manner discriminated against because of lawful acts done by the employee or official as a result of a violation of this section or because of actions by the employee on behalf of himself or herself or others in furtherance of prosecution under this section (including investigation for, initiation of, testimony for, or assistance in such a prosecution) may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction and obtain all relief necessary to make the employee or official whole, including-- ``(i) reinstatement with the same seniority status that the employee or official would have had but for the violation; ``(ii) the amount of backpay; ``(iii) a penalty of two times the amount of backpay; ``(iv) interest on the actual amount of backpay; and ``(v) compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the violation, including reasonable litigation costs and reasonable attorney's fees. ``(B) To obtain recovery under subsection (c)(2)(A) (iii) or (v) against a State or political subdivision, the employee or individual bringing the action shall establish by a preponderance of evidence that any violation of this section was-- ``(i) the result of widespread violations within the State or political subdivision; or ``(ii) the result of conduct authorized by a senior official within the State or political subdivision. ``(C) In cases in which a State or political subdivision is sued and found liable for recovery under subsection (c)(2)(A) (iii) or (v), the State or political subdivision may bring an action for contribution for such recovery from any employee or official whose action led to the recovery under subsection (c)(2)(A) (iii) or (v). ``(D) An employee or official shall not be afforded relief under subparagraph (A) if the employee or official participated in the violation of this section with respect to which relief is sought. ``(E)(i) A civil action or proceeding authorized by this paragraph shall be stayed by a court upon certification of an attorney for the Government that prosecution of the action or proceeding may adversely affect the interests of the Government in a pending criminal investigation or proceeding. ``(ii) The attorney for the Government shall promptly notify the court when a stay may be lifted without such adverse effects. ``(d) Definitions.--As used in this section-- ``(1) the term `official' includes-- ``(A) any person employed by, exercising any authority derived from, or holding any position in the government of a State or any subdivision of the executive, legislative, judicial, or other branch of government thereof, including a department, independent establishment, commission, administration, authority, board, and bureau, and a corporation or other legal entity established and subject to control by a government or governments for the execution of a governmental or intergovernmental program; ``(B) any person acting or pretending to act under color of official authority; and ``(C) any person who has been nominated, appointed, or selected to be an official or who has been officially informed that he or she will be so nominated, appointed, or selected; ``(2) the term `person acting or pretending to act under color of official authority' includes a person who represents that he or she controls, is an agent of, or otherwise acts on behalf of an official, public official, and person who has been selected to be a public official; ``(3) the terms `public official' and `person who has been selected to be a public official' have the meanings stated in section 201 and include any person acting or pretending to act under color of official authority; and ``(4) the term `State' means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.''. (b) Technical Amendments.--(1) The chapter analysis for chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``226. Public corruption.''. (2) Section 1961(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``section 226 (relating to public corruption),'' after ``section 224 (relating to sports bribery),''. (3) Section 2516(1)(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``section 226 (relating to public corruption),'' after ``section 224 (bribery in sporting contests),''. SEC. 3. INTERSTATE COMMERCE. (a) In General.--Section 1343 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``, or uses or causes the use of any facility in interstate or foreign commerce,'' after ``sounds''; and (2) by inserting ``or attempting to do so'' after ``for the purpose of executing such scheme or artifice''. (b) Technical Amendments.--(1) The heading of section 1343 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 1343. Fraud by use of facility of interstate commerce''. (2) The chapter analysis for chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by amending the item relating to section 1343 to read as follows: ``1343. Fraud by use of facility in interstate commerce.''. SEC. 4. NARCOTICS-RELATED PUBLIC CORRUPTION. (a) Offenses.--Chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 219 the following new section: ``Sec. 220. Narcotics and public corruption ``(a) Offense by Public Official.--A public official who, in a circumstance described in subsection (c), directly or indirectly, corruptly demands, seeks, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive or accept anything of value personally or for any other person in return for-- ``(1) being influenced in the performance or nonperformance of any official act; or ``(2) being influenced to commit or to aid in committing, or to collude in, or to allow or make opportunity for the commission of any offense against the United States or any State, shall be guilty of a class B felony. ``(b) Offense by Person Other Than a Public Official.--A person who, in a circumstance described in subsection (c), directly or indirectly, corruptly gives, offers, or promises anything of value to any public official, or offers or promises any public official to give anything of value to any other person, with intent-- ``(1) to influence any official act; ``(2) to influence the public to commit or aid in committing, or to collude in, or to allow or make opportunity for the commission of any offense against the United States or any State; or ``(3) to influence the public official to do or to omit to do any act in violation of the official's lawful duty, shall be guilty of a class B felony. ``(c) Circumstances in Which Offense Occurs.--The circumstances referred to in subsections (a) and (b) are that the offense involves, is part of, or is intended to further or to conceal the illegal possession, importation, manufacture, transportation, or distribution of any controlled substance or controlled substance analogue. ``(d) Definitions.--As used in this section-- ``(1) the terms `controlled substance' and `controlled substance analogue' have the meanings stated in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802); ``(2) the term `official act' means any decision, action, or conduct regarding any question, matter, proceeding, cause, suit, investigation, or prosecution which may at any time be pending, or which may be brought before any public official, in such official's official capacity, or in such official's place of trust or profit; and ``(3) the term `public official' means-- ``(A) an officer or employee or person acting for or on behalf of the United States, or any department, agency, or branch of Government thereof in any official function, under or by authority of any such department, agency, or branch of Government; ``(B) a juror; ``(C) an officer or employee or person acting for or on behalf of the government of any State, commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States (including the District of Columbia), or any political subdivision thereof, in any official function, under or by the authority of any such State, commonwealth, territory, possession, or political subdivision; and ``(D) any person who has been nominated or appointed to a position described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C), or has been officially informed that he or she will be so nominated or appointed.''. (b) Technical Amendments.--(1) Section 1961(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``section 220 (relating to narcotics and public corruption),'' after ``Section 201 (relating to bribery),''. (2) Section 2516(1)(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``section 220 (relating to narcotics and public corruption),'' after ``section 201 (bribery of public officials and witnesses),''. (3) The chapter analysis for chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item for section 219 the following new item: ``220. Narcotics and public corruption.''.

