SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 2018''. SEC. 2. RECRUITMENT DATABASE. (a) Establishment.--Section 208 of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act (Public Law 115-46; 38 U.S.C. 701 note) is amended as follows: (1) In subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter proceeding paragraph (1), by striking ``a single database'' and inserting ``and maintain a single searchable database (to be known as the `Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Recruitment Database')''; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (D) by adding after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: ``(3) with respect to each vacant position under paragraphs (1) and (2)-- ``(A) the military occupational specialty or skill that corresponds to the position, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense; and ``(B) each qualified member of the Armed Forces who may be recruited to fill the position before such qualified member of the Armed Forces has been discharged and released from active duty.''. (2) By redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively. (3) By inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: ``(b) Additional Information.--Subject to subsection (c), the database established under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to each qualified member of the Armed Forces, the following information: ``(1) The name and contact information of the qualified member of the Armed Forces. ``(2) The date on which the qualified member of the Armed Forces is expected to be discharged and released from active duty. ``(3) Each military occupational specialty currently or previously assigned to the qualified member of the Armed Forces. ``(c) Availability.--Information in the database shall be available to offices, officials, and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the extent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines appropriate. ``(d) Expedited Hiring Procedures.--The Secretary shall hire qualified members of the Armed Forces who apply for vacant positions listed in the database established under subsection (a) without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code. ``(e) Relocation Bonus.--The Secretary may authorize a relocation bonus, in an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary and subject to the same limitations as in the case of the authority provided under section 5753 of title 5, to any qualified member of the Armed Forces who has accepted a position listed in the database established under subsection (a).''. (4) In subsection (g)(1), as redesignated in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''. (5) In subsection (h), as redesignated in paragraph (2), by striking ``of this Act'' and inserting ``of the Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 2018, and annually thereafter''. (6) By adding after subsection (h), as redesignated in paragraph (2), the following new subsection: ``(i) Qualified Member of the Armed Forces Defined.--In this section, the term `qualified member of the Armed Forces' means a member of the Armed Forces-- ``(1) described in section 1142(a) of title 10; ``(2) who elects to be listed in the database established under subsection (a); and ``(3) who has been determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to have a military occupational speciality that corresponds to a vacant position described in subsection (a).''. (b) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a plan to implement, including a timeline, section 208 of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act (Public Law 115-46; 38 U.S.C. 701 note), as amended by this section. SEC. 3. INTERMEDIATE CARE TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement a program to train and certify covered veterans to work as intermediate care technicians in the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Locations.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish centers at medical facilities of the Department selected by the Secretary for the purposes of carrying out the program under subsection (a). (2) Selection of medical facilities.--In selecting a medical facility of the Department under this subsection to serve as a center, the Secretary shall consider-- (A) the experience and success of the facility in training intermediate care technicians; and (B) the availability of resources of the facility to train intermediate care technicians. (c) Covered Veteran Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran whom the Secretary determines served as a basic health care technician while serving in the Armed Forces. SEC. 4. NO AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 208 of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act (Public Law 115-46; 38 U.S.C. 701 note), as amended by section 2 of this Act, or to carry out section 3 of this Act. Such sections shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated for such purpose. SEC. 5. NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED. No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the requirements of this Act and the amendments made by this Act. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated. Passed the House of Representatives July 24, 2018. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 2018 This bill amends the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act to name the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recruiting database the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Recruitment Database and require that it includes for each vacant position: the military occupational specialty or skill corresponding to the VA position, and each qualified U.S. Armed Forces active-duty member (who elects to be listed in the database) who may be recruited to fill the position. The database shall include the following for each qualified member of the Armed Forces: name, contact information, expected discharge date, and military occupational specialty. The VA shall implement direct hiring and appointment procedures for vacant database positions and may authorize relocation bonuses. The VA shall train and certify veterans who served as basic health care technicians in the Armed Forces to work as VA intermediate care technicians.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``White House Quadrennial Small Business Summit Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; (2) the term ``Chief Counsel'' means the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration; (3) the term ``Small Business Commission'' means the national White House Quadrennial Commission on Small Business established under section 6; (4) the term ``Small Business Summit''-- (A) means the White House Quadrennial Summit on Small Business conducted under section 3(a); and (B) includes the last White House Conference on Small Business occurring before 2002; (5) the term ``small business'' has the meaning given the term ``small business concern'' in section 3 of the Small Business Act; (6) the term ``State'' means any of the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands; and (7) the term ``State Summit'' means a State Summit on Small Business conducted under section 3(b). SEC. 3. NATIONAL AND STATE QUADRENNIAL SUMMITS ON SMALL BUSINESS. (a) Quadrennial Summits.--There shall be a national White House Quadrennial Summit on Small Business once every 4 years, to be held during the second year following each Presidential election, to carry out the purposes set forth in section 4. (b) State Summits.--Each Small Business Summit referred to in subsection (a) shall be preceded by a State Summit on Small Business, with not fewer than 1 such summit held in each State, and with not fewer than 2 such summits held in any State having a population of more than 10,000,000. SEC. 4. PURPOSES OF SMALL BUSINESS SUMMITS. The purposes of each Small Business Summit shall be-- (1) to increase public awareness of the contribution of small business to the national economy; (2) to identify the problems of small business; (3) to examine the status of minorities and women as small business owners; (4) to assist small business in carrying out its role as the Nation's job creator; (5) to assemble small businesses to develop such specific and comprehensive recommendations for legislative and regulatory action as may be appropriate for maintaining and encouraging the economic viability of small business and thereby, the Nation; and (6) to review the status of recommendations adopted at the immediately preceding Small Business Summit. SEC. 5. SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS. (a) In General.--To carry out the purposes set forth in section 4, the Small Business Commission shall conduct Small Business Summits and State Summits to bring together individuals concerned with issues relating to small business. (b) Summit Delegates.-- (1) Qualification.--Only individuals who are owners or officers of a small business shall be eligible for appointment or election as delegates (or alternates) to the Small Business Summit, or be eligible to vote in the selection of delegates at the State Summits pursuant to this subsection. (2) Appointed delegates.--Two months before the date of the first State Summit, there shall be-- (A) 1 delegate (and 1 alternate) appointed by the Governor of each State; (B) 1 delegate (and 1 alternate) appointed by each Member of the House of Representatives, from the congressional district of that Member; (C) 1 delegate (and 1 alternate) appointed by each Member of the Senate from the home State of that Member; and (D) 53 delegates (and 53 alternates) appointed by the President, 1 from each State. (3) Elected delegates.--The participants at each State Summit shall elect 3 delegates and 3 alternates to the Small Business Summit for each congressional district within the State, or part of the State represented at the Summit, or not fewer than 9 delegates, pursuant to rules developed by the Small Business Commission. (4) Powers and duties.--Delegates to each Small Business Summit shall-- (A) attend the State summits in his or her respective State; (B) elect a delegation chairperson, vice chairperson, and other leadership as may be necessary; (C) conduct meetings and other activities at the State level before the date of the Small Business Summit, subject to the approval of the Small Business Commission; and (D) direct such State level summits, meetings, and activities toward the consideration of the purposes set forth in section 4, in order to prepare for the next Small Business Summit. (5) Alternates.--Alternates shall serve during the absence or unavailability of the delegate. (c) Role of the Chief Counsel.