SECTION 1. TAX-EXEMPT FINANCING OF ALTERNATIVE MOTOR VEHICLE FACILITIES. (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 142 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (14), (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ``, or'', and (3) by inserting at the end the following new paragraph: ``(16) alternative motor vehicle facility.''. (b) Definition.--Section 142 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting at the end the following new subsection: ``(n) Alternative Motor Vehicle Facility.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(16), the term `alternative motor vehicle facility' means an automobile development and production facility which was built before 1981 and which through financing by the net proceeds of the issue is retrofitted or reconstructed to make such facility compatible for the development and production of qualified alternative motor vehicles or of qualified alternative motor vehicles and component parts for such vehicles. ``(2) Qualified alternative motor vehicles.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `qualified alternative motor vehicle' means any vehicle described in section 30B or 30D. ``(3) National limitation on amount of bonds.-- ``(A) National limitation.--The aggregate amount allocated by the Secretary under subparagraph (C) shall not exceed $12,000,000,000, of which not more than $4,000,000,000 may be allocated to any single taxpayer (determined under rules similar to the rules in paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) of section 179(d)). ``(B) Enforcement of national limitation.--An issue shall not be treated as an issue described in subsection (a)(16) if the aggregate face amount of bonds issued pursuant to such issue for any alternative motor vehicle facility (when added to the aggregate face amount of bonds previously so issued for such facility) exceeds the amount allocated to such facility under subparagraph (C). ``(C) Allocation by secretary.--The Secretary shall allocate the amount described in subparagraph (A) among State or local governments to finance alternative motor vehicle facilities located within the jurisdictions of such governments in such manner as the Secretary determines appropriate. ``(4) Special rules relating to expenditures.-- ``(A) In general.--An issue shall not be treated as an issue described in subsection (a)(16) unless at least 95 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the issue are to be spent for 1 or more facilities within the 5-year period beginning on the date of issuance. ``(B) Extension of period.--Upon submission of a request prior to the expiration of the period described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary may extend such period if the issuer establishes that the failure to satisfy the 5-year requirement is due to reasonable cause and the related facilities will continue to proceed with due diligence. ``(C) Failure to spend required amount of bond proceeds within 5 years.--To the extent that less than 95 percent of the proceeds of such issue are expended by the close of the 5-year period beginning on the date of issuance (or if an extension has been obtained under subparagraph (B), by the close of the extended period), the issuer shall use all unspent proceeds of such issue to redeem bonds of the issue within 90 days after the end of such period. ``(5) Exception for current refunding bonds.--Paragraph (3) shall not apply to any bond (or series of bonds) issued to refund a bond issued under subsection (a)(16) if-- ``(A) the average maturity date of the issue of which the refunding bond is a part is not later than the average maturity date of the bonds to be refunded by such issue, ``(B) the amount of the refunding bond does not exceed the outstanding amount of the refunded bond, and ``(C) the refunded bond is redeemed not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the refunding bond. For purposes of subparagraph (A), average maturity shall be determined in accordance with section 147(b)(2)(A).''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 146(g)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or (15)'' and inserting ``(15), or (16)''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to bonds issued after December 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2013.

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds through 2012 to make automobile development and production facilities built before 1981 compatible for the development and production of qualified alternative motor vehicles and component parts.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Military Families Act''. SEC. 2. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY SERVICE PERSONNEL. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General shall adjust the status of an alien described in subsection (b) to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien-- (1) applies for such adjustment; (2) is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as provided in subsection (d); (3) pays a fee in an amount determined by the Secretary for the processing of such application (unless such fee is waived by the Secretary); and (4) is physically present in the United States. (b) Aliens Eligible for Adjustment of Status.--The benefits provided under subsection (a) shall only apply to an alien who is-- (1) a parent, spouse, child, son, or daughter (and their spouse, child, son, or daughter, if any) of-- (A) a living Armed Forces member described in subsection (c); or (B) a deceased Armed Forces member described in subsection (c) if-- (i) the Armed Forces member died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by the Armed Forces member's service; and (ii) the alien applies for such adjustment-- (I) if the death of the Armed Forces member occurred prior to the date of the enactment of this Act, not later than 2 years after the date of such enactment; or (II) if the death of the Armed Forces member occurred after the date of the enactment of this Act, not later than 2 years after the death of the Armed Forces member; or (2) a son or daughter described in paragraph (1) or (3) of section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)) who has a Filipino parent who was naturalized pursuant to section 405 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (8 U.S.C. 1440 note). (c) Armed Forces Member Defined.--In this section, the term ``Armed Forces member'' means any person who-- (1) is, or was at the time of the person's death described in subsection (b)(1)(B)(i), a United States citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence; (2) is serving, or has served honorably on or after October 7, 2001, as a member of the National Guard or the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or in an active-duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States; and (3) if separated from the service described in paragraph (2), was separated under honorable conditions. (d) Waiver of Certain Grounds of Inadmissibility.-- (1) In general.--The provisions of paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), (7)(A), and (9)(B) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) shall not apply to adjustment of status under this Act. (2) Additional waivers.--The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may waive any other provision of section 212(a) of such Act (other than paragraph (2)(C) and subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (E), and (F) of paragraph (3)) with respect to an adjustment of status under this Act-- (A) for humanitarian purposes; (B) to assure family unity; or (C) if such waiver is otherwise in the public interest. (e) Record of Adjustment.--Upon the approval of an application for adjustment of status under this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall create a record of the alien's admission as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. (f) No Offset in Number of Visas Available.-- (1) In general.--If an alien is lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this Act, the Secretary of State shall not reduce the number of immigrant visas authorized to be issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). (2) Exemption from direct numerical limitations.--Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(F) Aliens who are described in paragraph (1) or (3) of section 203(a) and have a Filipino parent who was naturalized pursuant to section 405 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (8 U.S.C. 1440 note).''.

Summary: Military Families Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to adjust the status of an eligible alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien: (1) applies for adjustment (with a time limit for an alien applying as a family member of a deceased Armed Forces member); (2) is admissible to the United States as an immigrant; (3) pays the application fee (unless waived); and (4) is physically present in the United States. Applies such provision to an alien who is: (1) a parent, spouse, child, son, or daughter (and their spouse, child, son, or daughter, if any) of a living Armed Forces member or of a deceased Armed Forces member who died as a result of service-incurred injury or disease; or (2) a son or daughter of a Filipino parent who was naturalized based upon active duty World War II service in the Philippine Army, Philippine Scouts, or a recognized guerilla unit. Defines "Armed Forces member" as a person who: (1) is, or was at the time of the person's death, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident; (2) is serving, or has served honorably on or after October 7, 2001, as a member of the National Guard or the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or in an active-duty status in the U.S. military; and (3) if separated from service was separated under honorable conditions. Waives specified grounds of inadmissibility and authorizes the waiver of additional grounds of inadmissibility.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preventing a Government Shutdown Act''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO TITLE 31. (a) In General.--Chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1310 the following new section: ``Sec. 1311. Continuing appropriations ``(a)(1) If any regular appropriation bill for a fiscal year (or, if applicable, for each fiscal year in a biennium) does not become law before the beginning of such fiscal year or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect, there are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, excluding any budget authority designated as an emergency or temporary funding for projects or activities that are not part of ongoing operations, to such sums as may be necessary to continue any project or activity for which funds were provided in the preceding fiscal year-- ``(A) in the corresponding regular appropriation Act for such preceding fiscal year; or ``(B) if the corresponding regular appropriation bill for such preceding fiscal year did not become law, then in a joint resolution making continuing appropriations for such preceding fiscal year. ``(2) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted, for a project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be at a rate of operations not in excess of the lower of-- ``(A) the rate of operations provided for in the regular appropriation Act providing for such project or activity for the preceding fiscal year; or ``(B) in the absence of such an Act, the rate of operations provided for such project or activity pursuant to a joint resolution making continuing appropriations for such preceding fiscal year. ``(3) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted, for any fiscal year pursuant to this section for a project or activity shall be available for the period beginning with the first day of a lapse in appropriations and ending with the earlier of-- ``(A) the date on which the applicable regular appropriation bill for such fiscal year becomes law (whether or not such law provides for such project or activity) or a continuing resolution making appropriations becomes law, as the case may be; or ``(B) the last day of such fiscal year. ``(4) This section shall not provide funding for a new fiscal year to continue any project or activity which is funded under the provisions of this section at the end of the preceding fiscal year until the enactment of a regular appropriation Act or joint resolution making continuing appropriations for such project or activity during such new fiscal year. ``(b) An appropriation or funds made available, or authority granted, for a project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be subject to the terms and conditions imposed with respect to the appropriation made or funds made available for the preceding fiscal year, or authority granted for such project or activity under current law. ``(c) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted, for any project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall cover all obligations or expenditures incurred for such project or activity during the portion of such fiscal year for which this section applies to such project or activity. ``(d) Expenditures made for a project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be charged to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a regular appropriation bill or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations until the end of a fiscal year providing for such project or activity for such period becomes law. ``(e) This section shall not apply to a project or activity during a fiscal year if any other provision of law (other than an authorization of appropriations)-- ``(1) makes an appropriation, makes funds available, or grants authority for such project or activity to continue for such period; or ``(2) specifically provides that no appropriation shall be made, no funds shall be made available, or no authority shall be granted for such project or activity to continue for such period. ``(f) For purposes of this section, the term `regular appropriation bill' means any annual appropriation bill making appropriations, otherwise making funds available, or granting authority, for any of the following categories of projects and activities: ``(1) Agriculture, rural development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies programs. ``(2) The Department of Defense. ``(3) Energy and water development, and related agencies. ``(4) State, foreign operations, and related programs. ``(5) The Department of Homeland Security. ``(6) The Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies. ``(7) The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies. ``(8) Military construction, veterans affairs, and related agencies. ``(9) Science, the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and related agencies. ``(10) The Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. ``(11) The Legislative Branch. ``(12) Financial services and general Government.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1310 the following new item: ``1311. Continuing appropriations.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to fiscal years beginning fiscal year 2011.

