SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Provide for the Common Defense Act of 2013''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--ELIMINATION OF SEQUESTRATION FOR REVISED SECURITY CATEGORY Sec. 101. Elimination of 251A reductions for revised security category in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. TITLE II--OFFSETTING PAYMENT CHANGES Subtitle A--Medicare Sec. 201. Adjustments to calculation of Medicare part B and part D premiums for high-income beneficiaries. Sec. 202. Increase in part B deductible for new enrollees. Subtitle B--Agriculture Sec. 211. Cap on overall rate of return for crop insurance providers. Sec. 212. Cap on reimbursements for administrative and operating expenses of crop insurance providers. Sec. 213. Reduction in share of crop insurance premium paid by Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Subtitle C--Federal Retirement Sec. 221. Retirement contributions. Sec. 222. Annuity supplement. Sec. 223. Use of Chained Consumer Price Index. Subtitle D--Chained CPI Sec. 231. Change in index used to calculate Social Security cost-of- living adjustments. TITLE I--ELIMINATION OF SEQUESTRATION FOR REVISED SECURITY CATEGORY SEC. 101. ELIMINATION OF 251A REDUCTIONS FOR REVISED SECURITY CATEGORY IN FISCAL YEARS 2014 AND 2015. (a) Elimination of the Adjustment Under Section 251A for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015.--Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901a) is amended-- (1) in paragraphs (7)(B) and (8), by striking ``On the date'' in each instance and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (12), on the date''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) No reductions for revised security category in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.--Paragraphs (7)(B) and (8) shall have no force or effect for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 with respect to the revised security category.''. (b) Discretionary Spending Limits for the Revised Security Category in Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015.--For purposes of section 251(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (as modified by section 251A(2) of such Act), for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, the discretionary spending limit for the revised security category in each such fiscal year shall be $552,000,000,000 and $566,000,000,000, respectively. TITLE II--OFFSETTING PAYMENT CHANGES Subtitle A--Medicare SEC. 201. ADJUSTMENTS TO CALCULATION OF MEDICARE PART B AND PART D PREMIUMS FOR HIGH-INCOME BENEFICIARIES. (a) Increase in Applicable Percentage Used To Calculate Premiums.-- Section 1839(i)(3)(C)(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r(i)(3)(C)(i)) is amended-- (1) by inserting after ``In general.--'' the following: ``(I) Years before 2017.--For calendar years prior to 2017:''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subclause: ``(II) 2017 and subsequent years.--For calendar year 2017 and each subsequent calendar year: ``If the modified adjusted The applicable gross income is: percentage is: More than $85,000 but not more than $107,000........... 40 More than $107,000 but not more than $160,000.......... 55 More than $160,000 but not more than $214,000.......... 70 More than $214,000..................................... 90.''. (b) Temporary Adjustment to Income Thresholds Used To Calculate Premiums.-- (1) In general.--Section 1839(i)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r(i)(6)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``December 31, 2019'' and inserting ``December 31 of the year after 2019 that is the first year after the year in which at least 25 percent of individuals enrolled under this part are subject to a reduction under this subsection to the monthly amount of the premium subsidy applicable to the premium under this section.''. (2) Application of inflation adjustment.--Section 1839(i)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r(i)(5)) is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``In the case'' and inserting ``Subject to subparagraph (C), in the case''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Treatment of years after temporary adjustment period.--In applying subparagraph (A) for the first year beginning after the period described in paragraph (6) and for each subsequent year, the 12-month period ending with August 2006 described in clause (ii) of such subparagraph shall be deemed to be the 12-month period ending with August of the last year of such period described in paragraph (6).''. SEC. 202. INCREASE IN PART B DEDUCTIBLE FOR NEW ENROLLEES. Section 1833 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence of subsection (b), by inserting ``(subject to subsection (z))'' after ``for a subsequent year''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(z) Higher Deductible for New Enrollees.--In the case of an individual who is not enrolled under this part before January 1, 2017, the amount of the deductible under subsection (b)-- ``(1) for 2017 shall be the amount otherwise determined under such subsection for 2017 increased by $25; ``(2) for 2018 shall be the amount otherwise determined under such subsection for 2018, taking into account the application of the previous paragraph; ``(3) for 2019 shall be the amount otherwise determined under such subsection for 2019, taking into the application of the previous paragraphs, , increased by $25; ``(4) for 2020 shall be the amount otherwise determined under such subsection for 2020, taking into account the application of the previous paragraphs, increased by $25; ``(5) for 2021 shall be the amount otherwise determined under such subsection for 2021, taking into account the application of the previous paragraphs, increased by $25; and ``(6) for any subsequent year shall be the amount otherwise determined under such subsection for such year, taking into account the application of the previous paragraphs and this paragraph for previous years.''. Subtitle B--Agriculture SEC. 211. CAP ON OVERALL RATE OF RETURN FOR CROP INSURANCE PROVIDERS. Section 508(k) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)) is amended-- (1) by designating paragraph (3) as subparagraph (A) (and adjusting the margin two ems to the right); (2) by inserting before subparagraph (A) (as so designated) the following: ``(3) Risk.--''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(B) Cap on overall rate of return.--The target rate of return for all the companies combined for the 2014 and subsequent reinsurance years shall be 12.8 percent of retained premium.''. SEC. 212. CAP ON REIMBURSEMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING EXPENSES OF CROP INSURANCE PROVIDERS. Section 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(G) Additional cap on reimbursements.-- Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) through (F), total reimbursements for administrative and operating costs for the 2014 insurance year for all types of policies and plans of insurance shall not exceed $935,000,000. For each subsequent insurance year, the dollar amount in effect pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be increased by the same inflation factor as established for the administrative and operating costs cap in the 2011 Standard Reinsurance Agreement.''. SEC. 213. REDUCTION IN SHARE OF CROP INSURANCE PREMIUM PAID BY FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORPORATION. (a) Catastrophic Risk Protection.--Section 508(d)(2)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve'' and inserting ``for all crops for which catastrophic risk protection coverage is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for such crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve''. (b) Additional Coverage.--Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``67'' and inserting ``64''; (2) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``64'' and inserting ``61''; (3) in subparagraph (D)(i), by striking ``59'' and inserting ``56''; and (4) in subparagraph (E)(i), by striking ``55'' and inserting ``52''. (c) Enterprise and Whole Farm Units.--Section 508(e)(5)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)(C)) is amended by striking ``80'' and inserting ``77''. (d) Area Revenue Plans.--Section 508(e)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(6)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``59'' and inserting ``56''; and (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``55'' and inserting ``52''. (e) Area Yield Plans.--Section 508(e)(7) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``59'' and inserting ``56''; (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``55'' and inserting ``52''; and (3) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``51'' and inserting ``48''. (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the first contract change date for a contract under the Federal Crop Insurance Act occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act. Subtitle C--Federal Retirement SEC. 221. RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) Civil Service Retirement System.-- (1) Individual contributions.--Section 8334(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking ``(c) Each'' and inserting ``(c)(1) Each''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the applicable percentage of basic pay under this subsection for civilian service by an employee or Member shall, for purposes of computing an amount-- ``(A) for a period in calendar year 2014, be equal to the applicable percentage under this subsection for calendar year 2013 plus an additional 0.4 percentage point; ``(B) for a period in calendar year 2015, be equal to the applicable percentage under this subsection for calendar year 2014 (as determined under subparagraph (A)) plus an additional 0.4 percentage point; ``(C) for a period in calendar year 2016, be equal to the applicable percentage under this subsection for calendar year 2015 (as determined under subparagraph (B)) plus an additional 0.4 percentage point; and ``(D) for a period in any calendar year after 2016, be equal to the applicable percentage under this subsection for calendar year 2015 (as determined under subparagraph (C)). ``(3)(A) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), any excess contributions under subsection (a)(1)(A) (including the portion of any deposit under this subsection allocable to excess contributions) shall, if made by an employee of the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission, be deposited to the credit of the Postal Service Fund under section 2003 of title 39, rather than the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. ``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `excess contributions', as used with respect to contributions made under subsection (a)(1)(A) by an employee of the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission, means the amount by which-- ``(i) deductions from basic pay of such employee which are made under subsection (a)(1)(A), exceed ``(ii) deductions from basic pay of such employee which would have been so made if paragraph (2) had not been enacted.''. (2) Government contributions.