--The Chief Counsel shall, after consultation and in coordination with the Small Business Commission, assist in carrying out the Small Business Summits and State Summits required by this Act by-- (1) preparing and providing background information and administrative materials for use by participants in the summits; (2) distributing issue information and administrative communications, electronically where possible through an Internet web site and e-mail, and in printed form if requested; (3) maintaining an Internet web site and regular e-mail communications after each Small Business Summit to inform delegates and the public of the status of recommendations and related governmental activity; and (4) maintaining, between summits, an active interim organization of delegate representatives from each region of the Administration, to advise the Chief Counsel on each of the major small business issue areas, and monitor the progress of the Summits' recommendations. (d) Expenses.--Each delegate (and alternate) to each Small Business Summit and State Summit-- (1) shall be responsible for the expenses of that delegate related to attending the summits; and (2) shall not be reimbursed either from funds made available pursuant to this section or the Small Business Act. (e) Advisory Committee.-- (1) In general.--The Small Business Commission shall appoint a Summit Advisory Committee, which shall be composed of 10 individuals who were participants at the most recently preceding Small Business Summit, to advise the Small Business Commission on the organization, rules, and processes of the Summits. (2) Preference.--Preference for appointment under this subsection shall be given to individuals who have been active participants in the implementation process following the most recently preceding Small Business Summit. (f) Public Participation.--Small Business Summits and State Summits shall be open to the public, and no fee or charge may be imposed on any attendee, other than an amount necessary to cover the cost of any meal provided, plus, with respect to State Summits, a registration fee to defray the expense of meeting rooms and materials of not to exceed $20 per person. SEC. 6. WHITE HOUSE QUADRENNIAL COMMISSION ON SMALL BUSINESS. (a) Establishment.--There is established the White House Quadrennial Commission on Small Business. (b) Membership.-- (1) Appointment.--The Small Business Commission shall be composed of 9 members, including-- (A) the Chief Counsel; (B) 4 members appointed by the President; (C) 1 member appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate; (D) 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; (E) 1 member appointed by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives; and (F) 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (2) Selection.--Members of the Small Business Commission described in subparagraphs (B) through (F) of paragraph (1) shall be selected from among distinguished individuals noted for their knowledge and experience in fields relevant to the issue of small business and the purposes set forth in section 4. (3) Time of appointment.--The appointments required by paragraph (1)-- (A) shall be made not later than 18 months before the opening date of each Small Business Summit; and (B) shall expire 6 months after the date on which each Small Business Summit is convened. (c) Election of Chairperson.--At the first meeting of the Small Business Commission, a majority of the members present and voting shall elect a member of the Small Business Commission to serve as the Chairperson. (d) Powers and Duties of Commission.--The Small Business Commission-- (1) may enter into contracts with public agencies, private organizations, and academic institutions to carry out this Act; (2) shall consult, coordinate, and contract with an independent, nonpartisan organization that-- (A) has both substantive and logistical experience in developing and organizing conferences and forums throughout the Nation with elected officials and other government and business leaders; (B) has experience in generating private resources from multiple States in the form of event sponsorships; and (C) can demonstrate evidence of a working relationship with Members of Congress from the majority and minority parties, and at least 1 Federal agency; and (3) shall prescribe such financial controls and accounting procedures as needed for the handling of funds from fees and charges and the payment of authorized meal, facility, travel, and other related expenses. (e) Planning and Administration of Summits.--In carrying out the Small Business Summits and State Summits, the Small Business Commission shall consult with-- (1) the Chief Counsel; (2) Congress; and (3) such other Federal agencies as the Small Business Commission determines to be appropriate. (f) Reports Required.--Not later than 6 months after the date on which each Small Business Summit is convened, the Small Business Commission shall submit to the President and to the Chairpersons and Ranking Members of the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and the House of Representatives a final report, which shall-- (1) include the findings and recommendations of the Small Business Summit and any proposals for legislative action necessary to implement those recommendations; and (2) be made available to the public. (g) Quorum.--Four voting members of the Small Business Commission shall constitute a quorum for purposes of transacting business. (h) Meetings.--The Small Business Commission shall meet not later than 20 calendar days after the appointment of the initial members of the Small Business Commission, and not less frequently than every 30 calendar days thereafter. (i) Vacancies.--Any vacancy on the Small Business Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (j) Executive Director and Staff.--The Small Business Commission may appoint and compensate an Executive Director and such other personnel to conduct the Small Business Summits and State Summits as the Small Business Commission may determine to be advisable, without regard to title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the Executive Director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (k) Funding.--Members of the Small Business Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Small Business Commission. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out each Small Business Summit and the State Summits required by this Act, $5,000,000, which shall remain available until expended. New spending authority or authority to enter contracts as provided in this title shall be effective only to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts. (b) Specific Earmark.--No amount made available to the Small Business Administration may be made available to carry out this title, other than amounts made available specifically for the purpose of conducting the Small Business Summits and State Summits.

Summary: White House Quadrennial Small Business Summit Act of 2001 - Mandates a national White House Quadrennial Summit on Small Business, once every four years, to undertake specified actions with respect to the recognition, development, and promotion of American small business. Requires each Quadrennial Summit to be preceded by a State Summit on Small Business.Establishes the White House Quadrennial Commission on Small Business to: (1) conduct the Quadrennial and State Summits to bring together individuals concerned with issues relating to small business; and (2) appoint a Summit Advisory Committee from participants at the last Quadrennial Summit. Directs the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to assist in carrying out the Quadrennial and State Summits.Requires each Summit's Commission to report to the President and the chairpersons and ranking members of the congressional small business committees on its findings, recommendations, and proposals for legislative changes to implement such recommendations.Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Budget Surplus Dividend Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. 33\1/3\ PERCENT OF FEDERAL BUDGET SURPLUS TO REIMBURSE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR A PORTION OF THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by redesignating section 35 as section 36 and by inserting after section 34 the following new section: ``SEC. 35. CREDIT FOR PORTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of a taxable year to which this section applies, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the taxpayer's social security taxes for the taxable year. ``(b) Taxable Years to Which Section Applies.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), this section shall apply to any taxable year beginning in the first calendar year beginning after a fiscal year if there is a Federal budget surplus for such fiscal year of more than $1,000,000,000. ``(2) Social security trust funds required to be solvent before credit allowed.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning before the date on which the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund makes the solvency determination described in section 5 of the Budget Surplus Dividend Act of 1998. ``(c) Applicable Percentage.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `applicable percentage' means-- ``(A) the base percentage with respect to so much of the taxpayer's social security taxes as does not exceed $3,000, and ``(B) the phasedown percentage with respect to so much of the taxpayer's social security taxes as exceeds $3,000. ``(2) Base percentage.--The term `base percentage' means, for taxable years beginning in a calendar year, the percentage which the Secretary estimates will result in a reduction of revenues to the Treasury by reason of this section for such taxable year equal to 33\1/3\ percent of the Federal budget surplus for the most recent fiscal year ending before such calendar year. Proper adjustments shall be made in the percentage determined under the preceding sentence with respect to any subsequent fiscal year to the extent that prior estimates were in excess of or less than the proper percentage. ``(3) Phasedown percentage.--The term `phasedown percentage' means the base percentage reduced (but not below zero) by the number of percentage points which bears the same ratio to the base percentage as-- ``(A) the excess of the taxpayer's social security taxes over $3,000 bears to ``(B) the excess of the maximum social security taxes over $3,000. ``(4) Maximum social security taxes.--The term `maximum social security taxes' means the amount which would be the social security taxes of the taxpayer if the amount on which such taxes are determined were equal to the maximum amount of remuneration which may be taken into account under section 3101(a). ``(5) Special rules.