Summary: Preventing a Government Shutdown Act - Provides for automatic continuing appropriations if a regular appropriation bill for a fiscal year (or if applicable, for each fiscal year in a biennium) does not become law or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. CLINICAL TRIALS NETWORK FOR SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY. Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 409J. CLINICAL TRIALS NETWORK FOR SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY. ``(a) Clinical Trials Network.--The Director of NIH, in coordination with the Directors of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and such other Institutes and Centers as specified by the Director shall provide for the upgrading and unification of spinal muscular atrophy clinical trial sites and the recruitment of new investigators and sites to establish a national clinical trials network for spinal muscular atrophy. The Director of NIH shall ensure that such network-- ``(1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of therapies and clinical approaches to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; and ``(2) rapidly and efficiently disseminates scientific findings to the field. ``(b) Data Coordinating Center.--The Director of NIH, in coordination with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and the Directors of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and such other Institutes and Centers as specified by the Director, shall establish a data coordinating center with respect to spinal muscular atrophy to-- ``(1) provide expert assistance in the design, conduct, data analysis, data management, and data warehousing of collaborative clinical and descriptive research projects; ``(2) organize and conduct multi-site monitoring activities; ``(3) provide regular reports to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, such other Institutes and Centers as specified by the Director, and the Food and Drug Administration on enrollment and the allocation of resources; and ``(4) conduct such other activities as are deemed necessary by the Secretary. ``(c) Pre-Clinical Activities.--The Director of NIH, in coordination with the Directors of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, shall expand and intensify programs of such Institutes with respect to pre-clinical translation research related to spinal muscular atrophy.''. SEC. 3. NATIONAL PATIENT REGISTRY. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 399S. NATIONAL SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY PATIENT REGISTRY. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in coordination with the Director of the NIH, shall enhance and provide ongoing support to a spinal muscular atrophy patient registry to provide for expanded epidemiological research towards improving awareness, management, treatment, and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. ``(b) Longitudinal Data.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages with spinal muscular atrophy, including infants, young children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.''. SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY RESEARCH COORDINATING COMMITTEE. Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 409K. INTERAGENCY SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY RESEARCH COORDINATING COMMITTEE. ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a committee, to be known as the Interagency Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Coordinating Committee (in this section referred to as the `Committee'). ``(b) Duties.--The Committee shall-- ``(1) share and coordinate information on existing research activities, and make recommendations to the National Institutes of Health and other Federal agencies regarding how to improve existing research programs, that are related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders; ``(2) develop a comprehensive strategy related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders and advise the National Institutes of Health and other Federal agencies, expanding proposals for collaborative, multidisciplinary research, including proposals for Common Fund research described in section 402(b)(7) and other proposals that involve collaboration between 2 or more national research institutes or national centers; ``(3) provide annual reports to the Secretary regarding the National Institutes of Health and other Federal agencies' collaborative multidisciplinary research efforts to support spinal muscular atrophy, including the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Project at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the ongoing and future research needs to advance therapies for spinal muscular atrophy, and recommendations on how to strengthen the collaboration of research activities by the institutes and agencies to improve the results; ``(4) develop a summary of advances in research related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders research supported or conducted by Federal agencies; and ``(5) not later than 1 year after the date of the establishment of the Committee, make recommendations to the Secretary-- ``(A) regarding any appropriate changes to research activities, including recommendations to improve the research portfolio of the National Institutes of Health to ensure that scientifically-based strategic planning is implemented in support of research priorities that impact research activities related to spinal muscular atrophy and other related neurological diseases and disorders; ``(B) identifying barriers to the development of new treatments and cures for spinal muscular atrophy and other related neurological diseases and disorders; ``(C) regarding public participation in decisions relating to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders to increase the involvement of patient advocacy and community organizations representing a broad geographical area; ``(D) on how best to disseminate information on spinal muscular atrophy progress; and ``(E) on how to expand partnerships between public entities, including Federal agencies, and private entities to expand collaborative, cross-cutting research. ``(c) Rule of Construction.--In carrying out the duties described in subsection (b) with respect to research on spinal muscular atrophy, nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the Secretary from including other neurological or genetic disorders, as appropriate, in such research if doing so may advance research in spinal muscular atrophy or other related neurological diseases and disorders. ``(d) Membership.-- ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of the following voting members: ``(A) Not more than 11 voting Federal representatives as follows: ``(i) The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ``(ii) The Director of the National Institutes of Health and the directors of such national research institutes and national centers (which shall include the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Center for Research Resources) as the Secretary determines appropriate. ``(iii) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs. ``(iv) The heads of such other agencies and advisory committees as the Secretary determines appropriate, including the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children. ``(v) Representatives of other Federal agencies that conduct or support neurological research, or provide support services and resources for individuals with spinal muscular atrophy, such as the Department of Education and the Social Security Administration. ``(B) 9 additional voting members appointed under paragraph (2). ``(2) Additional members.--The Committee shall include additional voting members appointed by the Secretary as follows: ``(A) 6 members shall be appointed from among scientists, physicians, and other health professionals, who-- ``(i) are not officers or employees of the United States; ``(ii) represent multiple disciplines, including clinical, basic, and public health sciences; ``(iii) represent different geographical regions of the United States; ``(iv) are from practice settings, academia, or other research settings; and ``(v) are experienced in scientific peer review process. ``(B) 3 members shall be appointed from members of the general public, who represent individuals with spinal muscular atrophy. ``(3) Nonvoting members.--The Committee shall include such nonvoting members as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. ``(e) Chairperson.--The voting members of the Committee shall select a chairperson from among the Federal members of the Committee described in subsection (d)(1)(A). The selection of a chairperson may be subject to the approval of the Secretary. The chairperson shall serve for a term of not to exceed 2 years, but may be re-elected as provided for in the first sentence. ``(f) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson of the Committee or upon the request of the Secretary, but in no case less often than once each year. ``(g) Review.--In 2012, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall review the necessity of the Committee.''. SEC. 5. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ON SMA FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by section 3, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 399T. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ON SMA. ``The Secretary shall establish and implement a program to provide information and education on spinal muscular atrophy to health professionals and the general public, including information and education on advances in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of spinal muscular atrophy and training and continuing education through programs for scientists, physicians, medical students, and other health professionals who provide care for patients with spinal muscular atrophy.''.

