SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Reserve Board Civil Rights Compliance Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a milestone embodying a national policy of equal protection under the law regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (2) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against discrimination in the workplace. (3) Section 717 of title VII of such Act applies to all personnel actions affecting employees and applicants for employment in an ``executive agency''. (4) An ``executive agency'' is defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, to include an ``independent establishment'' in the executive branch. (5) The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System exercises extensive regulatory and enforcement authority as a Federal banking agency (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) with regard to State banks which are members of a Federal reserve bank, bank holding companies, and foreign bank operations in the United States under the Federal Reserve Act, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Banking Act of 1933, the International Banking Act of 1978, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and other Federal laws, including the authority to remove directors, officers, and employees from their positions in banks and bank holding companies, the authority to impose large civil money penalties, and the authority to order the divestiture of banks by bank holding companies. (6) The Supreme Court of the United States has stated in the case of Bowsher, Comptroller General of the United States v. Synar, Member of Congress, et al., 478 U.S. 714, 733 (1986), that ``[i]nterpreting a law enacted by Congress to implement the legislative mandate is the very essence of `execution' of the law'' and noted that the exercise of judgment concerning facts that affect the application of an Act is typically made by officers charged with executing a statute, ibid. (7) The activities of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System clearly constitute ``execution of the law'' and the Board is, therefore, clearly and unambiguously an independent establishment in the executive branch (as such term is used in section 104 of title 5, United States Code). (8) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is responsible for enforcing compliance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, has consistently and properly interpreted title VII as applying to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (9) The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit established, in the case of Hilliard v. Volcker, 659 F.2d 1125 (D.C. Cir. 1981), that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is an executive agency within the meaning of section 105 of title 5, United States Code, and section 717 of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (10) The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System did not argue to the contrary while the case of Hilliard v. Volcker was before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. (11) On October 17, 1994, a jury in the case Bennett v. Greenspan, C.A. No. 98-0813-RMU, (Dt. D.C.) found the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve liable for racial discrimination, and retaliation, in violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (12) The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has repeatedly suggested in correspondence with the Congress that such Board is not an executive agency under section 105 of title 5, United States Code, and is therefore not covered by title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (13) The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has acted inconsistently with current law in suggesting, despite-- (A) the unambiguous meaning of section 105 of title 5, United States Code, (B) the unambiguous language title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and (C) the clear applicability of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in several cases brought against the Board in the courts of the United States, that the Board is not covered by title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. SEC. 3. REQUIRED POSTING OF NOTICES. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall post and keep posted in conspicuous places upon its premises where such notices to employees and applicants for employment are customarily posted, and at such other places as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may determine, a notice to be prepared or approved by the Commission setting forth-- (1) excerpts from or summaries of the pertinent provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.), and (2) information pertinent to the rights and procedures applicable under such Acts to employees of, and applicants for employment by, the Board. SEC. 4. REPORT ON COMPLIANCE. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall submit a report, to the Committee on Banking and Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, describing in detail the actions taken by the Board to achieve compliance with section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-16).

Summary: Federal Reserve Board Civil Rights Compliance Act of 1999 - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to post at its premises a notice to be prepared or approved by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission setting forth excerpts from or summaries of the pertinent provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and information pertinent to the rights and procedures applicable under such Act to Board employees and applicants. Requires the Board to report to the congressional banking committees on actions it has taken to achieve compliance with such Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Neighborhood Security Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) National Neighborhood Watch was created by the National Sheriffs Association in 1972 through funding provided by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. (2) Neighborhood Watch is a voluntary program that supports local efforts to safeguard communities. (3) A national registry of Neighborhood Watch units does not exist. (4) On January 30, 2002, President Bush announced the creation of Citizen Corps. Beginning in September 2002, in cooperation of the National Sheriffs Association, Citizen Corps has aimed to encourage citizens to form Neighborhood Watch groups in their local communities to bolster homeland security. (5) Citizens in local communities should be encouraged and empowered to engage in homeland security activities to reduce the threat to homeland security from terrorism. (6) The Nation's homeland security system should do as much as possible to-- (A) encourage the creation of, and participation in, high-quality Neighborhood Watch programs in local communities; (B) disseminate information about homeland security efforts; and (C) educate citizens on how to prevent, and respond to, possible terrorist attacks. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows: (1) To provide each community in each city, suburb, and small town within the United States with the opportunity to establish an effective Neighborhood Watch in which all community members have the opportunity to participate. (2) To create 50,000 new Neighborhood Watches by the end of 2007. (3) To enhance the quality of existing Neighborhood Watches. SEC. 3. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GRANTS. (a) Grants Authorized.-- (1) In general.--The Attorney General, through the Office of Justice Programs, is authorized to award 1 or more grants to eligible entities to develop and improve Neighborhood Watches throughout the Nation. (2) Eligible entities.--Nonprofit organizations and professional associations are eligible to receive grants under this section. (b) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded pursuant to subsection (a) shall be used to-- (1) complete a survey of Neighborhood Watches that identifies such programs by ZIP code; (2) establish a national registry of Neighborhood Watch leaders, with appropriate contact information; (3) through the survey under paragraph (1), identify best practices and model programs among Neighborhood Watches for-- (A) educating community members with respect to the prevention of terrorism and crime; (B) preventing or assisting with the prevention of terrorism and crime; (C) appropriately responding to terrorism and crime; and (D) achieving broad community involvement in activities under subparagraphs (A) through (C); (4) using the best practices identified in paragraph (3), create a manual for communities seeking to-- (A) establish a new Neighborhood Watch; or (B) improve an existing Neighborhood Watch; and (5) engage in outreach and respond to inquiries in order to disseminate information about-- (A) the benefits of effective Neighborhood Watches; (B) the means to establish new Neighborhood Watches; and (C) the means to improve existing Neighborhood Watches. (6) In response to an appropriate request to create a Neighborhood Watch, the grantee shall provide a Neighborhood Watch start-up kit which includes material useful for a Neighborhood Watch that is identified by the grantee. (c) Application.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (2) Criteria.--Applicants for grants under this section shall be selected based on-- (A) the applicant's ability to carry out the activities described in subsection (b); (B) the applicant's experience coordinating Neighborhood Watches; (C) adequate consultation with state and local law enforcement; and (D) and other criteria, as determined by the Attorney General. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 and such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 2005 through 2008 to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act.