-- ``(A) Dollar limitations on per employee basis.-- The dollar limitations in paragraphs (1) and (3) shall be applied on a per employee basis. ``(B) Self-employed individuals.--Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall be applied by substituting `$6,000' for `$3,000' each place it appears in the case of the taxes referred to in subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection (d)(1). ``(d) Social Security Taxes.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `social security taxes' means, with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year-- ``(A) the taxes imposed by sections 3101 and 3201(a) (relating to taxes on employees) on amounts received by the taxpayer during the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, ``(B) the taxes imposed by sections 3111 and 3221(a) (relating to taxes on employers) on amounts paid by the taxpayer during the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, ``(C) the taxes imposed by section 1401 on the self-employment income of the taxpayer for the taxable year, and ``(D) the taxes imposed by section 3211(a)(1) on amounts received by the taxpayer during the calendar year in which the taxable year begins. ``(2) Coordination with special refund of social security taxes.--The term `social security taxes' shall not include any taxes to the extent the taxpayer is entitled to a special refund of such taxes under section 6413(c). ``(3) Special rule.--Any amounts paid pursuant to an agreement under section 3121(l) (relating to agreements entered into by American employers with respect to foreign affiliates) which are equivalent to the taxes referred to in paragraph (1)(A) shall be treated as taxes referred to in such paragraph.'' (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating to section 35 and inserting the following: ``Sec. 35. Credit for portion of social security taxes. ``Sec. 36. Overpayments of tax.'' SEC. 3. APPROPRIATION TO USE 33\1/3\ PERCENT OF FEDERAL BUDGET SURPLUS TO REDUCE OUTSTANDING PUBLIC DEBT. There is hereby appropriated for the first fiscal year following each fiscal year (beginning after this Act takes effect) for which there is a Federal budget surplus an amount equal to 33\1/3\ percent of such surplus for purpose of paying at maturity, or to redeem or buy before maturity, obligations of the Government included in the public debt. An obligation of the Government that is paid, redeemed, or bought with funds appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be canceled and retired and may not be reissued. SEC. 4. USE 33\1/3\ PERCENT OF FEDERAL BUDGET SURPLUS TO INCREASE NONDEFENSE DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS. For the first fiscal year following each fiscal year (beginning after this Act takes effect) for which there is a Federal budget surplus, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall increase (on a pro rata basis between the applicable nondefense categories for that fiscal year) the discretionary spending limit for new budget authority under section 251(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by an amount equal to 33\1/3\ percent of such surplus and shall adjust the outlays flowing from that budget authority accordingly. SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE BASED ON SOLVENCY OF SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS. This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date on which the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund determines (using intermediate assumptions) that both the Federal Old Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund are in close actuarial balance through the year 2070. Such determination shall be included in the first annual report of such Board made after such determination is made.

Summary: Budget Surplus Dividend Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, upon a specified determination of budgetary surplus, a credit equal to a certain percentage of a taxpayer's annual social security taxes. Provides for the use of budgetary surplus to reduce public debt and increase nondefense discretionary spending.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Dangerous Explosives Background Checks Requirement Act''. SEC. 2. PERMITS AND BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PURCHASES OF EXPLOSIVES. (a) Permits for Purchase of Explosives in General.-- (1) In general.--Section 842 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)(3), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: ``(A) to transport, cause to be transported, ship, or receive any explosive materials; or ``(B) to distribute explosive materials to any person other than a licensee or permittee.''; and (B) in subsection (b)-- (i) in paragraph (1), by adding ``or'' at the end; (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a period; and (iii) by striking paragraph (3). (2) Regulations.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall promulgate final regulations with respect to the amendments made by paragraph (1). (B) Notice to states.--On the promulgation of final regulations under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Treasury shall notify the States of the regulations in order that the States may consider legislation to amend relevant State laws relating to explosives. (b) Background Checks.--Section 842 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(q) Background Checks.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Chief law enforcement officer.--The term `chief law enforcement officer' means the chief of police, the sheriff, or an equivalent officer or the designee of such an individual. ``(B) System.--The term `system' means the national instant criminal background check system established under section 103 of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. 922 note). ``(2) Prohibition.--A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer shall not transfer explosive materials to a permitee unless-- ``(A) before the completion of the transfer, the licensee contacts the system; ``(B)(i) the system provides the licensee with a unique identification number; or ``(ii) 5 days on which State offices are open have elapsed since the licensee contacted the system, and the system has not notified the licensee that the receipt of explosive materials by the transferee would violate subsection (i); ``(C) the transferor has verified the identity of the transferee by examining a valid identification document (as defined in section 1028(d)) of the transferee containing a photograph of the transferee; and ``(D) the transferor has examined the permit issued to the transferee under section 843 and recorded the permit number on the record of the transfer. ``(3) Identification number.--If receipt of explosive materials would not violate section 842(i) or State law, the system shall-- ``(A) assign a unique identification number to the transfer; and ``(B) provide the licensee with the number. ``(4) Exceptions.--Paragraph (2) shall not apply to a transfer of explosive materials between a licensee and another person if, on application of the transferor, the Secretary has certified that compliance with paragraph (2)(A) is impracticable because-- ``(A) the ratio of the number of law enforcement officers of the State in which the transfer is to occur to the number of square miles of land area of the State does not exceed 0.0025; ``(B) the business premises of the licensee at which the transfer is to occur are extremely remote in relation to the chief law enforcement officer; and ``(C) there is an absence of telecommunications facilities in the geographical area in which the business premises are located. ``(5) Inclusion of identification number.--If the system notifies the licensee that the information available to the system does not demonstrate that the receipt of explosive materials by the transferee would violate subsection (i) or State law, and the licensee transfers explosive materials to the transferee, the licensee shall include in the record of the transfer the unique identification number provided by the system with respect to the transfer. ``(6) Penalties.--If the licensee knowingly transfers explosive materials to another person and knowingly fails to comply with paragraph (2) with respect to the transfer, the Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing-- ``(A) suspend for not more than 6 months, or revoke, any license issued to the licensee under section 843; and ``(B) impose on the licensee a civil penalty of not more than $5,000. ``(7) No liability.--Neither a local government nor an employee of the Federal Government or of any State or local government, responsible for providing information to the system shall be liable in an action at law for damages-- ``(A) for failure to prevent the transfer of explosive materials to a person whose receipt or possession of the explosive material is unlawful under this section; or ``(B) for preventing such a transfer to a person who may lawfully receive or possess explosive materials. ``(8) Determination of ineligibility.-- ``(A) Written reasons provided on request.-- ``(i) In general.--If the system determines that an individual is ineligible to receive explosive materials and the individual requests the system to provide the reasons for the determination, the system shall provide such reasons to the individual, in writing, not later than 5 business days after the date of the request. ``(ii) Ineligibility due to violation.--If the system informs an individual contacting the system that receipt of explosive materials by a prospective transferee would violate subsection (i) or applicable State law, the prospective transferee may request the Attorney General to provide the prospective transferee with the reasons for the determination. ``(B) Treatment of requests.--On receipt of a request under subparagraph (A), the Attorney General shall immediately comply with the request. ``(C) Submission of additional information.-- ``(i) In general.--A prospective transferee may submit to the Attorney General information to correct, clarify, or supplement records of the system with respect to the prospective transferee. ``(ii) Action by the attorney general.-- After receiving information under clause (i), the Attorney General shall-- ``(I) immediately consider the information; ``(II) investigate the matter further; ``(III) correct all erroneous Federal records relating to the prospective transferee; and ``(IV) give notice of the error to any Federal department or agency or any State that was the source of such erroneous records.''. (c) Remedy for Erroneous Denial of Explosive Materials.