Summary: SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a national clinical trials network for spinal muscular atrophy by upgrading and unifying spinal muscular atrophy clinical trial sites and recruiting new investigators and sites. Requires the Director to ensure that such network: (1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of therapies and clinical approaches to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) rapidly and efficiently disseminates scientific findings to the field. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a data coordinating center with respect to spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to preclinical translation research related to spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance and support a spinal muscular atrophy patient registry to provide for expanded epidemiological research towards improving awareness, management, treatment, and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Coordinating Committee. Sets forth the duties of the Committee, including to develop a comprehensive strategy related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on spinal muscular atrophy to health professionals and the general public.


SECTION 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to increase telecommunications ownership opportunities for small businesses, including small businesses owned or controlled by socially disadvantaged individuals, through Small Business Administration participation in a market-oriented restructuring of the credit aspects of Federal Communications Commission telecommunications spectrum auctions. SEC. 2. ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS FINANCE. (a) In General.--Section 4(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)) is amended-- (1) in the fifth sentence, by striking ``five'' and inserting ``six''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``One of the Associate Administrators shall be designated at the time of appointment as the Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance and shall have the qualifications and responsibilities specified in subsection (g).''. (b) Qualifications and Responsibilities.--Section 4 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance.-- ``(1) In general.--The Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance-- ``(A) shall be an employee in the competitive service or in the Senior Executive Service and a career appointee; ``(B) shall be responsible to the Administrator for the supervision and management of financing in the area of telecommunications, including the programs and other activities under section 38 and section 39; ``(C) shall establish, with respect to telecommunications concerns, the detailed definitions or standards referred to in section 3(a)(2); ``(D) shall have authority-- ``(i) to prescribe maximum amounts for loan guarantees under any program under section 38 or 39; ``(ii) to approve all loan guarantees in telecommunications; and ``(iii) to approve all direct loans under section 38(a)(1); and ``(E) in addition to any other duties under this Act, shall have authority to approve loan guarantees under section 7(a) with respect to Federal Communications Commission spectrum licenses acquired in the secondary market. ``(2) Neutrality in choice of program by applicant for loan or loan guarantee.--In the administration of the Telecommunications Spectrum Installment Loan Program under section 38 and the Telecommunications Accelerated Certified Lender Program under section 39, the Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance shall observe strict neutrality as to the choice that a potential applicant may make as to the appropriateness of a program for the applicant. The choice of one program over the other shall be solely that of the applicant and the Associate Administrator shall neither encourage nor discourage any applicant in that choice.''. SEC. 3. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FINANCING FOR ENTREPRENEUR PARTICIPATION IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECTRUM AUCTIONS CONDUCTED BY FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION. The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 37 as section 40; and (2) by inserting after section 36 the following new sections: ``SEC. 37. TELECOMMUNICATIONS FINANCE OFFICE. ``(a) In General.--There is established, within the Administration, an office to perform functions relating to the policies and programs of the Administration with respect to financing in the area of telecommunications. The office-- ``(1) shall be known as the `Telecommunications Finance Office'; ``(2) shall be headed by the Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance under section 4(g); ``(3) shall be staffed by employees who are from diverse backgrounds and who are highly skilled in the areas of telecommunications technology and telecommunications financing; and ``(4) shall be the principal entity within the Administration for implementation of the programs under sections 38 and 39. ``(b) Funding.--The expenses of the Telecommunications Finance Office shall be paid from the Telecommunications Loan Guarantee Fund, established under section 715 of the Communications Act of 1934. ``SEC. 38. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECTRUM INSTALLMENT LOAN PROGRAM. ``(a) In General.--There is established a program, to be known as the `Telecommunications Spectrum Installment Loan Program', under which the Administrator-- ``(1) shall make direct loans to qualified telecommunications borrowers for acquisition of spectrum licenses through Federal Communications Commission auction; and ``(2) shall guarantee loans to qualified telecommunications borrowers for telecommunications equipment and working capital in connection with any acquisition referred to in paragraph (1). ``(b) Direct Loan Conditions.-- ``(1) Limitation on disbursement.--The Administrator may not disburse any loan amount under subsection (a)(1) if the cost of the license involved exceeds the approved loan amount plus, as determined by the Administrator, cash available to the applicant for the purpose of paying the difference between the approved loan amount and the cost of the license. ``(2) Interest at market rate.--The rate of interest on a loan shall be the prime interest rate or such other competitive market rate as the Administrator determines to be appropriate. ``(3) Interest-only period.--The Administrator, in accordance with criteria established by regulation, may provide, on a case-by-case basis, for an initial period during which a borrower under subsection (a)(1) shall pay interest only. In the case of such a determination, loan principal shall be amortized over the remainder of the loan term. The maximum interest-only period under this paragraph is 6 years. ``(4) Maximum loan term.--The term of any loan under subsection (a)(1) may not exceed the term of the spectrum license involved. ``(c) Loan Guarantee Condition.--The Administrator may make loan guarantees under subsection (a)(2) to a borrower under subsection (a)(1) only for telecommunications equipment and working capital necessary to carry out the terms of the license to be financed. ``(d) Security Interest and Forced Sale Conditions for Direct Loans and Loan Guarantees.--The Administrator shall require, as a condition of any direct loan under subsection (a)(1) and any loan guarantee under subsection (a)(2), that-- ``(1) any disbursement of a loan amount be fully protected by a secured interest in the proceeds of a sale or other assignment of the license involved; and ``(2) the loan agreement contain specific measures by which, in the case of a default by the borrower, the lender may require the borrower to sell or otherwise assign the license. ``(e) General Applicability; Waiver Exception.--Loans and loan guarantees under this section shall be subject to all otherwise applicable provisions of this Act, except that the Administrator may waive any limitation on the amount of an individual loan or loan guarantee or on the total amount of loans or loan guarantees to a single borrower. ``(f) Treasury Account.--The Administrator shall notify the Secretary of the Treasury of each loan transaction entered into under subsection (a)(1). Upon receipt of notice under the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall establish an account in the Treasury for the loan. ``(g) Definitions.--As used in this section-- ``(1) the term `qualified telecommunications borrower' means a small business concern that, as determined by the Administrator, has, in addition to the other requirements of this Act, a level of specialized telecommunications expertise (including technical knowledge, business skill, and management experience) that is appropriate for the purpose for which the loan or guarantee involved is made; and ``(2) the term `Administrator' means the Administrator, acting through the Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance. ``(h) Collection of Data.--The Administrator shall collect data with respect to the operation of the program under this section. The data so collected-- ``(1) shall be accumulated on a calendar year basis; ``(2) shall be maintained in an electronic database; ``(3) shall include information on the ethnicity, race, and sex of all applicants, whether the applications involved are approved, denied, withdrawn, or otherwise disposed of; and ``(4) shall include other information that, as determined by the Administrator, is relevant to the disposition of applications. ``(i) Report.--Not later than December 31 of each year, the Administrator shall submit to the Congress a report, with respect to the preceding calendar year, of the status of the program under this section. The report shall include-- ``(1) a statistical analysis (without personal identifying information) of the diversity characteristics of applicants and borrowers under the program; and ``(2) a probability analysis with respect to the diversity of applicants who receive loans under the program. ``SEC. 39. TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCELERATED CERTIFIED LENDER PROGRAM. ``(a) In General.--There is established a program, to be known as the `Telecommunications Accelerated Certified Lender Program', under which the Administrator-- ``(1) shall guarantee loans made to qualified telecommunications borrowers-- ``(A) for acquisition of spectrum licenses through Federal Communications Commission auction; and ``(B) for acquisition of spectrum licenses in the secondary market for licenses originally acquired through Federal Communications Commission auction; and ``(2) shall guarantee loans made to qualified telecommunications borrowers for telecommunications equipment and working capital in connection with any acquisition referred to in paragraph (1). ``(b) Funding.--The expenses of loan guarantees under subsection (a) shall be paid from the Telecommunications Loan Guarantee Fund, established under section 715 of the Communications Act of 1934. ``(c) Approved Lenders.--Loans guaranteed under this section shall be made by lenders that are insured depositary institutions and are approved by the Administrator. In evaluating an institution for approval, the Administrator shall take into consideration the financial stability of the institution, the experience and expertise of the institution in lending to telecommunications borrowers, and the need for diversity in the management and ownership of approved institutions. ``(d) Loan Guarantee Conditions.-- ``(1) Limitation on disbursement.