SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``HIV/AIDS Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 401(a) of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7671(a)) (in this Act referred to as the ``Act'') is amended by inserting after ``2008'' the following: ``, $30,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, and such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter''. SEC. 3. MODIFICATIONS TO ALLOCATION OF FUNDS. (a) Promotion of Abstinence, Fidelity, and Other Preventative Measures.--Section 403(a) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7673(a)) is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Promotion of Abstinence, Fidelity, and Other Preventative Measures.--Not less than 50 percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 401 and available for programs and activities that include a priority emphasis on public health measures to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV shall be dedicated to abstinence and fidelity as components of a comprehensive approach including abstinence, fidelity, and the correct and consistent use of condoms, consistent with other provisions of law and the epidemiology of HIV infection in a given country. Programs and activities that implement or purchase new prevention technologies or modalities such as medical male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or microbicides shall not be included in determining compliance with this subsection.''. (b) Extension of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Funding Requirement.--Section 403(b) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7673(b)) is amended by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2013''. SEC. 4. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) On May 30, 2007, President George W. Bush announced his intent to double the commitment of the United States to fight global HIV/AIDS with a new $30,000,000,000, 5-year proposal to reauthorize the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003. (2) With the enactment of the President's fiscal year 2008 budget, the United States Government will have committed $18,000,000,000 to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which exceeds the original 5-year, $15,000,000,000 commitment. (3) After 3 years of PEPFAR implementation, the American people have supported treatment of 1,100,000 people in the 15 focus countries, including more than 1,000,000 people in Africa. (4) PEPFAR is on track to meet its 5-year goals to support treatment for 2,000,000 people, prevention of 7,000,000 new infections, and care for 10,000,000 people, including orphans and vulnerable children. (5) The success of PEPFAR is rooted in support for country- owned strategies and programs with commitment of resources and dedication to results, achieved through the power of partnerships with governments, with nongovernmental, faith- based, and community-based organizations, and with the private sector. (6) United States efforts to address global HIV/AIDS will be multiplied by engaging in partnerships with countries dedicating to fighting their HIV epidemics and with multilateral partners, such as the Global Fund, which can help leverage international resources and build upon the efforts of the United States to combat global HIV/AIDS. In his announcement of his intent to double the commitment of the United States to fight global HIV/AIDS, President Bush reiterated his call for developed and developing countries, in particular middle-income countries where projections suggest many new infections will occur, to increase their contributions to fighting AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a global crisis that requires a global response. The United States currently provides as many resources for global HIV/AIDS as all other developed country governments combined. But only together can we turn the tide against the global epidemic. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to expand PEPFAR, including the expansion of life-saving treatment, comprehensive prevention programs, and care for those in need, including orphans and vulnerable children, in the next 5-year period as a signal of the commitment of the United States to support, strengthen, and expand United States and global efforts to address these health crises in partnership with others. SEC. 5. UNITED STATES FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL FUND. (a) Authority To Increase Proportional Support.--Section 202(d) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7622(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) Authority to increase proportional support.-- ``(A) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: ``(i) The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an innovative financing mechanism to combat the three diseases, and it has made progress in many areas. ``(ii) The United States Government is the largest supporter of the Fund, both in terms of resources and technical support. ``(iii) The United States made the founding contribution to the Funds, remains committed to the original vision for the Fund, and is fully committed to its success. ``(B) Authority.--The President may increase proportional support for the Fund, within the amount authorized to be appropriated by this Act, if benchmarks for performance, accountability, and transparency are satisfactorily met, and if the Fund remains committed to its founding principles. The United States Global AIDS Coordinator should consider the benchmarks set forth in subparagraphs (C) and (D) in assessing whether to make the annual contribution of the United States Government to the Fund. ``(C) Benchmarks related to transparency and accountability.--Increased proportional support for the Fund should be based upon achievement of the following benchmarks related to transparency and accountability: ``(i) As recommended by the Government Accountability Office, the Fund Secretariat has established standardized expectations for the performance of Local Fund Agents (LFAs), is undertaking a systematic assessment of the performance of LFAs, and is making available for public review, according to the Fund Board's policies and practices on disclosure of information, a regular collection and analysis of performance data of Fund grants, which shall cover both Principal Recipients and sub- recipients. ``(ii) A well-staffed, independent Office of the Inspector General reports directly to the Board and is responsible for regular, publicly published audits of both financial and programmatic and reporting aspects of the Fund, its grantees, and LFAs. ``(iii) The Fund Secretariat has established and is reporting publicly on standard indicators for all program areas. ``(iv) The Fund Secretariat has established a database that tracks all sub-recipients and the amounts of funds disbursed to each, as well as the distribution of resources, by grant and Principal Recipient, for prevention, care, treatment, the purchases of drugs and commodities, and other purposes. ``(v) The Fund Board has established a penalty to offset tariffs imposed by national governments on all goods and services provided by the Fund. ``(vi) The Fund Board has successfully terminated its Administrative Services Agreement with the World Health Organization and completed the Fund Secretariat's transition to a fully independent status under the Headquarters Agreement the Fund has established with the Government of Switzerland. ``(D) Benchmarks related to principles of fund.-- Increased proportional support for the Fund should be based upon achievement of the following benchmarks related to the founding principles of the Fund: ``(i) The Fund must maintain its status as a financing institution. ``(ii) The Fund must remain focused on programs directly related to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. ``(iii) The Fund Board must maintain its Comprehensive Funding Policy, which requires confirmed pledges to cover the full amount of new grants before the Board approves them. ``(iv) The Fund must maintain and make progress on sustaining its multi-sectoral approach, through Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) and in the implementation of grants, as reflected in percent and resources allocated to different sectors, including governments, civil society, and faith- and community-based organizations.''. (b) Extension of Authorization.--Section 202(d) of such Act is further amended by striking ``2008'' each place it appears and inserting ``2013''.

