SECTION 1. STUDIES AND REPORTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ON FOOD PRODUCTS FROM CLONED ANIMALS. (a) Study by the Department of Agriculture.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), in coordination with the Economic Research Service, and after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs), shall conduct a study on the economic and trade impact of agricultural exports of food products from cloned animals. (2) Content of study.--The study under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) an analysis of the domestic agricultural and international trade economic implications of permitting commercialization of milk and meat from cloned animals and their progeny into the food supply, with special attention to-- (i) the impact on Federal agricultural expenditures; and (ii) meat and milk exports shifts that would take place as other countries react to that commercialization, including the potential for other countries to ban exports from the United States; and (B) estimates of the consumer and exporter behavioral responses that must be factored into both the economic impact analysis and the health impact analysis required under this section. (b) Study With the Government Accountability Office on Monitoring Food Products From Cloned Animals.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with Comptroller General of the United States, shall conduct a study on the programs in place at the Department of Agriculture to monitor food products from cloned animals if such products enter the food supply. (2) Content of study.--The study under paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation of the processes in place at the Department of Agriculture to monitor food products from cloned animals throughout the food supply. The study shall also include a review of existing studies and literature, from the United States and other countries and organizations, that relate to the evaluation of the safety of food products from cloned animals and methods for monitoring such products in the food supply. (c) Study With the Government Accountability Office on the Health Effects and Costs Attributable to Milk From Cloned Animals in the Food Supply.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs), and in coordination with Comptroller General of the United States, shall conduct a study on the health effects and costs attributable to milk from cloned animals in the food supply. (2) Content of study.--The study under paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation and measurement of the potential public health effects and associated health care costs, including any consumer behavior changes and negative impacts on nutrition, and prevention of osteoporosis and other chronic disease that result from any decrease in milk consumption, attributable to the commercialization of milk from cloned animals and their progeny. (d) Study With the National Academy of Sciences.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and report to Congress regarding the safety of food products derived from cloned animals. (2) Content of study.--The study under paragraph (1) shall include a review and an assessment of whether the studies (including peer review studies), data, and analysis used in the draft risk assessment issued by the Food and Drug Administration entitled Animal Cloning: A Draft Risk Assessment (issued on December 28, 2006) supported the conclusions drawn by such draft risk assessment and-- (A) whether there were a sufficient number of studies to support such conclusions; and (B) whether additional pertinent studies and data exist which were not considered in the draft risk assessment and how this additional information affects the conclusions drawn in such draft risk assessment. (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to impede ongoing scientific research in artificial reproductive health technologies. (f) Timeframe for Studies.--The Secretary shall complete the studies required under this section prior to issuance by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs of the final risk assessment on the safety of cloned animals and food products derived from cloned animals. (g) Continuance of Moratorium.--The voluntary moratorium on introducing food from cloned animals or their progeny into the food supply, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, shall remain in effect at least until the date that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs) issues the final risk assessment described in subsection (f).

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct studies on: (1) the economic and trade impact of exports of food products from cloned animals; (2) Department of Agriculture programs to monitor products from cloned animals in the food supply; (3) the health effects and costs attributable to milk from cloned animals in the food supply; and (4) the safety of food products derived from cloned animals.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Bullying and harassment foster a climate of fear and disrespect that can seriously impair the physical and psychological health of its victims and create conditions that negatively affect learning, thereby undermining the ability of students to achieve their full potential. (2) Bullying and harassment contribute to high dropout rates, increased absenteeism, and academic underachievement. (3) Bullying and harassment include a range of behaviors that negatively impact a student's ability to learn and participate in educational opportunities and activities that schools offer. Such behaviors can include hitting or punching, name-calling, intimidation through gestures or social exclusion, and sending insulting or offensive messages through electronic communications, such as Internet sites, e-mail, instant messaging, mobile phones and messaging, telephone, or any other means. (4) Schools with enumerated anti-bullying and harassment policies have an increased level of reporting and teacher intervention in incidents of bullying and harassment, thereby reducing the overall frequency and number of such incidents. (5) Students have been particularly singled out for bullying and harassment on the basis of their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion, among other categories. (6) Some young people experience a form of bullying called relational aggression or psychological bullying, which harms individuals by damaging, threatening, or manipulating their relationships with their peers, or by injuring their feelings of social acceptance. (7) Interventions to address bullying and harassment conduct to create a positive and safe school climate, combined with evidence-based discipline policies and practices, such as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative practices, can minimize suspensions, expulsions, and other exclusionary discipline policies to ensure that students are not ``pushed-out'' or diverted to the juvenile justice system. (8) According to one poll, 85 percent of Americans strongly support or somewhat support a Federal law to require schools to enforce specific rules to prevent bullying. (9) Students, parents, educators, and policymakers have come together to call for leadership and action to address the national crisis of bullying and harassment. SEC. 3. SAFE SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT. (a) In General.--Title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART G--SAFE SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT ``SEC. 4701. PURPOSE. ``The purpose of this part is to address the problem of bullying and harassment conduct of students in public elementary schools and secondary schools. ``SEC. 4702. ANTI-BULLYING POLICIES. ``(a) Bullying.--In this part, the term `bullying' includes cyber- bullying through electronic communications. ``(b) Policies.--A State that receives a grant under this title shall require all local educational agencies in the State to carry out the following: ``(1) Establish policies that prevent and prohibit conduct, including bullying and harassment, that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive-- ``(A) to limit a student's ability to participate in, or benefit from, a program or activity of a public school or local educational agency; or ``(B) to create a hostile or abusive educational environment, adversely affecting a student's education, at a program or activity of a public school or local educational agency, including acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression or intimidation. ``(2) The policies required under paragraph (1) shall include a prohibition of bullying or harassment conduct based on-- ``(A) a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion; ``(B) the actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion of a person with whom a student associates or has associated; or ``(C) any other distinguishing characteristics that may be defined by the State or local educational agency, including being homeless or the child or ward of a member of the Armed Forces. ``(3) Provide-- ``(A) annual notice to students, parents, and educational professionals describing the full range of prohibited conduct contained in such local educational agency's discipline policies; and ``(B) grievance procedures for students or parents to register complaints regarding the prohibited conduct contained in such local educational agency's discipline policies, including-- ``(i) the name of the local educational agency officials who are designated as responsible for receiving such complaints; and ``(ii) timelines that the local educational agency will establish in the resolution of such complaints. ``(4) Collect annual incidence and frequency of incidents data about the conduct prohibited by the policies described in paragraph (1) at the school building level that are accurate and complete and publicly report such data at the school level and local educational agency level. The local educational agency shall ensure that victims or persons responsible for such conduct are not identifiable. ``(5) Encourage positive and preventative approaches to school discipline that minimize students' removal from instruction and ensure that students, including students described in paragraph (2), are not subject to disproportionate punishment. ``SEC. 4703. STATE REPORTS. ``The chief executive officer of a State that receives a grant under this title, in cooperation with the State educational agency, shall submit a biennial report to the Secretary-- ``(1) on the information reported by local educational agencies in the State pursuant to section 4702(b)(4); and ``(2) describing the State's plans for supporting local educational agency efforts to address the conduct prohibited by the policies described in section 4702(b)(1). ``SEC. 4704. EVALUATION. ``(a) Biennial Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary schools and secondary schools, including implementation of the requirements described in section 4702, including whether such requirements have appreciably reduced the level of the prohibited conduct and have conducted effective parent involvement and training programs. ``(b) Data Collection.--The Commissioner for Education Statistics shall collect data from States, that are subject to independent review, to determine the incidence and frequency of conduct prohibited by the policies described in section 4702. ``(c) Biennial Report.--Not later than January 1, 2019, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the President and Congress a report on the findings of the evaluation conducted under subsection (a) together with the data collected under subsection (b) and data submitted by the States under section 4703. ``SEC. 4705. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS. ``(a) Federal and State Nondiscrimination Laws.--Nothing in this part shall be construed to invalidate or limit rights, remedies, procedures, or legal standards available to victims of discrimination under any other Federal law or law of a State or political subdivision of a State, including title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), section 504 or 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794, 794a), or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). The obligations imposed by this part are in addition to those imposed by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). ``(b) Free Speech and Expression Laws.--Nothing in this part shall be construed to alter legal standards regarding, or affect the rights (including remedies and procedures) available to individuals under, other Federal laws that establish protections for freedom of speech or expression. ``SEC. 4706. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. ``Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit a State or local entity from enacting any law with respect to the prevention of bullying or harassment of students that is not inconsistent with this part.''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4304 the following: ``Part G--Safe Schools Improvement ``Sec. 4701. Purpose. ``Sec. 4702. Anti-bullying policies. ``Sec. 4703. State reports. ``Sec. 4704. Evaluation. ``Sec. 4705. Effect on other laws. ``Sec. 4706. Rule of construction.''.