--Section 8334(a)(1)(B) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in clause (i), by striking ``Except as provided in clause (ii),'' and inserting ``Except as provided in clause (ii) or (iii),''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(iii) The amount to be contributed under clause (i) shall, with respect to a period in any year beginning after December 31, 2013, be equal to-- ``(I) the amount which would otherwise apply under clause (i) with respect to such period, reduced by ``(II) the amount by which, with respect to such period, the withholding under subparagraph (A) exceeds the amount which would otherwise have been withheld from the basic pay of the employee or elected official involved under subparagraph (A) based on the percentage applicable under subsection (c) for calendar year 2013.''. (b) Individual Contributions Under the Federal Employees' Retirement System.--Section 8422(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: ``(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, the applicable percentage under this paragraph for civilian service by employees or Members other than revised annuity employees shall-- ``(i) for a period in calendar year 2014, be equal to the applicable percentage under this paragraph for calendar year 2013 plus an additional 0.4 percentage point; ``(ii) for a period in calendar year 2015, be equal to the applicable percentage under this paragraph for calendar year 2014 (as determined under clause (i)) plus an additional 0.4 percentage point; ``(iii) for a period in calendar year 2016, be equal to the applicable percentage under this paragraph for calendar year 2015 (as determined under clause (ii)) plus an additional 0.4 percentage point; and ``(iv) for a period in any calendar year after 2016, be equal to the applicable percentage under this paragraph for calendar year 2016 (as determined under clause (iii)).''. SEC. 222. ANNUITY SUPPLEMENT. Section 8421(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3) and (4)''; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3) and (4)''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) No annuity supplement under this section shall be payable in the case of an individual who first becomes subject to this chapter after December 31, 2013.''. SEC. 223. USE OF CHAINED CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. (a) In General.--Paragraph (15) of section 8331 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(15) the term `price index' means the Chained Consumer Price Index (all items-all urban consumers) published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics;''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2015, and shall apply with respect to any cost-of-living adjustment taking effect under section 8340 or 8462 of title 5, United States Code, on or after that date. Subtitle D--Chained CPI SEC. 231. CHANGE IN INDEX USED TO CALCULATE SOCIAL SECURITY COST-OF- LIVING ADJUSTMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 215(i)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(H) the term `Consumer Price Index' means the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U, as published in its initial version by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).''. (b) Application to Pre-1979 Law.-- (1) In general.--Section 215(i)(1) of the Social Security Act as in effect in December 1978, and as applied in certain cases under the provisions of such Act as in effect after December 1978, is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(D) the term `Consumer Price Index' means the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U, as published in its initial version by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).''. (2) Conforming change.--Section 215(i)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(4)) is amended by inserting ``and by section 231 of the Provide for the Common Defense Act of 2013'' after ``1986''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to adjustments effective with or after December 2014.

Summary: Provide for the Common Defense Act of 2013 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to nullify the presidential sequestration order issued for the revised security category (discretionary appropriations in budget function 050) for FY2014-FY2015 to enforce a specified budget goal. Establishes the discretionary spending limit for the revised security category for each such fiscal year. Amends part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to adjustments to the calculation of Medicare parts B and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) premiums for high income beneficiaries for 2017 and subsequent years. Reduces the monthly amount of the Medicare parts B and D premium subsidies (with a corresponding increase in the monthly premium amount) for individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold amount by specified applicable percentages for modified adjusted gross incomes in certain ranges starting at $85,000 (40%) and finally exceeding $214,000 (90%). Revises the temporary adjustment to income thresholds used to calculate premiums between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2019, to extend it through December 31 of the first year after 2019 after the year in which at least 25% of individuals enrolled in the Medicare parts B and D are subject to a reduction to the monthly amount of the applicable premium subsidy. Increases by $25 per year the part B deductible for new enrollees after January 1, 2017, and subsequent years. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to establish caps beginning with FY2014 for: (1) combined crop insurance provider rates of return, and (2) reimbursements for crop insurance provider administrative and operating expenses. Reduces according to a specified formula the crop insurance premium for catastrophic risk protection coverage. Reduces the portion of premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (premium subsidies) for the following coverages: (1) additional insurance, (2) enterprise and whole farm units, (3) area revenue plans, and (4) area yield plans. Requires an additional .4% increase per year, beginning in calendar 2014, in the percentage of basic pay that federal employees or Members of Congress must contribute to their pension plans under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Reduces government contributions to CSRS and FERS by the amount of such increased employee contributions. Eliminates annuity supplements for federal employees hired after 2013. Revises the definition of “price index,” for purposes of cost-of-living adjustments to federal employee benefits, to mean the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (Chained CPI) instead of the Consumer Price Index. Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Surivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to require the use of the Chained CPI for calculation of Social Security cost-of-living adjustments.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ELDERLY CONSUMERS. (a) In General.--The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish an index for each calendar month to be known as the ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers'' that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals in the United States who are 62 years of age or older. (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to calendar months ending on or after July 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. SEC. 3. COMPUTATION OF COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES. (a) Amendments to Title II.-- (1) In general.--Section 215(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1)(G), by inserting before the period the following: ``, and, solely with respect to any monthly insurance benefit payable under this title to an individual who has attained age 62, effective for adjustments under this subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227 or 228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the applicable Consumer Price Index shall be deemed to be the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary insurance amount shall be deemed adjusted under this subsection using such Index''; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and by section 9001'' and inserting ``, by section 9001'', and by inserting after ``1986,'' the following: ``and by section 3(a) of the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2015,''. (2) Conforming amendments in applicable former law.-- Section 215(i)(1)(C) of such Act, as in effect in December 1978 and applied in certain cases under the provisions of such Act in effect after December 1978, is amended by inserting before the period the following: ``, and, solely with respect to any monthly insurance benefit payable under this title to an individual who has attained age 62, effective for adjustments under this subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227 or 228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the applicable Consumer Price Index shall be deemed to be the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary insurance amount shall be deemed adjusted under this subsection using such Index''. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply to determinations made with respect to cost-of- living computation quarters ending on or after September 30 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted. (b) Amendments to Title XVIII.-- (1) In general.--Title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) is amended-- (A) in section 1814(i)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)(2)(B)), by inserting ``(i) for accounting years ending before October 1 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2015 was enacted,'' after ``for a year is'', and by inserting after ``fifth month of the accounting year'' the following: ``, and (ii) for accounting years ending after October 1 of such calendar year, the cap amount determined under clause (i) for the last accounting year referred to in such clause, increased or decreased by the same percentage as the percentage increase or decrease, respectively, in the medical care expenditure category (or corresponding category) of the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from March of such calendar year to the fifth month of the accounting year''; (B) in section 1821(c)(2)(C)(ii)(II) (42 U.S.C. 1395i-5(c)(2)(C)(ii)(II)), by striking ``consumer price index for all urban consumers (all items; United States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (C) in section 1833(h)(2)(A)(i) (42 U.S.C. 1395l(h)(2)(A)(i)) by striking ``Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (United States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (D) in section 1833(i)(2)(C)(i) (42 U.S.C. 1395l(i)(2)(C)(i)), by striking ``Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (U.S. city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (E) in section 1834(a)(14)(L) (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)(14)(L)), by striking ``consumer price index for all urban consumers (U.S. urban average)'' and inserting ``applicable consumer price index''; (F) in section 1834(h)(4)(A)(xi)(I) (42 U.S.C. 1395m(h)(4)(A)(xi)(I)), by striking ``consumer price index for all urban consumers (United States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (G) in section 1834(l)(3)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)(3)(B)), by striking ``consumer price index for all urban consumers (U.S. city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (H) in section 1839(i)(5)(A)(ii) (42 U.S.C. 1395r(i)(5)(A)(ii)), by striking ``Consumer Price Index (United States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (I) in section 1842(s)(1)(B)(ii)(I) (42 U.S.C. 1395u(s)(1)(B)(ii)(I)), by striking ``consumer price index for all urban consumers (United States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (J) in each of subparagraphs (D)(ii) and (E)(i)(II) of section 1860D-14(a)(3) (42 U.S.C. 1395w-114(a)(3)) and in section 1860D-14(a)(4)(A)(ii) (42 U.S.C. 1395w- 114(a)(4)(A)(ii)), by striking ``consumer price index (all items; U.S. city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (K) in section 1882(p)(11)(C)(ii) (42 U.S.C. 1395ss(p)(11)(C)(ii)), by striking ``Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (all items; U.S. city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''; (L) in each of clauses (iv) and (vi)(II) of section 1886(h)(2)(E) (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(2)(E)), by striking ``for all urban consumers''; and (M) in section 1886(h)(5)(B) (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(5)(B)), by striking ``Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (United States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''. (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to determinations made for periods ending after December 31 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act was enacted.