Summary: HIV/AIDS Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to authorize appropriations for HIV/AIDS assistance. Revises fund allocation provisions, including requiring that at least 50% of funds be made available for the promotion of abstinence, fidelity, and other preventative measures. Extends the minimum 10% funding obligation for orphans and vulnerable children through FY2013. Authorizes the President to increase proportional support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, within the authorized amounts under this Act, if specified performance, accountability, and transparency benchmarks are met. Authorizes appropriations for Fund contributions through FY2013.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Hydrologic condition.--The term ``hydrologic condition'' means the quality, quantity, or reliability of the water resources of a region of the United States. (3) Owner or operator of a water system.-- (A) In general.--The term ``owner or operator of a water system'' means an entity (including a regional, State, tribal, local, municipal, or private entity) that owns or operates a water system. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``owner or operator of a water system'' includes-- (i) a non-Federal entity that has operational responsibilities for a federally, tribally, or State-owned water system; and (ii) an entity established by an agreement between-- (I) an entity that owns or operates a water system; and (II) at least 1 other entity. (4) Water system.--The term ``water system'' means-- (A) a community water system (as defined in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f)); (B) a treatment works (as defined in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1292)), including a municipal separate storm sewer system (as such term is used in that Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.)); (C) a decentralized wastewater treatment system for domestic sewage; (D) a groundwater storage and replenishment system; (E) a system for transport and delivery of water for irrigation or conservation; or (F) a natural or engineered system that manages floodwater. SEC. 3. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY. (a) Program.--The Administrator shall establish and implement a program, to be known as the ``Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program'', under which the Administrator shall award grants for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 to owners or operators of water systems for the purpose of increasing the resiliency or adaptability of the water systems to any ongoing or forecasted changes (based on the best available research and data) to the hydrologic conditions of a region of the United States. (b) Use of Funds.--As a condition on receipt of a grant under this Act, an owner or operator of a water system shall agree to use the grant funds exclusively to assist in the planning, design, construction, implementation, operation, or maintenance of a program or project that meets the purpose described in subsection (a) by-- (1) conserving water or enhancing water use efficiency, including through the use of water metering and electronic sensing and control systems to measure the effectiveness of a water efficiency program; (2) modifying or relocating existing water system infrastructure made or projected to be significantly impaired by changing hydrologic conditions; (3) preserving or improving water quality, including through measures to manage, reduce, treat, or reuse municipal stormwater, wastewater, or drinking water; (4) investigating, designing, or constructing groundwater remediation, recycled water, or desalination facilities or systems to serve existing communities; (5) enhancing water management by increasing watershed preservation and protection, such as through the use of natural or engineered green infrastructure in the management, conveyance, or treatment of water, wastewater, or stormwater; (6) enhancing energy efficiency or the use and generation of renewable energy in the management, conveyance, or treatment of water, wastewater, or stormwater; (7) supporting the adoption and use of advanced water treatment, water supply management (such as reservoir reoperation and water banking), or water demand management technologies, projects, or processes (such as water reuse and recycling, adaptive conservation pricing, and groundwater banking) that maintain or increase water supply or improve water quality; (8) modifying or replacing existing systems or constructing new systems for existing communities or land that is being used for agricultural production to improve water supply, reliability, storage, or conveyance in a manner that-- (A) promotes conservation or improves the efficiency of use of available water supplies; and (B) does not further exacerbate stresses on ecosystems or cause redirected impacts by degrading water quality or increasing net greenhouse gas emissions; (9) supporting practices and projects, such as improved irrigation systems, water banking and other forms of water transactions, groundwater recharge, stormwater capture, groundwater conjunctive use, and reuse or recycling of drainage water, to improve water quality or promote more efficient water use on land that is being used for agricultural production; (10) reducing flood damage, risk, and vulnerability by-- (A) restoring floodplains, wetland, and upland integral to flood management, protection, prevention, and response; (B) modifying levees, floodwalls, and other structures through setbacks, notches, gates, removal, or similar means to facilitate reconnection of rivers to floodplains, reduce flood stage height, and reduce damage to properties and populations; (C) providing for acquisition and easement of flood-prone land and properties in order to reduce damage to property and risk to populations; or (D) promoting land use planning that prevents future floodplain development; (11) conducting and completing studies or assessments to project how changing hydrologic conditions may impact the future operations and sustainability of water systems; or (12) developing and implementing measures to increase the resilience of water systems and regional and hydrological basins, including the Colorado River Basin, to rapid hydrologic change or a natural disaster (such as tsunami, earthquake, flood, or volcanic eruption). (c) Application.--To seek a grant under this Act, the owner or operator of a water system shall submit to the Administrator an application that-- (1) includes a proposal for the program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement to be planned, designed, constructed, implemented, or maintained by the water system; (2) provides the best available research or data that demonstrate-- (A) the risk to the water resources or infrastructure of the water system as a result of ongoing or forecasted changes to the hydrological system of a region, including rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns; and (B) the manner in which the proposed program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement would perform under the anticipated hydrologic conditions; (3) describes the manner in which the proposed program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement is expected-- (A) to enhance the resiliency of the water system, including source water protection for community water systems, to the anticipated hydrologic conditions; or (B) to increase efficiency in the use of energy or water of the water system; and (4) describes the manner in which the proposed program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement is consistent with an applicable State, tribal, or local climate adaptation plan, if any. (d) Priority.-- (1) Water systems at greatest and most immediate risk.--In selecting grantees under this Act, subject to section 4(b), the Administrator shall give priority to owners or operators of water systems that are, based on the best available research and data, at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant negative impacts due to changing hydrologic conditions. (2) Goals.--In selecting among applicants described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, the final list of applications funded for each year includes a substantial number that propose to use innovative approaches to meet 1 or more of the following goals: (A) Promoting more efficient water use, water conservation, water reuse, or recycling. (B) Using decentralized, low-impact development technologies and nonstructural approaches, including practices that use, enhance, or mimic the natural hydrological cycle or protect natural flows. (C) Reducing stormwater runoff or flooding by protecting or enhancing natural ecosystem functions. (D) Modifying, upgrading, enhancing, or replacing existing water system infrastructure in response to changing hydrologic conditions. (E) Improving water quality or quantity for agricultural and municipal uses, including through salinity reduction. (F) Providing multiple benefits, including to water supply enhancement or demand reduction, water quality protection or improvement, increased flood protection, and ecosystem protection or improvement. (e) Cost-Sharing Requirement.-- (1) Federal share.--The share of the cost of any program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement that is the subject of a grant awarded by the Administrator to the owner or operator of a water system under subsection (a) paid through funds distributed under this Act shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement. (2) Calculation of non-federal share.--In calculating the non-Federal share of the cost of a program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement proposed by a water system in an application submitted under subsection (c), the Administrator shall-- (A) include the value of any in-kind services that are integral to the completion of the program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement, including reasonable administrative and overhead costs; and (B) not include any other amount that the water system involved receives from the Federal Government. (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that-- (1) describes the progress in implementing this Act; and (2) includes information on project applications received and funded annually under this Act. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016. (b) Reduction of Flood Damage, Risk, and Vulnerability.--Of the amount made available to carry out this Act for a fiscal year, not more than 20 percent may be made available to grantees for activities described in subsection (b)(10).

Summary: Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish the Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program to provide grants to owners or operators of water systems for programs or projects to increase the resiliency or adaptability of the systems to any ongoing or forecasted changes to the hydrologic conditions of a U.S. region; and (2) give priority to owners or operators of water systems that are at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant negative impacts due to changing hydrologic conditions. Requires the Administrator to ensure that the list of grant applications funded include a substantial number that propose to use innovative approaches that: (1) promote more efficient water use, water conservation, water reuse, or recycling; (2) use decentralized, low-impact development technologies and nonstructural approaches, including practices that use, enhance, or mimic the natural hydrological cycle or protect natural flows; (3) reduce stormwater runoff or flooding by protecting or enhancing natural ecosystem functions; (4) modify, upgrade, enhance, or replace existing water system infrastructure in response to changing hydrologic conditions; (5) improve water quality or quantity for agricultural and municipal uses, including through salinity reduction; and (6) provide multiple benefits, including to water supply enhancement or demand reduction, water quality protection or improvement, increased flood protection, and ecosystem protection or improvement.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act'' or the ``Healthy MOM Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) Pregnancy is a significant life event for millions of women in the United States each year. (2) For more than 30 years, our Nation, through the Medicaid program, has recognized that pregnant women need immediate access to affordable care, and has allowed women who meet income-eligibility requirements to enroll in Medicaid coverage when they become pregnant. (3) Congress recognized the central importance of maternity coverage by classifying maternity and newborn care as one of the ten essential health benefits that must now be covered on most individual and small group health insurance plans under section 1302(b)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(b)(1)). (4) Access to comprehensive maternity coverage allows women to access important pregnancy-related care, which is demonstrated to improve health outcomes for women and newborns and reduce financial costs for both consumers and insurers. (5) Uninsured women, women with grandfathered and transitional health plans, self-funded student health plans, and catastrophic and high-deductible health plans may lack access to comprehensive and affordable maternity coverage. (6) A special enrollment period is especially important for young adults, who are at high risk for unintended pregnancies, yet young adults are frequently enrolled in catastrophic coverage, which often has fewer benefits, more restrictions, and higher deductibles. (7) Timely maternity care improves the health of pregnant women, as well as birth outcomes and the health of babies throughout their lifetimes. Pregnancy-related maternal mortality is three to four times higher among women who receive no maternity care compared to women who do. Regular maternity care can detect or mitigate serious pregnancy-related health complications, including preeclampsia, placental abruption, complications from diabetes, complications from heart disease, and Graves' disease, all of which can result in morbidity or mortality for the mother or newborn. (8) Regular maternity care can reduce preterm births and the health complications associated with preterm births. (9) Timely maternity care can reduce short- and long-term health care costs. If a woman does not have access to affordable maternity care during her pregnancy, and she or her newborn experiences pregnancy complications that result in health problems after birth, their insurer may end up paying much higher costs than if the insurer had covered the woman's maternity care during her pregnancy. Intensive maternity care can reduce hospital and neonatal intensive care unit admissions among infants, resulting in cost savings of $1,768 to $5,560 per birth. For women with high-risk pregnancies, intensive maternity care saves $1.37 for every $1 invested in maternity care. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to protect the health of women and newborns by ensuring that all women eligible for coverage through the Exchanges established under title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) can access affordable health coverage during their pregnancy. SEC. 3. PROVIDING FOR A SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. (a) Public Health Service Act.--Section 2702(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-1(b)(2)) is amended by inserting ``including a special enrollment period for pregnant women, beginning on the date on which the pregnancy is reported to the health insurance issuer'' before the period at the end. (b) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.--Section 1311(c)(6) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(c)(6)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph: ``(D) a special enrollment period for pregnant women, beginning on the date on which the pregnancy is reported to the Exchange; and''. (c) Special Enrollment Periods.--Section 9801(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9801(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) For pregnant women.-- ``(A) A group health plan shall permit an employee who is eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage under the terms of the plan (or a dependent of such an employee if the dependent is eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage under such terms) to enroll for coverage under the terms of the plan upon pregnancy, with the special enrollment period beginning on the date on which the pregnancy is reported to the group health plan. ``(B) The Secretary shall promulgate regulations with respect to the special enrollment period under subparagraph (A), including establishing a time period for pregnant women to enroll in coverage and effective date of such coverage.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after the 2016 plan year. SEC. 4. FEDERAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS. (a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall issue such regulations as are necessary to ensure that pregnancy is considered a change in family status and a qualifying life event for an individual who is eligible to enroll, but is not enrolled, in a health benefit plan under chapter 89 title 5, United States Code. (b) Effective Date.--The requirement in subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any contract entered into under section 8902 of such title beginning 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act or the Healthy MOM Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and Internal Revenue Code to require health insurers, health insurance exchanges, and group health plans to offer a special enrollment period to pregnant women beginning when the pregnancy is reported to the issuer, exchange, or plan. The Office of Personnel Management must ensure that eligible pregnant women are allowed to enroll in federal employee health benefit plans outside of the open enrollment period.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``PAC Limitation Act of 1999''. TITLE I--REFORMING CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS SEC. 101. BAN ON POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES IN ELECTIONS FOR FEDERAL OFFICE. Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``ban on contributions to candidates by political action committees ``Sec. 323. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no political action committee may make any contribution to any candidate or any authorized committee of the candidate with respect to any election for Federal office. ``(b) Political Action Committee Defined.--In this section, the term `political action committee' means any political committee which is not-- ``(1) an authorized committee of a candidate; or ``(2) a national, State, local, or district committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee thereof.''. SEC. 102. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTION LIMITATION ON CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SOURCES OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT. Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(i) A candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress may not, with respect to a reporting period for an election, accept contributions from all sources outside the congressional district involved totaling in excess of the total of contributions accepted from individual residents of the congressional district involved.''. SEC. 103. LIMITATION ON ACCEPTANCE OF SOFT MONEY BY NATIONAL AND CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES OF POLITICAL PARTIES. Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.), as amended by section 101, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``limitation on acceptance of soft money by national and congressional committees of political parties ``Sec. 324. A national committee of a political party and the congressional campaign committees of a political party may not, in any calendar year, accept more than $25,000 from any single person in contributions or transfers that are not otherwise subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act.''. SEC. 104. REPORTS ON FEDERAL POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS CARRIED BY RADIO STATIONS, TELEVISION STATIONS, AND CABLE SYSTEMS. Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.), as amended by sections 101 and 103, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``reports on federal political advertisements carried by radio stations, television stations, and cable systems ``Sec. 325. At such times and in such manner as the Commission shall prescribe by regulation, each operator of a radio broadcasting station, television broadcasting station, or cable system shall report to the Commission the identity of each advertiser, the cost, the duration, and other appropriate information with respect to each Federal political advertisement carried by the station or system, including any advertisement advocating the passage or defeat of Federal legislation, any advertisement advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for Federal office, and any advertisement characterizing the positions taken by such a candidate.''. SEC. 105. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this title shall take effect on January 1, 2000. TITLE II--WORKER PAYCHECK FAIRNESS SEC. 201. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) Workers who pay dues or fees to a labor organization may not, as a matter of law, be required to pay to that organization any dues or fees supporting activities that are not necessary to performing the duties of the exclusive representative of the employees in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues. (2) Many labor organizations use portions of the dues or fees they collect from the workers they represent for activities that are not necessary to performing the duties of the exclusive representative of the employees in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues. These dues may be used to support political, social, or charitable causes or many other noncollective bargaining activities. Unfortunately, many workers who pay such dues or fees have insufficient information both about their rights regarding the payment of dues or fees to a labor organization and about how labor organizations spend employee dues or fees. (3) It is a fundamental tenet of this Nation that all men and women have a right to make individual and informed choices about the political, social, or charitable causes they support, and the law should protect that right to the greatest extent possible. SEC. 202. PURPOSE. The purpose of this title is to ensure that all workers have sufficient information about their rights regarding the payment of dues or fees to labor organizations and the uses of employee dues and fees by labor organizations and that the right of all workers to make individual and informed choices about the political, social, or charitable causes they support is protected to the greatest extent possible. SEC. 203. WRITTEN CONSENT. (a) In General.-- (1) Authorization.--A labor organization accepting payment of any dues or fees from an employee as a condition of employment pursuant to an agreement authorized by Federal law must secure from each employee prior, voluntary, written authorization for any portion of such dues or fees which will be used for activities not necessary to performing the duties of the exclusive representative of the employees in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues. (2) Requirements.--Such written authorization shall clearly state that an employee may not be required to provide such authorization and that if such authorization is provided, the employee agrees to allow any dues or fees paid to the labor organization to be used for activities which are not necessary to performing the duties of exclusive representation and which may be political, social, or charitable in nature. (b) Revocation.--An authorization described in subsection (a) shall remain in effect until revoked. Such revocation shall be effective upon 30 days written notice. (c) Civil Action by Employees.-- (1) Liability.--Any labor organization which violates this section or section 206 shall be liable to the affected employee-- (A) for damages equal to-- (i) the amount of the dues or fees accepted in violation of this section; (ii) the interest on the amount described in clause (i) calculated at the prevailing rate; and (iii) an additional amount as liquidated damages equal to the sum of the amount described in clause (i) and the interest described in clause (ii); and (B) for such equitable relief as may be appropriate. (2) Right of action.--An action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in paragraph (1) may be maintained against any labor organization in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more employees for and in behalf of-- (A) the employees; or (B) the employees and other employees similarly situated. (3) Fees and costs.--The court in such action shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow a reasonable attorney's fee, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant. (4) Limitation.--An action may be brought under this subsection not later than 2 years after the date the employee knew or should have known that dues or fees were accepted or spent by a labor organization in violation of this title, except that such period shall be extended to 3 years in the case of a willful violation. SEC. 204. NOTICE. An employer whose employees are represented by a collective bargaining representative shall be required to post a notice, of such size and in such form as the Department of Labor shall prescribe, in conspicuous places in and about its plants and offices, including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted, informing employees that any labor organization accepting payment of any dues or fees from an employee as a condition of employment pursuant to an agreement authorized by Federal law must secure from each employee prior, written authorization if any portion of such dues or fees will be used for activities not necessary to performing the duties of the exclusive representative of the employees in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues. SEC. 205. DISCLOSURE TO WORKERS. (a) Expenses Reporting.--Section 201(b) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Every labor organization shall be required to attribute and report expenses in such detail as necessary to allow members to determine whether such expenses were necessary to performing the duties of the exclusive representative of the employees in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues.'' (b) Disclosure.--Section 201(c) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 is amended-- (1) by inserting ``and employees required to pay any dues or fees to such organization'' after ``members''; and (2) by inserting ``or employee required to pay any dues or fees to such organization'' after ``member'' each place it appears. (c) Written Requests.--Section 205(b) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Upon written request, the Secretary shall make available complete copies of any report or other document filed pursuant to section 201.''. SEC. 206. RETALIATION AND COERCION PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any labor organization to coerce, intimidate, threaten, interfere with, or retaliate against any employee in the exercise of, or on account of having exercised, any right granted or protected by this title. SEC. 207. REGULATIONS. The Secretary of Labor shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out section 204 not later than 60 days after the enactment of this title and shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out the amendments made by section 205 not later than 120 days after the enactment of this title. SEC. 208. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICATION. This title shall be effective immediately upon enactment, except that sections 203 and 204 pertaining to worker consent and notice shall take effect 90 days after enactment and section 205 pertaining to disclosure shall take effect 150 days after enactment.