Summary: Neighborhood Security Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Attorney General, through the Office of Justice Programs, to award grants to nonprofit organizations and professional associations to develop and improve Neighborhood Watches throughout the Nation.Requires grants to be used to: (1) complete a survey that identifies Neighborhood Watches by ZIP code; (2) establish a national registry of Neighborhood Watch leaders; (3) identify best practices and model programs among Neighborhood Watches for preventing and responding to terrorism and crime; (4) create a manual for communities seeking to establish or improve a Neighborhood Watch; (5) engage in outreach and respond to inquiries to disseminate information about the benefits of effective Neighborhood Watches and the means to establish or improve them; and (6) provide a Neighborhood Watch start-up kit upon request.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Heart Disease Education, Analysis, Research, and Treatment for Women Act'' or the ``HEART for Women Act''. SEC. 2. REPORTING OF DATA IN APPLICATIONS FOR DRUGS, BIOLOGICS, AND DEVICES. (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study investigating the extent to which sponsors of clinical studies of investigational drugs, biologics, and devices and sponsors of applications for approval or licensure of new drugs, biologics, and devices comply with Food and Drug Administration requirements and follow guidance for presentation of clinical study safety and effectiveness data by sex, age, and racial subgroups. (b) Report by GAO.-- (1) Submission.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall complete the study under subsection (a) and submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the results of such study. (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall include each of the following: (A) A description of the extent to which the Food and Drug Administration assists sponsors in complying with the requirements and following the guidance referred to in subsection (a). (B) A description of the effectiveness of the Food and Drug Administration's enforcement of compliance with such requirements. (C) An analysis of the extent to which females, racial and ethnic minorities, and adults of all ages are adequately represented in Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical studies (at all phases) so that product safety and effectiveness data can be evaluated by gender, age, and racial subgroup. (D) An analysis of the extent to which a summary of product safety and effectiveness data disaggregated by sex, age, and racial subgroup is readily available to the public in a timely manner by means of the product label or the Food and Drug Administration's Web site. (E) Appropriate recommendations for-- (i) modifications to the requirements and guidance referred to in subsection (a); or (ii) oversight by the Food and Drug Administration of such requirements. (c) Report by HHS.--Not later than 6 months after the submission by the Comptroller General of the report required under subsection (b), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a response to such report, including a corrective action plan as needed to respond to the recommendations in such report. (d) Biennial Reports by the Food and Drug Administration.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter-- (1) the Director of the Office of Women's Health of the Food and Drug Administration shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report that includes each of the elements described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of subsection (b)(2), with respect to women's health; and (2) the Director of the Office of Minority Health of the Food and Drug Administration shall submit to such Committees a report that includes each of such elements, with respect to minority health. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``biologic'' has the meaning given to the term ``biological product'' in section 351(i) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262(i)). (2) The term ``device'' has the meaning given to such term in section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(h)). (3) The term ``drug'' has the meaning given to such term in section 201(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(g)). SEC. 3. REPORTING ON QUALITY OF AND ACCESS TO CARE FOR WOMEN WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 399V-6. REPORTING ON QUALITY OF AND ACCESS TO CARE FOR WOMEN WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. ``Not later than September 30, 2014, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prepare and submit to the Congress a report on the quality of and access to care for women with heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The report shall contain recommendations for eliminating disparities in, and improving the treatment of, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women.''. SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF WISEWOMAN PROGRAM. Section 1509 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300n-4a) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking the heading and inserting ``In General.--''; and (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``may make grants'' and all that follows through ``purpose'' and inserting the following: ``may make grants to such States for the purpose''; (2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``there are authorized'' and all that follows through the period and inserting ``there are authorized to be appropriated $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $25,300,000 for fiscal year 2013, $27,800,000 for fiscal year 2014, $30,800,000 for fiscal year 2015, and $34,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Study.-- ``(1) The Secretary shall (directly or through grants or contracts) conduct a study of the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the preventive health services, referrals, and follow-up services described in subsection (a). ``(2) Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report containing the results of the study under paragraph (1) and recommendations for improving the provision of preventive health services, referrals, and follow-up services described in paragraph (1) to women eligible for such services under grants funded under this section.''.

Summary: Heart Disease Education, Analysis, Research, and Treatment for Women Act or the HEART for Women Act - Directs the Comptroller General to report on whether the presentation of clinical study safety and effectiveness data by sex, age, and racial subgroups complies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a response to such report, including a corrective action plan as needed. Requires the Director of the Office of Women's Health of FDA to report on the compliance of clinical studies of women's health with such FDA requirements, including requirements regarding: (1) the adequacy of representation of females, racial and ethnic minorities, and adults of all ages in approved clinical studies; and (2) the extent to which a summary of product safety and effectiveness data disaggregated by sex, age, and racial subgroup is available to the public. Requires the Director of the Office of Minority Health of FDA to submit a report that includes such information with respect to clinical studies of minority health. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to report on the quality of, and access to, care for women with heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases and to include recommendations for eliminating disparities in, and improving the treatment of, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. Reauthorizes a program to award grants for preventive heath services and referrals for medical treatment for women through entities that are screening women for breast or cervical cancer. Requires the Secretary to study the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on such services and make recommendations for improvement in the provision of preventive health services, referrals, and followup services to women eligible for such services.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Buffalo Nickel Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) Denominations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the 3-year period beginning on January 1, 2000, the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue each year not more than 1,000,000 5-cent coins, which shall-- (1) weigh 5 grams; (2) have a diameter of 0.835 inch; and (3) contain an alloy of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. SEC. 3. SOURCES OF BULLION. The Secretary shall obtain silver for minting coins under this Act only from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpiling Act. SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. (a) Design Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this Act shall be based on the original 5-cent coin designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938. Each coin shall have on the obverse side a profile representation of a Native American, and on the reverse side a representation of a buffalo. (2) Designations and inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this Act there shall be-- (A) a designation of the value of the coin; (B) an inscription of the year; and (C) inscriptions of the words ``United States of America'', ``Liberty'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''. (b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act shall be-- (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and quality of the coins minted under this Act. (c) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins may be minted under this Act after December 31, 2000. SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (1) the face value of the coins; (2) the surcharge provided in subsection (d) with respect to such coins; and (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount. (c) Prepaid Orders.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins. (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. (d) Surcharges.--All sales shall include a surcharge of $1.00 per coin. SEC. 7. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision of law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act. (b) Equal Employment Opportunity.--Subsection (a) does not relieve any person entering into a contract under the authority of this Act from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. SEC. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES. (a) Permissible Purposes.--All surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be paid promptly by the Secretary to the National Museum of the American Indian for the purposes of-- (1) commemorating the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Museum; and (2) supplementing the endowment and educational outreach funds of the Museum. (b) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other data of the National Museum of the American Indian as may be related to the expenditures of amounts paid under subsection (a). SEC. 9. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. (a) No Net Cost to the Government.--The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States Government. (b) Payment for Coins.--A coin shall not be issued under this Act unless the Secretary has received-- (1) full payment for the coin; (2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the United States for full payment; or (3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the Secretary from a depository institution whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration Board.

