SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Durham Woods Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1994''. SEC. 2. INCREASED INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN HIGH-DENSITY POPULATION AREAS. (a) Instrumented Internal Inspection Devices.--Section 3(g)(2) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1672(g)(2)) is amended by inserting ``, not less than once every 7 years,'' after ``requiring the periodic inspection''. (b) Additional Inspections.--Section 3 of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1672) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(l) Additional Inspection Requirements.--Within 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall issue regulations requiring that each operator of transmission pipelines-- ``(1) establish a program for observing from the air, or inspecting from the ground, or both, at least once every month, the surface conditions on and adjacent to the right-of-way of all of such operator's transmission pipelines identified pursuant to subsection (i) for indications of leaks, construction, and other circumstances affecting safety or operation; and ``(2) place line markers along the rights-of-way of all of such operator's transmission pipelines identified pursuant to subsection (i), unless such placement is impractical.''. SEC. 3. DAMAGE REPORTING. Section 20(g)(2) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1687(g)(2)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A); (2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: ``(B) a natural gas pipeline facility and does not report the damage promptly to the operator of the pipeline facility or other appropriate authorities; or''. SEC. 4. INCREASED PENALTIES. (a) Criminal Penalties.--(1) Section 20(g) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1687(g)) is amended by striking ``5 years'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``10 years''. (2) Section 11(c) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1679a(c)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$25,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 5 years'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``$100,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 10 years''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$25,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 15 years'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``$100,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 years''; and (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$5,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 1 year'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``$50,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 5 years''. (b) Civil Penalties.--Section 11(a) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1679a(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``or section 20(h)'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``, section 20(h), or section 22(a)''; (B) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``$50,000''; and (C) by striking ``$500,000'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``$1,000,000''; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$50,000'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``$100,000''. SEC. 5. PUBLIC AWARENESS. Section 18(a) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1685(a)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Each person who''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) The Secretary shall, to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, make grants to States for the promotion of public awareness of the dangers of excavating near natural gas pipelines by advertising in the media and other means.''. SEC. 6. PIPELINE SAFETY STUDY. (a) Study.--The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a comprehensive study on the safety of all natural gas transmission pipelines in the State of New Jersey. Such study shall address, at a minimum-- (1) increasing population encroachment on pipeline rights- of-way; (2) environmental concerns; (3) financial pressures on the pipeline industry to control their costs; and (4) the feasibility of utilizing remotely operated or automatic shut-off valves, and their appropriate spacing. (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit to the Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). SEC. 7. RISK ASSESSMENT. (a) Assessment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct an assessment of the risks to public safety and the environment posed by the transportation of natural gas by pipeline. Such assessment shall-- (1) rank the risks identified by the Secretary in terms of their probability of occurrence and the severity of their likely consequences, and in terms of any other factors the Secretary considers relevant; (2) identify and prioritize technically feasible and economically justified actions that should be taken to lessen the risks identified; and (3) address, at a minimum-- (A) inspection by instrumented internal inspection devices; (B) installation of emergency flow restricting devices; (C) inspection and burial of underwater pipelines; and (D) inspection and replacement of cast iron pipelines. (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit to the Congress a report including the assessment required under subsection (a) and a plan for actions proposed by the Secretary to address each risk identified in the assessment. SEC. 8. MAPPING. The National Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. App. 1671- 1688) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 22. MAPPING. ``(a) Location of Transmission Pipelines.--The owner or operator of each of the Nation's transmission pipelines shall inform the Secretary of the specific location of such transmission pipelines. ``(b) Comprehensive Mapping Program.--The Secretary, using the information received under subsection (a) and any other information available to the Secretary, shall develop a comprehensive mapping program to identify the specific location of all of the Nation's transmission pipelines. The program shall include information on the proximity of transmission pipelines to high-density population areas, environmentally sensitive areas, water intakes, and other appropriate areas or facilities. The Secretary shall establish an electronic data base for the comprehensive mapping program, and shall ensure that such data base is available to the public in an appropriate manner. ``(c) Security.--The Secretary shall ensure the security of the program developed under subsection (b) against terrorism, sabotage, and other threats.''.

Summary: Durham Woods Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1994 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to instruct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring: (1) periodic inspections of natural gas pipeline facilities with the use of instrumented internal inspection devices at least once every seven years in high-density population areas; and (2) transmission pipeline operators to institute a monthly inspection program for hazards and line markers along pipeline rights-of-way. Declares it is a criminal offense to knowingly damage a natural gas pipeline facility and subsequently fail to report such damage. Increases the civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to the States to promote public awareness programs regarding the dangers of excavating near natural gas pipelines; (2) study and report to the Congress on the safety of all natural gas transmission pipelines in the State of New Jersey and on an assessment of the risks to public safety and the environment posed by natural gas pipeline transportation; and (3) develop a comprehensive mapping program to identify the specific location of all transmission pipelines in the country.


SECTION 1. INDEPENDENT SAFETY ASSESSMENT. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall transmit to the Congress a report containing the results of-- (1) a focused, in-depth Independent Safety Assessment of the design, construction, maintenance, and operational safety performance of the systems at the Indian Point Energy Center, Units 2 and 3, located in Westchester County, New York, including the systems described in section 2; and (2) a comprehensive evaluation of the radiological emergency plan for Indian Point Energy Center, Units 2 and 3, conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Homeland Security, which shall include-- (A) a detailed explanation of the factual basis upon which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency relied in-- (i) approving the radiological emergency plan; and (ii) making subsequent annual findings of reasonable assurance that the plan will adequately protect the public in the event of an emergency, beginning on July 25, 2003 and continuing to the present; (B) a detailed response to each of the criticisms of the radiological emergency plan contained in the Review of Emergency Preparedness of Areas Adjacent to Indian Point and Millstone, published by James Lee Witt Associates on January 10, 2003; and (C) a detailed explanation of what criteria the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Homeland Security use in determining whether or not reasonable assurance can be provided that the radiological emergency plan is adequate to protect public health and safety, including what threshold figures of injuries and fatalities these agencies consider acceptable or tolerable in the event of a nuclear accident. SEC. 2. SYSTEMS. The systems referred to in section 1(1) are the following: (1) The reactor protection system. (2) The control room ventilation system and the containment ventilation system. (3) The 4.16 kv electrical system. (4) The condensate system. (5) The spent fuel storage systems. SEC. 3. INDEPENDENT SAFETY ASSESSMENT TEAM. The Independent Safety Assessment conducted at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant shall be conducted by an Independent Safety Assessment Team with 25 members, comprised of-- (1) 16 members from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission who are unaffiliated with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region 1 office or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation; (2) 6 independent contractors with no history of having worked for or at the Indian Point Energy Center or any other nuclear power plant owned or operated by Entergy Corporation; (3) the President of New York State Energy and Research Development Authority or his designee; (4) the Director of the Bureau of Hazardous Waste and Radiation Management, in the Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or his designee; and (5) a New York State-appointed independent contractor with experience in system engineering and no history of affiliation with any nuclear power plant owned by Entergy Corporation. SEC. 4. INDEPENDENT SAFETY ASSESSMENT MONITORING. The Independent Safety Assessment conducted at Indian Point Nuclear Energy Center shall be monitored by-- (1) an Independent Safety Assessment Observation Group comprised of 4 officials appointed by the State of New York; and (2) an Independent Safety Assessment Citizens' Review Team comprised of 5 individuals appointed by the State of New York, with one resident from each Emergency Planning Zone county (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Orange) appointed in consultation with the respective County Executive. The Independent Safety Assessment Observation Group and Independent Safety Assessment Citizens' Review Team shall frequently provide publicly available updates on the progress and conduct of the Independent Security Assessment to the Governor of New York. SEC. 5. INDEPENDENT SAFETY ASSESSMENT MODEL. The Independent Safety Assessment conducted at Indian Point Energy Center shall be equal in scope, depth, and breadth to the Independent Safety Assessment of the Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, located near Bath, Maine, conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1996. SEC. 6. INCORPORATION INTO RELICENSING PROCESS. The final decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as to whether to renew the operating licenses for Unit 2 or Unit 3 at the Indian Point Energy Center shall not be made until-- (1) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has fully entered the complete report and findings of the Independent Safety Assessment into the administrative record of the license renewal proceeding for Unit 2 and Unit 3 at the Indian Point Energy Center; and (2) the applicant has fully accepted and implemented all findings and recommendations of the Independent Safety Assessment, including-- (A) undertaking all recommended repairs; (B) replacement of safety-related equipment; (C) changes to monitoring plans; and (D) revision of the radiological emergency preparedness plans as called for in the report. The applicant shall not be allowed to operate the reactors past the expiration date of its current operating licenses for Unit 2 and Unit 3 through administrative license renewals or any other means prior to meeting the requirements in paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) of this section. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to carry out this Act $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, to remain available until expended.

