SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) One out of every six veterans who have returned from serving in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom have diagnosable post-traumatic stress disorder. (2) The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense face a shortfall of trained mental health professionals. (3) The demands placed on the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system exceed the capacity of that system to serve veterans. (4) Veterans who live in rural areas serviced by distant Department of Veterans Affairs facilities have no option other than excessive travel for diagnosis and long-term treatment. (5) The variety of mental ailments acquired during or as a result of deployment in a war zone frequently require long- term, intensive, and highly-personalized care. (6) The system of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act for providing long-term mental health care creates unnecessary and unacceptable stress for veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs. (7) The long-term needs associated with mental health conditions require a positive change in the way the Department of Veterans Affairs provides mental health services. SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO CERTAIN VETERANS OF CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish and carry out a pilot program to provide mental health counseling to eligible veterans at facilities other than medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Eligible Veteran.--For purposes of this section, the term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who-- (1) served on active duty in support of a contingency operation, as that term is defined in section 101(13) of title 10, United States Code; (2) is eligible to receive hospital care and medical services under section 1710 of title 38, United States Code; (3) has been diagnosed with a mental health condition for which a certified mental health provider has recommended the veteran receive mental health counseling; and (4) resides at least 30 miles from a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs that employs a full-time mental health professional. (c) Provision of Vouchers.-- (1) Vouchers.-- (A) Six month supply.--Under the pilot program established under subsection (a), upon the request of an eligible veteran, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall issue to the eligible veteran a six-month supply of vouchers that may be used to provide for full payment for counseling services provided by any mental health provider on the list established under paragraph (2). (B) Additional vouchers.--If a veteran receives a supply of vouchers under the preceding sentence and, not later than five months after receiving such vouchers requests an additional six-month supply of vouchers, the Secretary may issue to the veteran an additional six-month supplies of vouchers, as the Secretary determines is appropriate. (C) Deadline.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall issue the vouchers under this paragraph not later than 30 days after the date of the date on which the veteran requests the vouchers. (2) List of service providers.--The Secretary shall compile and maintain a list of mental health care providers, including family counseling providers, who have entered into an agreement with the Secretary to accept the vouchers issued under paragraph (1) as payment in full for visits to the provider for mental health counseling. (3) Compliance with department protocols.--Each mental health care provider on the list maintained by the Secretary under paragraph (2) shall comply with applicable protocols of the Department of Veterans Affairs before incurring any liability on behalf of the Department for the provision of services as part of the pilot program. (d) Family Counseling.--If a certified mental health provider or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has recommended that an eligible veteran and the veteran's family receive family counseling, that veteran may use a voucher provided under subsection (c) as payment in full for visits to a family counseling provider on the list maintained under paragraph (2) of such subsection for such counseling. (e) Rate of Provider Reimbursement.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide for payment under the voucher of a mental health provider at the reimbursement rate (if any) in effect under the TRICARE program under chapter 55, of title 10, United States Code, for such services (or similar services) of such a provider in the area or, in the absence of such a reimbursement rate, at the payment rates for such services (or similar services) in effect under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. In order to receive payment under a voucher, a mental health provider shall submit to the Secretary the voucher bearing the signature of the provider and the veteran who received counseling from the provider in exchange for the voucher. (f) Veterans Integrated Service Networks.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under this section in Veterans Integrated Service Networks 1, 4, 7, 12, 17, 20, and 23. (g) Termination; Extension.-- (1) Termination.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out a pilot program under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of enactment of this section. (2) Study; Extension.--Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of the pilot program under this section, in which the Secretary shall recommend whether the program should be extended or expanded. Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the Secretary determines the program should be extended or expanded, the Secretary may extend or expand the existing program.

Summary: Rural Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to establish and implement a pilot program to provide mental health counseling services to eligible veterans at non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Defines "eligible veteran" as one who: (1) served on active duty in support of a contingency operation; (2) is eligible to receive hospital care and medical services; (3) has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and recommended to receive mental health counseling; and (4) resides at least 30 miles from a VA medical facility that employs a full-time mental health professional. Requires the Secretary to issue to an eligible veteran a six-month supply of vouchers to be used to pay for counseling (including family counseling) services provided by the mental health provider. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the pilot program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Expand School Meals Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FREE LUNCH ELIGIBILITY. (a) In General.--Section 9(b)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(1)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D); (2) by striking ``(b)(1)(A) Not'' and inserting the following: ``(b) Income Eligibility Guidelines.-- ``(1) Establishment.-- ``(A) In general.--Not''; (3) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``and reduced price''; (B) by striking ``The income guidelines for determining eligibility for free lunches shall be 130 percent'' and inserting the following: ``(B) Free lunches.--The income guidelines for determining eligibility for free lunches shall be 185 percent.''; (C) by striking the third sentence; and (D) by striking ``The Office'' and inserting the following: ``(C) Frequency of revisions.--The Office''; and (4) in subparagraph (D) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))-- (A) by striking ``(D) The'' and inserting the following: ``(D) Amount of revisions.--The''; and (B) by striking ``subparagraph (A) of this paragraph'' and inserting ``subparagraph (C)''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 9 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758) is amended-- (A) in subsection (b)-- (i) by striking ``free and reduced price'' each place it appears (other than paragraph (7)) and inserting ``free''; (ii) by striking ``free or reduced price'' each place it appears and inserting ``free''; (iii) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``, and shall contain'' and all that follows through ``or reduced price lunches''; (iv) in paragraph (3)-- (I) in subparagraph (E)(iii), by striking ``free or reduced-price'' each place it appears and inserting ``free''; and (II) in subparagraph (F)-- (aa) in clause (i), by striking ``Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii)'' and inserting ``Subject to clause (ii),''; (bb) in clause (ii)(II), by striking ``133 percent'' both places it appears in items (aa) and (bb) and inserting ``185 percent''; (cc) by striking clause (iii); and (dd) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; (v) in paragraph (7)-- (I) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``and reduced price'' and inserting ``meals''; (II) by striking ``and reduced price policy'' each place it appears and inserting ``meals policy''; and (III) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and reduced price meals'' and inserting ``meals''; (vi) in paragraph (9)-- (I) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``and reduced price''; (II) by striking subparagraph (B); and (III) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); (vii) in paragraph (10), by striking ``or a reduced price lunch''; and (viii) in paragraph (11), in the first sentence, by striking ``or reduced price lunches''; (B) in subsection (c), in the third sentence, by striking ``or at a reduced cost''; (C) in subsection (d), by striking ``or reduced price'' each place it appears; and (D) in subsection (e), by striking ``, reduced price,''. (2) Section 11 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a) is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)-- (i) in paragraph (1)-- (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and the product obtained by multiplying'' and all that follows through ``for such fiscal year''; (II) in subparagraph (B)-- (aa) by striking ``or reduced price lunches'' the first place it appears; (bb) by striking ``or reduced price lunches, as the case may be''; and (cc) by striking ``and reduced price lunches''; (III) in subparagraph (C)-- (aa) in clause (ii), by striking ``or reduced price lunches or breakfasts'' each place it appears; and (bb) in clause (iii), by striking ``or reduced price''; and (IV) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and reduced price lunches'' each place it appears in clauses (iii) and (iv); (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and the special assistance factor for reduced price'' and all that follows through ``free lunches''; and (iii) in paragraph (3)(B)(iii)(I), by striking ``or reduced price''; (B) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking ``and reduced price''; (C) in subsection (d), by striking ``and the average number of children who received reduced price lunches'' each place it appears paragraphs (1) and (2); and (D) in subsection (e)-- (i) in the second sentence, by striking ``, and shall serve meals at a reduced price'' and all that follows through ``such section''; and (ii) in the third sentence, by striking ``or reduced priced''. (3) Section 12(l)(4) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(l)(4)) is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and reduced price''; (B) by striking subparagraph (D); (C) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``or reduced price''; and (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (M) as subparagraphs (D) through (L). (4) Section 13 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1761) is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)-- (i) in paragraph (1)(C)-- (I) by striking ``or reduced price''; and (II) by striking ``and reduced price''; and (ii) in paragraph (5), by striking ``or reduced price''; and (B) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``or reduced price''. (5) Section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1766) is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)(2)(B)(i), by striking ``or reduced price''; (B) in subsection (c)-- (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(as calculated on the day before the date of enactment of the Expand School Meals Act of 2009)'' after ``lunches, reduced price lunches''; (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``(as calculated on the day before the date of enactment of the Expand School Meals Act of 2009)'' after ``breakfasts, reduced price breakfasts''; and (iii) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: ``(4) Determinations.-- ``(A) Free meals.--Determinations with regard to eligibility for free meals and supplements shall be made in accordance with the income eligibility guidelines for free lunches under section 9. ``(B) Reduced price meals.--Determinations with regard to eligibility for reduced price meals and supplements shall be made in accordance with the income eligibility guidelines for reduced price lunches under section 9, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Expand School Meals Act of 2009.''; (C) in subsection (f)(3)-- (i) by striking ``or reduced price'' each place it appears; and (ii) in subparagraph (A)(iii)(II)(aa), in the item heading, by striking ``or reduced price''; and (D) in subsection (r)(1)(B), by striking ``or reduced price''. (6) Section 17A(c)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1766a(c)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``or reduced price''. (7) Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended by striking subsection (i). (8) Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769a) is amended-- (A) by striking ``or reduced price'' each place it appears; and (B) by striking ``and reduced price'' each place it appears. (9) Section 20(b) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769b(b)) is amended by striking ``and reduced price''. (10) Section 21(a)(1)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769b-1(a)(1)(B)) is amended-- (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``or reduced price''; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking ``and reduced price''. (c) Transition Rules.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out the amendments made by paragraphs (2) and (8) of subsection (b) in accordance with transition rules established by the Secretary. SEC. 3. FREE BREAKFAST ELIGIBILITY. (a) In General.--Section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1733) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in subparagraph (A)(i)(II)-- (I) by striking ``, for reduced price breakfasts,''; and (II) by striking ``or reduced price''; (ii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) in the third sentence, by striking ``or reduced price''; and (II) by striking the second sentence; (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (v) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated)-- (I) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``and reduced price'' and inserting ``meals''; (II) by striking ``and reduced price policy'' each place it appears and inserting ``meals policy''; and (III) by striking ``and reduced price meals'' and inserting ``meals''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or reduced price''; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and (2) in subsections (d)(1)(A) and (e)(1)(A), by striking ``or at a reduced price'' each place it appears. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1776) is amended-- (A) in subsection (e)(2)(B)(ii), by striking ``or reduced price''; and (B) in subsection (i), by striking ``and reduced price'' each place it appears in paragraphs (2)(B)(iii) and (3)(B)(i). (2) Section 17(d)(2)(A)(i) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(d)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by striking ``and reduced price''. (3) Section 20(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1789(b)) is amended by striking ``and reduced-price''.

