SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. Section 25 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3720) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 25. OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a Director and full-time staff to foster innovation and the commercialization of new technologies, products, processes, and services with the goal of promoting productivity and economic growth in the United States. ``(b) Duties.--The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship shall be responsible for-- ``(1) developing policies to accelerate innovation and advance the commercialization of research and development, including federally funded research and development; ``(2) identifying existing barriers to innovation and commercialization, including access to capital and other resources, and ways to overcome those barriers, particularly in States participating in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research; ``(3) providing access to relevant data, research, and technical assistance on innovation and commercialization, including best practices for university-based incubators and accelerators; ``(4) overseeing the implementation of the loan guarantee programs and the Regional Innovation Program established under sections 26 and 27, respectively; ``(5) developing, within 180 days after the date of enactment of the Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Act of 2014, and updating at least every 5 years, a strategic plan to guide the activities of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship that shall-- ``(A) specify and prioritize near-term and long- term goals, objectives, and policies to accelerate innovation and advance the commercialization of research and development, including federally funded research and development, set forth the anticipated time for achieving the objectives, and identify metrics for use in assessing progress toward such objectives; ``(B) describe how the Department of Commerce is working in conjunction with other Federal agencies to foster innovation and commercialization across the United States; and ``(C) provide a summary of the activities, including the development of metrics to evaluate regional innovation strategies undertaken through the Regional Innovation Research and Information Program established under section 27(c); ``(6) strengthening collaboration on and coordination of policies relating to innovation and commercialization, including those focused on the needs of small businesses and rural communities, within the Department of Commerce, between the Department of Commerce and other Federal agencies, and between the Department of Commerce and appropriate State government agencies and institutions, as appropriate; and ``(7) any other duties as determined by the Secretary. ``(c) Advisory Committee.-- ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish or designate an advisory committee, which shall meet at least twice each fiscal year, to provide advice to the Secretary on carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. ``(2) Report to congress.--The advisory committee shall prepare a report, to be submitted to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate every 3 years. The first report shall be submitted not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Act of 2014 and shall include-- ``(A) an assessment of the strategic plan developed under subsection (b)(5) and the progress made in implementing the plan and the duties of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; ``(B) an assessment of how the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is working with other Federal agencies to meet the goals and duties of the office; and ``(C) any recommendations for how the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship could be improved. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out this section.''. SEC. 3. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM. Section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 27. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM. ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a regional innovation program to encourage and support the development of regional innovation strategies, including regional innovation clusters. ``(b) Cluster Grants.-- ``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary may award grants on a competitive basis to eligible recipients for activities relating to the formation and development of regional innovation clusters. ``(2) Permissible activities.--Grants awarded under this subsection may be used for activities determined appropriate by the Secretary, including the following: ``(A) Feasibility studies. ``(B) Planning activities. ``(C) Technical assistance. ``(D) Developing or strengthening communication and collaboration between and among participants of a regional innovation cluster. ``(E) Attracting additional participants to a regional innovation cluster. ``(F) Facilitating market development of products and services developed by a regional innovation cluster, including through demonstration, deployment, technology transfer, and commercialization activities. ``(G) Developing relationships between a regional innovation cluster and entities or clusters in other regions. ``(H) Interacting with the public and State and local governments to meet the goals of the cluster. ``(3) Eligible recipient defined.--In this subsection, the term `eligible recipient' means-- ``(A) a State; ``(B) an Indian tribe; ``(C) a city or other political subdivision of a State; ``(D) an entity that-- ``(i) is a nonprofit organization, an institution of higher education, a public- private partnership, a science or research park, a Federal laboratory, or an economic development organization or similar entity; and ``(ii) has an application that is supported by a State or a political subdivision of a State; or ``(E) a consortium of any of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). ``(4) Application.-- ``(A) In general.--An eligible recipient shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. ``(B) Components.--The application shall include, at a minimum, a description of the regional innovation cluster supported by the proposed activity, including a description of-- ``(i) whether the regional innovation cluster is supported by the private sector, State and local governments, and other relevant stakeholders; ``(ii) how the existing participants in the regional innovation cluster will encourage and solicit participation by all types of entities that might benefit from participation, including newly formed entities and those rival existing participants; ``(iii) the extent to which the regional innovation cluster is likely to stimulate innovation and have a positive impact on regional economic growth and development; ``(iv) whether the participants in the regional innovation cluster have access to, or contribute to, a well-trained workforce; ``(v) whether the participants in the regional innovation cluster are capable of attracting additional funds from non-Federal sources; and ``(vi) the likelihood that the participants in the regional innovation cluster will be able to sustain activities once grant funds under this subsection have been expended. ``(C) Special consideration.--The Secretary shall give special consideration to applications from regions that contain communities negatively impacted by trade. ``(5) Special consideration.--The Secretary shall give special consideration to an eligible recipient who agrees to collaborate with local workforce investment area boards. ``(6) Cost share.--The Secretary may not provide more than 50 percent of the total cost of any activity funded under this subsection. ``(7) Outreach to rural communities.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach to public and private sector entities in rural communities to encourage those entities to participate in regional innovation cluster activities under this subsection. ``(8) Funding.--The Secretary may accept funds from other Federal agencies to support grants and activities under this subsection. ``(c) Regional Innovation Research and Information Program.-- ``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a regional innovation research and information program-- ``(A) to gather, analyze, and disseminate information on best practices for regional innovation strategies (including regional innovation clusters), including information relating to how innovation, productivity, and economic development can be maximized through such strategies; ``(B) to provide technical assistance, including through the development of technical assistance guides, for the development and implementation of regional innovation strategies (including regional innovation clusters); ``(C) to support the development of relevant metrics and measurement standards to evaluate regional innovation strategies (including regional innovation clusters), including the extent to which such strategies stimulate innovation, productivity, and economic development; and ``(D) to collect and make available data on regional innovation cluster activity in the United States, including data on-- ``(i) the size, specialization, and competitiveness of regional innovation clusters; ``(ii) the regional domestic product contribution, total jobs and earnings by key occupations, establishment size, nature of specialization, patents, Federal research and development spending, and other relevant information for regional innovation clusters; and ``(iii) supply chain product and service flows within and between regional innovation clusters. ``(2) Research grants.--The Secretary may award research grants on a competitive basis to support and further the goals of the program established under this subsection. ``(3) Dissemination of information.--Data and analysis compiled by the Secretary under the program established in this subsection shall be made available to other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and nonprofit and for-profit entities. ``(4) Regional innovation grant program.--The Secretary shall incorporate data and analysis relating to any grant under subsection (b) into the program established under this subsection. ``(d) Interagency Coordination.-- ``(1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that the activities carried out under this section are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, other programs at the Department of Commerce or other Federal agencies. ``(2) Collaboration.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall explore and pursue collaboration with other Federal agencies, including through multiagency funding opportunities, on regional innovation strategies. ``(B) Small businesses.--The Secretary shall ensure that such collaboration with Federal agencies prioritizes the needs and challenges of small businesses. ``(e) Evaluation.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with an independent entity, such as the National Academy of Sciences, to conduct an evaluation of the program established under subsection (a). ``(2) Requirements.--The evaluation shall include-- ``(A) whether the program is achieving its goals; ``(B) any recommendations for how the program may be improved; and ``(C) a recommendation as to whether the program should be continued or terminated. ``(f) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Regional innovation cluster.--The term `regional innovation cluster' means a geographically bounded network of similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that-- ``(A) are engaged in or with a particular industry sector; ``(B) have active channels for business transactions and communication; ``(C) share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services; and ``(D) leverage the region's unique competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs. ``(2) State.--The term `State' means one of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States. ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out this section.''.