Summary: Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit conduct, including bullying and harassment, that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to: (1) limit students' ability to participate in, or benefit from, school programs; or (2) create a hostile or abusive educational environment that adversely affects students' education. LEAs shall also provide: (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct, and report on, an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics shall collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Asset Management Improvement Act of 2001''. TITLE I--IMPROVED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SEC. 101. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT. (a) Performance Measures Required.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with the heads of executive agencies, shall establish performance measures to determine the effectiveness of Federal property management. The performance measures shall be designed to-- (A) enable the Congress and heads of executive agencies to track progress in the achievement of property management objectives on a governmentwide basis; and (B) allow for comparing the performance of executive agencies against industry and other public sector agencies in terms of performance. (2) Use of existing data and data collection tools.--In developing and implementing the performance measures, the Administrator shall use existing data sources and automated data collection tools to the maximum extent practical. (b) Executive Agencies.--The head of each executive agency shall-- (1) monitor the performance of the agency against the performance measures established under subsection (a); and (2) report the results of such monitoring to the Congress in the agency's budget submission under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Management Plan.--Within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the Congress a program management plan describing-- (1) how the program established by this Act will be implemented; (2) individuals who will exercise operational authority over the program; (3) the qualifications of such individuals; and (4) a timeline for implementation of the program. TITLE II--PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS SEC. 201. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AUTHORITY. Title II of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 481 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 213. (a) The Administrator may enter into agreements for the creation of one or more public-private partnerships with a nongovernmental person, the purpose of which shall be (1) to lease Federal real property under the terms of subsection (c), and (2) to develop, rehabilitate, or renovate facilities on such leased property for the use, in whole or part, by executive agencies. The public- private partnership may be a limited liability company, limited partnership, corporation, business trust, or other form of entity, as the Administrator may designate. The nongovernmental person shall exercise control of the management of the public-private partnership, and shall hold a majority interest in ownership and profits of the public-private partnership. ``(b) Each agreement entered into pursuant to this section-- ``(1) shall have as its primary purpose the enhancement of the functional and economic efficiency of Federal real property; ``(2) shall be negotiated pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator considers necessary to promote competition and protect the public interest; ``(3) shall provide a lease option to the United States to occupy space in the facilities acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated by the public-private partnership, but shall not guarantee occupancy by the United States; ``(4) shall describe the consideration, duties, and responsibilities for which the United States and the nongovernmental person are responsible and may provide for the alteration, repair, or improvement of the real property as part or all of the consideration of the nongovernmental person, notwithstanding any provision of law, including the Act of June 30, 1932 (chapter 314; 40 U.S.C. 303b); ``(5) shall provide-- ``(A) that the United States shall not be liable for any actions, debts, or liability of any person created by such agreement; and ``(B) that no person is authorized by the agreement to execute any instrument or document creating or evidencing any indebtedness unless such instrument or document specifically disclaims any liability of the United States under the instrument or document; and ``(6) shall provide that the leasehold interests of the United States are senior to that of any lender to the nongovernmental person. Paragraph (6) shall not impair the ability of a public-private partnership to pledge as collateral its leasehold interest under a lease with the United States entered into pursuant to the terms of subsection (c). ``(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including sections 202 and 203 of this Act, the Administrator may lease real property to a public-private partnership created under this section in furtherance of agreements under subsection (a). ``(2) Master leases under this subsection may be for such period as the Administrator determines appropriate. ``(3) The Administrator may dispose of equity interest controlled by the United States in any public-private partnership created under this section whenever determined by the Administrator to be beneficial to the United States, if the Administrator receives the estimated fair market value of such interests. Proceeds from such disposal shall be deposited into the fund created by section 210(f). ``(4) Real property leased under this subsection shall not be considered unutilized or underutilized for purposes of section 501 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and may be leased under this subsection without regard to any other provision of law. ``(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator, or his or her designee, may provide services to a public-private partnership created under this section on such terms as the Administrator considers appropriate. ``(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may retain and use any revenues derived from agreements entered into under this section for the physical improvement of Federal real property. ``(2) At the discretion of the Administrator, revenues from master leases authorized by this section shall be deposited into the fund established by section 210(f), or deposited into the general fund of the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. ``(3) Net revenues received by the Administrator from public- private partnerships created under this section, other than proceeds from master leases of real property, shall be deposited in the fund established by section 210(f). ``(f) Upon request of the head of an executive agency, the Administrator shall delegate to the head of the executive agency authority of the Administrator under subsections (a) through (e). ``(g) The Administrator shall prepare and transmit to the Congress a business plan regarding each agreement with a nongovernmental person under this section not later than 30 days before the date on which the Administrator enters into the agreement. The business plan shall identify the property that the Administrator proposes to make available under the agreement, an explanation of the agreement, the name, resources, and qualifications of the nongovernmental person, the factors in support of the proposed project, and performance measures by which the proposed project will be measured. ``(h) The Administrator shall describe, in the budget submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the projected economic performance, including expenditures and receipts, arising from agreements entered into pursuant this section. ``(i) In this section: ``(1) The term `nongovernmental person' means a person that is not an executive agency. ``(2) The term `master lease' means a conveyance of Federal real property to a public-private partnership created under this section through a lease entered into by the Administrator with the public-private partnership.''. SEC. 202. REPORTS. (a) Office of the Administrator.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the Congress a report on the use by executive agencies of the authorities provided by this Act. The report shall-- (1) assess the effectiveness of the authority to enter into agreements to enhance the value of the properties subject to the agreements; and (2) review the performance measures included in the explanatory statements submitted pursuant to section 201. (b) Report of the Comptroller General.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report on the use by executive agencies of the authorities provided by this Act.