Summary: Expand School Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to expand eligibility for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs to children whose family income falls at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. (This makes children who are currently eligible for reduced price meals eligible for free meals.)


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Environmental Accountability Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. CHESAPEAKE BAY ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Section 117 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1267) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (2) in subsection (e)(7), by inserting ``by the Federal Government or a State government'' after ``funded'' each place it appears; and (3) by inserting after subsection (i) the following: ``(j) Environmental Accountability.-- ``(1) Implementation plan.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall complete a plan for achieving the nutrient and sediment reduction goals described in the agreement entered into by the Chesapeake Executive Council entitled `Chesapeake 2000' and dated June 28, 2000. ``(B) Inclusions.--The plan shall include-- ``(i) a timeline identifying-- ``(I) annual goals for achieving the overall nutrient and sediment reduction goals; and ``(II) the estimated annual costs of reaching the annual goals identified under subclause (I); ``(ii) a description of any measure, including monitoring or modeling, that the Administrator will use to assess progress made toward achieving a goal described in subparagraph (A) in-- ``(I) each jurisdictional tributary strategy basin of the Chesapeake Bay; and ``(II) the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a whole; and ``(iii) a description of any Federal or non-Federal activity necessary to achieve the nutrient and sediment reduction goals, including an identification of any party that is responsible for carrying out the activity. ``(2) Annual tributary health report card.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than January 31 of each year, the Administrator shall publish and widely circulate a `tributary health report card' to evaluate, based on monitoring and modeling data, progress made during the preceding year (including any practice implemented during the year), and overall progress made, in achieving and maintaining nutrient and sediment reduction goals for each major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay and each separable segment of such a tributary. ``(B) Baseline.--The baseline for the report card (referred to in this paragraph as the `baseline') shall be the tributary cap load allocation agreement numbered EPA 903-R-03-007, dated December 2003, and entitled `Setting and Allocating the Chesapeake Bay Basin Nutrient and Sediment Loads: The Collaborative Process, Technical Tools and Innovative Approaches'. ``(C) Inclusions.--The report card shall include, for each jurisdictional tributary strategy basin of the Chesapeake Bay-- ``(i) an identification of the total allocation of nutrients and sediments under the baseline; ``(ii) the monitored and modeled quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment reductions achieved during the preceding year, expressed numerically and as a percentage of reduction; ``(iii) a list (organized from least to most progress made) that ranks the comparative progress made, based on the percentage of reduction under clause (ii), by each jurisdictional tributary strategy basin toward meeting the annual allocation goal of that jurisdictional tributary strategy basin for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment; and ``(iv) to the maximum extent practicable, an identification of the principal sources of pollutants of the tributaries, including airborne sources of pollutants. ``(D) Use of data; consideration.--In preparing the report, the Administrator shall-- ``(i) use monitoring data and data submitted under paragraph (3)(A); and ``(ii) take into consideration drought and wet weather conditions. ``(3) Actions by states.-- ``(A) Submission of information.--Not later than December 31 of each year, each of the States of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia shall submit to the Administrator information describing, for each jurisdictional tributary strategy basin of the Chesapeake Bay located in the State or District, for the preceding year-- ``(i) the nutrient and sediment cap load allocation of the jurisdictional tributary strategy basin; ``(ii) the principal sources of nutrients and sediment in the jurisdictional tributary strategy basin, by category; ``(iii) for each category of pollutant source, the technologies or practices used to achieve reductions, including levels of best management practices implementation and sewage treatment plant upgrades; and ``(iv) any Federal, State, or non-Federal funding used to implement a technology or practice described in clause (iii). ``(B) Audit.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, and triennially thereafter, the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency shall audit the information submitted by States under subparagraph (A) for accuracy. ``(C) Failure to act.--The Administrator shall not make a grant to a State under this Act if the State fails to submit any information in accordance with subparagraph (A). ``(k) Reporting Requirements.-- ``(1) Office of management and budget.-- ``(A) Initial report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing the feasibility and advisability of-- ``(i) combining into a single fund certain or all funds (including formula and grant funds) made available to each Federal agency to carry out restoration activities relating to the Chesapeake Bay; and ``(ii) notwithstanding any issue relating to jurisdiction, distributing amounts from that fund in accordance with the priority of water quality improvement activities identified under the Chesapeake Bay Program. ``(B) Annual report.--Not later than February 15 of each year, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing-- ``(i) an interagency crosscut budget that displays the proposed budget for use by each Federal agency in carrying out restoration activities relating to the Chesapeake Bay for the following fiscal year; and ``(ii) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by Federal and State governments (including formula and grant funds, such as State revolving loan funds and agriculture conservation funds) to achieve the objectives of the Chesapeake Bay Program during the preceding fiscal year. ``(2) Environmental protection agency.--Not later than April 15 of each year, the Administrator, in cooperation with appropriate Federal agencies, as determined by the Administrator, shall submit to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing-- ``(A)(i) an estimate of the reduction in levels of nutrients and sediments in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries; and ``(ii) a comparison of each estimated reduction under clause (i) and the appropriate annual goal described in the implementation plan under subsection (j)(1); ``(B) based on review by the Administrator of the budget and implementation plans of each Federal agency, and any tributary strategy of an appropriate State agency-- ``(i) an estimate of the reductions in pollutants likely to occur as a result of each program of an agency under this section during the subsequent 1-year and 5-year periods, including-- ``(I) an analysis of the success or failure of each program in achieving nutrient and sediment reduction; and ``(II) an estimated timeline during which a reduction in nutrient and sediment pollution will occur; and ``(ii) accounting for other trend data, an estimate of the actual reduction in the quantities of nutrients and sediments in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from all sources that has occurred over the preceding 1- year and 5-year periods; and ``(C) the technical basis and reliability of each estimate under this paragraph.''. SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 117 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1267) is amended by striking subsection (l) (as redesignated by section 2) and inserting the following: ``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, to remain available until expended.''.