Summary: Anti-Corruption Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who uses any facility of, or affects, interstate or foreign commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of a State or political subdivision (State) of the honest services of a government official or employee, or of a fair and impartially conducted election process. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed upon any official, or person selected to be a public official, who, in order to carry out or conceal any scheme or artifice to defraud, discriminates, harasses, or takes adverse action against any employee or official of the United States or of any State. Authorizes such an adversely affected employee or official to obtain relief through a civil action, provided such person did not participate in the scheme or artifice. Specifies that: (1) to obtain recovery against a State, the employee or individual bringing the action shall establish by a preponderance of evidence that any such violation was the result of widespread violations, or conduct authorized by a senior official, within the State; and (2) in cases in which a State is sued and found liable for recovery, the State may bring an action for contribution for such recovery from any employee or official whose action led to the recovery. (Sec. 3) Amends mail fraud provisions to prohibit using, or causing the use, of any facility of interstate or foreign commerce in the execution of a scheme or artifice to defraud. (Sec. 4) Sets forth prohibitions regarding narcotics-related public corruption.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Local Innovation and Coastal Protection Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. PROGRAM AUTHORITY. (a) In General.--Chapter III of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 1366. EROSION MITIGATION DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. ``(a) In General.--The Director shall make grants, with amounts made available from the Coastal Erosion Control Fund established under section 1367, to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative mitigation activities designed to minimize coastal erosion, preserve shorelines, and avoid environmental degradation. ``(b) Eligible Recipients.--The Director may make grants under this section to-- ``(1) any State; and ``(2) any community participating in the national flood insurance program under this title that-- ``(A) has suffered recurring flood damages and claims, as determined by the Director; and ``(B) is in full compliance with the requirements under the national flood insurance program. ``(c) Eligible Activities.-- ``(1) In general.--A grant under this section may be used to develop and test innovative techniques to minimize coastal erosion and preserve shorelines. ``(2) Priority.--In making grants under this section, the Director shall give a priority to eligible recipients that conduct projects to demonstrate the feasibility of techniques that-- ``(A) have application to more than 1 location; ``(B) substantially broaden the applicability of proven erosion control techniques; or ``(C) avoid permanent structural alterations and rely instead on natural designs, including the use of vegetation, or temporary structures, to accomplish their goal. ``(d) Applications.--The Director shall make grants under this section on the basis of a nationwide competition, in accordance with such application forms and procedures as the Director may establish. ``(e) Maximum Amount.--The total amount of any grant under this section may not exceed $500,000 for any project assisted under this section. ``(f) Program Requirements.-- ``(1) Matching requirements.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a grant under this section may not exceed 3 times the amount that the recipient certifies, as the Director shall require, that the recipient will contribute from non-Federal funds to carry out activities assisted with amounts provided under this section. ``(B) Non-federal funds.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `non-Federal funds' includes-- ``(i) State or local agency funds, ``(ii) any salary paid to staff to carry out the activities of the recipient, ``(iii) the value of the time and services contributed by volunteers to carry out such activities (at a rate determined by the Director), and ``(iv) the value of any donated material or building and the value of any lease on a building. ``(C) No match required for evaluation.--No non- Federal contribution is required for the conduct of evaluations under paragraph (2). ``(2) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the receipt of a grant under this section, the recipient of the grant shall transmit to the Director a report that-- ``(A) evaluates the long-term effectiveness of the techniques that were developed under this section; and ``(B) assesses any impact that such techniques have had on adjacent coastal areas. ``(g) Report to Congress.--The Director shall transmit to the Congress an annual report that-- ``(1) summarizes the erosion mitigation techniques developed pursuant to this section; ``(2) describes the status of the Coastal Erosion Control Fund established under section 1367; and ``(3) recommends any legislative or administrative action necessary to further the purpose of this section. ``(h) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, from the Coastal Erosion Control Fund under section 1367, $12,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1994 through 1997.''. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COASTAL EROSION CONTROL FUND. Chapter III of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 1367. ESTABLISHMENT OF COASTAL EROSION CONTROL FUND. ``(a) In General.--The Director shall establish in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Coastal Erosion Control Fund (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Fund'), which shall be available, to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, for grants under section 1366. ``(b) Credits.--The Fund shall be credited with any premium surcharges assessed under section 1308(e).''. SEC. 4. INSURANCE PREMIUM MITIGATION SURCHARGE. (a) In General.--Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Director shall assess, with respect to each contract for flood insurance coverage under this title, an annual mitigation surcharge of $5. The surcharges shall be paid into the Coastal Erosion Control Fund under section 1367, and shall not be subject to any agents' commissions, company expenses allowances, or State or local premium taxes. ``(f) The Director shall not assess any surcharge under subsection (e) if the balance of the Fund exceeds $15,000,000. ``(g) The Director shall transmit to those who paid a surcharge under subsection (e)-- ``(1) an annual report describing the expenditures of the Fund during the preceding fiscal year; and ``(2) any unobligated funds that remain in the Fund at the end of fiscal year 1997.''