--The Administrator shall require, as a condition of any loan guarantee under subsection (a)(1), that the lender may not disburse any loan amount if the cost of the license involved exceeds the approved loan amount plus, as determined by the Administrator, cash available to the applicant for the purpose of paying the difference between the approved loan amount and the cost of the license. ``(2) Security interest and forced sale requirements.--The Administrator shall require, as a condition of any loan guarantee under subsection (a), that-- ``(A) any disbursement of a loan amount be fully protected by a secured interest in the proceeds of a sale or other assignment of the license involved; and ``(B) the loan agreement contain specific measures by which, in the case of a default by the borrower, the lender may require the borrower to sell or otherwise assign the license. ``(e) General Applicability; Waiver Exception.--Loan guarantees under this section shall be subject to all otherwise applicable provisions of this Act, except that the Administrator may waive any limitation on the amount of an individual loan guarantee or on the total amount of loan guarantees to a single borrower. ``(f) Definitions.--As used in this section-- ``(1) the term `qualified telecommunications borrower' means a small business concern that, as determined by the Administrator, has, in addition to the other requirements of this Act, a level of specialized telecommunications expertise (including technical knowledge, business skill, and management experience) that is appropriate for the purpose for which the loan or guarantee involved is made; and ``(2) the term `Administrator' means the Administrator, acting through the Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance. ``(g) Collection of Data.--The Administrator shall collect data with respect to the operation of the program under this section. The data so collected-- ``(1) shall be accumulated on a calendar year basis; ``(2) shall be maintained in an electronic database; ``(3) shall include information on the ethnicity, race, and sex of all applicants, whether the applications involved are approved, denied, withdrawn, or otherwise disposed of; and ``(4) shall include other information that, as determined by the Administrator, is relevant to the disposition of applications. ``(h) Report.--Not later than December 31 of each year, the Administrator shall submit to the Congress a report, with respect to the preceding calendar year, of the status of the program under this section. The report shall include-- ``(1) a statistical analysis (without personal identifying information) of the diversity characteristics of applicants and borrowers under the program; and ``(2) a probability analysis with respect to the diversity of applicants who receive loans under the program.''. SEC. 4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOAN GUARANTEE FUND. (a) In General.--Title VII of the Communications Act of 1934 is amended by inserting after section 714 (42 U.S.C. 614) the following new section: ``SEC. 715. TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOAN GUARANTEE FUND. ``(a) Establishment.-- ``(1) In general.--There is hereby established the Telecommunications Loan Guarantee Fund (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Fund') in the Department of the Treasury under the control of the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Secretary'). ``(2) Initial capitalization of fund.--The first $10,000,000,000 of proceeds received from the auction of spectrum licenses by the Federal Communications Commission after the date of the enactment of this section shall be deposited in the Fund and shall constitute the capitalization of the Fund. ``(b) Maintenance of Fund.-- ``(1) In general.--Amounts in the Fund shall be deposited by the Secretary in depositaries designated by the Secretary which have also been designated by the Telecommunications Finance Office of the Small Business Administration as certified telecommunications lenders. ``(2) Interest.--Interest paid by depositaries on amounts deposited in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the Fund and be available for the purposes of the Fund. ``(c) Purpose of Fund.--Amounts in the Fund shall be available to meet any obligation of the Small Business Administration arising under a loan guarantee issued by the Telecommunications Finance Office of the Small Business Administration in connection with a loan under section 38(a)(2) or section 39(a) of the Small Business Act.''. SEC. 5. PARTICIPATION IN SPECTRUM AUCTIONS. Section 309(j)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(5)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``No person'' and inserting the following: ``(A) In general.--No person''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) Qualified telecommunications borrowers.--With respect to any person that meets the qualification requirements of this paragraph and that is a qualified telecommunications borrower under section 38 or 39 of the Small Business Act, the Commission shall accept, in lieu of any upfront payment or earnest money deposit required by Commission regulation, a letter of credit provided to such borrower under such section that equals or exceeds the amount of such required payment or deposit. In any competitive bidding conducted under this subsection in which the Commission identifies any such qualified telecommunications borrower as the high bidder at the time of declaring that the bidding has closed, the Commission shall notify the Administrator of the Small Business Administration of the identity of such bidder, the amount of the high bid, and the total amount required to be deposited with the Commission to qualify for the award of the license under Commission regulations. In the case of a qualified telecommunications borrower under section 38, the amount of such deposit may be satisfied by debiting the loan account of the borrower at the Treasury.''.

Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Associate Administrator for Telecommunications Finance (Associate Administrator) to supervise and manage SBA financing in the area of telecommunications. Authorizes the Associate Administrator to approve SBA loan guarantees with respect to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum licenses (for radio and television broadcasting) acquired in the secondary market. Establishes a Telecommunications Finance Office. Establishes the Telecommunications Spectrum Installment Loan Program to: (1) make direct loans to qualified telecommunications borrowers (borrowers) for the acquisition of spectrum licenses through FCC auction; and (2) guarantee loans to borrowers for telecommunications equipment and working capital in connection with spectrum license acquisitions. Establishes the Telecommunications Accelerated Certified Lender Program for the guarantee by certified lenders of loans made to borrowers for: (1) the acquisition of spectrum licenses through either FCC auction or the secondary market; and (2) telecommunications equipment and working capital in connection with spectrum license acquisitions. Requires certified lenders to be insured depository institutions approved by the SBA. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) establish the Telecommunications Loan Guarantee Fund for financing loans authorized under this Act; and (2) require the FCC, with respect to FCC spectrum auctions, to accept from a borrower a letter of credit in lieu of any upfront payment or other earnest money required by FCC regulation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear and Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. ENHANCING THREAT REDUCTION. (a) Statement of Policy.-- (1) It is the policy of the United States to work cooperatively with the Russian Federation in order to prevent the diversion of weapons of mass destruction and materials relating thereto, including nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, as well as the scientific and technical expertise necessary to design and build weapons of mass destruction. (2) With respect to enhancing threat reduction, there should be three primary objectives, as stated in the President's review of 30 different United States-Russia cooperative programs, as follows: (A) To ensure that existing United States cooperative non-proliferation programs with the Russian Federation are focused on priority threat reduction and non-proliferation goals, and are conducted as efficiently and effectively as possible. (B) To examine what new initiatives might be undertaken to further United States threat reduction and non-proliferation goals. (C) To consider organizational and procedural changes designed to ensure a consistent and coordinated United States Government approach to cooperative programs with the Russian Federation on the reduction of weapons of mass destruction and prevention of their proliferation. (3) The goal of United States programs to assist the Russian Federation should be to have them work well, be focused on priority tasks, and be well managed. (4) In order to further cooperative efforts, the following key programs should be expanded: (A) The Department of Energy Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) program to assist the Russian Federation secure and consolidate weapons-grade nuclear material. (B) The Department of Energy Warhead and Fissile Material Transparency Program. (C) The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC). (D) The Redirection of Biotechnical Scientists program. (E) The Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction project to construct a chemical weapons destruction facility at Shchuch'ye, Russia, to enable its earliest completion at no increased expense. (5) Other programs should be adjusted, refocused, or reexamined, including-- (A) approaches to the current plutonium disposition program in the Russian Federation, in order to make the program less costly and more effective; (B) the project to end production by the Russian Federation of weapons-grade plutonium, in order to transfer the project from the Department of Defense to the Department of Energy; (C) consolidation of the Department of Energy's Nuclear Cities Initiative (NCI) with the Initiative for Proliferation Prevention (IPP), with a focus on projects to assist the Russian Federation in reduction of its nuclear warheads complex; and (D) acceleration of the Department of Energy's Second Line of Defense program to assist the Russian Federation install nuclear detection equipment at border posts. (b) Increased Funding of Certain Key Programs.--In order to guarantee that the United States-Russia non-proliferation and threat reduction efforts operate as efficiently as possible, certain key programs should receive additional funding above current levels, including-- (1) the United States-Russia Highly Enriched Uranium Purchase Agreement; (2) the Second Line of Defense program; (3) the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention; (4) the Fissile Materials Disposition program; (5) the Redirection of Biotechnical Scientists program; (6) the Department of Energy Material Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) program; (7) the International Science and Technology Center; and (8) the Warhead and Fissile Material Transparency program. (c) Report.