Summary: Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Environmental Accountability Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) complete a plan for achieving the nutrient and sediment reduction goals described in the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement; (2) publish and circulate an annual tributary health report card to evaluate progress made in achieving and maintaining nutrient and sediment reduction goals for each major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay; and (3) make annual reports to Congress on nutrient and sediment reduction in the Chesapeake Bay. Requires the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia to submit information to the Administrator annually on actions taken by such states to achieve nutrient and sediment reductions in the Chesapeake Bay. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress on the funding of restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay. Increases and extends through FY2010 the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Program.


SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Title 38, United States Code, authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital and domiciliary care, medical services, nursing home care, and related services to eligible and enrolled veterans, but such services can only be provided to the extent that appropriated resources and facilities are available for such purposes. (2) For 19 out of the past 21 fiscal years, Congress has not appropriated funds for medical care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs before the commencement of the new fiscal year, causing the Department great challenges in planning and managing health care for enrolled veterans, to the detriment of those veterans. (3) The cumulative effects of insufficient, late and unpredictable health care funding endanger the viability of the system and the specialized health care resources the Department has developed to maintain and improve the health of the Nation's sick and disabled veterans. (4) Approved appropriation levels for the health care programs of the Department have too often proven insufficient over the past decade, requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ration health care services and Congress to approve supplemental appropriations. (5) Providing sufficient, timely, and predictable funding would ensure the government meets its obligation to provide health care to sick and disabled veterans and ensure that all veterans enrolled for care in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system have ready access to timely, quality services. (6) Providing sufficient, timely, and predictable funding to the veterans health care system would eliminate year-to-year uncertainty on funding levels that has prevented the Department of Veterans Affairs from being able to adequately plan for and meet the needs of veterans who are enrolled in the Department health care system. SEC. 2. TWO-FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL CARE ACCOUNTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Two-Fiscal Year Budget Authority.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 1 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 113 the following new section: ``Sec. 113A. Two-fiscal year budget authority for certain medical care accounts ``(a) In General.--Beginning with fiscal year 2010, new discretionary budget authority provided in an appropriations Act for the appropriations accounts of the Department specified in subsection (b) shall be made available for the fiscal year involved and shall include new discretionary budget authority first available after the end of such fiscal year for the subsequent fiscal year. ``(b) Medical Care Accounts.--The medical care accounts of the Department specified in this subsection are the medical care accounts of the Veterans Health Administration as follows: ``(1) Medical Services. ``(2) Medical Administration. ``(3) Medical Facilities.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 113 the following new item: ``113A. Two-fiscal year budget authority for certain medical care accounts.''. SEC. 3. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES STUDY ON ADEQUACY AND ACCURACY OF BASELINE MODEL PROJECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR HEALTH CARE EXPENDITURES. (a) Study of Adequacy and Accuracy of Baseline Model Projections.-- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the adequacy and accuracy of the budget projections made by the Enrollee Health Care Projection Model, or its equivalent, as utilized for the purpose of estimating and projecting health care expenditures of the Department of Veterans Affairs (in this section referred to as the ``Model'') with respect to the fiscal year involved and the subsequent four fiscal years. (b) Reports.-- (1) In general.--Not later than the date of each year in 2010, 2011, and 2012, on which the President submits the budget request for the next fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and to the Secretary a report. (2) Elements.--Each report under this paragraph shall include, for the fiscal year beginning in the year in which such report is submitted, the following: (A) A statement whether the amount requested in the budget of President for expenditures of the Department for health care in such fiscal year is consistent with anticipated expenditures of the Department for health care in such fiscal year as determined utilizing the Model. (B) The basis for such statement. (C) Such additional information as the Comptroller General determines appropriate. (3) Availability to the public.--Each report submitted under this subsection shall also be made available to the public. (4) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, Appropriations, and the Budget of the Senate; and (B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, Appropriations, and the Budget of the House of Representatives.

Summary: Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.


SECTION 1. STUDY AND REPORT ON FILING REQUIREMENTS UNDER UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND PROGRAMS. (a) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``Administrative Procedure Act'' means subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission; (3) the term ``covered carrier'' means an eligible telecommunications carrier or service provider that receives universal service support under sections 214(e) and 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 214(e) and 254) for the provision of service under a Universal Service Fund program; and (4) the term ``Universal Service Fund program'' means each program of the Commission set forth under part 54 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, including-- (A) the Connect America Fund set forth under subpart D of that part; (B) the Lifeline program set forth under subpart E of that part; (C) the E-Rate program set forth under subpart F of that part; (D) the Rural Health Care program set forth under subpart G of that part; (E) the Remote Areas Fund set forth under subpart J of that part; (F) the Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support program set forth under subpart K of that part; (G) the Mobility Fund set forth under subpart L of that part; and (H) the High Cost Loop Support for Rate-of-Return Carriers program set forth under subpart M of that part. (b) Study and Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to the Commission, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report, which shall include-- (1) an analysis of the filing requirements for covered carriers participating in a Universal Service Fund program, including any filings required by the Universal Service Administrative Company; (2) an analysis of the financial impact of those filing requirements on covered carriers participating in a Universal Service Fund program; and (3) recommendations, if any, on how to consolidate redundant filing requirements for covered carriers participating in a Universal Service Fund program. (c) Rulemaking.-- (1) New or ongoing rulemaking.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), not later than 60 days after the date on which the report is submitted under subsection (b), the Commission shall-- (A)(i) initiate a rulemaking to consolidate redundant filing requirements for covered carriers participating in a Universal Service Fund program; and (ii) incorporate into the rulemaking under clause (i), and as part of that rulemaking seek comment on, the recommendations described in subsection (b)(3), if any, except to the extent that doing so would violate the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act; or (B) incorporate into an ongoing rulemaking relating to consolidating redundant filing requirements of the Commission, and as part of that rulemaking seek comment on, the recommendations described in subsection (b)(3), if any, except to the extent that doing so would violate the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act. (2) Waste, fraud, and abuse.--In a rulemaking in which the Commission is required under paragraph (1) to seek comment on the recommendations described in subsection (b)(3), if any, the Commission shall also seek comment on and consider whether the benefit of each recommendation is outweighed by any potential increased risk of waste, fraud, and abuse in the Universal Service Fund program affected by the recommendation. (3) Previous rulemaking.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply if, on or before the date on which the report is submitted under subsection (b), the Commission completes a rulemaking to consolidate redundant filing requirements for covered carriers participating in a Universal Service Fund program. Passed the Senate January 10, 2018. Attest: JULIE E. ADAMS, Secretary.