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 40 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 843 the following: ``Sec. 843A. Remedy for erroneous denial of explosive materials ``(a) In General.--Any person denied explosive materials under section 842(q)-- ``(1) due to the provision of erroneous information relating to the person by any State or political subdivision of a State or by the national instant criminal background check system established under section 103 of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. 922 note); or ``(2) who was not prohibited from receiving explosive materials under section 842(i), may bring an action against an entity described in subsection (b) for an order directing that the erroneous information be corrected or that the transfer be approved, as the case may be. ``(b) Entities Described.--An entity referred to in subsection (a) is-- ``(1) the State or political subdivision responsible for-- ``(A) providing the erroneous information referred to in subsection (a)(1); or ``(B) denying the transfer of explosives; or ``(2) the United States. ``(c) Attorney's Fees.--In any action brought under this section, the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs.''. (2) Technical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 40 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 843 the following: ``843A. Remedy for erroneous denial of explosive materials.''. (d) Licenses and User Permits.--Section 843(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``shall be in such form and contain such information'' and inserting ``shall include fingerprints and a photograph of the applicant, and shall be in such form and contain such other information''; and (2) by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: ``Each applicant for a license shall pay for each license a fee established by the Secretary in an amount not to exceed $300. Each applicant for a permit shall pay for each permit a fee established by the Secretary in an amount not to exceed $100.''. (e) Penalties.--Section 844(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) violates section 842(q) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.''. (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e) shall take effect 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Dangerous Explosives Background Checks Requirement Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a person other than a Federal explosive materials licensee or permittee from knowingly: (1) transporting, shipping, causing to be transported, or receiving explosive materials (currently, in interstate or foreign commerce, and with a specified exception based on residency in a contiguous State); or (2) distributing explosive materials to any person other than such a licensee or permittee (currently, to any such person who the distributor knows or has reasonable cause to believe does not reside in the same State). Repeals provisions permitting distribution to a resident of the State where distribution is made and in which the licensee is licensed to do business or a State contiguous thereto if permitted by the law of the State of the purchaser's residence.Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring explosive materials to a permittee unless specified conditions are met, including that: (1) before the completion of the transfer, the licensee contacts the national instant criminal background check system; and (2) either the system provides the licensee with a unique identification number or five days (on which State offices are open) have elapsed since the licensee contacted the system and the system has not notified the licensee that the receipt of explosive materials by the transferee would violate Federal law.Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) penalties; (2) immunity from liability; (3) information to be supplied to individuals determined to be ineligible to receive explosive materials; and (4) the remedy for erroneous denial of explosive materials.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE This Act may be cited as the ``Immunization Now Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds, with respect to immunizations against vaccine- preventable diseases, the following: (1) Childhood illnesses that can be prevented by timely application of commonly available vaccinations, through a program of Federal and local cooperation, are rising at an alarming rate. (2) The incidence of measles increased 336 percent in 1989, increasing to eighteen thousand one hundred ninety three cases from three thousand three hundred ninety six in 1988. (3) The cost of appropriate immunizations is minimal. One estimate places that cost at $130 per child. (4) The typical price per dose of a measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is approximately $24 to the practitioner and the average cost of hospitalization for a child with measles is approximately $5,000-$6,000. (5) A child who was not immunized from measles died in a California hospital after $800,000 was spent in an effort to treat the child's measles complications. (6) In November 1990 the measles rate for the year had already surpassed the rates of other full years since 1978 and deaths from measles are the highest since 1971. Measles caused more than sixty deaths in 1990, the largest annual number of reported cases due to measles in almost two decades. (7) Fifty four percent of measles cases occur among vaccine-eligible infants and preschool children who have not been vaccinated. (8) One-third to one-half of children up to age two who live in poor, inner-city areas are not properly immunized. (9) Preschool children in other Western, industrialized nations have significantly higher immunization rates than United States children of the same age group. (10) There are seven to nine million uninsured children in the United States. (11) While programs to immunize school-aged children have been very successful, preschoolers as a group now make up 47 percent of measles cases, up from 25 percent in 1988. (12) Computerized systems of tracking immunization status and utilization from birth have been operationalized in several countries, including Great Britain and the Netherlands. Such systems can aid in surveillance of immunization status, provision of reminders to parents when vaccines are due, and monitoring the distribution of vaccines through public and private providers. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM REGARDING IMMUNIZATION OF INFANTS AGAINST VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES. (a) In General.--Each infant in the United States-- (1) who has not reached the infant's second birthday, (2) who is a citizen or national of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or other alien permanently in the United States under color of law, and (3) who is not entitled under a health insurance policy or other health benefit plan to receive (or have any payment made for the expenses of) any immunization specified under section 7, is entitled to receive without charge, in accordance with this Act, immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases. (b) Implementation Through System of Vouchers.--The entitlement established in subsection (a) shall be implemented through the use of vouchers issued under section 5. Such vouchers represent the obligation of the Federal Government to pay, subject to section 6, the costs of providing the immunizations specified under section 7 for the infants for whom the vouchers are issued. SEC. 4. OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE IMMUNIZATIONS. (a) In General.--Any licensed health care professional or provider who or which is authorized by law to provide immunizations specified under section 7 and who or which is engaged in the public or private practice of pediatrics or family medicine shall provide the immunizations specified under section 7 that are appropriate for the age of the infant involved if a voucher issued under section 5 for the infant is presented to the professional or provider. (b) Applicability.--The requirement established in subsection (a) shall apply to a professional or provider without regard to whether the professional or provider provides health services as a participant in the program established in title XVIII of the Social Security Act or the program established in title XIX of such Act, and without regard to whether the professional or provider otherwise receives Federal payments or Federal financial assistance for any purpose. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF VOUCHERS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide for the issuance of vouchers for purposes of section 3(b). Each such voucher shall-- (1) bear a seal for purposes of indicating that the voucher has been issued for purposes of the entitlement established in section 3(a); (2) contain the name of the infant for whom the voucher is issued and the name and address of not less than one parent of the infant; (3) in summary form state the principal legal rights and obligations arising with respect to the voucher; and (4) contain a simple explanation of what immunizations are needed and why. (b) Eligibility.--A voucher shall not be issued under this section with respect to an infant unless the infant is described in section 3(a) and an application for the voucher has been made and signed by a parent of the infant. (c) Application for Issuance.-- (1) Hospitals.--The Secretary shall provide for a process by which a hospital, in which an infant eligible for a voucher is born, issues the voucher to the parent of the infant at the time of birth if the hospital determines, based on information supplied by the parent, that the infant is described in section 3(a). Under the process, the hospital shall complete the application for the voucher on behalf of the infant, obtain the signature of a parent as to the accuracy of the information supplied, and forward the application to the Secretary. (2) Community health centers.--The Secretary shall provide for a process by which a community health center issues a voucher to the parent of an infant if-- (A) based upon information supplied by the parent to the center, the center determines that the infant is described in section 3(a) and a voucher has not been previously issued with respect to the infant, and (B) the infant is a patient at the center. Under the process, the center shall complete the application for the voucher on behalf of the infant, obtain the signature of a parent as to the accuracy of the information supplied, and forward the application to the Secretary. (3) Secretary.