--Not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a report containing recommendations on how to enhance the implementation of United States- Russia non-proliferation and threat reduction programs, which shall include-- (1) recommendations on how to improve and streamline the contracting and procurement practices of those programs; and (2) a listing of impediments to the efficient and effective implementation of those programs. SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORIES AND DATA EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON WEAPONS-GRADE MATERIAL AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that inventories of weapons-grade material and warheads should be tracked in order, among other things-- (1) to make it more likely that the Russian Federation can fully account for its entire inventory of weapons-grade material and assembled weapons; and (2) to make it more likely that the sources of any material or weapons possessed or used by any foreign state or terrorist organization can be identified. (b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States to establish jointly with the Russian Federation comprehensive inventories and data exchanges of Russian and United States weapons-grade material and assembled warheads, with particular attention to tactical, or ``nonstrategic'' warheads, one of the most likely weapons a terrorist organization or terrorist state would attempt to acquire, and with particular attention focused on weapons that have been removed from deployment. (c) Assistance in Developing Comprehensive Inventories.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States Government shall work with the Russian Federation to develop comprehensive inventories of Russian weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium programs and assembled warheads, with special attention to be focused on tactical warheads and warheads that have been removed from deployment. (d) Data Exchanges.--As part of this process, to the maximum extent practicable, without jeopardizing United States national security interests, the United States is authorized to enter into ongoing data exchanges with the Russian Federation on categories of material and weapons described in subsection (c). (e) Report.--Not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until a comprehensive inventory is created and the information collected from the inventory exchanged between the governments of the United States and the Russian Federation, the President shall submit to Congress a report, in both an unclassified and classified form as necessary, describing the progress that has been made toward that objective. SEC. 4. COMMISSION TO ASSESS THE TRANSITION FROM MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION (MAD) TO MUTUALLY ASSURED SECURITY (MAS). (a) Statement of Policy.--With the end of the Cold War more than a decade ago, with the United States and the Russian Federation fighting together against global terrorism, and with the Presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation agreeing to establish ``a new strategic framework to ensure the mutual security of the United States and Russia, and the world community'', the United States and the Russian Federation should increase significantly their efforts to put dangerous and unnecessary elements of the Cold War to rest. (b) Establishment.--In order to assist with the policy expressed in subsection (a), the President is authorized to conclude an agreement with the Russian Federation for the establishment of a Joint United States-Russia Commission to Assess the Transition from Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) to Mutual Assured Security (MAS) (in this section referred to as the ``Commission''). (c) Composition.--The United States delegation of the Commission shall consist of 13 members appointed by the President, as follows: (1) Three members, after consultation with the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (2) Three members, after consultation with the Majority Leader of the Senate. (3) Two members, after consultation with the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (4) Two members, after consultation with the Minority Leader of the Senate. (5) Two members as the President may determine. (d) Qualifications.--The United States members of the Commission shall be appointed from among private United States citizens with knowledge and expertise in United States-Russia strategic stability issues. (e) Chair.--The chair of the Commission should be chosen by consensus from among the members of the Commission. (f) Russian Commission.--The President should make every effort to encourage the Government of the Russian Federation to appoint a Russian Federation delegation of the Commission that would jointly meet and discuss the issues described in subsection (g). (g) Duties of the Commission.--The duties of the Commission should include consideration of how-- (1) to ensure that the reduction of strategic nuclear weapons announced by the United States and the Russian Federation in November 2001 take effect in a rapid, safe, verifiable and irreversible manner; (2) to preserve and enhance START I monitoring and verification mechanisms; (3) to develop additional monitoring and verification mechanisms; (4) to preserve the benefits of the unratified START II agreement, especially those measures that affect strategic stability; (5) to ensure the safety of warheads removed from deployment; (6) to safely and verifiably dismantle warheads in excess of the ceiling established by the President Bush at the November 2001 United States-Russia summit; (7) to begin a new high-level dialogue to discuss United States and Russian Federation proposals for a global and theater level missile defense systems; (8) to extend presidential decision-making time as it relates to nuclear weapons operations; (9) to improve Russian-American cooperative efforts to enhance strategic early warning, including but not limited to the Joint Data Exchange Center and the Russian-American Observation Satellite; and (10) to increase cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation on the programs and activities described in sections 2 and 3. (e) Cooperation.--In carrying out its duties, the Commission should receive the full and timely cooperation of United States Government officials, including providing the Commission with analyses, briefings, and other information necessary for the fulfillment of its responsibilities. (f) Report.--The Commission shall, not later than six months after the date of its first meeting, submit to Congress an interim report on its findings and, not later than six months after submission of the interim report, submit to Congress a final report containing its conclusions.

Summary: Nuclear and Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002 - States the policy of the United States to work cooperatively with the Russian Federation in order to prevent the diversion of weapons of mass destruction and related materials, including nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, as well as scientific and technical expertise necessary to design and build weapons of mass destruction.Requires the U.S. Government to work with the Russian Federation to develop comprehensive inventories of Russian weapons-grade material and warheads.Authorizes the President to conclude an agreement with the Russian Federation for the establishment of a joint United States-Russia Commission to Assess the Transition from Mutual Assured Destruction to Mutual Assured Security.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Reducing Gun Violence in our Neighborhoods Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. TAX ON FIREARMS. (a) In General.--Section 4181 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (1) by striking ``There is hereby'' and inserting the following: ``(a) In General.--There is hereby'', and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Additional Tax on Firearms.--In addition to the tax imposed by subsection (a), there is hereby imposed upon the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any firearm a tax in the amount of $100.''. (b) Exemption for Firearms Acquired for Law Enforcement.--Section 4182 of such Code is amended by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e) and by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection: ``(d) Exemption From Additional Tax for Firearms Acquired for Law Enforcement.--The tax imposed by section 4181(b) shall not apply to any firearm which is purchased by the United States or by a State or local government for police or other law enforcement purposes.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to sales in calendar months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF GUN VIOLENCE REDUCTION AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING TRUST FUND. (a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 9512. GUN VIOLENCE REDUCTION AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING TRUST FUND. ``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Gun Violence Reduction and Mental Health Counseling Trust Fund', consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to such fund as provided in this section or section 9602(b). ``(b) Transfers to Trust Fund.--There are hereby appropriated to the Gun Violence Reduction and Mental Health Counseling Trust Fund amounts equivalent to taxes received in the Treasury under section 4181(b). ``(c) Expenditures.--Amounts in the Gun Violence Reduction and Mental Health Counseling Trust Fund shall be available, without need of further appropriation and without regard to any fiscal year limitation, as follows: ``(1) 50 percent of such amounts for making expenditures to carry out, with respect to block grants for community mental health services, subparts I and III of part B of title XIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x et seq.), and ``(2) 50 percent of such amounts for making expenditures to carry out subpart 1 of part E of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.). Amounts made available under this subsection shall supplement and not supplant amounts otherwise made available to carry out the provisions referred to this subsection.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter A of chapter 98 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 9512. Gun Violence Reduction and Mental Health Counseling Trust Fund.''. SEC. 4. PASSIVE CAPABILITY TO IDENTIFY LOST AND STOLEN FIREARMS. (a) Establishment of National Standard.-- (1) In general.--The Attorney General shall, in consultation with the National Institute for Standards and Technology, establish in regulations a national standard for the incorporation of a passive identification capability into all firearms sold in the United States. (2) Passive identification capability defined.--In this section, the term ``passive identification capability'' means a technology that-- (A) enables a firearm to be identified by a mobile or fixed reading device; and (B) does not emit or broadcast an electronic signal or other information that would enable the firearm or its owner to be monitored or tracked. (3) Considerations.--In developing the standard, the Attorney General shall give equal priority to the following: (A) The right of firearm owners to maintain their full right to privacy under the 4th Amendment and their right to legally own firearms under the 2nd Amendment. (B) The ability of law enforcement authorities to use the capability to track lost and stolen guns. (C) The ability of manufacturers to incorporate the capability using existing firearm manufacturing processes. (D) The resistance to tampering and destruction of the technology used to incorporate the capability. (b) Prohibition; Penalty.-- (1) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful for a person, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, to manufacture a firearm that does not have a passive identification capability that meets the national standard established under subsection (a). (2) Civil penalty.