Summary: Title II: Worker Paycheck Fairness - Outlines worker rights with regard to the payment of dues or fees to labor organizations, requiring the following: (1) prior, voluntary written authorization for any portion of such dues or fees used for activities not necessary to performing the duties of the employee's exclusive representative in dealing with the employer on labor management issues; and (2) posting of notices to that effect by an employer with employees represented by a collective bargaining representative. Provides for civil actions by employees against labor organizations for violations involving written consent and for retaliation and coercion with regard to any employee who exercises any such right under this title. Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to do the following: (1) require certain expense reporting by labor organizations to allow members to determine the necessity of such expenses in the performance of the duties of the employee's exclusive representative in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues; and (2) require the Secretary of Labor to make available complete copies of reports by labor organizations, including annual financial reports or other related documents upon written request.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Continuity of Congress Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. FILLING OF VACANCIES AND INCAPACITIES IN CONGRESS FOLLOWING A CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT. (a) House of Representatives.-- (1) In general.--In the event that one-fourth of the members of the House of Representatives are killed or incapacitated, the legislature of each State may enact such laws declaring who shall serve in the place of such members as the State determines necessary. (2) Options.--Any law enacted under paragraph (1) by the legislature of a State may provide for-- (A) special elections in cases of vacancy; (B) appointment by the governor or legislature of the State, which in cases of vacancy shall be accompanied by a subsequent special election; (C) appointment pursuant to a list of successors created by the incumbent member of the House of Representatives, which in cases of vacancy shall be accompanied by a subsequent special election; or (D) such other procedures as the legislature of the State determines appropriate, which in cases of vacancy shall be accompanied by a subsequent special election. (3) Incapacity.--A member that has been incapacitated may reclaim his or her office at any time after such member determines that he or she is no longer incapacitated. (4) Vacancy.--In the case of vacancy under paragraph (1), the executive authority of the relevant State shall issue writs of election, which shall be held not later than 120 days after any such vacancy occurs. A general election occurring within such 120 day period shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this section. (5) Determination.--One-fourth of the members of the House of Representatives shall be considered to have been killed or incapacitated if-- (A) the Speaker of the House (or that person's designee) makes a joint declaration with the leader of the minority party in the House (or that person's designee) that one-fourth of such members have been killed or incapacitated; or (B) if-- (i) the governors of the several States individually certify that one or more of the members representing their respective States have been killed or incapacitated; and (ii) the President certifies, based upon the certifications made under clause (i), that, in the aggregate, one-fourth of the members of the House of Representatives have been killed or incapacitated. (b) Senate.-- (1) In general.--In the event that one-fourth of the members of the Senate are killed or incapacitated, the legislature of each State may enact such laws declaring who shall serve in the place of incapacitated members as the State determines necessary. (2) Options.--Any law enacted under paragraph (1) by the legislature of a State may provide for-- (A) appointment by the governor or legislature of the State; (B) appointment pursuant to a list of successors created by the incumbent member of the Senate; or (C) such other procedures as the legislature of the State determines appropriate. (3) Incapacity.--A member that has been incapacitated may reclaim his or her office at any time after such member determines that he or she is no longer incapacitated. (4) Determination.--One-fourth of the members of the Senate shall be considered to have been killed or incapacitated if-- (A) the Majority Leader of the Senate (or that person's designee) makes a joint declaration with the Minority Leader of the Senate (or that person's designee) that one-fourth of such members have been killed or incapacitated; or (B) if-- (i) the governors of the several States individually certify that one or more of the members representing their respective States have been killed or incapacitated; and (ii) the President certifies, based upon the certifications made under clause (i), that, in the aggregate, one-fourth of the members of the Senate have been killed or incapacitated. SEC. 3. LIMITATION. Nothing in this Act shall limit the authority of any State under the Constitution of the United States to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives or the Senate. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect upon the date of ratification of the related amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing this Act.

Summary: Continuity of Congress Act of 2003 - Authorizes the legislature of each State to enact laws declaring who shall serve in the place of members of the House of Representatives and/or the Senate in the event that one-fourth of either or both Houses of Congress are killed or incapacitated.