--In cases not described in paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary shall provide for direct issuance of a voucher to a parent of an infant described in section 3(a) upon application by the parent. SEC. 6. REIMBURSEMENT FOR PROVISION OF IMMUNIZATIONS. (a) In General.--In the case of a professional or provider providing immunizations pursuant to the presentation of vouchers issued under section 5, the Secretary shall make a single payment to the professional or provider each quarter of the fiscal year as reimbursement for the costs of immunizations provided in the preceding quarter if-- (1) the professional or provider submits to the Secretary the vouchers involved; (2) the Secretary determines that the vouchers were obtained, and the immunizations involved were provided, in accordance with this Act; and (3) the vouchers are submitted to the Secretary in accordance with such procedures and meet such requirements as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out paragraph (2). (b) Amount of Reimbursement.--The Secretary shall establish amounts of reimbursement that will be provided for types of immunizations specified under section 7. Each such reimbursement shall include reimbursement both for the vaccine and for the professional service of providing the immunization. SEC. 7. SPECIFICATION OF IMMUNIZATIONS. The immunizations specified in this section are such immunizations as may be established by the Secretary based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice of the Centers for Disease Control. SEC. 8. GENERAL PROVISIONS. (a) Provision of Information Regarding Program.--The Secretary shall carry out activities-- (1) to inform the public of the entitlement established in section 3(a), including the manner in which an application under section 5(c) may be obtained; and (2) to inform professionals and providers of their legal rights and obligations regarding vouchers issued under section 5. (b) Regulations.--The Secretary shall by regulation issue criteria for carrying out sections 3 through 7. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the final rule shall be issued not later than ninety days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Applicability.--The entitlement established in section 3(a) shall apply upon the expiration of the forty-five day period beginning on the date on which the final rule referred to in subsection (b) is required under such subsection to be issued. (d) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act: (1) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (2) The term ``parent'' means any parent, step-parent, grandparent, or duly appointed guardian. (3) The term ``United States'' includes Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1994 and each subsequent fiscal year. SEC. 9. NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION REGISTRY SYSTEM. (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, shall establish a national immunization registry system (in this section referred to as the ``registry''). The purpose of the system is to provide for national surveillance of childhood immunization status through age six. (b) 2-Year Research and Demonstration Phase.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to conduct research and demonstration projects aimed at identifying mechanisms and structures to develop the registry, including-- (A) projects to test methods for collecting birth certificate and immunization information in a large central data system; (B) projects to evaluate the capacity of public health agencies to provide birth certificate and immunization information in a cost-effective and efficient manner; (C) projects to assess techniques for tracking children in mobile populations across geographic areas; (D) projects to explore the feasibility of a registry which requires the participation by private providers of immunization services; and (E) projects to demonstrate the efficient use of registry information in providing immunization status. (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $7,000,000 in fiscal year 1994 and $12,000,000 in fiscal year 1995. (c) Enhancement of Information Systems.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, based on projects conducted under subsection (b), shall expand the registry to cover the entire Nation. In doing this, the Secretary shall-- (A) develop the capacity to link and process all birth certificate records through a central registry; (B) enhance State and local technical capacity to provide information through use of resources (such as new computer hardware and software or technical assistance); (C) promote participation by private providers who administer childhood vaccines; and (D) develop mechanisms to collect information on all doses of vaccine administered to preschool age children in both the public and private sectors. (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $50,000,000 in fiscal year 1996. (d) Full Implementation.-- (1) In general.--Beginning with fiscal year 1997, the Secretary shall provide for full implementation of the registry. In implementing such registry, the Secretary shall provide that-- (A) all infants born in the United States are registered through birth certificate information that relates to immunization tracking and vaccine administration; (B) information on doses of vaccines administered to all children under six years of age is collected; (C) appropriate notices are provided to parents regarding overdue vaccinations; and (D) appropriate records are provided to parents for their children entering schools or day care programs. The Secretary shall include information on the operation of the registry with annual reports submitted to Congress on the operation of the vaccine system provided under the other provisions of this Act. (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $50,000,000 in each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1997.

Summary: Immunization Now Act of 1993 - Entitles each infant in the United States under two years old who does not have other health insurance and who meets other requirements to receive immunizations without charge. Requires any licensed health care professional to provide immunizations in exchange for vouchers issued through hospitals or community health centers or on direct application by the parent, with quarterly reimbursements to health care providers in amounts set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to carry out activities to inform the public and health care providers regarding the program. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a national immunization registry system to provide for national surveillance of childhood immunization status through age six. Mandates grants for research and demonstration projects to identify mechanisms and structures to develop the registry. Requires certain measures to expand the registry from the projects to cover the entire Nation. Requires full implementation of the registry by 1997. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. MARKET-DRIVEN INVENTORY SYSTEM. (a) In General.--Subtitle B of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8731 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 1211. MARKET-DRIVEN INVENTORY SYSTEM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Inventory cap.--The term `inventory cap' means the market commodity-specific limitations on participation in the program described in subsection (b)(3). ``(2) Market commodity.--The term `market commodity' means corn, oats, barley, grain sorghum, wheat, and soybeans. ``(3) Program.--The term `program' means the market-driven inventory system program established in accordance with this section. ``(4) Storage period.--The term `storage period' means, for a market commodity enrolled in the program, the period that-- ``(A) begins on the date of enrollment of the market commodity in the program; and ``(B) ends on the date on which the Secretary authorizes loan repayment and release under subsection (d). ``(b) Recourse Loans Available.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), for each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of each market commodity, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans in accordance with this section to producers on a farm that elect to participate in the program for 1 or more market commodities. ``(2) Enrollment.-- ``(A) In general.--Enrollment in the program shall be voluntary and considered on a rolling basis. ``(B) Limitations.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may implement enrollment restrictions if the market prices of a market commodity are close to the recourse loan rate or the release price described in subsection (d)(2). ``(ii) End of restrictions.--Any enrollment restrictions implemented under clause (i) for a market commodity shall end as soon as the Secretary determines that the 1-month average of the market commodity is below the recourse loan rate for that market commodity. ``(3) Inventory cap.--Participation in the program for corn, wheat, and soybeans shall be limited to not more than the following: ``(A) Corn, 3,000,000,000 bushels. ``(B) Oats, 20,000,000 bushels. ``(C) Barley, 40,000,000 bushels. ``(D) Grain sorghum, 40,000,000 bushels. ``(E) Wheat, 800,000,000 bushels. ``(F) Soybeans, 400,000,000 bushels. ``(c) Storage Period.-- ``(1) In general.--As a condition of participation, for each market commodity that the producers on a farm enroll in the program, the producers on the farm shall, throughout the storage period-- ``(A) store the market commodity; ``(B) maintain the market commodity in proper condition, as determined by the Secretary; and ``(C) not sell or otherwise release into the market the market commodity. ``(2) Ownership.--During the storage period-- ``(A) title to the market commodity shall remain with the producers on the farm, subject to the conditions on participation described in paragraph (1); and ``(B) the Secretary shall have a first lien on the market commodity for which a recourse loan under this section is received. ``(3) Payment.-- ``(A) In general.--During the storage period, the Secretary shall make storage payments to the producers on the farm at a rate of $0.40 per bushel of market commodity per crop year. ``(B) Duration.--The Secretary shall terminate the making of storage payments for a market commodity to producers on a farm on the date on which the release price for the market commodity is triggered in accordance with subsection (d). ``(d) Loan Repayment and Release.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary shall authorize loan repayment and release for a market commodity on the date on which the release price for that market commodity is triggered. ``(2) Release price.