Summary: United States Buffalo Nickel Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-cent coins based on the original five-cent coin designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938. Mandates that: (1) each coin have a profile representation of a Native American on the obverse side, and a representation of a buffalo on the reverse side; (2) coin design shall be selected by the Secretary after consultation with specified congressional committees and reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee; and (3) a one-dollar sales surcharge shall be imposed per coin and distributed to the National Museum of the American Indian to commemorate its tenth anniversary and to supplement its endowment and educational outreach funds.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National Women's Rights History Project Act of 2005''. (b) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) The women's rights movement is one of the three great protest traditions in United States history, sharing that status with the struggle for racial equality and the labor movement. (2) On July 19, 1848, a group of activists including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Mary Ann M'Clintock, convened the first Women's Rights Convention at Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. During the Convention, 68 women and 32 men signed the Declaration of Sentiments calling for a broad array of rights for women, including suffrage. (3) Under the leadership of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, the National American Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was formed. NAWSA was instrumental in securing passage of the 19th amendment, which amended the Constitution to give women the right to vote. The 19th amendment was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and was ratified on August 18, 1920. (4) Susan B. Anthony formed the Equal Rights Association, refuted ideas that women were inferior to men, and fought for women's right to vote. She also campaigned for the rights of women to own property, to keep their own earnings, and to have custody of their children. In 1900, she persuaded the University of Rochester to admit women. (5) In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the women's movement expanded to also play a critical role in shaping policies on economic and social welfare. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF VOTES FOR WOMEN HISTORY TRAIL ROUTE AS FEATURE OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK. Title XVI of Public Law 96-607, which established the Women's Rights National Historical Park, is amended by inserting after section 1601 (16 U.S.C. 410ll) the following new section: ``SEC. 1602. VOTES FOR WOMEN HISTORY TRAIL ROUTE. ``(a) Finding.--There is an opportunity for the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and Waterloo, New York, to work in partnership with historically and thematically related properties in the corridor between Syracuse and Rochester, New York, including the Susan B. Anthony House, to tell the story of the 72-year fight for women's suffrage. ``(b) Establishment of Trail Route.--The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of National Park Service, with concurrence of the agency having jurisdiction over the relevant roads, is authorized to designate a vehicular tour route, to be known as the `Votes for Women History Trail Route', to link properties in the State of New York that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States. ``(c) Administration.--The Votes for Women History Trail Route shall be administered by the National Park Service through the Women's Rights National Historical Park. ``(d) Activities.--To facilitate the establishment of the Votes for Women History Trail Route and the dissemination of information regarding the Trail Route, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) produce and disseminate appropriate educational materials regarding the Trail Route, such as handbooks, maps, exhibits, signs, interpretive guides, and electronic information; ``(2) coordinate the management, planning, and standards of the auto route in partnership with participating properties, other Federal agencies, and State and local governments; ``(3) create and adopt an official, uniform symbol or device to mark the Votes for Women History Trail Route; and ``(4) issue guidelines for the use of such symbol or device. ``(e) Elements of Trail Route.--The Secretary may designate as an official stop on the Votes for Women History Trail Route any of the following properties, subject to the consent of the owner of the property: ``(1) All units and programs of Women's Rights National Historical Park that pertain to the struggle for women's suffrage. ``(2) Other Federal, State, local, and privately owned properties that the Secretary determines have a verifiable connection to the struggle for women's suffrage. ``(3) Other governmental and nongovernmental facilities and programs of an educational, commemorative, research, or interpretive nature that the Secretary determines to be directly related to the struggle for women's suffrage. ``(f) Cooperative Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.-- ``(1) Authorized.--To facilitate the establishment of the Votes for Women History Trail Route and to ensure effective coordination of the Federal and non-Federal properties designated as stops along the Trail Route, the Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements and memorandums of understanding with, and provide technical and financial assistance to, other Federal agencies, the State of New York, localities, regional governmental bodies, and private entities. ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior such sums as are necessary for the period of fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2010 to provide financial assistance to cooperating entities pursuant to agreements or memorandums entered into under paragraph (1).''. SEC. 3. NATIONAL WOMEN'S RIGHTS HISTORY PROJECT NATIONAL REGISTRY. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to make annual grants to State historic preservation offices for up to 5 years to assist those State historic preservation offices in surveying, evaluating, and nominating women's rights history properties to the National Register of Historic Places. The Secretary shall ensure that the National Register travel itinerary website, ``Places Where Women Made History'' is updated to contain the results of the inventory and links to websites related to places on the inventory when such links are available. (b) Eligibility.--When offering grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority grants related to properties associated with the multiple facets of the women's rights movement such as politics, economics, education, religion, and social and family rights. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for the period of fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2010. SEC. 4. NATIONAL WOMEN'S RIGHTS HISTORY PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS NETWORK. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to make matching grants and technical assistance for development of a network of governmental and nongovernmental entities whose purpose is to provide interpretive and educational program development of national women's rights history, including historic preservation. Matching grants for historic preservation specific to the network may be made available through State historic preservation offices. The network shall be managed through a nongovernmental entity, identified by the Secretary of the Interior through a competitive process. The nongovernmental managing entity shall work in partnership with the National Park Service and State historic preservation offices to coordinate operation of the network. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for the period of fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2010.

Summary: National Women's Rights History Project Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate a vehicular tour route, to be known as the Votes for Women History Trail Route, to link properties in New York State that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States. Requires the National Park Service to administer the Trail through the Women's Rights National Historical Park (established under prior law). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make annual grants to state historic preservation offices for up to five years for assistance in surveying, evaluating, and nominating women's rights history properties to the National Register of Historic Places; and (2) make matching grants and technical assistance for development of a network of governmental and nongovernmental entities providing interpretive and educational program development of national women's rights history, including historic preservation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT TO 1986 CODE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Education Savings Account and School Excellence Act of 1999''. (b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. SEC. 2. MODIFICATIONS TO EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. (a) Tax-Free Expenditures for Elementary and Secondary School Expenses.-- (1) In general.--Section 530(b)(2) (defining qualified higher education expenses) is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Qualified education expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified education expenses' means-- ``(i) qualified higher education expenses (as defined in section 529(e)(3)); and ``(ii) qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (as defined in paragraph (4)). Such expenses shall be reduced as provided in section 25A(g)(2). ``(B) Qualified state tuition programs.--Such term shall include amounts paid or incurred to purchase tuition credits or certificates, or to make contributions to an account, under a qualified State tuition program (as defined in section 529(b)) for the benefit of the beneficiary of the account.''. (2) Qualified elementary and secondary education expenses.--Section 530(b) (relating to definitions and special rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Qualified elementary and secondary education expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified elementary and secondary education expenses' means-- ``(i) expenses for tuition, fees, academic tutoring, special needs services, books, supplies, computer equipment (including related software and services), and other equipment which are incurred in connection with the enrollment or attendance of the designated beneficiary of the trust as an elementary or secondary school student at a public, private, or religious school; or ``(ii) expenses for room and board, uniforms, transportation, and supplementary items and services (including extended day programs) which are required or provided by a public, private, or religious school in connection with such enrollment or attendance. ``(B) Special rule for homeschooling.--Such term shall include expenses described in subparagraph (A)(i) in connection with education provided by homeschooling if the requirements of any applicable State or local law are met with respect to such education. ``(C) School.--The term `school' means any school which provides elementary education or secondary education (kindergarten through grade 12), as determined under State law.''. (3) Special rules for applying exclusion to elementary and secondary expenses.--Section 530(d)(2) (relating to distributions for qualified higher education expenses) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Special rules for elementary and secondary expenses.-- ``(i) In general.--The aggregate amount of qualified elementary and secondary education expenses taken into account for purposes of this paragraph with respect to any education individual retirement account for all taxable years shall not exceed the sum of the aggregate contributions to such account for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998, and before January 1, 2003, and earnings on such contributions. ``(ii) Special operating rules.--For purposes of clause (i)-- ``(I) the trustee of an education individual retirement account shall keep separate accounts with respect to contributions and earnings described in clause (i); and ``(II) if there are distributions in excess of qualified elementary and secondary education expenses for any taxable year, such excess distributions shall be allocated first to contributions and earnings not described in clause (i).''. (4) Conforming amendments.--Subsections (b)(1) and (d)(2) of section 530 are each amended by striking ``higher'' each place it appears in the text and heading thereof. (b) Maximum Annual Contributions.-- (1) In general.--Section 530(b)(1)(A)(iii) (defining education individual retirement account) is amended by striking ``$500'' and inserting ``the contribution limit for such taxable year''. (2) Contribution limit.--Section 530(b) (relating to definitions and special rules), as amended by subsection (a)(2), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) Contribution limit.--The term `contribution limit' means $500 ($2,000 in the case of any taxable year beginning after December 31, 1998, and ending before January 1, 2003).''. (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 4973(e)(1)(A) is amended by striking ``$500'' and inserting ``the contribution limit (as defined in section 530(b)(5)) for such taxable year''. (c) Waiver of Age Limitations for Children With Special Needs.-- Section 530(b)(1) (defining education individual retirement account) is amended by adding at the end the following flush sentence: ``The age limitations in the preceding sentence shall not apply to any designated beneficiary with special needs (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary).''. (d) Corporations Permitted To Contribute to Accounts.--Section 530(c)(1) (relating to reduction in permitted contributions based on adjusted gross income) is amended by striking ``The maximum amount which a contributor'' and inserting ``In the case of a contributor who is an individual, the maximum amount the contributor''. (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998.