Summary: Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2015 This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits using a new index in place of the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics must prepare and publish, for this purpose, a monthly CPI for Elderly Consumers that reflects changes over time to expenditures typical for individuals aged 62 and older.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Secret Service Accountability and Improvement Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (a) In General.--Congress finds the following: (1) Several recent failures have drawn negative attention to the protective mission of the United States Secret Service. Such key failures include lapses in responding appropriately to potential threats to the White House complex, United States Secret Service personnel exhibiting conduct that is unbecoming to the Service in several instances, and reports of United States Secret Service personnel misusing the authorities and resources of the Service. (2) For example, on September 19, 2014, an individual obtained unauthorized access to the White House. Such access was obtained after failures in five security layers by the United States Secret Service. In another example, on November 11, 2011, an individual fired multiple shots from a semiautomatic rifle at the White House complex. It was revealed that a total of seven bullets struck the exterior of the building. The Service failed to fully investigate the incident in a timely manner or to disclose it. (3) On March 23, 2014, a Special Agent assigned to the Counter Assault Team was found intoxicated to the point of unconsciousness in a hotel in Amsterdam in advance of a Presidential visit. In another example, on April 11, 2012, conduct unbecoming to United States Secret Service personnel was exhibited before a Presidential visit to Cartagena, Columbia. Nine personnel were involved in serious misconduct. (4) Surveillance personnel from the Washington field office were diverted in 2011 from supporting the protective mission at the request of senior leadership in order to provide protection to a United States Secret Service employee at her home following a neighborhood dispute. Such a diversion was outside the scope of the Service's duties and violated the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. (b) Further Findings.--Congress further finds that the protection of the President, Vice President, First and Second Families, and former Presidents is a matter of national security. Any issues that distract from the protective mission of the United States Secret Service are a threat to the national security of the United States. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established in the legislative branch an independent advisory panel to-- (1) examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites, and special events of national significance (in accordance with paragraph (1) of section 3056(e) of title 18 United States Code); and (2) make recommendations to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the United States Secret Service. SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP. (a) In General.--The independent advisory panel (in this Act referred to as the ``Panel'') established pursuant to section 3 shall be composed of eight members, as follows: (1) Two members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in coordination with the chairs of the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives. Only one of such members may be from the same political party as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (2) Two members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, in coordination with the chairs of the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. Only one of such members may be from the same political party as the majority leader of the Senate. (3) One member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, in coordination with the ranking members of the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives. (4) One member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, in coordination with the ranking members of the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. (5) Two members shall be appointed by the President, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Only one of such members may be from the same political party as the President. (b) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (a), members of the Panel may not be current appointees of the President's Administration or Members of Congress, in order to ensure objectivity of the Panel's assessments. No member may be or have been an employee of the United States Secret Service at any point in their career. (c) Deadline for Appointments.--All appointments to the Panel shall be made not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Co-Chairs.--The Panel shall have two co-chairs, as follows: (1) A co-chair who shall be a member of the Panel designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (2) A co-chair who shall be a member of the Panel designated by the majority leader of the Senate. (e) Vacancy.--In the event of a vacancy on the Panel, the individual appointed to fill the vacant seat shall be-- (1) subject to paragraph (2), appointed by the same officer (or the officer's successor) who made the appointment to the seat when the Panel was first established; or (2) if the officer's successor is of a party other than the party of the officer who made the initial appointment when the Panel was first established, chosen in consultation with the senior officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the party which is the party of the officer who made such initial appointment. (f) Government Employees.--Members of the Panel who are officers or employees of the Federal Government shall serve without additional pay (or benefits in the nature of compensation) for service as a member of the Panel. (g) Initial Meeting.--The Panel shall meet and begin the operations of the Panel not later than 60 days after the appointment of all Panel members under subsection (a). SEC. 5. DUTIES. The Panel shall assess the current leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the United States Secret Service, including assessing-- (1) the unity of effort between the divisions of the United States Secret Service, law enforcement agencies, and other components of the Department of Homeland Security related to the protective and investigative missions, including whether mission duplication with other Federal entities exists; (2) the impact of United States Secret Service personnel culture on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Service, including Special Agent and Uniformed Division retention; (3) the impact any leadership or security deficiencies have on the threat from acts of terrorism or other security incidents; (4) identification of all security breaches at locations under United States Secret Service protection in the past five years; (5) the extent to which current resources provide for accomplishing the mission of the United States Secret Service; (6) the effectiveness of communications and dissemination of homeland security information within the United States Secret Service and with other law enforcement entities in routine as well as emergency situations; and (7) any necessary recommendations for congressional consideration. SEC. 6. POWERS AND AUTHORITIES. (a) In General.--The Panel or, on the authority of the Panel, any portion thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out this section-- (1) hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, administer such oaths (provided that the quorum for a hearing shall be two members of the Panel); and (2) subject to subsection (b), require by subpoena or otherwise provide for the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents, as the Panel, or such portion thereof, may determine advisable. (b) Open to the Public.--Hearings and other activities conducted under subsection (a) shall be open to the public unless the Panel, or, on the authority of the Panel, any portion thereof, determines that such is not appropriate, including for reasons relating to the disclosure of information or material regarding the national security interests of the United States or the disclosure of sensitive law enforcement data. (c) Subpoenas.-- (1) Issuance.-- (A) In general.--A subpoena may be issued under this subsection only-- (i) by the two co-chairs; or (ii) by the affirmative recorded vote of six members of the Panel. (B) Signature.--Subpoenas issued under this subsection may be-- (i) issued under the signature of the two co-chairs or any member designated by a majority of the Panel; and (ii) served by any person designated by the two co-chairs or by any member designated by a majority of the Panel. (2) Enforcement.-- (A) In general.--In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena issued under this subsection, the United States district court for the judicial district in which the subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found, or where the subpoena is returnable, may issue an order requiring such person to produce documentary or other evidence. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt of that court. (B) Additional enforcement.--In the case of any failure of any witness to comply with any subpoena, the Panel may, by majority vote, certify a statement of fact constituting such failure to the appropriate United States attorney, who may bring the matter before a grand jury for its action, under the same statutory authority and procedures as if the United States attorney had received a certification under sections 102 through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (2 U.S.C. 192 through 194). (d) Personnel.-- (1) In general.