--The release price for a market commodity shall be equal to 160 percent of the applicable recourse loan rate described in subsection (e). ``(3) Producer options.--Subject to paragraph (4), once the Secretary has authorized loan repayment and release for a market commodity, the producers on a farm may-- ``(A) sell or otherwise release into the market the market commodity; or ``(B) continue to store the market commodity, but without receiving additional storage payments for the market commodity. ``(4) Partial release.-- ``(A) In general.--Regardless of whether the inventory cap for a market commodity has been reached, if the Secretary determines, based on available information, that the total quantity of the market commodity stored is so great that release of all of the stored market commodity into the market would depress market prices below the release level, the Secretary may establish a maximum release quantity to limit the sale and release of the stored market commodity. ``(B) Administration.--In the case of a partial release described in subparagraph (A)-- ``(i) the producers on a farm that first enrolled in the program shall be eligible first to sell or otherwise release into the market the stored market commodity; and ``(ii) the producers on a farm that do not have the option of selling or otherwise releasing into the market the stored market commodity shall continue to be eligible to receive storage payments for the market commodity. ``(e) Recourse Loan Rates.--For purposes of each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the recourse loan rate for a market commodity under this section shall be equal to the following: ``(1) Corn, $3.50 per bushel. ``(2) Oats, $2.49 per bushel. ``(3) Barley, $3.50 per bushel. ``(4) Grain sorghum, $3.50 per bushel. ``(5) Wheat, $5.28 per bushel. ``(6) Soybeans, $8.97 per bushel. ``(f) Set-Aside Program.-- ``(1) In general.--If the inventory cap for a market commodity is reached and the market price of the market commodity is below the recourse loan rate for the market commodity, the Secretary may establish a set-aside program under which producers on a farm may remove acres from production for the following crop year. ``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to enroll acres in the set-aside program under paragraph (1), the producers on a farm shall be required to have produced the applicable market commodity during at least 1 of the last 2 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. ``(3) Requirements.-- ``(A) Cover crop.-- ``(i) In general.--As a condition on participation in the set-aside program, producers on a farm shall be required to maintain an approved cover crop on all enrolled acreage. ``(ii) Planting flexibility.--Producers on a farm may plant any crop on acreage not enrolled in the set-aside program. ``(B) Secretarial discretion.--If the Secretary establishes a set-aside program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine, at the discretion of the Secretary-- ``(i) the amount of the payment to be made to producers that elect to participate in the set-aside program; ``(ii) the percentage of the total acreage planted to the market commodity that the producers are required to remove from production as a condition of participation; and ``(iii) the extent to which grazing and other noncommercial uses of the land enrolled in the set-aside program shall be permitted.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 1001 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (4)-- (i) by striking ``wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats''; and (ii) by striking ``soybeans''; and (B) in paragraph (8)-- (i) by striking ``wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats''; and (ii) by striking ``soybeans''. (2) Section 1103(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713) is amended-- (A) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (9); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), (8), and (10) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively. (3) Section 1104(c)(3) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714(c)(3)) is amended-- (A) by striking subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (I); and (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H) and (J) through (N) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) and (D) through (H), respectively. (4) Section 1202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8732(c)) is amended-- (A) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (10); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (9) and (11) through (19) as paragraphs (1) through (4) and (5) through (13), respectively. (c) Application.--The amendments made by this section apply beginning with the 2014 crop of a market commodity (as defined in section 1211(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as added by subsection (a))).

Summary: Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), for each of the 2014-2018 crops of each market commodity, to make recourse loans available to producers on a farm electing to participate in the program. Sets forth: (1) the recourse loan rate for corn, oats, barley, grain sorghum, wheat, and soybeans; and (2) market commodity-specific limitations on participation (inventory caps) for such crops. Requires participating producers, until the Secretary authorizes loan repayment and release, to: (1) store and maintain the market commodity, and (2) not sell or otherwise release the commodity into the market. Provides that during such storage period: (1) title to the commodity shall remain with the producers, and (2) the Secretary shall have a first lien on the commodity for which a recourse loan is received. Provides USDA payments to producers at $0.40 per bushel per crop year. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a partial commodity release if the market release of all of the stored commodity would depress prices below the release level. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a set-aside program under which qualifying producers on a farm may remove acres from production for the following crop year if the inventory cap for a commodity is reached and such commodity's market price is below the recourse loan rate. Requires participating producers to maintain a cover crop on all enrolled acreage.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hire Just One Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE VOUCHER PROGRAMS. (a) Use of Unemployment Fund for Employment Assistance Voucher Program.-- (1) State law.--Section 3304(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (F), by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (G), and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(H) during the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Hire Just One Act of 2013, amounts may be withdrawn for the payment of allowances under an employment assistance voucher program (as defined in section 3306(v));''. (2) Permissible expenditures.--Section 3306(f) of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5), (B) by redesignating the paragraph relating to the self-employment assistance program as paragraph (6) and striking the period at the end of such paragraph and inserting ``; and'', and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(7) during the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Hire Just One Act of 2013, amounts may be withdrawn for the payment of allowances under an employment assistance voucher program (as defined in subsection (v)).''. (b) Employment Assistance Voucher Program Defined.--Section 3306 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(v) Employment Assistance Voucher Program.--For the purposes of this chapter-- ``(1) In general.--The term `employment assistance voucher program' means a program under which-- ``(A) an eligible individual is issued an employment assistance voucher, ``(B) upon employment with an employer described in paragraph (5)-- ``(i) the eligible individual transfers the employment assistance voucher to the employer, ``(ii) the individual ceases to receive unemployment compensation and is paid wages by the employer, and ``(iii) the employer receives payments upon presenting the voucher to the State, and ``(C) the program meets such other requirements as the Secretary of Labor determines to be appropriate. ``(2) Rules relating to unemployed individuals.--For purposes of paragraph (1)-- ``(A) Compensation.--Compensation pursuant to paragraph (1)(B)(ii) shall-- ``(i) not be less than 200 percent of the unemployment compensation otherwise payable to the individual on the date of the individual's employment under the employment assistance voucher program, ``(ii) not be less than the minimum wage (as specified in section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938), ``(iii) be payable for a period not to exceed the maximum number of remaining weeks of unemployment compensation (including supplemental and emergency) to which the employee would be entitled (but for participating in the employment assistance voucher program), determined as of the date of employment. ``(B) Termination of employment.--If, before the end of the period referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii), an individual's employment with an employer under the employment assistance voucher program is terminated for reasons other than cause, the individual is entitled to the remaining period of entitlement referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii) less the number of weeks of such employment. ``(C) Certain requirements not to apply.--State requirements relating to availability for work, active search for work, and refusal to accept work are not applicable to individuals participating in the employment assistance voucher program. ``(3) Employment assistance voucher.--The term `employment assistance voucher' means a voucher-- ``(A) obtained by an eligible individual pursuant to the State law, ``(B) payable to the employer of the eligible individual-- ``(i) at a rate determined under State law but not to exceed 90 percent of the amount of unemployment compensation to which the eligible individual is entitled, and ``(ii) on the same schedule as unemployment compensation would be payable to the individual but for employment under the employment assistance voucher program. ``(4) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual' means an individual who-- ``(A) is eligible to receive regular unemployment compensation under the State law, extended unemployment, or emergency unemployment or would be eligible to receive such compensation except for the requirements described in paragraph (1)(B), ``(B) is identified pursuant to a State worker profiling system as an individual likely to exhaust regular unemployment compensation, ``(C) immediately prior to employment by the eligible employer, was unemployed for not less than 6 months, and ``(D) is employed by an eligible employer. ``(5) Eligible employer.