Summary: Education Savings Account and School Excellence Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to education individual retirement accounts (IRAs), to: (1) permit distributions for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses, including home schooling expenses; and (2) increase (through December 31, 2002) the annual contribution limit from $500 to $2,000. Waives the beneficiary age limitation (18) for contributions on behalf of special needs beneficiaries. Permits corporations to contribute to education IRAs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States Supreme Court has interpreted the 8th Amendment to require governmental entities to provide medical care to persons involuntarily confined in jails, detention centers, and prisons. (2) The Federal Government does not provide health benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to inmates even if the person is awaiting trial in jail and has not been convicted. However, beneficiaries who are released after posting bond, or who are released under their own recognizance, or who are released under house arrest may continue to receive Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and CHIP benefits. (3) The cost of providing health care in prisons and jails has increased exponentially due in part to high incarceration rates, infectious diseases, chronic conditions, substance abuse treatment, mental illness, aging prison populations, rising prescription drug costs, and mandatory sentencing laws. (4) Providing health care for inmates constitutes a major portion of local jail operating costs. Requiring county governments to cover health care costs for inmates who have not been convicted places an unnecessary burden on local governments who have been negatively impacted by recession, widespread budget deficits, and cuts to safety net programs and services. (5) Jails generally have a higher instance of mentally ill inmates because jails frequently serve as holding places for low-income persons who are waiting placement in a mental facility and for mentally ill persons who commit nuisance crimes because of inadequate access to treatment in their communities. (6) The rising cost of bail has also contributed to an overall increase in the jail population and health care costs for inmates. The high cost of bail has contributed to the disproportionate rate of incarceration among African-Americans and Latinos. (7) Terminating benefits to people in county jails who are awaiting trial violates the presumption of innocence, because it does not distinguish between persons awaiting disposition of charges and those who have been duly convicted and sentenced. (8) Otherwise eligible individuals who have been charged with a crime and incarcerated, but not convicted, should continue to be eligible for Federal health benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, or CHIP, until such time as they may be convicted and sentenced to an institution. SSI payments should be held until the inmate has been acquitted and released, or until the inmate has completed his or her sentence and been released. SEC. 3. REMOVAL OF INMATE LIMITATION ON BENEFITS UNDER MEDICAID, MEDICARE, SSI, AND CHIP. (a) Medicaid.--The subdivision (A) of section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) that follows paragraph (29) is amended by inserting ``or in custody pending disposition of charges'' after ``patient in a medical institution''. (b) Medicare.--Section 1862(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(3)) is amended by inserting ``in the case of services furnished to individuals who are in custody pending disposition of charges,'' after ``1880(e)''. (c) SSI.--Section 1611(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382(e)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(K)(i) As used in subparagraph (A), the term `inmate of a public institution' does not include an individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges. ``(ii) In the case of an individual who is an eligible individual or eligible spouse for purposes of this title only because of the application of the definition in clause (i), any supplemental security income benefits otherwise payable shall be withheld until such time as the individual is no longer either in custody pending disposition of charges or an inmate of a public institution or shall be paid to the individual's estate if the individual dies before the pending charges are disposed of or while the individual is an inmate of a public institution.''. (d) CHIP.--Section 2110(b)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397jj(b)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(except as an individual in custody pending disposition of charges)'' after ``inmate of a public institution''. (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning more than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to items and services furnished, and supplemental security income benefits paid, for periods beginning on or after such date.

Summary: Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2015 This bill amends titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) to allow an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending charges to receive SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP benefits. Any SSI benefits payable to such an individual: (1) must be withheld until the individual is no longer in custody; and (2) if the individual dies while in custody, shall be paid to the individual's estate.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act''. SEC. 2. NON-APPLICATION OF MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS FOR WHEELCHAIR ACCESSORIES AND SEAT AND BACK CUSHIONS WHEN FURNISHED IN CONNECTION WITH COMPLEX REHABILITATIVE POWER WHEELCHAIRS. (a) Non-application.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not, prior to January 1, 2017, use information on the payment determined under the competitive acquisition programs under section 1847 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-3) to adjust the payment amount that would otherwise be recognized under section 1834(a)(1)(B)(ii) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)(1)(B)(ii)) for wheelchair accessories (including seating systems) and seat and back cushions when furnished in connection with Group 3 complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs. (2) Implementation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may implement this subsection by program instruction or otherwise. (b) GAO Study and Report.-- (1) Study.-- (A) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on wheelchair accessories (including seating systems) and seat and back cushions furnished in connection with Group 3 complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs. Such study shall include an analysis of the following with respect to such wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions in each of the groups described in clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (B): (i) The item descriptions and associated HCPCS codes for such wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions. (ii) A breakdown of utilization and expenditures for such wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. (iii) A comparison of the payment amount under the competitive acquisition program under section 1847 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-3) with the payment amount that would otherwise be recognized under section 1834 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m), including beneficiary cost sharing, for such wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions. (iv) The aggregate distribution of such wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions furnished under such title XVIII within each of the groups described in subparagraph (B). (v) Other areas determined appropriate by the Comptroller General. (B) Groups described.--The following groups are described in this subparagraph: (i) Wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions furnished predominantly with Group 3 complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs. (ii) Wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions furnished predominantly with power wheelchairs that are not described in clause (i). (iii) Other wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions furnished with either power wheelchairs described in clause (i) or (ii). (2) Report.--Not later than June 1, 2016, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative as the Comptroller General determines to be appropriate. SEC. 3. TRANSITIONAL PAYMENT RULES FOR CERTAIN RADIATION THERAPY SERVICES UNDER THE MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE SCHEDULE. (a) In General.--Section 1848 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) Special rule for certain radiation therapy services.-- The code definitions, the work relative value units under subsection (c)(2)(C)(i), and the direct inputs for the practice expense relative value units under subsection (c)(2)(C)(ii) for radiation treatment delivery and related imaging services (identified in 2016 by HCPCS G-codes G6001 through G6015) for the fee schedule established under this subsection for services furnished in 2017 and 2018 shall be the same as such definitions, units, and inputs for such services for the fee schedule established for services furnished in 2016.''; and (2) in subsection (c)(2)(K), by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(iv) Treatment of certain radiation therapy services.--Radiation treatment delivery and related imaging services identified under subsection (b)(11) shall not be considered as potentially misvalued services for purposes of this subparagraph and subparagraph (O) for 2017 and 2018.''. (b) Report to Congress on Alternative Payment Model.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to Congress a report on the development of an episodic alternative payment model for payment under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for radiation therapy services furnished in nonfacility settings. SEC. 4. ENSURING FLEXIBILITY IN APPLYING HARDSHIP EXCEPTION FOR MEANINGFUL USE FOR 2015 EHR REPORTING PERIOD FOR 2017 PAYMENT ADJUSTMENTS. (a) Eligible Professionals.