--After notice and opportunity for hearing, the Attorney General shall impose on a person who violates paragraph (1) a civil money penalty in such amount, not exceeding $1,000 per firearm, as the Attorney General shall prescribe in regulations. (3) Effective date.--This subsection shall take effect on such date as the Attorney General shall prescribe in regulations that is not later than 3 years after the establishment of the national standard under subsection (a). SEC. 5. REPORTING OF LOST AND STOLEN FIREARMS. (a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives shall establish a database of firearms reported to be lost or stolen in the United States, which shall be known as the ``National Database of Lost and Stolen Firearms''. (b) Contents.--The database shall include the following information with respect to each firearm reported to the database: (1) A description of the firearm, including the type of the firearm. (2) Whether the firearm is reported lost or stolen. (3) The date of the report. (4) The name of the owner of the firearm, if known. (5) The name and location of the person from whom the firearm was obtained, if known. (6) The location where the firearm is reported to have been lost or stolen. (7) Whether the firearm has been reported to the database as having been recovered, since being reported to the database as lost or stolen. (c) Availability of Database.--The information in the database shall be made available to all Federal, State, and local law enforcement authorities. (d) Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms to Local Law Enforcement Authorities.-- (1) Reporting requirement.--Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(aa) Within 48 hours after a person who owns a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce discovers the theft or loss of the firearm, the person shall report the theft or loss to local law enforcement authorities.''. (2) Penalty.--Section 924 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(q) Penalty for Failure To Report Loss or Theft of Firearm.-- Whoever violates section 922(aa) shall be fined $10,000 with respect to each firearm involved in the violation.''. (e) Requirement That Local Law Enforcement Authorities Report Lost or Stolen Firearms to the National Registry.--Within 7 days after a local law enforcement authority receives a report that a firearm is lost or stolen, the authority shall transmit the report to the National Database of Lost and Stolen Firearms.

Summary: Reducing Gun Violence in our Neighborhoods Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional tax of $100 on the sale of a firearm by a manufacturer, producer, or importer. Firearm purchases by federal, state, and local governments for law enforcement purposes are exempt from the additional tax. The bill establishes the Gun Violence Reduction and Mental Health Counseling Trust Fund at the Department of the Treasury. It transfers revenues from the additional tax into the trust fund to support the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must establish and newly manufactured firearms must meet a national standard for incorporating passive identification capability into all firearms sold in the United States. Passive identification capability means technology that: (1) enables identification by a mobile or fixed reading device, and (2) does not transmit an electronic monitoring or tracking signal. DOJ's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives must establish the National Database of Lost and Stolen Firearms. This bill amends the federal criminal code to require a gun owner to report a lost or stolen firearm to local law enforcement authorities within 48 hours of discovery. Local law enforcement authorities must transmit the report to the national database within seven days.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Mapping a New and Innovative Focus on Our Exploration Strategy for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016'' or the ``MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. REAFFIRMATION OF POLICY AND FINDINGS. (a) Reaffirmation of Policy.--Congress reaffirms that the long-term goal of the human space flight and exploration efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall be to expand permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and to do so, where practical, in a manner involving international partners, as stated in section 202(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(a)). (b) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) In accordance with section 204 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-267; 124 Stat. 2813), the National Academy of Sciences, through its Committee on Human Spaceflight, conducted a review of the goals, core capabilities, and direction of human space flight, and published the findings and recommendations in a 2014 report entitled ``Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration''. (2) The Committee on Human Spaceflight included leaders from the aerospace, scientific, security, and policy communities. With input from the public, the Committee on Human Spaceflight concluded that many practical and aspirational rationales together constitute a compelling case for human space exploration. These rationales include economic benefits, national security, national prestige, inspiring students and other citizens, scientific discovery, human survival, and a sense of shared destiny. (3) The Committee on Human Spaceflight affirmed that Mars is the appropriate long-term goal for the human space flight program. (4) The Committee on Human Spaceflight recommended that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration define a series of sustainable steps and conduct mission planning and technology development as needed to achieve the long-term goal of placing humans on the surface of Mars. SEC. 3. HUMAN EXPLORATION STRATEGY. (a) Human Exploration of Mars.--Section 202(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) to achieve human exploration of Mars, including the establishment of a capability to extend human presence to the surface of Mars.''. (b) Exploration Strategy.-- (1) In general.--In accordance with this subsection, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall submit an interim report and final report setting forth a strategy to achieve the objective in paragraph (5) of section 202(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, as amended by subsection (a) of this section, through a series of successive, sustainable, free-standing, but complementary missions making robust utilization of cis-lunar space and employing the Space Launch System, Orion crew capsule, and other capabilities provided under titles III, IV, V, and IX of that Act (42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.). (2) Strategy requirements.--In developing the strategy under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall include-- (A) the utility of an expanded human presence in cis-lunar space toward enabling missions to various lunar orbits, the lunar surface, asteroids, Mars, the moons of Mars, and other destinations of interest for future human exploration and development; (B) the utility of an expanded human presence in cis-lunar space for economic, scientific, and technological advances; (C) the opportunities for collaboration with-- (i) international partners; (ii) private industry; and (iii) other Federal agencies, including missions relevant to national security or scientific needs; (D) the opportunities specifically afforded by the International Space Station (ISS) to support high priority scientific research and technological developments useful in expanding and sustaining a human presence in cis-lunar space and beyond; (E) a range of exploration mission architectures and approaches for the missions identified under paragraph (1), including capabilities for the Orion crew capsule and the Space Launch System; (F) a comparison of architectures and approaches based on-- (i) assessed value of factors including cost effectiveness, schedule resiliency, safety, sustainability, and opportunities for international collaboration; (ii) the extent to which certain architectures and approaches may enable new markets and opportunities for United States private industry, provide compelling opportunities for scientific discovery and technological excellence, sustain United States competitiveness and leadership, and address critical national security considerations and requirements; and (iii) the flexibility of such architectures and approaches to adjust to evolving technologies, partners, priorities, and budget projections and constraints; (G) measures for setting standards for ensuring crew health and safety, including limits regarding radiation exposure and countermeasures necessary to meet those limits, means and methods for addressing urgent medical conditions or injuries, and other such safety, health, and medical issues that can be anticipated in the conduct of the missions identified under paragraph (1); (H) a description of crew training needs and capabilities (including space suits and life support systems) necessary to support the conduct of missions identified under paragraph (1); (I) a detailed plan for prioritizing and phasing near-term intermediate destinations and missions identified under paragraph (1); (J) an assessment of the recommendations of the report prepared in compliance with section 204 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-267; 124 Stat. 2813), including a detailed explanation of how the Administrator has ensured such recommendations have been, to the extent practicable, incorporated into the strategy under paragraph (1); and (K) technical information as needed to identify interest from potential stakeholder or partner communities. (3) Independent review.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to review and comment on each interim report pursuant to paragraph (1). Under the arrangement, the National Academy of Sciences shall review each interim report on the strategy described in paragraph (1) and identify the following: (i) Matters in such interim report agreed upon by the National Academy of Sciences. (ii) Matters in such interim report raising concerns for the National Academy of Sciences. (iii) Such further recommendations with respect to matters covered by such interim report as the National Academy of Sciences considers appropriate. (B) Timing of review and comment.--The Administrator shall ensure that the review and comment on an interim report provided for pursuant to subparagraph (A) is conducted in a timely manner to comply with the requirements of this subsection and, to the maximum extent practicable, to facilitate the incorporation of the comments of the National Academy of Sciences pursuant to subparagraph (A) into the applicable final report required by this subsection. (4) Deadlines.-- (A) Interim reports.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less than every five years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the National Academy of Sciences an interim report on the strategy required by paragraph (1) in order to facilitate the independent review and comment on the strategy as provided for by paragraph (3). (B) Final reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less than every five years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a final report on the strategy required by paragraph (1), which shall include and incorporate the response of the National Academy of Sciences to the most recent interim report pursuant to paragraph (3).