Summary: Federal Asset Management Improvement Act of 2001 - Directs the: (1) Administrator of General Services to establish performance measures to determine the effectiveness of Federal property management; (2) head of each executive agency to monitor their agency's performance against such measures and report results to Congress; and (3) Administrator to submit to Congress a Federal property management plan.Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator to enter into agreements for the creation of one or more public-private partnerships to: (1) lease Federal real property; and (2) develop, rehabilitate, or renovate facilities on such property for use by executive agencies. Requires the Administrator to prepare and submit to Congress at least 30 days before entering into such an agreement a business plan regarding each agreement.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. RESTORATIVE DENTAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS. Section 1710(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the second sentence-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; (2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; (3) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(2) The Secretary''; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) In addition to the dental services, treatment, and appliances authorized to be furnished by paragraph (2), the Secretary may furnish dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran that is lost as a result of any services or treatment furnished under this subsection.''. SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM ON EXPANSION OF FURNISHING OF DENTAL CARE TO ALL ENROLLED VETERANS. (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of furnishing dental care to veterans enrolled in the system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, who are not eligible for dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, under current authorities. (b) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (c) Locations.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program at not fewer than 16 locations as follows: (A) Four Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers with an established dental clinic. (B) Four Department medical centers with a current contract for the furnishing of dental care. (C) Four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) with space available for the furnishing of services and treatment under the pilot program. (D) Four facilities selected from among Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Indian Health Service facilities with established dental clinics, of which-- (i) at least one facility shall be such an Indian Health Service facility; and (ii) any Indian Health Service facility so selected shall be selected in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in each of the following: (A) Rural areas. (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation. (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such as census tracts established by the Bureau of Census. (d) Scope of Services.--The dental services and treatment furnished to veterans under the pilot program shall be consistent with the dental services and treatment furnished by the Secretary to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 100 percent disabling under the laws administered by the Secretary. (e) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election of the veteran. (f) Limitation on Amount of Services.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the total amount the Secretary may expend furnishing dental services and treatment to any veteran participating in the pilot program during any one-year period may not exceed such amount as the Secretary determines appropriate. The amount so determined may not be less than $1,000. (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall make the determination under paragraph (1)-- (A) in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health Service; and (B) in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services if one or more Federally Qualified Health Centers is selected as a location for the pilot program under subsection (c)(1)(D). (3) Services in excess of limitation amount.--The total amount expended by the Secretary in furnishing dental services and treatment to a particular veteran participating in the pilot program during a one-year period may exceed the amount determined under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines, before furnishing such services and treatment, based on an examination of the veteran by a dentist participating in the pilot program that the furnishing of such services and treatment is necessary. Any determination under this paragraph shall be made on a case-by-case basis. (g) Copayments.--The Secretary may collect copayments for dental services and treatment furnished under the pilot program in accordance with authorities on the collection of copayments for medical care of veterans under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code. (h) Program Administration.-- (1) Notice to covered veterans on pilot program.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall inform all veterans eligible to participate in the pilot program of the services and treatment available under the pilot program. (2) Contracts.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may enter into contracts with appropriate entities for the provision of dental services and treatment under the pilot program. Each such contract shall specify performance standards and metrics and processes for ensuring compliance of the contractor concerned with such performance standards. (i) Reports.-- (1) Preliminary reports.-- (A) In general.--Not later than each of one year and three years after the date of the commencement of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program. (B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A description of the implementation and operation of the pilot program. (ii) The number of veterans receiving services and treatment under the pilot program, and a description of the dental services and treatment furnished to such veterans. (iii) An analysis of the costs and benefits of the pilot program, including a comparison of costs and benefits by location type. (iv) The current findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. (v) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Final report.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program. (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate. SEC. 4. PROGRAM ON EDUCATION TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH IN VETERANS. (a) Program Required.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans who are enrolled in the system of patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Construction.--Nothing in the program shall be deemed to alter or revise the eligibility of any veteran for dental care under the laws administered by the Secretary. (b) Elements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall provide education for veterans on the following: (1) The association between dental health and overall health and well-being. (2) Proper techniques for dental care. (3) Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring dental issues, including caries. (4) Treatment options for commonly occurring dental issues. (5) Options for obtaining access to dental care, including information on eligibility for dental care through the Department and on purchasing private dental insurance. (6) Options for obtaining low or no-cost dental care, including through dental schools and Federally Qualified Health Centers. (7) Such other matters relating to dental health as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Delivery of Educational Materials.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide educational materials to veterans under the program required by subsection (a) through a variety of mechanisms, including the following: (A) The availability and distribution of print materials at Department facilities, including medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers, and readjustment counseling centers. (B) The availability and distribution of materials over the Internet, including through webinars and My HealtheVet. (C) Presentations of information, including both small group and large group presentations. (2) Selection of mechanisms.--In selecting mechanisms for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall select mechanisms designed to maximize the number of veterans who receive education under the program. SEC. 5. INFORMATION ON DENTAL SERVICES FOR INCLUSION IN ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS UNDER DENTAL INSURANCE PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall expand the dental insurance pilot program established by section 17.169 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish a mechanism by which private sector dental care providers may forward to the Department of Veterans Affairs information on dental care furnished to individuals under the pilot program for inclusion in the electronic medical records of the Department with respect to such individuals. (b) Construction With Current Pilot Program Requirements.-- (1) In general.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to revise eligibility for participation in, or the locations of, the pilot program referred to in subsection (a). (2) Duration.--The Secretary may continue the pilot program for two years in addition to the duration otherwise provided for the pilot program in section 17.169 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, if the Secretary determines that the continuation is needed to assess the mechanism required by subsection (a). (3) Voluntary participation in mechanism.--The participation in the mechanism required by subsection (a) of an individual otherwise participating in the pilot program shall be at the election of the individual. (c) Inclusion of Information on Mechanism in Reports.--Each report to Congress on the pilot program after the date of the commencement of the mechanism required by subsection (a) shall include information on the mechanism, including a current assessment of the feasibility and advisability of using the mechanism to include information on dental care furnished to individuals in the electronic medical records of the Department with respect to such individuals.