Summary: Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to report to Congress regarding: (1) a focused, in-depth Independent Safety Assessment of the design, construction, maintenance, and operational safety performance of certain systems at the Indian Point Energy Center, Units 2 and 3, Westchester County, New York; and (2) a comprehensive evaluation of the radiological emergency plan for the Center, conducted by the NRC and the Department of Homeland Security. Requires that such Independent Safety Assessment be: (1) conducted by an Independent Safety Assessment Team; (2) monitored by an Independent Safety Assessment Observation Group and by an Independent Safety Assessment Citizens' Review Team; and (3) equal in scope, depth, and breadth to the Independent Safety Assessment of the Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, located near Bath, Maine, conducted by the NRC in 1996. Prescribes conditions for a final NRC decision to renew the operating licenses for Units 2 and 3 at the Center.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``527 Reform Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF SECTION 527 ORGANIZATIONS. (a) Definition of Political Committee.--Section 301(4)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(4)(A)) is amended to read as follows: ``(A) any committee, club, association, or other group of persons that-- ``(i) during one calendar year, receives contributions aggregating in excess of $1,000 or makes expenditures aggregating in excess of $1,000; and ``(ii) has as its major purpose the nomination or election of one or more candidates;''. (b) Definition of Major Purpose for Section 527 Organizations.-- Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 325. DEFINITIONS AND RULES FOR DETERMINING ORGANIZATIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS INFLUENCING FEDERAL ELECTIONS. ``(a) Major Purpose of Section 527 Organizations.--For purposes of section 301(4)(A)-- ``(1) In general.--A committee, club, association, or group of persons that-- ``(A) is an organization described in section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and ``(B) is not described in paragraph (2), has as its major purpose the nomination or election of one or more candidates. ``(2) Excepted organizations.--Subject to paragraph (3), a committee, club, association, or other group of persons described in this paragraph is-- ``(A) an organization described in section 527(i)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or ``(B) any other organization which is one of the following: ``(i) A committee, club, association, or other group of persons whose election or nomination activities relate exclusively to elections where no candidate for Federal office appears on the ballot. ``(ii) A committee, club, association, or other group of persons that is organized, operated, and makes disbursements exclusively for one or more of the following purposes: ``(I) Influencing the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of one or more candidates to non-Federal offices. ``(II) Influencing one or more State or local ballot initiatives, State or local referenda, State or local constitutional amendments, State or local bond issues, or other State or local ballot issues. ``(III) Influencing the selection, appointment, nomination, or confirmation of one or more individuals to non-elected offices. ``(IV) Paying expenses described in the last sentence of section 527(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or expenses of a newsletter fund described in section 527(g) of such Code. ``(3) Section 527 organizations making certain disbursements.--A committee, club, association, or other group of persons described in paragraph (2)(B) shall not be considered to be described in such paragraph for purposes of paragraph (1)(B) if it makes disbursements for a public communication that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes a clearly identified candidate for Federal office during the period beginning on the first day of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the general election for the office sought by the clearly identified candidate occurs and ending on the date of the general election.''. SEC. 3. CERTAIN EXPENSES BY MAJOR PURPOSE ORGANIZATIONS TREATED AS EXPENDITURES. (a) In General.--Section 301(9)(A)(i) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(9)(A)(i)) is amended by inserting ``, including any amount described in section 325(b)'' after ``office''. (b) Applicable Communications.--Section 325 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (as added by section 2(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Certain Expenditures for Major Purpose Organizations.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value for-- ``(A) a public communication that refers to a clearly identified candidate for Federal office or to a political party (regardless of whether a candidate for State or local office is also mentioned or identified) and that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes a candidate for that office or a political party (regardless of whether the communication expressly advocates a vote for or against a candidate), or ``(B) voter registration activity, voter identification, get-out-the-vote activity, or generic campaign activity conducted in connection with an election in which a candidate for Federal office appears on the ballot (regardless of whether a candidate for State or local office also appears on the ballot), shall be an expenditure under section 301(9)(A)(i) if made by, or on behalf of, a political committee (as defined in section 301(4)) or a committee, club, association, or other group of persons for which the nomination or election of one or more candidates is its major purpose. ``(2) Exception.--Any funds used for purposes described in paragraph (1) that, in accordance with allocation rules set forth in section 325(c), are disbursed from a non-Federal account shall not be treated as expenditures.''. SEC. 4. RULES FOR ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES BETWEEN FEDERAL AND NON- FEDERAL ACTIVITIES. Section 325 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (as added by section 2(b) and amended by section 3) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Allocation and Funding Rules for Expenses of Separate Segregated Funds and Nonconnected Committees Relating to Federal and Non-Federal Activities.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any disbursements by any separate segregated fund or nonconnected committee for which allocation rules are provided under paragraph (2)-- ``(A) the disbursements shall be allocated between Federal and non-Federal accounts in accordance with this subsection and regulations prescribed by the Commission, and ``(B) in the case of disbursements allocated to non-Federal accounts, may be paid only from a qualified non-Federal account. ``(2) Costs to be allocated and allocation rules.-- Disbursements by any separate segregated fund or nonconnected committee in connection with Federal and non-Federal elections for any of the following categories of activity shall be allocated as follows: ``(A) At least 50 percent of any administrative expenses, including rent, utilities, office supplies, and salaries not attributable to a clearly identified candidate shall be paid with funds from a Federal account, except that for a separate segregated fund such expenses may be paid instead by its connected organization. ``(B) At least 50 percent of the direct costs of a fundraising program or event, including disbursements for solicitation of funds and for planning and administration of actual fundraising events, where Federal and non-Federal funds are collected through such program or event shall be paid with funds from a Federal account, except that for a separate segregated fund such costs may be paid instead by its connected organization. ``(C) At least 50 percent of the expenses for public communications or voter drive activities that refer to a political party, but do not refer to any clearly identified Federal or non-Federal candidate, shall be paid with funds from a Federal account. ``(D) 100 percent of the expenses for public communications or voter drive activities that refer to a political party, and refer to one or more clearly identified Federal candidates, but do not refer to any clearly identified non-Federal candidates, shall be paid with funds from a Federal account. ``(E) At least 50 percent of the expenses for public communications or voter drive activities that refer to a political party, and refer to one or more clearly identified non-Federal candidates, but do not refer to any clearly identified Federal candidates, shall be paid with funds from a Federal account, except that this subparagraph shall not apply to communications or activities that relate exclusively to elections where no candidate for Federal office appears on the ballot. ``(F) At least 50 percent of the expenses for public communications and voter drive activities that refer to one or more clearly identified candidates for Federal office and one or more clearly defined non- Federal candidates, without regard to whether the communication refers to a political party, shall be paid with funds from a Federal account. ``(3) Qualified non-federal account.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified non-Federal account' means an account which consists solely of amounts-- ``(i) that, subject to the limitations of subparagraphs (B) and (C), are raised by the separate segregated fund or nonconnected committee only from individuals, and ``(ii) with respect to which all other requirements of Federal, State, or local law are met. ``(B) Limitation on individual donations.-- ``(i) In general.--A separate segregated fund or nonconnected committee may not accept more than $25,000 in funds for its qualified non-Federal account from any one individual in any calendar year. ``(ii) Affiliation.--For purposes of this subparagraph, all qualified non-Federal accounts of separate segregated funds or nonconnected committees which are directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by the same person or persons shall be treated as one account. ``(C) Fundraising limitation.--No donation to a qualified non-Federal account may be solicited, received, directed, transferred, or spent by or in the name of any person described in subsection (a) or (e) of section 323. ``(4) Voter drive activity and federal account defined.-- For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) Voter drive activity.--The term `voter drive activity' means any of the following activities conducted in connection with an election in which a candidate for Federal office appears on the ballot (regardless of whether a candidate for State or local office also appears on the ballot): ``(i) Voter registration activity. ``(ii) Voter identification. ``(iii) Get-out-the-vote activity. ``(iv) Generic campaign activity. ``(B) Federal account.--The term `Federal account' means an account which consists solely of contributions subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act. Nothing in this subsection or in section 323(b)(2)(B)(iii) shall be construed to infer that a limit other than the limit under section 315(a)(1)(C) applies to contributions to the account.''. SEC. 5. CONSTRUCTION. No provision of this Act, or amendment made by this Act, shall be construed-- (1) as approving, ratifying, or endorsing a regulation promulgated by the Federal Election Commission, or (2) as establishing, modifying, or otherwise affecting the definition of political organization for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on January 1, 2005.