--The term `eligible employer' means an employer who agrees to the terms and conditions of employment under the unemployment assistance voucher program and who is approved by the State agency. ``(6) Treatment of participating individuals under federal and state law.--Individuals participating in an unemployment assistance voucher program shall be treated as unemployed for the purposes of Federal and State laws applicable to unemployment compensation, except that wages paid to the employee under such program shall be subject to Federal and State taxation to the same extent and in the same manner as wages generally. ``(7) Cost limiter.--A State program shall not be treated as an employment assistance voucher program for purposes of this chapter unless the program does not result in any cost to the Unemployment Trust Fund (established by section 904(a) of the Social Security Act) in excess of the cost that would be incurred by such State and charged to such Fund, or to any Federal funds in the system if the State had not participated in such program. ``(8) Prevention of employment termination to participate in program.--A State program shall not be treated as an employment assistance voucher program for purposes of this chapter unless the State has in effect measures to prevent employers from terminating employment for purposes of participating in the employment assistance voucher program. ``(9) Prevention in terminating employees during program.-- A State program shall not be treated as an employment assistance voucher program for purposes of this chapter unless the State has in effect measures to recoup payments made to an employer under the program if the employer has terminated from employment more employees during the 120-day period referred to in section 3304(a)(4)(H) than the employer has hired under the program.''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(a)(5)) is amended by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``: Provided further, That amounts may be withdrawn for the payment of allowances under an employment assistance voucher program (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); and''. (d) State Reports.--Any State operating an employment assistance voucher program approved by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to section 3304(a)(4)(H) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) shall report annually to the Secretary on the number of individuals who participate in the program, the operating costs of the program, compliance with program requirements, and any other relevant aspects of program operations requested by the Secretary. (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall submit a report to the Congress with respect to the operation of the employment assistance voucher program. Such report shall be based on the reports received from the States pursuant to subsection (d) and include such other information as the Secretary of Labor determines is appropriate. (f) Effective Date.--The provisions of this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Hire Just One Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow states, for a 120-day period beginning on the enactment date of this Act, to implement an employment assistance voucher program, in lieu of paying unemployment compensation directly to employees, under which an eligible individual is issued an employment assistance voucher and is hired by a participating employer who receives a subsidy from the state for the wages paid to the employee. Defines an "eligible employee" as an individual who has been unemployed for at least six months, who is eligible for unemployment compensation, and who is likely to exhaust such compensation. Requires a state program issuing employment assistance vouchers to have in effect measures to recoup subsidies made to an employer if such employer has terminated more employees during the 120-day period than such employer has hired under the program.


SECTION 1. INCREASED EXCLUSION AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS APPLICABLE TO QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESS STOCK. (a) Increased Exclusion.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (50-percent exclusion for gain from certain small business stock) is amended-- (A) by striking ``50 percent'' and inserting ``75 percent'', and (B) by striking ``50-Percent'' in the heading and inserting ``75-Percent''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Paragraph (8) of section 1(h) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(8) Section 1202 gain.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `section 1202 gain' means an amount equal to 25 percent of the gain which would be excluded from gross income under section 1202(a) without regard to the 75 percent limitation in such section.'' (B) The heading for section 1202 of such Code is amended by striking ``50-percent'' and inserting ``75- percent''. (C) The table of sections for part I of subchapter P of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking ``50-percent'' in the item relating to section 1202 and inserting ``75-percent''. (b) Reduction in Holding Period.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 1202 of such Code is amended by striking ``5 years'' and inserting ``3 years''. (2) Conforming amendment.--Subsections (g)(2)(A) and (j)(1)(A) of section 1202 of such Code are each amended by striking ``5 years'' and inserting ``3 years''. (c) Exclusion Available to Corporations.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 1202 of such Code is amended by striking ``other than a corporation''. (2) Technical amendment.--Subsection (c) of section 1202 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Stock held among members of controlled group not eligible.--Stock of a member of a parent-subsidiary controlled group (as defined in subsection (d)(3)) shall not be treated as qualified small business stock while held by another member of such group.'' (d) Repeal of Minimum Tax Preference.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 57 of such Code (relating to items of tax preference) is amended by striking paragraph (7). (2) Technical amendment.--Subclause (II) of section 53(d)(1)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking ``, (5), and (7)'' and inserting ``and (5)''. (e) Stock of Larger Businesses Eligible for Exclusion.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 1202(d) of such Code (defining qualified small business) is amended by striking ``$50,000,000'' each place it appears and inserting ``$300,000,000''. (2) Inflation adjustment.--Section 1202(d) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Inflation adjustment of asset limitation.--In the case of stock issued in any calendar year after 1999, the $300,000,000 amount contained in paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 1998' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10,000, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10,000.'' (f) Repeal of Per-Issuer Limitation.--Section 1202 of such Code is amended by striking subsection (b). (g) Other Modifications.-- (1) Repeal of working capital limitation.--Section 1202(e)(6) of such Code (relating to working capital) is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2 years'' and inserting ``5 years''; and (B) by striking the last sentence. (2) Exception from redemption rules where business purpose.--Section 1202(c)(3) of such Code (relating to certain purchases by corporation of its own stock) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(D) Waiver where business purpose.--A purchase of stock by the issuing corporation shall be disregarded for purposes of subparagraph (B) if the issuing corporation establishes that there was a business purpose for such purchase and one of the principal purposes of the purchase was not to avoid the limitations of this section.'' (h) Qualified Trade or Business.--Section 1202(e)(3) of such Code (defining qualified trade or business) is amended by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C), by striking ``, and'' at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting a period, and by striking subparagraph (E). (i) Effective Dates.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section apply to stock issued after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Special rule.--The amendments made by subsections (a), (c), (e), (f), and (g)(1) apply to stock issued after August 10, 1993. SEC. 2. INCREASED EXCLUSION FOR INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS; EXCEPTION FROM ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX. (a) Increased Exclusion.--Subsection (d) of section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to $100,000 per year limitation) is amended by striking ``$100,000'' each place it appears and inserting ``$200,000''. (b) Exception From Alternative Minimum Tax.--Subsection (b) of section 56 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (3). (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to options exercised in calendar years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning the exclusion of gain from certain small business stock to, among other things: (1) increase from 50 to 75 percent the amount of gain excluded from the sale certain small business stock; (2) reduce from five to three years the holding period applicable to such a sale; (3) make such exclusion available to corporations; and (4) make the stock of larger businesses eligible. Doubles the annual limitation on incentive stock options.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Telemedicine and Medical Informatics Demonstration Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. INFORMATICS, TELEMEDICINE, AND EDUCATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. (a) Purpose and Authorization.-- (1) In general.--Under section 1142 of the Social Security Act and consistent with this section, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, shall make a grant to an eligible grantee to provide for a project to demonstrate the application of high- capacity computing and advanced networks to the provision of health care to both residents of medically underserved rural areas and residents of medically underserved inner-city areas. (2) Focus.--The project shall focus on-- (A) improvements in primary care (and prevention of complications) for those residents with diabetes (mellitus), and (B) those residents who are Medicare beneficiaries. (3) Duration of project.