SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Moving to Work Reform Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. TERMS OF MOVING TO WORK AGREEMENTS. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may not enter into or extend any Moving to Work agreement for any public housing agency for participation in the demonstration established under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (Public Law 104-134; 110 Stat. 1321), unless such agreement is subject to the following terms and conditions for the entire duration of such agreement: (1) Evaluation of major policy changes.--A public housing agency may not newly establish any rent policy that raises rent burdens for a significant portion of participating families, any time limitation on the term of housing assistance, or any policy that conditions receipt of housing assistance from program funds on employment status, unless-- (A) the policy change will be subject to a detailed evaluation using a rigorous research methodology which includes, at least in part, random assignment to treatment and control groups to compare the impact on assisted families (including families that cease to receive assistance during the term of the evaluation) to similar families not subject to such policy change; and (B) the Secretary determines that adequate Federal or other resources are available to undertake the required evaluation. (2) Use of tenant-based rental assistance funds.--A public housing agency may use funds appropriated for renewal of tenant-based rental assistance only for payments to or on behalf of eligible families that assist such families with housing costs, except that up to 10 percent of such funds may be used for other eligible purposes, subject to such requirements as the Secretary shall establish. (3) Determination of tenant-based rental assistance funding.--A public housing agency shall receive funding for renewal of tenant-based rental assistance determined using the same formula applied to public housing agencies that do not participate in the demonstration, except that up to 10 percent of such funds may be renewed by adjusting the prior year's funding by an inflation factor determined by the Secretary. (4) Prohibition of reduction in number of families assisted.--A public housing agency shall provide ongoing housing assistance resulting in average cost burdens no higher than those of families assisted under sections 8 and 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f, 1437g) to substantially the same number of eligible low-income families as the agency could assist if it expended the full amount of funding it receives under such sections 8 and 9 pursuant to the requirements of such sections. (5) Housing choice.--If the Secretary determines that a disproportionately low share of families assisted by a public housing agency using funds appropriated pursuant to sections 8 and 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 lives in neighborhoods with low crime, high-performing schools, or other indicators of high opportunity, the public housing agency shall develop and implement a plan to expand families' access to such neighborhoods. (6) Determination of public housing operating funding.--A public housing agency shall receive funding for operation and management of public housing determined using the same formula applied to public housing agencies that do not participate in the demonstration, except that, for an agency that currently receives such funding under an alternative formula established by its Moving to Work agreement, the Secretary shall phase in the requirements of this paragraph in a manner sufficient so as to avoid reducing funding by more than 10 percent per year. (7) Retained provisions.--The Secretary shall not waive any of the following provisions of the United States Housing Act of 1937: (A) Subsections (a)(2)(A) and (b)(1) of section 16 (42 U.S.C. 1437n; relating to targeting for new admissions). (B) Section 2(b) (42 U.S.C. 1437(b); relating to tenant representatives on the public housing agency board of directors). (C) Section 3(b)(2) (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2); relating to definitions for the terms ``low-income families'', ``very low-income families'', and ``extremely low-income families''). (D) Section 5A(e) (42 U.S.C. 1437c-1(e); relating to the formation of and consultation with a resident advisory board). (E) Sections 6(f)(1) and 8(o)(8)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1437d(f)(1), 1437f(o)(8)(B); relating to compliance of units assisted with housing quality standards or other codes). (F) Section 6(k) (42 U.S.C. 1437d(k); relating to grievance procedures for public housing tenants). (G) Section 7 (42 U.S.C. 1437e; relating to designation of housing for elderly and disabled households). (H) Sections 8(ee) and 6(u) (42 U.S.C. 1437f(ee), 1437d(n); relating to records, certification and confidentiality regarding domestic violence). (I) Paragraphs (3) and (4)(i) of section 6(c) and sections 982.552 and 982.553 of the Secretary's regulations (42 U.S.C. 1437d(c) and 24 C.F.R. 982.552, 982.553; relating to rights of applicants). (J) Section 6(l) (42 U.S.C. 1437d(l); relating to public housing lease requirements), except that for units assisted both with program funds and low-income housing tax credits, the initial lease term may be less than 12 months if required to conform lease terms with such tax credit requirements. (K) Subparagraphs (C) through (F) of section 8(o)(7) and section 8(o)(20) (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o); relating to lease requirements and eviction protections for families assisted with tenant-based assistance). (L) Section 8(o)(13)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(13)(B); relating to the 20-percent portfolio cap on the use of voucher funds for project-based vouchers), except as follows: (i) A public housing agency that, pursuant to a Moving to Work agreement in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, is using or has committed voucher funds as of such date of enactment for project-based vouchers in excess of the 20-percent cap may continue to use such funds in excess of such cap, but not in excess of the percentage in use or committed as of such date of enactment pursuant to such agreement, or as specified in clause (ii), whichever is higher. (ii) A public housing agency may use voucher funds for project-based vouchers in excess of the 20-percent cap, but not to exceed 35 percent, if such use meets one of the following criteria: (I) The project-based vouchers serve homeless or other special needs families, as defined by the Secretary. (II) The project-based vouchers are used in a low-poverty area, as defined by the Secretary. (III) The project-based vouchers are used in connection with a demonstration of a project-based program that is subject to evaluation by the Secretary. (M) Section 8(o)(13)(E) (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(13)(E); relating to the ability of families with project-based vouchers to move, using tenant-based vouchers, after 12 months of occupancy), unless the Secretary determines that waiver of such section is necessary to implement transitional or time-limited housing policies subject to evaluation described in paragraph (1) of this section. (N) Section 8(r)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1437f(r)(1); relating to the portability of vouchers). (O) The following requirements applicable to resident councils and jurisdiction-wide resident organizations: (i) Establishment of resident councils and resident organizations under section 20 (42 U.S.C. 1437r). (ii) Minimum amount of public housing agency support for such councils and organizations under section 20. (iii) Involvement of such councils and organizations in public housing agency operations, as authorized under sections 3(c)(2), 6(c)(5)(C), and 9(e) (42 U.S.C. 1437a(c)(2), 1437d(c)(5)(C), 1437g(e)). SEC. 3. ASSESSMENT OF DEMONSTRATION. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Moving to Work demonstration and, upon completion of the evaluation, submit to the Congress a report-- (1) describing and analyzing the risks and potential benefits of expanding the Moving to Work demonstration program to additional agencies compared to those of maintaining the demonstration program at its current size; and (2) identifying reforms, and selection criteria in case the demonstration program is expanded, that would improve the program's effectiveness in testing innovative policies while minimizing adverse effects on low-income families and ensuring efficient use of Federal funds to meet the most pressing housing needs.