Summary: 527 Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the definition of political committee to include any committee, club, association, or other group of persons that has as its major purpose the nomination or election of one or more candidates ("Section 527 Organizations" or major purpose organizations). Treats certain expenses by major purpose organizations as expenditures subject to the limitations and reporting requirements of such Act. Provides that any disbursement by separate segregated fund or nonconnected committee shall be allocated between Federal and non-Federal accounts in accordance with this Act and regulations prescribed by the Federal Election Commission. States that disbursements allocated to non-Federal accounts may be paid only from a qualified non-Federal account. Prohibits a separate segregated fund or nonconnected committee from accepting more than $25,000 in funds for its qualified non-Federal account from any one individual in any calendar year.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act''. SEC. 2. OPEN SEASON FOR CERTAIN ALASKA NATIVE VETERANS FOR ALLOTMENTS. Section 41 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1629g) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``In General'' and inserting ``Alaska Native Veteran Allotments''; (B) by striking paragraphs (1) through (4) and inserting the following: ``(1) Allotments.-- ``(A) Eligible recipients.--Any person described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) shall be eligible to receive an allotment under the Act of May 17, 1906 (34 Stat. 197, chapter 2469), of not more than 2 parcels of Federal land, the total area of which shall not exceed 160 acres. ``(B) Filing deadline.--An allotment shall be filed for an eligible recipient not later than 3 years after the date on which the Secretary promulgates regulations pursuant to section 3 of the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act. ``(2) Land available for allotments.-- ``(A) In general.--An allotment under this section shall be selected from land that is-- ``(i)(I) vacant; and ``(II) owned by the United States; ``(ii) selected by, or conveyed to, the State of Alaska, if the State voluntarily relinquishes or conveys to the United States the land for the allotment; or ``(iii) selected by, or conveyed to, a Native Corporation, if the Native Corporation voluntarily relinquishes or conveys to the United States the land for the allotment. ``(B) Relinquishment by native corporation.--If a Native Corporation relinquishes land under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Native Corporation may select appropriate Federal land, as determined by the Secretary, the area of which is equal to the area of the land relinquished by the Native Corporation, to replace the relinquished land. ``(C) Exclusions.--An allotment under this section shall not be selected from land that is located within-- ``(i) a right-of-way of the TransAlaska Pipeline; or ``(ii) an inner or outer corridor of such a right-of-way. ``(3) Alternative allotments.--A person described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) who qualifies for an allotment under this section on land described in paragraph (2)(C) may select an alternative allotment from land that is-- ``(A) located within the boundaries land described in paragraph (2)(C); and ``(B)(i)(I) withdrawn under section 11(a)(1)(C); and ``(II) not selected, or relinquished after selection, under section 11(a)(3); ``(ii) contiguous to an outer boundary of land withdrawn under section 11(a)(1)(C), unless that land is within a National Park; or ``(iii) vacant, unappropriated, and unreserved.''; and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: ``(B) is a veteran who served during the period beginning August 5, 1964, and ending May 7, 1975.''; (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) Deceased individuals.--If an individual who would otherwise have been eligible for an allotment under this section dies before applying for an allotment, an heir of the individual may apply for, and receive, an allotment under this section, on behalf of the estate of the individual.''; (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, other than an heir who applies for, and receives, an allotment on behalf of the estate of a deceased individual under paragraph (2).''; (3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Approval of Allotments.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to any valid right in existence on the date of enactment of the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, and except as provided in paragraph (3), not later than January 31, 2010, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) approve any application for an allotment filed in accordance with subsection (a); and ``(B) issue a certificate of allotment under any term, condition, or restriction as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. ``(2) Notification.--Not later than October 31, 2007, on receipt of an application for an allotment under this section, the Secretary shall provide to any person or entity that has an interest in land described in subsection (a)(2) that is potentially adverse to the interest of the applicant notice of the right of the person or entity, not later than 90 days after the date of receipt of the notice-- ``(A) to initiate a private contest of the allotment; or ``(B) to file a protest against the allotment in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. ``(3) Action by secretary.--If a private contest or protest relating to an application for an allotment is initiated or filed under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall not issue a certificate to the allotment under paragraph (1)(B) until a final determination has been made with respect to the private contest or protest. ``(e) Reselection.--A person that selected an allotment under this section may withdraw that selection and reselect land in accordance with this section after the date of enactment of the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, if the land originally selected-- ``(1) was selected before the date of enactment of the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act; and ``(2) as of the date of enactment of that Act, was not conveyed to the person.''. SEC. 3. REGULATIONS. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall promulgate final regulations to carry out the amendments made by this Act.

