SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Broadband Internet Regulatory Relief Act of 2000''. SEC. 2. REGULATION OF ADVANCED SERVICE (a) In General.--Part II of title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``SEC. 262. PROVISION OF ADVANCED SERVICE BY INCUMBENT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 2(b) of this Act, or any other provision of law, an incumbent local exchange carrier shall not be subject to the requirements of-- ``(1) section 251(c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(5) with respect to the duty to provide, for the facilities and equipment of any requesting telecommunications carrier, interconnection with or notice of changes regarding any packet-based functionality of the local exchange carrier's network; ``(2) section 251(c)(1) or (c)(3) with respect to any network element that consists of or is created by a packet- switched or successor technology; ``(3) section 251(c)(1) or (c)(4) with respect to the provision of any advanced service; ``(4) section 251(c)(1) or (c)(6) with respect to any premises or structure used solely for network elements described in paragraph (2) of this subsection; or ``(5) section 251(c)(1), (c)(2)(3), or (c)(5) with respect to any optical fiber in the incumbent's distribution network that is used exclusively to provide telecommunications service to residential subscribers; and ``(i) that is or was either-- ``(I) deployed where previously no outside telephone distribution plant existed; ``(II) deployed as a replacement for any outside telephone distribution plant; or ``(III) deployed from a remote terminal to a customer premises; and ``(ii) where the facilities are capable of providing telephone exchange service, 10 Base T Data (or its equivalent), and VHS-quality video, or are capable of providing all of these services through the upgrade of electronics. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the Commission or a State from requiring that an incumbent local exchange carrier provide an existing copper loop to a local exchange carrier upon request. ``(b) Buildout Requirements.-- ``(1) An incumbent local exchange carrier or affiliate shall-- ``(A) make available advanced service to 80 percent of its telephone exchange service customers in a State within 3 years of the date of enactment of the Broadband Internet Regulatory Relief Act of 2000 where such services can be provided using an industry- approved standard and existing loop facilities; and ``(B) make available advanced service to 100 percent of its telephone exchange service customers in a State within 5 years of that date within 30 days of a bona fide request by any such customer where such services can be provided using an industry-approved standard and existing loop facilities. ``(2) An incumbent local exchange carrier that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (1), within the time frames set forth therein, shall continue to receive all regulatory relief provided by subsections (a) and (c) for any service or combination of services that consists of, or includes, the offering of a capability to transmit information using a packet-switched or successor technology downstream from a provider to a consumer and upstream from a consumer to a provider at a rated speed of 128 kilobits per second or more where advanced service cannot be provided using an industry- approved standard and existing loop facilities. ``(3) If an incumbent local exchange carrier fails to comply with paragraph (1) within the time frames set forth there, the regulatory relief provided by those subsections shall not apply to it. ``(c) Pricing Flexibility.-- ``(1) Competition for advanced service.--Except as provided in this section, section 251, section 254, section 271, and section 272, no advanced service offered by an incumbent local exchange carrier nor the facilities used to provide such service shall be subject to common carrier regulation by the Commission or any State in any exchange where advanced service is being provided by an unaffiliated advanced service provider. ``(2) Petition.--An incumbent local exchange carrier seeking pricing flexibility under paragraph (1) may file a petition with the Commission seeking such relief. A petition under this paragraph is deemed to have been approved if the Commission does not act on it within 30 days after it is filed. ``(3) Unconditional relief.--If the Commission determines under paragraph (1) that advanced service is being offered by an unaffiliated provider in the manner described in that paragraph, the Commission shall approve the petition of the incumbent local exchange carrier unconditionally. ``(4) Advanced service outside an incumbent's territory.-- The rates, terms, and conditions of advanced service offered by an incumbent local exchange carrier or its affiliate are not subject to Federal or State regulation in any geographic area in which that carrier, its successor, or assigns was not the local incumbent exchange carrier on February 8, 1996. ``(5) Schedule of charges.--For any advanced service that has not been determined by the Commission to be subject to competition under paragraph (1), the incumbent local exchange carrier furnishing such advanced service shall file with the Commission a schedule of charges and practices for such advanced service in a manner prescribed by the Commission under section 203. Any such schedule of charges and practices shall be deemed lawful and shall be effective 2 days after the date on which it was filed with the Commission unless the Commission takes action under section 204(a)(1) before the end of that 2- day period. ``(d) Noncompliance With Loop Provisioning and Collocation Rules.-- ``(1) State determination.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (c) shall cease to apply to an incumbent local exchange carrier after the date on which a State makes a final determination based on clear and convincing evidence, in response to a complaint filed by another local exchange carrier, that the incumbent local exchange carrier has materially failed to comply with the rules of the Commission with respect to collocation or the rules of the Commission or the State with respect to loop provisioning. The burden of proof shall be on the complainant. ``(2) Reinstatement.-- ``(A) In general.--An incumbent local exchange carrier to which subsections (a) and (c) have ceased to apply because of a determination by a State under paragraph (1) may petition the State for a reinstatement of the application of those subsections. ``(B) Determination required.--If the State that made the determination described in paragraph (1) subsequently makes a final determination that the carrier has complied fully with the rule with which the carrier was found, under paragraph (1), not to have complied, then the application of subsections (a) and (c) to that incumbent local exchange carrier shall be reinstated as of the date of that subsequent final determination. ``(C) Determination deemed affirmative if state fails to act within 90 days.--For purposes of subparagraph (B), a State that fails to make a determination on a petition filed under subparagraph (A) within 90 days shall be deemed to have made a determination that the carrier is in full compliance with the rules of the Commission with respect to collocation and the rules of the Commission and the State with respect to loop provisioning. ``(e) Remote Terminals.-- ``(1) An incumbent local exchange carrier using equipment located in a remote terminal to provide advanced services shall have the duty to provide to any requesting telecommunications carrier-- ``(A) access to subloop elements at such remote terminal for the provision of advanced services; and ``(B) access to rights of way consistent with section 251(b)(4). ``(2) Collocation not required.--Nothing in paragraph (1), any other provision of this Act, nor any other provision of law shall require an incumbent local exchange carrier to provide collocation at a remote terminal to any person. ``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) the term `incumbent local exchange carrier' has the meaning given to that term by section 251(h); ``(2) the term `customer premises' means the customer's physical property or adjacent easement; and ``(3) the term `remote terminal' means the point in the incumbent local exchange carrier's network where the electronic capability to provide advanced service is deployed and where such carrier provides subloop unbundling.''. SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS. (a) Section 251(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251(b)) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``Notwithstanding paragraph (5), after the date of enactment of the Broadband Internet Regulatory Relief Act of 2000, no local exchange carrier shall be required to make any payment for the transport, delivery, or termination of telecommunications to, or telecommunications that connects to, the Internet or any Internet service provider. The transport, delivery, or termination of telecommunications to, or telecommunications that connects to, the Internet or any Internet service provider is hereby deemed to be an interstate communication and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commission. The provisions of this subsection following paragraph (5) do not alter the terms of any interconnection agreement in effect on May 10, 2000, during the existing term of any such agreement. Neither section 252(i) nor any other legal or regulatory requirement shall require any local exchange carrier to make available to any other telecommunications carrier an interconnection arrangement under this subsection that is in an agreement that is in effect on or after May 10, 2000. For the purposes of this subsection, the term `existing term' means the initial period of any interconnection agreement and does not include any period provided for negotiation or any extension of the initial period.''. (b) Section 251(c)(3) of that Act (47 U.S.C. 251(c)(3)) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``An incumbent local exchange carrier shall not be required to provide network elements on an unbundled basis unless those elements are to be used predominantly to provide telephone exchange service.''. (c) Section 251(f) of that Act (47 U.S.C. 251(f)) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``(3) Exemption for advanced services.--Neither section 251(c) nor any other common carrier regulation shall apply to any local exchange carrier with fewer than 2 percent of the nation's subscriber lines installed in the aggregate with respect to its provision of advanced services. Any such carrier may at its option continue to file tariffs for any advanced service and may also continue to participate in any National Exchange Carrier Association pooling arrangement.''. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. (a) In General.--Section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153) is amended by-- (1) redesignating paragraphs (1) through (51) as paragraphs (3) through (53), respectively; and (2) inserting before paragraph (3), as redesignated, the following: ``(1) Advanced service.--The term `advanced service' means any service or combination of services that consists of, or includes, the offering of a capability to transmit information using a packet-switched or successor technology downstream from a provider to a consumer at a rated speed of 200 kilobits per second or more and upstream from a consumer to a provider at a rated speed of 128 kilobits per second or more for access to other services, to the Internet or other information or data services, or to private network or data facilities. ``(2) Advanced service provider.--The term `advanced service provider' means any provider of advanced services.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 271(c)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 271(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``3(47)(A),'' and inserting ``3(50)(A),''.