--The Panel shall have the authorities provided in section 3161 of title 5, United States Code, and shall be subject to the conditions specified in such section, except to the extent that such conditions would be inconsistent with the requirements of this section. (2) Compensation.--The co-chairs, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Panel, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Panel to carry out its functions, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no rate of pay fixed under this paragraph may exceed the equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. (3) Detailees.--Any employee of the Federal Government may be detailed to the Panel without reimbursement from the Panel, and such employee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of such employee's regular employment without interruption. (4) Expert and consultant services.--The Panel is authorized to procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. (5) Volunteer services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Panel may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as the Panel determines necessary. (e) Security Clearances.--The appropriate departments or agencies of the Federal Government shall cooperate with the Panel in expeditiously providing to the Panel members and staff appropriate security clearances to the extent possible pursuant to existing procedures and requirements, except that no person shall be provided with access to classified information under this section without the appropriate security clearances. (f) Contracting.--The Panel may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Panel to carry out its duties under this Act. (g) Postal Services.--The Panel may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (h) Support Services.--Upon request of the Panel, the Administrator of General Services shall provide the Panel, on a reimbursable basis, with the administrative support services necessary for the Panel to carry out its duties under this Act. Such administrative services may include human resource management, budget, leasing, accounting, and payroll services. (i) Rules of Procedure.--The Panel may establish rules for the conduct of the Panel's business, if such rules are not inconsistent with this Act or other applicable law. (j) Nonapplicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Panel. (k) Termination.--The Panel shall terminate on the date that is 60 days after the date of the submission of its final report. SEC. 7. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. (a) Interim Report.--Not later than nine months after the date of the appointment of all the members of the Panel, the Panel shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an interim report, including the results and findings of the assessments carried out in accordance with section 5. (b) Other Reports and Briefings.--The Panel may from time to time submit to the committees specified in subsection (a) such other reports and briefings relating to the assessments carried out in accordance with section 5 as the Panel considers appropriate. Such committees may request information on the Panel's progress as it conducts its work. (c) Final Report.--Not later than eighteen months after the date of the appointment of all the members of the Panel, the Panel shall submit to the committees specified in subsection (a) a final report on the assessments carried out in accordance with section 5. Such final report shall-- (1) include the findings of the Panel; (2) identify lessons learned related to United States Secret Service leadership issues; and (3) include specific recommendations, including those for congressional consideration, relating to-- (A) improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites, and special events of national significance (in accordance with paragraph (1) of section 3056(e) of title 18 United States Code); (B) improving unity of effort between the divisions of the United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies and other components of the Department of Homeland Security relating to the protective and, as applicable, investigative missions, including whether duplication with other Federal entities exists; (C) eliminating barriers to effective communications in routine as well as emergency situations; (D) identifying and mitigating cultural issues within the United States Secret Service that detract from the mission of the Service; and (E) improvements needed to mitigate risks based on past security breaches.

Summary: United States Secret Service Accountability and Improvement Act of 2014 - Establishes in the legislative branch an independent advisory panel to: (1) examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission to protect national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites, and special events of national significance; and (2) make recommendations to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the United States Secret Service. Directs the panel to assess the current leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the Service, including assessing: the unity of effort between the divisions of the Service, law enforcement agencies, and other components of DHS related to the protective and investigative missions; the impact of Service personnel culture on its effectiveness and efficiency; the impact any leadership or security deficiencies have on the threat from acts of terrorism or other security incidents; identification of all security breaches at locations under Service protection in the past five years; the extent to which current resources provide for accomplishing its mission, and the effectiveness of communications and dissemination of homeland security information within the Service and with other law enforcement entities in routine and emergency situations. Sets forth reporting requirements, including requiring the final report to identify lessons learned regarding Service leadership issues and to include recommendations for improving efficiency and effectiveness, improving unity of effort, eliminating barriers to effective communications, identifying and mitigating culture issues that detract from its mission, and mitigating risks based on past security breaches.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Employee Ownership Bank Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) Over the past 2 years, the United States has lost more than 2,000,000 decent-paying manufacturing jobs. (2) With 14,731,000 total manufacturing jobs, the United States now has the lowest number of factory jobs since October, 1958. (3) According to Forrester Research, ``Over the next 15 years, 3,300,000 United States service industry jobs and $136,000,000,000 in wages will move offshore to countries like India, Russia, China and the Philippines. The IT industry will lead the initial overseas exodus.''. (4) At the end of 2002, the United States had a record- breaking trade deficit of $435,200,000,000, including a $103,100,000,000 trade deficit with China. (5) Preserving and increasing decent-paying jobs must be a top priority of the United States Congress. (6) Providing loan guarantees, direct loans, and technical assistance to employees to buy their own companies will preserve and increase employment in the United States. (7) Just like the United States Export-Import Bank was created in 1934 during the midst of the Great Depression as a way to increase United States jobs through exports, the time has come to establish the United States Employee Ownership Bank within the Department of the Treasury to preserve and expand jobs in the United States. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP BANK WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY. (a) Establishment Required.--Before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish the United States Employee Ownership Bank (hereinafter referred to as the ``Bank'') to foster increased employee ownership and greater employee participation in company decision-making throughout the United States. (b) Duties of Bank.--The Secretary shall establish such Bank to provide the following: (1) Loans subordinated to the interests of all other creditors, loan guarantees, and technical assistance, on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, to employees to purchase a business through an employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker-owned cooperative that are at least 51 percent employee owned. (2) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative organizations with experience in developing employee-owned businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to provide education and outreach to inform people about the possibilities and benefits of employee ownership of companies, gain sharing, and participation in company decision-making, including some financial education. (3) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative organizations with experience in developing employee-owned businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to provide technical assistance to assist employee efforts to become business owners. (4) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative organizations with experience in developing employee-owned businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to provide participation training to teach employees and employers methods of employee participation in company decision-making. (5) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative organizations with experience in developing employee-owned businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to conduct objective third party pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to determine if employees who would like to start-up employee stock ownership plans or worker cooperatives would be able to make a profit. (c) Preconditions.--Before the Bank makes any subordinated loan or loan guarantee under subsection (b)(1), the employees shall submit to the Bank the following: (1) A business plan that shows that-- (A) at least 51 percent of all interests in the employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker-owned cooperative is owned or controlled by employees; (B) the Board of Directors of the employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker-owned cooperative is elected by all of the employees; and (C) all employees receive basic information about company progress and have the opportunity to participate in day-to-day operations. (2) A feasibility study from an objective third party with a positive determination that the employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker owned cooperative will be profitable enough to pay back any loan, subordinated loan or loan guarantee that was made possible through the United States Employee Ownership Bank. (d) Insurance of Subordinated Loans and Loan Guarantees.-- (1) In general.--The Bank shall, with respect to any subordinated loan or loan guarantee provided under this Act, insure such loan or loan guarantee against the nonrepayment of the outstanding balance of the loan. (2) Annual premiums.--The Bank shall fix the annual premium for the insurance of each subordinated loan or loan guarantee under this subsection to be paid by the borrower in such manner and in such amount as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (3) Premiums and guarantee fees available to cover losses.