. (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any contract for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 issued or renewed after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 5. INSURANCE RATE INCENTIVES FOR EROSION MITIGATION EFFORTS. Chapter III of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), as amended by sections 2 and 3, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 1368. INSURANCE RATE INCENTIVES FOR EROSION MITIGATION EFFORTS. ``(a) Preferred Erosion Mitigation Measures.--The Director shall evaluate the effectiveness of the erosion mitigation measures funded under section 1366 and shall publish a list of the most effective of such measures in the Federal Register. ``(b) Rate Incentives for Communities.--The Director shall provide incentives in the form of adjustments in the premium rates for flood insurance coverage in areas that the Director determines have implemented erosion mitigation measures contained in the list published pursuant to subsection (a).''.

Summary: Local Innovation and Coastal Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make grants ($500,000 maximum with matching fund requirements) from the Coastal Erosion Control Fund (established by this Act) to States and qualifying communities for an erosion mitigation demonstration program. Gives grant priority to projects that: (1) have multiple location applicability; (2) broaden existing erosion control techniques; or (3) rely on natural designs rather than structural alterations. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Erosion Control Fund. Requires the Director to: (1) assess an annual five-dollar flood insurance premium mitigation surcharge to be paid into such Fund, unless the Fund's balance exceeds $15 million; (2) evaluate and publish a list of the most effective erosion mitigation measures; and (3) provide flood insurance rate incentives for erosion mitigation efforts.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``Department'' means the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (2) the term ``housing receiving Federal assistance''-- (A) means housing that-- (i) except as provided in subparagraph (B), is covered by an application for mortgage insurance from the Department; (ii) receives housing assistance payments under a program administered by the Department; or (iii) otherwise receives more than $5,000 in project-based assistance under a Federal housing program administered by a Federal agency other than the Department; and (B) does not include-- (i) single-family housing covered by an application for mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration; or (ii) multi-family housing that-- (I) is covered by an application for mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration; and (II) does not receive any other Federal housing assistance; (3) the term ``public housing agency'' means an agency described in section 3(b)(6) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(6)); and (4) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. SEC. 3. UPDATES TO LEAD-CONTAMINATED DUST AND LEAD-CONTAMINATED SOIL STANDARDS. (a) EPA Regulations.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall promulgate regulations to update the standards for lead-contaminated dust and lead-contaminated soil under part 745 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, in accordance with health-based standards. (b) HUD Regulations.--The Secretary shall promptly promulgate regulations to update the standards for lead-contaminated dust and lead-contaminated soil under part 35 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under subsection (a). SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO RESIDENTIAL LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION ACT OF 1992. (a) In General.--Section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851b) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (27) as paragraphs (7) through (28), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: ``(6) Elevated blood lead level.--The term `elevated blood lead level' means the lower of-- ``(A) 5 mg/dL (micrograms of lead per deciliter); or ``(B) the most recent definition for elevated blood lead level or reference range level in children ages 1 through 5 years set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.''; and (3) in paragraph (28), as so redesignated, by striking ``or any 0-bedroom dwelling''. (b) Relation to Other Authorities.--Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to affect the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 403 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2683). (c) Regulations.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend the regulations of the Department to comply with the amendments made by subsection (a). SEC. 5. AMENDMENTS TO THE LEAD-BASED PAINT POISONING PREVENTION ACT. Section 302(a) of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4822(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Additional procedures for families with children under the age of 6.-- ``(A) Risk assessment.-- ``(i) Definition.--In this section, the term `covered housing'-- ``(I) means housing receiving Federal assistance described in paragraph (1) that was constructed prior to 1978; and ``(II) does not include-- ``(aa) single-family housing covered by an application for mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration; or ``(bb) multi-family housing that-- ``(AA) is covered by an application for mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration; and ``(BB) does not receive any other Federal housing assistance. ``(ii) Regulations.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Lead- Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2016, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations that-- ``(I) require an initial risk assessment for all covered housing in which a family with a child of less than 6 years of age will reside or be expected to reside for lead-based paint hazards prior to occupancy by the family; and ``(II) provide that a visual assessment is not sufficient for purposes of complying with subclause (I). ``(iii) Exception.--The regulations promulgated under clause (ii) shall provide an exception to the requirement under subclause (I) of such clause for covered housing-- ``(I) from which all lead-based paint has been identified and removed and clearance has been achieved in accordance with section 402 or 404 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2682 and 2684), as applicable; or ``(II) in accordance with any other standard or exception the Secretary deems appropriate. ``(B) Relocation.