Summary: Requires such carrier to make advanced service available: (1) to 80 percent of its customers in a State within three years after enactment of this Act, where such services can be provided using an industry-approved standard and existing loop facilities; and (2) within five years of such date, upon request of any customer. Allows carriers that meet such time limits to continue to receive the regulatory relief provided under this Act, while discontinuing such relief for failure to do so. Prohibits advanced service offered by such carriers from being subject to common carrier regulation by the FCC or a State in any exchange where advanced service is being provided by an unaffiliated advanced service provider. Allows for a petition to the FCC for such regulatory relief. Prohibits Federal or State regulation in any geographic area in which the carrier was not the local incumbent exchange carrier on February 8, 1996. States that, for services not found to be subject to unaffiliated competition, the carrier furnishing advanced service must file with the FCC a schedule of charges and practices. Discontinues the regulatory relief provided under this Act for a carrier for which a State makes a final determination of failure to comply with FCC or State rules concerning collocation or loop provisioning (with authorized reinstatement). Requires carriers using equipment located in a remote terminal to provide to any requesting telecommunications carrier access to subloop elements at such terminal for the provision of advanced services and rights-of- way for such purposes. Mandates that no carrier shall be required to: (1) make any payment for the transport, delivery, or termination of telecommunications to the Internet or any Internet service provider (making such actions subject to exclusive FCC jurisdiction); or (2) provide network elements on an unbundled basis unless those elements are to be used predominately to provide telephone exchange service.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Health Insurance Affordability and Equity Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF PREVIOUSLY UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH COBRA COVERAGE. (a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25A the following new section: ``SEC. 25B. HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF PREVIOUSLY UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH COBRA COVERAGE. ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 60 percent of the amount paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents under qualified health insurance. ``(b) Dollar Limitation.-- ``(1) In general.--The amount allowed as a credit under subsection (a) to the taxpayer for the taxable year shall not exceed the sum of the monthly limitations for eligible months during such taxable year. ``(2) Monthly limitation.--The monthly limitation for any eligible month is the amount equal to \1/12\ of-- ``(A) $1,200 if, as of the first day of such month, the taxpayer has self-only coverage under qualified health insurance, and ``(B) $2,400 if, as of the first day of such month, the taxpayer has family coverage under qualified health insurance. ``(3) Eligible month.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible month' means any month which begins at least 1 year after the most recent month that the individual-- ``(i) was eligible to participate in any group health plan of an employer which provided qualified health insurance (determined without regard to subsection (d)(2)), or ``(ii) participated in any group health plan of any other entity which provided such insurance. ``(B) Joint returns.--In the case of a joint return, a month shall be treated as an eligible month only if it is an eligible month of each spouse, determined by applying this paragraph separately to each spouse. ``(4) Certain other coverage.--Amounts paid for coverage of an individual for any month shall not be taken into account under subsection (a) if, as of the first day of such month, such individual is covered under any medical care program described in-- ``(A) title XVIII, XIX, or XXI of the Social Security Act, ``(B) chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, ``(C) chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, ``(D) chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, or ``(E) the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. ``(5) Special rule for married individuals.--In the case of an individual-- ``(A) who is married (within the meaning of section 7703) as of the close of the taxable year but does not file a joint return for such year, and ``(B) who does not live apart from such individual's spouse at all times during the taxable year, the limitation under paragraph (2)(A) (and not the limitation under paragraph (2)(B)) shall apply to such individual. ``(c) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--The aggregate amount which would (but for this subsection) be allowed as a credit under this section shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount determined under paragraph (2). ``(2) Amount of reduction.-- ``(A) In general.--The amount determined under this paragraph shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to such aggregate amount as-- ``(i) the excess of-- ``(I) the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year, over ``(II) the applicable dollar amount, bears to ``(ii) $10,000. ``(B) Modified adjusted gross income.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross income increased by any amount excluded from gross income under section 911, 931, or 933. ``(C) Rounding.--Any amount determined under subparagraph (A) which is not a multiple of $10 shall be rounded to the next lowest $10. ``(3) Applicable dollar amount.--For purposes of paragraph (2), the term `applicable dollar amount' means-- ``(A) $60,000 in the case of a taxpayer whose qualified health insurance coverage covers more than 1 individual referred to in subsection (a), and ``(B) $30,000-- ``(i) in any case not described in subparagraph (A), and ``(ii) in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. For purposes of this paragraph, marital status shall be determined under section 7703. ``(d) Qualified Health Insurance.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the term `qualified health insurance' means insurance which constitutes medical care, as defined in section 213(d) without regard to-- ``(A) paragraph (1)(C) thereof, and ``(B) so much of paragraph (1)(D) thereof as relates to qualified long-term care insurance contracts. ``(2) Exclusion of coverage provided under group health plans, etc.--Such term shall not include insurance provided through any group health plan of an employer or any other entity. ``(3) Exclusion of certain other contracts.--Such term shall not include insurance if a substantial portion of its benefits are excepted benefits (as defined in section 9832(c)). ``(e) Individuals With COBRA Coverage.--In the case of continuation coverage under a group health plan which is required to be provided by Federal law for an individual during the period specified in section 4980B(f)(2)(B), notwithstanding subsection (d)-- ``(1) such coverage shall be treated as qualified health insurance, and ``(2) the term `eligible month' includes months of such coverage. ``(f) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Coordination with other deductions.--No credit shall be allowed under this section for the taxable year if any amount paid for qualified health insurance is taken into account in determining the deduction allowed for such year under section 213 or 222. ``(2) Denial of credit to dependents.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to any individual with respect to whom a deduction under section 151 is allowable to another taxpayer for a taxable year beginning in the calendar year in which such individual's taxable year begins. ``(3) Inflation adjustment.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of a taxable year beginning after 2000, each dollar amount in subsection (c)(3) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 1999' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(B) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted under subparagraph (A) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $100.'' (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25A the following new item: ``Sec. 25B. Health insurance costs of previously uninsured individuals and individuals with COBRA coverage.'' (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1999. SEC. 3. DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF EMPLOYEES AND SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS. (a) In General.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions) is amended by redesignating section 222 as section 223 and by inserting after section 221 the following new section: ``SEC. 222. COSTS OF QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE. ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents under qualified health insurance. ``(b) Applicable Percentage.--For purposes of subsection (a)-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the applicable percentage shall be determined in accordance with the following table: ``For taxable years beginning The applicable in calendar year-- percentage is-- 2000................................... 60 2001................................... 70 2002................................... 80 2003................................... 90 2004 and thereafter.................... 100. ``(2) Special rule.--In the case of an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) and whose qualified health insurance is not provided through a group health plan of an employer, paragraph (1) shall be applied by substituting `100' for `90' but only with respect to the lesser of the taxpayer's earned income (within the meaning of section 401(c)) or the payments referred to in subsection (a). ``(c) Exclusion of Subsidized Coverage.