--The premiums collected by the Bank from insurance issued under this subsection and the fees collected by the Bank for loan guarantees issued under subsection (b) shall be deposited in a fund in the Treasury and shall be available to the Bank to cover any losses incurred by the Bank in connection with any such loan or loan guarantee. (e) Technical Assistance in the Discretion of the Secretary.--In the case of activities under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may require the Bank to take the following actions: (1) Provide for the targeting of key groups such as retiring business owners, unions, managers, trade associations, and community organizations. (2) Encourage cooperation in organizing workshops and conferences. (3) Provide for the preparation and distribution of materials concerning employee ownership and participation. (f) Participation Training in the Discretion of the Secretary.--In the case of activities under subsection (b)(4), the Secretary may require the Bank to take the following actions: (1) Provide for courses on employee participation. (2) Provide for the development and fostering of networks of employee owned companies to spread the use of successful participation techniques. SEC. 4. REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS OF THE UNITED STATES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP BANK. Before the end of the 30-day period beginning the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe regulations to ensure the safety and soundness of the United States Employee Ownership Bank. SEC. 5. REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE UNITED STATES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP BANK WILL NOT COMPETE WITH COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. Before the end of the 30-day period beginning the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe regulations to ensure that the United States Employee Ownership Bank will not compete with commercial financial institutions. SEC. 6. COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT CREDIT. Section 804 of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (12 U.S.C. 2903) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Establishment of ESOPs and EWOCs.--In assessing and taking into account, under subsection (a), the record of a financial institution, the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency may consider as a factor capital investments, loans, loan participation, technical assistance, financial advice, grants, and other ventures undertaken by the institution to support or enable manufacturing employees to establish employee stock ownership plans or eligible worker owned cooperatives that are at least 51 percent employee-owned plans or cooperatives.''. SEC. 7. ORGANIZATION OF BANK. (a) Management.--There shall be at the head of the Bank, a Director of the United States Employee Ownership Bank (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ``Director''), who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (b) Staff.--The Director may select, appoint, employ, and fix the compensation of such employees as shall be necessary to carry out the functions of the Bank. SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Summary: United States Employee Ownership Bank Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the United States Employee Ownership Bank in order to foster increased employee ownership and participation in company decision-making throughout the United States. Lists among the Bank's duties providing loans to enable employees to purchase a business through an employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker-owned cooperative that is at least 51 percent employee-owned. States that such loans are subordinated to the interests of all other creditors, loan guarantees, and technical assistance programs. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that in assessing and taking into account the record of a financial institution, the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency may consider as a factor capital investments, loans, loan participation, technical assistance, financial advice, grants, and other ventures undertaken by the institution to support or enable manufacturing employees to establish employee stock ownership plans or eligible worker owned cooperatives that are at least 51 percent employee-owned plans or cooperatives.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Saddam Hussein regime committed human rights atrocities against the citizens of Iraq. (2) In the past, women in Iraq played important roles in public and private industries, including the government. (3) Iraqi women currently are serving in the National Assembly, government ministries, and local governments. (4) The reconstruction of Iraq and the writing of the permanent Iraqi Constitution provide a unique opportunity to continue this success and to affirm women's human rights under law. (5) For women to fully participate in Iraqi society, they must have the guaranteed right to vote, the guaranteed right to run for office, guaranteed equality of opportunity, guaranteed equality in family law, guaranteed equal access to the civil courts, protection from gender-motivated violence, and guaranteed access to health care, education, and employment. (6) The United States, through its involvement in Iraq, must be actively working toward guaranteeing the full inclusion and participation of Iraqi women in the political and economic life of their country, and must continue to do so throughout the reconstruction process. (7) The United States must be actively working to ensure that the lives of Iraqi women are made better, not worse, because of United States intervention. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF IRAQI WOMEN'S FUND. (a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall establish a fund for the purpose of assisting women and girls in Iraq in the areas of political, legal, and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter. (b) Activities Supported.--The fund established under subsection (a) shall support the following activities: (1) Direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs (hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Ministry'') to promote the strengthening of the Ministry as the Government of Iraq continues its transition to a long-term government structure. The Ministry may use such assistance to support activities such as the following: (A) Multiyear women-centered economic development programs, including programs to assist widows, female heads of household, women in rural areas, and disabled women. (B) Collaboration with the Iraq Ministry of Health to construct health infrastructure and delivery of high-quality comprehensive health care programs, including primary, maternal, child, reproductive, and mental health care. (C) Programs to prevent trafficking in persons, assist victims, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers in persons. (D) Programs to prevent gender-motivated violence targeted at women, including domestic violence. (2) Collaboration with the Iraq Ministry of Education to construct women's educational facilities in Iraq and promote the education of Iraqi girls beyond primary school. (c) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall prepare and submit to Congress a report that contains documentation of activities of the United States Agency for International Development, the Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Iraq Ministry of Health, and the Iraq Ministry of Education to implement the requirements of this section. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $22,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007, 2008, and 2009 and such sums as are necessary for each subsequent fiscal year. SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not less than 15 percent of the aggregate amount of economic and humanitarian assistance authorized to be made available to Iraq for each of the fiscal years 2007, 2008, and 2009 shall be made available for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including not less than 5 percent of that 15 percent for Iraqi women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Iraqi women and children to support their programmatic activities and organizational development. In recognition of the appreciating capacity of Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations, an appropriate percentage of the aggregate amount of economic and humanitarian assistance authorized to be made available to Iraq for fiscal year 2010 and each subsequent fiscal year shall be made available for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations. SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO UNITED STATES ACTIVITIES IN IRAQ. (a) In General.--Activities described in subsections (b) through (d) that are carried out by the United States in Iraq shall comply with the applicable requirements contained in such subsections. (b) Governance of Iraq.--With respect to the governance of Iraq, the applicable requirements are the following: (1) Include the perspectives and advice of Iraqi women's organizations, networks, and leaders in United States policymaking related to the governance of Iraq. (2) Promote the achievement of 25 percent of the seats in the National Assembly to be held by Iraqi women to ensure that women's full range of human rights are included and upheld in any constitution or legal structures of Iraq. (3) Encourage the appointment of women to high level positions within Iraqi Ministries. (c) Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.--With respect to activities relating to post-conflict stability in Iraq, the applicable requirements are the following: (1) Encourage United States organizations that receive funds authorized by this Act to partner with or create Iraqi- led counterpart organizations and provide these organizations with significant financial resources, technical assistance, and capacity building. (2) Increase women's access to or ownership of productive assets such as land, water, agricultural inputs, credit, and property. (3) Provide long-term financial assistance for primary, secondary, higher, nontraditional, and vocational education for Iraqi girls, women, boys, and men. (4) Integrate education and training programs for former combatants with economic development programs to encourage their reintegration into society and to promote post-conflict stability. (d) Iraqi Military and Police.--With respect to training for military and police forces in Iraq, the applicable requirements are the following: (1) Include training on the protection, rights, and the particular needs of women and emphasize that violations of women's rights are intolerable and should be prosecuted. (2) Encourage such trainers who will carry out the activities in paragraph (1) to consult with women's organizations in Iraq to ensure that training content and materials are adequate, appropriate, and comprehensive. SEC. 6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall prepare and transmit to Congress a report that contains documentation of activities of the United States to guarantee the rights of Iraqi women, including progress in implementing the requirements of section 5 and on the status of women's rights in Iraq. All data in the report shall be disaggregated by gender.

