SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Minimum Tax Reform Act of 1993''. (b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. SEC. 2. DEPRECIATION ADJUSTMENT USED IN COMPUTING ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAXABLE INCOME. (a) 150-Percent Declining Balance Method.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 56(a) (relating to depreciation) is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Depreciation.-- ``(A) 150-percent declining balance method.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of property not described in clause (ii), the depreciation deduction allowable under section 167 shall be determined as provided in section 168(a), except that the applicable depreciation method under section 168(a)(1) shall be-- ``(I) the 150-percent declining balance method (200-percent declining balance method in the case of computer or peripheral equipment (as defined in section 168(i)(2)(B)), ``(II) switching to the straight line method for the 1st taxable year for which using the straight line method with respect to the adjusted basis as of the beginning of the year will yield a higher allowance. ``(ii) Property not using 150-percent method.--Property described in this clause is section 1250 property (as defined in section 1250(c)) or any other property if the depreciation deduction determined under section 168 with respect to such other property for purposes of the regular tax is determined by using the straight line method. ``(B) Normalization rules.--With respect to public utility property described in section 168(i)(10), the Secretary shall prescribe the requirements of a normalization method of accounting for this section.''. (2) No adjustment for adjusted current earnings system.-- Clause (i) of section 56(g)(4)(A) (relating to depreciation adjustments for computing adjusted current earnings) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The preceding sentence shall not apply to property placed in service in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992, and the depreciation deduction with respect to such property shall be determined under the rules of subsection (a)(1)(A).''. (b) Exception for Environmental Property.-- (1) In general.--Section 56(a)(1) (relating to depreciation adjustments), as amended by subsection (a)(1), is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Environmental improvement assets.--This paragraph shall not apply to environmental improvement assets (as defined in section 59(k)).''. (2) Environmental improvement assets.--Section 59 (relating to definition and special rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(k) Environmental Improvement Assets.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 56(a)(1)(B), the term `environmental improvement asset' means tangible property which is-- ``(A) of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation provided in section 167; ``(B) used for, or is functionally related to property used for, one or more of the following purposes-- ``(i) source reduction, ``(ii) solid waste minimization, ``(iii) waste conversion or recycling, ``(iv) reduction of environmental hazards, ``(v) compliance with environmental permits, rules, and similar requirements, including requirements with respect to noise pollution such as the reduction of aircraft noise level to stage 3 noise level (as defined in 14 CFR Sec. 36.1(f)(5)), ``(vi) prevention, containment or control of unplanned releases, or ``(vii) the manufacture, distribution and sale of alternate fuels and blending stocks or fuel additives for reformulated fuels, and ``(C) except in the case of property used for the reduction of aircraft noise levels described in subparagraph (B)(v), located and used exclusively in the United States during the taxable year. If only a portion of property described in subparagraphs (A) and (C) is described in subparagraph (B), such portion shall be treated as an environmental improvement asset. ``(2) Other definitions.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) Source reduction.--The term `source reduction' means reduction of the amount of regulated substances or other pollutants from fixed or mobile sources released into the environment if such reduction reduces hazards to public health or environment. ``(B) Solid waste minimization.--The term `solid waste minimization' means the reduction in the generation of, or the recovery of commercially usable products from, residual materials which are classified as, or which if disposed would be classified as, solid wastes (within the meaning of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). ``(C) Waste conversion or recycling.--The term `waste conversion or recycling' means the processing or conversion of liquid, solid, or gaseous wastes into fuel, energy, or other commercially usable products, and the production of such products if production occurs at the same facility as the conversion. ``(D) Abatement of environmental hazards.--The term `abatement of environmental hazards' includes the abatement, reduction, monitoring, or stabilization of potential human exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous or extremely hazardous substances, or harmful radiation. ``(E) Unplanned releases.--The term `unplanned releases' means any release of regulated substances (except federally permitted releases), including indoor releases. ``(F) Regulated substance.--The term `regulated substance' includes any substance the release or emission of which is prohibited, limited, or regulated by Federal or State law or by Federal regulations (as determined without regard to whether a particular release would have been prohibited or limited). ``(G) Release.--The term `release' means any spilling, leaking, pouring, discharging, escaping, dumping, or disposing into the environment, including the abandonment or discarding of barrels or other closed receptacles.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992. SEC. 3. PRE-1993 MINIMUM TAX ALLOWED AS CREDIT AGAINST MINIMUM TAX FOR CERTAIN TAXPAYERS. (a) In General.--Section 53(c) (relating to limitation) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) Special rule for certain taxpayers with pre-1993 unused minimum tax credits.-- ``(A) In general.--If a taxpayer had an unused minimum tax credit for at least 3 of the taxable years in the testing period, then, subject to the limitation of subparagraph (B), the limitation under paragraph (1) for any taxable year following the testing period shall in no event be less than 50 percent of the excess (if any) of-- ``(I) the tentative minimum tax for such taxable year, over ``(II) the sum of the credits allowable under subparts A, B, D, E, and F of this part. ``(B) Limitation.-- ``(i) In general.--The aggregate increases in the limitation under paragraph (1) by reason of subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the pre- 1993 unused minimum tax credits. ``(ii) Ordering rule.--For purposes of clause (i), any credit under subsection (a) for taxable years following the testing period shall be treated as allocated to pre-1993 unused minimum tax credits until such credits are used up. ``(C) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) Testing period.--The term `testing period' means the 5-taxable year period ending with the taxpayer's last taxable year beginning in 1992. ``(ii) Pre-1993 unused minimum tax credits.--The term `pre-1993 unused minimum tax credits' means the credits allowable under subsection (a) remaining unused as of the close of the testing period.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 53(c) (as in effect before the amendment made by subsection (a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``The'' and inserting: ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the'', and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B). (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992. SEC. 4. ALLOWANCE OF GENERAL BUSINESS CREDIT AGAINST PORTION OF MINIMUM TAX. (a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 38(c)(1) (relating to limitation based on amount of tax) is amended by inserting ``75 percent of'' before ``the tentative minimum tax''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992.