SECTION 1. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF RULES. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Regulatory Oversight Act of 1995''. (b) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 553 the following new section: ``Sec. 553a. Congressional review of rules ``(a) For purposes of this section the term `significant rule' means any rule that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. ``(b)(1) Before a rule takes effect as a final rule, the agency promulgating such rule shall submit to the Congress a report containing-- ``(A) a copy of the rule; ``(B) a concise general statement relating to the rule; ``(C) the proposed effective date of the rule; and ``(D) a complete copy of the cost benefit analysis of the rule, if any. ``(2) A significant rule relating to a report submitted under paragraph (1) shall take effect as a final rule, the latest of-- ``(A) the later of the date occurring 45 days after the date on which-- ``(i) the Congress receives the report submitted under paragraph (1); or ``(ii) the rule is published in the Federal Register; ``(B) if the Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval described under subsection (h) relating to the rule, and the President signs a veto of such resolution, the earlier date-- ``(i) on which either House of Congress votes and fails to override the veto of the President; or ``(ii) occurring 30 session days after the date on which the Congress received the veto and objections of the President; or ``(C) the date the rule would have otherwise taken effect, if not for this section (unless a joint resolution of disapproval under subsection (h) is enacted). ``(3) Except for a significant rule, a rule shall take effect as otherwise provided by law after submission to Congress under paragraph (1). ``(c) A rule shall not take effect as a final rule, if the Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval described under subsection (h). ``(d)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section (except subject to paragraph (3)), a rule that would not take effect by reason of this section may take effect, if the President makes a determination under paragraph (2) and submits written notice of such determination to the Congress. ``(2) Paragraph (1) applies to a determination made by the President by Executive order that the rule should take effect because such rule is-- ``(A) necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency; ``(B) necessary for the enforcement of criminal laws; or ``(C) necessary for national security. ``(3) An exercise by the President of the authority under this subsection shall have no effect on the procedures under subsection (h) or the effect of a joint resolution of disapproval under this section. ``(4) This subsection and an Executive order issued by the President under this subsection shall not be subject to judicial review by a court of the United States. ``(e)(1) The provisions of subsection (h) shall apply to any rule that is published in the Federal Register (as a rule that shall take effect as a final rule) during the period beginning on the date occurring 60 days before the date the Congress adjourns sine die through the date on which the succeeding Congress first convenes. ``(2) For purposes of subsection (h), a rule described under paragraph (1) shall be treated as though such rule were published in the Federal Register (as a rule that shall take effect as a final rule) on the date the succeeding Congress first convenes. ``(3) During the period beginning on the date the Congress adjourns sine die through the date on which the succeeding Congress first convenes, a rule described under paragraph (1) shall take effect as a final rule as otherwise provided by law. ``(f) Any rule that takes effect and later is made of no force or effect by the enactment of a joint resolution under subsection (h) shall be treated as though such rule had never taken effect. ``(g) If the Congress does not enact a joint resolution of disapproval under subsection (h), no court or agency may infer any intent of the Congress from any action or inaction of the Congress with regard to such rule, related statute, or joint resolution of disapproval. ``(h)(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term `joint resolution' means only a joint resolution introduced after the date on which the report referred to in subsection (b) is received by Congress the matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: `That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the ________ relating to ________, and such rule shall have no force or effect. (The blank spaces being appropriately filled in.)'. ``(2)(A) A resolution described in paragraph (1) shall be referred to the committees in each House of Congress with jurisdiction. Such a resolution may not be reported before the eighth day after its submission or publication date. ``(B) For purposes of this subsection the term `submission or publication date' means the later of the date on which-- ``(i) the Congress receives the report submitted under subsection (b)(1); or ``(ii) the rule is published in the Federal Register. ``(3) If the committee to which is referred a resolution described in paragraph (1) has not reported such resolution (or an identical resolution) at the end of 20 calendar days after the submission or publication date defined under paragraph (2)(B), such committee may be discharged by the Majority Leader of the Senate or the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, from further consideration of such resolution and such resolution shall be placed on the appropriate calendar of the House involved. ``(4)(A) When the committee to which a resolution is referred has reported, or when a committee is discharged (under paragraph (3)) from further consideration of, a resolution described in paragraph (1), it is at any time thereafter in order (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) for any Member of the respective House to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution, and all points of order against the resolution (and against consideration of the resolution) are waived. The motion is highly privileged in the House of Representatives and is privileged in the Senate and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the resolution is agreed to, the resolution shall remain the unfinished business of the respective House until disposed of. ``(B) Debate on the resolution, and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. A motion further to limit debate is in order and not debatable. An amendment to, or a motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the resolution is not in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the resolution is agreed to or disagreed to is not in order. ``(C) Immediately following the conclusion of the debate on a resolution described in paragraph (1), and a single quorum call at the conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the rules of the appropriate House, the vote on final passage of the resolution shall occur. ``(D) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a resolution described in paragraph (1) shall be decided without debate. ``(5) If, before the passage by one House of a resolution of that House described in paragraph (1), that House receives from the other House a resolution described in paragraph (1), then the following procedures shall apply: ``(A) The resolution of the other House shall not be referred to a committee. ``(B) With respect to a resolution described in paragraph (1) of the House receiving the resolution-- ``(i) the procedure in that House shall be the same as if no resolution had been received from the other House; but ``(ii) the vote on final passage shall be on the resolution of the other House. ``(6) This subsection is enacted by Congress-- ``(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of a resolution described in paragraph (1), and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and ``(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.''. (c) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 553 the following: ``553a. Congressional review of rules.''. (d) Effective Date.--This Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to any significant rule that takes effect as a final rule on or after such effective date.

Summary: Regulatory Oversight Act of 1995 - Provides for a review by the Congress of rules promulgated by Federal agencies, before such rules take effect as final rules. Requires Federal agencies to submit rules and reports on them, including any cost-benefit analyses, to the Congress. Allows the Congress to stop final implementation of significant rules through a joint resolution of disapproval (and override of any Presidential veto of such resolution). Defines a significant rule as any rule that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Earmark Reform and Federal Spending Transparency and Accountability Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON CONTRIBUTIONS BY EARMARK BENEFICIARIES TO CERTAIN CANDIDATES. (a) Limitation.-- (1) In general.--Section 315(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)) is amended by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: ``(4) Limitation on Contributions by Earmark Beneficiaries.-- ``(A) In general.--During the period which begins on January 1 of an odd-numbered year and ends on December 31 of the next even-numbered year, no earmark beneficiary shall make contributions aggregating more than $5,000 to any requesting candidate with respect to such earmark beneficiary. ``(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph: ``(i) Earmark beneficiary.--The term `earmark beneficiary' means any person who specifically requests and benefits from a congressionally directed spending item, a limited tax benefit, or a limited tariff benefit (as such terms are defined in paragraph 5 of rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, determined by substituting `Senator or Member' for `Senator' in such paragraph) which was enacted into law during the period described in subparagraph (A) or any person who is hired to represent the interests of the person making the request. ``(ii) Requesting candidate; requesting individual.--The terms `requesting candidate' and `requesting individual' mean, with respect to any earmark beneficiary, any Senator or Member who requested the congressionally directed spending item, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit (as so defined) which benefits the earmark beneficiary.''. (2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (1) of section 315(a) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)) is amended by striking ``subsection (i) and section 315A'' and inserting ``paragraph (4), subsection (i), and section 315(A)''. (b) Inflation Adjustment.-- (1) In general.--Section 315(c)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 441a(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``(a)(4),'' after ``(a)(3)'' each place it appears in subparagraphs (B)(i) and (C). (2) Base period.--Section 315(c)(2)(B) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 441(c)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (i), by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting ``; and'', and by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(iii) for purposes of subsection (a)(4), calendar year 2010.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to contributions made on and after January 1, 2011. SEC. 3. LIMITS ON STAFF ATTENDANCE OF MEMBER FUND RAISERS. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), an employee of the personal staff of a Member of Congress shall not attend a political fund raiser held on behalf of the Member of Congress for whom they are employed. (b) Exception.--A Member of Congress may designate 1 employee who shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection (a). SEC. 4. EARMARK PUBLIC DATABASE. Not later than July 1, 2011, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall post on the public website of their respective Houses a link to the earmark database maintained by the Office of Management and Budget. SEC. 5. FEDERAL EXPENDITURE PUBLIC DATABASE. Not later than July 1, 2011, the head of each department and agency of the Federal Government shall post on the public website of that department or agency a link to a searchable database that lists each contract, grant, cooperative agreement, and other expenditure made by the department or agency listing with respect to the expenditure the amount, purpose, term, and office making such expenditure. SEC. 6. VOUCHING FOR EARMARK REQUESTS. Paragraph 6(a)(4) of rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``and a certification that the recipient is qualified to handle the project, if applicable''. SEC. 7. GAO AUDITS. Not later than December 31, 2011, and each year thereafter, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress that uses the OMB database-- (1) to randomly select a percentage of each of the programs and projects funded through earmarks in the preceding fiscal year; (2) to conduct an audit on each selected program or project reporting on the amount, purpose, term, requesting Member, and the present state of completion of the program or project; and (3) if the earmark contributes to an already existing program or project, to provide a detailed accounting of how the earmark contributed to each program or project.