Summary: Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) with respect to the open season during which certain Alaska Native Vietnam veterans are eligible to file for allotments of up to two parcels of federal land totaling up to 160 acres. Ends such open season three years after regulations have been issued under this Act. Revises the requirements for selection of such allotments. Allows allotments to be selected from land that is selected by or conveyed to the State of Alaska or a Native Corporation if the State or Native Corporation voluntarily relinquishes or conveys to the United States the land for the allotment. Limits the prohibition against the conveyance of certain allotments to: (1) lands within the right-of-way granted for the TransAlaska Pipeline; or (2) the inner or outer corridor of such right-of-way. Expands the eligibility for allotment to veterans who served between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. Allows an heir (currently, only the personal representative or special administrator for the benefit of heirs) to apply for and receive an allotment on behalf of the estate of a deceased eligible individual. Prescribes criteria for the approval of allotment applications. Permits any person who made an allotment selection under this Act to withdraw it and reselect land in accordance with this Act, if the land originally selected: (1) was selected before enactment of this Act; and (2) as of the enactment of this Act, was not conveyed to the person.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Water Compliance and Ratepayer Affordability Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. INTEGRATED MUNICIPAL STORMWATER AND WASTEWATER APPROACH FRAMEWORK. (a) In General.--In the first 5 fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with appropriate State, local, and regional authorities, shall carry out a pilot program under which the Administrator shall work cooperatively with and facilitate the efforts of municipalities to develop and implement integrated plans to meet their wastewater and stormwater obligations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) in a more cost-effective and flexible manner. (b) Framework.--The Administrator shall carry out the pilot program in a manner that is consistent with the Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Approach Framework issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, dated May 2012. (c) Selection of Municipalities.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with States that have approved National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System programs, shall select not fewer than 15 municipalities to participate in the pilot program each fiscal year. (2) Eligibility of municipalities.--A municipality shall be eligible to participate in the pilot program if the municipality-- (A) is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit holder or designee; or (B) is operating under an administrative order, administrative consent agreement, or judicial consent decree to comply with the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). (3) Factors.--In selecting municipalities under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall-- (A) specifically focus on-- (i) municipalities that are operating under an administrative order, administrative consent agreement, or judicial consent decree to comply with the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (ii) municipalities facing compliance issues under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, in addition to the municipalities described in clause (i); and (iii) municipalities that are affected by affordability constraints in planning and implementing control measures to address wet weather discharges from their wastewater and stormwater facilities; and (B) give priority to eligible municipalities with a history of knowledgeable, detailed, and comprehensive efforts to develop integrated and adaptive clean water management practices, without regard to the status of the municipality in the process of planning or implementing such practices. (d) Approval of Integrated Plans.-- (1) In general.--In approving the integrated plan of a municipality under the pilot program, the Administrator shall-- (A) account for the financial capability of the municipality to adequately address the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act that apply to the municipality; (B) prioritize the obligations of the municipality under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act according to the most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial outcomes; (C) account for the maintenance, operational, and regulatory obligations of the municipality; and (D) enable the municipality to implement innovative and flexible approaches to meet the obligations of the municipality under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. (2) Use of adaptive management approaches.-- (A) Priority.--In selecting municipalities to participate in the program, the Administrator may give priority to a municipality that is seeking to develop and implement an integrated plan that includes adaptive approaches to account for changed or future uncertain circumstances. (B) Types of adaptive approaches.--Adaptive approaches referred to in subparagraph (A) include, at a minimum-- (i) the use of new innovative technical or institutional approaches; and (ii) the ability to adapt the integrated plan in response to new regulatory requirements and reductions in financial capability. (3) Additional authorities.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Administrator may, in full coordination and mutual agreement with a municipality selected to participate in the pilot program-- (A) extend the allowable national pollutant discharge elimination system permit term under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) to a maximum of 25 years, and make corresponding changes to any associated implementation schedule; (B) modify the implementation terms of a consent decree entered into by the municipality with the Administrator pursuant to that Act; and (C) provide additional regulatory flexibility under that Act in approving and implementing an integrated plan that includes adaptive approaches in order to encourage the innovation integral to such approaches. (e) Municipality Defined.--In this section, the term ``municipality'' means a county, city, town, township, or subdivision of a State or local government. (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter for 5 years, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the pilot program, including a description of the specific outcomes expected to be achieved that will reduce the costs of complying with the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for municipalities participating in the program and similarly situated municipalities.

Summary: Clean Water Compliance and Ratepayer Affordability Act of 2015 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out a pilot program to facilitate the efforts of at least 15 municipalities to develop and implement integrated plans to meet their wastewater and stormwater obligations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) in a cost-effective and flexible manner and consistent with the Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Approach Framework issued by the EPA in May 2012. A municipality is eligible to participate in the pilot program if the municipality is: (1) a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit holder or designee; or (2) operating under an administrative order, administrative consent agreement, or judicial consent decree to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The EPA may give priority to municipalities seeking to develop and implement an integrated plan that includes approaches that adapt to changed or future uncertain circumstances. In carrying out the pilot program and in mutual agreement with participating municipalities, the EPA may: (1) extend the allowable NPDES permit term by up to 25 years, (2) modify the implementation terms of a consent decree, and (3) provide additional regulatory flexibility in approving and implementing an integrated plan that includes adaptive approaches.


16, 110th Congress, agreed to in the Senate March 1, 2007, and House Concurrent Resolution 80, 110th Congress, agreed to in the House of Representatives June 18, 2007. SEC. 4. REQUIREMENT OF A REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR DISARMING THE LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY. (a) Requirement for Strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a regional strategy to guide United States support for multilateral efforts to protect civilians from attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army, to eliminate the threat to civilians and regional stability posed by the Lord's Resistance Army, and to enforce the rule of law and ensure full humanitarian access in LRA-affected areas. (b) Content of Strategy.--The strategy should include the following: (1) A viable plan to protect civilians from attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army and eliminate the threat posed by the Lord's Resistance Army, while building institutions in the affected areas that can help to maintain the rule of law and prevent conflict in the long term. (2) An interagency framework to plan, coordinate, and execute all diplomatic economic, intelligence, and military elements of United States policy across the region regarding the Lord's Resistance Army. (3) A description of the type and form of diplomatic engagement to work with regional mechanisms, including the Tripartite Plus Commission and the Great Lakes Pact, and to coordinate the implementation of United States policy toward the Lord's Resistance Army across the region. (4) A description of how this engagement will fit within the context of broader efforts and policy objectives in the Great Lakes Region. (5) A framework to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the United States strategy toward eliminating the threat posed by the Lord's Resistance Army. (c) Form.--The strategy under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. SEC. 5. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR AREAS OUTSIDE UGANDA AFFECTED BY THE LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY. (a) Authority.--In accordance with section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2292) and section 2 of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (22 U.S.C. 2601), the President is authorized to provide assistance to respond to the humanitarian needs of populations in northeastern Congo, southern Sudan, and Central African Republic affected by the activity of the Lord's Resistance Army. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 to carry out this section. SEC. 6. ASSISTANCE FOR RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION IN NORTHERN UGANDA. (a) Authority.--It is the sense of Congress that the President should support efforts by the people of northern Uganda and the Government of Uganda-- (1) to assist internally displaced people in transition and returnees to secure durable solutions by spurring economic revitalization, supporting livelihoods, helping to alleviate poverty, and advancing access to basic services at return sites, specifically clean water, health care, and schools; (2) to enhance the accountability and administrative competency of local governance institutions and public agencies in northern Uganda with regard to budget management, provision of public goods and services, and related oversight functions; (3) to strengthen the operational capacity of the civilian police in northern Uganda to enhance public safety, prevent crime, and deal sensitively with gender-based violence, while strengthening accountability measures to prevent corruption and abuses; (4) to rebuild and improve the capacity of the justice system in northern Uganda, including the courts and penal systems, with particular sensitivity to the needs and rights of women and children; (5) to establish mechanisms for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants, including vocational education and employment opportunities; and (6) to promote programs to address psychosocial trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder. (b) Future Year Funding.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development should work with the appropriate committees of Congress to increase assistance in future fiscal years to support activities described in this section if the Government of Uganda demonstrates a commitment to transparent and accountable reconstruction in war-affected areas of northern and eastern Uganda, specifically by-- (1) finalizing the establishment of mechanisms within the Office of the Prime Minister to sufficiently manage and coordinate the programs under the framework of the Peace Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda (PRDP); (2) increasing oversight activities and reporting to ensure funds under the Peace Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda framework are used efficiently and with minimal waste; and (3) committing substantial funds of its own, above and beyond standard budget allocations to local governments, to the task of implementing the Peace Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda such that communities affected by the war can recover. (c) Coordination With Other Donor Nations.--The United States should work with other donor nations, on a bilateral and multilateral basis, to increase contributions for recovery efforts in northern Uganda and strengthen accountability mechanisms to ensure the transparent and timely use of those funds. (d) Termination of Assistance.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should withhold bilateral assistance to the Republic of Uganda for the purposes described under this section if the Secretary determines that the Government of Uganda is not committed to transparent and accountable reconstruction and reconciliation in the war-affected areas of northern and eastern Uganda. SEC. 7. ASSISTANCE FOR RECONCILIATION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN NORTHERN UGANDA. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the President should support efforts by the people of northern Uganda and the Government of Uganda to advance efforts to promote transitional justice and reconciliation on both local and national levels, including to implement the following mechanisms outlined in the Annexure to the Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army/Movement, signed at Juba February 19, 2008, namely-- (1) a body to investigate the history of the conflict, inquire into human rights violations committed during the conflict by all sides, promote truth-telling in communities, and encourage the preservation of the memory of events and victims of the conflict through memorials, archives, commemorations, and other forms of preservation; (2) a special division of the High Court of Uganda to try individuals alleged to have committed serious crimes during the conflict, and a special unit to carry out investigations and prosecutions in support of trials; (3) a system for making reparations to victims of the conflict; and (4) a review and strategy for supporting transitional justice mechanisms in affected areas to promote reconciliation and encourage individuals to take personal responsibility for their conduct during the war. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2012 to carry out this section. SEC. 8. REPORT. (a) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the submission of the strategy required under section 4, the Secretary of State shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the progress made toward the implementation of the strategy required under section 4 and a description and evaluation of the assistance provided under this Act toward the policy objectives described in section 3. (b) Contents.--The report required under section (a) shall include-- (1) a description and evaluation of actions taken toward the implementation of the strategy required under section 4; (2) a description of assistance provided under section 5 and section 6; (3) an evaluation of bilateral assistance provided to the Republic of Uganda and associated programs in light of stated policy objectives; (4) a description of the status of the Peace Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda and the progress of the Government of Uganda to take the steps outlined in section 6(b); and (5) a description of amounts of assistance committed, and amounts provided, to northern Uganda during the reporting period by the Government of Uganda, each donor country, and all relevant organizations. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives. (2) Great lakes region.--The term ``Great Lakes Region'' means the region comprising Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, southern Sudan, and Uganda. (3) LRA-affected areas.--The term ``LRA-affected areas'' means the territory affected by the activity of the Lord's Resistance Army in the past and as of the date of the enactment of this Act, comprising all or parts of northern Uganda, southern Sudan, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and southeastern Central African Republic.