Summary: Minimum Tax Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise adjustments in computing alternative minimum taxable income and allow companies to use the 150-percent declining balance method to compute depreciation, except for environmental assets. Allow s a 200 percent declining balance method in the case of computer or peripheral equipment. Allows companies to use pre-1993 minimum tax credits against alternative tax liability for up to 50 percent of that liability, with limitations. Allows businesses to reduce up to 25 percent of their minimum tax liabilty with general business credits.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Anti-terrorism Information Sharing Is Strength Act''. SEC. 2. INFORMATION SHARING. (a) In General.--Section 314 of the USA PATRIOT Act (31 U.S.C. 5311 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``terrorist or money laundering activities'' and inserting ``terrorist acts, money laundering activities, or a specified unlawful activity (as defined under section 1956(c)(7) of title 18, United States Code)''; and (B) by striking ``activities that may involve terrorist acts or money laundering activities'' and inserting ``activities that may involve terrorist acts, money laundering activities, or a specified unlawful activity''; and (2) in subsection (c), by inserting ``or a specified unlawful activity (as defined under section 1956(c)(7) of title 18, United States Code)'' after ``terrorist acts or money laundering activities''. (b) Update to Regulations.--Section 314(a) of the USA PATRIOT Act (31 U.S.C. 5311 note) is amended by striking ``or money laundering activities'' each place such term appears and inserting ``, money laundering activities, or a specified unlawful activity (as defined under section 1956(c)(7) of title 18, United States Code)''. (c) Sense of Congress.--Section 314 of the USA PATRIOT Act (31 U.S.C. 5311 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that, in furtherance of efforts to stop the financing of terror and other forms of illicit financing through increased sharing of information, and consistent with the need to prevent inappropriate dissemination of such information-- ``(1) Federal law enforcement agencies and regulators should share information about terrorist activities, money laundering activities, and other specified unlawful activities (as defined under section 1956(c)(7) of title 18, United States Code) to the fullest extent possible and in a timely fashion; and ``(2) financial institutions, including nonbank financial institutions, should share information about such acts and activities with each other to the fullest extent possible and in a timely fashion.''. SEC. 3. DISCLOSURE LIABILITY. Section 5318(g)(3)(B) of title 31, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end; (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(iii) any duty or requirement of a financial institution or any director, officer, employee, or agent of such institution to demonstrate to any person, as used in such subparagraph, that a disclosure referenced in such subparagraph is made in good faith.''. SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS. (a) In General.--Not later than the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate regarding-- (1) the Department of the Treasury's assessment of the risks and benefits of allowing sharing of information, consistent with appropriate privacy protections-- (A) between United States financial institutions and foreign financial institutions; (B) between United States financial institutions and their foreign subsidiaries; and (C) between United States subsidiaries of foreign financial institutions and their parent financial institutions; and (2) whether a financial institution defined under section 5312(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code, that is not required under Treasury regulations on the date of the enactment of this Act to maintain an anti-money laundering program, should be authorized to appropriately share information pursuant to subsection (b) of section 314 of the USA PATRIOT Act, if-- (A) the financial institution voluntarily establishes and maintains such an anti-money laundering program; (B) such program is subject to examination, and has been examined, by the appropriate regulator; and (C) the Secretary determines such program to be adequately operating. (b) Separate Presentation of Classified Material.--Any part of the report described under subsection (a) that involves information which is properly classified under criteria established by the President shall be submitted to the committees described under subsection (a) separately in a classified annex and, if requested by the chairman or ranking Member of one of such committees, as a briefing at an appropriate level of security. SEC. 5. RULEMAKING. Not later than the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to be consistent with the amendments made by this Act.

Summary: Anti-terrorism Information Sharing Is Strength Act This bill amends the USA PATRIOT Act to allow two or more financial institutions and any association of financial institutions, upon notice provided to the Department of the Treasury, to share information with one another regarding individuals, entities, organizations, and countries suspected of the unlawful activity the proceeds of which form the basis of a money laundering offense. A financial institution or association that transmits, receives, or shares such information to identify and report this activity shall not be liable to any person for such disclosure or for any failure to provide notice of it to the subject, or any other person identified in the disclosure, except where the transmission, receipt, or sharing violates the Act or regulations promulgated under it. The bill expresses the sense of Congress concerning the need for federal law enforcement agencies and regulators, as well as financial institutions, to share information about terrorist activities, money laundering activities, and unlawful activities to the fullest extent possible and in a timely fashion.


SECTION 1. DISCLOSURE OF PAID COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGNS TO INFLUENCE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO LOBBY CONGRESS. (a) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any person or entity other than a lobbying firm that is retained on behalf of a client other than that person or entity. No person or entity other than a lobbying firm is required to register or file a report under the amendments made by this section. (b) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (7), by adding at the end the following: ``For purposes of a lobbying firm only, the term `lobbying activities' includes paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress.''; (2) in paragraph (9)-- (A) in the first sentence-- (i) by striking ``means a person'' and inserting ``(A) means-- ``(i) a person''; (ii) by moving the remaining text of the sentence 4 ems to the right; and (iii) by striking ``entity.'' and inserting ``entity; and ``(ii) a person or entity that is retained by 1 or more clients (other than that person or entity) to engage in paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress, and receives income of, or spends or agrees to spend, an aggregate of $100,000 or more for such efforts in any quarterly period; and''; and (B) in the last sentence-- (i) by striking ``The term also includes'' and inserting ``(B) includes''; and (ii) by moving the remaining text of the sentence 2 ems to the right; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(17) Paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby congress.--The term `paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress' means any efforts by a lobbying firm, on behalf of a client that retains the firm, to influence the general public or segments thereof to contact 1 or more covered legislative or executive branch officials (or Congress generally) to urge such officials (or Congress) to take specific action with respect to a matter described in paragraph (8)(A), except that such term does not include-- ``(A) communications made to the members of the client; or ``(B) direct mail communications to the general public, or segments of the general public, that are made primarily for the purpose of recruiting members to join an organization.''. (c) Registration.--Section 4(a) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following and redesignating the succeeding paragraph accordingly: ``(3) Filing by certain lobbying firms.--Any person or entity that qualifies as a lobbying firm under section 3(9)(A)(ii) shall register with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives not later than 45 days after such lobbying firm is first retained by a client to engage in paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress.''. (d) Separate Itemization of Paid Communications Campaigns To Influence the General Public To Lobby Congress.--Section 5(b) of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1604(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3)-- (A) by striking ``firm, a good'' and inserting ``firm-- ``(A) a good''; (B) by moving the remaining text 2 ems to the right; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) a separate good faith estimate of the total amount of income relating specifically to paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress, if such income from the client exceeds $50,000 during the quarterly filing period; and''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2) shall not apply with respect to reports relating to paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress.''.