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to any taxpayer for any calendar month for which the taxpayer participates in any group health plan of an employer or any other entity if less than 50 percent of the cost of the taxpayer's coverage under such plan is borne by the taxpayer. A rule similar to the rule of the last sentence of section 162(l)(2)(B) shall apply for purposes of this subsection. ``(d) Qualified Health Insurance.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified health insurance' has the meaning given such term by section 25B(d) determined without regard to paragraph (2) thereof. ``(2) Special rule.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) and whose qualified health insurance (without regard to this paragraph) is not provided through a group health plan of an employer, paragraph (3) of section 25B(d) shall not apply for purposes of this section. ``(B) Limitation.--The amount taken into account under subsection (a) by reason of subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the excess of-- ``(i) the taxpayer's earned income (within the meaning of section 401(c)), over ``(ii) the amount which would (without regard to this paragraph) be taken into account under subsection (a). ``(e) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Coordination with medical deduction, etc.--Any amount paid by a taxpayer for insurance to which subsection (a) applies shall not be taken into account in computing the amount allowable to the taxpayer as a deduction under section 213(a). ``(2) Deduction not allowed for self-employment tax purposes.--The deduction allowable by reason of this section shall not be taken into account in determining an individual's net earnings from self-employment (within the meaning of section 1402(a)) for purposes of chapter 2.'' (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1)(A) Paragraph (1) of section 162(l) of such Code is amended by striking ``the amount paid'' and all that follows and inserting ``the eligible long-term care premiums (as defined in section 213(d)(10)) paid during the taxable year for any qualified long-term care insurance contract (as defined in section 7702B(b)) covering the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents.'' (B) Paragraph (2) of section 162(l) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraph (C). (2) Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by inserting after paragraph (17) the following new item: ``(18) Costs of qualified health insurance.--The deduction allowed by section 222.'' (3) The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the last item and inserting the following new items: ``Sec. 222. Costs of qualified health insurance. ``Sec. 223. Cross reference.'' (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1999.

Summary: Allows as a deduction an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount paid for qualified health insurance coverage for a taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents. Increases, incrementally, the percentage from 60 percent in calendar year 2000 to 100 percent for calendar years 2004 and thereafter. Excludes coverage under which less than 50 percent of the cost of coverage is borne by the taxpayer.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Community Health Improvement Councils Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT COUNCILS AND STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER GRANTS. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 399V-5. COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT COUNCILS AND STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER GRANTS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program for the creation of State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils. ``(b) State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Center Grant Program.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to 5 eligible entities for the purpose of establishing State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers designed to-- ``(A) improve individual and community health status, especially in communities and regions with poor health status performance; ``(B) slow annual growth in health care utilization and medical spending; ``(C) coordinate best practices among networks of local coalitions that result in accelerated locally driven issue identification and creative ways to align improvement efforts with payment reforms; ``(D) partner with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to design and produce the annual report of such agency on health care quality; ``(E) serve as a resource to communities to provide assistance in identifying reliable national resources and research tools to promote health, improve health literacy, and accelerate the diffusion of innovations to improve health outcomes; ``(F) partner with organizations to design and implement locally driven payment innovations to improve quality and productivity; and ``(G) educate State policymakers on the benefits of locally driven community health improvement councils that engage community stakeholders, including small businesses, local governments, faith leaders, civic leaders, and consumer advocacy representatives. ``(2) Eligibility.-- ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity shall be-- ``(i) a private nonprofit entity with a governing board comprised of \1/4\ consumer, faith, minority, nonprofit and charitable organization, philanthropic, and civic leaders; \1/4\ purchasers of care, including employers, unions, and insurers; \1/4\ local government officials, including mayors, county commissioners, State legislators, and public health officials; and \1/4\ private health care leaders and experts; or ``(ii) a consortium of 2 or more of the nonprofit entities described in clause (i). ``(B) Preferences.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to entities that-- ``(i) demonstrate the capacity to attract private sector or local government funding to ensure fiscal sustainability; ``(ii) address significant health disparities, including those identified by the Secretary through other Federal programs; ``(iii) demonstrate coordination or collaboration across governmental and nongovernmental sectors; ``(iv) are committed to promoting full transparency of all deliberations of the Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils; and ``(v) are independent from government and the financial self-interest of healthcare and purchasers stakeholders. ``(3) Activities.--Each Technical Assistance Center established through a grant awarded under this subsection shall-- ``(A) establish up to 4 Community Health Improvement Councils, as described in subsection (c); ``(B) provide technical assistance to such councils, including community organizing, public relations, communications, and public education services, computer networking, grants development, system performance monitoring, opinion surveys, data management, community meeting facilitation, and strategic planning; ``(C) partner with Federal, State, and local health agencies, such as area health education centers, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, public health departments, and insurance exchanges; and ``(D) deliver an annual performance report to the Secretary and the nonprofit entity receiving the grant, containing data regarding improvements in local and State health status, clinical outcomes, reductions in medical spending growth, and health care disparities. ``(4) Funding.-- ``(A) In general.--Each Technical Assistance Center established under a grant awarded under this subsection shall receive an award in an amount determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed $1,500,000 per year for 3 years. ``(B) Use of funds.--Each such Technical Assistance Center shall allocate 80 percent of the total amount awarded each year to the Community Health Improvement Councils established by such recipient under paragraph (3)(B). ``(c) Community Health Improvement Councils.--In this section, `Community Health Improvement Council' means a locally driven, private nonprofit entity that serves as the neutral convener for engaging providers and insurers, that fully engages patients and citizens in coordinating and improving the health care delivery system through community-wide education programs to promote healthier lifestyles, improve local or regional health status, clinical outcomes, and reductions in the growth in medical spending and health disparities through any of the following approaches: ``(1) Promotion of wellness, prevention and expanded public health and consumer education efforts. ``(2) Enhancement of the care delivery experience through local health system infrastructure and care redesign changes such as the primary care medical home, accelerated information exchange implementation, community-wide chronic disease management programs, and all-payer evidence-based clinical protocols. ``(3) Alignment of provider and consumer financial incentives through accelerated payer experiments with non-fee- for-service payment arrangements and innovative consumer incentives built into the benefits design of health plans. ``(4) Restructuring of local health care governance, such as-- ``(A) formation of accountable care teams across medical practices and institutions; ``(B) integration of primary care and public health; and ``(C) integration of doctors and hospitals. ``(5) Track, document, and make publicly available, in a transparent manner, system performance and improvement. ``(d) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report on the grant program under this section, including both local and State progress toward improvement of health status, clinical outcomes, and reductions in the growth of medical spending.''.