Summary: Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish additional dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran that is lost due to VA services or treatment furnished to such veteran. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a three-year pilot program for furnishing dental care to veterans not otherwise eligible for dental services and treatment under current VA programs, (2) carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans, and (3) enable private sector dental care providers to submit information on dental care provided to veterans under the pilot program for inclusion in VA electronic medical records.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``On-the-Job Training Tax Credit Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. ON-THE-JOB TRAINING TAX CREDIT. (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 45S. ON-THE-JOB TRAINING TAX CREDIT. ``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an eligible employer, the on-the-job training tax credit determined under this section with respect to any eligible employee of the employer is an amount equal to the lesser of-- ``(1) 50 percent of the job training program expenditures of the taxpayer with respect to such employee during the taxable year, or ``(2) $5,000. ``(b) Eligible Employer.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible employer' means an employer which employed an average of not more than 500 full-time employees during the taxable year. ``(c) Job Training Program Expenses.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `job training program expenses' means amounts paid or incurred by the employer for expenses incurred by or on behalf of an eligible employee for participation in a qualified training program. ``(2) Qualified training program.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified training program' means any of the following written plans of study and training: ``(A) An apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under section 1 of the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50). ``(B) A program licensed, registered, or certified by the workforce investment board or apprenticeship agency or council of a State or administered in compliance with apprenticeship laws of a State. ``(C) A program conducted by a vocational or technical education school, community college, industrial or trade training organization, or labor organization. ``(D) A program which conforms to apprentice training programs developed or administered by an employer trade group or committee. ``(E) An industry sponsored or administered program which is clearly identified and commonly recognized. ``(d) Eligible Employee.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible employee' means any employee of the employer, who while participating in the job skills training program is employed on average at least 40 hours of service per week. ``(e) Recapture of Credit for Employee Not Performing Minimum Service.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any employee with respect to whom a credit is allowed under this section and whose employment is terminated by the employer (other than by reason of such employee's gross misconduct) before the end of the 2- year period beginning on the first day of the employee's study or training with respect to which a credit is allowed under this section, the tax of the taxpayer under this chapter for the taxable year during which such termination occurs shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) the aggregate decrease in the credits allowed under section 38 for all prior taxable years which would have resulted if the job training program expenses with respect to such employee had been zero, multiplied by ``(B) the inclusion ratio. ``(2) Inclusion ratio.--For purposes of this subsection, the inclusion ratio is the ratio which-- ``(A) an amount equal to the difference of-- ``(i) the number of days in the 2-year period, over ``(ii) the number of days such employee was employed by the employer during such 2-year period, bears to ``(B) the number of days in the 2-year period. ``(f) Controlled Groups.--For purposes of this section, all persons treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as a single employer. ``(g) Termination.--The section shall not apply amounts paid or incurred during taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.''. (b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(37) the on-the-job training tax credit determined under section 45S(a).''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 45S. On-the-job training tax credit.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.

Summary: On-the-Job Training Tax Credit Act of 2015 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers who employ not more than 500 full-time employees during the taxable year an on-the-job training tax credit equal to the lesser of: 50% of the job training program expenditures for a full-time employee participating in a qualified training program, or $5,000. Defines "qualified training program" as a written plan of study and training that is either: (1) an apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Department of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act; (2) a program licensed, registered, or certified by the workforce investment board or apprenticeship agency or council of a state or administered in compliance with state apprenticeship laws; (3) a program conducted by a vocational or technical education school, community college, industrial or trade training organization, or labor organization; (4) a program which conforms to apprentice training programs developed or administered by an employer trade group or committee; or (5) an industry-sponsored or -administered program which is clearly identified and commonly recognized. Terminates such credit after 2017.


SECTION 1. COMPREHENSIVE ARMED FORCES POLICY ON PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TO HAZING INVOLVING MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) Hazing Defined.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard), shall assess and develop a uniform definition of hazing applicable to members of the Armed Forces for inclusion in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Secretary of Defense shall submit the definition to the designated congressional committees not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. It is the sense of Congress that the definition should cover, at a minimum, any situation in which a member of the Armed Forces suffers, or is exposed to, any cruelty, indignity, humiliation, hardship, harm, harassment, or oppression, or the deprivation or abridgement of any right by another member of the Armed Forces. (b) Comprehensive Armed Forces Policy Required.-- (1) Policy required.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the prevention of and response to hazing involving members of the Armed Forces. (2) Consideration of recommendations.--In developing this policy, the Secretaries shall consider the recommendations made and findings of the Inspectors General of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security in reports investigating hazing involving members of the Armed Forces and the recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States under subsection (e). (3) Use of definition.--The policy shall reflect the comprehensive definition of hazing determined pursuant to subsection (a). (c) Information Database on Hazing Incidents.-- (1) Database required.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop and implement a centralized, case-level database for the collection and maintenance of information regarding hazing involving a member of the Armed Services, including hazing incidents occurring at officer candidate schools, military academies, military academy preparatory schools, and basic training and professional schools for enlisted members. The collection and maintenance of information in the database shall be conducted in a manner consistent with Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security regulations for restricted reporting. (2) Scope of database.--The database shall provide the following information with respect to each Armed Force: (A) Description of each hazing complaint. (B) Substantiated incidents of hazing. (C) The nature and date of the hazing. (D) The victim, including race, gender, and rank. (E) The alleged offender, including race, gender, and rank. (F) The branch and division in which the hazing incident occurred, along with whether it took place during a contingency operation. (G) Actions taken to resolve hazing, including disciplinary action, transfer of an offender as a result or related to the offense, and training, policy, and internal guideline changes to address hazing. (H) The outcome of any legal proceedings in connection with the hazing. (3) Implementation.-- (A) Plan for implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the designated congressional committees a plan to provide for the implementation of the database. (B) Relation to defense incident-based reporting system.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the designated congressional committees a report containing-- (i) a description of the current status of the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System; and (ii) an explanation of how the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System will relate to the database. (C) Completion.--Not later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall complete implementation of the database. (d) Annual Reporting Requirement.-- (1) In general.--The database required by subsection (c) shall be used to develop and implement an annual congressional report. (2) Reports required.--Not later than January 15 of each year, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the designated congressional committees a report on the hazing incidents involving members of the Armed Forces during the preceding year. (3) Elements.--Each report shall include the following: (A) An assessment by the Secretaries of the implementation during the preceding year of the policies and procedures of each Armed Force on the prevention of and response to hazing involving members of the Armed Forces in order to determine the effectiveness of such policies and procedures. (B) Data on the number of alleged and substantiated hazing incidents within each Armed Force that occurred that year, including the race, gender and Armed Force of the victim and offender, the nature of the hazing, and actions taken to resolve and address the hazing. (e) Comptroller General Report.-- (1) Report required.