Summary: Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to revise the definition of "lobbying activities" (for purposes of a lobbying firm only) to include paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress. Redefines "lobbying firm" to include a person or entity retained by one or more clients (other than that person or entity) to engage in paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress, and receives income of, or spends or agrees to spend, an aggregate of $100,000 or more for such efforts in any quarterly period. Defines "paid communications campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress" as efforts by a lobbying firm, on behalf of a client, to influence the general public or its segments to contact one or more covered legislative or executive branch officials (or Congress generally) to urge them to take specific action regarding a specific matter. Excludes from the meaning of such communications: (1) any made to the members of the client; or (2) direct mail communications to the general public or its segments made primarily to recruit members to join an organization. Sets forth LDA registration and reporting requirements of such lobbying firms.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Border Patrol Pay Reform Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. BORDER PATROL RATE OF PAY. (a) Purpose.--The purposes of this section are-- (1) to strengthen the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and to ensure that Border Patrol agents are sufficiently ready to conduct necessary work and will perform overtime hours in excess of a 40-hour workweek based on the needs of the employing agency; and (2) to ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the flexibility to cover shift changes and retains the right to assign scheduled and unscheduled work for mission requirements and planning based on operational need. (b) Rates of Pay.--Subchapter V of chapter 55 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 5549 the following: ``Sec. 5550. Border patrol rate of pay ``(a) Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) the term `available to work', as used with respect to a Border Patrol agent, means that such agent is generally and reasonably accessible by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to perform unscheduled duty based on the needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; ``(2) the term `Border Patrol agent' means an individual who is performing functions included under position classification series 1896 (Border Patrol Enforcement) of the Office of Personnel Management, or any successor thereto, including, in the case of an individual performing the aforementioned functions, while such individual is performing covered border patrol activities; ``(3) the term `covered border patrol activities', as used with respect to a Border Patrol agent, means-- ``(A) detecting and preventing illegal entry and smuggling of aliens, commercial goods, narcotics, weapons, or contraband into the United States; ``(B) arresting individuals suspected of conduct described in subparagraph (A); ``(C) attending training authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; ``(D) being on approved annual, sick, or administrative leave; ``(E) being on ordered travel status; ``(F) being on official time, within the meaning of section 7131; ``(G) being on excused absence with pay for relocation purposes; ``(H) being on light duty due to injury or disability; ``(I) performing administrative duties or mission critical work assignments while maintaining law enforcement authority; ``(J) caring for the canine assigned to the Border Patrol agent, which may not exceed 1 hour per day; or ``(K) engaging in an activity similar to an activity described in any of the preceding subparagraphs while temporarily away from the regular duty assignment of the Border Patrol agent; ``(4) the term `level 1 border patrol rate of pay', as used with respect to a Border Patrol agent, means the rate equal to 1.25 times the hourly rate of basic pay otherwise applicable to such agent; ``(5) the term `level 2 border patrol rate of pay', as used with respect to a Border Patrol agent, means the rate equal to 1.125 times the hourly rate of basic pay otherwise applicable to such agent; and ``(6) the term `work period' means a 14-day biweekly pay period. ``(b) Receipt of Border Patrol Rate of Pay.-- ``(1) Voluntary election.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days before the first day of each year beginning after the date of enactment of this section, a Border Patrol agent shall make an election as to whether such agent shall, for such year-- ``(i) be assigned to the level 1 border patrol rate of pay; ``(ii) be assigned to the level 2 border patrol rate of pay; or ``(iii) decline both the level 1 and the level 2 border patrol rates of pay. ``(B) Procedures.--The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish procedures for an election under subparagraph (A). ``(C) Information regarding election.--Not later than 60 days before the first day of each year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall provide each Border Patrol agent with information regarding each type of election available under subparagraph (A) and how to make such an election. ``(D) Failure to elect.--A Border Patrol agent who fails to make a timely election under subparagraph (A) shall be deemed to have made an election under clause (i) thereof. ``(E) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that U.S. Customs and Border Protection should take such action as is necessary to ensure that not more than 10 percent of the Border Patrol agents stationed at a location decline to be assigned to the level 1 border patrol rate of pay or the level 2 border patrol rate of pay. ``(2) Level 1 border patrol rate of pay.--For a Border Patrol agent who has in effect an election under paragraph (1)(A)(i)-- ``(A) the Border Patrol agent shall be scheduled to work for 5 days per week-- ``(i) 8 hours of regular time per day; and ``(ii) 2 additional hours of scheduled overtime on each day such agent is scheduled to work under clause (i); ``(B) for the hours of regular time work described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Border Patrol agent shall receive pay at the level 1 border patrol rate of pay; ``(C) for the hours of regularly scheduled overtime work described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the Border Patrol agent shall not receive-- ``(i) additional compensation under this section or any other provision of law; or ``(ii) compensatory time off; ``(D) any hours during which the Border Patrol agent is available to work during a work period shall be included in the hours of regular time or regularly scheduled overtime scheduled under subparagraph (A); ``(E) the Border Patrol agent shall receive compensatory time off or pay at the overtime hourly rate of pay for hours of work in excess of 100 hours during a work period, as determined in accordance with section 5542(a)(7); and ``(F) the Border Patrol agent shall be charged leave in increments of 8 hours for 1 shift of leave, regardless of the length of the shift. ``(3) Level 2 border patrol rate of pay.