Summary: (Sec. 1) This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress on the filing requirements for telecommunications carriers or service providers that receive Universal Service Fund support under the Communications Act of 1934 to provide service to qualifying low-income consumers, rural or high-cost areas, rural health care providers, schools, or libraries under the Connect America Fund, Lifeline, E-Rate, Rural Health Care, Remote Areas Fund, Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support, Mobility Fund, and High Cost Loop Support for Rate-of-Return Carriers programs. The report must analyze the financial impact of those filing requirements and provide any recommendations on how to consolidate redundant filing requirements. After receiving the GAO's report, the FCC must initiate a rulemaking to consolidate redundant filing requirements and incorporate any GAO recommendations that would not violate the Administrative Procedure Act into such rulemaking or any ongoing rulemakings.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``State and Local Government Economic Empowerment Act''. SEC. 2. ELIGIBILITY OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR INTEREST-FREE LOANS. (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), each State, county, incorporated municipality, and Indian tribe shall be entitled to obtain a loan under section 3, unless such unit of government is delinquent in repaying a prior loan. (b) Maximum Amount Limitation.--The total amount of money to which any entity described in subsection (a) is entitled to borrow under this section shall not exceed the amount equal to the product of-- (1) the resident population, as determined by the Secretary on the basis of the 2000 census, of the geographic territory over which the entity has jurisdiction; and (2) the amount equal to-- (A) in the case of a State, $200; (B) in the case of a county (as defined in section 2 of title 1, United States Code), $200; (C) in the case of an incorporated municipality, $600; and (D) in the case of an Indian tribe, $1,000. SEC. 3. INTEREST-FREE LOANS. Subject to sections 2(b) and 4, the Secretary shall issue an interest-free loan to any government unit described in section 2(a) if the Secretary obtains such assurances as the Secretary determines to be appropriate from the unit that the proceeds of such loan will be used solely for the purpose of funding capital projects of the governmental unit, including the construction of or improvements to-- (1) streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels; (2) waste water and sewer systems; and (3) infrastructure and other public facilities. SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. (a) Disbursement Requirements.--Loans made under section 3 shall be disbursed by the Secretary-- (1) in a lump sum for the full amount of the loan; or (2) if the Secretary determines that partial disbursements are appropriate in the case of loans for construction projects in order to accommodate a greater number of loan requests, over the construction period of the project. (b) Minimum Phase-In Period.--Disbursements on all eligible loans made under section 3 shall begin before the end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Period to Maturity.--The period to maturity of any loan made under section 3 shall be the estimated number of years of the useful life of the infrastructure installation (if any) which is financed by the loan, but, in any case, shall be a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years. (d) Applicability of State Law.--The number or the principal amounts of interest-free loans made under section 3 to any governmental unit established by a State, or the period to maturity of any such loan, may not exceed the maximum number, amount, or period to maturity established under the law of such State, unless the State provides a waiver from any such limitation with respect to any such governmental unit. (e) Administrative Fees.--The Secretary shall impose an administrative fee on each recipient of a loan under section 3 in an amount not to exceed the lesser of-- (1) 0.25 percent of the total amount of the loan; or (2) an amount sufficient to cover all administrative costs incurred by the Secretary, including overhead, for making and administering the loan. (f) Terms of Repayment.--The repayment terms of any loan made under section 3 shall require quarterly payments by the recipient in equal amounts determined by dividing-- (1) the sum of the principal and the administrative fees applicable with respect to such loan; by (2) the number of calendar quarters any portion of which falls within the period to maturity of the loan. (g) Collections of Past Due Amounts and Collection Fees.-- (1) Enforced collections.--The Secretary shall take action to enforce collection of past due amounts of any loan on which 4 or more quarterly payments are due and payable. (2) Impoundment of delinquent amount.--In the case of any delinquent loan described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may seek an order from a district court of the United States of appropriate jurisdiction directing a United States Marshall to impound, under authority of this subsection, any available funds of the debtor in an amount equal to the amount currently due as of the date of such action to reduce or eliminate the delinquency. (3) Waiver of debtor's right to defend against collection.--As a condition for receiving any loan under section 3, the recipient shall waive any right to take any legal action to prevent or defend against the collection by the Secretary of any amount which the parties agree is past due. (4) Cost of collection.--The costs incurred by the Secretary in collecting any amount under this subsection with respect to any loan shall be added to and treated as a part of the principal amount of the loan. (5) Balance of loan principal and fees payable in accordance with terms of loan.--A debtor who is subject to collection proceedings under this subsection for any delinquent portion of a loan under section 3 shall continue to meet the repayment schedule applicable to such loan for the remaining amount of principal and fees. (h) Repayment of Loans.--Loans made under section 3 shall be repaid to the Secretary in accordance with the terms established under this Act and shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States. SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. (2) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' means any Indian tribe, band, pueblo, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. (3) State.--The term ``State'' includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. SEC. 6. PROGRAM AUTHORITY. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, there are hereby made available, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to make loans to all entities described in section 2(a).