Summary: Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to: (1) expand the duties and reporting requirements of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including by requiring the development of a strategic plan to guide the activities of the Office; (2) authorize appropriations for such Office for FY2014-FY2018; and (3) modify the Regional Innovation Program established by such Act to eliminate provisions relating to science and research parks and require outreach to public and private sector entities in rural communities to encourage participation in Program activities.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Home Health Documentation and Program Improvement Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. INFORMATION TO SATISFY DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES. (a) Part A.--Section 1814(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)) is amended by inserting before ``For purposes of paragraph (2)(C),'' the following new sentence: ``For purposes of documentation for physician certification and recertification made under paragraph (2) on or after January 1, 2018, and made with respect to home health services furnished by a home health agency, in addition to using documentation in the medical record of the physician who so certifies or the medical record of the acute or post-acute care facility (in the case that home health services were furnished to an individual who was directly admitted to the home health agency from such a facility), the Secretary shall use documentation in the medical record of the home health agency as supporting material, as appropriate to the case involved.''. (b) Part B.--Section 1835(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395n(a)) is amended by inserting before ``For purposes of paragraph (2)(A),'' the following new sentence: ``For purposes of documentation for physician certification and recertification made under paragraph (2) on or after January 1, 2018, and made with respect to home health services furnished by a home health agency, in addition to using documentation in the medical record of the physician who so certifies or the medical record of the acute or post-acute care facility (in the case that home health services were furnished to an individual who was directly admitted to the home health agency from such a facility), the Secretary shall use documentation in the medical record of the home health agency as supporting material, as appropriate to the case involved.''. SEC. 3. VOLUNTARY SETTLEMENT OF HOME HEALTH CLAIMS. (a) Settlement Process for Home Health Claims.-- (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a settlement process under which a home health agency entitled to an eligible administrative appeal has the option to enter into a settlement with the Secretary that is reached in a manner consistent with the succeeding paragraphs of this subsection. (2) Process and consideration of home health claims.--A settlement under paragraph (1) with a home health agency that is with respect to an eligible administrative appeal may only be reached in accordance with the following process: (A) A settlement under such paragraph with the home health agency shall be with respect to all claims by such agency, subject to paragraph (4), that, as of the date of such settlement, are under an eligible administrative appeal. (B) For the duration of the settlement process with such agency, an eligible administrative appeal that is with respect to any such claim by such agency shall be suspended. (C) Under the settlement process, the Secretary shall determine an aggregate amount to be paid to the home health agency with respect to all claims by such agency that are under an eligible administrative appeal in the following manner: (i) The Secretary shall, for purposes of applying clause (ii) with respect to all settlements under paragraph (1), select a percentage. In selecting such percentage, the Secretary shall consider the percentage used under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hospital appeals settlement that began on October 31, 2014. (ii) The Secretary shall, with respect to each denied claim for such agency that is under an eligible administrative appeal, calculate an amount (referred to in this subparagraph as an ``individual claim amount'') by multiplying the net payable amount for such claim by the percentage selected under clause (i). (iii) Such aggregate amount with respect to such agency shall be determined by calculating the total sum of all the individual claim amounts calculated under clause (ii) with respect to such agency. (3) Effect of process.-- (A) Effect of settlement.-- (i) Further appeal.--As part of any settlement under paragraph (1) between a home health agency and the Secretary, such home health agency shall be required to forego the right to an administrative appeal under section 1869 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ff) or section 1878 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395oo) (including any redetermination, reconsideration, hearing, or review) with respect to any claims for home health services that are subject to the settlement. (ii) Judicial review.--There shall be no administrative or judicial review under such section 1869 or otherwise of a settlement under paragraph (1) and the claims covered by the settlement. (B) Effect of no settlement.--In the event that the process described in paragraph (2) does not, with respect to a home health agency, result in a settlement under paragraph (1) with such agency, any appeal under such section 1869 that is with respect to a claim by such agency that was suspended pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) shall resume under such section. (4) Coordination with law enforcement.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a process under which individuals in the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for executing a settlement under paragraph (1) may, in order to avoid the inadvertent settlement of cases that involve fraud or other criminal activity, coordinate with appropriate law enforcement agencies. (b) No Entitlement to Settlement Process.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating an entitlement to enter into a settlement process established pursuant to subsection (a). (c) Eligible Administrative Appeal Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term ``eligible administrative appeal'' means an appeal under section 1869 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ff) (including any redetermination, reconsideration, hearing, or review)-- (1) that is with respect to one or more claims that-- (A) are for home health services that-- (i) were furnished on or after January 1, 2011, and before January 1, 2015; and (ii) were reasonable and necessary under section 1862(a)(1)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(1)(A)); and (B) were timely filed consistent with section 1814(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)(1)) or sections 1835(a)(1) and 1842(b)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395n(a)(1), 1395u(b)(3)); and (2) either-- (A) was timely filed consistent with section 1869 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ff) and is pending; or (B) for which the applicable time frame to file an appeal has not expired. (d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1869 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ff) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(j) Application With Respect to Certain Home Health Claims.--For the application of the provisions of this section with respect to certain claims for home health services that were furnished on or after January 1, 2011, and before January 1, 2015, see section 3 of the Home Health Documentation and Program Improvement Act of 2017.''.

Summary: Home Health Documentation and Program Improvement Act of 2017 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to use an individual's medical record from a home-health agency, as appropriate, to support certification of such individual's Medicare eligibility for home-health services. The bill requires the CMS to establish a process for home-health agencies that are entitled to an administrative appeal after being denied eligibility for Medicare reimbursement to, instead, enter into a settlement with the CMS.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Affordable Childcare for Everyone Act'' or the ``PACE Act''. SEC. 2. REFUNDABILITY OF CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE TAX CREDIT. (a) In General.--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 21 as section 36C, and (2) by moving section 36C, as so redesignated, from subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 to the location immediately before section 37 in subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1. (b) Technical Amendments.-- (1) Paragraph (1) of section 23(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``21(e)'' and inserting ``36C(e)''. (2) Paragraph (6) of section 35(g) of such Code is amended by striking ``21(e)'' and inserting ``36C(e)''. (3) Paragraph (1) of section 36C(a) of such Code (as redesignated by subsection (a)) is amended by striking ``this chapter'' and inserting ``this subtitle''. (4) Subparagraph (C) of section 129(a)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(e)'' and inserting ``section 36C(e)''. (5) Paragraph (2) of section 129(b) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(d)(2)'' and inserting ``section 36C(d)(2)''. (6) Paragraph (1) of section 129(e) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(b)(2)'' and inserting ``section 36C(b)(2)''. (7) Subsection (e) of section 213 of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21'' and inserting ``section 36C''. (8) Subparagraph (H) of section 6213(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21'' and inserting ``section 36C''. (9) Subparagraph (L) of section 6213(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21, 24, or 32,'' and inserting ``section 24, 32, or 36C,''. (10) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''. (11) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36B the following: ``Sec. 36C. Expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment.''. (12) The table of sections for subpart A of such part IV is amended by striking the item relating to section 21. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016. SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENT OF THE CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE TAX CREDIT. (a) In General.--Section 36C of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as redesignated by section 2 of this Act, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), by striking ``35 percent reduced (but not below 20 percent)'' and inserting ``50 percent reduced (but not below 35 percent)'', (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g), and (3) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection: ``(f) Inflation Adjustment.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any taxable year beginning after 2016, each of the dollar amounts in subsections (a)(2) and (c) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2015' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(2) Rounding.--If any increase determined under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $50.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016. SEC. 4. INCREASE IN EXCLUSION FOR EMPLOYER-PROVIDED DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE. (a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 129(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to dependent care assistance programs) is amended by striking ``$5,000 ($2,500'' and inserting ``$7,500 (half such dollar amount''. (b) Inflation Adjustment.--Paragraph (2) of section 129(a) of such Code is amended by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D) and by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2017, the $7,500 amount in subparagraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2016' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. Any increase determined under the preceding sentence shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016.