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2016, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to provide that a family with a child of less than 6 years of age that occupies a dwelling unit in covered housing may relocate on an emergency basis, and without placement on any waitlist, penalty, or lapse in assistance, to another unit of covered housing that has no lead-based paint hazards if-- ``(i) lead-based paint hazards were identified in the dwelling unit; or ``(ii)(I) lead-based hazards were identified in the dwelling unit; and ``(II) the blood lead level for the child is an elevated blood lead level, as defined in section 1004(6) of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851b(6)).''. SEC. 6. GAO REPORTS ON LEAD HAZARDS IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING. (a) Initial Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress an initial report on lead hazards in housing receiving Federal assistance, which shall analyze the implications of-- (1) changing Department regulations to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance; and (2) requiring a risk assessment (beyond a visual assessment) for initial and periodic inspections for lead-based paint hazards for all housing receiving Federal assistance, and the impact it would have on landlord participation and the stock of affordable housing. (b) Subsequent Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on lead hazards in housing receiving Federal assistance, which shall-- (1) analyze whether existing Federal programs and Federal funding for lead hazard control activities in housing receiving Federal assistance meet the current and evolving needs, and if not, the merits of identifying and providing dedicated funds within new or existing Federal programs to conduct lead hazard control activities; (2) evaluate the financial and social cost of lead-based paint hazard prevention and lead hazard control activities, and provide recommendations on how to improve coordination and leveraging of public and private funds, including private investments and tax incentives, to reduce the cost associated with the identification and remediation of lead hazards and expedite home remediation; (3) identify existing partnerships with public housing agencies and public health agencies in addressing lead-based paint hazards, what gaps exist in compliance and enforcement, and whether the partnerships can be replicated and enhanced with dedicated funding and better data collection and dissemination among stakeholders; and (4) examine the appropriateness and efficacy of existing Department protocols on reducing or abating lead-based paint hazards and whether they are aligned with specific environmental health scenarios to ensure the best and appropriate health outcomes and reduce further exposure. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.

Summary: Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2016 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promulgate regulations to update the standards for lead-contaminated dust and lead-contaminated soil, in accordance with health-based standards. The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 is amended to define elevated blood lead level as the lower of: 5 mg/dL (micrograms of lead per deciliter), or the most recent definition for elevated blood lead level or reference range level in children ages 1 through 5 set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also removes 0-bedroom housing from the definition of target housing. The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act is amended to direct HUD to promulgate regulations that: require an initial lead-based paint hazard risk assessment before a family with a child under age six occupies certain housing, unless lead-based paint has already been removed; and state that a visual assessment is not sufficient for these purposes. These regulations shall apply to housing receiving federal assistance that was constructed before 1978, but exclude: single-family housing covered by an application for mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration, or multi-family housing covered by such an application but does not receive any other federal housing assistance. HUD regulations shall also require emergency relocation of such families, without placement on a waitlist, penalty, or lapse in assistance, to another unit of covered housing that has no lead-based paint hazards. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on lead hazards in federally assisted housing.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Uranium Resources Stewardship Act'' or ``URSA''. SEC. 2. FEDERAL LANDS URANIUM LEASING. The Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended by redesignating section 44 as section 45, and by inserting after section 43 the following new section: ``SEC. 44. LEASING OF LANDS FOR URANIUM MINING. ``(a) In General.-- ``(1) Withdrawal from entry; leasing requirement.-- Effective upon the date of enactment of the Uranium Resources Stewardship Act, all Federal lands are hereby permanently withdrawn from location and entry under section 2319 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.) for uranium. After the end of the 2-year period beginning on such date of enactment, no uranium may be produced from Federal lands except pursuant to a lease issued under this Act. ``(2) Leasing.--The Secretary-- ``(A) may divide any lands subject to this Act that are not withdrawn from mineral leasing and that are otherwise available for uranium leasing under applicable law, including lands available under the terms of land use plans prepared by the Federal agency managing the land, into leasing tracts of such size as the Secretary finds appropriate and in the public interest; and ``(B) thereafter shall, in the Secretary's discretion, upon the request of any qualified applicant or on the Secretary's own motion, from time to time, offer such lands for uranium leasing and award uranium leases thereon by competitive bidding. ``(b) Fair Market Value Required.-- ``(1) In general.--No bid for a uranium lease shall be accepted that is less than the fair market value, as determined by the Secretary, of the uranium subject to the lease. ``(2) Public comment.--Prior to the Secretary's determination of the fair market value of the uranium subject to the lease, the Secretary shall give opportunity for and consideration to public comments on the fair market value. ``(3) Disclosure not required.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary to make public the Secretary's judgment as to the fair market value of the uranium to be leased, or the comments the Secretary receives thereon prior to the issuance of the lease. ``(c) Lands Under the Jurisdiction of Other Agencies.