Summary: Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006 - Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) establish a fund to assist women and girls in Iraq in the areas of political, legal, and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter. Directs that the fund: (1) provide direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs to strengthen the Ministry as the government of Iraq transitions to a long-term government structure; and (2) collaborate with the Iraq Ministry of Education to construct women's educational facilities and promote the education of Iraqi girls beyond primary school. Obligates specified economic and humanitarian assistance to Iraq for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Iraqi women and children.


SECTION 1. DEDUCTION FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES. (a) Deduction Allowed.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 220 as section 221 and by inserting after section 219 the following new section: ``SEC. 220. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES. ``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the qualified postsecondary education expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year. ``(b) Dollar Limitations.-- ``(1) Per student.--The aggregate payments during the taxable year for the qualified postsecondary education expenses of each individual which may be taken into account under subsection (a) shall not exceed $10,000. ``(2) Per taxpayer.--The amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed $20,000. ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Qualified postsecondary education expenses.--The term `qualified postsecondary education expenses' means qualified tuition and related expenses of-- ``(A) the taxpayer, or ``(B) an individual who is the spouse, or a dependent, of the taxpayer for the taxable year in which such expenses are incurred, for attendance at an eligible educational institution. ``(2) Qualified tuition and related expenses.--The term `qualified tuition and related expenses' means-- ``(A) tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution, ``(B) fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an institution, and ``(C) reasonable living expenses while away from home. Such term shall not include expenses which are treated as not described in section 135(c)(2)(A) by reason of section 135(c)(2)(B). ``(3) Eligible educational institution.--The term `eligible educational institution' has the meaning given to such term by section 135(c)(3). ``(d) Coordination With Other Provisions.-- ``(1) No double benefit.-- ``(A) In general.--No deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for qualified postsecondary education expenses with respect to which a deduction is allowed under any other provision of this chapter. ``(B) Savings bond exclusion.--A deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for qualified postsecondary education expenses only to the extent the amount of such expenses exceeds the amount excludable under section 135 for the taxable year. ``(e) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Adjustment for certain scholarships and veterans benefits.--The amounts otherwise taken into account under subsection (a) as qualified postsecondary education expenses of any individual during any period shall be reduced (before the application of subsection (b)) by any amounts received by such individual during such period as-- ``(A) a qualified scholarship (within the meaning of section 117(b)) which under section 117 is not includible in gross income, or ``(B) an educational assistance allowance under chapters 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of title 38 of the United States Code. ``(2) Eligible courses.--Amounts paid for qualified postsecondary education expenses of any individual shall be taken into account under subsection (a) only to the extent such expenses are attributable to courses of instruction for which credit is allowed toward a degree by an institution of higher education or toward a certificate of required course work at a vocational school. ``(3) Individual must be at least a half-time student.--No deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for amounts paid during the taxable year for qualified postsecondary education expenses with respect to any individual unless that individual, during any 4 calendar months during the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins, is at least a half-time student at an eligible education institution. ``(4) Taxpayer who is dependent of another taxpayer.--No deduction shall be allowed to a taxpayer under subsection (a) for amount paid for the education of such taxpayer if such taxpayer is a dependent of another person for a taxable year beginning in the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins. ``(5) Spouse.--No deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for amounts paid during the taxable year for qualified postsecondary education expenses for the spouse of the taxpayer unless-- ``(A) the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption for his spouse under section 151(b) for the taxable year, or ``(B) the taxpayer files a joint return with his spouse for the taxable year.'' (b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.--Section 62(a) of such Code is amended by inserting after paragraph (15) the following new paragraph: ``(16) Postsecondary education expenses.--The deduction allowed by section 220.'' (c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating to section 220 and inserting: ``Sec. 220. Postsecondary education expenses. ``Sec. 221. Cross reference.'' (d) Effective Dates.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1994.

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for qualified postsecondary education expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependent.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Border Health Security Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States-Mexico border is an interdependent and dynamic region of more than 15,000,000 people with significant and unique public health challenges. (2) These challenges include low rates of health insurance coverage, poor access to health care services, high unemployment rates, low educational attainment, and high rates of dangerous diseases, such as tuberculosis, diabetes, obesity, and other non-communicable diseases. (3) As the 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic illustrated, diseases do not respect international boundaries, and a strong public health effort at and along the borders is crucial to not only protect and improve the health of Americans but also to help secure the country against threats to biosecurity and other emerging threats. (4) For 11 years, the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission has served as a crucial binational institution to address these unique and truly cross-border health issues. (5) More than 75 percent of Canadians live within 100 miles of the United States border. The 2003 epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused more than 250 illnesses in the Greater Toronto Area, just 80 miles from New York. SEC. 3. UNITED STATES-MEXICO BORDER HEALTH COMMISSION ACT AMENDMENTS. The United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act (22 U.S.C. 290n et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 3-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``;''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) to cooperate with the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness Council (referred to in this Act as the `Council'), as appropriate; and ``(4) to serve as an independent and objective body to both recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health issues.''; (2) in section 5-- (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``should be the leader'' and inserting ``shall be the Chair''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Providing Advice and Recommendations.--Members of the Commission and the Council may at any time provide advice or recommendations to the Secretary, Congress, or any Member of Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission or Council. Such advice or recommendations may be provided regardless of whether a request for such is made and regardless of whether the member or individual is authorized to provide such advice or recommendations by the Commission or Council or any other Federal official.''; (3) by redesignating section 8 as section 12; (4) by striking section 7 and inserting the following: ``SEC. 7. BORDER HEALTH GRANTS. ``(a) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means a State, public institution of higher education, local government, Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization, nonprofit health organization, trauma center, critical access hospital or other hospital that serves rural or other vulnerable communities and populations, faith-based entity, or community health center receiving assistance under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b), that is located in the United States- Mexico border area or the United States-Canada border area. ``(b) Authorization.--From amounts appropriated under section 11, the Secretary, in consultation with members of the Commission and Council and in coordination with the Office of Global Affairs, shall award grants to eligible entities to address priorities and recommendations outlined by the strategic plan and operational work plan of the Commission and the Council, as authorized under section 9, to improve the health of United States-Mexico border area and United States-Canada border area residents. ``(c) Application.