Summary: Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009 - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a regional strategy to guide U.S. support for multilateral efforts to eliminate the threat to civilians and regional stability posed by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and to enforce the rule of law and ensure full humanitarian access in LRA-affected areas. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to respond to the humanitarian needs of populations in northeastern Congo, southern Sudan, and Central African Republic affected by LRA activity. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should work with the appropriate congressional committees to increase future assistance to Uganda if the government of Uganda demonstrates a commitment to reconstruction in war-affected areas of northern and eastern Uganda. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should support efforts by the people of northern Uganda and the government of Uganda to: (1) promote local and national reconciliation including mechanisms outlined in the Annexure to the Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation between the government of Uganda and the LRA; and (2) assist internally displaced people, establish mechanisms for the demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, and enhance the competency of local institutions including the police.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Heroes Credit Protection Act''. SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF CREDIT RATINGS OF MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS. (a) In General.--Title II of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 521 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 208. PROTECTION OF CREDIT RATINGS OF MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS. ``(a) Request for Military Service Deployment Explanation.--At any time during or after serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation, an eligible servicemember may request that a consumer reporting agency include a military service deployment explanation with respect to a qualifying account in the file of that servicemember at the consumer reporting agency. ``(b) Responsibilities of Consumer Reporting Agencies.--Upon receiving a request from an eligible servicemember under subsection (a), a consumer reporting agency shall-- ``(1) include a military service deployment explanation with respect to a qualifying account in the file of that servicemember and provide the military service deployment explanation to each person who requests the credit score or consumer report of the servicemember; ``(2) develop and maintain procedures for the referral to other such agencies of any military service deployment explanation received by the agency; and ``(3) notify the servicemember in writing that the inclusion of any explanation or notation in the file of the servicemember could potentially negatively affect the credit rating of the servicemember and may not mitigate a low credit score. ``(c) Duty of Reseller to Reconvey Military Service Deployment Explanation.--A reseller shall include in any report of the reseller on a servicemember any military service deployment explanation placed in the file of that servicemember by another consumer reporting agency pursuant to this section. ``(d) Acknowledgment of Military Service Deployment Explanation.-- Any prospective user of a consumer credit report containing a military service deployment explanation shall acknowledge such military service deployment explanation. ``(e) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section: ``(1) The term `eligible servicemember' means a member of a reserve component who serves on active duty outside the continental United States in support of a contingency operation under a call or order specifying a period of such service of not less than 180 days (or who enters such service under a call or order specifying a period of 180 days or less and who, without a break in service, receives orders extending the period of such service to a period of not less than 180 days). ``(2) The term `military service deployment explanation' means a code generated by a consumer reporting agency that is delivered in conjunction with a consumer report or credit score to a user of the consumer report or credit score to indicate that the consumer report or credit score of the consumer was adversely affected during a period in which the consumer was a servicemember serving on active duty outside the continental United States in support of a contingency operation. ``(3) The term `contingency operation' has the meaning given that term under section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United States Code. ``(4) The term `active duty' has the meaning given that term under section 101(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code. ``(5) The term `consumer reporting agency' has the meaning given that term under section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. ``(6) The term `reseller' has the meaning given that term under section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. ``(7) The term `qualifying account' means an account that was opened by a servicemember before the date on which the servicemember was deployed outside the continental United States in support of a contingency operation, but only with respect to obligations incurred before such date.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 207 the following new item: ``Sec. 208. Protection of credit ratings of certain servicemembers.''. (c) Military Service Deployment Explanation Not to Affect Certain Future Transactions.--Section 108 of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 518) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting after ``liability of that servicemember'' the following: ``, or the inclusion of a military service deployment explanation in a file of the servicemember at a consumer reporting agency pursuant to section 208,''. Passed the House of Representatives November 5, 2007. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: National Heroes Credit Protection Act - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to authorize a member of the reserves who is deployed outside the United States for 180 days or more in support of a contingency operation (servicemember) to request that a consumer reporting agency (CRA) include in that servicemember's file a military service deployment explanation (explanation) with respect to an account that was opened by the servicemember before such deployment. Requires: (1) a reseller of credit reporting information to include in any report on a servicemember any explanation placed in such servicemember's file by another CRA; and (2) any user of a consumer credit report containing such explanation to acknowledge the explanation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safer Communities Partnership Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE REPLICATION OF RECENT SUCCESSFUL JUVENILE CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGIES. (a) In General.-- (1) Establishment.--The Attorney General (or a designee of the Attorney General), in conjunction with the Secretary of the Treasury (or the designee of the Secretary), shall establish a pilot program (referred to in this section as the ``program'') to encourage and support communities that adopt a comprehensive approach to suppressing and preventing violent juvenile crime and reducing drug and alcohol abuse among juveniles, patterned after successful State juvenile crime reduction strategies. (2) Program.--In carrying out the program, the Attorney General shall-- (A) make and track grants to grant recipients (referred to in this section as ``coalitions''); (B) in conjunction with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, provide for technical assistance and training, in addition to data collection, and dissemination of relevant information; and (C) provide for the general administration of the program. (3) Administration.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall appoint or designate an Administrator (referred to in this section as the ``Administrator'') to carry out the program. (4) Program authorization.--To be eligible to receive an initial grant or a renewal grant under this section, a coalition shall meet each of the following criteria: (A) Composition.--The coalition shall consist of 1 or more representatives of-- (i) the local or tribal police department or sheriff's department; (ii) the local prosecutors' office; (iii) State or local probation officers; (iv) religious affiliated or fraternal organizations involved in crime prevention; (v) schools; (vi) parents or local grass roots organizations such as neighborhood watch groups; (vii) social service agencies involved in crime prevention; (viii) a juvenile or youth court judge; and (ix) substance and alcohol abuse counselors and treatment providers. (B) Other participants.--If possible, in addition to the representatives from the categories listed in subparagraph (A), the coalition shall include 1 or more representatives of-- (i) the United States Attorney's office; (ii) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (iii) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (iv) the Drug Enforcement Administration; (v) the business community; and (vi) researchers who have studied criminal justice and can offer technical or other assistance. (C) Coordinated strategy.--A coalition shall submit to the Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee, a comprehensive plan for reducing violent juvenile crime. To be eligible for consideration, a plan shall-- (i) ensure close collaboration among all members of the coalition in suppressing and preventing juvenile crime; (ii) place heavy emphasis on coordinated enforcement initiatives, such as Federal and State programs that coordinate local police departments, prosecutors, and local community leaders to focus on the suppression of violent juvenile crime involving gangs; (iii) ensure that there is close collaboration between police and probation officers in the supervision of juvenile offenders, such as initiatives that coordinate the efforts of parents, school officials, and police and probation officers to patrol the streets and make home visits to ensure that offenders comply with the terms of their probation; (iv) ensure that a program is in place to trace all firearms seized from crime scenes or offenders in an effort to identify illegal gun traffickers; (v) ensure that effective crime prevention programs are in place, such as programs that provide after-school safe havens and other opportunities for at-risk youth to escape or avoid gang or other criminal activity, and to reduce recidivism; and (vi) ensure that a program is in place to divert nonviolent juvenile offenders into substance or alcohol abuse treatment, the successful completion of which may result in a suspended sentence for the offense, and the unsuccessful completion of which may result in an enhanced sentence for the offense. (D) Accountability.--A coalition shall-- (i) establish a system to measure and report outcomes consistent with common indicators and evaluation protocols established by the Administrator and that receives the approval of the Administrator; and (ii) devise a detailed model for measuring and evaluating the success of the plan of the coalition in reducing violent juvenile crime, and provide assurances that the plan will be evaluated on a regular basis to assess progress in reducing violent juvenile crime. (5) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Attorney General shall give priority to coalitions representing communities with demonstrated juvenile crime and drug abuse problems. (6) Grant amounts.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator may award a grant to an eligible coalition under this section, in an amount not to exceed the lesser of-- (i) the amount of non-Federal funds raised by the coalition, including in-kind contributions, for that fiscal year; and (ii) $400,000. (B) Nonsupplanting requirement.