--Section 1848(a)(7)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(a)(7)(B)) is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting ``(and, with respect to the payment adjustment under subparagraph (A) for 2017, for categories of eligible professionals, as established by the Secretary and posted on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services prior to December 15, 2015, an application for which must be submitted to the Secretary by not later than March 15, 2016)'' after ``case-by-case basis''. (b) Eligible Hospitals.--Section 1886(b)(3)(B)(ix) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(B)(ix)) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence of subclause (I), by striking ``(n)(6)(A)'' and inserting ``(n)(6)''; and (2) in subclause (II), in the first sentence, by inserting ``(and, with respect to the application of subclause (I) for fiscal year 2017, for categories of subsection (d) hospitals, as established by the Secretary and posted on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services prior to December 15, 2015, an application for which must be submitted to the Secretary by not later than April 1, 2016)'' after ``case-by-case basis''. (c) Implementation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement the provisions of, and the amendments made by, subsections (a) and (b) by program instruction, such as through information on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. SEC. 5. MEDICARE IMPROVEMENT FUND. Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395iii(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting ``$0''. SEC. 6. STRENGTHENING MEDICAID PROGRAM INTEGRITY THROUGH FLEXIBILITY. Section 1936 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396u-6) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, or otherwise,'' after ``entities''; and (2) in subsection (e)-- (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(including the costs of equipment, salaries and benefits, and travel and training)'' after ``Program under this section''; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``by 100'' and inserting ``by 100, or such number as determined necessary by the Secretary to carry out the Program,''. SEC. 7. ESTABLISHING MEDICARE ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTOR ERROR REDUCTION INCENTIVES. (a) In General.--Section 1874A(b)(1)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395kk-1(b)(1)(D)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``quality.--The Secretary'' and inserting ``quality.-- ``(i) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), the Secretary''; and (2) by inserting after clause (i), as added by paragraph (1), the following new clauses: ``(ii) Improper payment rate reduction incentives.--The Secretary shall provide incentives for medicare administrative contractors to reduce the improper payment error rates in their jurisdictions. ``(iii) Incentives.--The incentives provided for under clause (ii)-- ``(I) may include a sliding scale of award fee payments and additional incentives to medicare administrative contractors that either reduce the improper payment rates in their jurisdictions to certain thresholds, as determined by the Secretary, or accomplish tasks, as determined by the Secretary, that further improve payment accuracy; and ``(II) may include substantial reductions in award fee payments under cost-plus-award-fee contracts, for medicare administrative contractors that reach an upper end improper payment rate threshold or other threshold as determined by the Secretary, or fail to accomplish tasks, as determined by the Secretary, that further improve payment accuracy.''. (b) Effective Date.-- (1) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to contracts entered into or renewed on or after the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Application to existing contracts.--In the case of contracts in existence on or after the date of the enactment of this Act and that are not subject to the effective date under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, when appropriate and practicable, seek to apply the incentives provided for in the amendments made by subsection (a) through contract modifications. SEC. 8. STRENGTHENING PENALTIES FOR THE ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF A MEDICARE, MEDICAID, OR CHIP BENEFICIARY IDENTIFICATION OR BILLING PRIVILEGES. Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Whoever without lawful authority knowingly and willfully purchases, sells or distributes, or arranges for the purchase, sale, or distribution of a beneficiary identification number or unique health identifier for a health care provider under title XVIII, title XIX, or title XXI shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years or fined not more than $500,000 ($1,000,000 in the case of a corporation), or both.''. SEC. 9. IMPROVING THE SHARING OF DATA BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND STATE MEDICAID PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a plan to encourage and facilitate the participation of States in the Medicare-Medicaid Data Match Program (commonly referred to as the ``Medi-Medi Program'') under section 1893(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ddd(g)). (b) Program Revisions To Improve Medi-Medi Data Match Program Participation by States.--Section 1893(g)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ddd(g)(1)(A)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``or otherwise'' after ``eligible entities''; (2) in clause (i)-- (A) by inserting ``to review claims data'' after ``algorithms''; and (B) by striking ``service, time, or patient'' and inserting ``provider, service, time, or patient''; (3) in clause (ii)-- (A) by inserting ``to investigate and recover amounts with respect to suspect claims'' after ``appropriate actions''; and (B) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (4) in clause (iii), by striking the period and inserting`` ; and''; and (5) by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(iv) furthering the Secretary's design, development, installation, or enhancement of an automated data system architecture-- ``(I) to collect, integrate, and assess data for purposes of program integrity, program oversight, and administration, including the Medi-Medi Program; and ``(II) that improves the coordination of requests for data from States.''. (c) Providing States With Data on Improper Payments Made for Items or Services Provided to Dual Eligible Individuals.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and implement a plan that allows each State agency responsible for administering a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act access to relevant data on improper or fraudulent payments made under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) for health care items or services provided to dual eligible individuals. (2) Dual eligible individual defined.--In this section, the term ``dual eligible individual'' means an individual who is entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.), or enrolled for benefits under part B of title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.), and is eligible for medical assistance under a State plan under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) or under a waiver of such plan. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: . Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act (Sec. 2) This bill temporarily exempts from certain Medicare payment adjustments wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions furnished in connection with Group 3 complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs. (Group 3 power wheelchairs are those that meet the highest performance requirements with regard to speed, range, and climbing capability.) The Government Accountability Office must study wheelchair accessories and seat and back cushions furnished in connection with Group 3 complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs. (Sec. 3) The bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to prohibit specified adjustments to the Medicare fee schedule for certain radiation therapy services in 2017 or 2018. Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must periodically identify, review, and make adjustments to potentially misvalued services under Medicare. The bill specifies that certain radiation therapy services shall not be considered as potentially misvalued services for these purposes in 2017 or 2018. (Sec. 4) For 2017, CMS may exempt categories of eligible professionals from requirements for meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR) technology. Under current law, CMS may, on a case-by-case basis, exempt an eligible professional from certain negative payment adjustments that would otherwise apply due to the professional's failure to comply with those requirements. (Sec. 5) The bill eliminates funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund. (The fund was established to make improvements under the original Medicare fee-for-service program.) (Sec. 6) The bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the SSAct to make changes related to the Medicaid Integrity Program (MIP). The bill: (1) specifies that program appropriations may cover the costs of equipment, travel, training, and salaries and benefits; and (2) allows CMS flexibility in determining the number of additional staff necessary to carry out the program. (MIP is a federal program aimed at preventing and reducing provider fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program.) (Sec. 7) Under current law, CMS may contract with Medicare administrative contractors (MACs), which are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic jurisdictions. The bill requires CMS to provide specified incentives for MACs to reduce improper payment error rates within their jurisdictions. (Sec. 8) The bill establishes criminal penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and up to $500,000 ($1,000,000 for corporations) in fines for illegally purchasing or distributing Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiary identification or billing privileges. (Sec. 9) The bill increases the scope of the Medicare-Medicaid Data Match Program (Medi-Medi Program), an existing program through which contractors and participating governmental agencies collaboratively analyze Medicare and Medicaid billing trends. CMS must establish a plan to encourage states to participate in the Medi-Medi Program. CMS shall implement a plan to allow states to access relevant data on improper or fraudulent payments made under the Medicare program on behalf of individuals dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Jobs Through Trade Expansion Act of 1994''. TITLE I--OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION SEC. 101. RAISING CEILING ON INSURANCE. Section 235(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2195(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``$9,000,000,000'' and inserting ``$13,500,000,000''. SEC. 102. RAISING CEILING ON FINANCING. Section 235(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2195(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Financing.