Summary: State and Local Government Economic Empowerment Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue an interest-free loan to any State, county, incorporated municipality, or Indian tribe upon obtaining appropriate assurances that the proceeds of the loan will be used solely for funding capital projects, including the construction of or improvements to: (1) streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels; (2) waste water and sewer systems; and (3) infrastructure and other public facilities. Sets maximum loan limitations. Entitles each such unit of government to obtain an interest-free loan unless it is delinquent in repaying a prior loan.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Methamphetamine addiction is a growing epidemic in the United States. (2) Existing programs within the Federal Government do not specifically target methamphetamine use in an effective manner, considering the widespread use of the drug. (3) The existing drug policy of the Federal Government focuses on the impact of marijuana as a gateway drug rather than methamphetamine. (4) Methamphetamine use impacts a variety of Federal and State services, from child welfare to addiction, treatment, and housing costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year. (5) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found in 2004 that 1,400,000 persons ages 12 and older used methamphetamine in the past year. (6) Precursor chemicals for the production of methamphetamine vary widely and are easily accessible across the United States. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to prevent the spread of methamphetamine through the establishment of a competitive grant program to identify successful methamphetamine education and awareness campaigns. SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT. Part A of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 506C. METHAMPHETAMINE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION. ``(a) Office.-- ``(1) In general.--There is established within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration an office to be known as the Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Office. The Office shall be headed by a director to be appointed by the Secretary. ``(2) Duties.--In addition to other activities determined appropriate by the Secretary to reduce the use of methamphetamines, the director of the Office shall administer the grant program established under subsection (b). ``(b) Grant Program.-- ``(1) In general.--The director of the Office shall establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities for the establishment and implementation of successful methamphetamine education and awareness campaigns to reduce the spread of methamphetamine use. ``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under this subsection an entity shall-- ``(A) be a State or local government or a private nonprofit organization; ``(B) submit to the director of the Office an application in accordance with paragraph (3)(C); and ``(C) provide assurances that the entity will contribute non-Federal funds towards the costs of carrying out activities under the grant in an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount received under the grant. ``(3) Applications.-- ``(A) Process.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the director of the Office shall solicit applications for grants under this subsection. The director of the Office shall notify an applicant in writing of the reasons why an applicant has failed to be awarded such a grant. ``(B) Evaluation of applications.--In determining whether to award a grant to an applicant under this subsection, the director of the Office shall-- ``(i) evaluate the scope of the education and awareness campaign to be conducted under the grant to ensure that the target audience is reached; ``(ii) consider the duration of the education and awareness campaign involved and the expected positive impact at the State or local level; ``(iii) consider the ability of the applicant to tailor the message to at-risk populations; ``(iv) require a reduced match of 50 percent with respect to applications from rural or underserved areas, such as Indian reservations, with little access to outside capital, and any other areas deemed eligible by the director of the Office; and ``(v) consider the benefit of the applicant's program based on the criteria described in clauses (i) through (iv). ``(C) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph (2)(B) shall contain-- ``(i) a description of the methamphetamine education and awareness campaign to be funded under the grant and how such campaign will significantly curb methamphetamine use, especially among those vulnerable to using methamphetamine for the first time; ``(ii) a description of the significance of the methamphetamine problem in the area targeted by the applicant's campaign, which may include the use of statistics provided through the annual research of the Administration as well as any statistics collected by the Department of Justice, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, or any other State or local law enforcement agency determined useful by the Office to accurately identify the scope of the methamphetamine problem; ``(iii) a description of the size and characteristics of the target audience (including a focus on pre-teen and teenage populations and populations that are historically vulnerable to first-time use) and the most effective means to reach such audience as determined through the conduct of a thorough review by the applicant prior to the submission of the application; ``(iv) a detailed budget or spending plan for use of grant funds; ``(v) evidence to demonstrate positive outcomes of the campaign; and ``(vi) any other information determined appropriate by the director of the Office. ``(4) Limitation.--An entity may receive not more than one grant in each fiscal year under this subsection. Each such grant shall not exceed $5,000,000. ``(5) Submission of impact reports.--Not later than 90 days after the exhaustion of each grant period, the grant recipient shall submit to the director of the Office a report on the impact of the education and awareness campaign carried out under the grant. Each such report shall include quantitative data to demonstrate, with respect to the campaign, the size of the audience reached, the impact of the campaign, and the reaction to the campaign from the State or local area involved. The director of the Office shall use such impact reports in any subsequent determinations with respect to grant awards. ``(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the end of the first and each subsequent grant cycle under this section, the director of the Office shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that contains a summary of grant awards under subsection (b) and the impact of such grants on communities throughout the United States. Information contained in the report may be shared among all interested Federal and State entities for use to coordinate effective methamphetamine prevention activities. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Education and awareness campaign.--The term `education and awareness campaign' means a coordinated effort to reduce methamphetamine use through the use of any media, print, radio, television, Internet-based or any other mode of communication to convey messages to an audience. ``(2) Grant cycle.--The term `grant cycle' means the length of time from the date on which a grant is awarded under this section until the date on which such grant is expended. ``(3) Office.--The term `Office' means the Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Office. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $25,250,000 for fiscal year 2006. Of the amount appropriated for such fiscal year, $250,000 shall be made available for the activities of the Office, and $25,000,000 shall be made available for grants under subsection (b).''.

Summary: Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Office within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Requires the Director of the Office to establish a program to award competitive matching grants to states, local governments, and private nonprofit organizations for the establishment and implementation of methamphetamine education and awareness campaigns to reduce the spread of methamphetamine use. Limits a recipient to one grant each fiscal year. Requires recipients to report to the Director on the impact of the campaign carried out under the grant.


SECTION 1. TWO-YEAR ELIGIBILITY FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SERVING IN AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA. Section 1710(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by adding at the end of paragraph (1) the following new subparagraph: ``(F) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a member of the Armed Forces (including a member ordered to duty under section 502(f) of title 32) who is performing duty in response to a disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) after August 28, 2005, in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita is eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any disability, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such disability is attributable to such duty.''; (2) by adding at the end of paragraph (2) the following new subparagraph: ``(C) In the case of a member of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1)(F), hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care may not be provided under subsection (a)(2)(F) with respect to a disability that is found, in accordance to guidelines issued by the Under Secretary for Health, to have resulted from a cause other than duty described in that paragraph.''; (3) in paragraph (3)-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C); (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) in the case of care for a veteran described in paragraph (1)(F), after a period of two years beginning on the date of the veteran's discharge or release from duty described in that paragraph.''; and (4) by adding at the end of paragraph (4) the following new subparagraph: ``(C) The term `area affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita' means an area designated for individual assistance or public assistance by Federal Disaster Declaration notice 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, 1606, or 1607 issued by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in August and September 2005.''. SEC. 2. HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF SERVICEMEMBERS EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH DUTY IN AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA. (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide for the National Academy of Sciences, an independent nonprofit scientific organization with appropriate expertise which is not part of the Federal Government, to review and make recommendations for health surveillance of members of the uniformed services who may be exposed to environmental hazards as the result of duty in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. (b) Assessment by National Academy of Sciences.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for the Academy to perform the activities specified in this section. The Secretaries shall seek to enter into the agreement not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Duties Under Agreement.--Under the agreement under subsection (b), the National Academy of Sciences shall do the following: (1) Review and assess available data on environmental exposures and adverse health effects that could reasonably be expected to be incurred by members of the uniformed services assigned to duty (including duty under section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code) during the period beginning August 28, 2005, and ending on December 31, 2005, in any county designated by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a Federal disaster county for individual or public assistance as the result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. (2) Describe the appropriate criteria for identification of members of the uniformed services covered by paragraph (1) and appropriate data to be collected and maintained for such members and make recommendations for the development of a registry which could be used to monitor morbidity and mortality data for such members. (3) Make recommendations concerning the establishment, location, and content of a data registry and policies and procedures for the ongoing periodic health surveillance of members covered by paragraph (1). (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the entry into effect of the agreement referred to in subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Secretaries a report on the activities of the National Academy of Sciences under the agreement, including the results of the activities specified in subsection (c). (e) Recommendations for Additional Scientific Studies.--The Academy shall make any recommendations it has for additional scientific studies to resolve areas of continuing scientific uncertainty relating to environmental toxic exposure in hurricane affected areas referred to in subsection (c)(1). In making recommendations for further study, the Academy shall consider the scientific information that is currently available, the value and relevance of the information that could result from additional studies, and the cost and feasibility of carrying out such additional studies. (f) Alternative Contract Scientific Organization.--If the Secretaries are unable within the time period prescribed in subsection (b) to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for the purposes of this section on terms acceptable to the Secretaries, the Secretaries shall seek to enter into an agreement for the purposes of this section with another appropriate scientific organization that is not part of the Government and operates as a not- for-profit entity and that has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the National Academy of Sciences. If the Secretaries enter into such an agreement with another organization, then any reference in this section to the National Academy of Sciences shall be treated as a reference to the other organization. SEC. 3. ANNUAL REPORT ON HEALTH CARE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO HURRICANE-AFFECTED MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD. (a) Data Base.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and maintain a data base of members of the Armed Forces who are provided health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 1. (b) Annual Report.--Not later than January 1 of each year from 2007 through 2009, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on members of the Armed Forces who are provided health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 1. Each such report shall include the following: (1) The total number of veterans who sought treatment in Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities pursuant to section 1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 1, during the preceding fiscal year and cumulatively, set forth by the number of veterans per fiscal year and the health-care eligibility category under which such care was provided. (2) The cost of health care furnished to veterans pursuant to such section during the preceding fiscal year and cumulatively, including the costs for veterans who would not have been eligible for enrollment for such care under limitations imposed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans eligible for health care from the Department only under section 1710(a)(3) of title 38, United States Code.