Summary: Promoting Affordable Childcare for Everyone Act or the PACE Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment (known as the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit), to: (1) make the credit refundable, (2) increase the rate for the credit, and (3) require the dollar amounts for such credit to be adjusted for inflation after 2016. The bill also increases the amount of employer-provided dependent care assistance which may be excluded from the gross income of an employee and requires the increased exclusion amount to be adjusted for inflation after 2017.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Absentee Ballot Track, Receive, and Confirm Act''. SEC. 2. REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS INCURRED IN ESTABLISHING PROGRAM TO TRACK AND CONFIRM RECEIPT OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS. (a) Reimbursement.--Subtitle D of title II of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15401 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new part: ``PART 7--PAYMENTS TO REIMBURSE STATES FOR COSTS INCURRED IN ESTABLISHING PROGRAM TO TRACK AND CONFIRM RECEIPT OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS ``SEC. 297. PAYMENTS TO STATES. ``(a) Payments For Costs of Establishing Program.--In accordance with this section, the Commission shall make a payment to a State to reimburse the State for the costs incurred in establishing, if the State so chooses to establish, an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for Federal office held in the State (including costs incurred prior to the date of the enactment of this part). ``(b) Absentee Ballot Tracking Program Described.-- ``(1) Program described.-- ``(A) In general.--In this part, an `absentee ballot tracking program' is a program to track and confirm the receipt of absentee ballots in an election for Federal office under which the State or local election official responsible for the receipt of voted absentee ballots in the election carries out procedures to track and confirm the receipt of such ballots, and makes information on the receipt of such ballots available to the individual who cast the ballot, by means of online access using the Internet site of the official's office. ``(B) Information on whether vote was counted.--The information referred to under subparagraph (A) with respect to the receipt of an absentee ballot shall include information regarding whether the vote cast on the ballot was counted, and, in the case of a vote which was not counted, the reasons therefor. ``(2) Use of toll-free telephone number by officials without internet site.--A program established by a State or local election official whose office does not have an Internet site may meet the description of a program under paragraph (1) if the official has established a toll-free telephone number that may be used by an individual who cast an absentee ballot to obtain the information on the receipt of the voted absentee ballot as provided under such paragraph. ``(c) Certification of Compliance and Costs.-- ``(1) Certification required.--In order to receive a payment under this section, a State shall submit to the Commission a statement containing-- ``(A) a certification that the State has established an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for Federal office held in the State; and ``(B) a statement of the costs incurred by the State in establishing the program. ``(2) Amount of payment.--The amount of a payment made to a State under this section shall be equal to the costs incurred by the State in establishing the absentee ballot tracking program, as set forth in the statement submitted under paragraph (1), except that such amount may not exceed the product of-- ``(A) the number of jurisdictions in the State which are responsible for operating the program; and ``(B) $3,000. ``(3) Limit on number of payments received.--A State may not receive more than one payment under this part. ``SEC. 297A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``(a) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission for fiscal year 2010 and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary for payments under this part. ``(b) Continuing Availability of Funds.--Any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this section shall remain available until expended.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle D of title II the following: ``Part 7--Payments To Reimburse States for Costs Incurred in Establishing Program To Track and Confirm Receipt of Absentee Ballots ``Sec. 297. Payments to States. ``Sec. 297A. Authorization of appropriations.''. Passed the House of Representatives July 30, 2009. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: Absentee Ballot Track, Receive, and Confirm Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to direct the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make a payment to reimburse a state for the costs incurred in establishing, if the state so chooses, an absentee ballot tracking program for federal elections.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Homeowner Empowerment Act of 2008''. (b) Constitutional Authority To Enact This Legislation.--The constitutional authority upon which this Act rests is the power of Congress to lay and collect taxes, set forth in article I, section 8 of the United States Constitution. SEC. 2. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS FROM QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS USED FOR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 139A the following new section: ``SEC. 139B. CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS FROM QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS USED FOR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. ``(a) In General.--Gross income shall not include a qualified mortgage distribution. ``(b) Limitation.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to any distribution made in any month to the extent that such distribution (when added to all other distributions made in such month which are taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to any individual) exceeds $5,000. ``(c) Qualified Mortgage Distribution.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified mortgage distribution' means any distribution which is made before January 1, 2010, from an individual retirement plan, or from amounts attributable to employer contributions made pursuant to elective deferrals described in subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 402(g)(3) or section 501(c)(18)(D)(iii), directly by the trustee of the plan to a mortgagee with respect to a qualified mortgage of any individual. Such term shall not include any distribution to the extent that such distribution exceeds the required minimum payment due under the terms of the mortgage. ``(2) Qualified mortgage.--The term `qualified mortgage' means any mortgage which is-- ``(A) secured by the principal residence (within the meaning of section 121) of the mortgagor, and ``(B) originated before January 1, 2008. ``(d) Requirement To Repay Distributions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified mortgage distribution' shall not include any distribution except to the extent that one or more contributions to an individual retirement plan of the taxpayer in an aggregate amount equal to such distribution are made during the 12-year period beginning on the date of such distribution. ``(2) Treatment of recontributions.--In the case of any contribution to an individual retirement plan taken into account under paragraph (1)-- ``(A) the dollar limitations otherwise applicable to contributions to individual retirement plans shall not apply to such contribution, and ``(B) no deduction shall be allowed for such contribution. ``(3) Failure to repay.--In the case of a failure to make the aggregate amount of contributions described in paragraph (1) during the 12-year period described therein with respect to any distribution which would (but for paragraph (1)) be a qualified mortgage distribution, such distribution shall be includible in the gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year in which such 12-year period ends in lieu of the taxable year in which the distribution was made.''. (b) Waiver of 10 Percent Early Withdrawal Penalty Without Regard to Repayment Requirement.--Paragraph (2) of section 72(t) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(H) Qualified mortgage distributions.--Any qualified mortgage distribution (as defined in section 139B, but without regard to subsection (d) thereof).''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 401(k)(2)(B)(i) of such Code is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (V) and inserting ``or'', and by inserting after subclause (V) the following new subclause: ``(VI) in the case of a distribution to which section 139B(a) applies, the date on which such distribution is made, and''. (2) Section 403(b)(7)(A)(ii) of such Code is amended by inserting ``or 139B(a)'' after ``section 72(t)(2)(G)''. (3) Section 403(b)(11) of such Code is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting ``, or'', and by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph: ``(D) for distributions to which section 139B(a) applies.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to distributions made after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Homeowner Empowerment Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income distributions from individual retirement plans and other qualified retirement plans for payments on the mortgage of a taxpayer's principal residence; (2) require repayments of amounts distributed from such retirement plans over a 12-year period; and (3) waive the 10% penalty on premature distributions from retirement plans for distributions used to pay a mortgage.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Civil Rights Amendments Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964. (a) Public Accommodations.--(1) Section 201(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a(a)) is amended by striking ``religion,'' and inserting ``religion, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (2) Section 202 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000a-1) is amended by striking ``religion,'' and inserting ``religion, affectional or sexual orientation.''