--For a Border Patrol agent who has in effect an election under paragraph (1)(A)(ii)-- ``(A) the Border Patrol agent shall be scheduled to work for 5 days per week-- ``(i) 8 hours of regular time per day; and ``(ii) 1 additional hour of scheduled overtime during on each day such agent is scheduled to work under clause (i); ``(B) for the hours of regular time work described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Border Patrol agent shall receive pay at the level 2 border patrol rate of pay; ``(C) for the hours of regularly scheduled overtime work described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the Border Patrol agent shall not receive-- ``(i) additional compensation under this section or any other provision of law; or ``(ii) compensatory time off; ``(D) any hours during which the Border Patrol agent is available to work during a work period shall be included in the hours of regular time or regularly scheduled overtime scheduled under subparagraph (A); ``(E) the Border Patrol agent shall receive compensatory time off or pay at the overtime hourly rate of pay for hours of work in excess of 90 hours during a work period, as determined in accordance with section 5542(a)(7); and ``(F) the Border Patrol agent shall be charged leave in increments of 8 hours for 1 shift of leave, regardless of the length of the shift. ``(4) Basic border patrol rate of pay.--For a Border Patrol agent who has in effect an election under paragraph (1)(A)(iii)-- ``(A) the Border Patrol agent shall be scheduled to work 8 hours of regular time per day, 5 days per week; ``(B) any hours during which the Border Patrol agent is available to work during a work period shall be included in the hours of regular time scheduled under subparagraph (A); and ``(C) the Border Patrol agent shall receive compensatory time off or pay at the overtime hourly rate of pay for hours of work in excess of 80 hours during a work period, as determined in accordance with section 5542(a)(7). ``(c) Eligibility for Other Premium Pay.--A Border Patrol agent-- ``(1) shall receive premium pay for night work in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of section 5545 and Sunday and holiday pay in accordance with section 5546, without regard to the election of the Border Patrol agent under subsection (b)(1)(A), except that section 5546(d) shall not apply and eligibility for pay for, and the rate of pay for, any overtime work shall be determined in accordance with this section and section 5542(a)(7); and ``(2) shall not be eligible for any other form of premium pay under this title, except as provided in section 5542(a)(7). ``(d) Treatment as Basic Pay.--Any pay received at the level 1 border patrol rate of pay or the level 2 border patrol rate of pay or pay described in subsection (b)(3)(B) shall be treated as part of basic pay for-- ``(1) purposes of sections 5595(c), 8114(e), 8331(3), and 8704(c); ``(2) any other purpose that the Office of Personnel Management may by regulation prescribe; and ``(3) any other purpose expressly provided for by law. ``(e) Authority To Require Overtime Work.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to require a Border Patrol agent to perform hours of overtime work in accordance with the needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including if needed in the event of a local or national emergency.''. (c) Overtime Work.--Section 5542(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(7)(A) In this paragraph, the term `Border Patrol agent' has the meaning given such term in section 5550. ``(B) Notwithstanding the matter preceding paragraph (1) or paragraphs (1) and (2), for a Border Patrol agent who has in effect an election to be assigned to the level 1 border patrol rate of pay under section 5550(b)(1)(A)(i)-- ``(i) except as provided in subparagraph (E), hours of work in excess of 100 hours during a 14-day biweekly pay period shall be overtime work; and ``(ii) the Border Patrol agent-- ``(I) shall receive pay at the overtime hourly rate of pay (as determined in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2)) for hours of overtime work that are officially ordered or approved in advance of the work assignment; and ``(II) shall receive compensatory time off for any hours of overtime work that are not hours of overtime work described in subclause (I). ``(C) Notwithstanding the matter preceding paragraph (1) or paragraphs (1) and (2), for a Border Patrol agent who has in effect an election to be eligible for the level 2 border patrol rate of pay under section 5550(b)(1)(A)(ii)-- ``(i) except as provided in subparagraph (E), hours of work in excess of 90 hours during a 14-day biweekly pay period shall be overtime work; and ``(ii) the Border Patrol agent-- ``(I) shall receive pay at the overtime hourly rate of pay (as determined in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2)) for hours of overtime work that are officially ordered or approved in advance of the work assignment; and ``(II) shall receive compensatory time off for any hours of overtime work that are not hours of overtime work described in subclause (I). ``(D) Notwithstanding the matter preceding paragraph (1) or paragraphs (1) and (2), for a Border Patrol agent who has in effect an election under section 5550(b)(1)(A)(iii)-- ``(i) except as provided in subparagraph (E), hours of work in excess of 80 hours during a 14-day biweekly pay period shall be overtime work; and ``(ii) the Border Patrol agent-- ``(I) shall receive pay at the overtime hourly rate of pay (as determined in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2)) for hours of overtime work that are officially ordered or approved in advance of the work assignment; and ``(II) shall receive compensatory time off for any hours of overtime work that are not hours of overtime work described in subclause (I). ``(E)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), during a 14-day biweekly pay period, a Border Patrol agent shall not perform and may not receive compensatory time off for more than 8 hours of overtime work. ``(ii) U.S. Customs and Border Protection may, as it determines appropriate, waive the limitation under clause (i) for hours of overtime work, but such waiver must be approved in advance of any work being performed that would be subject to compensatory time under subsection (B)(ii)(II), (C)(ii)(II), or (D)(ii)(II). ``(F) A Border Patrol agent-- ``(i) may not earn more than 240 hours of compensatory time off during a year; and ``(ii) shall use any hours of compensatory time off not later than 1 year after the date on which the compensatory time off is accrued.''. (d) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 13(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 213(a)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (16), by striking ``or'' after the semicolon; (B) in paragraph (17), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(18) any employee who is a Border Patrol agent, as defined in section 5550(a) of title 5, United States Code.''. (2) The table of sections for chapter 55 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5549 the following: ``5550. Border patrol rate of pay.''.