--Leases covering lands the surface of which is under the jurisdiction of any Federal agency other than the Department of the Interior may be issued only-- ``(1) upon consent of the head of the other Federal agency; and ``(2) upon such conditions the head of such other Federal agency may prescribe with respect to the use and protection of the nonmineral interests in those lands. ``(d) Consideration of Effects of Mining.--Before issuing any uranium lease, the Secretary shall consider effects that mining under the proposed lease might have on an impacted community or area, including impacts on the environment, on agricultural, on cultural resources, and other economic activities, and on public services. ``(e) Notice of Proposed Lease.--No lease sale shall be held for lands until after a notice of the proposed offering for lease has been given once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the lands are situated, or in electronic format, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. ``(f) Auction Requirements.--All lands to be leased under this section shall be leased to the highest responsible qualified bidder-- ``(1) under general regulations; ``(2) in units of not more than 2,560 acres that are as nearly compact as possible; and ``(3) by oral bidding. ``(g) Required Payments.-- ``(1) In general.--A lease under this section shall be conditioned upon the payment by the lessee of-- ``(A) a royalty at a rate of not less than 12.5 percent in amount or value of the production removed or sold under the lease; and ``(B) a rental of-- ``(i) not less than $2.50 per acre per year for the first through fifth years of the lease; and ``(ii) not less than $3 per acre per year for each year thereafter. ``(2) Use of revenues.--Amounts received as revenues under this subsection with respect to a lease may be used by the Secretary of the Interior, subject to the availability of appropriations, for cleaning up uranium mill tailings and reclaiming abandoned uranium mines on Federal lands in accordance with the priorities and eligibility restrictions, respectively, under subsections (c) and (d) of section 411 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1240a). ``(h) Lease Term.--A lease under this section-- ``(1) shall be effective for a primary term of 10 years; and ``(2) shall continue in effect after such primary term for so long is as uranium is produced under the lease in paying quantities. ``(i) Exploration Licenses.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, issue to any person an exploration license. No person may conduct uranium exploration for commercial purposes on lands subject to this Act without such an exploration license. Each exploration license shall be for a term of not more than two years and shall be subject to a reasonable fee. An exploration license shall confer no right to a lease under this Act. The issuance of exploration licenses shall not preclude the Secretary from issuing uranium leases at such times and locations and to such persons as the Secretary deems appropriate. No exploration license may be issued for any land on which a uranium lease has been issued. A separate exploration license shall be required for exploration in each State. An application for an exploration license shall identify general areas and probable methods of exploration. Each exploration license shall be limited to specific geographic areas in each State as determined by the Secretary, and shall contain such reasonable conditions as the Secretary may require, including conditions to ensure the protection of the environment, and shall be subject to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Upon violation of any such conditions or laws the Secretary may revoke the exploration license. ``(2) Limitations.--A licensee may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface. A licensee may not remove any uranium for sale but may remove a reasonable amount of uranium from the lands subject to this Act included under the Secretary's license for analysis and study. A licensee must comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Federal agency having jurisdiction over the surface of the lands subject to this Act. Exploration licenses covering lands the surface of which is under the jurisdiction of any Federal agency other than the Department of the Interior may be issued only upon such conditions as it may prescribe with respect to the use and protection of the nonmineral interests in those lands. ``(3) Sharing of data.--The licensee shall furnish to the Secretary copies of all data (including geological, geophysical, and core drilling analyses) obtained during such exploration. The Secretary shall maintain the confidentiality of all data so obtained until after the areas involved have been leased or until such time as the Secretary determines that making the data available to the public would not damage the competitive position of the licensee, whichever comes first. ``(4) Exploration without a license.--Any person who willfully conducts uranium exploration for commercial purposes on lands subject to this Act without an exploration license issued under this subsection shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 for each day of violation. All data collected by such person on any Federal lands as a result of such violation shall be made immediately available to the Secretary, who shall make the data available to the public as soon as it is practicable. No penalty under this subsection shall be assessed unless such person is given notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to such violation. ``(j) Conversion of Mining Claims to Mineral Leases.-- ``(1) In general.--The owner of any mining claim (in this subsection referred to as a `claimant') located prior to the date of enactment of the Uranium Resources Stewardship Act may, within two years after such date, apply to the Secretary of the Interior to convert the claim to a lease under this section. The Secretary shall issue a uranium lease under this section to the claimant upon a demonstration by the claimant, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, within one year after the date of the application to the Secretary, that the claim was, as of such date of enactment, supported by the discovery of a valuable deposit of uranium on the claimed land. The holder of a lease issued upon conversion from a mining claim under this subsection shall be subject to all the requirements of this section governing uranium leases, except that the holder shall pay a royalty of 6.25 percent on the value of the uranium produced under the lease, until beginning ten years after the date the claim is converted to a lease. ``(2) Other claims extinguished.--All mining claims located for uranium on Federal lands whose claimant does not apply to the Secretary for conversion to a lease, or whose claimant cannot make such a demonstration of discovery, shall become null and void by operation of law three years after such date of enactment.''.