--A coalition seeking funds shall provide reasonable assurances that funds made available under this program to States or units of local government shall be so used as to supplement and increase (but not supplant) the level of the State, local, and other non-Federal funds that would in the absence of such Federal funds be made available for programs described in this section, and shall in no event replace such State, local, or other non-Federal funds. (C) Suspension of grants.--If a coalition fails to continue to meet the criteria set forth in this section, the Administrator may suspend the grant, after providing written notice to the grant recipient and an opportunity to appeal. (D) Renewal grants.--Subject to subparagraph (D), the Administrator may award a renewal grant to grant recipient under this subparagraph for each fiscal year following the fiscal year for which an initial grant is awarded, in an amount not to exceed the amount of non- Federal funds raised by the coalition, including in- kind contributions, for that fiscal year, during the 4- year period following the period of the initial grant. (7) Permitted use of funds.--A coalition receiving funds under this section may expend such Federal funds on any use or program that is contained in the plan submitted to the Administrator. (8) Congressional consultation.-- (A) In general.--Two years after the date of implementation of the program established in this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report reviewing the effectiveness of the program in suppressing and reducing violent juvenile crime in the participating communities. (B) Contents of report.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include-- (i) an analysis of each community participating in the program, along with information regarding the plan undertaken in the community, and the effectiveness of the plan in reducing violent juvenile crime; and (ii) recommendations regarding the efficacy of continuing the program. (b) Information Collection and Dissemination With Respect to Coalitions.-- (1) Coalition information.--For the purpose of audit and examination, the Attorney General-- (A) shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records that are pertinent to any grant or grant renewal request under this section; and (B) may periodically request information from a coalition to ensure that the coalition meets the applicable criteria. (2) Reporting.--The Attorney General shall, to the maximum extent practicable and in a manner consistent with applicable law, minimize reporting requirements by a coalition and expedite any application for a renewal grant made under this section. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2003, of which-- (A) not less than $1,000,000 in each fiscal year shall be used for coalitions representing communities with a population of not more than 50,000; and (B) not less than 2 percent in each fiscal year shall be used for technical assistance and training under subsection (a)(2)(B). (2) Source of sums.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this subsection may be derived from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.

Summary: Requires the Attorney General, in carrying out the program, to: (1) make and track grants; and (2) provide for technical assistance and training, in addition to data collection and dissemination of relevant information, and general program administration. Directs the Attorney General to appoint or designate an Administrator to carry out the program. Sets forth initial grant and renewal requirements. Directs that a grant recipient (coalition) submit to the Attorney General a comprehensive plan for reducing violent juvenile crime that meets specified requirements, such as ensuring that: (1) heavy emphasis is placed on coordinated enforcement initiatives; (2) there is close collaboration between police and probation officers in the supervision of juvenile offenders; (3) a program is in place to trace all firearms seized from crime scenes or offenders in an effort to identify illegal gun traffickers; and (4) a program is in place to divert nonviolent juvenile offenders into substance or alcohol abuse treatment. Requires coalitions to establish a system to measure and report outcomes, devise a detailed model for measuring and evaluating success, and provide assurances that the plan will be evaluated regularly to assess progress in reducing violent juvenile crime. Directs the Attorney General to give priority to coalitions representing communities with demonstrated juvenile crime and drug abuse problems. Sets forth provisions regarding grant amounts, permitted use of funds, a Comptroller General report to Congress reviewing program effectiveness, and information collection and dissemination with respect to coalitions. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm transportation corridor is a major gateway to Alaska and includes a range of transportation routes used first by indigenous people who were followed by pioneers who settled the Nation's last frontier; (2) the natural history and scenic splendor of the region are equally outstanding; vistas of nature's power include evidence of earthquake subsidence, recent avalanches, retreating glaciers and tidal action along Turnagain Arm, which has the world's second greatest tidal range; (3) the cultural landscape formed by indigenous people and then by settlement, transportation and modern resource development in this rugged and often treacherous natural setting stands as powerful testimony to the human fortitude, perseverance, and resourcefulness that is America's proudest heritage from the people who settled the frontier; (4) there is a national interest in recognizing, preserving, promoting, and interpreting these resources; (5) the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm region is geographically and culturally cohesive because it is defined by a corridor of historic routes--trail, water, railroad, and roadways through a distinct landscape of mountains, lakes, and fjords; (6) national significance of separate elements of the region include, but are not limited to, the Iditarod National Historic Trail, the Seward Highway National Scenic Byway, and the Alaska Railroad National Scenic Railroad; (7) national heritage area designation provides for the interpretation of these routes, as well as the national historic districts and numerous historic routes in the region as part of the whole picture of human history in the wider transportation corridor including early Native trade routes, connections by waterway, mining trail, and other routes; (8) national heritage area designation also provides communities within the region with the motivation and means for ``grass roots'' regional coordination and partnerships with each other and with borough, State, and Federal agencies; and (9) national heritage area designation is supported by the Kenai Peninsula Historical Association, the Seward Historical Commission, the Seward City Council, the Hope and Sunrise Historical Society, the Hope Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, the Cooper Landing Community Club, the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association, Anchorage Historic Properties, the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cook Inlet Historical Society, the Moose Pass Sportsman's Club, the Alaska Historical Commission, the Girdwood Board of Supervisors, the Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board, the Bird/Indian Community Council, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Trails Commission, the Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council, and the Anchorage Municipal Assembly. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to recognize, preserve, and interpret the historic and modern resource development and cultural landscapes of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm historic transportation corridor, and to promote and facilitate the public enjoyment of these resources; and (2) to foster, through financial and technical assistance, the development of cooperative planning and partnership among the communities and borough, State, and Federal Government entities. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area established by section 4(a) of this Act. (2) Management entity.--The term ``management entity'' means the 11 member Board of Directors of the Kenai Mountains- Turnagain Arm National Heritage Corridor Communities Association. (3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means the management plan for the Heritage Area. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 4. KENAI MOUNTAINS-TURNAGAIN ARM NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. (a) Establishment.--There is established the Kenai Mountains- Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area. (b) Boundaries.--The Heritage Area shall comprise the lands in the Kenai Mountains and upper Turnagain Arm region generally depicted on the map entitled ``Kenai Peninsula/Turnagain Arm National Heritage Corridor'', numbered ``Map #KMTA-1, and dated ``August 1999''. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Alaska Regional Office of the National Park Service and in the offices of the Alaska State Heritage Preservation Officer. SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT ENTITY. (a) The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the management entity, to carry out the purposes of this Act. The cooperative agreement shall include information relating to the objectives and management of the Heritage Area, including the following: (1) A discussion of the goals and objectives of the Heritage Area. (2) An explanation of the proposed approach to conservation and interpretation of the Heritage Area. (3) A general outline of the protection measures, to which the management entity commits. (b) Nothing in this Act authorizes the management entity to assume any management authorities or responsibilities on Federal lands. (c) Representatives of other organizations shall be invited and encouraged to participate with the management entity and in the development and implementation of the management plan, including but not limited to: The State Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation; the State Division of Mining, Land and Water; the Forest Service; the State Historic Preservation Office; the Kenai Peninsula Borough; the Municipality of Anchorage; the Alaska Railroad; the Alaska Department of Transportation; and the National Park Service. (d) Representation of ex-officio members in the non-profit corporation shall be established under the bylaws of the management entity. SEC. 6. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF MANAGEMENT ENTITY. (a) Management Plan.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the Secretary enters into a cooperative agreement with the management entity, the management entity shall develop a management plan for the Heritage Area, taking into consideration existing Federal, State, borough, and local plans. (2) Contents.--The management plan shall include, but not be limited to-- (A) comprehensive recommendations for conservation, funding, management, and development of the Heritage Area; (B) a description of agreements on actions to be carried out by Government and private organizations to protect the resources of the Heritage Area; (C) a list of specific and potential sources of funding to protect, manage, and develop the Heritage Area; (D) an inventory of the resources contained in the Heritage Area; and (E) a description of the role and participation of other Federal, State, and local agencies that have jurisdiction on lands within the Heritage Area. (b) Priorities.