. (b) Public Facilities.--Section 301(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000b(a)) is amended by striking ``religion,'' and inserting ``religion, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (c) Federally Assisted Programs.--Section 601 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000d) is amended by striking ``color,'' and inserting ``color, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (d) Equal Employment Opportunities.--(1) Sections 703(a), 703(b), 703(c), 703(d), 703(e), 703(h), 703(j), 704(b), 706(g), and 717(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e-2(a), 2000e-2(b), 2000e-2(c), 2000e-2(d), 2000e-(e), 2000e-2(h), 2000e-2(j), 2000e-3(b), 2000e-5(g), and 2000e- 16(a)) are amended by striking ``sex,'' each place it appears and inserting ``sex, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (2) Section 717(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(c)) is amended by striking ``sex'' and inserting ``sex, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (3) Section 703(h) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e-2(h)) is amended by striking ``sex'' the first place it appears and inserting ``sex, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (4) The heading of section 703 of such Act is amended by striking ``sex,'' and inserting ``sex, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (e) Intervention by Attorney General in Civil Rights Cases.-- Section 902 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000h-2) is amended by striking ``sex'' and inserting ``sex, affectional or sexual orientation,''. (f) Definition; Rules of Interpretation.--Title XI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000h et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``affectional or sexual orientation ``Sec. 1107. (a) Definition.--For purposes of titles II, III, VI, VII, and IX of this Act, the term `affectional or sexual orientation' means male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, and bisexuality by orientation or practice, by and between consenting adults. ``(b) Rules of Interpretation.--(1) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit or require-- ``(A) that a finding of discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation be based on any statistical differences in the incidence of persons of a particular affectional or sexual orientation in the general population as opposed to the incidence of such persons in the activity concerned; or ``(B) the use of any quota as a remedy for discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. ``(2) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any person to disclose a personal affectional or sexual orientation.''. SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING ACT. (a) Housing Sale and Rental, Residential Real-Estate-Related Transactions, and Brokerage Services.--(1) Section 804 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3604) is amended by striking ``religion,'' each place it appears and inserting ``religion, affectional and sexual orientation (as such term is defined in section 802(p)),''. (2) Section 805 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 3605) is amended by striking ``religion,'' each place it appears and inserting ``religion, affectional or sexual orientation (as such term is defined in section 802(p)),''. (3) Section 806 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 3606) is amended by striking ``religion,'' and inserting ``religion, affectional or sexual orientation (as such term is defined in section 802(p)),''. (b) Prevention of Intimidation.--Section 901 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3631) is amended by striking ``religion,'' each place it appears and inserting ``religion, affectional or sexual orientation (as such term is defined in section 802(p)),''. (c) Definition.--Section 802 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3602) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(p) `Affectional or sexual orientation' means male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, and bisexuality by orientation or practice, by and between consenting adults.''. (d) Rules of Interpretation.--(1) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``rules of interpretation regarding affectional or sexual orientation ``Sec. 821. (a) Findings of Discrimination; Quotas.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit or require-- ``(1) that a finding of discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation be based on any statistical differences in the incidence of persons of a particular affectional or sexual orientation in the general population as opposed to the incidence of such persons in the activity concerned; or ``(2) the use of any quota as a remedy for discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. ``(b) Protection of Privacy Rights.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any person to disclose a personal affectional or sexual orientation.''. (2) Title IX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``application of rules of interpretation regarding affectional or sexual orientation ``Sec. 902. The provisions of this title are subject to the rules of interpretation described in section 821 of this Act.''.

Summary: Civil Rights Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation with respect to: (1) public accommodations; (2) public facilities; (3) federally assisted programs; (5) equal employment opportunities; (6) housing sales and rentals; and (7) brokerage services.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Counter Terrorism Financing Coordination Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) In an October 2005 report to the Congress, the Comptroller General reviewed the United States Government's interagency efforts to coordinate the delivery of training and technical assistance to countries vulnerable to terrorist financing, and issues of accountability in the blocking of terrorist assets held in the United States by the Secretary of the Treasury. (2) In April 2006, the Comptroller General of the United States testified before the Congress on the findings of the October 2005 report and, among other things, the Comptroller General testified that ``Although the United States Government provides a range of training and technical assistance to countries it deems vulnerable to terrorist financing, it does not have a strategic and integrated plan to coordinate the delivery of this assistance.''. (3) The Terrorist Financing Working Group, an interagency entity established by the National Security Council and chaired by the Secretary of State, coordinates the delivery of training and technical assistance to nearly two dozen countries the Working Group considers to be priority countries, as well as to other countries the Working Group considers to be nonpriority countries, that are vulnerable to terrorist financing. (4) The Comptroller General testified that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury disagree about the roles and procedures of each agency within the Terrorist Financing Working Group for the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance, thereby causing the overall effort to lack effective leadership. (5) An example of how this disagreement has impacted the delivery of training and technical assistance to countries vulnerable to terrorist financing is as follows: (A) In May 2005, the Department of State denied a Department of the Treasury employee official entry into a priority country in response to a request from the central bank of that country to set up a financial intelligence unit. (B) The Secretary of State told the Comptroller General that the Department wanted to conduct a Terrorist Financing Working Group assessment before allowing the Department of the Treasury to continue its work. (C) According to the report of the Government Accountability Office, the United States Ambassador to the country requested a delay in the assessment and the work of the Department of the Treasury was allowed to proceed. (D) However, as a result of this disagreement, the entry of the Department of the Treasury official into the country and the work itself was delayed by several months. (6) The Comptroller General testified that the interagency coordinating effort on terrorist financing training and technical assistance lacked other key elements that are critical to effective strategic planning, such as the strategic alignment of resources with needs and risks, and a process to measure results. (7) The October 2005 report of the Comptroller General found that the Attorney General, who provides technical assistance in the drafting of anti-terrorist financing legislation for priority countries, concluded that ``having procedures and practices for Terrorist Financing Working Group priority countries that differ from those for other vulnerable countries creates problems''. (8) The October 2005, report of the Comptroller General cited several instances of interagency disagreements on whether it is appropriate for contractors for the United States to provide legislative drafting assistance for counterterrorism financing legislation. (9) In connection with this disagreement, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General believe that legislative drafting should be conducted by officials of the Department of Justice, while the Secretary of the Treasury, in some instances, advocated the use of contractors for nonpriority countries. (10) The Attorney General objected to the use of contractors and indicated that previous contractor work on legislative drafting did not meet international standards for effective counterterrorism financing legislation, citing as an example the work of a contractor to the Agency for International Development who assisted in drafting legislation which officials of the Department of Justice had to complete because the draft included substantial deficiencies, in the opinion of the Attorney General. (11) In April 2006, officials representing the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury testified before the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives that they did not act on the Comptroller General's recommendations to develop a strategic and integrated plan for the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance and to enter into an interagency Memorandum of Agreement that clarifies each agency's roles and responsibilities. (12) The officials testified that both the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury believe that an integrated strategic plan already exists and that ``There is no desire among the Terrorist Financing Working Group agencies to reinvent a process that has worked well for several years and worked even better since the issuance of the General Accountability Office report.''