Summary: Makes a member of the Armed Forces who is performing duty in response to a disaster or emergency declaration after August 28, 2005, in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability is attributable to such duty. Prohibits such care or services with respect to a disability found to have resulted from a cause other than such duty. Terminates eligibility two years after the member's discharge or release from such duty. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to review and make recommendations for the health surveillance of members who may be exposed to environmental hazards as the result of duty in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain a database of members provided health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to such duty.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. SUBURBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY AND OPEN SPACE INITIATIVE. The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 is amended by inserting after section 7 (16 U.S.C. 2103c) the following: ``SEC. 7A. SUBURBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY AND OPEN SPACE INITIATIVE. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a State (including a political subdivision) or nonprofit organization that the Secretary determines under subsection (c)(1)(A)(ii) is eligible to receive a grant under subsection (c)(2). ``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe'-- ``(A) in the case of the State of Alaska, means a Native corporation (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)); and ``(B) in the case of any other State, has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). ``(3) Private forest land.--The term `private forest land' means land that is-- ``(A)(i) covered by trees; or ``(ii) suitable for growing trees, as determined by the Secretary; ``(B) suburban, as determined by the Secretary; and ``(C) owned by-- ``(i) a private entity; or ``(ii) an Indian tribe. ``(4) Program.--The term `program' means the Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative established by subsection (b). ``(5) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. ``(b) Establishment.-- ``(1) In general.--There is established within the Forest Service a program to be known as the `Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative'. ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the program is to provide assistance to eligible entities to carry out projects and activities to-- ``(A) identify and preserve private forest land; and ``(B) contain suburban sprawl. ``(c) Grant Program.-- ``(1) Identification of eligible private forest land.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with State foresters or equivalent State officials and State planning offices, shall establish criteria for-- ``(i) the identification, subject to subparagraph (B), of private forest land in each State that may be preserved under this section; and ``(ii) the identification of eligible entities. ``(B) Conditions for eligible private forest land.--Private forest land identified for preservation under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be land that is-- ``(i) located in an area that is affected, or threatened to be affected, by significant suburban sprawl, as determined by the appropriate planning office of the State in which the private forest land is located; and ``(ii) threatened by present or future conversion to nonforest use. ``(2) Grants.-- ``(A) Projects and activities.-- ``(i) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to carry out a project or activity described in clause (ii). ``(ii) Types.--A project or activity referred to in clause (i) is a project or activity that-- ``(I) is carried out to preserve private forest land or contain suburban sprawl; and ``(II) provides for guaranteed public access to land on which the project or activity is carried out, unless the appropriate State planning office requests, and provides justification for the request, that that requirement be waived. ``(B) Application.--An eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary, in such form as the Secretary shall prescribe, an application for the grant (including a description of any private forest land to be preserved using funds from the grant). ``(C) Approval or disapproval.-- ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), as soon as practicable after the date on which the Secretary receives an application under subparagraph (B) or a resubmission under subclause (II)(bb), the Secretary shall-- ``(I)(aa) approve the application; and ``(bb) award a grant to the applicant; or ``(II)(aa) disapprove the application; and ``(bb) provide the applicant a statement that describes the reasons why the application was disapproved (including a deadline by which the applicant may resubmit the application). ``(ii) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that propose to fund projects and activities that promote, in addition to the primary purposes of preserving private forest land and containing suburban sprawl-- ``(I) the active management, in a sustainable manner, of private forest land; ``(II) community and school education programs and curricula relating to sustainable forestry; and ``(III) community involvement in determining the care and management of forest resources. ``(3) Cost sharing.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out any project or activity using funds from a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed \1/2\ of the total cost of the project or activity. ``(B) Assurances of non-federal share.--As a condition of receipt of a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary such assurances as the Secretary determines are sufficient to demonstrate that the non-Federal share of the cost of each project or activity to be funded by the grant has been secured. ``(C) Form of non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of the cost of carrying out any project or activity described in subparagraph (A) may be provided in cash or in kind. ``(d) Use of Grant Funds for Purchases of Land or Easements.-- ``(1) Purchases.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), funds made available, and grants awarded, under this section may be used to purchase private forest land or interests in private forest land (including conservation easements) only from willing sellers at fair market value. ``(B) Sales at less than fair market value.--A sale of private forest land or an interest in private forest land at less than fair market value shall be permitted only on certification by the landowner that the sale is being entered into willingly and without coercion. ``(2) Title.--Title to private forest land or an interest in private forest land purchased under paragraph (1) may be held, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, by-- ``(A) a State (including a political subdivision of a State); or ``(B) a nonprofit organization. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- ``(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; and ``(2) such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.''.