--The management entity shall give priority to the implementation of actions, goals, and policies set forth in the cooperative agreement with the Secretary and the heritage plan, including assisting communities within the region in-- (1) carrying out programs which recognize important resource values in the Heritage Area; (2) encouraging economic viability in the affected communities; (3) establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits in the Heritage Area; (4) improving and interpreting heritage trails; (5) increasing public awareness and appreciation for the natural, historical, and cultural resources and modern resource development of the Heritage Area; (6) restoring historic buildings and structures that are located within the boundaries of the Heritage Area; and (7) ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying public access points and sites of interest are placed throughout the Heritage Area. (c) Public Meetings.--The management entity shall conduct 2 or more public meetings each year regarding the initiation and implementation of the management plan for the Heritage Area. The management entity shall place a notice of each such meeting in a newspaper of general circulation in the Heritage Area and shall make the minutes of the meeting available to the public. SEC. 7. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. (a) The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, or his designee, is authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with the management entity. The cooperative agreement shall be prepared with public participation. (b) In accordance with the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement and upon the request of the management entity, and subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary may provide administrative, technical, financial, design, development, and operations assistance to carry out the purposes of this Act. SEC. 8. SAVINGS PROVISIONS. (a) Regulatory Authority.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to grant powers of zoning or management of land use to the management entity of the Heritage Area. (b) Effect on Authority of Governments.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify, enlarge, or diminish any authority of the Federal, State, or local governments to manage or regulate any use of land as provided for by law or regulation. (c) Effect on Business.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to obstruct or limit business activity on private development or resource development activities. SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON THE ACQUISITION OR REAL PROPERTY. The management entity may not use funds appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act to acquire real property or interest in real property. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) First Year.--For the first year $350,000 is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act, and is made available upon the Secretary and the management entity completing a cooperative agreement. (b) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated not more than $1,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act for any fiscal year after the first year. Not more than $10,000,000, in the aggregate, may be appropriated for the Heritage Area. (c) Matching Funds.--Federal funding provided under this Act shall be matched at least 25 percent by other funds or in-kind services. (d) Sunset Provision.--The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any assistance under this Act beyond 15 years from the date that the Secretary and management entity complete a cooperative agreement.

Summary: Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area in Alaska. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Board of Directors of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Corridor Communities Association; and (2) the Association to develop a management plan for the Heritage Area. Prohibits the Association from using funds appropriated to carry out this Act to acquire real property.


SECTION 1. PRIORITY REVIEW FOR BREAKTHROUGH DEVICES. (a) In General.--Chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is amended-- (1) in section 515(d)-- (A) by striking paragraph (5); and (B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5); and (2) by inserting after section 515A (21 U.S.C. 360e-1) the following: ``SEC. 515B. PRIORITY REVIEW FOR BREAKTHROUGH DEVICES. ``(a) In General.--In order to provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating human diseases or conditions, the Secretary shall establish a program to provide priority review for devices-- ``(1) representing breakthrough technologies; ``(2) for which no approved alternatives exist; ``(3) offering significant advantages over existing approved or cleared alternatives, including the potential to, compared to existing approved or cleared alternatives, reduce or eliminate the need for hospitalization, improve patient quality of life, facilitate patients' ability to manage their own care (such as through self-directed personal assistance), or establish long-term clinical efficiencies; or ``(4) the availability of which is in the best interest of patients. ``(b) Request for Designation.--A sponsor of a device may request that the Secretary designate the device for priority review under this section. Any such request for designation may be made at any time prior to the submission of an application under section 515(c), a petition for classification under section 513(f)(2), or a notification under section 510(k). ``(c) Designation Process.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 calendar days after the receipt of a request under subsection (b), the Secretary shall determine whether the device that is the subject of the request meets the criteria described in subsection (a). If the Secretary determines that the device meets the criteria, the Secretary shall designate the device for priority review. ``(2) Review.--Review of a request under subsection (b) shall be undertaken by a team that is composed of experienced staff and managers of the Food and Drug Administration and is chaired by a senior manager. ``(3) Designation determination.--A determination approving or denying a request under subsection (b) shall be considered a significant decision under section 517A and the Secretary shall provide a written, substantive summary of the basis for the determination in accordance with section 517A(a). ``(4) Reconsideration.-- ``(A) Request for reconsideration.--Any person whose request under subsection (b) is denied may, within 30 days of the denial, request reconsideration of the denial in accordance with section 517A(b)-- ``(i) based upon the submission of documents by such person; or ``(ii) based upon such documents and a meeting or teleconference. ``(B) Response.--Reconsideration of a designation determination under this paragraph shall be conducted in accordance with section 517A(b). ``(5) Withdrawal.--If the Secretary approves a priority review designation for a device under this section, the Secretary may not withdraw the designation based on the fact that the criteria specified in subsection (a) are no longer met because of the subsequent clearance or approval of another device that was designated under-- ``(A) this section; or ``(B) section 515(d)(5) (as in effect immediately prior to the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act). ``(d) Priority Review.-- ``(1) Actions.--For purposes of expediting the development and review of devices designated under subsection (c), the Secretary shall-- ``(A) assign a team of staff, including a team leader with appropriate subject matter expertise and experience, for each device for which a request is submitted under subsection (b); ``(B) provide for oversight of the team by senior agency personnel to facilitate the efficient development of the device and the efficient review of any submission described in subsection (b) for the device; ``(C) adopt an efficient process for timely dispute resolution; ``(D) provide for interactive communication with the sponsor of the device during the review process; ``(E) expedite the Secretary's review of manufacturing and quality systems compliance, as applicable; ``(F) disclose to the sponsor in advance the topics of any consultation concerning the sponsor's device that the Secretary intends to undertake with external experts or an advisory committee and provide the sponsor an opportunity to recommend such external experts; ``(G) for applications submitted under section 515(c), provide for advisory committee input, as the Secretary determines appropriate (including in response to the request of the sponsor); and ``(H) assign staff to be available within a reasonable time to address questions by institutional review committees concerning the conditions and clinical testing requirements applicable to the investigational use of the device pursuant to an exemption under section 520(g). ``(2) Additional actions.--In addition to the actions described in paragraph (1), for purposes of expediting the development and review of devices designated under subsection (c), the Secretary, in collaboration with the device sponsor, may, as appropriate-- ``(A) coordinate with the sponsor regarding early agreement on a data development plan; ``(B) take steps to ensure that the design of clinical trials is as efficient as practicable, such as through adoption of shorter or smaller clinical trials, application of surrogate endpoints, and use of adaptive trial designs and Bayesian statistics, to the extent scientifically appropriate; ``(C) facilitate, to the extent scientifically appropriate, expedited and efficient development and review of the device through utilization of timely postmarket data collection, with regard to applications for approval under section 515(c); and ``(D) agree to clinical protocols that the Secretary will consider binding on the Secretary and the sponsor, subject to-- ``(i) changes agreed to by the sponsor and the Secretary; ``(ii) changes that the Secretary determines are required to prevent an unreasonable risk to the public health; or ``(iii) the identification of a substantial scientific issue determined by the Secretary to be essential to the safety or effectiveness of the device involved. ``(e) Priority Review Guidance.-- ``(1) Content.--The Secretary shall issue guidance on the implementation of this section. Such guidance shall include the following: ``(A) The process for a person to seek a priority review designation. ``(B) A template for requests under subsection (b). ``(C) The criteria the Secretary will use in evaluating a request for priority review. ``(D) The standards the Secretary will use in assigning a team of staff, including team leaders, to review devices designated for priority review, including any training required for such personnel on effective and efficient review. ``(2) Process.--Prior to finalizing the guidance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall propose such guidance for public comment. ``(f) Construction.-- ``(1) Purpose.--This section is intended to encourage the Secretary and provide the Secretary sufficient authorities to apply efficient and flexible approaches to expedite the development of, and prioritize the agency's review of, devices that represent breakthrough technologies. ``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the criteria and standards for evaluating an application pursuant to section 515(c), a report and request for classification under section 513(f)(2), or a report under section 510(k), including the recognition of valid scientific evidence as described in section 513(a)(3)(B), and consideration of the least burdensome means of evaluating device effectiveness or demonstrating substantial equivalence between devices with differing technological characteristics, as applicable. Nothing in this section alters the authority of the Secretary to act on an application pursuant to section 515(d) before completion of an establishment inspection, as the Secretary deems appropriate.''. (b) Conforming Amendment Related to Designation Determinations.-- Section 517A(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360g-1(a)(1)) is amended by inserting ``a request for designation under section 515B,'' after ``an application under section 515,''.