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the designated congressional committees a report on the policies to prevent hazing and systems initiated to track incidents of hazing in each of the Armed Forces, including officer cadet schools, military academies, military academy preparatory schools, and basic training and professional schools for enlisted members. (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An evaluation of the definition of hazing developed under subsection (a). (B) A description of the criteria used, and the methods implemented, in the systems to track incidents of hazing in the Armed Forces. (C) An assessment of the following: (i) The scope of hazing in each Armed Force. (ii) The policies in place and the training on hazing provided to members throughout the course of their careers for each Armed Force. (iii) The actions taken to mitigate hazing incidents in each Armed Force. (iv) The effectiveness of the training and policies in place regarding hazing. (v) The number of alleged and substantiated incidents of hazing over the last five years for each Armed Force, the nature of these cases and actions taken to address such matters through non-judicial and judicial action. (D) An evaluation of the additional actions, if any, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security propose to take to further address the incidence of hazing in the Armed Forces. (E) Such recommendations as the Comptroller General considers appropriate for improving hazing prevention programs, policies, and other actions taken to address hazing within the Armed Forces. (f) Designated Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term ``designated congressional committees'' means-- (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (Secretary) to: (1) assess and develop a uniform definition of hazing, applicable to members of the Armed Forces (members), for inclusion in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); and (2) submit such definition to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that such definition should cover, at a minimum, any situation in which a member suffers or is exposed to any cruelty, indignity, humiliation, hardship, harm, harassment, or oppression, or the deprivation or abridgment of any right, by another member. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the prevention of and response to hazing involving members. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a centralized, case-level database for the collection and maintenance of information regarding hazing, including incidents occurring at officer candidate schools, military academies and their preparatory schools, and basic training and professional schools for enlisted members. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) submit to Congress a plan to implement the database, and (2) complete implementation within 15 months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) a description of the current status of the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System, and (2) an explanation of how such System will relate to the database. Requires annual reports from each Secretary on the hazing incidents involving members. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress on the policies to prevent hazing and the systems initiated to track incidents of hazing in each of the military departments.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Patient Health and Real Medication Access Cost Savings Act of 2009'' or the ``PHARMACY Bill''. SEC. 2. PATIENT CHOICE. A consumer shall have the right to choose to purchase prescription drugs from any domestic pharmacy that meets all applicable Federal and State licence and permit requirements. SEC. 3. REGULATION OF PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS. Not later than January 1, 2011, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue regulations to ensure the following: (1) Access to and choice of pharmacy.-- (A) Incentives.--A pharmacy benefit manager (referred to in this section as a ``PBM'') may not provide incentives (including variations in premiums, deductibles, co-payments, or co-insurance rates) to enrollees of pharmacy benefit plans administered by such PBM for the purpose of encouraging such enrollees to use certain pharmacies (including mail order pharmacies, speciality drug pharmacies, or other entities) unless the PBM offers the same incentives for all pharmacies in the network for such plan. (B) Mandates.--A PBM may not refer, coerce, or mandate that an enrollee of a pharmacy benefit plan administered by such PBM use a specific mail order pharmacy, specialty drug pharmacy, or other entity-- (i) if the PBM has an ownership interest in a such pharmacy or entity; or (ii) if the pharmacy or entity has an ownership interest in such PBM. (C) Pharmacy networks.--A PBM or pharmacy benefit plan sponsor may not exclude a pharmacy from a pharmacy network if-- (i) the pharmacy agrees to the terms of the network contract; (ii) the pharmacy meets all applicable Federal and State licence and permit requirements; and (iii) the owners of the pharmacy have not been convicted of a Federal crime related to owning or managing a pharmacy. (2) Encourage generic drugs.-- (A) Cost to consumers.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clause (iii), a PBM shall ensure that enrollees of pharmacy benefit plans administered by such a PBM pay a copayment of 20 percent for brand name drugs, not to exceed a maximum amount of $150 per prescription. (ii) Annual updates to amount.--The maximum amount under clause (i) shall be updated annually for inflation based on the consumer price index. (iii) Exception for state medicaid programs.--Clause (i) shall not apply to a PBM with respect to enrollees of a State Medicaid program that limits or prohibits copayments for prescription drugs. (B) Payments to pharmacies.-- (i) In general.--With respect to a pharmacy benefit plan that is at least partially funded with Federal funds, the PBM administering such plan shall reimburse a pharmacy that is in the network for such a plan at least-- (I) 107 percent of the Wholesale Acquisition Cost plus a minimum professional dispensing fee of $4.25 for a prescription for a brand-name drug; (II) 190 percent of the Federal Upper Limit plus a minimum professional dispensing fee of $8.50 for a prescription for a generic drug; and (III) a professional service fee for any additional pharmacy services provided by the pharmacy, in an amount set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (ii) Adjustment for inflation.--The professional dispensing fees under clause (i) shall be adjusted annually for inflation, based on the consumer price index. (3) Payments and charges between pbms and pharmacy benefit plan sponsors.-- (A) Payments.--A PBM shall be reimbursed by a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor for adjudicating and processing claims in behalf of such sponsor at a rate that is determined by such sponsor. (B) Charges to pharmacy benefit plan sponsors for drugs dispensed to plan enrollees.--The amount that a PBM charges a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor for a drug that is dispensed to enrollee of a pharmacy benefit plan administered by such PBM may not be greater than the amount that the PBM paid the pharmacy for such drug (including any associated professional dispensing fee). (4) Treatment of drug manufacturer rebates.-- (A) No rebates to pbms.--A manufacturer of prescription drugs-- (i) shall pay all rebates, as defined in section 5(6), directly to the pharmacy benefit plan sponsor; and (ii) shall not pay such rebates to a PBM. (B) Negotiation allowed.--A PBM may negotiate rebate amounts with a manufacturer of prescription drugs on behalf of a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor. (5) Provision of cost information to physicians.--In the case that the premium, deductible, co-payments, co-insurance, or other insurance-related charge under a pharmacy benefit plan is underwritten, in whole or in part, by a Federal, State, or local government, the pharmacy benefit plan sponsor shall provide a list of the wholesale acquisition costs of the top 500 most frequently prescribed drugs to physicians who are licenced to prescribe drugs and who provide treatment to enrollees in such a plan. (6) Treatment of pharmacists as professional health care providers.--Section 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (DD); (B) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (EE); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (EE), the following new subparagraph: ``(FF) pharmacist services;''. SEC. 4. PHARMACEUTICAL ACCESS PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.--Not later than January 1, 2011, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a pharmaceutical access program to provide affordable access to prescription drugs to individuals who receive drug benefits under Federal programs (except for the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act). (b) Eligibility.--Any individual in a State shall be eligible to enroll in the program under subsection (a). (c) Fees.-- (1) In general.--A pharmacy that dispenses prescription drugs in the United States shall remit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services-- (A) $0.50 for each prescription dispensed by such pharmacy for a brand name drug; and (B) $1.00 for each prescription dispensed by such pharmacy for a generic drug. (2) Treatment for inflation.--The fees under paragraph (1) shall be adjusted annually for inflation, based on the consumer price index. (3) Treatment of medicaid programs.--The rule under paragraph (1) shall not apply to drugs dispensed under a State Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act. (4) Increase in professional dispensing fee for private plans.--The professional dispensing fee paid to pharmacies by a pharmacy benefit plan that is not funded by any Federal funds shall be increased by such plan sponsor-- (A) by $0.50 for each brand name prescription; and (B) by $1.00 for each generic prescription. (d) Use of Funds.--Funds generated under subsection (c) shall be used solely to provide affordable access to prescription drugs to low- income individuals who have enrolled in the program under subsection (a). SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Brand name drugs.--The term ``brand name drug'' means a prescription drug that is under patent by the drug's original manufacturer and is protected from competition by other manufacturers of prescription drugs. (2) Generic drug.--The term ``generic drug'' means a prescription drug that has lost patient protection provided to a single manufacturer or multiple manufacturers and is widely available from multiple manufacturers. (3) Pharmacy benefit plan.--The term ``pharmacy benefit plan'' means an insurance plan or insurance coverage that provides benefits for prescription drugs, including a group health plan (as such term is defined in section 733(a) of the Patient Health and Real Medication Access Cost Savings Act of 2009 (29 U.S.C. 1191b(a))) that provides prescription drug benefits. (4) Professional dispensing fee.--The term ``professional dispensing fee'' means the fee paid for the dispensing of a drug by the pharmacist and excludes any reimbursement for the cost of the drug. (5) Professional service fee.--The term ``professional service fee'' means a fee paid to a pharmacy for professional services preformed by a pharmacist, excluding dispensing drugs and any reimbursement for the cost of the drug. Such term may include medication reviews, injections, and cholesterol checks. (6) Rebate.--The term ``rebate'' means any item of value, including monetary value, that is distributed by the manufacturer conditional upon the receipt of a payment for drugs produced by such manufacturer.