Summary: Community Health Improvement Councils Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program for the creation of State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils to improve community health through local innovation. Defines "Community Health Improvement Council" to mean a locally driven, private, nonprofit entity that serves as the neutral convener for engaging providers and insurers and that fully engages patients and citizens in coordinating and improving the health care delivery system through community-wide education programs to promote healthier lifestyles, improve local or regional health status, clinical outcomes, and reductions in the growth in medical spending and health disparities through various approaches. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to five eligible entities to establish State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers, each of which shall: (1) establish up to four Community Health Improvement Councils; (2) provide technical assistance to such Councils; and (3) report on improvements in local and state health status, clinical outcomes, reductions in medical spending growth, and health care disparities. Requires the Secretary, in awarding grants, to give preference to entities that: (1) demonstrate the capacity to attract private sector or local government funding to ensure fiscal sustainability; (2) address significant health disparities; (3) demonstrate coordination or collaboration across governmental and nongovernmental sectors; (4) are committed to promoting full transparency of all deliberations of the Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils; and (5) are independent from government and the financial self-interest of health care and purchasers stakeholders.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Broadband Regulatory Parity Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The cable modem service offered by cable operators for high-speed access to the Internet is functionally equivalent to, and competes with, digital subscriber line service offered by local exchange carriers. (2) Cable modem services and digital subscriber line services are subject to disparate regulatory treatment by the Federal Government and by State and local governments. (3) Competing and functionally equivalent products and services should be regulated, or not regulated, in the same manner, regardless of who provides such products or services. (4) The Federal Communications Commission is best positioned to determine which, if any, regulatory requirements for broadband access services should be retained and which, if any, should be eliminated. (5) The Commission should be required to ensure that providers of broadband services are regulated in an equivalent manner, regardless of the platform used to provide such services. (6) Government regulation should not favor or advantage one class of competitors among competitors offering similar products or services. (7) The deployment of digital subscriber line service has been restrained by regulatory requirements that are inappropriate for a competitive service offered by various non- dominant providers. (8) Inappropriate regulation imposes needless costs and results in higher consumer costs. (9) Lower consumer costs will accelerate demand for high- speed Internet access services. (10) Regulatory certainty and parity will provide incentives to increase deployment of high-speed Internet services, bringing the benefits of such services to communities in the form of enhancements in medicine, education, national security, work from home, and other benefits. (11) The United States lags behind many other countries in the deployment of high-speed data services. (12) When all providers of broadband services compete under the same rules, consumers will benefit from increased choices and lower prices. SEC. 3. PARITY IN REGULATORY TREATMENT OF BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDERS AND BROADBAND ACCESS SERVICE PROVIDERS. (a) In General.--Part II of title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 262. PARITY IN REGULATORY TREATMENT OF BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDERS AND BROADBAND ACCESS SERVICE PROVIDERS. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall, not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of the Broadband Regulatory Parity Act of 2002, prescribe regulations to ensure that-- ``(1) all broadband services, and all broadband access services, are subject to the same regulatory requirements, or no regulatory requirements; ``(2) all providers of broadband services, and all providers of broadband access services, are subject to the same regulatory requirements, or no regulatory requirements, with respect to the provision of such services and the facilities and equipment used to provide such services in the provision of such services; and ``(3) paragraphs (1) and (2) are implemented without increasing the regulatory requirements applicable to any provider of broadband services, or broadband access services, on any such service or on any facilities or equipment used to provide any such service in the provision of such service. ``(b) Prohibition on State Jurisdiction.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, broadband services and broadband access services, and the facilities and equipment used to provide such services in the provision of such services, shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of any State. ``(c) Obligations of Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers to Internet Service Providers.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), each incumbent local exchange carrier has the duty to provide all Internet service providers with the telecommunications necessary for such provider to provide broadband access service to its subscribers. Such telecommunications shall be offered on rates, terms, and conditions that are just and reasonable. ``(d) Savings Provisions.--(1) Nothing in this section affects the requirements of section 271. ``(2) Nothing in this section affects the obligations of incumbent local exchange carriers under section 251(c) to provide requesting telecommunications carriers with services and access to facilities and equipment necessary for the provision of switch-based voice telecommunications service. ``(3) Nothing in this section precludes or affects any tariff filed by the National Exchange Carrier Association or any rural telephone company, and any such tariff may continue to include broadband services. ``(4) Nothing in this section affects section 251(f).''. (b) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (52) as paragraphs (22) through (54), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following new paragraphs: ``(20) Broadband service.--The term `broadband service' means any service that is used to provide access to the Internet and consists of or includes the offering of a capability to transmit information at a rate that is generally not less than 256 kilobits per second in at least one direction. ``(21) Broadband access service.--The term `broadband access service' means a service that combines computer processing, information storage, protocol conversion, and wire routing with transmission to enable users to access Internet content and services.''.

Summary: Broadband Regulatory Parity Act of 2002 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations to ensure that: (1) all broadband services and broadband access services are subject to the same regulatory requirements (or no such requirements); (2) all providers of such services are subject to the same regulatory requirements with respect to such services and the facilities and equipment used to provide such services; and (3) the above requirements are met without increasing current regulatory requirements with respect to such services, facilities, or equipment. Prohibits such services and related facilities and equipment from being subject to the jurisdiction of any State.Requires each incumbent local exchange carrier to provide all Internet service providers with the telecommunications necessary for the provision of broadband access service to subscribers at just and reasonable rates.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2017''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Amendment of Federal Water Pollution Control Act. TITLE I--WATER QUALITY FINANCING Subtitle A--Technical and Management Assistance Sec. 101. Technical assistance. Sec. 102. State management assistance. Sec. 103. Watershed pilot projects. Sec. 104. Nonpoint source management programs. Subtitle B--State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds Sec. 121. Capitalization grant agreements. Sec. 122. Water pollution control revolving loan funds. Sec. 123. State planning assistance. Sec. 124. Intended use plan. Sec. 125. Technical assistance. Sec. 126. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE II--ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE AND SEWER OVERFLOW AND STORMWATER GRANTS Sec. 201. Pilot program for alternative water source projects. Sec. 202. Sewer overflow control grants. SEC. 2. AMENDMENT OF FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT. Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). TITLE I--WATER QUALITY FINANCING Subtitle A--Technical and Management Assistance SEC. 101. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. (a) Technical Assistance for Rural and Small Treatment Works.-- Section 104(b) (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (7) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(8) make grants to nonprofit organizations-- ``(A) to provide technical assistance to rural, small, and tribal municipalities for the purpose of assisting, in consultation with the State in which the assistance is provided, such municipalities and tribal governments in the planning, developing, and acquisition of financing for eligible projects described in section 603(c); ``(B) to provide technical assistance and training for rural, small, and tribal publicly owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems to enable such treatment works and systems to protect water quality and achieve and maintain compliance with the requirements of this Act; and ``(C) to disseminate information to rural, small, and tribal municipalities and municipalities that meet the affordability criteria established under section 603(i)(2) by the State in which the municipality is located with respect to planning, design, construction, and operation of publicly owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems.''. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 104(u) (33 U.S.C. 1254(u)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and (6)'' and inserting ``(6)''; and (2) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``; and (7) not to exceed $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 for carrying out subsections (b)(3), (b)(8), and (g), except that not less than 20 percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to this paragraph in a fiscal year shall be used for carrying out subsection (b)(8)''. SEC. 102. STATE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 106(a) (33 U.S.C. 1256(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1); (2) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2017, and $300,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022;''. (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 106(e) (33 U.S.C. 1256(e)) is amended by striking ``Beginning in fiscal year 1974 the'' and inserting ``The''. SEC. 103. WATERSHED PILOT PROJECTS. Section 122(c) is amended to read as follows: ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $120,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022.''