. (13) The Comptroller General recommended in his congressional testimony that Congress require ``the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to Congress showing the status of interagency efforts to develop and implement an integrated strategic plan and Memorandum of Agreement to ensure Terrorist Financing Working Group's seamless functioning, particularly with respect to Terrorist Financing Working Group roles and procedures''. SEC. 3. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT REQUIRED. (a) In General.--The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury shall negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Agreement'') specifying the role of each of the Secretary's respective Department in the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance provided to countries abroad (without regard to whether any country is designated as a priority country or a nonpriority country by the Terrorist Financing Working Group). (b) Specific Subject to Be Included.--In addition to such other matters as the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury determine to be appropriate for inclusion in the Agreement, the Agreement shall include the following: (1) Leadership and role.--The specific designation of leadership, and the role of each agency, in the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance to all countries (without regard to whether any country is designated as a priority country or a nonpriority country by the Terrorist Financing Working Group). (2) Dispute resolution methodology.--A methodology and procedures for resolving interagency disputes over the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance, which shall include specific and reasonable timeframes for seeking such resolution before elevating unresolved disagreements to the next level of decision-making, up to and including the Secretaries, and a process for submitting any disputes the Secretaries are unable to resolve within a specific and reasonable timeframe to the National Security Council for resolution. (3) Coordination of funding and resources.--The coordination of funding and resources for counterterrorism financing and anti-money laundering training and technical assistance delivered to all countries (without regard to whether any country is designated as a priority country or a nonpriority country by the Terrorist Financing Working Group), including the means for providing a transparent assessment of United States Government resources and a method for aligning those resources with the needs of vulnerable countries. (4) Private contractors.--A procedure for determining the appropriateness of any use of contractors by the Secretary of the Treasury in the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance in any country (without regard to whether the country is designated as a priority country or a nonpriority country by the Terrorist Financing Working Group), including a system for evaluating, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General and other appropriate officers, the quality of work performed by such contractors. (5) Performance evaluation.--A process to measure the performance and results of counterterrorism training and technical assistance. SEC. 4. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall include in the annual report to the Congress on terrorist assets complete information on the nature and extent of activities, during the period covered by the report, in blocking access of owners or account holders to financial assets due to the connection of such owners or accountholders to terrorism. (b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) The results of the performance evaluation under Memorandum of Agreement entered into pursuant to section 3 for the period covered by the report. (2) Differences in amounts blocked between the period covered by the report and preceding periods. (3) When and why blocks were removed from financial assets during period covered by the report. (4) The achievements and obstacles faced by the United States Government with respect to locating and blocking terrorist assets or in the delivery of counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance. (5) A classified index.

Summary: Counter Terrorism Financing Coordination Act - Directs The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement specifying each Department's role in providing foreign counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance. Requires such Agreement to include provisions respecting: (1) leadership and role designations; (2) dispute resolution methodology; (3) funding and resource coordination; (4) private contractor determinations; and (5) performance evaluation criteria. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to include in the annual congressional report on terrorist assets information on the nature and extent of activities to block the financial asset access of owners or account holders with terrorism connections.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Birthparent Assistance Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. PURPOSES. The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to enhance post-placement services for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption; (2) to initiate or enhance post-placement counseling services for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption; and (3) to identify how post-placement services for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption can be improved. SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF POST-ADOPTION SERVICES FOR BIRTHPARENTS. (a) Services Authorized.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, either directly or by grant to or contract with the eligible entities described in subsection (b), provide services described in subsection (c) for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption. (b) Eligible Entities.--The eligible entities referred to in subsection (a) are States, local governmental entities, and public or private agencies or organizations, including public or private licensed child welfare or adoption agencies or adoptive family groups and faith- based organizations. (c) Types of Services.--The types of services referred to in subsection (a) are-- (1) post-legal adoption services for birthparents; (2) counseling services for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption, including-- (A) individual counseling; (B) group counseling; and (C) family counseling; (3) establishment and operation of a nationally-available hotline to-- (A) provide counseling services described in paragraph (2) for birthparents; and (B) provide other information relating to the availability of post-adoption services and benefits for birthparents, including contact information for post- adoption services and benefits provided by States and local units of government, as appropriate; and (4) training of staff at hospitals and other appropriate birth care facilities relating to interaction of such staff with birthparents and adoptive families. (d) Application.--Each eligible entity referred to in subsection (a) that desires to receive a grant or enter into a contract with the Secretary under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary that describes the manner in which the entity will use funds under the grant or contract during the 3 fiscal years subsequent to the date of the application to accomplish the purposes of this section. Such application shall be in a form and manner determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (e) Reports.--The Secretary shall require each eligible entity referred to in subsection (a) that receives a grant or enters into a contract with the Secretary under subsection (a) to submit to the Secretary a report on the services provided or activities carried out by the entity for each fiscal year for which the entity receives amounts under the grant or contract. The report shall contain such information as the Secretary determines is necessary to provide an accurate description of the services provided or activities carried out with such amounts. (f) Services To Supplement and Not Supplant.--Services provided under a grant or contract under subsection (a) shall supplement, and not supplant, services provided using any other funds made available for the same general purposes. (g) Technical Assistance and Administrative Provisions.--The Secretary shall-- (1) provide technical assistance to eligible entities referred to in subsection (a) that receive a grant or enter into a contract with the Secretary under subsection (a) for purposes of providing the services described in subsection (c); (2) as appropriate, coordinate the provision of services described in subsection (c) with other adoption-related research, training, services, and assistance activities carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services; and (3) either directly, or by grant to or contract with a public or private agency or organization-- (A) evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the provision of services described in subsection (c) and other activities carried out under this section; (B) identify different post-placement services provided for birthparents, the availability and utilization of such services, and how post-placement services might be improved; and (C) not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to Congress a report that contains the results of the evaluation under subparagraph (A) and the information described in subparagraph (B). SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--To carry out this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services-- (1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and (2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2013. (b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) are authorized to remain available until expended.