Summary: Earmark Reform and Federal Spending Transparency and Accountability Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit, between January 1 of an odd-numbered year and December 31 of the next even-numbered year, an earmark beneficiary from making contributions aggregating more than $5,000 to any requesting candidate with respect to such earmark beneficiary. Defines "requesting candidate" as any Senator or Member who requested a congressionally directed spending item, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit (earmark) which benefits the earmark beneficiary. Prohibits the employees of the personal staff of a Member of Congress, except for one designee, from attending a political fund raiser held on the Member's behalf. Requires the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives each to post on the respective public website a link to the earmark database maintained by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Requires the head of each federal department and agency to post on the respective public website a link to a searchable database that lists each contract, grant, cooperative agreement, and other expenditure made by the department or agency. Amends Rule XLIV (Congressionally Directed Spending and Related Items) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a Senator requesting an earmark in any legislation or an accompanying joint statement of managers to certify in the required written statement to the chairman and ranking member of the committee of jurisdiction that the earmark recipient is qualified to handle the project. Requires the Comptroller General, in an annual report to Congress, to use the OMB database to: (1) randomly select a percentage of each of the programs and projects funded through earmarks in the preceding fiscal year; (2) audit each selected one; and (3) provide a detailed accounting of how, if it does so, the earmark contributes to an already existing program or project.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Private Wireless Spectrum Use Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress makes the following findings: (1) Competent management of the electromagnetic radio spectrum includes continued availability of spectrum for private wireless entities because of such entitiesD23/' unique ability to achieve substantial efficiencies in their use of this important and finite public resource. A private wireless system licensee or entity is able to customize communications systems to meet the individual needs of that licensee or end user while using engineering solutions and other cooperative arrangements to share spectrum with other private system licensees and entities without causing harmful interference or other degradation of quality or reliability to such other licensees or entities. Accordingly, spectrum allocations for the shared use of private wireless systems achieve a high level of spectrum use efficiency and contribute to the economic and social welfare of the United States. (2) Wireless communication systems dedicated to the internal communication needs of America's industrial, land transportation, energy (including utilities and pipelines), and other business enterprises are critical to the competitiveness of American industry and business in international commerce; increase corporate productivity; enhance the safety and welfare of employees; and improve the delivery of products and services to consumers in the United States and abroad. (3) During the past decade, the Federal Communications Commission allocation and licensing policies have led to dramatic increases in spectrum available for commercial mobile radio services while the spectrum available for private mobile radio systems has decreased, even though the Commission recognizes the spectrum use efficiencies and other public benefits of such private systems and the substantial increases in the use of such systems. (4) Spectrum auctions are designed to select among competing applications for spectrum licenses when engineering solutions, negotiation, threshold qualifications, service regulations, and other cooperative means employed by the Commission are not able to prevent mutual exclusivity among such applications. Private wireless systems, on the other hand, avoid mutual exclusivity through cooperative, multiple uses generally achieved by the Commission, the users, or the frequency advisory committees. Accordingly, the requirements of such private wireless systems are accommodated within the spectrum bands allocated for private uses. Since there is no mutual exclusivity among private wireless system applications, there is no need for the Commission to employ a mechanism, such as auctions, to select among applications. Auction valuation principles also do not apply to the private wireless licensing process because the private wireless spectrum is not used on a commercial, interconnected basis. Rather, such private allocations are used for internal communications applications to enhance safety, efficiency and productivity. Nonetheless, there should be some payment associated with the assignment of new private wireless spectrum, and the Commission can and should develop a payment mechanism for this purpose. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. Section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (33) through (52) as paragraph (35) through (54); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (32) the following: ``(33) Private Wireless System.--The term `private wireless system' means an infrastructure of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment that is owned by, and operated solely to meet the internal wireless communication needs of, an industrial, business, transportation, education, or energy (including utilities and pipelines) entity, or other licensee. ``(34) Private Wireless Provider.--The term `private wireless provider' means an entity that owns, operates, or manages an infrastructure of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment that is-- ``(A) used solely for the purpose of meeting the internal communications needs of another entity that is an industrial, business, transportation, education, or energy (including utilities and pipelines) entity, or similar end-user; ``(B) neither a commercial mobile service (as defined in section 332(d)(1)) nor used to provide public safety services (as defined in section 337(f)(1)); and ``(C) not interconnected with the public switched network.''. SEC. 4. ALLOCATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM. Part I of title III of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301) is amended by inserting after section 337 the following: ``SEC. 338. ALLOCATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF SPECTRUM FOR PRIVATE WIRELESS USES. ``(a) Rulemaking Required.--Within 120 days after the date of enactment of the Private Wireless Spectrum Use Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking designed to identify and allocate at least 12 megahertz of electromagnetic spectrum located between 150 and 2,000 megahertz for use by private wireless licensees on a shared-use basis. The new spectrum proposed to be reallocated shall be available and appropriate for use by private wireless communications systems and shall accommodate the need for paired allocations and for proximity to existing private wireless spectrum allocations. In accommodating the various private wireless system needs in this rulemaking, the Commission shall reserve at least 50 percent of the reallocated spectrum for the use of private wireless systems. The remaining reallocated spectrum shall be available for use by private wireless providers solely for the purpose described in section 3(34)(A). ``(b) Order Required.--Within 180 days after the Commission initiates the rulemaking required by subsection (a), the Commission, in consultation with its frequency advisory committees, shall-- ``(1) issue an order reallocating spectrum in accordance with subsection (a); and ``(2) issue licenses for the reallocated spectrum in a timely manner.''. SEC. 5. REIMBURSEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM ALLOCATED FOR PRIVATE WIRELESS SYSTEM USE. Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309 (j)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (14) the following: ``(15) Spectrum efficiency for shared spectrum.-- ``(A) Within 120 days after the date of enactment of the Private Wireless Spectrum Use Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to devise a schedule of payment to the Treasury by private wireless systems, and by private wireless providers for the purpose described in section 3(34)(A), in return for a license or other ability to use a portion of the spectrum reallocated under section 338. The schedule shall be designed to promote the efficient use of those frequencies. ``(B) Within 180 days after the Commission initiates the rulemaking required by subparagraph (A), the Commission, after consultation with its frequency advisory committees and after opportunity for comment, shall adopt a schedule of payment in accordance with subparagraph (A) and which it determines to be in the public interest. ``(C) In adopting the schedule of payments referred to in subparagraph (A), the Commission-- ``(i) may not base a finding of public interest, convenience, and necessity on the expectation of Federal revenues for the use of such schedule of payment; and ``(ii) shall take into account the private nature of the systems, the safety and efficiencies realized by the public as a result of these private uses, the amount of bandwidth and coverage area and geographic location of the license, and the degree of frequency- sharing.''. SEC. 6. SPECTRUM SHARING Section 309(j)(6) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(6)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (G); (2) by striking ``Act.'' in subparagraph (H) and inserting ``Act; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(I) be construed to permit the Commission to take any action to create mutual exclusivity where it does not already exist.''. SEC. 7. CONFORMING AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. (a) Private Mobile Service.--Section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon in paragraph (1); (2) by striking ``(c)(1)(B); and'' in paragraph (2) and inserting ``(c)(1)(B).''; and (3) by striking paragraph (3). (b) Application of Spectrum-use Payment Schedule to New Licenses.-- Section 337(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 337(a)(2)) is amended by inserting ``or spectrum use payment schedule'' after ``competitive bidding''. (c) Exemption From Competitive Bidding.--Section 309(j)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(2)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B); (2) by striking ``Act.'' in subparagraph (C) and inserting ``Act; or''; and (3) by adding at the end thereof the following: ``(D) for private wireless systems, and for private wireless providers for the purpose described in section 3(34)(A), that-- ``(i) are used to enhance the productivity or safety of business or industry; and ``(ii) are not made commercially available to the public, except for that purpose.''. (d) Technical 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(49)(A),''.