Summary: Mapping a New and Innovative Focus on Our Exploration Strategy for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016 or the MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016 This bill amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to make it a key U.S. objective to achieve human exploration of Mars, including the establishment of a capability to extend human presence to the surface of Mars. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall report a strategy to achieve such objective through a series of successive, sustainable, free-standing, but complementary missions making robust use of cislunar space and employing the Space Launch System, Orion crew capsule, and other capabilities provided under specified titles of the Act. NASA shall arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review and comment on each interim report on the strategy and identify matters the NAS agrees with and matters raising NAS concerns, as well as any NAS recommendations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. REFERENCES. Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.). SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. Section 3 (20 U.S.C. 2302) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (9), (10) through (17), (18), (19), and (20) through (34) as paragraphs (7) through (10), (12) through (19), (21), (22), and (24) through (38), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: ``(6) Career and technical education program of study.--The term `career and technical education program of study' means a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of secondary and postsecondary academic and technical courses that-- ``(A) contain rigorous, State-identified college and career readiness standards that address both academic and technical content and align to local, regional, or State labor market needs, as identified by employers and labor market information; ``(B) support attainment of career readiness skills; ``(C) progress in content specificity (beginning with all aspects of an industry or career cluster leading to more occupationally specific instruction); ``(D) incorporate multiple entry and exit points with portable demonstrations of technical competency, which may include postsecondary education credits as recognized by credit transfer or articulation agreements or industry-recognized credentials; and ``(E) culminate in the attainment of an industry- recognized credential, an apprenticeship or postsecondary certificate, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.''; (3) by inserting after paragraph (10), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, the following: ``(11) Credit transfer agreement.--The term `credit transfer agreement' refers to an opportunity for secondary students to be awarded transcripted postsecondary credit, supported with formal agreements among secondary and postsecondary education systems, such as dual enrollment, dual credit, 2-year to 4-year college articulation agreements, or articulated credit, which may include credit awarded for performance on technical assessments.''; (4) by inserting after paragraph (19), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, the following: ``(20) Industry-recognized credential.--The term `industry- recognized credential' means a credential that-- ``(A) is sought or accepted by employers within the industry or sector involved as a recognized, preferred, or required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring, retention or advancement purposes; and ``(B) if appropriate, is endorsed by a nationally recognized trade association or organization representing a significant part of the industry or sector.''; and (5) by inserting after paragraph (22), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, the following: ``(23) Labor market information.--The term `labor market information' means economic, social, and demographic information that-- ``(A) pertains to labor markets for the purposes of determining the supply of, and demand for, labor and related skills and competencies; and ``(B) supports students, job seekers, employers, developers of curricula, and other relevant stakeholders in understanding labor market and economic trends to help make informed labor market decisions.''. SEC. 4. ACCOUNTABILITY. Section 113(b)(2) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2323(b)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (vi); and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (v) and inserting the following: ``(v) the median earnings of students who are employed during the second quarter after completing a career and technical education program of study in the State. The Secretary shall, consistent with State law, ensure that the necessary wage records are available to enable eligible agencies to collect data relating to this State performance measure.''. SEC. 5. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES. Section 114(d)(4)(A) (20 U.S.C. 2324) is amended-- (1) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); (2) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; and (3) by inserting after clause (iii) the following: ``(iv) to engage in evaluation and technical assistance activities that will assist in-- ``(I) collecting information on the industry-recognized credentials awarded to participants in career and technical education programs of study, including-- ``(aa) the name of such industry-recognized credentials; ``(bb) the awarding body; ``(cc) the duration of the program of study for the credential; and ``(dd) the number of such participants receiving the credential; and ``(II) developing the necessary infrastructure to support the State and local reporting of information described in subclause (I), including through activities such as establishing-- ``(aa) data sharing agreements with State licensing agencies and with industry associations and employers who award certifications or other industry-recognized credentials; ``(bb) a consistent reporting method across States; and ``(cc) a collection system to process reports in a timely fashion; and''. SEC. 6. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES. Section 124(b) (20 U.S.C. 2341(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph (9) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(10) establishing statewide credit transfer agreements aligned to approved career and technical education programs of study.''. SEC. 7. LOCAL PLAN FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. Section 134(b) (20 U.S.C. 2354(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph (12) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(13) describe how the eligible recipient will partner with business and industry to-- ``(A) identify opportunities for experiential and work-based learning opportunities either in-person or virtually; ``(B) ensure career and technical education programs of study are responsive to community and employment demands and are-- ``(i) aligned with employment priorities in the State, regional, or local economy identified by employers and other relevant stakeholders identified in section 134(b)(5); ``(ii) informed by labor market information; and ``(iii) designed to meet current, intermediate, and long term labor market projections; ``(C) ensure funding under this Act is spent in a coordinated manner with other local resources.''. SEC. 8. AMENDMENT TO THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 1965. Section 1502(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6492(a)) is amended by striking ``challenging State academic content standards and challenging State student academic achievement standards'' and inserting ``rigorous, State-identified college and career readiness standards that address both academic content and career and technical education content identified under section 113(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.''.

Summary: Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2014 - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to replace specified minimum measures of student attainment in the core indicators of performance for career and technical education students at the secondary level with a measure of the median earnings of students employed during the second quarter after completing a career and technical education program of study in the state. Requires the national research center, established under the Act, to engage in evaluation and technical assistance activities that will assist in: (1) collecting information on the industry-recognized credentials awarded to participants in career and technical education programs, and (2) developing the necessary infrastructure to support the state and local reporting of specified related information. Makes it a responsibility of the state agency involved to establish statewide credit transfer agreements aligned to approved career and technical education programs of study. Requires each local plan for career and technical education programs to describe how the eligible recipient of assistance will partner with business and industry to: (1) identify opportunities for experiential and work-based learning opportunities either in-person or virtually, (2) ensure the career and technical education programs of study are responsive to community and employment demands and meet other specified criteria, and (3) ensure funding under the Act is spent in a coordinated manner with other local resources. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the purpose of grants for demonstration projects of innovative practices to require the projects to show the most promise of enabling the children served to meet rigorous, state-identified college and career readiness standards that address both certain academic content and certain career and technical education content.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Nutrition Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) senior citizens in the United States have significant out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses, especially for prescription drugs; (2) 3 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries do not have dependable, affordable, prescription drug coverage; (3) as medical costs continue to rise, many senior citizens are forced to make the difficult choice between purchasing prescription drugs and purchasing food; (4) the commodity supplemental food program provides supplemental nutritious foods to senior citizens in a number of States and localities; (5) under the commodity supplemental food program-- (A) women, infants, and children with household incomes up to 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services may be eligible for supplemental foods; but (B) senior citizens are ineligible for supplemental foods if their household incomes are greater than 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines; (6) during fiscal year 2000-- (A) an average of more than 388,000 people each month participated in the commodity supplemental food program; and (B) the majority of those participants, 293,000, were senior citizens; and (7) in order to serve the neediest senior citizens, taking into account their high out-of-pocket medical (including prescription drug) expenses, the eligibility requirements for the commodity supplemental food program should be modified to make more senior citizens eligible for the supplemental foods provided under the program. SEC. 3. ELIGIBILITY OF ELDERLY PERSONS UNDER THE COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence of subsection (d)(2)-- (A) by striking ``provide not less'' and inserting ``provide, to the Secretary of Agriculture, not less''; (B) by inserting ``, or such greater quantities of cheese and nonfat dry milk as the Secretary determines are necessary,'' after ``nonfat dry milk''; and (C) by striking ``in each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2002 to the Secretary of Agriculture'' and inserting ``in each fiscal year''; (2) in subsection (i)-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and (B) by striking ``(i) Each'' and inserting the following: ``(i) Programs Serving Elderly Persons.-- ``(1) Eligibility.--An elderly person shall be eligible to participate in a commodity supplemental food program serving elderly persons if the elderly person is at least 60 years of age and-- ``(A) is eligible for food stamp benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or ``(B) has a household income that is less than or equal to 185 percent of the most recent Federal Poverty Income Guidelines published by the Department of Health and Human Services. ``(2) Provision of information.--Each''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the commodity supplemental food program-- ``(A) $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; ``(B) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; ``(C) $160,000,000 for fiscal year 2005; ``(D) $180,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; ``(E) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and ``(F) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter. ``(2) Limitation on use of funds.--None of the funds made available under paragraph (1) shall be available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for commodities donated to the commodity supplemental food program.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 5(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended by striking ``Secretary (1) may'' and all that follows through ``(2) shall'' and inserting ``Secretary shall''. (2) Section 5(g) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended by striking ``(as defined by the Secretary)'' and inserting ``described in subsection (i)(1)''.