Summary: Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative Act of 2001 - Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to establish in the Forest Service the Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative, which shall provide grants to preserve private forest land and contain suburban sprawl.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures Act'' or the ``HUNT Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Federal public land management agency.--The term ``Federal public land management agency'' means any of the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. (2) Travel management plan.--The term ``travel management plan'' means a plan for the management of travel-- (A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, on park roads and designated routes under section 4.10 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); (B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, on the land under a comprehensive conservation plan prepared under section 4(e) of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(e)); (C) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service, on National Forest System land under part 212 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); and (D) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, under a resource management plan developed under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). SEC. 3. REPORT ON PUBLIC ACCESS AND EGRESS TO FEDERAL PUBLIC LAND. (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, each head of a Federal public land management agency shall make available to the public on the website of the Federal public land management agency a report that includes-- (1) a list of the location and acreage of land more than 640 acres in size under the jurisdiction of the Federal public land management agency on which the public is allowed, under Federal or State law, to hunt, fish, or use the land for other recreational purposes-- (A) to which there is no public access or egress; or (B) to which public access or egress to the legal boundaries of the land is significantly restricted (as determined by the head of the Federal public land management agency); (2) with respect to land described in paragraph (1), a list of the locations and acreage on the land that the head of the Federal public land management agency determines have significant potential for use for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes; and (3) with respect to land described in paragraph (2), a plan developed by the Federal public land management agency that-- (A) identifies how public access and egress could reasonably be provided to the legal boundaries of the land in a manner that minimizes the impact on wildlife habitat and water quality; (B) specifies the actions recommended to secure the access and egress, including acquiring an easement, right-of-way, or fee title from a willing owner of any land that abuts the land or the need to coordinate with State land management agencies or other Federal or State governmental entities to allow for such access and egress; and (C) is consistent with the travel management plan in effect on the land. (b) List of Public Access Routes for Certain Land.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, each head of a Federal public land management agency shall make available to the public on the website of the Federal public land management agency, and thereafter revise as the head of the Federal public land management agency determines appropriate, a list of roads or trails that provide the primary public access and egress to the legal boundaries of contiguous parcels of land equal to more than 640 acres in size under the jurisdiction of the Federal public land management agency on which the public is allowed, under Federal or State law, to hunt, fish, or use the land for other recreational purposes. (c) Means of Public Access and Egress Included.--In considering public access and egress under subsections (a) and (b), the head of the applicable Federal public land management agency shall consider public access and egress to the legal boundaries of the land described in those subsections, including access and egress-- (1) by motorized or non-motorized vehicles; and (2) on foot or horseback. (d) Effect.-- (1) In general.--This Act shall have no effect on whether a particular recreational use shall be allowed on the land described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a). (2) Effect of allowable uses on agency consideration.--In preparing the plan under subsection (a)(3), the head of the applicable Federal public land management agency shall only consider recreational uses that are allowed on the land at the time that the plan is prepared. SEC. 4. FUNDS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO FEDERAL LAND FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. Section 7(a)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-9) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Recreational public access to federal land.--In an amount not less than 1.5 percent of such moneys, for projects that secure public access to Federal land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes through easements, rights-of-way, or fee title acquisitions from willing sellers.''.

Summary: Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures Act or HUNT Act - Requires each head of a federal public land management agency (the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management [BLM]), to annually make available to the public on its website a report that includes: (1) a list of the land more than 640 acres in size under its jurisdiction on which the public is allowed to hunt, fish, or use such land for other recreational purposes and to which there is no public access or egress or to which such access or egress to the land's legal boundaries is significantly restricted; (2) a list of locations and acreage on such land that the agency head determines have significant potential for use for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes; and (3) a plan to provide such access and egress that is consistent with the travel management plan in effect. Requires each agency head to make available to the public on the agency's website, and thereafter revise, a list of roads or trails that provide the primary public access and egress to the legal boundaries of contiguous parcels of land equal to more than 640 acres in size under the agency's jurisdiction on which the public is allowed to hunt, fish, or use such lands for other recreational purposes. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require allotment from the Land and Water Conservation Fund of an amount not less than 1.5% of the moneys appropriated for projects that secure public access to federal land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes through easements, rights-of-way, or fee title acquisitions from willing sellers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``North Korean Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) International press reports noted that Iranian officials traveled to North Korea to observe the long and short-range missile tests conducted by the North Korean regime on July 4, 2006, and this was confirmed by Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 20, 2006. (2) International press reports in the summer of 2006 indicated that North Korea was involved in training in guerrilla warfare of Hezbollah cadres who subsequently were involved in operations against Israeli forces in south Lebanon. (3) The United Nations Security Council, under the Presidency of Japan, unanimously adopted Resolution 1718 on October 14, 2006, ``condemning'' the nuclear weapon test conducted by North Korea on October 9, 2006, and imposing sanctions on North Korea. (4) President George W. Bush stated in November 2006 that: ``The transfer of nuclear weapons or material by North Korea to states or non-state entities would be considered a grave threat to the United States, and we would hold North Korea fully accountable for the consequences of such action. . . . It is vital that the nations of this region send a message to North Korea that the proliferation of nuclear technology to hostile regimes or terrorist networks will not be tolerated.''. (5) Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated in October 2006 that ``a North Korean decision to try to transfer a nuclear weapon or technologies either to another state or to a non-state actor'' would be an ``extremely grave'' action for which the United States would ``hold North Korea accountable''. (6) Congress authoritatively expressed its view, in section 202(b)(2) of the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-333; 22 U.S.C. 7832(b)(2)), that ``United States nonhumanitarian assistance to North Korea shall be contingent on North Korea's substantial progress'' on human rights improvements, release of and accounting for abductees, family reunification, reform of North Korea's labor camp system, and the decriminalization of political expression, none of which has occurred. SEC. 3. CONTINUATION OF RESTRICTIONS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF NORTH KOREA. Restrictions against the Government of North Korea that were imposed by reason of a determination of the Secretary of State that the Government of North Korea, for purposes of section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (as continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act), section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, or other provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, shall remain in effect, and shall not be lifted pursuant to such provisions of law, unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of North Korea-- (1) is no longer engaged in the illegal transfer of missile or nuclear technology, particularly to the Governments of Iran, Syria, or any other country, the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of any of the provisions of law specified in the matter preceding this paragraph, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; (2) is no longer engaged in training, harboring, supplying, financing, or supporting in any way-- (A) Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Japanese Red Army, or any member of such organizations; (B) any organization designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization in accordance with section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189(a)); and (C) any person included on the Annex to Executive Order 13224 (September 23, 2001) and any other person identified under section 1 of that Executive Order whose property and interests in property are blocked by that section (commonly known as a ``specially designated global terrorist''); (3) is no longer engaged in the counterfeiting of United States currency ``supernotes''; (4) has made inoperable Bureau No. 39 under the North Korean Workers Party headed by Kim Jong Il, which is charged with laundering illicit funds obtained by narcotics trafficking and other criminal activities; (5) has released United States permanent resident Kim Dong- Shik who, according to the findings of a South Korean court, was abducted by North Korean agents on the Chinese border in January 2000; (6) has released the 15 Japanese nationals recognized as abduction victims by the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan; (7) has released an estimated 600 surviving South Korean POWs, comrades-in-arms of United States and Allied forces, who have been held in North Korea against their will and in violation of the Armistice Agreement since hostilities ended in July 1953; and (8) has ceased and desisted from engaging in further terrorist activities subsequent to the 1987 bombing of Korean Air Flight 858 over Burma, the 1996 murder in Vladivostok, Russia, of South Korean diplomat Choi Duck-keun, following Pyongyang's threats of retaliation for the deaths of North Korean commandoes whose submarine ran aground in South Korea, and the 1997 assassination on the streets of Seoul of North Korean defector Lee Han Young.