--An eligible entity that desires a grant under subsection (b) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (b) shall use the grant funds for any of the following: ``(1) Programs relating to any one or more of the following: ``(A) Maternal and child health. ``(B) Primary care and preventative health. ``(C) Infectious disease testing, monitoring, and surveillance. ``(D) Public health and public health infrastructure. ``(E) Health promotion. ``(F) Oral health. ``(G) Behavioral and mental health. ``(H) Substance abuse prevention and harm reduction. ``(I) Health conditions that have a high prevalence in the United States-Mexico border area or United States-Canada border area. ``(J) Medical and health services research. ``(K) Workforce training and development. ``(L) Community health workers and promotoras. ``(M) Health care infrastructure problems in the United States-Mexico border area or United States- Canada border area (including planning and construction grants). ``(N) Health disparities in the United States- Mexico border area or United States-Canada border area. ``(O) Environmental health. ``(P) Health education. ``(Q) Outreach and enrollment services with respect to Federal programs (including programs authorized under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. and 1397aa et seq.)). ``(R) Trauma care. ``(S) Health research with an emphasis on infectious disease and pressing issues related to noncommunicable diseases. ``(T) Epidemiology and health research. ``(U) Cross-border health surveillance coordinated with Mexican Health Authorities or Canadian Health Authorities. ``(V) Obesity, particularly childhood obesity. ``(W) Crisis communication, domestic violence, health literacy, or cancer. ``(X) Community-based participatory research on border health issues. ``(Y) Violence prevention. ``(Z) Cross-border public health preparedness. ``(2) Other programs determined appropriate by the Secretary. ``(e) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Amounts provided to an eligible entity awarded a grant under subsection (b) shall be used to supplement and not supplant other funds available to the eligible entity to carry out the activities described in subsection (d). ``SEC. 8. GRANTS FOR EARLY WARNING INFECTIOUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE (EWIDS) IN THE BORDER AREA. ``(a) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means a State, local government, Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization, trauma center, regional trauma center coordinating entity, or public health entity. ``(b) Authorization.--From funds appropriated under section 11, the Secretary shall award grants for Early Warning Infectious Disease Surveillance (EWIDS) to eligible entities for infectious disease surveillance activities in the United States-Mexico border area or United States-Canada border area. ``(c) Application.--An eligible entity that desires a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Uses of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (b) shall use the grant funds, in coordination with State and local all hazards programs, to-- ``(1) develop and implement infectious disease surveillance plans and networks and public health emergency and readiness assessments and preparedness plans, and purchase items necessary for such plans; ``(2) coordinate infectious disease surveillance planning and interjurisdictional risk assessments in the region with appropriate United States-based agencies and organizations and appropriate authorities in Mexico or Canada; ``(3) improve infrastructure, including surge capacity, syndromic surveillance, and isolation/decontamination capacity, and policy preparedness, including for mutual assistance and for the sharing of information and resources; ``(4) improve laboratory capacity, in order to maintain and enhance capability and capacity to detect potential infectious disease, whether naturally occurring or the result of terrorism; ``(5) create and maintain a health alert network, including risk communication and information dissemination that is culturally competent and takes into account the needs of at- risk populations, including individuals with disabilities; ``(6) educate and train clinicians, epidemiologists, laboratories, and emergency management personnel; ``(7) implement electronic data and infrastructure inventory systems to coordinate the triage, transportation, and treatment of multicasualty incident victims; ``(8) provide infectious disease testing in the United States-Mexico border area or United States-Canada border area; and ``(9) carry out such other activities identified by the Secretary, members of the Commission, members of the Council, State or local public health authorities, representatives of border health offices, or authorities at the United States- Mexico or United States-Canada borders. ``SEC. 9. PLANS, REPORTS, AUDITS, AND BY-LAWS. ``(a) Strategic Plan.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission (including the participation of members representing both the United States and Mexican sections) and the Council (including the participation of members representing both the United States and Canada) shall each prepare a binational strategic plan to guide the operations of the Commission and the Council and submit such plan to the Secretary and Congress. ``(2) Requirements.--The binational strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall include-- ``(A) health-related priority areas determined most important by the full membership of the Commission or Council, as applicable; ``(B) recommendations for goals, objectives, strategies, and actions designed to address such priority areas; and ``(C) a proposed evaluation framework with output and outcome indicators appropriate to gauge progress toward meeting the objectives and priorities of the Commission or Council, as applicable. ``(b) Work Plan.--Not later than January 1, 2017, and every 2 years thereafter, the Commission and the Council shall develop and approve an operational work plan and budget based on the strategic plan under subsection (a). ``(c) GAO Review.--Not later than January 1, 2018, and every 2 years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an evaluation of the activities conducted by the Commission and the Council based on the operational work plans described in subsection (b) for the previous year and the output and outcome indicators included in the strategic plan described in subsection (a). The evaluation shall include a request for written evaluations from members of the Commission and the Council about barriers and facilitators to executing successfully the work plans of the Commission and the Council. ``(d) Biannual Reporting.--The Commission and Council shall each issue a biannual report to the Secretary that provides independent policy recommendations related to border health issues. Not later than 3 months following receipt of each such biannual report, the Secretary shall provide to Congress the report and any studies or other materials produced independently by the Commission and Council. ``(e) Audits.--The Secretary shall annually prepare an audited financial report to account for all appropriated assets expended by the Commission and Council to address both the strategic and operational work plans for the year involved. ``(f) By-Laws.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission and Council shall develop and approve bylaws to provide fully for compliance with the requirements of this section. ``(g) Transmittal to Congress.--The Commission and Council shall submit copies of the operational work plan and by-laws to Congress. The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a copy of each evaluation completed under subsection (c) to Congress. ``SEC. 10. COORDINATION. ``(a) In General.--To the extent practicable and appropriate, plans, systems, and activities to be funded (or supported) under this Act for all hazard preparedness, and general border health, shall be coordinated with Federal, State, and local authorities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. ``(b) Coordination of Health Services and Surveillance.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, when appropriate, may coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that-- ``(1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the United States-Mexico border area and United States-Canada border area; and ``(2) warns of health threats, extreme weather conditions, disasters of mass scale, bioterrorism, and other emerging threats along the United States-Mexico border area and United States-Canada border area. ``SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 and each succeeding year, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, of which $4,650,000 shall be made available to fund operationally feasible functions, activities, and grants with respect to the United States- Mexico border and the border health activities under cooperative agreements with the border health offices of the States of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and $2,350,000 shall be allocated for the administration of United States activities under this Act on the United States-Canada border and the border health authorities, acting through the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness Council.''; and (5) in section 12 (as so redesignated)-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (6), respectively; (B) by inserting after paragraph (2), the following: ``(3) Indians; indian tribe; tribal organization; urban indian organization.--The terms `Indian', `Indian tribe', `tribal organization', and `urban Indian organization' have the meanings given such terms in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603).''; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (4), as so redesignated, the following: ``(5) United states-canada border area.--The term `United States-Canada border area' means the area located in the United States and Canada within 100 kilometers of the border between the United States and Canada.''.