Summary: Birthparent Assistance Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide certain post-legal adoption services, counseling, and a nationally-available hotline for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Animal Drug Amendments of 1994''. SEC. 2. UNAPPROVED USES (a) General Rule.--Section 512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(a)) is amended by adding the following new paragraphs at the end: ``(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if an approval of an application filed under subsection (b) is in effect with respect to a particular use or intended use of a new animal drug, the drug shall not be deemed unsafe for the purposes of paragraph (1) and shall be exempt from the requirements of section 502(f) with respect to a different use or intended use of the drug, other than a use in or on animal feed, if such use or intended use-- ``(i) is by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, as defined by the Secretary; and ``(ii) is in compliance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary that establish the conditions for such different use or intended use. Regulations under clause (ii) may prohibit particular uses of an animal drug and shall not permit such different use of an animal drug if the labeling of another animal drug which contains the same active ingredient and which is in the same dosage form and concentration provides for such different use. ``(B) If the Secretary finds that there is a reasonable probability that a use of an animal drug authorized under subparagraph (A) may present a risk to the public health, the Secretary may-- ``(i) establish a safe level for a residue of an animal drug when it is used for such different use authorized by subparagraph (A); and ``(ii) require the development of a practical, analytical method for the detection of residues of the drug above the safe level established under clause (i). The use of an animal drug which results in residues exceeding a safe level established under clause (i) shall be considered an unsafe use of such drug under paragraph (1). Safe levels may be established under clause (i) either by regulation or order. ``(C) The Secretary may by general regulation provide access to the records of veterinarians to ascertain any use or intended use authorized under subparagraph (A) that the Secretary has determined may present a risk to the public health. ``(D) If the Secretary finds, after affording an opportunity for public comment, that a use of an animal drug authorized under subparagraph (A) presents a risk to the public health or that an analytical method required under subparagraph (B) has not been developed and submitted to the Secretary, the Secretary may, by order, prohibit any such use. ``(5) If the approval of an application filed under section 505 is in effect, the drug under such application shall not be deemed unsafe for purposes of paragraph (1) and shall be exempt from the requirements of section 502(f) with respect to a use or intended use of the drug in animals if such use or intended use-- ``(A) is by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, as defined by the Secretary; and ``(B) is in compliance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary that establish the conditions for the use or intended use of the drug in animals.''. (b) Other Amendments.-- (1) Section 301.--Section 301 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (e), by inserting ``512(a)(4)(C),'' before ``512(j)'', (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(u) The violation of section 512(a)(4)(A), 512(a)(4)(D), or 512(a)(5).''. (2) Section 512(e).--Section 512(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(e) is amended in subparagraph (A), by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``or the condition of use authorized under subsection (a)(4)(A)''. (3) Section 512(l).--Section 512(l)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(l)(1)) is amended by inserting after ``relating to experience'' the following: ``, including experience with uses authorized under subsection (a)(4)(A),''. (c) Regulations.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall promulgate regulations to implement paragraphs (4)(A) and (5) of section 512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (as amended by subsection (a)). (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect upon the adoption of final regulations under subsection (c).

Summary: Animal Drug Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the extra-label use of drugs in animals if an approval of an application is in effect with respect to a particular use or intended use of a new animal drug and such use is upon the order of a licensed veterinarian within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and is in compliance with regulations that establish the conditions for such use. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if the Secretary finds that there is a reasonable probability that such use may present a risk to the public health, to establish a safe level for a residue of an animal drug when used for such different use and require the development of a practical, analytical method for the detection of residues of the drug above the safe level established. Prohibits such use if it results in residues exceeding the safe level.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Role Models Academy Demonstration Act''. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a Role Models Academy that-- (1) serves as a model, residential, military style magnet school for at-risk youth from around the Nation who cease to attend secondary school before graduation from secondary school; and (2) will foster a student's growth and development by providing a residential, controlled environment conducive for developing leadership skills, self-discipline, citizenship, and academic and vocational excellence in a structured living and learning environment. (c) Definitions.--For the purpose of this Act-- (1) the term ``Academy'' means the academy established under section 3; (2) the term ``former member of the Armed Forces'' means any individual who was discharged or released from service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions; (3) the term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning given that term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801); (4) the term ``secondary school'' has the meaning given that term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801); and (5) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. SEC. 2. OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this Act are as follows: (1) To provide a comprehensive, coherent, integrated, high quality, cost-effective, residential, education and vocational training academy for the Nation's at-risk youth, designed to meet the entrance demands of colleges and universities and the needs of employers. (2) To establish a comprehensive, national partnership investment model among the Federal Government, States, corporate America, and colleges and universities. (3) To provide for community partnerships among local community leaders, businesses, and churches to provide mentoring to Academy students. (4) To provide for a community partnership between the Academy and the local school system under which model Academy students will serve as mentors to at-risk youth who are attending school to provide such in-school at-risk youth with valuable instruction and insights regarding-- (A) the prevention of drug use and crime; (B) self-restraint; and (C) conflict resolution skills. (5) To provide Academy students with-- (A) the tools to become productive citizens; (B) learning skills; (C) traditional, moral, ethical, and family values; (D) work ethics; (E) motivation; (F) self-confidence; and (G) pride. (6) To provide employment opportunities at the Academy for former members of the Armed Forces and participants in the program assisted under section 1151 of title 10, United States Code (Troops to Teachers Program). (7) To make the Academy available, upon demonstration of success, for expansion or duplication throughout every State, through block grant funding or other means. SEC. 3. ACADEMY ESTABLISHED. The Secretary shall carry out a demonstration program under which the Secretary establishes a four-year, residential, military style academy-- (1) that shall offer at-risk youth secondary school coursework and vocational training, and that may offer precollegiate coursework; (2) that focuses on the education and vocational training of youth at risk of delinquency or dropping out of secondary school; (3) whose teachers are primarily composed of former members of the Armed Forces or participants in the program assisted under section 1151 of title 10, United States Code (Troops to Teachers Program), if such former members or participants are qualified and trained to teach at the Academy; (4) that operates a mentoring program that-- (A) utilizes mentors from all sectors of society to serve as role models for Academy students; (B) provides, to the greatest extent possible, one- to-one mentoring relationships between mentors and Academy students; and (C) involves mentors providing academic tutoring, advice, career counseling, and role models; (5) that may contain a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps unit established in accordance with section 2031 of title 10, United States Code; (6) that is housed on the site of any military installation closed pursuant to a base closure law; and (7) if the Secretary determines that the Academy is effective, that serves as a model for similar military style academies throughout the United States.