Summary: North Korean Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act - Provides for the continuation of restrictions against the government of North Korea unless the President certifies to Congress that North Korea has met certain benchmarks respecting: (1) missile or nuclear technology transfers; (2) support of terrorist groups and terrorist activities, (3) counterfeiting of U.S. currency, (4) release of South Korean POWs, Japanese journalists, and Kim Donk-Shik; and (5) Bureau 39's closure.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Displaced Aircraft Manufacturers Workers Relief Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Affected area.--The term ``affected area'' means an area that the Secretary determines has a substantial number of eligible employees. (2) COBRA continuation coverage.--The term ``COBRA continuation coverage'' means coverage under a group health plan provided by an employer pursuant to title XXII of the Public Health Service Act, section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or section 8905a of title 5, United States Code. (3) Eligible employee.--The term ``eligible employee'' means an individual who has become totally or partially separated, or is threatened to become totally or partially separated, from employment with an aircraft manufacturer as a consequence of-- (A) reductions in production as a result of a terrorist action or security measure, as determined by the Secretary; or (B) a closure of an airport in the United States as a result of a terrorist action or security measure, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (5) Terrorist action or security measure.--The term ``terrorist action or security measure'' means a terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, or a security measure taken in response to the attack. (6) Other terms.--The terms defined in section 247 of the Trade Act of 1974 shall apply in this Act. SEC. 3. PETITIONS AND DETERMINATIONS. (a) Petitions.--A petition for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance under this Act may be filed with the Secretary by a group of workers or by their certified or recognized union or other duly authorized representative. The Secretary shall comply with the notice and hearing requirements of section 221 of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the petition. (b) Certification.--The Secretary shall certify a group of workers as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under this Act if the Secretary determines that a significant number or proportion of the workers in such workers' firm or an appropriate subdivision of the firm are eligible employees. (c) Determinations.--As soon as possible after the date on which a petition is filed under subsection (a), but in any event not later than 60 days after that date, the Secretary shall determine whether the petitioning group meets the requirements of subsection (b) and shall issue a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance under this Act covering workers in any group that meets such requirements. The Secretary shall issue and terminate such certifications in accordance with section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974. (d) Information.--The Secretary shall provide the information, assistance, and notice described in section 225 of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to certifications made under subsection (b), and agreements entered into and benefits available under this Act. SEC. 4. PROGRAM BENEFITS. (a) Determinations.--The Secretary shall determine, with respect to an eligible employee covered by a certification issued by the Secretary under section 3, whether-- (1) the employee is unlikely to return to the industry involved; (2) the employee is likely to return to that industry, but unlikely to return to the employee's previous occupation in the industry; or (3) the employee is likely to return to that occupation. (b) Different Industry or Occupation.--If the Secretary determines that an eligible employee described in subsection (a) meets the requirements of paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) and engages in appropriate job search activities, and that the employee and any training approved by the Secretary for the employee meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 236(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, the employee shall be provided, in the same manner and to the same extent as an employee covered under a certification under subchapter A of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974, 1 or more of the following: (1) Employment services described in section 235 of the Trade Act of 1974 (including, in the case of an eligible employee in an affected area, employment services provided through programs developed and conducted through partnerships between public agencies, employers, and labor organizations). (2) Training that consists of-- (A) training (including supplemental assistance) described in section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, notwithstanding the provisions of section 236(a)(2) of such Act; (B) training for a position requiring different technical skill than the original position; or (C) in the case of an eligible employee in an affected area, training provided through programs developed and conducted through partnerships between public agencies, employers, and labor organizations. (3) Readjustment allowances described in sections 231 through 234 of the Trade Act of 1974, except that-- (A) an eligible employee is not required to enroll in training to receive such an allowance; (B) the reference in section 233(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 to ``52'' shall be considered to be a reference to ``78''; and (C) no employee shall receive additional weeks of assistance under section 233(a)(3) of such Act. (4) Job search allowances described in section 237 of the Trade Act of 1974. (c) Same Industry and Occupation.--If the Secretary determines that an eligible employee described in subsection (a) meets the requirements of subsection (a)(3), the employee shall be provided, in the same manner and to the same extent as an employee covered under a certification under subchapter A of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974, 1 or more of the following: (1) Employment services described in section 235 of the Trade Act of 1974 (including, in the case of an eligible employee in an affected area, employment services provided through programs developed and conducted through partnerships between public agencies, employers, and labor organizations). (2) Readjustment allowances described in sections 231 through 234 of the Trade Act of 1974, except that-- (A) an eligible employee is not required to enroll in training to receive such an allowance; (B) the reference in section 233(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 to ``52'' shall be considered to be a reference to ``78''; and (C) no employee shall receive additional weeks of assistance under section 233(a)(3) of such Act. (d) Employees Not Eligible for Unemployment Insurance.--An eligible employee who is totally separated from employment in a State who does not meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) through (4) of section 231(a) of the Trade Act of 1974 shall be provided only an allowance, for a period of 26 weeks, in the amount of the average weekly benefit received by an individual in the State under the State unemployment insurance program during the most recent 52-week period for which data are available. (e) COBRA Continuation Coverage.--In the case of an individual who is eligible for benefits under subsection (b) or (c), the Secretary shall provide for payment of premiums for COBRA continuation coverage with respect to such individual. Such payment may be made through appropriate direct payment arrangements with the group health plan or health insurance issuer involved. The Secretary may require documentation of election of benefits or proof of premium payment. (f) Optional Temporary Medicaid Coverage for Uninsured Eligible Employees.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State may elect to provide, under its medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act, medical assistance in the case of an individual who is eligible for benefits under subsection (b) or (c), who is not eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, and who is uninsured. For purposes of this subsection, an individual is considered to be uninsured if the individual is not covered under a group health plan, health insurance coverage, or under such program or a program under title XVIII or XXI of such Act. (2) Limitation to 18 months of coverage.--Assistance under this subsection shall end with respect to an individual on the earlier of-- (A) the date the individual is no longer uninsured; or (B) 18 months after the date the individual is first determined to be eligible for medical assistance under this subsection. (3) Special rules.--In the case of medical assistance provided under this subsection-- (A) the Federal medical assistance percentage under section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act shall be 100 percent; (B) a State may elect to disregard any income, asset, or resource limitation imposed under the State medicaid plan or under title XIX of such Act; (C) such medical assistance shall not be provided for periods before the date the individual is determined eligible for such assistance; (D) a State may elect to make eligible for such assistance a dependent spouse or children of an individual eligible for medical assistance under paragraph (1), if such spouse or children are uninsured; and (E) individuals eligible for medical assistance under this subsection shall be deemed to be described in the list of individuals described in the matter preceding paragraph (1) of section 1905(a) of such Act. SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION. The provisions of subchapter C of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 shall apply to the administration of the program under this Act in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply to the administration of the program under subchapters A and B of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974, except that-- (1) the agreement between the Secretary and the States described in section 239 of the Trade Act of 1974 shall specify the procedures that will be used to carry out the certification process under section 3, the procedures for providing relevant data by the Secretary to assist the States in making preliminary findings under section 3, and the adjustment assistance described in section 4; (2) the provisions of such subchapter C relating to training shall not be applicable under this Act; and (3) the provisions of such subchapter shall apply to COBRA continuation coverage under section 4(e) to the extent specified by the Secretary. SEC. 6. REGULATIONS. The Secretary-- (1) may issue interim regulations to carry out this Act, notwithstanding chapters 5 and 7 of title 5, United States Code; and (2) shall issue final regulations to carry out this Act in accordance with such chapters. SEC. 7. APPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION. (a) Application.--For purposes of applying provisions of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 under this Act, references in such chapter-- (1) to a worker shall be considered to be references to an eligible employee; (2) to a benefit shall be considered to be references to the corresponding benefit provided under this subsection to an eligible employee; and (3) to a provision of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 shall be considered to be references to the corresponding provision of this Act. (b) Construction.-- (1) No impact on trade adjustment assistance.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify or affect title II of the Trade Act of 1974. (2) No impact on existing agreements and benefits.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish the obligation of an employer to comply with any collective bargaining agreement or any employment benefit program or plan.

Summary: Displaced Aircraft Manufacturers Workers Relief Act of 2001 - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or who are threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with an aircraft manufacturer as a result of reductions in production or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements.Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act.Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.