Summary: Border Patrol Pay Reform Act of 2013 - Sets forth additional requirements relating to the rates of pay and terms of employment for U.S. Border Patrol agents (i.e., federal employees who detect and prevent illegal entry and smuggling of aliens, commercial goods, narcotics, weapons, or contraband into the United States). Requires Border Patrol agents to elect each year to: (1) be assigned to either a specified level one or level two border patrol rate of pay governing regular rates of pay and overtime work requirements, or (2) decline both levels. Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should ensure that not more than 10% of agents stationed at a location decline to be assigned to either the level 1 or level 2 border patrol rate of pay. Empowers CBP, without limitation, to require agents to perform overtime work in accordance with agency needs, including if needed in the event of a local or national emergency.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Direct Check for Education Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) education should be a national priority but must remain a local responsibility; (2) the Federal Government's regulations and involvement often creates barriers and obstacles to local creativity and reform; (3) parents, teachers, and local school districts must be allowed and empowered to set local education priorities; and (4) schools and education professionals must be accountable to the people and children served. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801). (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. SEC. 4. DIRECT AWARDS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES. (a) Direct Awards.--From amounts appropriated under subsection (b) and not used to carry out subsection (c), the Secretary shall make direct awards to local educational agencies in amounts determined under subsection (e) to enable the local educational agencies to support programs or activities, for kindergarten through grade 12 students, that the local educational agencies deem appropriate. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $3,500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2000 and 2001, $4,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003, and $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2004. (c) Multiyear Awards.--The Secretary shall use funds appropriated under subsection (b) for each fiscal year to continue to make payments to eligible recipients pursuant to any multiyear award made prior to the date of enactment of this Act under the provisions of law repealed under subsection (d). The payments shall be made for the duration of the multiyear award. (d) Repeals.--The following provisions of law are repealed: (1) The Goals 2000: Educate America Act (20 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.). (2) Section 307 of the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1999. (3) Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.). (4) Part B of title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7331 et seq.). (5) Part A of title X of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8001 et seq.). (6) The School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.). (e) Determination of Amount.-- (1) Per child amount.--The Secretary, using the information provided under subsection (f), shall determine a per child amount for a year by dividing the total amount appropriated under subsection (b) for the year, by the average daily attendance of kindergarten through grade 12 students in all States for the preceding year. (2) Local educational agency award.--The Secretary, using the information provided under subsection (f), shall determine the amount provided to each local educational agency under this section for a year by multiplying-- (A) the per child amount determined under paragraph (1) for the year; by (B) the average daily attendance of kindergarten through grade 12 students that are served by the local educational agency for the preceding year. (f) Census Determination.-- (1) In general.--Each local educational agency shall conduct a census to determine the average daily attendance of kindergarten through grade 12 students served by the local educational agency not later than December 1 of each year. (2) Submission.--Each local educational agency shall submit the number described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary not later than March 1 of each year. (g) Penalty.--If the Secretary determines that a local educational agency has knowingly submitted false information under subsection (f) for the purpose of gaining additional funds under this section, then the local educational agency shall be fined an amount equal to twice the difference between the amount the local educational agency received under this section, and the correct amount the local educational agency would have received under this section if the agency had submitted accurate information under subsection (f). (h) Disbursal.--The Secretary shall disburse the amount awarded to a local educational agency under this Act for a fiscal year not later than July 1 of each year. SEC. 5. AUDIT. (a) In General.--The Secretary may conduct audits of the expenditures of local educational agencies under this Act to ensure that the funds made available under this Act are used in accordance with this Act. (b) Sanctions and Penalties.--If the Secretary determines that the funds made available under section 4 were not used in accordance with section 4(a), the Secretary may use the enforcement provisions available to the Secretary under part D of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1234 et seq.).

Summary: Direct Check for Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make direct awards to local educational agencies (LEAs) to support programs or activities, that the LEA deems appropriate, for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to use funds under this Act to continue to make payments to eligible recipients pursuant to, and for the duration of, any multiyear award made prior to enactment of this Act. Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Repeals certain provisions of the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1999 which vested in the National Assessment Governing Board exclusive authority for developing voluntary national tests pursuant to a specified contract. Repeals the following programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965: (1) the Technology for Education program, including national programs, State and local programs for school technology resources, Star Schools, Ready-to-Learn Television, telecommunications demonstration project for mathematics, elementary mathematics and science equipment, and elementary and secondary school library media resources; (2) the State programs component of Innovative Education Program Strategies; and (3) the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Repeals the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. Directs the Secretary to determine a per-child amount to be awarded to each LEA. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct audits of LEA expenditures under this Act and to enforce certain sanctions and penalties if such funds are not used in accordance with this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Indian Employment and Training Improvement Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. PLAN REVIEW. The third sentence of section 7 of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3406) is amended by striking ``shall have the authority to waive any'' and inserting ``shall waive any statutory requirement,''. SEC. 3. PLAN APPROVAL. Section 8 of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3407) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence, by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``(including any request for a waiver that is made as part of the plan submitted by the tribal government)''; and (2) in the second sentence, by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, including reconsidering the disapproval of any waiver requested by the Indian tribe''. SEC. 4. JOB CREATION ACTIVITIES. Section 9 of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3408) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``The plan submitted''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) Employment Opportunities.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any requirement of a program that is integrated under a plan under this Act, a tribal government may use a percentage of the funds made available under this Act (as determined under paragraph (2)) for the creation of employment opportunities, including providing private sector training placement under section 10. ``(2) Determination of percentage.--The percentage of funds that a tribal government may use under this subsection is the greater of-- ``(A) the rate of unemployment in the area subject to the jurisdiction of the tribal government; or ``(B) 10 percent.''. SEC. 5. FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) In General.--Section 11(a) of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3410(a)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Bureau of Indian Affairs'' and inserting ``Office of Self- Governance of the Department of the Interior''; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) ensuring an orderly transition with respect to the administration of the programs integrated under the project in such manner as to eliminate any potential adverse effects of the project on any Indian tribe that-- ``(A) has entered into a self-determination contract (as that term is defined in section 4(j) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(j))); or ``(B) receives funding under this Act.''. (b) Personnel.--In carrying out the amendment made by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of the Interior shall transfer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Office of Self-Governance of the Department of the Interior such personnel and resources as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. SEC. 6. ASSIGNMENT OF FEDERAL PERSONNEL TO STATE INDIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. Section 18 of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3417) is amended-- (1) by striking the section heading and inserting the following: ``SEC. 18. ASSIGNMENT OF FEDERAL PERSONNEL TO INDIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.''; and (2) by inserting ``or Indian tribe'' after ``State'' each place it appears. SEC. 7. CONSOLIDATED ADVISORY COMMITTEES. The Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 19. CONSOLIDATED ADVISORY COMMITTEE. ``(a) In General.--The head of each Federal agency specified in section 4 that otherwise has jurisdiction over a program that is integrated under this Act (in accordance with a plan under section 6) shall permit a tribal government that carries out that plan to establish a consolidated advisory committee to carry out the duties of each advisory committee that would otherwise be required under applicable law (including any council or commission relating to private industry) to carry out the programs integrated under the plan. ``(b) Waivers.--As necessary to carry out paragraph (1), each agency head referred to in that paragraph shall waive any statutory requirement, regulation, or policy requiring the establishment of an advisory committee (including any advisory commission or council).''. SEC. 8. ALASKA REGIONAL CONSORTIA. The Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.), as amended by section 7 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 20. ALASKA REGIONAL CONSORTIA. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall permit a regional consortium of Alaska Native villages or regional or village corporations (as defined in or established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)) to carry out a project under a plan that meets the requirements of this Act through a resolution adopted by the governing body of each such entity. ``(b) Withdrawal.--Nothing in subsection (a) is intended to prohibit an Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation from withdrawing from participation in any portion of a program conducted pursuant to that subsection at any time after the plan for the program is implemented.''.