--(A) The maximum contingent liability outstanding at any one time pursuant to financing issued under subsections (b) and (c) of section 234 shall not exceed in the aggregate $9,500,000,000. ``(B) Subject to spending authority provided in appropriations Acts pursuant to section 504(b) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the Corporation is authorized to transfer such sums as are necessary from its noncredit activities to pay for the subsidy cost of the investment guaranties and direct loan programs under subsections (b) and (c) of section 234.''. SEC. 103. EXTENDING ISSUING AUTHORITY. Section 235(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2195(a)(3)) is amended by striking ``1994'' and inserting ``1996''. SEC. 104. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Section 235 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2195) is amended by striking subsection (g). SEC. 105. EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES. Paragraph (2) of the second undesignated paragraph of section 231 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2191) is amended by inserting after ``Recovery Act (19 U.S.C. 2702)'' the following: ``, Ireland, and Northern Ireland''. TITLE II--TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SEC. 201. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. Section 661(f)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2421(f)(1)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``There are authorized'' and inserting ``(A) There are authorized''; (2) by striking ``$55,000,000'' and all that follows and inserting ``$77,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 and such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 1996.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(B) Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subparagraph (A) are authorized to remain available until expended.''. TITLE III--EXPORT PROMOTION PROGRAMS WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION SEC. 301. EXPORT PROMOTION AUTHORIZATION. Section 202 of the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 4052) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 202. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce to carry out export promotion programs such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 1995 and 1996.''. TITLE IV--PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL EXPORTS SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Environmental Export Promotion Act of 1994''. SEC. 402. PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPORTS. (a) Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee.--Section 2313 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4728) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (d); (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee.-- ``(1) Establishment and purpose.--The Secretary, in carrying out the duties of the chairperson of the TPCC, shall establish the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Committee'). The purpose of the Committee shall be to provide advice and guidance to the Working Group in the development and administration of programs to expand United States exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services and products that comply with United States environmental, safety, and related requirements. ``(2) Membership.--The members of the Committee shall be drawn from representatives of-- ``(A) environmental businesses, including small businesses; ``(B) trade associations in the environmental sector; ``(C) private sector organizations involved in the promotion of environmental exports, including products that comply with United States environmental, safety, and related requirements; ``(D) States (as defined in section 2301(i)(5)) and associations representing the States; and ``(E) other appropriate interested members of the public, including labor representatives. The Secretary shall appoint as members of the Committee at least 1 individual under each of subparagraphs (A) through (E). ``(d) Export Plans for Priority Countries.-- ``(1) Priority country identification.--The Working Group, in consultation with the Committee, shall annually assess which foreign countries have markets with the greatest potential for the export of United States environmental technologies, goods, and services. Of these countries the Working Group shall select as priority countries 5 with the greatest potential for the application of United States Government export promotion resources related to environmental exports. ``(2) Export plans.--The Working Group, in consultation with the Committee, shall annually create a plan for each priority country selected under paragraph (1), setting forth in detail ways to increase United States environmental exports to such country. Each such plan shall-- ``(A) identify the primary public and private sector opportunities for United States exporters of environmental technologies, goods, and services in the priority country; ``(B) analyze the financing and other requirements for major projects in the priority country which will use environmental technologies, goods, and services, and analyze whether such projects are dependent upon financial assistance from foreign countries or multilateral institutions; and ``(C) list specific actions to be taken by the member agencies of the Working Group to increase United States exports to the priority country.''. (b) Additional Mechanisms To Promote Environmental Exports.-- Section 2313 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Environmental Technologies Specialists in the United States and Foreign Commercial Service.-- ``(1) Assignment of environmental technologies specialists.-- The Secretary shall assign a specialist in environmental technologies to the office of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service in each of the 5 priority countries selected under subsection (d)(1), and the Secretary is authorized to assign such a specialist to the office of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service in any country that is a promising market for United States exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services. Such specialist may be an employee of the Department, an employee of any relevant United States Government department or agency assigned on a temporary or limited term basis to the Commerce Department, or a representative of the private sector assigned to the Department of Commerce. ``(2) Duties of environmental technologies specialists.--Each specialist assigned under paragraph (1) shall provide export promotion assistance to United States environmental businesses, including, but not limited to-- ``(A) identifying factors in the country to which the specialist is assigned that affect the United States share of the domestic market for environmental technologies, goods, and services, including market barriers, standards-setting activities, and financing issues; ``(B) providing assessments of assistance by foreign governments that is provided to producers of environmental technologies, goods, and services in such countries in order to enhance exports to the country to which the specialist is assigned, the effectiveness of such assistance on the competitiveness of United States products, and whether comparable United States assistance exists; ``(C) training Foreign Commercial Service Officers in the country to which the specialist is assigned, other countries in the region, and United States and Foreign Commercial Service offices in the United States, in environmental technologies and the international environmental market; ``(D) providing assistance in identifying potential customers and market opportunities in the country to which the specialist is assigned; ``(E) providing assistance in obtaining necessary business services in the country to which the specialist is assigned; ``(F) providing information on environmental standards and regulations in the country to which the specialist is assigned; ``(G) providing information on all United States Government programs that could assist the promotion, financing, and sale of United States environmental technologies, goods, and services in the country to which the specialist is assigned; and ``(H) promoting the equal treatment of United States environmental, safety, and related requirements, with those of other exporting countries, in order to promote exports of United States-made products. ``(g) Environmental Training in One-Stop Shops.--In addition to the training provided under subsection (f)(2)(C), the Secretary shall establish a mechanism to train-- ``(1) Commercial Service Officers assigned to the one-stop shops provided for in section 2301(b)(8), and ``(2) Commercial Service Officers assigned to district offices in districts having large numbers of environmental businesses, in environmental technologies and in the international environmental marketplace, and ensure that such officers receive appropriate training under such mechanism. Such training may be provided by officers or employees of the Department of Commerce, and other United States Government departments and agencies, with appropriate expertise in environmental technologies and the international environmental workplace, and by appropriate representatives of the private sector. ``(h) International Regional Environmental Initiatives.-- ``(1) Establishment of initiatives.--The TPCC may establish one or more international regional environmental initiatives the purpose of which shall be to coordinate the activities of Federal departments and agencies in order to build environmental partnerships between the United States and the geographic region outside the United States for which such initiative is established. Such partnerships shall enhance environmental protection and promote sustainable development by using in the region technical expertise and financial resources of United States departments and agencies that provide foreign assistance and by expanding United States exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services to that region. ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out each international regional environmental initiative, the TPCC shall-- ``(A) support, through the provision of foreign assistance, the development of sound environmental policies and practices in countries in the geographic region for which the initiative is established, including the development of environmentally sound regulatory regimes and enforcement mechanisms; ``(B) identify and disseminate to United States environmental businesses information regarding specific environmental business opportunities in that geographic region; ``(C) coordinate existing Federal efforts to promote environmental exports to that geographic region, and ensure that such efforts are fully coordinated with environmental export promotion efforts undertaken by the States and the private sector; ``(D) increase assistance provided by the Federal Government to promote exports from the United States of environmental technologies, goods, and services to that geographic region, such as trade missions, reverse trade missions, trade fairs, and programs in the United States to train foreign nationals in United States environmental technologies; and ``(E) increase high-level advocacy by United States Government officials (including the United States ambassadors to the countries in that geographic region) for United States environmental businesses seeking market opportunities in that geographic region. ``(i) Environmental Technologies Project Advocacy Calendar and Information Dissemination Program.--The Working Group shall-- ``(1) maintain a calendar, updated at the end of each calendar quarter, of significant opportunities for United States environmental businesses in foreign markets and trade promotion events, which shall-- ``(A) be made available to the public; ``(B) identify the 50 to 100 environmental infrastructure and procurement projects in foreign markets that have the greatest potential in the calendar quarter for United States exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services; and ``(C) include trade promotion events, such as trade missions and trade fairs, in the environmental sector; and ``(2) provide, through the National Trade Data Bank and other information dissemination channels, information on opportunities for environmental businesses in foreign markets and information on Federal export promotion programs. ``(j) Environmental Technology Export Alliances.--Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary is authorized to use the Market Development Cooperator Program to support the creation on a regional basis of alliances of private sector entities, nonprofit organizations, and universities, that support the export of environmental technologies, goods, and services and promote the export of products complying with United States environmental, safety, and related requirements. ``(k) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `environmental business' means a business that produces environmental technologies, goods, or services.''. TITLE V--INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SEC. 501. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. (a) In General.--In carrying out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other relevant foreign assistance laws, the President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall establish a program of training and other technical assistance to assist foreign countries in-- (1) developing and strengthening laws and regulations to protect intellectual property; and (2) developing the infrastructure necessary to implement and enforce such laws and regulations. (b) Participation of Other Agencies.--The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development-- (1) shall utilize the expertise of the Patent and Trademark Office and other agencies of the United States Government in designing and implementing the program of assistance provided for in this section; (2) shall coordinate assistance under this section with efforts of other agencies of the United States Government to increase international protection of intellectual property, including implementation of international agreements containing high levels of protection of intellectual property; and (3) shall consult with the heads of such other agencies in determining which foreign countries will receive assistance under this section. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Overseas Private Investment Corporation Title II: Trade and Development Agency Title III: Export Promotion Programs Within the International Trade Administration Title IV: Promotion of United States Environmental Exports Title V: International Protection of Intellectual Property Jobs Through Trade Expansion Act of 1994 - Title I: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to raise the ceiling on the maximum contingent liability allowed for Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) insurance and outstanding financing. (Sec. 102) Authorizes OPIC to transfer amounts from noncredit activities to pay subsidy costs of program levels for the direct loan and investment guaranties programs. (Sec. 103) Continues OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance and guarantees through FY 1996. (Sec. 105) Makes a restriction on OPIC assistance for countries that exceed a specified per capita income level inapplicable to Ireland and Northern Ireland (thus making such countries eligible for OPIC assistance). Title II: Trade and Development Agency - Authorizes appropriations for the Trade and Development Agency for FY 1995 and 1996. Title III: Export Promotion Programs Within the International Trade Administration - Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 to authorize appropriations for Department of Commerce export promotion programs for FY 1995 and 1996. Title IV: Promotion of United States Environmental Exports - Environmental Export Promotion Act of 1994 - Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to remove provisions relating to Environmental Export Assistance Officers. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee to provide guidance on programs to expand U.S. exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services and products that comply with U.S. environmental, safety, and related requirements. Requires the Environmental Trade Promotion Working Group, a subcommittee of the Trade Promotion Coordination Committee (TPCC), to: (1) select five priority countries with the greatest potential for the application of U.S. Government export promotion resources related to environmental exports; and (2) create a plan annually for each such country that sets forth ways to increase such exports to such country. Directs the Secretary to assign a specialist in environmental technologies to the office of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service in each of the priority countries. Authorizes the TPCC to establish international regional initiatives to coordinate the activities of Federal agencies in order to build environmental partnerships between the United States and the geographic regions outside the United States for which such initiatives are established. Provides that such partnerships shall enhance environmental protection and promote sustainable development by using the technical expertise and financial resources of Federal agencies that provide foreign assistance and by expanding U.S. exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services to such regions. Directs the Working Group to maintain a calendar of significant opportunities for U.S. environmental businesses in foreign markets and trade promotion events to be made available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to use the Market Development Cooperator Program to support regional alliances of private sector entities, nonprofit organizations, and universities that support the export of environmental technologies, goods, and services and promote the export of products complying with U.S. environmental, safety, and related requirements. Title V: International Protection of Intellectual Property - Requires the President, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, to establish a program of training and technical assistance to assist foreign countries in: (1) developing and strengthening laws and regulations to protect intellectual property; and (2) developing the infrastructure necessary to implement and enforce such laws and regulations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Telephone Call Privacy Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO USE AND DISCLOSURE OF CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK INFORMATION. (a) Modification of Requirements.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 222(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 222(c)) is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Privacy requirements for telecommunications carriers.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or as required by law, a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains customer proprietary network information by virtue of its provision of a telecommunications service may use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary network information that identifies a customer as follows: ``(i) In the provision of-- ``(I) the telecommunications service from which such information is derived; and ``(II) services necessary to, or used in, the provision of such telecommunications service, including the publishing of directories. ``(ii) In the case of the use of such information by the telecommunications carrier for the provision of another of its products or services to the customer, only if the telecommunications carrier-- ``(I) provides the customer a clear and conspicuous notice meeting the requirements set forth in subparagraph (C); ``(II) permits the customer to review such information for accuracy, and to correct and supplement such information; and ``(III) does not receive from the customer within 15 days after the date of the notice under subclause (I) notice disapproving the use of such information for the provision of such product or service to the customer as specified in the notice under such subclause. ``(iii) In the case of the use, disclosure, or access of or to such information by another party, only if the telecommunications carrier that originally receives or obtains such information-- ``(I) meets the requirements set forth in subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (ii) with respect to such information; and ``(II) receives from the customer written notice approving the use, disclosure, or access of or to such information for the provision of the product or service to the customer as specified in the notice under subclause (I) of this clause. ``(B) Customer disapproval.