. SEC. 104. NONPOINT SOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS. Section 319(j) (33 U.S.C. 1329(j)) is amended by striking ``$70,000,000'' and all that follows through ``fiscal year 1991'' and inserting ``$200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022''. Subtitle B--State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds SEC. 121. CAPITALIZATION GRANT AGREEMENTS. Section 602(b) (33 U.S.C. 1382(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (13)(B)(iii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (14), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(15) the State will use at least 15 percent of the amount of each capitalization grant received by the State under this title after September 30, 2017, to provide assistance to municipalities of fewer than 10,000 individuals that meet the affordability criteria established by the State under section 603(i)(2) for projects or activities included on the State's priority list under section 603(g), to the extent that there are sufficient applications for such assistance.''. SEC. 122. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS. Section 603(d) (33 U.S.C. 1383(d)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (7) and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(8) to provide grants to owners and operators of treatment works that serve a population of 10,000 or fewer for obtaining technical and planning assistance and assistance in financial management, user fee analysis, budgeting, capital improvement planning, facility operation and maintenance, equipment replacement, and other activities to improve wastewater treatment plant management and operations, except that the total amount provided by the State in grants under this paragraph for a fiscal year may not exceed one percent of the total amount of assistance provided by the State from the fund in the preceding fiscal year, or 2 percent of the total amount received by the State in capitalization grants under this title in the preceding fiscal year, whichever amount is greatest; and ``(9) to provide grants to owners and operators of treatment works for conducting an assessment of the energy and water consumption of the treatment works, and evaluating potential opportunities for energy and water conservation through facility operation and maintenance, equipment replacement, and projects or activities that promote the efficient use of energy and water by the treatment works, except that the total amount provided by the State in grants under this paragraph for a fiscal year may not exceed one percent of the total amount of assistance provided by the State from the fund in the preceding fiscal year, or 2 percent of the total amount received by the State in capitalization grants under this title in the preceding fiscal year, whichever amount is greatest.''. SEC. 123. STATE PLANNING ASSISTANCE. Section 604(b) (33 U.S.C. 1384(b)) is amended by striking ``1 percent'' and inserting ``2 percent''. SEC. 124. INTENDED USE PLAN. (a) Integrated Priority List.--Section 603(g) (33 U.S.C. 1383(g)) is amended to read as follows: ``(g) Priority List.-- ``(1) In general.--For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, a State shall establish or update a list of projects and activities for which assistance is sought from the State's water pollution control revolving fund. Such projects and activities shall be listed in priority order based on the methodology established under paragraph (2). The State may provide financial assistance from the State's water pollution control revolving fund only with respect to a project or activity included on such list. In the case of projects and activities eligible for assistance under subsection (c)(2), the State may include on such list a category or subcategory of nonpoint sources of pollution to be addressed. ``(2) Methodology.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, each State shall establish a methodology for developing a priority list under paragraph (1). ``(B) Priority for projects and activities that achieve greatest water quality improvement.--In developing the methodology, the State shall seek to achieve the greatest degree of water quality improvement, taking into consideration-- ``(i) the requirements of section 602(b)(5); ``(ii) whether such water quality improvements would be realized without assistance under this title; and ``(iii) whether the proposed projects and activities would address water quality impairments associated with existing treatment works. ``(C) Considerations in selecting projects and activities.--In determining which projects and activities will achieve the greatest degree of water quality improvement, the State shall consider-- ``(i) information developed by the State under sections 303(d) and 305(b); ``(ii) the State's continuing planning process developed under sections 205(j) and 303(e); ``(iii) whether such project or activity may have a beneficial impact related to the purposes identified under section 302(a); ``(iv) the State's management program developed under section 319; and ``(v) conservation and management plans developed under section 320 with respect to an estuary lying in whole or in part within the State. ``(D) Nonpoint sources.--For categories or subcategories of nonpoint sources of pollution that a State may include on its priority list under paragraph (1), the State shall consider the cumulative water quality improvements associated with projects or activities carried out pursuant to the listing of such categories or subcategories. ``(E) Existing methodologies.--If a State has previously developed, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, a methodology that meets the requirements of this paragraph, the State may use the methodology for the purposes of this subsection.''. (b) Intended Use Plan.--Section 606(c) (33 U.S.C. 1386(c)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting ``and publish'' after ``each State shall annually prepare''; (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: ``(1) the State's priority list developed under section 603(g);''; (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the end; (4) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting ``; and''; and (5) by adding at the end the following: ``(6) if the State does not fund projects and activities in the order of the priority established under section 603(g), an explanation of why such a change in order is appropriate.''. (c) Transitional Provision.--Before completion of a priority list based on a methodology established under section 603(g) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as amended by this section), a State shall continue to comply with the requirements of sections 603(g) and 606(c) of such Act, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 125. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Section 607 is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 607. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. ``(a) Simplified Procedures.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall assist the States in establishing simplified procedures for treatment works to obtain assistance under this title. ``(b) Publication of Manual.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this section, and after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, the Administrator shall publish a manual to assist treatment works in obtaining assistance under this title and publish in the Federal Register notice of the availability of the manual.''. SEC. 126. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Title VI (33 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 609. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title $4,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years fiscal year 2018 through 2022.''. TITLE II--ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE AND SEWER OVERFLOW AND STORMWATER GRANTS SEC. 201. PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE PROJECTS. (a) Selection of Projects.--Section 220(d) (33 U.S.C. 1300(d)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2). (b) Committee Resolution Procedure.--Section 220 (33 U.S.C. 1300(e)) is amended by striking subsection (e) and redesignating subsections (f) through (j) as subsections (e) through (i), respectively. (c) Definitions.--Section 220(h)(1) (as redesignated by subsection (c) of this section) is amended by striking ``or wastewater or by treating wastewater'' and inserting ``, wastewater, or stormwater or by treating wastewater or stormwater''. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 220(i) (as redesignated by subsection (c) of this section) is amended by striking ``$75,000,000 for fiscal years 2002 through 2004'' and inserting ``$75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022''. SEC. 202. SEWER OVERFLOW CONTROL GRANTS. Section 221 (33 U.S.C. 1301) is amended-- (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: ``sewer overflow and stormwater reuse municipal grants''; (2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: ``(a) In General.-- ``(1) Grants to states.--The Administrator may make grants to States for the purpose of providing grants to a municipality or municipal entity for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to intercept, transport, control, treat, or reuse municipal combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or stormwater. ``(2) Direct municipal grants.--Subject to subsection (g), the Administrator may make a direct grant to a municipality or municipal entity for the purposes described in paragraph (1).''; (3) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows: ``(e) Administrative Requirements.--A project that receives assistance under this section shall be carried out subject to the same requirements as a project that receives assistance from a State water pollution control revolving fund under title VI, except to the extent that the Governor of the State in which the project is located determines that a requirement of title VI is inconsistent with the purposes of this section. For the purposes of this subsection, a Governor may not determine that the requirements of title VI relating to the application of section 513 are inconsistent with the purposes of this section.''; (4) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. ``(2) Minimum allocations.--To the extent there are sufficient eligible project applications, the Administrator shall ensure that a State uses not less than 20 percent of the amount of the grants made to the State under subsection (a) in a fiscal year to carry out projects to intercept, transport, control, treat, or reuse municipal combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or stormwater through the use of green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements, and other environmentally innovative activities.''; and (5) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: ``(g) Allocation of Funds.-- ``(1) Fiscal year 2018.--Subject to subsection (h), the Administrator shall use the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for fiscal year 2018 for making grants to municipalities and municipal entities under subsection (a)(2) in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (b). ``(2) Fiscal year 2019 and thereafter.--Subject to subsection (h), the Administrator shall use the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter for making grants to States under subsection (a)(1) in accordance with a formula to be established by the Administrator, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, that allocates to each State a proportional share of such amounts based on the total needs of the State for municipal combined sewer overflow controls, sanitary sewer overflow controls, and stormwater identified in the most recent survey conducted pursuant to section 516 and any other information the Administrator considers appropriate.''.