Summary: Uranium Resources Stewardship Act or URSA - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to: (1) withdraw all federal lands permanently from location and entry for uranium, and (2) prescribe a uranium leasing program for such lands.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preventing Tragedies Between Police and Communities Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. TRAINING ON DE-ESCALATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. (a) Training Requirement.--For each fiscal year after the expiration of the period specified in subsection (d) in which a State or unit of local government receives a grant under part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.), the State or unit of local government shall require that all individuals enrolled in an academy of a law enforcement agency of the State or unit of local government and all law enforcement officers of the State or unit of local government fulfill a training session on de- escalation techniques each fiscal year, including-- (1) the use of alternative non-lethal methods of applying force and techniques that prevent the officer from escalating any situation where force is likely to be used; (2) verbal and physical tactics to minimize the need for the use of force, with an emphasis on communication, negotiation, de-escalation techniques, providing the time needed to resolve the incident safely for everyone; (3) the use of the lowest level of force that is a possible and safe response to an identified threat, then re-evaluating the threat as it progresses; (4) techniques that provide all officers with awareness and recognition of mental health and substance abuse issues with an emphasis on communication strategies, training officers simultaneously in teams on de-escalation and use of force to improve group dynamics and diminish excessive use of force during critical incidents; (5) principles of using distance, cover, and time when approaching and managing critical incidents, and elimination of the use of concepts like the ``21-foot rule'' and ``drawing a line in the sand'' in favor of using distance and cover to create a ``reaction gap''; (6) crisis intervention strategies to appropriately identify and respond to individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues, with an emphasis on de- escalation tactics and promoting effective communication; and (7) other evidence-based approaches, found to be appropriate by the Attorney General, that enhance de-escalation skills and tactics, such as the Critical Decision-Making Model and scenario based trainings. In the case of individuals attending an academy, such training session shall be for such an appropriate amount of time as to ensure academy participants receive effective training under this subsection and in the case of all other law enforcement officers, the training session shall be for an appropriate amount of time as to ensure officers receive effective training under this subsection. The State or unit of local government shall certify to the Attorney General of the United States that such training sessions have been completed. (b) Scenario-Based Training.--Training described in subsection (a) shall be conducted with an emphasis on training that employs theories of de-escalation techniques and applies them to practical on-the-job scenarios that regularly face law enforcement officers. (c) Cross-Training.--To the extent practicable, principles of training as described in subsection (a) shall be applied to other training conducted at the academy. (d) Compliance and Ineligibility.-- (1) Compliance date.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of this Act, each State or unit of local government receiving a grant shall comply with subsection (a), except that the Attorney General may grant an additional 6 months to a State or unit of local government that is making good faith efforts to comply with such subsection. (2) Ineligibility for funds.--For any fiscal year after the expiration of the period specified in paragraph (1), a State or unit of local government that fails to comply with subsection (a), shall, at the discretion of the Attorney General, be subject to not more than a 20-percent reduction of the funds that would otherwise be allocated for that fiscal year to the State or unit of local government under subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.), whether characterized as the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Programs, the Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants Program, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, or otherwise. (e) Reallocation.--Amounts not allocated under a program referred to in subsection (b)(2) to a State or unit of local government for failure to fully comply with subsection (a) shall be reallocated under that program to States and units of local government that have not failed to comply with such subsection. (f) Evidence-Based Practices.--For purposes of subsection (a)(4), the Attorney General shall maintain a list of evidence-based practices it determines is successful in enhancing de-escalation skills of law enforcement officers. The Attorney General shall regularly update this list as needed and shall publish the list to the public on a yearly basis. SEC. 3. DATA COLLECTION. The Attorney General shall collect data on efforts undertaken by Federal fund recipients to enhance de-escalation training for law enforcement officers. SEC. 4. AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO USE DE-ESCALATION TACTICS WHEN AVAILABLE. (a) In General.--In the case of a State or unit of local government that received a grant award under subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.), if that State or unit of local government fails by the end of a fiscal year to enact or have in effect laws, policies, or procedures that sets forth an affirmative duty on a law enforcement officer of that State or unit of local government, whenever possible, to employ de-escalation techniques in which the officer has received training required under section 2(a), the Attorney General shall reduce the amount that would otherwise be awarded to that State or unit of local government under such grant program in the following fiscal year by 15 percent. (b) Reallocation.--Amounts not allocated under a program referred to in subsection (a) to a State or unit of local government for failure to be in compliance with this section shall be reallocated under that program to States and units of local government that are in compliance with this section. SEC. 5. ATTORNEY GENERAL GUIDANCE. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall issue guidance, for the benefit of States and units of local government, on compliance with the requirements of this Act.

Summary: Preventing Tragedies Between Police and Communities Act of 2016 This bill requires a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to train law enforcement officers on de-escalation techniques. The Department of Justice (DOJ) may reduce by up to 20% the JAG allocation of a state or local government that fails to comply. DOJ must collect data on the efforts of state and local governments to enhance de-escalation training for law enforcement officers. Additionally, a state or local government that receives JAG program funding must enact a law, policy, or procedure that establishes an affirmative duty on a law enforcement officer to use de-escalation techniques. DOJ must reduce by 15% the JAG allocation of a state or local government that fails to enact such law, policy, or procedure. DOJ must issue guidance on compliance with these requirements.


SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. Section 3 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1532) is amended-- (1) by redesignating-- (A) paragraphs (1) through (4) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; (B) paragraphs (5) through (10) as paragraphs (7) through (12), respectively; and (C) paragraphs (12) through (21) as paragraphs (13) through (22), respectively; (2) by adding before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(1) Affected parties.--The term `affected party' means any person, including a business entity, or any State, tribal government, or local subdivision the rights of which may be affected by a determination made under section 4(a) in a suit brought under section 11(g)(1)(C).''; and (3) by adding after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(6) Covered settlement.--The term `covered settlement' means a consent decree or a settlement agreement in an action brought under section 11(g)(1)(C).''. SEC. 2. INTERVENTION; APPROVAL OF COVERED SETTLEMENT. Section 11(g) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1540) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Publishing complaint; intervention.-- ``(i) Publishing complaint.-- ``(I) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the plaintiff serves the defendant with the complaint in an action brought under paragraph (1)(C) in accordance with Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Secretary of the Interior shall publish the complaint in a readily accessible manner, including electronically. ``(II) Failure to meet deadline.-- The failure of the Secretary to meet the 30-day deadline described in subclause (I) shall not be the basis for an action under paragraph (1)(C). ``(ii) Intervention.-- ``(I) In general.--After the end of the 30-day period described in clause (i), each affected party shall be given a reasonable opportunity to move to intervene in the action described in clause (i), until the end of which a party may not file a motion for a consent decree or to dismiss the case pursuant to a settlement agreement. ``(II) Rebuttable presumption.--In considering a motion to intervene by any affected party, the court shall presume, subject to rebuttal, that the interests of that party would not be represented adequately by the parties to the action described in clause (i). ``(III) Referral to alternative dispute resolution.-- ``(aa) In general.--If the court grants a motion to intervene in the action, the court shall refer the action to facilitate settlement discussions to-- ``(AA) the mediation program of the court; or ``(BB) a magistrate judge. ``(bb) Parties included in settlement discussions.--The settlement discussions described in item (aa) shall include each-- ``(AA) plaintiff; ``(BB) defendant agency; and ``(CC) intervenor.''; (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: ``(4) Litigation costs.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the court, in issuing any final order in any suit brought under paragraph (1), may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party, whenever the court determines such award is appropriate. ``(B) Covered settlement.-- ``(i) Consent decrees.--The court shall not award costs of litigation in any proposed covered settlement that is a consent decree. ``(ii) Other covered settlements.-- ``(I) In general.--For a proposed covered settlement other than a consent decree, the court shall ensure that the covered settlement does not include payment to any plaintiff for the costs of litigation. ``(II) Motions.--The court shall not grant any motion, including a motion to dismiss, based on the proposed covered settlement described in subclause (I) if the covered settlement includes payment to any plaintiff for the costs of litigation.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(6) Approval of covered settlement.-- ``(A) Definition of species.--In this paragraph, the term `species' means a species that is the subject of an action brought under paragraph (1)(C). ``(B) In general.-- ``(i) Consent decrees.--The court shall not approve a proposed covered settlement that is a consent decree unless each State and county in which the Secretary of the Interior believes a species occurs approves the covered settlement. ``(ii) Other covered settlements.-- ``(I) In general.--For a proposed covered settlement other than a consent decree, the court shall ensure that the covered settlement is approved by each State and county in which the Secretary of the Interior believes a species occurs. ``(II) Motions.--The court shall not grant any motion, including a motion to dismiss, based on the proposed covered settlement described in subclause (I) unless the covered settlement is approved by each State and county in which the Secretary of the Interior believes a species occurs. ``(C) Notice.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior shall provide each State and county in which the Secretary of the Interior believes a species occurs notice of a proposed covered settlement. ``(ii) Determination of relevant states and counties.--The defendant in a covered settlement shall consult with each State described in clause (i) to determine each county in which the Secretary of the Interior believes a species occurs. ``(D) Failure to respond.--The court may approve a covered settlement or grant a motion described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(II) if, not later than 45 days after the date on which a State or county is notified under subparagraph (C)-- ``(i)(I) a State or county fails to respond; and ``(II) of the States or counties that respond, each State or county approves the covered settlement; or ``(ii) all of the States and counties fail to respond. ``(E) Proof of approval.--The defendant in a covered settlement shall prove any State or county approval described in this paragraph in a form-- ``(i) acceptable to the State or county, as applicable; and ``(ii) signed by the State or county official authorized to approve the covered settlement.''.