Summary: Moving to Work Reform Act of 2015 This bill prohibits the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from entering into or extending any Moving to Work agreement for any public housing agency (PHA) for participation in the Moving to Work Demonstration Program, unless the agreement is subject to specified terms and conditions set forth by this Act for its entire duration. (Under the Moving to Work Demonstration Program up to 30 selected PHAs, including Indian housing authorities, may administer the public or Indian housing program and the Section 8 housing assistance payments program in ways designed to reduce costs and achieve greater cost-effectiveness in federal expenditures, provide incentives for heads of households to become economically self-sufficient, and increase housing choices for lower-income families.) Under such an agreement a PHA: may not establish any new rent policy that raises rent burdens for a significant portion of participating families, or causes specified other results, unless certain conditions are met; may use funds appropriated for renewal of tenant-based rental assistance only for payments assisting eligible families with housing costs; shall receive funding for renewal of tenant-based rental assistance under the same formula applied to nonparticipating PHAs; must provide ongoing housing assistance to substantially the same number of eligible low-income families as it could assist ordinarily but with average cost burdens no higher than those of families assisted under Sections 8 (low-income housing assistance) and 9 (Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds) of the United States Housing Act of 1937; and develop and implement a plan to expand families' access to neighborhoods with low crime, high-performing schools, or other indicators of high opportunity, if a disproportionately low share of PHA-assisted families lives in such neighborhoods. HUD may not waive specified housing-related requirements. HUD must conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Demonstration Program to: analyze the risks and potential benefits of expanding it to additional agencies; and identify reforms, and selection criteria in case the Demonstration Program is expanded, that would improve its effectiveness in testing innovative policies while minimizing adverse effects on low-income families and ensuring efficient use of federal funds to meet the most pressing housing needs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Reward Innovation in America Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administering entity.--The term ``administering entity'' means an entity with which the Secretary enters into an agreement under section 4(e). (2) Competition.--The term ``competition'' means a competition for an innovation prize under the program described in section 4(a). (3) Innovation prize.--The term ``innovation prize'' means a prize awarded to a participant who wins a competition. (4) Participant.--The term ``participant'' means an individual or entity that participates in a competition. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. SEC. 3. NATIONAL INNOVATION PRIZES BOARD. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department of Commerce a National Innovation Prizes Board (referred to in this Act as the ``Board''). (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Board are as follows: (1) To develop and administer the program described in section 4(a). (2) To select the research topics for competitions. (3) To establish the rules of the competitions and the criteria for winning innovation prizes. (4) To determine the amount of the innovation prize for each competition. (5) To certify the winners of the competitions. (6) To determine the annual funding requirement for each competition. (c) Membership.-- (1) Number of members.--The Secretary shall determine the number of members of the Board. (2) Chair.--The Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, shall serve as Chair of the Board. (3) Members.-- (A) From federal agencies.--The Secretary may appoint the heads of Federal agencies to serve as full members of the Board on a permanent basis. (B) Non-federal members.--The Secretary may appoint to the Board individuals who are not officers or employees of the Federal Government and who have national reputations in the private sector, policy sector, or academic institutions. (4) Terms.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a member of the Board shall serve for a term of 3 years. (B) Initial terms.--The initial terms of members described in paragraph (3)(B) shall be staggered. (5) Vacancies.--A member of the Board described in paragraph (3)(B) appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of the former member. (6) Status.--Except as provided in paragraph (7), a member described in paragraph (3)(B) shall not be deemed to be an officer or employee of the United States for purposes of the laws or regulations of the United States. (7) Travel expenses.--A member described in paragraph (3)(B) shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of the Federal Government under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 4. INNOVATION PRIZES PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The program described in this subsection means a program of competitions to award innovation prizes to eligible individuals and entities to advance the research, development, and commercial application of innovative technologies. (b) Eligible Individuals and Entities.-- (1) In general.--The term ``eligible individual or entity'' includes an individual, university, or small or large business that complies with the requirements of paragraph (2). (2) Requirements.--An eligible individual or entity-- (A) shall have complied with such eligibility requirements for participation in a competition as the Board may establish and publish in the Federal Register under subsection (d)(2); (B) in the case of a private entity, shall be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States; (C) in the case of an individual, whether participating in the program singly or in a group, shall be a citizen of, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in, the United States; and (D) may not be-- (i) a Federal entity, such as a federally funded research and development center or a government-owned, contractor-operated laboratory; (ii) a Federal employee acting within the scope of employment; or (iii) an employee of a national laboratory acting within the scope of employment. (3) Consultation with federal employees.--An individual or entity shall not be deemed ineligible under this subsection because such individual or entity used Federal facilities or consulted with Federal employees during a competition if such facilities and employees are made available to all individuals and entities participating in the competition on an equitable basis. (c) Development of Program.-- (1) Plan.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives a plan for implementing the program described in subsection (a) that includes-- (A) a description of how the research topics for competitions and the criteria for awarding the innovation prizes will be determined; (B) the terms and conditions of the competitions; (C) the time frame for the award of innovation prizes; and (D) a description of the plans of the Secretary to partner with nonprofit organizations or Federal agencies to sponsor competitions or to outsource administration of competitions to nonprofit organizations under subsection (e). (2) Innovation prizes.--In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following requirements: (A) Categories.--There shall be 2 categories of innovation prizes as follows: (i) 21st century innovation prizes.--21st Century Innovation Prizes shall be awarded in multiple competitions in different research areas. The amount of each 21st Century Innovation Prize award may not exceed $2,000,000. (ii) Innovate america grand challenge prizes.-- (I) In general.--Innovate America Grand Challenge Prizes shall be awarded in large, highly complex, and expensive competitions that-- (aa) are held every 2 to 4 years; and (bb) address research objectives well beyond the current state of the art and that are intended to become integral to major changes in complex socio-technological systems. (II) Amount of award.--The amount of each Innovate America Grand Challenge Prize award shall be $5,000,000 or more, but not more than $30,000,000. (B) Awards.--The Board shall determine the amount of each innovation prize for each competition and may elect to award only a first place prize or to award first, second, and third place prizes. (d) Advertising and Notice to Participants.-- (1) Advertising.--The Board shall advertise each competition widely to encourage broad participation in each competition, including by individuals, universities (including historically Black colleges and universities and other institutions serving minorities), and large and small businesses (including businesses owned or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged persons). (2) Federal register notice.--The Board shall announce each competition by publishing in the Federal Register a notice that includes the subject of the competition, the duration of the competition, the eligibility requirements for participation in the competition, the process for participants to register for the competition, the amount of the innovation prize, and the criteria for awarding the innovation prize. (e) Administering Competitions.--The Board may enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit organization to administer competitions. The duties of the administering entity under the agreement shall include-- (1) advertising competitions and the results of competitions; (2) raising funds from private entities and individuals to pay for administrative costs of competitions and to contribute to cash innovation prizes; (3) working with the Board to develop the criteria for selecting winners in competitions, based on goals provided by the Secretary; (4) determining, in consultation with the Board, the appropriate amount of each innovation prize to be awarded; (5) selecting judges for competitions using criteria developed in consultation with the Board; and (6) preventing the unauthorized use or disclosure of the intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential business information of participants. (f) Funding.-- (1) Funding sources.-- (A) In general.--Innovation prizes awarded under the program described in subsection (a) shall consist of-- (i) funds authorized to be appropriated under section 6; and (ii) any funds raised by the administering entity under subsection (e)(2). (B) Federal agencies.--The Secretary may accept funds from other Federal agencies for innovation prizes. (2) Funding from other entities.-- (A) In general.--The Board is authorized to enter into agreements with other entities, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, and other government agencies, to offer joint innovation prizes if-- (i) the joint innovation prize supports the purposes of this Act; (ii) the entity offering additional funds agrees to deposit the funds into a designated escrow account; and (iii) the Board retains full authority over the competition and the awarding of the cash innovation prizes. (B) Prohibition on special consideration in return for donations.--The Secretary may not give any special consideration to any private sector entity or individual in return for a donation to the administering entity to fund a competition. (3) Announcement of innovation prizes contingent on funding.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary may not publish the notice in the Federal Register required by subsection (d)(2) until all the funds necessary to pay the innovation prize have been appropriated or committed in writing. (B) Increases in amount of innovation prize.--The Secretary may increase the amount of an innovation prize after an initial announcement is made under subsection (d)(2) if-- (i) notice of the increase is published in the Federal Register; and (ii) the funds needed to pay the amount of the increase have been appropriated or committed in writing. (g) Liability.-- (1) Waiver of liability.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary may require participants to waive claims against the Federal Government and the administering entity (except claims for willful misconduct) for any injury, death, damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits arising from participation in a competition. (B) Notice.--The Secretary shall give notice of any waiver required under subparagraph (A) in the notice published in the Federal Register under subsection (d)(2). (C) Exception.--The Secretary may not require a participant to waive claims against the administering entity arising out of the unauthorized use or disclosure by the administering entity of the intellectual property, trade secrets, or confidential business information of the participant. (2) Liability insurance.-- (A) Requirements.--A participant shall be required to obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility, in amounts determined by the Secretary, for claims by-- (i) a third party for death, bodily injury, or property damage or loss resulting from an activity carried out in connection with participation in a competition; and (ii) the Federal Government for damage or loss to Government property resulting from participation in a competition. (B) Federal government insured.--The Federal Government shall be named as an additional insured under an insurance policy required under subparagraph (A). A registered participant shall be required to agree to indemnify the Federal Government against third party claims for damages arising from or related to participation in a competition. (h) Intellectual Property.-- (1) Prohibition on the government acquiring intellectual property rights.--The Federal Government may not gain an interest in intellectual property developed by a participant for a competition. (2) Licenses.--The Federal Government may negotiate a license for the use of intellectual property developed by a participant for a competition. SEC. 5. REPORT. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives a report describing the activities of the program described in section 4(a), including-- (1) a description of the methods used to select the research topics of competitions and the amounts of the innovation prizes; (2) a discussion of the features of competitions that contribute to the success or lack of success of the competitions; (3) the number of participants involved in the competitions; (4) the amount of private funds contributed to the program and the sources of such funds; (5) the effect of the program on public awareness of innovation; and (6) the effect of the program on the public image of the Department of Commerce. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.-- (1) Awards.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act-- (A) for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, $5,000,000 for awards described in section 4(c)(2)(A)(i); and (B) for fiscal year 2008, $30,000,000 for awards described in section 4(c)(2)(A)(ii). (2) Administration.--In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 $750,000 for the administrative costs of carrying out this Act. (b) Carryover of Funds.--Funds appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act shall remain available until expended.