Summary: Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2017 The bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to reauthorize through FY2022: programs for preventing and reducing pollution through research, investigations, and training; state and interstate water pollution control programs; wet weather watershed pilot projects; a grant program for implementing state management programs for controlling pollution added from nonpoint sources (e.g., pollution on the ground picked up by rain) to navigable waters; a grant program for protecting groundwater quality; clean water state revolving funds; a pilot program for alternative water source projects; and sewer overflow and stormwater reuse municipal grants (formally known as sewer overflow control grants). The bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to rural, small, and tribal municipalities for addressing pollution. The bill revises requirements governing capitalization grant agreements, clean water state revolving funds, and sewer overflow and stormwater reuse municipal grants.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Financial Privacy and National Security Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. There is hereby established a commission to be known as the ``Presidential Commission on Financial Privacy and National Security'' (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Commission''). SEC. 3. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. (a) In General.--The Commission shall conduct an ongoing study of the practices in the financial service industry for protecting the privacy of consumer financial information, the manner and extent to which such practices are regulated by financial service regulators, and ways to improve and strengthen financial information privacy while preserving effective financial information flow for national security. (b) Specific Questions.--In conducting the study, the Commission shall address and seek comments on the following issues: (1) In what manner and to what extent would the existence of State financial privacy laws or other restrictions on the free flow of financial information impair or hinder the ability of the Federal Government to investigate money laundering or fraud, including identity theft? (2) Is the information already being distributed to the consumers concerning the privacy of consumer financial information readily understandable and is it a benefit to the consumer? (3) What is the cost, to a financial institution and ultimately to each consumer, of mailing or otherwise distributing privacy notices to each consumer in accordance with applicable law. (4) What financial information privacy concerns are not addressed by title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other laws and regulations implementing such title? (5) To what extent is there a uniform agreement among financial regulators on what constitutes financial privacy and what processes are utilized to review developments and technological changes in the delivery of financial services that may affect financial privacy? (6) What would be the potential impact on consumers if there were a variety of requirements with respect to financial privacy in effect under the laws of the several States and how would the existence of such a variety of requirements cost the financial services industry? SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP. (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 11 members : (1) The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission designated by the Chairman. (2) The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or a member of such Board designated by the Chairman. (3) The Secretary of the Treasury, or an officer of the Department of the Treasury designated by the Secretary. (4) The Attorney General, or an officer of the Department of Justice designated by the Attorney General. (5) A State insurance commissioner appointed by the President after consulting with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (6) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or a designee of the Speaker. (7) The minority leader of the House of Representatives, or a designee of the minority leader. (8) The majority leader of the Senate, or a designee of the majority leader. (9) The minority leader of the Senate, or a designee of the minority leader. (10) 2 members appointed by the President from among individuals who are especially well qualified to serve by virtue of their education, training, and experience in the financial services industry. (b) Continuation of Membership.--If a member was appointed to the Commission as a Member of Congress or by virtue of such member's position in the House of Representatives, the Senate, or a Federal agency and the member ceases to be a Member of Congress or to serve in any such position that member may continue as a member for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date that member ceases to be a Member of Congress or serve in such position. (c) Terms.-- (1) In general.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office. (d) Vacancy.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (e) No Pay.--Members shall serve without pay. (f) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code. (g) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings. (h) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall be elected by the members from the membership of the Commission. (i) Meetings.-- (1) In general.--The Commission shall meet at least once each calendar quarter at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of the members. (2) Open meetings required.--Section 552b of title 5, United States Code, shall apply. SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS. (a) Director.--The Commission may, without regard to section 5311(b) of title 5, United States Code, have a Director who shall be appointed by the Commission. The Director shall be paid at a rate not to exceed $140,000 per year. (b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such additional personnel as the Commission considers appropriate. (c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The Director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of $140,000 per year. (d) Experts and Consultants.--Subject to regulations prescribed by the Commission, the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. (e) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION. (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section. (c) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission. (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States. (e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act. SEC. 7. REPORT. The Commission shall transmit a final report to the President and the Congress not later than March 31, 2005. The final report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislative or administrative actions as the Commission considers appropriate. SEC. 8. TERMINATION. The Commission shall terminate 30 days after submitting its final report pursuant to section 7. SEC. 9. MORATORIUM ON STATE FINANCIAL PRIVACY LAWS. (a) In General.--During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the date the Commission terminates under section 8, no requirement or prohibition may be imposed under the laws of any State, including laws relating to the business of insurance, concerning the use or disclosure by a financial institution of information relating to a consumer that has obtained a financial product or service from the financial institution. (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply State insurance laws or regulations referred to in section 505(a)(6) of the Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act.

Summary: Financial Privacy and National Security Enhancement Act - Establishes the Presidential Commission on Financial Privacy and National Security to study and report to Congress on financial service industry practices for protecting the privacy of consumer financial information, the manner and extent to which such practices are regulated by financial service regulators, and ways to improve and strengthen financial information privacy while preserving effective financial information flow for national security.Imposes a moratorium on State financial privacy laws during the period the Commission is performing its duties.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stop the Misuse of ITINs Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF INDIVIDUALS NOT AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES. (a) In General.--Subsection (i) of section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to confidentiality and disclosure of returns and return information) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(9) Disclosure to secretary of homeland security of employment information of employees not authorized to be employed in united states.-- ``(A) In general.--If-- ``(i) the Secretary receives a return from any person or entity (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as the `employer') showing wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid to any employee, and ``(ii) the TIN of such employee, as shown on such return, indicates that such employee is not authorized to be employed in the United States, the Secretary shall provide electronically to the Secretary of Homeland Security the following information as shown on such return: the name, address, and TIN of such employee and the name, address, and employer identification number of the employer. ``(B) Notice to employer and employee.--Whenever the Secretary sends a notice under subparagraph (A) with respect to any employer and employee, the Secretary also shall notify the employer and the employee in writing that such employee is not authorized to be employed in the United States and that the employee's employment with the employer should be terminated not later than the 30th day after the date of the notice. Such notice shall also describe-- ``(i) the employer's obligations under this paragraph, ``(ii) the employee's right under this paragraph to contest the determination that the employee is not authorized to be employed in the United States, and ``(iii) the procedure under this paragraph for contesting such determination. ``(C) Employee's right to contest.-- ``(i) Notice to employee.