Summary: Patient Health and Real Medication Access Cost Savings Act of 2009 or the PHARMACY Bill - Declares that a consumer shall have the right to choose to purchase prescription drugs from any domestic pharmacy that meets all applicable federal and state license and permit requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations that: (1) prohibit a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from providing incentives to, encouraging, or requiring pharmacy benefit plan enrollees to use certain pharmacies or from excluding an eligible pharmacy from a plan's pharmacy network; (2) require a PBM to ensure that pharmacy benefit plan enrollees pay a specified copayment for brand name drugs; (3) require a PBM to reimburse a pharmacy in the network of a pharmacy benefit plan that is federally funded, at specified rates, for brand-name drugs, generic drugs, and additional professional services; (4) require a PBM to be reimbursed by a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor for adjudicating and processing claims; (5) limit the amount that a PBM charges a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor for a drug that is dispensed to enrollees to the amount the PBM paid the pharmacy for such drug; (6) require a manufacturer of prescription drugs to pay all rebates directly to the pharmacy benefit plan sponsor and not to a PBM; and (7) require a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor to provide a list of the wholesale acquisition costs of the top 500 most frequently prescribed drugs to physicians in a plan any insurance-related charge of which is underwritten by a federal, state, or local government. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include pharmacist services as "medical and other health services" under Medicare. Directs the Secretary, by January 1, 2011, to establish a pharmaceutical access program to provide affordable prescription drugs to individuals who receive drug benefits under federal programs (except Medicaid). Requires: (1) a pharmacy that dispenses prescription drugs in the United States to remit to the Secretary 50 cents for each brand name prescription and $1.00 for generic drug prescription dispensed; and (2) the sponsor of a pharmacy benefit plan that is not federally funded to increase the professional dispensing fee paid to pharmacies by the same amounts. Requires the use of funds generated from such fees to provide affordable access to prescription drugs to low-income individuals who have enrolled in the program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Parks Capital Improvements Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Fundraising organization.--The term ``fundraising organization'' means an entity authorized to act as a fundraising organization under section 3(a). (2) National park foundation.--The term ``National Park Foundation'' means the foundation established under the Act entitled ``An Act to establish the National Park Foundation'', approved December 18, 1967 (16 U.S.C. 19e et seq.). (3) Park.--The term ``park'' means-- (A) the Grand Canyon National Park; and (B) any other national park designated by the Secretary that has an approved general management plan with capital needs in excess of $5,000,000. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 3. FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION. (a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into a memorandum of agreement under section 4 with an entity to act as an authorized fundraising organization for the benefit of the park. (b) Bonds.--The fundraising organization shall issue taxable bonds in return for the park surcharge collected under section 5. (c) Professional Standards.--The fundraising organization shall abide by all relevant professional standards regarding the issuance of securities and shall comply with all Federal and State law. (d) Audit.--The fundraising organization shall be subject to an audit by the Secretary. (e) No Liability For Bonds.--The United States shall not be liable for the security of any bonds issued by the fundraising organization, except that if the surcharge specified in section 5(a) is not imposed for any reason or if such surcharge is reduced or eliminated, the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of such bonds and the interest accruing on such bonds. SEC. 4. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT. The fundraising organization shall enter into a memorandum of agreement that specifies-- (1) the amount of the bond issue; (2) the maturity of the bonds, not to exceed 20 years; (3) the per capita amount required to amortize the bond issue, provide for the reasonable costs of administration, and maintain a sufficient reserve consistent with industry standards; (4) any project that will be funded with the bond proceeds and the specific responsibilities of the Secretary and the fundraising organization with respect to the project; and (5) procedures for modifications of the agreement with the consent of both parties, including modifications relating to project priorities, based on changes in circumstances. SEC. 5. PARK SURCHARGE. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Interior may authorize the Superintendent of the park to charge and collect, in addition to the entrance fee collected pursuant to section 4 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a), a surcharge in an amount not to exceed $2 for each individual charged the entrance fee. (b) Use.--The surcharge shall be used by the fundraising organization to amortize the bond issue, provide for the reasonable costs of administration, and maintain a sufficient reserve consistent with industry standards. (c) Excess Funds.--Any funds collected in excess of the amount necessary to amortize the bond issue, pay reasonable administrative expenses, and maintain a sufficient reserve, as determined by the bond underwriter, shall be remitted to the National Park Foundation to be used for the benefit of all units of the National Park System. SEC. 6. USE OF BOND PROCEEDS. (a) Eligible Projects.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), bond proceeds under this Act may be used for a project for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of a facility in the park. No part of such proceeds (other than interest as provided in subsection (b)) may be used to defray administrative expenses. (2) Limitation.--A project referred to in paragraph (2) shall be consistent with-- (A) the laws governing the National Park System; (B) any law governing the park; and (C) the general management plan for the park. (b) Interest on Bond Proceeds.--(1) Any interest earned on bond proceeds may be used by the fundraising organization to-- (A) meet reserve requirements; and (B) defray administrative expenses incurred in connection with the management and sale of the bonds. (2) All interest on bond proceeds not used for purposes of paragraph (1) shall be remitted to the National Park Foundation for the benefit of all units of the National Park System. SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Treasury, shall issue regulations to carry out this Act.