Summary: Indian Employment and Training Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to, among other things: (1) allow Indian tribal governments to use a specified percentage of the funds made available under the Act for the creation of employment opportunities, including providing private sector training placement; (2) transfer lead agency responsibility for demonstration projects from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Office of Self-Governance of the Department of the Interior; and (3) revise the requirement regarding the assignment of Federal personnel to State Indian economic development programs to provide for Federal personnel assignments to Indian tribes with such programs. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) Indian tribal government consolidated advisory committees; and (2) Alaska regional consortia.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Job Creation and Energy Efficiency Act''. SEC. 2. LOAN PROGRAM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES TO EXISTING BUILDINGS. Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16511 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 1706. BUILDING RETROFIT FINANCING PROGRAM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Credit support.--The term `credit support' means a guarantee or commitment to issue a guarantee or other forms of credit enhancement to ameliorate risks for efficiency obligations. ``(2) Efficiency obligation.--The term `efficiency obligation' means a debt or repayment obligation incurred in connection with financing a project, or a portfolio of such debt or repayment obligations. ``(3) Project.--The term `project' means the installation and implementation of efficiency, advanced metering, distributed generation, or renewable energy technologies and measures for a building (or for multiple buildings on a given property) that are expected to increase the energy efficiency of the building (including fixtures) in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary. ``(b) Eligible Projects.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 1703 and 1705, the Secretary may provide credit support under this section, in accordance with section 1702. ``(2) Inclusions.--Buildings eligible for credit support under this section include commercial, multifamily residential, industrial, municipal, government, institution of higher education, school, and hospital facilities that satisfy criteria established by the Secretary. ``(c) Guidelines.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) establish guidelines for credit support provided under this section; ``(B) publish the guidelines in the Federal Register; and ``(C) provide for an opportunity for public comment on the guidelines. ``(2) Requirements.--The guidelines established by the Secretary under this subsection shall include-- ``(A) standards for assessing the energy savings that could reasonably be expected to result from a project; ``(B) examples of financing mechanisms (and portfolios of such financing mechanisms) that qualify as efficiency obligations; ``(C) the threshold levels of energy savings that a project, at the time of issuance of credit support, shall be reasonably expected to achieve to be eligible for credit support; ``(D) the eligibility criteria the Secretary determines to be necessary for making credit support available under this section; and ``(E) notwithstanding subsections (d)(3) and (g)(2)(B) of section 1702, any lien priority requirements that the Secretary determines to be necessary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, which may include-- ``(i) mechanisms to preserve prior lien positions of mortgage lenders and other creditors in buildings eligible for credit support; ``(ii) remedies available to the Secretary under chapter 176 of title 28, United States Code, in the event of default on the efficiency obligation by the borrower; and ``(iii) measures to limit the exposure of the Secretary to financial risk in the event of default, such as-- ``(I) the collection of a credit subsidy fee from the borrower as a loan loss reserve, taking into account the limitation on credit support under subsection (d); ``(II) minimum debt-to-income levels of the borrower; ``(III) minimum levels of value relative to outstanding mortgage or other debt on a building eligible for credit support; ``(IV) allowable thresholds for the percent of the efficiency obligation relative to the amount of any mortgage or other debt on an eligible building; ``(V) analysis of historic and anticipated occupancy levels and rental income of an eligible building; ``(VI) requirements of third-party contractors to guarantee energy savings that will result from a retrofit project, and whether financing on the efficiency obligation will amortize from the energy savings; ``(VII) requirements that the retrofit project incorporate protocols to measure and verify energy savings; and ``(VIII) recovery of payments equally by the Secretary and the retrofit. ``(3) Efficiency obligations.--The financing mechanisms qualified by the Secretary under paragraph (2)(B) may include-- ``(A) loans, including loans made by the Federal Financing Bank; ``(B) power purchase agreements, including energy efficiency power purchase agreements; ``(C) energy services agreements, including energy performance contracts; ``(D) property assessed clean energy bonds and other tax assessment-based financing mechanisms; ``(E) aggregate on-meter agreements that finance retrofit projects; and ``(F) any other efficiency obligations the Secretary determines to be appropriate. ``(4) Priorities.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall prioritize-- ``(A) the maximization of energy savings with the available credit support funding; ``(B) the establishment of a clear application and approval process that allows private building owners, lenders, and investors to reasonably expect to receive credit support for projects that conform to guidelines; ``(C) the distribution of projects receiving credit support under this section across States or geographical regions of the United States; and ``(D) projects designed to achieve whole-building retrofits. ``(d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding section 1702(c), the Secretary shall not issue credit support under this section in an amount that exceeds-- ``(1) 90 percent of the principal amount of the efficiency obligation that is the subject of the credit support; or ``(2) $25,000,000 for any single project. ``(e) Aggregation of Projects.--To the extent provided in the guidelines developed in accordance with subsection (c), the Secretary may issue credit support on a portfolio, or pool of projects, that are not required to be geographically contiguous, if each efficiency obligation in the pool fulfills the requirements described in this section. ``(f) Application.-- ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive credit support under this section, the applicant shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be necessary. ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted under this section shall include assurances by the applicant that-- ``(A) each contractor carrying out the project meets minimum experience level criteria, including local retrofit experience, as determined by the Secretary; ``(B) the project is reasonably expected to achieve energy savings, as set forth in the application using any methodology that meets the standards described in the program guidelines; ``(C) the project meets any technical criteria described in the program guidelines; ``(D) the recipient of the credit support and the parties to the efficiency obligation will provide the Secretary with-- ``(i) any information the Secretary requests to assess the energy savings that result from the project, including historical energy usage data, a simulation-based benchmark, and detailed descriptions of the building work, as described in the program guidelines; and ``(ii) permission to access information relating to building operations and usage for the period described in the program guidelines; and ``(E) any other assurances that the Secretary determines to be necessary. ``(3) Determination.