--If any employer receives such a notice from the Secretary with respect to an employee, the employer shall, within 3 business days after the date the employer received such notice, provide a copy of such notice to the employee. ``(ii) Right to contest.--An employee may contest the accuracy of such notice during the 30-day period beginning on the date that the employer provided the notice under clause (i) to the employee. ``(iii) Contest procedure.--If, during such 30-day period, the employee provides the employer with information substantiating such employee's claimed authorization to be employed in the United States, the employer shall, in such form and manner as the Secretary shall prescribe, provide to the Secretary-- ``(I) the employee's name, address, and taxpayer identification number, ``(II) the employer's name, address, telephone number, and employer identification number, and ``(III) the information provided by the employee to the employer substantiating such employee's authorization to be employed in the United States. ``(D) Verification from department of homeland security.-- ``(i) Transmittal of inquiry.--Within 3 business days after receiving the information described in subparagraph (C)(iii), the Secretary shall provide such information electronically to the Secretary of Homeland Security. ``(ii) Response.--Within 7 business days after receiving such information, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall electronically notify the Secretary, and shall notify the employer and employee in writing, as to whether the employee is authorized to be employed in the United States. ``(E) Suspension of obligation to terminate employment until response received.-- ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), if the employee meets the requirement of subparagraph (C)(iii), the employer's obligation to terminate the employment of such employee shall be suspended until the employer receives the notice described in subparagraph (D)(ii). ``(ii) Timely response not received.--If the employer does not receive such notice before the 30th day after the close such 30-day period, the employer shall so notify the Secretary. ``(F) Rebuttable presumption of violation of the immigration and nationality act.-- ``(i) In general.--A rebuttable presumption is created that the employer has violated section 274A(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act if-- ``(I) the employer employs an individual with respect to whom a notice is received under subparagraph (B) after the 30 days described in such subparagraph, ``(II) the employer fails to notify the Secretary as required by subparagraph (E)(ii) and employs such individual, or ``(III) the employer refers the individual for employment after receiving a notice under subparagraph (B) with respect to such individual. ``(ii) Exceptions.-- ``(I) Suspension period.--Clause (i)(I) shall not apply during the suspension period described in subparagraph (E)(i) ``(II) Notice from secretary of homeland security.--Clause (i) shall cease to apply with respect to an individual after the date that the employer is notified by the Secretary of Homeland Security that such individual is authorized to be employed in the United States. ``(G) Refunds denied.--No refund of any tax imposed by this title shall be made to any individual for any taxable year during any portion of which such individual is employed in the United States without being authorized to be so employed. ``(H) Special rules.-- ``(i) Protection from liability.--No employer shall be civilly or criminally liable under any law for any action taken in good faith reliance on information provided by the Secretary or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to any individual's eligibility to be employed in the United States. ``(ii) Timely mailing treated as timely notice.--Rules similar to the rules of section 7502 shall apply for purposes of this section. ``(iii) Last known address of employee.-- Any notice required to be provided to an employee under this section shall be sufficient if mailed to the employee at the last known address of the employee.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (4) of section 6103(p) of such Code is amended by striking ``(5) or (7)'' each place it appears and inserting ``(5), (7), or (9)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to returns received more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Stop the Misuse of ITINs Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) notify the Secretary of Homeland Security of any employer tax return which shows wages paid to an employee who is not authorized to be employed in the United States; and (2) provide a written notice to the employer and employee involved that such employment is illegal and must be terminated within 30 days after the date of said notice. Allows any employee who receives a notice to contest such notice and provide documentation substantiating such employee's claimed authorization to work in the United States.


SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) the Bay Mills Indian Community has a valid interest in certain lands in the Charlotte Beach area of Chippewa County, Michigan, that are located within the Community's traditional homelands; (2) the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe may have a valid interest in certain lands in the Charlotte Beach area of Chippewa County, Michigan, that are located within the Tribe's traditional homelands; (3) the Community filed a lawsuit against certain landowners to ascertain ownership of lands that were once owned and held in trust by the State of Michigan for the Community but which were sold by the State without the consent of the Tribes or the United States; (4) the landowners now hold clouded title to such lands and want to clear their title to the lands; (5) the Community has agreed to relinquish its interests in the Charlotte Beach Lands in return for its selection of Alternative Lands that will be taken into trust by the Secretary; (6) the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe has agreed not to assert its potential claim of interest in the Charlotte Beach Lands in return for its selection of Alternative Lands that will be taken into trust by the Secretary; (7) it is in the best interests of the Tribes and legally necessary for the landowners that the Congress provide for a land settlement agreement by passage of this Act; and (8) it is in the best interests of the Tribes that the described Alternative Lands be taken into trust as part of the settlement of the land claim. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to settle the land claims of the Tribes against the landowners; and (2) to direct the Secretary to take into trust for the benefit of the Tribes the Alternative Lands in settlement of the Tribes' land claims. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Alternative lands.--The term ``Alternative Lands'' means the following: (A) The lands chosen and acquired by the Community for transfer to the United States to be held in trust for the Community as part of the settlement of the claims of the Community to the Charlotte Beach Lands. These Alternative Lands, comprising 21.55 acres, more or less, are located in Vanderbilt, Michigan, and are more particularly described as a parcel of land on part of the NW \1/4\ Section 22, T32N, R3W, Village of Vanderbilt, Otsego County, Michigan, described as beginning at the northwest corner of said Section 22; thence S88 deg. 15'18"E, 1321.66' along the north line of said Section 22; thence S00 deg.06'15"E, 271.37' along the westerly \1/8\ line of said Section 22; thence 511.42' along a curve to the left, said curve having a radius of 5844.58', delta angle of 5 deg.00'48", a long chord of 511.26', bearing S22 deg.58'20"W, along the Westerly line of limited access highway I-75; thence N88 deg.15'18"W, 1121.33'; thence N00 deg.05'27"W, 748.19' to the point of beginning, containing 21.55 acres more or less and being subject to highway easements of varying widths as shown on attached Certificate of Survey, also subject to any other easements or restrictions of record, if any, Otsego County Records. (B) The lands chosen and acquired by the Sault Tribe for transfer to the United States in trust for the Sault Tribe as a part of the settlement of the potential claims of the Sault Tribe to the Charlotte Beach Lands. These Alternative Lands-- (i) shall comprise a single parcel not to exceed 25 acres; (ii) shall be located within the exterior boundaries of the State of Michigan; (iii) shall be located north of the boundary formed by beginning on the shore of Lake Huron directly east of Michigan State Highway 46, then heading west to the eastern most point of Michigan State Highway 46, then heading westerly on Michigan State Highway 46, then heading southerly on Michigan State Highway 13, then heading westerly on Michigan State Highway 21 to the westernmost point of Michigan State Highway 21, then heading westerly to the easternmost point of Michigan State Highway 45, then heading westerly on Michigan State Highway 45 to the westernmost point of Michigan State Highway 45 to the shore of Lake Michigan; (iv) shall not be located closer than 25 miles from the Alternative Lands described in subparagraph (A) and lands that are held in trust for any tribe other than the Sault Tribe on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (v) shall be located within lands previously ceded to the United States Government by the Ottawa and Chippewa nations of Indians under the Treaty of March 28, 1836 (7 Stat. 491). (2) Charlotte beach lands.--The term ``Charlotte Beach Lands'' means those lands in the Charlotte Beach area of Michigan and described as follows: Government Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of section 7, T45N, R2E, and Lot 1 of section 18, T45N, R2E, Chippewa County, State of Michigan. (3) Community.--The term ``Community'' means the Bay Mills Indian Community, a federally recognized Indian tribe. (4) Sault tribe.--The term ``Sault Tribe'' means the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (6) Tribes.--The term ``Tribes'' means the Community and the Sault Tribe. SEC. 3. ACCEPTANCE OF ALTERNATIVE LANDS. (a) By the Community.