Summary: National Parks Capital Improvements Act of 1996 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a memorandum of agreement with an entity to act as an authorized fundraising organization for the benefit of the Grand Canyon National Park and any other national park designated by the Secretary that has an approved general management plan with capital needs in excess of $5 million. Requires the organization to issue taxable bonds in return for a park surcharge. Exempts the United States from liability for the security of such bonds, unless the surcharge authorized under this Act is not imposed or is reduced or eliminated. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the Superintendent of the park to charge and collect, in addition to the park entrance fee, a surcharge of not to exceed two dollars per individual. Requires the fundraising organization to: (1) use the surcharge to amortize the bond issue, provide for the reasonable costs of administration, and maintain a sufficient reserve consistent with industry standards; and (2) remit any excess funds to the National Park Foundation (NPF) to be used for the benefit of all National Park System (NPS) units. Allows bond proceeds to be used for a park facility project that is consistent with: (1) the laws governing the NPS and the park; and (2) the general management plan for the park. Prohibits bond proceeds (other than interest) from being used to defray administrative expenses. Requires interest earned on bond proceeds to be used by the organization to meet reserve requirements and defray administrative expenses incurred in connection with the management and sale of the bonds, with any excess to be remitted to the NPF for the benefit of all NPS units.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Campaign Information Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. NONPREEMPTIBLE ADVERTISING; LOWEST UNIT CHARGES. Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 315) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(1)-- (A) by striking ``forty-five'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``30''; (B) by striking ``sixty'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``45''; and (C) by striking ``lowest unit charge of the station for the same class and amount of time for the same period'' and insert ``lowest charge of the station for the same amount of time for the same time of day and day of week''; (2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (3) by inserting immediately after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a licensee shall not preempt the use, during any period specified in subsection (b)(1), of a broadcasting station by a legally qualified candidate for public office who has purchased and paid for such use pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1). ``(2) If a program to be broadcast by a broadcasting station is preempted because of circumstances beyond the control of the broadcasting station, any candidate advertising spot scheduled to be broadcast during that program may also be preempted.''; and (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this section)-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1); (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: ``(3) a station's lowest charge for purposes of paragraph (1)-- ``(A) with respect to a primary or primary runoff election, is determined for the interval beginning 60 days before such election and ending on the date of that election; and ``(B) with respect to a general or special election, is determined for the interval beginning 90 days before such election and ending on the date of that election.''. SEC. 3. FREE BROADCAST TIME FOR POLICY DEBATES. (a) Condition of License Renewal.--Section 309(h) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(h)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end thereof the following: ``; and (4) every broadcast station license issued under this Act shall be subject to the free broadcast time obligations imposed by section 315(c)''. (b) Free-Time Obligations.--Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 315) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c)(1) Each license for a broadcasting station shall annually make available free broadcast time for policy debates in accordance with the requirements of this subsection. The Commission shall not renew the license of any licensee who substantially fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this subsection, but such licensee shall not be subject to any other sanction or remedy for such failure or refusal. ``(2) A licensee subject to this subsection shall allot free broadcast time for policy debates in accordance with the following standards: ``(A) Such licensee shall allot not less than 30 minutes of free broadcast time during each even-numbered year to-- ``(i) the candidates for the House of Representatives of each qualified political party for any congressional district that falls within the grade B contour of such stations signal; and ``(ii) the candidates for the Senate of each qualified political party of the State within which the preponderance of the station's audience resides. ``(B) The broadcast time allotted by any licensee shall be allotted so that-- ``(i) the broadcast is during the hours of 7 to 10 p.m. on weekdays; and ``(ii) the broadcast is during the four weeks immediately preceding election day. ``(3) A political party shall be treated as a qualified political party for purposes of paragraph (2) if the candidate for President of such party in the most recent presidential election received more than 5 percent of the total number of votes cast by individuals for that office. ``(4) A licensee allots free broadcast time as required by this subsection by broadcasting the joint appearance by each of the candidates described in paragraph (2)(A) (i) or (ii) at a forum for the discussion of political issues, or, if any such candidate refuses to so appear, the appearance by the remainder of such candidates not refusing to appear. ``(5) Nothing in this subsection, and no use of free broadcast time allotted under this subsection, shall be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the purchase of advertising time under subsection (b) of this section.''. (c) Free Cable Time.--Section 611 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 531) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection: ``(f) A cable operator shall annually make available free cable time for policy debates in accordance with the requirements of regulations prescribed by the Commission. Such regulations shall, to the extent practicable, require each such cable operator to provide such free cable time in the same amounts and manner, to the same candidates, and subject to the same conditions as free broadcast time is required to be provided by broadcast station licensees under section 315(c) of this Act. No franchise authority shall renew the franchise of any cable operator who substantially fails or refuses to comply with such regulations, but such operator shall not be subject to any other sanction or remedy for such failure or refusal.''.

Summary: Campaign Information Improvement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) limit the cost to qualified candidates of broadcasting time for pre-election political advertising to the lowest charge of the station for the same amount of time for the same time of day and day of the week; (2) prohibit any broadcast licensee from preempting the use of any such time purchased and paid for by a qualified candidate, unless the program during which the advertisement was scheduled to appear is preempted due to circumstances beyond the control of the broadcaster; (3) reduce the pre-election period during which the lowest charge is effective from 45 days to 30 days before primary elections and from 60 days to 45 days before general or special elections; and (4) specify that for purposes of calculating a station's lowest charge, broadcasters must consider the charges made during the 60-day period prior to a primary or primary runoff election and during the 90-day period before a general or special election. Requires radio broadcasting stations, in order to have their licenses renewed, to make available without charge not less than 30 minutes of broadcast time during appropriate viewing hours to candidates for the House and Senate within the four weeks preceding election day for policy debates. Imposes the same free-time obligations on cable television operators of channels for public, educational, or governmental use.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. RAILWAY-ROAD GRADE CROSSINGS. (a) Elimination of Crossings.-- (1) In general.--Section 20134 of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and motorists at railroad grade crossings'' after ``rights of way''; (B) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows: ``(c) Automated Video Image Analysis Pilot Program.--(1) The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, shall establish a pilot program in the 5 States with the highest rates of collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings that uses automated video image analysis technology to record violations by motorists at crossings equipped with automatic warning devices. ``(2) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program established under this paragraph (1).''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Plan to Eliminate Highway-Rail Grade Crossings.--(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with appropriate transportation officials of States and units of local government with jurisdiction over highway-rail grade crossings, shall submit, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, a plan-- ``(A) for annually eliminating highway-rail grade crossings in the United States that, as of the date of enactment of this subsection-- ``(i) are considered by the Secretary of Transportation to pose a safety threat; and ``(ii) have insufficient or outdated protective equipment; ``(B) that includes guidelines for establishing new crossings, if necessary, through careful traffic, zoning, and land use planning; and ``(C) that includes an estimate of the cost to carry out subparagraph (A). ``(2) In determining the order for closing highway-rail grade crossings under the plan developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to crossings in States that are among the top 5 States in terms of-- ``(A) the number of accidents at highway-rail grade crossings per mile of railroad tract; ``(B) the number of highway-rail grade crossings with insufficient or outdated protective equipment; or ``(C) the number of rail lines with a high volume of goods movement. ``(3) In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider-- ``(A) the feasibility of closing and improving a group of highway-rail grade crossings in a single community; ``(B) the impact of closure on access by emergency vehicles; ``(C) traffic delays; ``(D) public inconvenience; and ``(E) the willingness of units of local government to participate in the elimination or consolidation of highway-rail grade crossings.''. (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall update and reissue ``A Guide to Crossing Consolidation and Closure'', which was originally published in July 1994. (b) Grants to Improve the Safety of Railway-Highway Grade Crossings.--Section 130 of title 23, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)-- (A) by striking ``Each State'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Each State''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Federal safety review.--Using information compiled by States under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a comprehensive review of the safety of all public railway-highway grade crossings in the United States. The matters reviewed shall include security measures, safety conditions, past accidents, possible safety improvements, and any other factors that the Secretary considers relevant. ``(3) Priority list.