Summary: Senior Nutrition Act of 2002 - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to make a person who is at least 60 years old eligible for the commodity supplemental food program (program) if such person: (1) is eligible for the food stamp program; or (2) has a household income that is not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines.Authorizes permanent program appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Financial Crisis Investigation Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. EXPANDING THE AUTHORITY OF THE TARP CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT PANEL. Section 125 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5233) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(h) Additional Duties.--The Oversight Panel shall-- ``(1) investigate all causes, domestic and global, of the current financial and economic crisis in the United States, including the collapse of major financial and commercial firms and the deterioration of the credit and housing markets; ``(2) investigate the role in the financial and economic crisis, if any, of-- ``(A) any financial or commercial corporation, partnership, hedge fund, private equity firm, or entity, including any of their employees; ``(B) the Securities and Exchange Commission; ``(C) nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, as that term is defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)) including any of their employees; ``(D) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; ``(E) the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation; ``(F) trading facilities for commodities, as those terms are defined in section 1a of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a), and self-regulatory organizations, as that term is defined in section 3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c); ``(G) the Federal banking agencies, as that term is defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); and ``(H) any other governmental or nongovernmental entity including any of their employees; ``(3) conduct a top-to-bottom review of the Nation's existing financial regulatory structure and the contribution of the current structure to the stability or instability of financial markets, in order to develop a comprehensive framework for-- ``(A) reforming the laws governing our Nation's financial markets; ``(B) strengthening regulatory agencies; and ``(C) improving transparency and oversight; ``(4) analyze-- ``(A) the impact of the financial regulatory structure on the health and stability of the United States economy; ``(B) the sustainability of the Nation's financial institutions; and ``(C) the financial well-being of American taxpayers; ``(5) review and consider all aspects of financial regulation, including the regulation of-- ``(A) bank holding companies, financial holding companies, commercial banks, investment banks, savings associations, credit unions, and industrial loan companies; ``(B) payment and settlement systems; ``(C) hedge funds, private equity funds, and the markets for alternative investments; ``(D) special purpose vehicles and off-balance sheet financing for financial companies; ``(E) the securitization of mortgages and other assets; ``(F) exchange-based, electronic, and over-the- counter markets for financial derivative products; ``(G) the mortgage finance industry, including mortgage brokers and mortgage lending institutions; ``(H) equity markets, including short-selling practices, and commodity futures markets; and ``(I) the insurance industry and its role in the financial markets; ``(6) submit reports required by subsection (b); and ``(7) refer to the Attorney General of the United States, any appropriate State attorney general, or any other appropriate law enforcement official any person that the Oversight Panel finds may have violated the laws of the United States in relation to such crisis. ``(i) Hearings and Evidence.-- ``(1) In general.--The Oversight Panel shall, for purposes of carrying out this section-- ``(A) hold regular hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, receive evidence, and administer oaths; and ``(B) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and other documents. ``(2) Subpoenas.-- ``(A) Service.--Subpoenas issued under paragraph (1)(B) may be served by any person designated by the Oversight Panel. ``(B) Enforcement.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena issued under paragraph (1)(B), the United States district court for the judicial district in which the subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found, or where the subpoena is returnable, may issue an order requiring such person to appear at any designated place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of that court. ``(ii) Additional enforcement.--Sections 102 through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (2 U.S.C. 192 through 194) shall apply in the case of any failure of any witness to comply with any subpoena or to testify when summoned under the authority of this section. ``(3) Contracting.--The Oversight Panel may enter into contracts to enable the Oversight Panel to discharge its duties under this section. ``(4) Information from federal agencies.--The Oversight Panel may secure directly from any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States any information related to any inquiry of the Oversight Panel conducted under this Act. Each such department, agency, or instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish such information directly to the Oversight Panel upon request, not later than 7 days after the date on which such request is made. ``(5) Information from financial or commercial corporations, partnerships, hedge funds, private equity firms, or entities.--The Oversight Panel may secure directly from any financial or commercial corporations, partnerships, hedge funds, private equity firms, or entities any information related to any inquiry of the Oversight Panel conducted under this section. Each shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish such information directly to the Oversight Panel upon request not later than 7 days after the date on which such request is made. ``(6) Assistance from federal agencies.-- ``(A) Department of the treasury.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall provide all amounts necessary to defray the costs and provide administrative support and other services to the Oversight Panel for the performance of the functions of the Oversight Panel. ``(ii) Limitation.--The value of the assistance required to be provided by the Secretary under this subparagraph may not exceed $4,000,000. ``(B) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the assistance prescribed in subparagraph (A), departments and agencies of the United States are authorized to provide to the Oversight Panel such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support services as they may determine advisable and as may be authorized by law. ``(7) Gifts.--The Oversight Panel may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. ``(8) Postal services.--The Oversight Panel may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies of the United States. ``(9) Powers of subcommittees, members, and agents.--Any subcommittee, member, or agent of the Oversight Panel may, if authorized by the Oversight Panel, take any action which the Oversight Panel is authorized to take by this section.''. SEC. 3. REPORTS OF THE OVERSIGHT PANEL. Section 125(b) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5233(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Final report on financial crisis.--Not later than 100 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Oversight Panel shall submit to the President and Congress a report containing-- ``(A) the findings and conclusions of the Oversight Panel on the causes of the current financial and economic crisis in the United States; and ``(B) such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for statutory and regulatory changes as a majority of Oversight Panel members finds are necessary to prevent a financial and economic crisis comparable to the current financial and economic crisis in the United States. ``(4) Interim reports.--At any time after the first meeting of the Oversight Panel, the Oversight Panel may submit to the President and Congress an interim report containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures as have been agreed to by a majority of Oversight Panel members.''.

Summary: Financial Crisis Investigation Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to direct the Oversight Panel of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to: (1) investigate all causes, domestic and global, of the current financial and economic crisis in the United States, including the collapse of major financial and commercial firms and the deterioration of the credit and housing markets; (2) investigate the role in the financial and economic crisis, if any, of specified governmental and private sector entities; (3) review the nation's existing financial regulatory structure from top to bottom, and its contribution to the stability or instability of financial markets; (4) review all aspects of financial regulation; and (5) refer to federal and state law enforcement officials any person that the Oversight Panel finds may have violated federal law in relation to such crisis. Requires the Oversight Panel to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and Congress.