--Upon relinquishment by the Community of any and all claims to the Charlotte Beach Lands and dismissal with prejudice of Bay Mills Indian Community v. Western Life Assurance Company et al., Case No. 2:96-CV-275, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan-Northern Division and Bay Mills Indian Community v. State of Michigan et al., Michigan Court of Claims, File No. 96-16482-CM-- (1) the Secretary shall take the Alternative Lands described in section 2(1)(A) into trust for the benefit of the Community as part of the settlement of the Community's claims to the Charlotte Beach Lands; and (2) the Alternative Lands described in section 2(1)(A) shall become part of the Community's reservation. (b) By the Sault Tribe.--The Secretary shall take the Alternative Lands described in section 2(1)(B) into trust for the benefit of the Sault Tribe as settlement of the Sault Tribe's claims to the Charlotte Beach Lands. Upon the taking of the Alternative Lands into trust, any and all potential claims of the Sault Tribe in and to the Charlotte Beach Lands shall be relinquished and extinguished thereby, and the lands taken into trust shall become part of the Sault Tribe's reservation. (c) Settlement of Land Claims.--The Alternative Lands are taken into trust as provided in this section as part of the settlement of land claims of the Tribes within the meaning of section 20(b)(1)(B)(i) of Public Law 100-497. SEC. 4. EXTINGUISHMENT OF TITLE AND CLAIMS. (a) Approval and Ratification of Prior Transfers.--Any transfer, before the date of the enactment of this Act, of land or natural resources located within the boundaries of the Charlotte Beach Lands from, by, or on behalf of any Indian, Indian nation, or tribe or band of Indians (including the 2 bands of the Sault Ste. Marie Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan of which O-shaw-wan-no and Sha-wan were chiefs) or any member thereof, shall be deemed to have been made in accordance with the Constitution and all laws of the United States, including without limitation, the Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790, Act of July 22, 1790 (ch. 33, sec. 4; 1 Stat. 137), and Congress hereby does approve and ratify such transfers effective as of the date of such transfers. (b) Aboriginal Title Extinguished.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), any aboriginal title held by any Indian, Indian nation, or tribe or band of Indians (including the 2 bands of the Sault Ste. Marie Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan of which O-shaw-wan-no and Sha-wan were chiefs and their members) to any land or natural resources, the transfer of which was approved and ratified by subsection (a), shall be regarded as extinguished as of the date of such transfer. (2) The tribes.--To the extent that the Charlotte Beach Lands involve land or natural resources to which the Tribes had aboriginal title, relinquishment by the Tribes under section 3 shall be regarded as an extinguishment of such aboriginal title. (c) Extinguishment of Claims.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), any claim (including any claim for damages for trespass, use, or occupancy) by, or on behalf of, any member of any Indian, Indian nation, or tribe or band of Indians (including the 2 bands of the Sault Ste. Marie Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan of which O-shaw-wan-no and Sha-wan were chiefs) or any member thereof against the United States, any State or subdivision thereof or any other person which is based on-- (A) any interest in or right involving any land or natural resources of which was approved and ratified by subsection (a); or (B) any aboriginal title to land or natural resources the extinguishment of which was effected by subsection (b), shall be regarded as extinguished as of the date of any such transfer. (2) The tribes.--Any transfer of land within the State of Michigan to the Secretary to be taken in trust for the Community or the Sault Tribe under this Act shall be conditioned upon the Secretary's receipt of duly enacted resolutions of the elected tribal council of the Community and the Sault Tribe agreeing to the extinguishment of all claims against the United States, the State of Michigan or any subdivision thereof, or any person or entity by the Community or the Sault Tribe based on the claims to the Charlotte Beach Lands (including without limitation, claims for trespass damages, use, or occupancy) as provided in this Act, and agreeing to the extinguishment of any claims against the United States based on the enactment of this Act. The extinguishment of these claims is in consideration for the benefits to the Community and the Sault Tribe under this Act.

Summary: Requires that, upon relinquishment by the Bay Mills Indian Community of all claims to the Charlotte Beach Lands (certain Michigan lands that are located within the Community's traditional homelands) and dismissal of specified suits by the Community concerning title to such lands: (1) the Secretary of the Interior shall take certain Alternative Lands into trust for the benefit of such Community as part of the settlement of the Community's claim to the Charlotte Beach Lands; and (2) the Alternative Lands shall become part of the Community's reservation.Directs the Secretary to take certain other Michigan lands (that meet specified requirements concerning size and location) into trust for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan as settlement of that Tribe's claims to the Charlotte Beach Lands.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Military Savings Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. CONSUMER FINANCIAL PRODUCTS PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall carry out a 5-year pilot program to develop innovative consumer financial products that encourage savings and wealth-creation among active-duty servicemembers. (b) Objectives.--Financial products developed under this section may seek to-- (1) increase the rate of savings among active-duty servicemembers by providing automatic deposit into a savings account of special pay and allowances received by a servicemember, including special pay and allowances received on account of the servicemember's deployment; (2) reduce the need for high-cost short-term lending services by providing alternatives to servicemembers, such as financial institutions providing an option for servicemembers to receive advances on their salary payments, such that servicemembers receive pay in more frequent installments, and where any interest or fees on such advances shall not exceed the rate described in section 987(b) of title 10, United States Code and shall adhere to the Affordable Small Dollar Lending Guidelines of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (3) address obstacles to traditional consumer banking and lending for servicemembers with limited credit history; and (4) otherwise encourage savings and wealth-creation among active-duty servicemembers. (c) No Exacerbation of Credit Overextension.--The pilot program carried out under this section shall be carried out in such a way that it does not exacerbate the incidence of credit overextension among servicemembers. (d) Implementation.-- (1) Selection of military installations.--The Undersecretary shall choose at least 10 military installations on which to implement the pilot program. (2) Incorporation into operating agreements.--With respect to a military installation chosen by the Undersecretary under paragraph (1), a financial institution seeking to begin operating on such installation, or seeking to renew an agreement to operate on such installation, shall-- (A) agree to offer the consumer financial products developed under this section; and (B) notify servicemembers that are customers of the institution about the availability of the consumer financial products developed under this section. (e) Consultation.--In developing consumer financial products under this section, the Undersecretary shall consult with Federal banking regulators with expertise in depository institutions, Federal agencies with experience regulating financial products, and consumer and military service organizations with relevant financial expertise. (f) Independent Evaluation.-- (1) In general.--Not later than the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the end of the pilot program, the Undersecretary shall contract for an independent evaluation of the pilot program carried out under this section. Such evaluation-- (A) shall include the degree to which the pilot program succeeded in the goals of increasing usage of savings products, programs, and tools; and (B) shall be conducted by a contractor with knowledge of consumer financial products and experience in the evaluation of such products. (2) Report.--After each evaluation carried out pursuant to paragraph (1), the Undersecretary shall issue a report to the Committees on Armed Services and Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Armed Services and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate containing all findings and conclusions made by the contractor in carrying out such evaluation. (g) Expansion of Pilot Program.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Undersecretary may expand the pilot program, including extending the duration of the program and expanding the program to make it a nationwide program, to the extent determined appropriate by the Undersecretary, if the Undersecretary determines that such expansion is expected to-- (1) improve the rates of savings among servicemembers and their families; or (2) decrease the need for servicemembers and their families to rely on payday lenders without exacerbating credit overextension. (h) Financial Institution Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term ``financial institution'' means an insured depository institution (as defined under section 3(c)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(2))) or a credit union.

Summary: Military Savings Act of 2012 - Directs the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) to carry out a five-year pilot program to develop innovative consumer financial products that encourage savings and wealth-creation among active-duty servicemembers. Requires the program to be carried out in such a way that it does not exacerbate the incidence of servicemember credit overextension. Directs the Undersecretary to choose at least 10 military installations at which to implement the program. Directs the Undersecretary to contract for an annual independent program evaluation until its termination. Allows the Undersecretary, under certain conditions, to expand the program to a nationwide program and to extend its duration.