Summary: Reward Innovation in America Act - Establishes a National Innovation Prizes Board in the Department of Commerce, which shall develop and administer a program of competitions to award innovation prizes to eligible individuals and entities to advance the research, development, and commercial application of innovative technologies. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit a plan for implementing such program. Requires that there be two categories of prizes: (1) 21st Century Innovation Prizes, which shall be awarded in multiple competitions in different research areas; and (2) Innovate America Grand Challenge Prizes, which shall be awarded in large, highly complex, and expensive competitions that are held every two to four years and address research objectives well beyond the current state of the art and that are intended to become integral to major changes in complex socio-technological systems. Requires the Board to determine the amount of each prize for each competition. Instructs the Board to: (1) advertise competitions widely to encourage broad participation; and (2) publish notices of competitions in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Board to enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit organization to administer competitions. Specifies that prizes awarded under the program shall consist of: (1) funds authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this Act; and (2) any funds raised by the administering entity to pay for administrative costs of competitions and to contribute to cash prizes. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports describing the activities of the program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Seniors' Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. DELAY IN AUTHORITY TO TERMINATE CONTRACTS FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS FAILING TO ACHIEVE MINIMUM QUALITY RATINGS. (a) Findings.--Consistent with the studies provided under the IMPACT Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-185), it is the intent of Congress-- (1) to continue to study and request input on the effects of socioeconomic status and dual-eligible populations on the Medicare Advantage STARS rating system before reforming such system with the input of stakeholders; and (2) pending the results of such studies and input, to provide for a temporary delay in authority of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to terminate Medicare Advantage plan contracts solely on the basis of performance of plans under the STARS rating system. (b) Delay in MA Contract Termination Authority for Plans Failing To Achieve Minimum Quality Ratings.--Section 1857(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-27(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Delay in contract termination authority for plans failing to achieve minimum quality rating.--The Secretary may not terminate a contract under this section with respect to the offering of an MA plan by a Medicare Advantage organization solely because the MA plan has failed to achieve a minimum quality rating under the 5-star rating system established under section 1853(o) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and through the end of plan year 2018.''. SEC. 3. IMPROVEMENTS TO MA RISK ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM. Section 1853(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w- 23(a)(1)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clauses: ``(iv) Evaluation and subsequent revision of the risk adjustment system to account for chronic conditions and other factors for the purpose of making the risk adjustment system more accurate, transparent, and regularly updated.-- ``(I) Revision based on number of chronic conditions.--The Secretary shall revise for 2017 and periodically thereafter, the risk adjustment system under this subparagraph so that a risk score under such system, with respect to an individual, takes into account the number of chronic conditions with which the individual has been diagnosed. ``(II) Evaluation of different risk adjustment models.--The Secretary shall evaluate the impact of including 2 years of data to compare the models used to determine risk scores for 2013 and 2014 under such system. ``(III) Evaluation and analysis on chronic kidney disease (ckd) codes.-- The Secretary shall evaluate the impact of removing the diagnosis codes related to chronic kidney disease in the 2014 risk adjustment model and conduct an analysis of best practices of MA plans to slow disease progression related to chronic kidney disease. ``(IV) Evaluation and recommendations on use of encounter data.--The Secretary shall evaluate the impact of including 10 percent of encounter data in computing payment for 2016 and the readiness of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to incorporate encounter data in risk scores. In conducting such evaluation, the Secretary shall use data collected as encounter data on or after January 1, 2012, shall analyze such data for accuracy and completeness and issue recommendations for improving such accuracy and completeness, and shall not increase the percentage of such encounter data used unless the Secretary releases the data publicly, indicates how such data will be weighted in computing the risk scores, and ensures that the data reflects the degree and cost of care coordination under MA plans. ``(V) Conduct of evaluations.-- Evaluations and analyses under subclause (II) through (IV) shall include an actuarial opinion from the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about the reasonableness of the methods, assumptions, and conclusions of such evaluations and analyses. The Secretary shall consult with the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and accept and consider comments of stakeholders, such as managed care organizations and beneficiary groups, on such evaluation and analyses. The Secretary shall complete such evaluations and analyses in a manner that permits the results to be applied for plan years beginning with the second plan year that begins after the date of the enactment of this clause. ``(VI) Implementation of revisions based on evaluations.--If the Secretary determines, based on such an evaluation or analysis, that revisions to the risk adjustment system to address the matters described in any of subclauses (II) through (IV) would make the risk adjustment system under this subparagraph better reflect and appropriately weight for the population that is served by the plan, the Secretary shall, beginning with 2017, and periodically thereafter, make such revisions. ``(VII) Periodic reporting to congress.--With respect to plan years beginning with 2017 and every third year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the most recent revisions (if any) made under this clause, including the evaluations conducted under subclauses (II) through (IV). ``(v) No changes to adjustment factors that prevent activities consistent with national health policy goals.--In making any changes to the adjustment factors, including adjustment for health status under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall ensure that the changes do not prevent Medicare Advantage organizations from performing or undertaking activities that are consistent with national health policy goals, including activities to promote early detection and better care coordination, the use of health risk assessments, care plans, and programs to slow the progression of chronic diseases. ``(vi) Opportunity for review and public comment regarding changes to adjustment factors.--For changes to adjustment factors effective for 2017 and subsequent years, in addition to providing notice of such changes in the announcement under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for review of proposed changes of not less than 60 days and a public comment period of not less than 30 days before implementing such changes.''. SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO MEDICARE ADVANTAGE STAR RATING SYSTEM. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has inadvertently created a star rating system under section 1853(o)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w- 23(o)(4)) for Medicare Advantage plans that lacks proper accounting for the socioeconomic status of enrollees in such plans and the extent to which such plans serve individuals who are also eligible for medical assistance under title XIX of such Act; and (2) Congress will work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and stakeholders, including beneficiary groups and managed care organizations, to ensure that such rating system properly accounts for the socioeconomic status of enrollees in such plans and the extent to which such plans serve such individuals described in paragraph (1). SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO MEDICARE ADVANTAGE RISK ADJUSTMENT. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services should periodically monitor and improve the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment model to ensure that it accurately accounts for beneficiary risk, including for those individuals with complex chronic comorbid conditions; (2) the Secretary should closely examine the current Medicare Advantage risk adjustment methodology to ensure that plans enrolling beneficiaries with the greatest health care needs receive adequate reimbursement to deliver high-quality care and other services to help beneficiaries avoid costly complications and further progression of chronic conditions and to the extent data indicate this to be the case, the Secretary should make necessary adjustment to the risk adjustment methodology; and (3) the Secretary should reconsider the implementation of changes in the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment methodology finalized for 2016 and to use to the extent appropriate the methodology finalized in 2015 for one additional year. Passed the House of Representatives June 17, 2015. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Senior's Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) It is the intent of Congress to: (1) continue to study and request input on the effects of socioeconomic status and dual-eligible populations on the five-star quality rating system for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans before reforming it, and, pending study and input results, (2) delay Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) authority to terminate MA plan contracts solely on the basis of performance under the five-star rating system. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may not, through the end of plan year 2018, terminate a contract with respect to the offering of an MA plan by an MA organization solely because the plan has failed to achieve a minimum quality rating under the five-star rating system. (Sec. 3) This bill amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to direct HHS (in effect, CMS) to revise for 2017, and periodically afterwards, the system for risk adjustments to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations so that an individual's risk score takes into account the number of chronic conditions with which the individual has been diagnosed. HHS must, including an actuarial opinion of the CMS Chief Actuary, evaluate the impacts of: including two years of data to compare the models used to determine the risk scores for 2013 and 2014, removing the diagnosis codes related to chronic kidney disease in the 2014 risk adjustment model, and including 10% of encounter data in computing payment for 2016 and CMS readiness to incorporate encounter data in risk scores. HHS shall also analyze the best practices of MA plans to slow disease progression related to chronic kidney disease. HHS shall then, if appropriate, make revisions to the risk adjustment system, based on such an evaluation or analysis, to better reflect and appropriately weight for the population served. (Sec. 4) Congress declares that: the five-star quality rating system for MA plans lacks proper accounting for the socioeconomic status of plan enrollees and the extent to which those plans serve individuals also eligible for medical assistance under SSAct title XIX (Medicaid); and Congress will work with CMS and stakeholders, including beneficiary groups and managed care organizations, to ensure that the five-star quality rating system for MA plans properly accounts for the socioeconomic status of plan enrollees and the extent to which plans serve them. (Sec. 5) It is also the sense of Congress that HHS should: periodically monitor and improve the risk adjustment model for payments to MA organizations to ensure that it accurately accounts for beneficiary risk; closely examine and adjust as necessary the current MA risk adjustment methodology to ensure that plans enrolling beneficiaries with the greatest health care needs receive adequate reimbursement to deliver high-quality care and other services to help beneficiaries avoid costly complications and further progression of chronic conditions; and reconsider the implementation of changes in the MA risk adjustment methodology finalized for 2016 and, to the extent appropriate, use the risk methodology finalized in 2015 for one additional year.


SECTION 1. AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER NAVAL VESSELS TO CERTAIN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. (a) Brazil.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Brazil the ``THOMASTON'' class dock landing ships ALAMO (LSD 33) and HERMITAGE (LSD 34), and the ``GARCIA'' class frigates BRADLEY (FF 1041), DAVIDSON (FF 1045), SAMPLE (FF 1048), and ALBERT DAVID (FF 1050). Such transfers shall be on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (b) Dominican Republic.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of the Dominican Republic the medium auxiliary floating dry dock AFDM 2. Such transfer shall be on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (c) Ecuador.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Ecuador the ``OAK RIDGE'' class medium auxiliary repair dry dock ALAMOGORDO (ARDM 2). Such transfer shall be on a sales basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). (d) Egypt.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Egypt the ``NEWPORT'' class tank landing ships BARBOUR COUNTY (LST 1195) and PEORIA (LST 1183). Such transfers shall be on a sales basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). (e) Greece.--(1) The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Greece the ``KNOX'' class frigate CONNOLE (FF 1056). Such transfer shall be on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (2) The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Greece the medium auxiliary floating dry dock COMPETENT (AFDM 6). Such transfer shall be on a sales basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). (f) Mexico.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Mexico the ``NEWPORT'' class tank landing ship NEWPORT (LST 1179) and the ``KNOX'' class frigate WHIPPLE (FF 1062). Such transfers shall be on a sales basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). (g) Poland.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Poland the ``OLIVER HAZARD PERRY'' class guided missile frigate CLARK (FFG 11). Such transfer shall be on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (h) Taiwan.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (which is the Taiwan instrumentality designated pursuant to section 10(a) of the Taiwan Relations Act) the ``NEWPORT'' class tank landing ship SCHENECTADY (LST 1185). Such transfer shall be on a sales basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). (i) Thailand.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Thailand the ``KNOX'' class frigate TRUETT (FF 1095). Such transfer shall be on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (j) Turkey.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to transfer to the Government of Turkey the ``OLIVER HAZARD PERRY'' class guided missile frigates FLATLEY (FFG 21) and JOHN A. MOORE (FFG 19). Such transfers shall be on a sales basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). SEC. 2. INAPPLICABILITY OF AGGREGATE ANNUAL LIMITATION ON VALUE OF TRANSFERRED EXCESS DEFENSE ARTICLES. The value of a vessel transferred to another country on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j) pursuant to authority provided by section 1 of this Act shall not be counted for the purposes of section 516(g) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries under that section in any fiscal year. SEC. 3. COSTS OF TRANSFERS. Any expense incurred by the United States in connection with a transfer of a vessel authorized by section 1 of this Act shall be charged to the recipient. SEC. 4. EXPIRATION OF AUTHORITY. The authority to transfer vessels under section 1 of this Act shall expire at the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 5. REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT OF VESSELS IN UNITED STATES SHIPYARDS. The Secretary of the Navy shall require, to the maximum extent possible, as a condition of a transfer of a vessel under this Act, that the country to which the vessel is transferred have such repair or refurbishment of the vessel as is needed, before the vessel joins the naval forces of that country, performed at a shipyard located in the United States, including a United States Navy shipyard. SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO TRANSFER OF NAVAL VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that-- (1) the President should transfer to the Government of the Philippines, on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j), the excess defense articles described in subsection (b); and (2) the United States should not oppose the transfer of F-5 aircraft by a third country to the Government of the Philippines. (b) Excess Defense Articles.--The excess defense articles described in this subsection are the following: (1) UH-1 helicopters, A-4 aircraft, and the ``POINT'' class Coast Guard cutter POINT EVANS. (2) Amphibious landing craft, naval patrol vessels (including patrol vessels of the Coast Guard), and other naval vessels (such as frigates), if such vessels are available.

Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer certain naval vessels to: (1) Brazil; (2) the Dominican Republic; (3) Ecuador; (4) Egypt; (5) Greece; (6) Mexico; (7) Poland; (8) Taiwan; (9) Thailand; and (10) Turkey. Declares that the value of such transferred vessels shall not be counted for the limitation on the aggregate value of excess defense articles that can be transferred to such a country in any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary, to the maximum extent possible, to require recipient countries, as a condition of transfer, to have such vessels repaired or refurbished at U.S. shipyards, including a U.S. Navy shipyard. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should transfer on a grant basis certain excess aircraft and naval vessels to the Government of the Philippines; and (2) the United States should not oppose the transfer of F-5 aircraft by a third country to such Government.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Support Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel are a vital component of the first responders across the United States. (2) The 800,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service personnel in the United States save lives and property everyday. (3) The national financial savings resulting from volunteer firefighting and emergency medical services has been calculated at more than $37,000,000,000 each year. (4) Many volunteer fire stations and emergency medical services organizations in the United States face growing challenges as volunteers contend with increased competition for their time from their jobs, families, and other responsibilities. (5) Some State and local governments provide financial incentives to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, such as retirement benefits and tuition assistance. Unfortunately, many communities that rely on volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, especially rural and low-income communities, do not have the resources to provide such incentives. (6) There is an important role for the Federal Government and the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration in supporting volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, including providing funds to contribute to incentives for the recruitment and retention of volunteers. SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 33 the following new section: ``SEC. 33A. ASSISTANCE FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program to provide funds to a State or local government, non-profit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental emergency medical services organization, that carries out a volunteer firefighter incentive program in accordance with the provisions of this section. ``(b) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Approved benefit or incentive.--The term `approved benefit or incentive' means a benefit or incentive that has been approved by the Administrator and is provided to a volunteer firefighter, including-- ``(A) a retirement benefit; ``(B) reimbursement for travel and training; ``(C) health insurance or other health benefits; ``(D) life insurance; ``(E) tuition or school loan forgiveness; ``(F) a tax reduction; and ``(G) any other benefit or incentive approved by the Administrator. ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Homeland Security. ``(3) Volunteer firefighter.--The term `volunteer firefighter' means an individual who provides firefighting service or emergency medical service to a State or local government or a governmental or nongovernmental organization without pay. A volunteer firefighter may receive benefits or incentives for firefighting service or emergency medical service, including benefits and incentives described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (1). ``(4) Volunteer firefighter incentive program.--The term `volunteer firefighter incentive program' means a program carried out by a State or local government, a non-profit firefighter association, or a governmental or nongovernmental emergency medical services organization to provide approved benefits or incentives. ``(c) Matching Payments to States.-- ``(1) Requirement.--For each fiscal year in which a State or local government, non-profit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental emergency medical services organization carries out a volunteer firefighter incentive program, the Secretary shall pay such government, association, or organization, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated for such fiscal year, an amount equal to the total amount of expenditures of funds not received from the Federal Government made by such government, association, or organization for such fiscal year to carry out the volunteer firefighter incentive program. ``(2) Entitlement.--Paragraph (1) constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the Federal Government to provide payment to a State or local government, non-profit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental emergency medical services organization of any amount provided for under such paragraph. ``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. ``(e) Reports.-- ``(1) Reports from recipients.--A State or local government, non-profit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental emergency medical service organization that receives funds under this section to carry out a volunteer firefighter incentive program for a fiscal year shall submit to the Secretary a report on-- ``(A) the use of such funds; and ``(B) the programs to recruit or retain volunteer firefighters carried out by the government, association, or organization during that fiscal year. ``(2) Reports from the secretary.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Support Act of 2008, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on-- ``(A) the activities carried out under this section during the previous year; and ``(B) the status of programs to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters in the United States.''.

Summary: Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a program to provide funds to a state or local government, nonprofit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental emergency medical services (EMS) organization, that carries out a volunteer firefighter incentive program in accordance with this Act. Directs the Secretary, for each fiscal year in which a state or local government, nonprofit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental EMS organization carries out a volunteer firefighter incentive program, to pay such government, association, or organization (organization), out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated for such fiscal year, a sum equal to the total expenditures of funds not received from the federal government made by such organization for that fiscal year to carry out the program. Declares that this constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the federal government to provide payment to a state or local government, nonprofit firefighter association, or governmental or nongovernmental EMS organization any amount so provided. Requires reports from recipients, and from the Secretary annually, to Congress.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Roosevelt Lake Recreation Area Fee Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) The Roosevelt Lake Recreation Area in the Tonto National Forest in the State of Arizona is changing as a result of drastically increasing population in the communities near the recreation area and modifications in Roosevelt Dam. (2) The current annual funding of $300,000 for the recreation area does not allow for even minimal maintenance and operation of the newly emerging $40,000,000 recreational area. (3) The anticipated number of persons using the facilities of the recreation area requires additional funding to provide minimum sanitary and safety related service at the recreation area as well as management of the environment and riparian areas. (4) The quality of services provided at the recreation area and the integrity of the environment could best be served by maintaining public, rather than private, management of the recreation area. (5) The users of units of the National Forest System have demonstrated a willingness to pay a user fee for maintenance and operation if the locally collected funds are returned to the unit. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to use funds generated from fees charged in connection with the recreational use of the Roosevelt Lake Recreational Area-- (1) to assure adequate funding of maintenance and operation of the recreation area; (2) to provide additional funding to the county in which the recreation area is located, enabling the county to increase investment in facilities and services related to public safety, sanitation, and the recreational environment; and (3) to allow increased funding for the protection of the bald eagle nesting areas, the Canadian geese wintering grounds, and the Roosevelt Lake wildlife refuges at the recreation area. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Recreation area.--The term ``recreation area'' means the Roosevelt Lake Recreation Area in the Tonto National Forest in the State of Arizona. (2) Recreation site.--The term ``recreation site'' means a campground, picnic ground, swimming site, boat launch site, lake access site, or other man-made or natural recreational facility in the recreation area. (3) Recreation use fee; fee.--The terms ``recreation use fee'' or ``fee'' mean a fee that is charged for the use of a recreation site in the recreation area. (4) Recreation use pass.--The term ``recreation use pass'' means a document that entitles the holder access and use of recreation sites in the recreation area for a specified period of time. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture. SEC. 4. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO COLLECT RECREATION USE FEES. (a) Recreation Use Fee Authorized.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may establish and collect recreation use fees at designated recreation sites within the recreation area. (b) Exceptions.--The Secretary may not impose or collect a recreation use fee for the use or provision in the recreation area, either singly or in any combination, of drinking water, wayside exhibits, toilet facilities, general purpose roads, overlook sites, or general information. The Secretary may not impose or collect a fee from any officer or employee of the Federal Government or State or local government authorized by the Secretary to perform administrative duties at recreation sites in the recreation area. (c) Establishment and Collection.--Establishment and collection of recreation use fees shall be made in accordance with subsections (d) and (e) of section 4 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a). The Secretary may authorize the collection of fees by volunteers in accordance with subsection (k) of such section. (d) Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport.--Any person holding a valid Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport issued under paragraph (4) or (5) of section 4(a) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(a)) shall be entitled upon presentation of such passport to use a recreation site within the recreation area at a rate equal to 50 percent of the recreation use fee otherwise applicable to such recreation site. (e) Effect on Other Laws.--Recreation use fees established under this section for use of recreation sites in the recreation area shall be in lieu of any recreation use fees for such recreation sites under section 4(b) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(b)) or section 1401 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6c). SEC. 5. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO SELL RECREATION USE PASSES. (a) Recreation Use Pass Authorized.--The Secretary shall make available for purchase recreation use passes for the use on a daily or annual basis of recreation sites in the recreation area otherwise subject to a recreation use fee. Use of an annual recreation use pass shall be subject to any single stay time limits imposed on the recreation site. (b) Availability.--The Secretary may have recreation use passes available for sale at any recreation site for which a recreation use fee is charged or at other convenient locations. (c) Use of Pass.--The recreation use pass shall apply to-- (1) the pass holder and any person accompanying the pass holder in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle; or (2) the pass holder and the spouse, children, and parents of the pass holder accompanying the pass holder where entry to a recreation site is by any means other than a private, noncommercial vehicle. (d) Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport.--Any person holding a valid Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport issued under paragraph (4) or (5) of section 4(a) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(a)) shall be entitled upon presentation of such passport to purchase of a recreation use pass for the recreation area at a rate equal to 50 percent of the purchase price otherwise applicable to the recreation use pass. (e) Rules and Regulations, Enforcement Powers.--Recreation use passes sold under this section shall be nontransferable. The unlawful use of a recreation use pass shall be punishable in accordance with regulations established under section 4(e) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(e)). SEC. 6. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY. (a) Termination.--The authority of the Secretary to establish or collect fees under section 4 or sell recreation use passes under section 5 shall expire at the end of the seven-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Termination of such authority shall not affect the validity of any annual recreation use pass sold under section 5 before that date. (b) Report.--Not later than six years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report evaluating the authority provided by sections 4 and 5 regarding recreation use fees and recreation use passes. The report shall include any recommendations of the Secretary for modifying the authority, for extending the authority beyond the date specified in subsection (a), or for extending the authority to other units of the National Forest System. SEC. 7. DISPOSITION OF RECREATION USE FEES AND FUNDS FROM SALES OF RECREATION USE PASSES. (a) Deposit of Funds.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of section 4(i) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(i)), recreation use fees collected under section 4 and amounts received from sales of recreation use passes under section 5 shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury. (b) Use of Funds.-- (1) Operation, maintenance, and other uses.--In such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Secretary may use amounts in the special account to provide supplemental funds for operation, maintenance, and management of recreation sites within the recreation area, for interpretation and management of resources in the recreation area, and for administrative costs associated with such activities. (2) Payments to states and counties.--Recreation use fees collected under section 4 and amounts received for recreation use passes sold under section 5 shall be considered as money received for purpose of computing and distributing payments to States and counties pursuant to the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C. 500). (c) Roads and Trails.--Recreation use fees collected under section 4 and amounts received for recreation use passes sold under section 5 shall not be considered as money received for purpose of the fourteenth paragraph under the heading ``forest service'' of the Act of March 4, 1913 (16 U.S.C. 501).