Summary: Border Health Security Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to require the commission to cooperate with the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness Council and to recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health issues. Members of the commission may provide advice or recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or Congress without authorization or a request. HHS must award grants: (1) to address the priorities and recommendations of the commission and council to improve the health of border area residents, and (2) for infectious disease surveillance activities in border areas. Every five years, the commission and the council must each prepare a binational strategic plan that includes priority areas, recommendations to address these priority areas, and an evaluation framework to gauge progress. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response may coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security in establishing a system that alerts clinicians and public health officials to emerging health threats in border areas.


SECTION 1. ENERGY-RELATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) information and opinions provided by individuals and entities of the academic and industrial sectors should be an important consideration with respect to energy-related research and development activities carried out by the Federal Government; (2) in carrying out energy-related research and development activities, the Federal Government should regularly seek input from multiple sources, including the industrial sector, academia, and other relevant sectors; (3) research is better focused around well-defined problems that need to be resolved; (4) a number of potential problems to be resolved are likely to require input from a diverse selection of technologies and contributing sectors; (5) sharing of information relating to energy research and development is important to the development and innovation of energy technologies; (6) necessary intellectual property protection can lead to delays in sharing valuable information that could aid in resolving major energy-related problems; (7) the Federal Government should facilitate the sharing of information from a diverse array of industries by ensuring the protection of intellectual property while simultaneously creating an environment of openness and cooperation; and (8) the Federal Government should revise the methods of the Federal Government regarding energy-related research and development to encourage faster development and implementation of energy technologies. (b) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Network.--The term ``network'' means the Energy Technologies Innovation Network established by subsection (d)(1). (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. (3) Survey.--The term ``survey'' means a survey conducted pursuant to subsection (c). (c) Energy-Related Research and Development Priorities.-- (1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Secretary shall conduct a survey in accordance with this subsection to determine the 10 highest-priority energy- related problems to resolve to ensure the goals of-- (A) maximizing the energy security of the United States; (B) maximizing improvements in energy efficiency within the United States; and (C) minimizing damage to the economy and the environment of the United States. (2) Survey.-- (A) In general.--Each survey shall contain a request that the respondent shall list, in descending order of priority, the 10 highest-priority energy- related problems that, in the opinion of the respondent, require resolution as quickly as practicable to ensure the goals described in paragraph (1). (B) Announcement.--The Secretary shall announce the existence of each survey by-- (i) publishing an announcement in the Federal Register; and (ii) placing an announcement in a prominent position on the homepage of the website of the Department of the Energy. (C) Availability.--The Secretary shall ensure that each survey is made available-- (i) in an electronic format only through a link on the Department of Energy website; (ii) for a period of not less than 21 days and not more than 30 days; and (iii) to any individual or entity that elects to participate. (D) Additional information gathering.--Each survey-- (i) shall require each respondent to provide information regarding-- (I) the age of the respondent; (II) the occupational category of the respondent; (III) the period of time during which the respondent has held the current occupation of the respondent; and (IV) the State and country in which the respondent resides; and (ii) may request, but shall not require-- (I) the name of the respondent; (II) an identification of the employer of the respondent; (III) the electronic mail address of the respondent; and (IV) such other information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (E) Respondents.--The Secretary shall seek responses to a survey from appropriate representatives of-- (i) the energy, transportation, manufacturing, construction, mining, and electronic industries; (ii) academia; (iii) research facilities; (iv) nongovernmental organizations; (v) the Federal Government; and (vi) units of State and local government. (F) Nonpolitical requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that each survey is conducted, to the maximum extent practicable-- (i) in a transparent, nonpolitical, and scientific manner; and (ii) without any political bias. (G) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which a survey under this subsection is no longer available under subparagraph (C)(ii), the Secretary shall submit to Congress and make available to the public (including through publication in the Federal Register and on the website of the Department of Energy) a report that-- (i) describes the results of the survey; and (ii) includes a list of the 10 highest- priority energy-related problems based on all responses to the survey. (3) Effect of results on energy-related research and development.-- (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), on receipt of a report under paragraph (2)(G), the Secretary shall ensure that, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of receipt of the report, all energy-related research and development activities of the Department of Energy are carried out for the purpose of resolving, to the maximum extent practicable, the 10 problems included on the list of the report under paragraph (2)(G)(ii). (B) Additional problems.--In addition to the activities described in subparagraph (A), during the 5- year period beginning on the date of receipt of a report under paragraph (2)(G), the Secretary may carry out, using the same quantity of resources as are allocated to any 1 energy-related problem included on the list of the report under paragraph (2)(G)(ii), energy-related research and development activities for the purpose of resolving, to the maximum extent practicable, 2 additional energy-related problems that-- (i) are not included on the list; and (ii) are high-priority energy-related problems, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Energy Technologies Innovation Network.-- (1) Establishment.--There is established an information and collaboration network, to be known as the ``Energy Technologies Innovation Network''. (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the network shall be to provide a forum through which interested parties (including scientists and entrepreneurs) can present, discuss, and collaborate with respect to information and ideas relating to energy technologies. (3) Operation of network.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract, after an open bidding process, with a third party to operate the network. (B) Requirements.--The third party selected under subparagraph (A) shall-- (i) have experience with respect to the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive database of Federal research and development projects that is-- (I) easily searchable; (II) open to the public; and (III) capable of expansion; (ii) provide a secure electronic forum to enable collaboration among users of the network; and (iii) collaborate with the Secretary to protect the intellectual property rights of individual users and governmental agencies participating in the network in accordance with paragraph (6). (4) Required contributors.--Each research laboratory or other facility that receives Federal funding shall provide to the network the results of the research conducted using that funding, regardless of whether the research relates to energy, subject to the condition that revelation of the research will not adversely effect national security. (5) Other contributors.--Other entities, including entities in the academic and industrial sectors and individuals, may participate in the network to actively contribute to resolving-- (A) the energy-related problems included on the list of the report under subsection (c)(2)(G)(ii); or (B) any other energy-related problem that the contributor determines would advance the goals described in subsection (c)(1). (6) Protection of information and ideas.--In collaborating with a third party in operating the network under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall employ such individuals and entities with experience relating to-- (A) intellectual property as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure that-- (i) information and ideas presented, and discussed in the network are-- (I) monitored with respect to the intellectual property owners and components of the information or ideas; and (II) protected in accordance with applicable Federal intellectual property law (including regulations); (ii) information and ideas developed within the network are-- (I) monitored with respect to the intellectual property components of the developers of the information or ideas; and (II) protected in accordance with applicable Federal intellectual property law (including regulations); and (iii) contributors to the network are provided adequate assurances that intellectual property rights of the contributors will be protected with respect to participation in the network; (B) setting up, maintaining, and operating a network that ensures security and reliability. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a survey every five years to determine the 10 highest-priority energy-related problems to resolve to ensure the goals of: (1) maximizing U.S. energy security; (2) maximizing improvements in energy efficiency within the United States; and (3) minimizing damage to the domestic economy and the environment. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress the survey results, including a list of the 10 highest-priority energy-related problems based on survey responses; and (2) ensure that, during the five year period beginning on the date of receipt of the report, all energy-related research and development activities of the Department of Energy (DOE) are implemented for the purpose of resolving the problems listed. Establishes the Energy Technologies Innovation Network to provide a forum through which interested parties (including scientists and entrepreneurs) can present, discuss, and collaborate with respect to information and ideas relating to energy technologies. Requires each research facility that receives federal funding to provide to the Network the results of the research conducted using that funding, regardless of whether the research relates to energy.