Summary: This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to replace the requirement that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prioritize review of breakthrough medical devices with a requirement that the FDA establish a program to provide priority review for breakthrough medical devices. Prior to submitting an application for approval, a medical device sponsor may request that the FDA designate the medical device for priority review. The FDA must provide a summary of the basis for its determination regarding designation. To expedite the development and review of designated medical devices, the FDA must: assign a team of staff for each device, adopt an efficient process for dispute resolution, provide for interactive communication with the device sponsor, expedite review of manufacturing and quality systems compliance, disclose to the sponsor in advance the topics of any consultation between the FDA and external experts or an advisory committee and provide the sponsor the opportunity to recommend external experts, assign staff to address questions by institutional review committees concerning investigational use of the device. The FDA may: (1) coordinate with the sponsor regarding early agreement on a data development plan; (2) take steps to ensure that the design of clinical trials is as efficient as practicable; (3) utilize timely postmarket data collection; and (4) agree to clinical protocols, subject to an FDA determination that changes are required to prevent an unreasonable risk to the public health or that a substantial scientific issue is essential to the safety or effectiveness of the device.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``EINSTEIN Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF FEDERAL CIVILIAN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. (a) In General.--Subtitle C of title II of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 141 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 230. AVAILABLE PROTECTION OF FEDERAL CIVILIAN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall deploy, operate, and maintain, to make available for use by any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, capabilities to protect Federal agency information and Federal civilian information systems, including technologies to diagnose, detect, prevent, and mitigate against cybersecurity risks involving Federal agency information or Federal civilian information systems. ``(b) Activities.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary may-- ``(1) access, and Federal agency heads may disclose to the Secretary or a private entity providing assistance to the Secretary under paragraph (2), information traveling to or from or stored on a Federal civilian information system, regardless of from where the Secretary or a private entity providing assistance to the Secretary under paragraph (2) accesses such information, notwithstanding any other provision of law that would otherwise restrict or prevent Federal agency heads from disclosing such information to the Secretary or a private entity providing assistance to the Secretary under paragraph (2); ``(2) enter into contracts or other agreements, or otherwise request and obtain the assistance of, private entities to deploy, operate, and maintain technologies in accordance with subsection (a); and ``(3) retain, use, and disclose information obtained through the conduct of activities authorized under this section only to protect Federal agency information and Federal civilian information systems from cybersecurity risks or in furtherance of the national cybersecurity and communications integration center's authority under the second section 226, or, with the approval of the Attorney General and if disclosure of such information is not otherwise prohibited by law, to law enforcement only to investigate, prosecute, disrupt, or otherwise respond to-- ``(A) a violation of section 1030 of title 18, United States Code; ``(B) an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm; ``(C) a serious threat to a minor, including sexual exploitation or threats to physical safety; or ``(D) an attempt, or conspiracy, to commit an offense described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (C). ``(c) Conditions.--Contracts or other agreements under subsection (b)(2) shall include appropriate provisions barring-- ``(1) the disclosure of information to any entity other than the Department or a Federal agency disclosing information in accordance with subsection (b)(1) that can be used to identify specific persons and is reasonably believed to be unrelated to a cybersecurity risk; and ``(2) the use of any information to which such private entity gains access in accordance with this section for any purpose other than to protect Federal agency information and Federal civilian information systems against cybersecurity risks or to administer any such contract or other agreement. ``(d) Limitation.--No cause of action shall lie in any court against a private entity for assistance provided to the Secretary in accordance with this section and a contract or agreement under subsection (b)(2). ``(e) Definition.--The term `cybersecurity risk' has the meaning given such term in the second section 226 (relating to the national cybersecurity and communications integration center).''. (b) Definitions.--Paragraphs (1) and (2) of the second section 226 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 148; relating to the national cybersecurity and communications integration center) are amended to read as follows: ``(1)(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term `cybersecurity risk' means threats to and vulnerabilities of information or information systems and any related consequences caused by or resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, degradation, disruption, modification, or destruction of such information or information systems, including such related consequences caused by an act of terrorism; and ``(B) such term does not include any action that solely involves a violation of a consumer term of service or a consumer licensing agreement; ``(2) the term `incident' means an occurrence that actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information on an information system, or actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, an information system;''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 230. Available protection of Federal civilian information systems.''.

Summary: EINSTEIN Act of 2015 Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deploy, operate, and maintain (to make available for use by any federal agency, with or without reimbursement) capabilities to protect federal agency information and federal civilian information systems, including technologies to continuously diagnose, detect, prevent, and mitigate against cybersecurity risks involving such information or systems. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to access, and allows federal agency heads to disclose to the Secretary, information traveling to or from or stored on such systems, regardless of from where the Secretary accesses such information, notwithstanding any law that would otherwise restrict or prevent such disclosures. Authorizes the Secretary to retain, use, and disclose information obtained through such activities only to protect federal agency information and federal civilian information systems from cybersecurity risks or in furtherance of the national cybersecurity and communications integration center's (NCCIC's) authority, or, with DOJ approval and if disclosure of such information is not otherwise prohibited by law, to law enforcement only to investigate, prosecute, disrupt, or otherwise respond to: criminal computer fraud; an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm; a serious threat to a minor, including sexual exploitation or threats to physical safety; or an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of such offenses. Provides liability protections to private entities authorized to assist the Secretary for such purposes. Redefines for purposes of the NCCIC's cybersecurity functions: (1) "cybersecurity risk" to exclude actions that solely involve a violation of a consumer term of service or a consumer licensing agreement; and (2) "incident" to include an occurrence that actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, an information system, thereby replacing a standard that includes occurrences that constitute a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable use policies.