Summary: Roosevelt Lake Recreation Area Fee Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and collect recreation use fees and to sell recreation use passes at designated recreation sites within the Roosevelt Lake Recreation Area in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) collecting such fees for the use or provision in the Area of drinking water, wayside exhibits, toilet facilities, general purpose roads, overlook sites, or general information; or (2) imposing or collecting a fee from Federal, State, or local officers or employees authorized by the Secretary to perform administrative duties at recreation sites in the Area. Entitles holders of valid Golden Age Passports or Golden Access Passports to use a recreation site within the Area for half the applicable recreation use fee. Provides that such fees shall be in lieu of any recreation use fee. Provides that such fees shall be lieu of any recreation use fees for such sites under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 or the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. (Sec. 6) Terminates the authority of the Secretary to establish and collect fees or to sell such passes at the end of the seven-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding modifying or extending the authority to sell recreation use fees and passes. (Sec. 7) Requires the funds received from recreation use fees and passes sold to be deposited in a special account in the Treasury. Permits Fund amounts to be used for: (1) operation, maintenance, and management of recreation sites within the Area; (2) interpretation and management of the Area's resources; and (3) administrative costs associated with such activities.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act'' or the ``PIRATE Act''. SEC. 2. PIRATE RADIO ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENTS. Title V of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 501 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 511. ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR PIRATE RADIO BROADCASTING; ENFORCEMENT SWEEPS; REPORTING. ``(a) Increased General Penalty.--Any person who willfully and knowingly does or causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000. ``(b) Violation of This Act, Rules, or Regulations.--Any person who willfully and knowingly violates this Act or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by the Commission under authority of this Act, or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by any international radio or wire communications treaty or convention, or regulations annexed thereto, to which the United States is or may hereafter become party, relating to pirate radio broadcasting shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be subject to a fine of not more than $100,000 for each day during which such offense occurs, in accordance with the limit described in subsection (a). ``(c) Facilitation.--Any person who knowingly and intentionally facilitates pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000. ``(d) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the PIRATE Act, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation a report summarizing the implementation of this section and associated enforcement activities for the previous fiscal year, which may include the efforts by the Commission to enlist the cooperation of Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel (including United States Attorneys and the United States Marshals Service) for service of process, collection of fines or forfeitures, seizures of equipment, and enforcement of orders. ``(e) Enforcement Sweeps.-- ``(1) Annual sweeps.--Not less than once each year, the Commission shall assign appropriate enforcement personnel to focus specific and sustained attention on the elimination of pirate radio broadcasting within the top five radio markets identified as prevalent for such broadcasts. Such effort shall include identifying, locating, and taking enforcement actions designed to terminate such operations. ``(2) Additional monitoring.--Within 6 months after conducting the enforcement sweeps required by paragraph (1), the Commission shall conduct monitoring sweeps to ascertain whether the pirate radio broadcasting identified by enforcement sweeps is continuing to broadcast and whether additional pirate radio broadcasting is occurring. ``(3) No effect on remaining enforcement.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commission shall not decrease or diminish the regular enforcement efforts targeted to pirate radio broadcast stations for other times of the year. ``(f) State and Local Government Authority.--The Commission may not preempt any State or local law prohibiting pirate radio broadcasting. ``(g) Revision of Commission Rules Required.--The Commission shall revise its rules to require that, absent good cause, in any case alleging a violation of subsection (a) or (b), the Commission shall proceed directly to issue a `Notice of Apparent Liability' without first issuing a `Notice of Unlicensed Operations'. ``(h) Pirate Radio Broadcasting Database.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and semi-annually thereafter, the Commission shall publish a database in a clear and legible format of all licensed radio stations operating in the AM and FM bands. The database shall be easily accessible from the Commission home page through a direct link. The database shall include the following information: ``(A) Each licensed station, listed by the assigned frequency, channel number, or Commission call letters. ``(B) All entities that have received a Notice of Unlicensed Operation, Notice of Apparent Liability, or Forfeiture Order by the Commission. ``(2) Clear identification.--The Commission shall clearly identify in the database-- ``(A) each licensed station as a station licensed by the Commission; and ``(B) each entity described in paragraph (1)(B) as operating without a Commission license or authorization. ``(i) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Pirate radio broadcasting.--The term `pirate radio broadcasting' means the transmission of communications on spectrum frequencies between 535 to 1705 kHz or 87.7 to 108 MHz without a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission, but does not include unlicensed operations in compliance with part 15 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(2) Facilitates.--The term `facilitates' means providing access to property (and improvements thereon) or providing physical goods or services, including providing housing, facilities, or financing, that directly aid pirate radio broadcasting. ``(3) Knowingly and intentionally.--The term `knowingly and intentionally' means the person was previously served by the Commission with a notice of unlicensed operations, notice of apparent liability, or citation for efforts to facilitate pirate radio broadcasting.''. SEC. 3. NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED. No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act or the amendment made by this Act. This Act and the amendment made by this Act shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized. Passed the House of Representatives July 23, 2018. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act or the PIRATE Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to address unlicensed radio broadcasting (called "pirating"), including: increasing the fine for a pirate radio broadcasting violation to not more than $2 million, imposing a fine of up to $100,000 per day for pirating violations subject to the $2 million limit, and establishing a fine of up to $2 million for any person who facilitates pirate radio broadcasting ("facilitating" includes providing access to property or providing physical goods or services).    The FCC must: (1) annually report to Congress summarizing implementation of this bill and associated enforcement activities for the previous fiscal year; and (2) at least once a year, assign appropriate enforcement personnel to focus specific and sustained attention on the elimination of pirate radio broadcasting within the top five radio markets. The FCC may not preempt any state or local law prohibiting pirate radio broadcasting. The FCC shall: (1) revise its rules to require that, absent good cause, in any case alleging a violation, it shall proceed directly to issue a Notice of Apparent Liability without first issuing a Notice of Unlicensed Operations; and (2) publish a database of all licensed radio stations operating in the AM and FM bands, which shall be easily accessible from the FCC home page, identifying each licensed station and all entities that have received a Notice of Unlicensed Operation, Notice of Apparent Liability, or Forfeiture Order by the FCC. (Sec. 3) No additional funds are authorized to carry out this bill.


SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Since 1948, the United States, Greece, and the international community at large have recognized Israel's right to exist and to defend itself and conduct legitimate self- defense. (2) Since 2001, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the other Palestinian terrorist organizations operating in the Gaza Strip and supported by Iran and Syria have launched over 10,000 rockets into Israeli civilian populations and across Israeli territory. (3) Since the beginning of 2010, Israel has provided over 100,000 tons of aid to the people living in Gaza. (4) Israel's blockade is acknowledged by the United States as necessary and legal given Hamas' control of Gaza, intention to secure greater weaponry for aggressive purposes and open desire to destroy Israel. (5) According to sources, the United Nations-commissioned Palmer Report which was released on July 7, 2011, concludes that the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza is legal and is in accordance with international law. (6) The Israeli Government has repeatedly indicated that any desire to provide humanitarian materiel to Gaza can be done through the port of Ashdod then delivered to Gaza by land. (7) Recent past history has suggested that the sole intent of the flotillas is to provoke an Israeli military response in the international waters of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. (8) The Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of the Treasury have determined that flotilla organizers Free Gaza and the Insan Hak ve Hurriyetleri ve Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), an Islamic nongovernmental organization (known in English as the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief), have known terrorist ties. (9) In 2010, IHH organized a flotilla that included the ship Mavi Marmara carrying 40 IHH members, including Fatima Mahmadi, Ken O'Keefe, Hassan Iynasi, Hussein Urosh, Ahmad Umimon, and others with known links to Al Qaeda, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations who were armed with 100 metal rods, 200 knives, 150 military self-defense vests, 50 wooden clubs, gas masks, and a telescopic sight for a gun. (10) The explicit objective of the Gaza Flotilla organizers that set sail in 2010 was to breach Israel's coastal security by breaking the lawful and legitimate Israeli maritime security perimeter around the Gaza Strip. (11) According to a June 7, 2010, report by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (known by its Hebrew acronym MALAM), based on security interviews of the Gaza Flotilla participants, at least 40 of the 500 passengers aboard the Mavi Marmara vessel were IHH operatives who boarded the ship in an Istanbul port prior to the security checks conducted at the port in Antalya, Turkey, to which the other passengers, mostly humanitarian volunteers, were subject. (12) According to this Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center report, these IHH activists were equipped with communications equipment, flak jackets, and gas masks. (13) The group operated with a clear internal hierarchy, with specific activists nominated as fighting commanders and who turned the upper deck of the Mavi Marmara into its headquarters, blocking it off to other passengers. (14) In the most recent organization of a Gaza flotilla, Greece worked with the Israeli Government in order to prohibit any violations of Israel's legal blockade of Gaza. (15) Greece has proven itself to be a strategic partner and ally of the United States in anchoring political stability and advancing economic development in the Balkan and Black Sea regions of southeast Europe and Eurasia, in the Middle East and northern Africa, and throughout the eastern Mediterranean Sea. (16) Greece is an active participant in peacekeeping and peace-building operations conducted by international organizations, including the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). (17) Greece acted without hesitation in prohibiting any Greek-flagged or foreign-flagged vessels from setting sail out of Greek ports into the water of the Gaza naval blockade. (18) Pursuant to a decision by the Minister of Citizen Protection, Mr. C. Papoutsis, the departure of ships with Greek and foreign flags from Greek ports to Gaza was prohibited on July 1, 2011, and the Hellenic Coast Guard ordered that all appropriate measures be taken for the implementation of such decision. (19) The Greek Government worked diligently to ensure the safety of even the organizers of the flotilla knowing that their reckless, irresponsible, and provocative acts against a sovereign country engaged in self-defense could result in great bodily harm or even death to themselves and other individuals. (20) The Greek Government took more extraordinary measures to ensure that the broader maritime area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea would be continuously monitored by electronic means for tracking, where applicable, the movements of the ships allegedly participating in such an illegal campaign. (21) Greek authorities boarded ships and took into custody several individuals, including Captain John Klusmire of the ship Audacity of Hope as it violated Greek Coast Guard orders by setting sail without permission. (22) Greek authorities acted in accordance with the recommendation of the Quartet--the United States, the European Union, the United States and Russia--as it urged countries to prohibit Gaza-bound flotillas that would serve solely to escalate tension in the Middle East. SEC. 2. DECLARATION OF CONGRESS. Congress-- (1) notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European, Eurasian, and Middle Eastern regions, and in the community of nations by promoting, peace, freedom, democracy, and security; and (2) stands behind Israel for its sovereign right to defend its citizens and its territory, and specifically for its actions to prevent the import of offensive weaponry into the hands of Hamas, Palestinian Jihad, and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that the United States should take appropriate diplomatic steps to express gratitude to Greece for upholding the rule of law in preventing hostile forces from violating a legal naval blockade of Gaza by Israel and thereby advancing the security of its ally Israel. SEC. 4. REPORT. (a) In General.--Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report on whether any support organization that participated in the planning or execution of the recent Gaza flotilla attempt should be designated as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189). (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall include information on the following: (1) The sources of any logistical, technical, or financial support for the Gaza flotilla ships, including the Audacity of Hope, that were set to set sail from Greece on July 1, 2011. (2) Any actions taken by the Department of State to express support and gratitude for the principled stance taken by the Government of Greece to prevent the recent Gaza flotilla attempt to violate Israel's lawful blockade of Gaza.

Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take diplomatic steps to express gratitude to Greece for upholding the rule of law in preventing hostile forces from violating a legal naval blockade of Gaza by Israel and thereby advancing the security of its ally Israel. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on whether any support organization that participated in the planning or execution of the recent Gaza flotilla attempt should be designated as a foreign terrorist organization.


SECTION 1. EXTERNAL REGULATION OF DEPARTMENT. (a) Elimination of Department Authority.--Effective 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department shall have no regulatory or enforcement authority with respect to nuclear safety and occupational safety and health responsibilities assumed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under subsection (b) or by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under subsection (c) at any nonmilitary energy laboratory owned or operated by the Department. (b) Nuclear Regulatory Commission Authority.-- (1) Nuclear safety regulatory and enforcement responsibilities.--Effective 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall assume the nuclear safety regulatory and enforcement responsibilities of the Department under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with regard to nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department. (2) Licensed entities.--For the purposes of carrying out at nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department regulatory and enforcement responsibilities described in paragraph (1), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may regulate, through licensing, certification, or other appropriate means, the Department's contractors. (3) Decommissioning.--A contractor operating a nonmilitary energy laboratory owned by the Department shall not be responsible for the costs of decommissioning that facility. No enforcement action may be taken against such contractor for any violation of Nuclear Regulatory Commission decommissioning requirements, if such violation is the result of a failure of the Department to authorize or fund decommissioning activities. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department shall, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, enter into a memorandum of understanding establishing decommissioning procedures and requirements for nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department. (4) Accelerators.--Notwithstanding the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et. seq.), effective 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall have exclusive regulatory authority over accelerators, other electronic sources of radiation not assigned to the Commission as of the date of enactment of this Act, accelerator-produced radioisotopes, and naturally occurring radioactive materials at nonmilitary energy laboratories, consistent with the authorities granted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Until such time as the Commission has completed a rulemaking for the foregoing equipment and radioisotopes, nonmilitary energy laboratories shall be required to meet the requirements stipulated in a license for the facility. (5) Administration.--The responsibilities assumed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under this subsection shall be administered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, not by States. (6) Judicial review.--Section 189 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2239(b)) is amended by adding the following paragraph after paragraph (4): ``(5) Any final order or regulation of the Commission establishing standards to govern nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department of Energy that is issued to implement the Commission's responsibilities under the Act which enacted this paragraph, and any final determination of the Commission relating to whether a nonmilitary energy laboratory owned or operated by the Department is in compliance with such standards and all applicable Commission regulations or orders.''. (7) Employee protection.--Any Department contractor operating a nonmilitary energy laboratory that is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under this section shall be subject to section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5851) to the same extent as any other employer subject to such section 211. (8) Conflict of interest.--Section 170A of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2210a) applies to contracts, agreements, or other arrangements of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed or entered into pursuant to its responsibilities assumed under this subsection. (c) Occupational Safety and Health.-- (1) OSHA jurisdiction.--Notwithstanding section 4(b)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653(b)(1)), effective 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration shall assume the exclusive regulatory and enforcement responsibilities of the Department relating to matters covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 with regard to all nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department, except as provided in paragraph (2). The responsibilities assumed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under this subsection shall be administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not by States. Any Department contractor operating such a laboratory shall, with respect to matters relating to occupational safety and health, be considered to be an employer for purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. (2) Regulation of hazards containing radiological and non- radiological component.--If a hazard at a nonmilitary energy laboratory owned or operated by the Department presents a risk of occupational exposure and contains both a radiological and non-radiological component, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall, effective 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, share regulatory and enforcement responsibilities with respect to the hazard in accordance with the memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to subsection (d). (d) Memorandum of Understanding.--The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration shall, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, enter into and transmit to the Congress a memorandum of understanding to govern the exercise of their respective authorities over nuclear safety and occupational safety and health at nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department. (e) Civil Penalties.--The Department's contractor operating a nonmilitary energy laboratory owned or operated by the Department shall not be liable for civil penalties under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 for any actions taken before the date of transfer of regulatory authority under this section, pursuant to the instructions of a Federal agency in preparation for the transfer of regulatory and enforcement responsibilities required by this section. (f) Indemnification.--The Secretary shall continue to indemnify nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department in accordance with the provisions of section 170 d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. (g) Department Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a plan for the termination of the Department's regulatory and enforcement responsibilities for nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department required by this section. The report shall include-- (1) a detailed transition plan, drafted in coordination with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, giving the schedule for termination of self-regulation authority as outlined in subsection (a), including the activities to be coordinated with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (2) a description of any issues remaining to be resolved with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or other external regulators, and a timetable for resolving such issues by the authority transfer date established under this section; and (3) an estimate of-- (A) the annual cost of administering and implementing self-regulation of the nuclear safety and occupational safety and health responsibilities described in subsections (b) and (c) at nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department; (B) the number of Federal and contractor employees administering and implementing such self-regulation; and (C) the extent and schedule by which the Department and the staffs at its nonmilitary energy laboratories will be reduced as a result of implementation of this section. (h) General Accounting Office Reporting Requirement.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall periodically report to the Congress on the progress made in implementing this section. The Comptroller General shall provide a report not later than 20 months after the date of enactment of this Act on the Department's transition plan, and not later than 26 months after the date of enactment of this Act on the implementation of Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations in the nonmilitary energy laboratories. (i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- (1) the term ``Department'' means the Department of Energy; (2) the term ``nonmilitary energy laboratory'' means-- (A) Ames Laboratory; (B) Argonne National Laboratory; (C) Brookhaven National Laboratory; (D) Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; (E) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; (F) Oak Ridge National Laboratory; (G) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; (H) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; (I) Stanford Linear Accelerator Center; or (J) Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility; and (3) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy.