--Based on the information collected from the review conducted under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Transportation shall compile, maintain, and submit to Congress a list of the 5,000 railway-highway grade crossings most in need of safety improvements, grouped based on relative need for such improvements.''; (2) in subsection (f)-- (A) by striking ``and 50'' and inserting ``25''; and (B) by striking ``States.'' and inserting ``States, and 25 percent of such funds shall be apportioned to the States in the ratio that total highway and rail traffic through railway-highway crossings in each State bears to the total of such traffic in all States.''; (3) in subsection (i)(3)(B), by striking ``$7,500'' and inserting ``$15,000''; (4) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and (5) by inserting after subsection (i) the following: ``(j) Railway-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Grants.-- ``(1) Grants authorized.--The Secretary of Transportation may award grants to States to make necessary safety improvements to the railway-highway grade crossings identified under subsection (d)(3). ``(2) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) give priority to projects to install automated warning systems at railway-highway grade crossings in States with the highest number of accidents at such crossings; and ``(B) strive to reduce the number of railway- highway grade crossings without automated warning systems by not less than 50 percent. ``(3) Application.--Each State desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. ``(4) Matching requirement.--The Secretary may not award a grant to a State under this subsection unless that State agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by the State in carrying out the program for which the grant was awarded, the State will make available non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to not less than $1 for every $9 of Federal financial assistance provided under the grant.''. (c) Funding.--Section 104(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending the subsection header to read as follows: ``Funds Reserved for Improving Safety at Railway-Highway Crossings''; (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Railway-road grade crossing safety improvements.-- Before making an apportionment of funds under subsection (b)(3) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall set aside $178,000,000 of the funds made available for the surface transportation program for the fiscal year for grants under section 130(j).''. SEC. 3. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING CROSSING SIGNS, SIGNALS, OR GATES. (a) Prevention of Trespassing and Vandalism on Railroad Property.-- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall-- (1) analyze Federal, State, and local laws for preventing and responding to trespassing and vandalism on railroad property; and (2) update model strategies to prevent such trespassing and vandalism. (b) Model Legislation.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with States, units of local government, and railroad carriers shall develop and make available model legislation providing for civil and criminal penalties for individuals who violate grade crossing signs, signals, or gates. SEC. 4. OPERATION LIFESAVER FUNDING. Section 104(d)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking ``set aside'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``set aside, to carry out a public information and education program to help prevent and reduce motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and to improve driver performance at railway-road crossings-- ``(1) $1,250,000 for fiscal year 2006; ``(2) $1,300,000 for fiscal year 2007; ``(3) $1,350,000 for fiscal year 2008; ``(4) $1,400,000 for fiscal year 2009; and ``(5) $1,460,000 for fiscal year 2010.''. SEC. 5. INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS. (a) Annual Inspections.--Section 20107 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Annual Inspections.--The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, shall, physically inspect, on an annual basis, not less than 2 percent of all highway-rail grade crossings in the 10 States with the highest rates of collisions at such crossings during the 3-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act.''. (b) Accident Investigations.--Section 20902 of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) Investigation of Fatal Accidents.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, shall conduct an investigation of-- ``(A) all fatal accidents in the United States during the 1-year period ending on the date of enactment of this subsection; and ``(B) any fatal railroad accident occurring in the United States on or after the date of enactment of this subsection. ``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress on the results of the investigations conducted under paragraph (1) during the 1- year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act and during each successive 1-year period.''. SEC. 6. DEFINITION. As used in this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, the term ``highway'' has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 23, United States Code.

Summary: Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish an automated video image analysis pilot program in states with the highest rates of accidents at highway-rail grade crossings to record motorist violations at crossings equipped with automatic warning devices. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a plan to eliminate highway-rail grade crossings, with priority given to crossings where the number of accidents are high or there is insufficient or outdated protective equipment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the safety of all public railway-highway grade crossings in the United States; and (2) compile and submit to Congress, based on such review, a list of the 5,000 railway-highway grade crossings most in need of safety improvements. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to states to make necessary improvements to crossings identified for elimination and improvement. Requires the Secretary, in awarding such grants, to: (1) give priority to projects to install automated warning systems at crossings in states with the highest number of accidents; and (2) strive to reduce the number of crossings without automated warning systems by not less than 50%. Directs the Secretary to: (1) analyze all laws for preventing trespassing and vandalism on railroad property; and (2) develop model legislation providing for civil and criminal penalties for individuals who violate grade crossing signs, signals, or gates. Requires the Secretary to inspect annually at least 2% of all highway-rail grade crossings in the 10 states with the highest rates of collisions at such crossings. Requires the Secretary to investigate, and report to Congress, all fatal accidents in the United States (including fatal railroad accidents) that occur on or after enactment of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``SAFE Transitional License Act''. SEC. 2. ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO JOBS FOR LOAN ORIGINATORS. (a) In General.--The S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 1518. EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION OF LOAN ORIGINATORS. ``(a) Temporary Authority To Originate Loans for Loan Originators Moving From a Depository Institution to a Non-Depository Institution.-- ``(1) In general.--Upon employment by a State-licensed mortgage company, an individual who is a registered loan originator shall be deemed to have temporary authority to act as a loan originator in an application State for the period described in paragraph (2) if the individual-- ``(A) has not had an application for a loan originator license denied, or had such a license revoked or suspended in any governmental jurisdiction; ``(B) has not been subject to or served with a cease and desist order in any governmental jurisdiction or as described in section 1514(c); ``(C) has not been convicted of a felony that would preclude licensure under the law of the application State; ``(D) has submitted an application to be a State- licensed loan originator in the application State; and ``(E) was registered in the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry as a loan originator during the 12-month period preceding the date of submission of the information required under section 1505(a). ``(2) Period.--The period described in this paragraph shall begin on the date on which the individual submits the information required under section 1505(a) and shall end on the earliest of-- ``(A) the date on which the individual withdraws the application to be a State-licensed loan originator in the application State; ``(B) the date on which the application State denies, or issues a notice of intent to deny, the application; ``(C) the date on which the application State grants a State license; or ``(D) the date that is 120 days after the date on which the individual submits the application, if the application is listed on the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry as incomplete. ``(b) Temporary Authority To Originate Loans for State-Licensed Loan Originators Moving Interstate.-- ``(1) In general.--A State-licensed loan originator shall be deemed to have temporary authority to act as a loan originator in an application State for the period described in paragraph (2) if the State-licensed loan originator-- ``(A) meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of subsection (a)(1); ``(B) is employed by a State-licensed mortgage company in the application State; and ``(C) was licensed in a State that is not the application State during the 30-day period preceding the date of submission of the information required under section 1505(a) in connection with the application submitted to the application State. ``(2) Period.--The period described in this paragraph shall begin on the date on which the State-licensed loan originator submits the information required under section 1505(a) in connection with the application submitted to the application State and end on the earliest of-- ``(A) the date on which the State-licensed loan originator withdraws the application to be a State- licensed loan originator in the application State; ``(B) the date on which the application State denies, or issues a notice of intent to deny, the application; ``(C) the date on which the application State grants a State license; or ``(D) the date that is 120 days after the date on which the State-licensed loan originator submits the application, if the application is listed on the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry as incomplete. ``(c) Applicability.-- ``(1) Employer of loan originators.--Any person employing an individual who is deemed to have temporary authority to act as a loan originator in an application State pursuant to this section shall be subject to the requirements of this title and to applicable State law to the same extent as if such individual was a State-licensed loan originator licensed by the application State. ``(2) Engaging in mortgage loan activities.--Any individual who is deemed to have temporary authority to act as a loan originator in an application State pursuant to this section and who engages in residential mortgage loan origination activities shall be subject to the requirements of this title and to applicable State law to the same extent as if such individual was a State-licensed loan originator licensed by the application State. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions shall apply: ``(1) Application state.--The term `application State' means a State in which a registered loan originator or a State- licensed loan originator seeks to be licensed. ``(2) State-licensed mortgage company.--The term `State- licensed mortgage company' means an entity licensed or registered under the law of any State to engage in residential mortgage loan origination and processing activities.''. (b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 4501 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1517 the following: ``Sec. 1518. Employment transition of loan originators.''. (c) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: SAFE Transitional License Act This bill amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to temporarily allow loan originators that meet specified requirements to continue to originate loans after moving: (1) from one state to another, or (2) from a depository institution to a non-depository institution.