Summary: Role Models Academy Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration program under which a four-year, residential, military-style academy (the Role Models Academy) is established which: (1) offers at-risk youth secondary school coursework and vocational training (and may offer precollegiate coursework); (2) focuses on the education and vocational training of youth at risk of delinquency or dropping out of secondary school; (3) has a teaching staff primarily composed of former members of the armed forces or participants in the Troops to Teachers Program, if they are qualified and trained to teach at the Academy; (4) operates a mentoring program involving role models from all sectors of society; (5) may contain a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps unit; (6) is housed on the site of any military installation closed pursuant to a base closure law; and (7) if effective, serves as a model for similar military-style academies throughout the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Information Technology Partnerships Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) There are more than 200,000 to 400,000 vacancies in various categories of information technology jobs. (2) From 1996 to 2005, more than 1,300,000 new computer scientists, engineers, and systems analysts will be required in the United States to fill vacant jobs, which equals 136,800 new workers per year. (3) Systems analysts will experience the largest job growth, accounting for a 103 percent increase in the number of new positions from 1996 (506,000) to 2005 (1,025,000). (4) The shortage of information technology workers transcends industries, affecting the manufacturing, service, transportation, health care, education, and government sectors. Within each sector, vacancies exist at all levels from aides and mechanics to programmers and designers. (5) The information technology worker shortage is having an adverse effect on the viability of businesses in the United States and on the Nation's competitiveness. Industry surveys report that half of industry executives cite the lack of workers skilled in technology as the number one obstacle to their company's growth. An additional 20 percent of industry executives identify the lack of information technology workers as a major obstacle to their company's growth. (6) A major factor affecting the short supply of information technology workers is the mismatch between what universities teach and what industry needs. (7) It is in the national interest to promote special initiatives which effectively educate and train our domestic workforce to keep pace with these expanding job opportunities. (8) Institutions of higher education have the capacity and resources to provide a role of oversight and technical assistance to a wide range of local entities, including community-based organizations, participating in a comprehensive education and training program for potential technology workers. (9) Higher education institutions must be responsive to the digital environment and expand both their outreach efforts and on-campus activities to train and certify individuals to close the information technology worker gap. SEC. 3. PARTNERSHIPS FOR POSTSECONDARY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE. (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary may make grants under this Act, in accordance with competitive criteria established by the Secretary, to institutions of higher education, in order to establish, oversee the operation of, and provide technical assistance to, projects described in subsection (b). (b) Projects.--Projects under this Act shall be projects implemented by a community-based organization described in section 4, or by the institution of higher education receiving the grant, to provide postsecondary information technology education and employment procurement assistance to eligible individuals described in section 5. (c) Restrictions.--An institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive only one grant under this Act, but may, subject to the requirements of this Act, use the grant to enter into contracts with more than one community-based organization. A community-based organization shall not be eligible to enter into a contract under this Act with more than one institution of higher education. (d) Period of Grant.--The provision of payments under a grant under this Act shall not exceed 5 fiscal years and shall be subject to the annual approval of the Secretary and subject to the availability of appropriations for each fiscal year involved. SEC. 4. COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), a community-based organization described in this section is an entity that, at the time the entity enters into a contract with an institution of higher education for a project under this Act, and throughout the duration of that contract-- (1) is-- (A) a governmental agency; or (B) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code; and (2) is one of the following: (A) A local partnership (as defined in section 4 of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994) receiving a grant under section 302 of such Act. (B) An entity organized and operated for religious purposes. (C) An entity furnishing school-age child care services after school. (D) A community-based computer center. (E) An entity furnishing adult education. (F) A library. (G) A museum. (H) Any other entity organized and operated for cultural, literary, or educational purposes. (b) Limitation.--An entity shall not be considered a community- based organization described in this section unless, at the time the entity enters into a contract with an institution of higher education for a project under this Act, it has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary that-- (1) it has the capacity successfully to recruit eligible individuals described in section 5 for participation in a project described in section 3, consistent with the enrollment requirements in section 6(b)(5); (2) it is providing an educational service, social service, or employment procurement service; and (3) in the case of an entity that independently manages its own finances, it has been in existence 2 years or more. SEC. 5. ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS. An eligible individual described in this section is an individual who-- (1) has submitted a satisfactory application to receive postsecondary information technology education and employment procurement assistance through a project under this Act; and (2) has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate. SEC. 6. DUTIES. (a) Institutions of Higher Education.--An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this Act shall use the funds provided under the grant to carry out the following duties: (1) Final selection of community-based organizations described in section 4 desiring to provide, at one or more sites, in accordance with a contract with the institution of higher education and this Act, postsecondary information technology education and employment procurement assistance to eligible individuals described in section 5. (2) Entering into a contract with each community-based organization selected under paragraph (1) under which the institution and the organization agree to carry out the duties respectively required of them under this Act with respect to each site described in paragraph (1). (3) With respect to each site described in paragraph (1)-- (A) provision of such funding for the establishment and initial operation of the site as was specified in the grant application submitted by the institution to the Secretary; (B) approval of final site selection and preparation; (C) initial orientation and training of personnel employed to manage and operate the site; (D) design and certification of the instructional and academic programs, and oversight of the implementation of the programs; (E) oversight of equipment purchases and contracts for equipment maintenance; and (F) selection of an outside contractor for periodic evaluation of the management and operation of the site. (b) Community-Based Organizations.-- (1) In general.--A community-based organization implementing a project under this Act with an institution of higher education, at one or more sites, shall carry out the duties described in this subsection, with respect to each such site, subject to the oversight and guidance of the institution. (2) General duties.--The organization-- (A) shall undertake final site selection and preparation; (B) shall recruit and hire a site director; (C) shall carry out any supplementary instructional, academic, or educational activities specified in the contract with the institution of higher education that are not described in paragraph (4); (D) shall assemble an advisory committee composed of individuals residing in the community in which the site is located, as well as industry representatives, who desire to assist the organization in ensuring that the goals of the organization are consistent with the goals and needs of the community population; (E) shall provide to the institution other evidence of volunteer support from individuals residing in the community in which the site is located and industry representatives; (F) shall recruit eligible individuals for enrollment, subject to paragraph (5); (G) shall maintain waiting lists of eligible individuals desiring to enroll in the project's programs; (H) shall provide career counseling to eligible individuals enrolled in the project's programs; and (I) shall provide job and internship information and placement, employer contacts, and other forms of employment procurement assistance to eligible individuals enrolled in the project's programs. (3) Site requirements.--The organization shall ensure that each site-- (A) has a minimum of 20 fully functioning computers with sufficient capacity to perform all of the computer operations that are the subject of the curriculum specified in paragraph (4); (B) in addition to the space for the computers described in subparagraph (A), has-- (i) a classroom space with the capacity for seating a minimum of 30 students; (ii) a space in which to conduct the required career and employment counseling functions specified in paragraph (2); and (iii) a separate office for the site director; (C) is real property subject to the control of the organization or the institution, through a lease or other legal instrument, for a period of not less than 5 years; (D) is open to enrolled individuals not less than 12 hours per day; and (E) is located within walking distance of public transportation. (4) Information technology curriculum.-- (A) In general.--The organization shall ensure that each site offers enrollees a curriculum that includes a broad range of course work that will assist them in qualifying for employment in the field of information technology. (B) Courses leading to certification.--Such curriculum shall include course work leading to a certification of competence in areas of information technology recognized by the National Skill Standards Board established under the National Skill Standards Act of 1994. (C) Specific courses.