Summary: Requires the FCC to: (1) devise a schedule for payments to the Treasury for shared-use spectrum used by private wireless systems; and (2) adopt a payment schedule determined to be in the public interest. Prohibits competitive bidding requirements from being construed to permit the FCC to take any action to create mutual exclusivity where it does not already exist.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) before acting on proposed Federal mandates, Congress should carefully consider their effects on consumers, workers, and small businesses; (2) Congress has often acted without adequate information concerning the costs of Federal mandates, instead focusing only on their benefits; (3) the implementation of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 has resulted in increased awareness of intergovernmental mandates without impacting existing environmental, public health, or safety laws or regulations; (4) the implementation of this Act will enhance public awareness of prospective Federal mandates on the private sector, State, local, and tribal governments without adversely affecting the environment, public health, or safety laws or regulations; (5) the costs of private sector mandates are often borne in part by consumers, in the form of higher prices and reduced availability of goods and services; (6) the costs of private sector mandates are often borne in part by workers, in the form of lower wages, reduced benefits, and fewer job opportunities; and (7) the costs of private sector mandates are often borne in part by small businesses, in the form of hiring disincentives and stunted economic growth. SEC. 3. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is-- (1) to improve the quality of Congress' deliberation with respect to proposed mandates on the private sector, by-- (A) providing Congress and the public with more complete information about the effects of such mandates; and (B) ensuring that Congress acts on such mandates only after focused deliberation on their effects; and (2) to enhance the ability of Congress and the public to distinguish between Federal mandates that harm consumers, workers, small businesses, State, local, and tribal governments and mandates that help those groups. SEC. 4. APPLICATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO POLICIES INVOLVING CHANGES IN CONDITIONS OF GRANT AID. Section 423(c) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting ``; and'' at the end of paragraph (3), and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) an assessment of the authorized level of funding to determine if the prospective costs of carrying out changes to a condition of Federal assistance being imposed on participating State, local, or tribal governments, and how these costs compare with the funds being authorized or, for reauthorizations, of the additional costs of changes in those conditions and how they compare with the changes in funding being authorized; and in cases where a bill or joint resolution provides such sums as are necessary, the assessment shall contain an estimate of that amount.''. SEC. 5. EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF LEGISLATIVE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO INCLUDE INDIRECT COSTS. (a) Indirect Costs.--Section 423(c) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (as amended by section 4) is further amended-- (1) in its side heading, by inserting ``and Other Costs'' after ``Mandates'' ; and (2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting ``; and'' at the end of paragraph (4), and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) an identification and description of any reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to State, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector, incurred as a result of implementing the Federal mandate in the bill or joint resolution.''. (b) Definition.--Section 421 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (13) as paragraphs (11) through (14), respectively and by adding after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph: ``(10) Reasonably foreseeable indirect costs.--The term `reasonably foreseeable indirect costs' means costs to the affected entities resulting from implementation of a Federal mandate other than their own direct costs to carry out any such mandate. Such costs include lost income and secondary monetary costs resulting from the Federal mandate.''. SEC. 6. EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF REGULATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO INCLUDE INDIRECT COSTS. Section 202(a) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 is amended by striking ``the expenditure by'' and inserting ``direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to''. SEC. 7. APPLICATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO INCLUDE REGULATIONS IMPOSED BY INDEPENDENT REGULATORY AGENCIES. Paragraph (1) of section 421 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by striking ``, but does not include independent regulatory agencies''. SEC. 8. CLARIFICATION TO ENSURE REGULATORY AGENCY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS APPLIES TO ALL RESPECTIVE REGULATORY ACTIONS. Section 201 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 is amended by inserting ``expressly'' after ``otherwise''. SEC. 9. CLOSE LEGAL LOOPHOLE ALLOWING FOR DISREGARDING OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS BY REGULATORY AGENCIES. Section 202(a) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 is amended by-- (1) striking ``Unless'' and all that follows through ``private sector,'' the first place it appears and inserting the following: ``Unless otherwise expressly prohibited by law, before promulgating any general notice of proposed rulemaking or final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector,''; and (2) striking ``and before promulgating'' and all that follows through ``containing--'' and inserting the following: ``or within six months after promulgating any final rule that was not preceded by a general notice of proposed rulemaking that includes a Federal mandate that may result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect costs by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of such amount or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year; the agency shall prepare a written statement containing--''.

Summary: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2008 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require reports on federal mandates to include: (1) an assessment of the prospective costs of carrying out changes to a condition of federal assistance being imposed on participating state, local, or tribal governments and how these costs compare with the funds being authorized; (2) for reauthorizations, an assessment of the additional costs of changes in those conditions compared with the changes in funding being authorized; (3) in cases where a bill or joint resolution provides necessary sums, an estimate of that amount; and (4) an identification and description of any reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to such governments or the private sector from implementing the federal mandate. Repeals a provision excluding independent regulatory agencies from reporting requirements. Makes requirements under this Act applicable to general notice of any final rule that includes such a mandate.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON DECEPTIVE PRACTICES IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS. (a) In General.--Chapter 29 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 618. Deceptive practices in Federal elections ``(a) Whoever, before or during a Federal election knowingly communicates election-related information about that election, knowing that information to be false, with the intent to prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in that election, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. ``(b) As used in this section-- ``(1) the term `Federal election' means any general, primary, run-off, or special election for the office of President, Vice President, presidential elector, Member of the Senate, Member of the House of Representatives, or Delegate or Commissioner from a territory or possession; and ``(2) the term `election related information' means information regarding-- ``(A) the time, place, or manner of conducting the election; ``(B) the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for the election, including-- ``(i) any criminal penalties associated with voting in the election; or ``(ii) information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility; ``(C) with respect to a closed primary election, the political party affiliation of any candidate for office, if the communication of the information also contains false information described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or ``(D) the explicit endorsement by any person or organization of a candidate running for any office voted on in the election.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 29 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``618. Deceptive practices in Federal elections.''. SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF PENALTY FOR VOTER INTIMIDATION. Section 594 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``one year'' and inserting ``5 years''. SEC. 4. SENTENCING GUIDELINES. (a) Review and Amendment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the United States Sentencing Commission, pursuant to its authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this section, shall review and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under sections of title 18, United States Code, that are added or modified by this Act. (b) Authorization.--The United States Sentencing Commission may, for the purposes of the amendments made pursuant to this section, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 21(a) of the Sentencing Act of 1987 (28 U.S.C. 994 note) as though the authority under that section had not expired. SEC. 5. REPORTING VIOLATIONS AND REMEDIAL ACTION. (a) Reporting.--Any person may report to the Attorney General any violation or possible violation of section 594 or 618 of title 18, United States Code. (b) Corrective Action.-- (1) In general.--Immediately after receiving a report under subsection (a), the Attorney General shall consider and review such report and, if the Attorney General determines that there is a reasonable basis to find that a violation has occurred, the Attorney General shall-- (A) undertake all effective measures necessary to provide correct information to voters affected by the false information; and (B) refer the matter to the appropriate Federal and State authorities for criminal prosecution or civil action after the election. (2) Regulations.-- (A) In general.--The Attorney General shall promulgate regulations regarding the methods and means of corrective actions to be taken under paragraph (1). Such regulations shall be developed in consultation with the Election Assistance Commission, civil rights organizations, voting rights groups, State and local election officials, voter protection groups, and other interested community organizations. (B) Study.-- (i) In general.--The Attorney General, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and the Election Assistance Commission, shall conduct a study on the feasibility of providing the corrective information under paragraph (1) through public service announcements, the emergency alert system, or other forms of public broadcast. (ii) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report detailing the results of the study conducted under clause (i). (3) Publicizing remedies.--The Attorney General shall make public through the Internet, radio, television, and newspaper advertisements information on the responsibilities, contact information, and complaint procedures applicable under this section. (c) Reports to Congress.