--Notwithstanding the previous approval of the use, disclosure, or access of or to information for a purpose under clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (A), upon receipt from a customer of written notice of the customer's disapproval of the use, disclosure, or access of or to information for such purpose, a telecommunications carrier shall terminate the use, disclosure, or access of or to such information for such purpose. ``(C) Notice elements.--Each notice under clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall include the following: ``(i) The types information that may be used, disclosed, or accessed. ``(ii) The specific types of businesses or individuals that may use or access the information or to which the information may be disclosed. ``(iii) The specific product or service for which the information may be used, disclosed, or accessed.''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Paragraph (3) of such section is amended by striking ``paragraph (1)'' both places it appears and inserting ``paragraph (1)(A)(i)''. (b) Judicial and Law Enforcement Purposes.--Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Judicial and law enforcement purposes.-- ``(A) In general.--A person that receives or obtains consumer proprietary network information may disclose such information-- ``(i) pursuant to the standards and procedures established in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or comparable rules of other courts or administrative agencies, in connection with litigation or proceedings to which an individual who is the subject of the information is a party and in which the individual has placed the use, disclosure, or access to such information at issue; ``(ii) to a court, and to others ordered by the court, if in response to a court order issued in accordance with subparagraph (B); or ``(iii) to an investigative or law enforcement officer pursuant to a warrant issued under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, an equivalent State warrant, or a grand jury subpoena, or a court order issued in accordance with subparagraph (B). ``(B) Requirements for court orders.-- ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), a court order for the disclosure of customer proprietary network information under subparagraph (A) may be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction only upon written application, upon oath or equivalent affirmation, by an investigative or law enforcement officer demonstrating that there is probable cause to believe that-- ``(I) the information sought is relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation; and ``(II) the law enforcement need for the information outweighs the privacy interest of the individual to whom the information pertains. ``(ii) Certain orders.--A court order may not be issued under this paragraph upon application of an officer of a State or local government if prohibited by the law of the State concerned.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Outlines provisions authorizing a person that receives or obtains customer proprietary information to disclose such information to criminal law enforcement and judicial personnel for criminal law enforcement and related judicial proceedings. Provides requirements for court orders for investigative or law enforcement officers to obtain such information, including that: (1) the information sought is relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation; and (2) the law enforcement need for such information outweighs the privacy interest of the individual involved.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Internet of Things Consumer Tips to Improve Personal Security Act of 2017''or the ``IOT Consumer TIPS Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The term ``Internet of Things'' refers to devices, applications, and physical objects that are Internet-enabled, networked, or connected. (2) The devices that are part of the Internet of Things are equipped with sensors or developed with automated functionalities that allow them to collect, send, or receive data, and perform according to consumer preferences that enhance productivity, efficiency, and convenience. (3) The rapid adoption of the Internet of Things among consumers and businesses is driven by the wide range of economic and societal benefits that are generated by such devices across almost every industry and sector. (4) Consumer trust in the security of the Internet of Things is paramount to the leadership and competitiveness of the United States in the global digital economy. (5) It is the policy of the United States to encourage innovation in the development and use of the Internet of Things and empower consumers to be responsible digital citizens and manage the security of their devices in collaboration with manufacturers, sellers, and service providers. SEC. 3. FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL CYBERSECURITY RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS REGARDING DEVICES THAT ARE PART OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS. (a) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) Covered device.--The term ``covered device''-- (A) includes devices, applications, and physical objects that are-- (i) part of the Internet of Things; and (ii) marketed and sold primarily to consumers; and (B) does not include-- (i) devices that are marketed and sold for use primarily in industrial, business, or enterprise settings; or (ii) smartphones, tablets, personal computers, or devices leased to consumers by multichannel video programming distributors. (2) Cybersecurity threat.--The term ``cybersecurity threat'' has the meaning given to the term in section 102 of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501). (3) Security vulnerability.--The term ``security vulnerability'' has the meaning given to the term in section 102 of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501). (b) Development of Educational Cybersecurity Resources.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall, in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and relevant private sector stakeholders and experts, develop voluntary educational cybersecurity resources for consumers relating to the practices of consumers with respect to the protection and use of covered devices, including citing evidence of consumer attitudes and expectations. (c) Elements.--The voluntary resources developed under subsection (b) shall be technology-neutral and include guidance, best practices, and advice for consumers to protect against, mitigate, and recover from cybersecurity threats or security vulnerabilities, where technically feasible, including-- (1) the scope of possible security support from a vendor post-purchase; (2) how to initiate or set up a covered device for use; (3) the use of passwords, available security tools and settings, appropriate physical controls, and avoidance of steps that can defeat security; (4) updates to the software of a covered device during operation or use if applicable; (5) the recovery of compromised devices; (6) end-of-life considerations such as resetting, deleting, or modifying data collected or retained by a covered device when it is no longer in use or expected to be used by the consumer; (7) security services, tools, or platforms for connected devices that may help consumers manage connected devices; and (8) varying security considerations depending on factors, including the type of device and setting of use. (d) Availability and Publication.--The Federal Trade Commission shall ensure that the resources developed under subsection (b) are available to and readily accessible by the public on the Internet website of the Federal Trade Commission. (e) Periodic Updates.--The Federal Trade Commission shall review, and, as necessary update the resources developed under subsection (b), in collaboration with industry stakeholders, to address changes in cybersecurity threats or security vulnerabilities and other technology developments or challenges. (f) Voluntary Use.--The resources developed under subsection (b) shall be for voluntary use by consumers. (g) Treatment.--No guidelines, best practices, or advice issued by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to the resources developed under subsection (b) shall confer any right on any person, State, or locality, nor shall operate to bind the Federal Trade Commission or any person to the approach recommended in such guidance, best practice, or advice. The Federal Trade Commission may not base an enforcement action on, or execute a consent order based on, any failure to promote or use such guidance, or any practice used for covered device functionality that is alleged to be inconsistent with any guidance, best practice, or advice included in the resources developed under subsection (b), unless the practice allegedly violates another provision of law. Nothing in this Act is intended to limit the ability of the Federal Trade Commission to enforce section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45).

Summary: Internet of Things Consumer Tips to Improve Personal Security Act of 2017 or the IOT Consumer TIPS Act of 2017 This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and relevant private sector stakeholders and experts to develop voluntary educational cybersecurity resources for consumers relating to the protection and use of the Internet of Things (devices, applications, and physical objects that are Internet-enabled, networked, or connected). The resources must be technology-neutral and include guidance, best practices, and advice for consumers to protect against, mitigate, and recover from cybersecurity threats or security vulnerabilities. The resources do not bind the FTC to any particular guidance, best practice, or advice. The FTC may not base an enforcement action on any failure to promote or use such guidance, best practice, or advice unless such practice violates another provision of law.