--The project shall be conducted over a 4-year period. (4) Authorization of appropriations; medicare and medicaid waiver authority.--The total amount of Federal expenditures that may be provided pursuant to this section under the project shall not exceed $30,000,000. Subject to such limitation, the Secretary may waive such provisions of title XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act as may be appropriate in order to permit and demonstrate the provision of Medicare and Medicaid funding under the project. (b) Objectives of Project.--The objectives of the project include the following: (1) Improving patient access to and compliance with appropriate care guidelines for chronic diseases through direct telecommunications link with information networks in order to improve patient quality-of-life and reduce overall health care costs. (2) Developing a curriculum to train, and providing standards for credentialing and licensure of, health professionals (particularly primary care health professionals) in the use of medical informatics and telecommunciations. (3) Demonstrating the application of advanced technologies, such as video-conferencing from a patient's home, remote monitoring of a patient's medical condition, interventional informatics, and applying individualized, automated care guidelines, to assist primary care providers in assisting patients with chronic illnesses in a home setting. (4) Application of medical informatics to residents with limited English language skills. (5) Developing standards in the application of telemedicine and medical informatics. (6) Developing a model for the cost-effective delivery of primary and related care both in a managed care environment and in a fee-for-service environment. (c) Eligible Grantee.--For purposes of this section, the term ``eligible grantee'' means a consortium that includes at least one tertiary care hospital, at least one medical school, and at least one regional telecommunications provider and that meets the following requirements: (1) The consortium is located in an area with a high concentration of medical schools and tertiary care facilities and has appropriate arrangements (within or outside the consortium) with such schools and facilities, universities, and telecommunications providers, in order to conduct the project. (2) The consortium submits to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a description of the use to which the consortium would apply any amounts received under the project and the source and amount of non-Federal contribution towards the project. (3) The consortium demonstrates that it will provide for a contribution toward the project from non-Federal funds or resources in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of the total amount to be expended in carrying out the project. (d) Use of Funds.-- (1) In general.--Federal payments made available to an eligible grantee under this section shall be used for the development and operation of telemedicine and medical informatics systems and related activities under the project. (2) Specific uses permitted.--Such payments may be used for any of the following: (A) The acquisition of telemedicine equipment for use in patients' homes (but only in the case of patients located in medically underserved areas). (B) Curriculum development and training of health professionals in medical informatics and telemedicine. (C) Payment of telecommunications costs (including salaries and maintenance of equipment), including costs of telecommunications between patients' homes and the eligible grantee and between the grantee and other entities under the arrangements described in subsection (c)(1). (D) Payments to practitioners and providers under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (3) Prohibited uses.--Such payments may not be used for any of the following: (A) The purchase or installation of transmission equipment (other than such equipment used by health professionals to deliver medical informatics services under the project). (B) The establishment or operation of a telecommunications common carrier network. (C) Construction (except for minor renovations related to the installation of reimbursable equipment) or the acquisition or building of real property. (e) Reports.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Finance and Labor and Human Resources of the Senate interim reports on the project and a final report on the project within 6 months after the conclusion of the project. The final report shall include an evaluation of the impact of the use of telemedicine and medical informatics on improving access of medicare and medicaid beneficiaries to health care services, on reducing the costs of such services, and on improving the quality of life of such beneficiaries. (f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: (1) Interventional informatics.--The term ``interventional informatics'' means using information technology and virtual reality technology to intervene in patient care. (2) Medical informatics.--The term ``medical informatics'' means the storage, retrieval, and use of biomedical and related information for problem solving and decision-making through computing and communications technologies. (3) Project.--The term ``project'' means the demonstration project under this section. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Summary: Medicare Telemedicine and Medical Informatics Demonstration Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, to make a grant to a consortium meeting specified criteria to provide for a project for the development and operation of telemedicine and medical informatics systems to demonstrate the application of high-capacity computing and advanced networks to the provision of health care to residents of medically underserved rural and inner-city areas. Requires the project to focus on Medicare beneficiaries and on improvements in primary care (and prevention of complications) for residents with diabetes (mellitus). Lists project objectives, which include improving patient access to and compliance with appropriate care guidelines for chronic diseases through direct telecommunications link with information networks in order to improve patient quality-of-life and reduce overall health care costs. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Highway Infrastructure Privatization Act''. SEC. 2. TAX-EXEMPT FINANCING OF QUALIFIED HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION. (a) Treatment as Exempt Facility Bond.--Subsection (a) of section 142 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to exempt facility bond) is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (12) and inserting ``, or'', and by adding at the end the following: ``(13) qualified highway infrastructure projects.'' (b) Qualified Highway Infrastructure Projects.--Section 142 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(k) Qualified Highway Infrastructure Projects.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(13), the term `qualified highway infrastructure project' means a project-- ``(A) for the construction or reconstruction of a highway, and ``(B) designated under paragraph (2) as an eligible pilot project. ``(2) Eligible pilot project.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall select not more than 15 highway infrastructure projects to be pilot projects eligible for tax-exempt financing. ``(B) Eligibility criteria.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish criteria for the selection of projects under subparagraph (A), except that no project may be selected unless the project-- ``(i) serves the general public; ``(ii) is necessary to evaluate the potential of the private sector's participation in the provision of the highway infrastructure of the United States; ``(iii) is located on publicly owned rights-of-way; ``(iv) is publicly owned or the ownership of the highway constructed or reconstructed under the project reverts to the public; and ``(v) is consistent with a transportation plan developed pursuant to section 134(g) or 135(e) of title 23, United States Code. ``(3) Aggregate face amount of tax-exempt financing.-- ``(A) In general.--An issue shall not be treated as an issue described in subsection (a)(13) if the aggregate face amount of bonds issued pursuant thereto (when added to the aggregate face amount of bonds previously so issued and outstanding) exceeds $15,000,000,000. ``(B) Allocation.--The Secretary of Transportation shall allocate the amount described in subparagraph (A) among the eligible pilot projects designated under paragraph (2). ``(C) Reallocation.--If any portion of an allocation under subparagraph (B) is unused on the date which is 3 years after such allocation, the Secretary of Transportation may reallocate such portion among the remaining eligible pilot projects.'' (c) Exemption From General State Volume Caps.--Paragraph (3) of section 146(g) of such Code (relating to exception for certain bonds) is amended-- (1) by striking ``or (12)'' and inserting ``(12), or (13)'', and (2) by striking ``and environmental enhancements of hydroelectric generating facilities'' and inserting ``environmental enhancements of hydroelectric generating facilities, and qualified highway infrastructure projects''. (d) Report.-- (1) In general.--Not later than the earlier of-- (A) one year after either one-half of the projects authorized under section 142(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 have been identified or one-half of the total bonds allowable for such projects under such section have been issued, or (B) seven years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the Committees on Finance and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Ways and Means and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives the report described in paragraph (2). (2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall evaluate the overall success of the program conducted pursuant to the amendments made by this Act, including-- (A) a description of each project, (B) the extent to which such projects used new technologies, construction techniques, or innovative cost controls which resulted in savings in building the project, and (C) the use and efficiency of the Federal tax subsidy provided by the bond financing. (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to bonds issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Highway Infrastructure Privatization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of a qualified highway infrastructure project bond as an exempt facility bond. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to select no more than 15 highway infrastructure projects as pilot projects eligible for tax-exempt financing.