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after any primary, general, or run-off election for Federal office, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report compiling and detailing any allegations of false information submitted pursuant to subsection (a) and relating to such election. (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) detailed information on specific allegations of deceptive tactics; (B) statistical compilations of how many allegations were made and of what type; (C) the geographic locations of and the populations affected by the alleged deceptive information; (D) the status of the investigations of such allegations; (E) any corrective actions taken in response to such allegations; (F) the rationale used for any corrective actions or for any refusal to pursue an allegation; (G) the effectiveness of any such corrective actions; (H) whether a Voting Integrity Task Force was established with respect to such election, and, if so, how such task force was staffed and funded; (I) any referrals of information to other Federal, State, or local agencies; (J) any suit instituted under section 2004(b)(2) of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1971(b)(2)) in connection with such allegations; and (K) any criminal prosecution instituted under title 18, United States Code, in connection with such allegations. (3) Report made public.--On the date that the Attorney General submits the report required under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall also make the report publicly available through the Internet and other appropriate means. (d) Delegation of Duties.-- (1) In general.--The Attorney General shall delegate the responsibilities under this section to a Voting Integrity Task Force established under paragraph (2). (2) Voting integrity task force.-- (A) In general.--The Attorney General shall establish a Voting Integrity Task Force to carry out the requirements of this section with respect to any general, primary, run-off, or special election for Federal office. (B) Composition.--Any Voting Integrity Task Force established under paragraph (1) shall be under the direction of the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division and the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, jointly. (e) Federal Office.--For purposes of this section, the term ``Federal office'' means the office of President, Vice President, presidential elector, Member of the Senate, Member of the House of Representatives, or Delegate or Commissioner from a territory or possession of the United States. Passed the House of Representatives June 25, 2007. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for anyone before or during a federal election to knowingly communicate, or attempt to communicate, false election-related information about that election, with the intent to prevent another person from exercising the right to vote. Increases from one year to five years' imprisonment the criminal penalty for intimidation of voters. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend the federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under this Act. Authorizes any person to report to the Attorney General false election information or intimidation of voters. Requires the Attorney General, immediately after receiving such a report, to consider and review it and, if there is a reasonable basis to find that a violation has occurred, to: (1) undertake all effective measures necessary to provide correct information to voters affected by the false information; and (2) refer the matter to the appropriate federal and state authorities for criminal prosecution or civil action after the election. Directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of providing such corrective information through public service announcements, the emergency alert system, or other forms of public broadcast. Requires the Attorney General to establish a Voting Integrity Task Force to carry out the requirements of this Act with respect to any general, primary, run-off, or special election for federal office.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act of 2009'' or the ``SERVE Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR BONA FIDE VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by inserting after section 36A the following new section: ``SEC. 36B. BONA FIDE VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS. ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual who at any time during the taxable year is a bona fide volunteer member of a qualified volunteer emergency response organization, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle the amount of $1,000. ``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Bona fide volunteer member of a qualified volunteer emergency response organization.-- ``(A) In general.--An individual shall be treated as a bona fide volunteer of a qualified volunteer emergency response organization for purposes of this section if-- ``(i) the only compensation received by such individual for performing qualified services is in the form of-- ``(I) reimbursement for (or a reasonable allowance for) reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of such services, or ``(II) reasonable benefits (including length of service awards), and nominal fees for such services, customarily paid by eligible employers in connection with the performance of such services by volunteers, and ``(ii) the aggregate amount of such compensation for the taxable year for providing qualified services does not exceed an amount equal to the annual limitation. ``(B) Annual limitation.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the annual limitation is an amount equal to the product of-- ``(i) the minimum wage in effect under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) on the first day of the calendar year beginning in the taxable year, multiplied by ``(ii) 2,080 hours. ``(C) Service limitation.--An individual shall be treated as a bona fide volunteer described in subparagraph (A) for a taxable year only if such individual has served as a volunteer performing qualified services for more than 6 months in such taxable year and provided more than 40 hours of such service. ``(D) Training and certification requirements.--An individual shall not be treated as a bona fide volunteer described in subparagraph (A) for any period for which the individual fails to meet all applicable training and certification requirements of the qualified volunteer emergency response organization for which such individual volunteers. ``(E) Coordination with exclusion.--Amounts excluded from gross income under section 139B shall not be taken into account for purposes of subparagraph (A). ``(2) Qualified services.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified services' means fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services. ``(3) Qualified volunteer emergency response organization.--The term `qualified volunteer emergency response organization' has the meaning given such term by section 139B(c)(3).''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``36B,'' after ``section 36A,''. (2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36A the following new item: ``Sec. 36B. Bona fide volunteer members of volunteer emergency response organizations.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act of 2009 or the SERVE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $1,000 refundable tax credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of a qualified volunteer emergency response organization who provide firefighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fuel-Efficient Fleets Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. FUEL ECONOMY OF THE FEDERAL FLEET. Section 32917 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) New Vehicles.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), or by a waiver granted by the Adminstrator of the General Services Administration, each passenger automobile purchased, or leased for at least 60 consecutive days, by an executive agency after the date of enactment of the Fuel-Efficient Fleets Act of 2006 shall achieve a minimum fuel economy as follows: ``(A) For vans (except minivans), not less than 15 miles per gallon. ``(B) For minivans, not less than 20 miles per gallon. ``(C) For pickup trucks, not less than 24 miles per gallon. ``(D) For sport utility vehicles, not less than 36 miles per gallon. ``(E) For passenger automobiles not described in subparagraphs (A) through (D), not less than 45 miles per gallon. ``(2) Phase-in period.--Of the automobiles described in paragraph (1), not fewer than-- ``(A) 25 percent of such automobiles purchased by an executive agency during the 1-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Fuel-Efficient Fleets Act of 2006 shall achieve the minimum fuel economy described in paragraph (1)(D); ``(B) 50 percent of such automobiles purchased by an executive agency during the 1-year period beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Fuel- Efficient Fleets Act of 2006 shall achieve the minimum fuel economy described in paragraph (1)(D); and ``(C) 75 percent of such automobiles purchased by an executive agency during the 1-year period beginning 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Fuel- Efficient Fleets Act of 2006 shall achieve the minimum fuel economy described in paragraph (1)(D); and ``(D) 100 percent of such automobiles purchased by an executive agency during the 1-year period beginning 3 years after the date of the enactment of the Fuel- Efficient Fleets Act of 2006 shall achieve the minimum fuel economy described in paragraph (1)(D).''. SEC. 3. FUEL ECONOMY STANDARD EVALUATION. (a) Study.--The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall annually evaluate the fuel economy standards under section 32917(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, based on relevant technological advances during the previous year. (b) Increased Standards.--If the Secretary of Energy determines that significant technological improvements make it feasible to achieve higher fuel economy, the Secretary shall increase the fuel economy standards under section 32917(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code consistent with such determination. SEC. 4. GRANTS TO STATES. (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Transportation may award grants to assist States to purchase vans, trucks, sport utility vehicles, minivans, or passenger automobiles that meet the fuel economy requirements for new federal fleet vehicles described in section 32917(c) of title 49, United States Code, as added by section 2. (b) Eligibility.--Grants shall be made available to States that comply with the minimum fuel economy standards described in section 32917(c) of title 49, United States Code. (c) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible States under this section for periods not to exceed 1 year. (d) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used to purchase vehicles that meet the fuel economy requirements described in subsection (b). (e) Application.--The appropriate official of a State seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Transportation, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, containing a vehicle purchase plan in accordance with subsection (b). (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, which shall remain available for the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, for grants to eligible States under this section. SEC. 5. BUY AMERICAN PREFERENCE. An executive agency (as defined in section 32917(a) of title 49, United States Code) that purchases or leases (for at least 60 consecutive days) passenger automobiles (as defined in section 32901 of title 49, United States Code) shall, when determining which models to purchase, give a preference to automobiles that are assembled in the United States from components, of which not less than 50 percent were manufactured in the United States.

Summary: Fuel-Efficient Fleets Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to set forth certain phased-in minimum fuel economy standards for new federal fleet vehicles. Authorizes the award of grants to assist states in purchasing vans, trucks, sport utility vehicles, minivans, or passenger automobiles that meet the new federal fleet vehicle fuel economy standards. Subjects federal agencies to Buy American requirements requiring not less than 50% of newly purchased or leased federal fleet vehicles to be U.S. manufactured.