Summary: Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), respectively, to assume specified responsibilities for nuclear safety and for occupational safety and health at nonmilitary energy laboratories owned or operated by the Department of Energy (DOE). Eliminates DOE's regulatory and enforcement authority with respect to such responsibilities assumed by NRC and OSHA. Makes such transfers of authority effective two years after enactment of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Tax Relief and Fulfilling Our Obligation to Patriotic Soldiers Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF ENLISTMENT AND REENLISTMENT BONUSES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) In General.--Section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to certain combat zone compensation of members of the Armed Forces) is amended by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c) Qualified Bonus.--Gross income does not include a qualified bonus.''. (b) Qualified Bonus Defined.--Subsection (d) of section 112 of such Code (relating to definitions), as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(6) Qualified bonus.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified bonus' means an enlistment, accession, reenlistment, retention, incentive, or other bonus paid by the Secretary concerned to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States in exchange for the agreement of the member to accept a commission as an officer, extend an active service commitment as an officer, enlist, reenlist, or extend an enlistment as an enlisted member in an active or reserve component, or enter into a reserve affiliation agreement. ``(B) Other definitions.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the terms `active service', `enlisted member', `officer', and `Secretary concerned' have the meanings given to such terms in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 2201 of such Code is amended by striking ``section 112(c)'' both places it appears and inserting ``section 112(d)''. (2) The heading for section 112 of such Code is amended by inserting ``and other'' before ``compensation''. (3) Section 3401(a)(1) of such Code is amended by inserting ``and other'' before ``compensation''. (4) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating to section 112 and inserting the following new item: ``Sec. 112. Certain combat zone and other compensation of members of the Armed Forces.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007. SEC. 3. CONTINUATION OF CERTAIN BONUS PAYMENTS TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES RETIRED OR SEPARATED DUE TO A COMBAT-RELATED INJURY. (a) Payment Required.--Chapter 17 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 903 the following new section: ``Sec. 904. Continued payment of bonuses to members retired or separated due to combat-related injuries ``(a) Payment Required.--In the case of a member of the armed forces who is retired or separated for disability under chapter 61 of title 10, due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment to the member of any bonus described in subsection (b) that the member-- ``(1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation of the member; and ``(2) would continue to be entitled to if the member was not retired or separated. ``(b) Covered Bonuses.--The bonuses referred to in subsection (a) are the following (numbers refer to the corresponding section in chapter 5 of this title): ``(1) 301b. Special pay for aviation career officers extending period of active duty. ``(2) 301d. Multiyear retention bonus for medical officers of the armed forces. ``(3) 301e. Multiyear retention bonus for dental officers of the armed forces. ``(4) 302d. Accession bonus for registered nurses. ``(5) 302h. Accession bonus for dental officers. ``(6) 302j. Accession bonus for pharmacy officers. ``(7) 302k. Accession bonus for medical officers in critically short wartime specialties. ``(8) 302l. Accession bonus for dental specialist officers in critically short wartime specialties. ``(9) 308. Reenlistment bonus. ``(10) 308b. Reenlistment bonus for members of the Selected Reserve. ``(11) 308c. Bonus for affiliation or enlistment in the Selected Reserve. ``(12) 308g. Bonus for enlistment in elements of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve. ``(13) 308h. Bonus for reenlistment, or voluntary extension of enlistment in elements of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve. ``(14) 308i. Prior service enlistment bonus. ``(15) 308j. Affiliation bonus for officers in the Selected Reserve. ``(16) 309. Enlistment bonus. ``(17) 312. Special pay for nuclear-qualified officers extending period of active duty. ``(18) 312b. Nuclear career accession bonus. ``(19) 312c. Nuclear career annual incentive bonus. ``(20) 315. Engineering and scientific career continuation pay. ``(21) 316. Bonus for members with foreign language proficiency. ``(22) 317. Special pay for officers in critical acquisition positions extending period of active duty. ``(23) 318. Special pay for special warfare officers extending period of active duty. ``(24) 319. Surface warfare officer continuation pay. ``(25) 321. Judge advocate continuation pay. ``(26) 322. 15-year career status bonus for members entering service on or after August 1, 1986. ``(27) 323. Retention incentives for members qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units. ``(28) 324. Accession bonus for new officers in critical skills. ``(29) 326. Incentive bonus for conversion to military occupational specialty to ease personnel shortage. ``(30) 327. Incentive bonus for transfer between armed forces. ``(31) 329. Incentive bonus for retired members and reserve component members volunteering for high-demand, low-density assignments. ``(32) 330. Accession bonus for officer candidates. ``(c) Time for Payment.--A bonus required to be paid to a member under this section shall be paid to the member in a lump sum not later than 30 days after the date of the retirement or separation of the member, notwithstanding any terms to the contrary in the agreement under which the bonus was originally authorized. ``(d) Combat-Related Injury Defined.--In this section, the term `combat-related injury' means an injury-- ``(1) for which the member was awarded the Purple Heart; or ``(2) that was incurred (as determined under criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Defense)-- ``(A) as a direct result of armed conflict; ``(B) while engaged in hazardous service; ``(C) in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; or ``(D) through an instrumentality of war.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 903 the following new item: ``904. Continued payment of bonuses to members retired or separated due to combat-related injuries.''.

Summary: Tax Relief and Fulfilling Our Obligation to Patriotic Soldiers Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments made to members of the Armed Forces as enlistment and reenlistment bonuses. Requires the Secretary of Defense to continue the payment to members of the Armed Forces who are retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury of certain bonuses to which such members were entitled immediately before retirement or separation and to which such members would continue to be entitled if they were not retired or separated.