--The computer training offered shall include courses in basic computer competence, on-the-job upgrade assistance, and advanced computer competence. (5) Enrollment requirements.--The organization shall ensure that its enrollment of eligible individuals at each site is consistent with the following: (A) Not less than 50 percent of the eligible individuals shall be, at the time of enrollment, individuals-- (i) to whom a credit was allowed under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the preceding taxable year; (ii) who are recipients of assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act; (iii) who are a member of a household participating in the food stamp program; or (iv) who are considered low-income pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Act. (B) Not less than 50 percent of the eligible individuals shall be, at the time of enrollment, under 25 years of age. (C) No prerequisite relating to net worth, income, or assets may be applied to any eligible individual who, at the time of enrollment, is over 50 years of age, except that this requirement shall not be construed to supersede subparagraph (A). SEC. 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS SOLELY BY INSTITUTIONS. The Secretary may make a grant under this Act to an institution of higher education that desires to implement a project under this Act without the participation of a community-based organization described in section 4, if the institution agrees to carry out all of the duties required of such an organization under this Act, in addition to the duties otherwise required of an institution of higher education. The Secretary shall, in awarding grants under this Act, give priority to institutions of higher education whose grant application includes an assurance that the institution will contract with one or more community-based organizations in accordance with this Act. SEC. 8. APPLICATIONS. To apply for a grant under this Act for any fiscal year, an institution of higher education shall submit an application to the Secretary in accordance with the procedures established by the Secretary. The application shall specify the institution's preliminary selections for the community-based organizations (if any) with which the institution proposes to contract, and shall include information with respect to preliminary site selections. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years. SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Adult education.--The term ``adult education'' has the meaning given such term in section 312 of the Adult Education Act. (2) Community-based computer center.--The term ``community- based computer center'' means a computer center-- (A) funded by both the Federal Government and at least one private sector entity; (B) located in a low-income community (as determined by the Secretary); and (C) organized and operated for the purpose of providing families with access to computer resources that otherwise would not be available to them. (3) Food stamp program.--The term ``food stamp program'' has the meaning given such term in section 3(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. (4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 1201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. (5) Library.--The term ``library'' has the meaning given such term in section 213 of the Library Services and Technology Act. (6) Museum.--The term ``museum'' has the meaning given such term in section 272 of the Museum and Library Services Act. (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education.

Summary: Information Technology Partnerships Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish, oversee, and provide technical assistance to postsecondary information technology education and employment assistance projects. Requires such projects to be implemented by certain types of community-based organizations, or by the institutions receiving the grants. Makes applicants eligible for such project assistance if they have a high school diploma or equivalent. Sets forth requirements for: (1) duties of, and uses of project funds by, institutions of higher education and community-based organizations; (2) project sites; (3) information technology curricula; and (4) minimum enrollment percentages of specified low-income individuals and individuals under age 25. Authorizes grants for implementation of a project solely by institutions of higher education without the participation of community-based organizations; but gives grant award priority to institutions of higher education whose grant applications include an assurance that they will contract with one or more community-based organizations. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SAVINGS FROM STATE AUTHORIZED PUBLIC ENTITY HEALTH BENEFITS POOLS. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) is amended by inserting after section 1332 (42 U.S.C. 18052) the following new section (and inserting a corresponding item in the table of contents of the Act): ``SEC. 1332A. SAVINGS FROM STATE AUTHORIZED PUBLIC ENTITY BENEFITS POOLS. ``(a) Application.-- ``(1) In general.--A State authorized public entity health benefits pool (in this section referred to as a `pool') may apply to the Secretary for a pass through of funding described in subsection (b) with respect to health care benefits provided through that pool for coverage years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. ``(2) Approval of application.--The Secretary shall approve such an application of a pool if the Secretary determines that health care benefits provided through the pool-- ``(A) will provide coverage that is at least as comprehensive as the coverage defined in section 1302(b); ``(B) will provide coverage and cost sharing protections against excessive out-of-pocket spending that are at least as affordable as the provisions of this title would provide; and ``(C) will result in cost savings to the Federal Government because the cost of providing health care benefits to individuals through the pool will be less than the cost of providing health care benefits to such individuals had they become participants in a qualified health plan offered through an Exchange, and so the payment amount under subsection (b) will be less than the total of premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or small business credits that would otherwise be required if individuals and small employers in the pool were instead participants in an Exchange. ``(3) Consideration.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations relating to pass through of funding under this section. The Secretary shall begin accepting applications under this section no later than 180 days after such date of enactment. ``(4) Additional consequences of approval.--An individual receiving health care benefits through such a pool for which such an application is approved under this section shall be treated, for purposes of section 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as being covered under minimum essential coverage described in subsection (f)(1)(E) of such section. ``(b) Pass Through of Funding.-- ``(1) In general.--With respect to a pool application under subsection (a)(1), under which individuals and small employers in the pool would not qualify for the premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or small business credits under sections 36B or 45R of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for which they would otherwise be eligible if they had entered an Exchange, the Secretary shall provide for an alternative means by which an aggregate amount determined under paragraph (2) shall be paid to the pool for purposes of implementing the application. ``(2) Payment determination.--The amount to be paid under paragraph (1) shall be determined-- ``(A) based on the sum of premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and small business credits under sections 36B or 45R of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that would have been provided with respect to individuals in the pool had the health care benefits provided by the pool been a qualified health plan offered in an Exchange, but taking into account the lower cost of providing health care benefits to individuals through the pool; and ``(B) annually by the Secretary, taking into consideration the experience of individuals and small employers participating in Exchanges. ``(c) Timely Determination by Secretary.--The Secretary shall make a determination under subsection (a)(1) with respect to the application of a pool not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of such application, and shall notify the pool involved of such determination. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The term `public entity' means a county, municipality, special district, school district, junior college district, housing authority, or other political subdivision or public entity defined under State law. ``(2) The term `State authorized public entity health benefits pool' means a risk pool authorized or permitted by State statute or otherwise regulated by a State agency under which-- ``(A) a public entity or group of public entities, directly or through a pool, provide health care benefits primarily for public entity officials, employees, and retirees and their dependents; and officials, employees, and retirees and dependents of affiliated service contractors of such public entities; and ``(B) such pool may provide health care benefits from the assets of the pool or its member public entities through any combination of self-funded arrangements or fully insured products. ``(3) The term `affiliated service contractor' means an organization that provides governmental or quasi-governmental services on behalf of a public entity when such contractor is eligible to obtain health care benefits through a state authorized public entity health benefits pool for its officials, employees, retirees and their dependents.''.

Summary: Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to allow a state-authorized public entity benefits pool to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for pass-through funding with respect to health care benefits provided through the pool for coverage years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Requires the Secretary to approve such a pool if the health care benefits provided through it will: (1) provide at least the essential health benefits, (2) provide coverage and cost-sharing protections against excessive out-of-pocket spending that are at least as affordable as the health insurance requirements of PPACA would provide, and (3) result in cost savings to the federal government because the cost of coverage through the pool is less than the cost of coverage through an exchange. Treats an individual covered under such a plan as having minimum essential coverage for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to provide for an alternative means by which an aggregate amount shall be paid to the pool annually based on the premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and small business credits that would have been provided to an exchange plan. Gives the Secretary 180 days to make a determination on an application under this Act.