Summary: Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary of the Interior, within 30 days after being served with a complaint in an action alleging a failure to perform an act or duty related to an endangered species or threatened species determination, to publish the complaint. Prohibits the failure of the Secretary to meet such deadline from being the basis for such an action. Sets forth requirements concerning the intervention in such actions by affected parties and referral to a mediation program. Authorizes the court, in issuing any final order in such an action, to award litigation costs to any party. Prohibits the court from: (1) awarding litigation costs in any proposed covered settlement, (2) granting a motion that is based on a proposed covered settlement or other consent decree that includes payment for litigation costs, (3) approving a proposed covered settlement unless each state and county in which the Secretary believes a species occurs approves it, or (4) granting a motion that is based on a proposed covered settlement unless such settlement is approved by each such state and county. Requires the courts to ensure that such a settlement is approved by each such state and county. Requires the Secretary to provide notice of a proposed covered settlement to each such state and county. Authorizes a court to approve such a settlement or grant such a motion if, within 45 days of notification, a: (1) state or county fails to respond, and (2) each state or county that responds approves the covered settlement, or (3) all of the states and counties fail to respond.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Propaganda Prohibition Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) Investigations in 2004 and 2005 by the Government Accountability Office revealed that appropriated funds have been used in more than one Federal agency to fund ``covert propaganda'' that is ``misleading as to source''. (2) An independent investigation revealed that the Department of Education paid a conservative commentator to speak in support of the No Child Left Behind Act during his television and radio appearances. (3) The American public has been subjected to receiving millions of dollars worth of messages in print, television, radio, and in person without being informed that the sources are not independent. (4) There is not enough information about Federal public relations and advertising efforts to allow for consistent oversight by Congress. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to ensure that advertising and public relations campaigns paid for with Federal appropriations are unbiased and factual, and do not contain a political message or covert propaganda; (2) to increase the oversight and evaluation of advertising campaigns paid for by the Federal Government by requiring that agencies provide notice to the appropriate congressional committees of all public relations, media relations, and advertising contracts; (3) to require that all public relations and media outreach tools developed by Federal agencies inform the target audience of the source of funding for the message; and (4) to make permanent the prohibition against spending Federal funds on publicity and propaganda that has been included in appropriations Acts since 1951. SEC. 3. NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESS REGARDING CERTAIN CONTRACTS. (a) Requirement to Notify Congress Regarding Certain Contracts.-- Not later than 30 days after entering into a covered contract, an Executive agency shall submit to each covered congressional committee a written notification containing the name of the contractor, the amount of the contract, the purpose of the contract, a summary of the statement of work for the contract, and any other information the agency considers relevant. (b) Requirement to Submit Other Information Upon Request.--Upon request by the Comptroller General or the chairman or ranking minority member of any covered congressional committee, an Executive agency that provided a notification under subsection (a) for a covered contract shall provide to the person making the request-- (1) a copy of the covered contract; (2) any modifications to the covered contract; and (3) any materials produced under the covered contract. (c) Covered Contracts.--In this section, the term ``covered contract'' means a contract with an Executive agency for public relations, media relations, advertising, or public opinion research services, or any subcontract for such services under a Federal contract. (d) Covered Congressional Committees.--In this section, the term ``covered congressional committee'', with respect to a notification submitted by an Executive agency under subsection (a), means each of the following: (1) The Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives. (2) The Committee on Governmental Affairs and Homeland Security of the Senate. (3) The Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (4) The Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (5) Each authorizing committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate with jurisdiction over the Executive agency submitting the notification. (e) Executive Agency.--In this section, the term ``Executive agency'' has the meaning provided in section 105 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR PUBLICITY OR PROPAGANDA PURPOSES. (a) Prohibition.--Chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1355. Prohibition on unauthorized expenditure of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes ``(a) Prohibition.--An officer or employee of the United States Government may not make or authorize an expenditure or obligation of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States unless authorized by law. ``(b) Penalties.-- ``(1) Adverse personnel action.--An officer or employee of the United States Government violating subsection (a) shall be subject to appropriate administrative discipline including, when circumstances warrant, suspension from duty without pay or removal from office. ``(2) Criminal penalty.--An officer or employee of the United States Government knowingly and willfully violating subsection (a) shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 13 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``1355. Prohibition on unauthorized expenditure of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.''. SEC. 5. REQUIREMENT FOR DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP OF ALL FEDERAL ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMMUNICATION MATERIALS. (a) Requirement.--Each advertisement or other communication paid for by an Executive agency, either directly or through a contract awarded by the Executive agency, shall include a prominent notice informing the target audience that the advertisement or other communication is paid for by that Executive agency. (b) Advertisement or Other Communication.--In this section, the term ``advertisement or other communication'' includes-- (1) an advertisement disseminated in any form, including print or by any electronic means; and (2) a communication by an individual in any form, including speech, print, or by any electronic means. (c) Executive Agency.--In this section, the term ``Executive agency'' has the meaning provided in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.

Summary: Federal Propaganda Prohibition Act of 2005 - Requires an Executive agency, not later than 30 days after entering into a contract for public relations, media relations, advertising, or public opinion research services, to submit in writing to specified congressional committees the contractor's name, the amount and the purpose of the contract, a summary of the contract, other relevant information, and, upon request: (1) a copy of the covered contract; (2) any contract modifications; and (3) any materials produced under the contract. Prohibits an officer or employee of the U.S. Government from making or authorizing an expenditure or obligation of funds for publicity or propaganda within the United States unless authorized by law. Imposes penalties. Requires each advertisement or other communication paid for by an Executive agency to include a prominent notice that the advertisement or other communication is paid for by that agency.