--Not later than 90 days after receiving an application, the Secretary shall make a final determination on the application, which may include requests for additional information. ``(g) Fees.-- ``(1) In general.--In addition to the fees required by section 1702(h)(1), the Secretary may charge reasonable fees for credit support provided under this section. ``(2) Availability.--Fees collected under this section shall be subject to section 1702(h)(2). ``(h) Underwriting.--The Secretary may delegate the underwriting activities under this section to 1 or more entities that the Secretary determines to be qualified. ``(i) Status Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencement of the program, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report that describes in reasonable detail-- ``(1) the manner in which this section is being carried out; ``(2) the number and type of projects supported; ``(3) the types of funding mechanisms used to provide credit support to projects; ``(4) the energy savings expected to result from projects supported by this section; ``(5) any tracking efforts the Secretary is using to calculate the actual energy savings produced by the projects; and ``(6) any plans to improve the tracking efforts described in paragraph (5). ``(j) Buy American Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Congress an annual report that estimates the percentage of American- made materials used in conducting retrofit activities funded pursuant to this section. ``(k) Funding.-- ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000,000 for the period encompassing fiscal years 2012 through 2021. ``(2) Administrative costs.--Not more than 1 percent of any amounts made available to the Secretary for carrying out this section may be used by the Secretary for administrative costs incurred in carrying out this section.''.

Summary: Job Creation and Energy Efficiency Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to provide credit support to ameliorate risks for a debt or repayment obligation incurred in connection with financing the installation and implementation of efficiency, advanced metering, distributed generation, or renewable energy technologies and measures that are expected to increase the energy efficiency of one or more buildings (including fixtures). Makes commercial, multifamily residential, industrial, municipal, government institutions of higher education, school, and hospital facilities eligible for such support. Includes among financing mechanisms that qualify as efficiency obligations: (1) loans, (2) power purchase agreements, (3) energy services agreements, (4) property assessed clean energy bonds and other tax assessment-based financing mechanisms, and (5) aggregate on-meter agreements that finance retrofit projects. Requires the Secretary to prioritize: (1) the maximization of energy savings with the available credit support funding; (2) the establishment of a clear application and approval process that allows private building owners, lenders, and investors to reasonably expect to receive credit support for projects that conform to guidelines; (3) the distribution of projects receiving credit support across states or geographical regions; and (4) projects designed to achieve whole-building retrofits. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing credit support that exceeds: (1) 90% of the principal amount of the obligation that is the subject of the support, or (2) $25 million for any project. Requires the Secretary to report on such support. Authorizes the Secretary to charge reasonable fees for such support.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior (in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') may carry out in accordance with this Act a program to be known as the ``Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program'' (in this Act referred to as the ``Program'') to accomplish the goals of-- (1) providing to school children environmental education opportunities relating to the conservation and management of migratory birds; and (2) increasing the capacity for schools, States, and other educational programs to conduct conservation and education programs. (b) Program Features.--The Program shall consist of-- (1) conducting in all interested States the activities which on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act are conducted under the program known as the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program; (2) other activities authorized under the Program by this or any other Act; and (3) any other activity necessary to carry out the conservation and education goals of the Program. (c) Effort To Conduct Program in All States.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall take appropriate steps to seek to conduct the Program in all of the 50 States. (2) Annual report.--The Secretary shall annually submit a report to the Congress on the status of the Program in each of the 50 States. SEC. 3. JUNIOR DUCK STAMP. (a) Competition.--As part of the Program, the Secretary may annually conduct a competition to-- (1) solicit the submission by students at elementary and secondary schools of designs relating to conservation of migratory birds; and (2) select winning designs from among those submissions for use for licensing and marketing under subsection (b). (b) Licensing and Marketing of Design of Junior Duck Stamps.--As part of the Program, the Secretary may-- (1) license and market winning designs selected in competitions under subsection (a); and (2) license and market stamps bearing those designs, which shall be known as Junior Duck Stamps. (c) Use of Proceeds From Licensing and Marketing of Junior Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamp Designs.--Amounts received under subsection (b)-- (1) shall be available to the Secretary until expended, without further appropriations, solely for-- (A) awards and scholarships to individuals who submit designs in competitions under subsection (a), that are-- (i) selected in such a competition as winning designs; or (ii) otherwise determined in such a competition to be superior; (B) awards to schools and other participants to further education activities related to the conservation education goals of the Program; and (C) expenses for licensing and marketing under subsection (b); and (2) may not be used for administrative expenses of the Program. SEC. 4. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, DEVISES, AND BEQUESTS. The Secretary may accept and use any gift, devise, or bequest of personal property, or proceeds thereof, for the purpose of funding the activities described in section 3(c)(1) (A) and (B). SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for administrative expenses of the Program $250,000 for each of the fiscal years 1995 through 2000. SEC. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER AND REFUGE HEADQUARTERS AT JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AT TINICUM. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding other laws and subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, may transfer to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation the Cusano bequest. (b) Conditions of Transfer.--As a condition of transferring the Cusano bequest under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior shall require the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to enter into an agreement under which the Foundation is required to-- (1) solicit additional non-Federal contributions to provide a dollar for dollar match of the Cusano bequest; (2) manage the Cusano bequest and those contributions in accordance with all applicable requirements of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.); (3) use all amounts and proceeds from the Cusano bequest and any non-Federal contributions received pursuant to paragraph (1) for the purpose of designing and constructing a facility for an environmental education center and refuge headquarters on lands located within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum; and (4) donate the facility to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service upon completion of its construction. (c) Cusano Bequest Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term ``Cusano bequest'' means the amounts totaling approximately $2,473,971 which were donated to the Department of the Interior in 1994 by Mr. Antonio Cusano of Crum Lynne, Pennsylvania, and includes all proceeds derived from such amounts in the period since the donation was made. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program. Permits the Secretary, as part of the Program, to conduct an annual competition to: (1) solicit the submission by elementary and secondary school students of designs relating to migratory bird conservation; and (2) select winning designs for use for licensing and marketing. Authorizes the Secretary to license and market winning designs and stamps bearing such designs, to be known as Junior Duck Stamps. Makes licensing and marketing proceeds available solely for awards and scholarships to individuals who submit designs, awards to further education activities related to the conservation education goals of the Program, and expenses for licensing and marketing. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, to accept a certain private bequest for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for purposes of designing and constructing an environmental education center and refuge headquarters within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Weapons Embargo Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON DIRECT OR INDIRECT USE OF FUNDS TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR AGREEMENTS WITH ROSOBORONEXPORT. (a) Prohibition.-- (1) In general.--The head of an executive agency may not enter into a contract, subcontract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan agreement to Rosoboronexport, any subsidiary or affiliate of Rosoboronexport, or any entity that has a business relationship with Rosoboronexport or any subsidiary or affiliate of Rosoboronexport related to the design, manufacture, or sale of military equipment. (2) Termination of existing contracts and agreements.--The head of each executive agency shall immediately terminate any contract, subcontract, memorandum of understanding, cooperative agreement, loan, or loan agreement described in paragraph (1). (b) National Security Waiver Authority.--The President may waive the applicability of subsection (a) if the President, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence, certifies in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that, to the best of the President's knowledge-- (1) Rosoboronexport has ceased the transfer of lethal military equipment to, and the maintenance of existing lethal military equipment for, the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic; (2) the armed forces of the Russian Federation have withdrawn from Crimea (other than military forces present on military bases subject to agreements in force between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Ukraine); and (3) agents of the Russian Federation are not taking active measures to destabilize the control of the Government of Ukraine over eastern Ukraine (including through active support of efforts to unlawfully occupy facilities of the Government of Ukraine). (c) Reprogramming Authority.-- (1) In general.--The President may reprogram funds appropriated or otherwise made available for Economic Support Fund assistance or security assistance for the government of a country that, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, enters into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or makes a grant to, or provides a loan or loan agreement to Rosoboronexport, or any subsidiary or affiliate of Rosoboronexport, in an amount up to or equal to the total amount of each such contract, memorandum of understanding, cooperative agreement, loan, or loan agreement. (2) Notification.--The President shall notify Congress not later than 15 days before reprogramming funds under paragraph (1). (d) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (2) Executive agency.--The term ``executive agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code. SEC. 3. REPORT ON ROSOBORONEXPORT ACTIVITIES. (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the following: (1) A list of the known transfers of lethal military equipment by Rosoboronexport to the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic since March 15, 2011. (2) A list of the known contracts, if any, that Rosoboronexport has signed with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic since March 15, 2011. (3) A detailed list of all existing contracts, subcontracts, memorandums of understanding, cooperative agreements, grants, loans, and loan guarantees between the Department of Defense and Rosoboronexport, including a description of the transaction, signing dates, values, and quantities. (b) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (c) Congressional Defense Committees Defined.--In this section, the term ``congressional defense committees'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.

Summary: Russian Weapons Embargo Act of 2014 - Prohibits the head of any executive agency from entering into a contract, subcontract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan agreement to Rosoboronexport, any subsidiary or affiliate of it, or any entity that has a business relationship with Rosoboronexport regarding the design, manufacture, or sale of military equipment. Requires the head of each executive agency to terminate any such arrangement. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if : (1) Rosoboronexport has ceased the transfer of military equipment to, and the maintenance of existing military equipment for, the government of Syria; (2) the armed forces of the Russian Federation have withdrawn from Crimea (other than forces present on certain military bases); and (3) agents of the Russian Federation are not taking measures to destabilize the control of the government of Ukraine over eastern Ukraine. Authorizes the President to reprogram Economic Support Fund assistance or security assistance for the government of any country that enters into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or makes a grant or loan to Rosoboronexport or any subsidiary or affiliate of it in an amount up to or equal to the total amount of each such arrangement.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Transparency in Judgment Payments Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS. Section 1304 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d)(1) Not later than 30 days after the payment of a final judgment, award, or compromise settlement under this section, the Secretary of the Treasury shall publish electronically (including on a dedicated, publicly accessible Web site), in a manner consistent with applicable Federal privacy law-- ``(A) the agency responsible for the payment; ``(B) a citation to the provision of law under which the claim was made; ``(C) the amount to be paid; ``(D) the amount of any interest to be paid; ``(E) the amount of any attorney fees to be paid; and ``(F) for any case filed in a court-- ``(i) the case number for the case that resulted in the judgment, award, or settlement; and ``(ii) the court in which the case was filed. ``(2) The information published under paragraph (1) shall contain separate sections for claims filed in court and administrative claims. ``(3)(A) The Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a quarterly report that contains-- ``(i) any information published under paragraph (1) during the preceding quarter; and ``(ii) a confidential appendix that includes, for each case or claim described in clause (i), the identity of the plaintiff, counsel for the plaintiff, and the defendant. ``(B) A report under subparagraph (A) shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5. For purposes of section 552 of title 5, this paragraph shall be considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of such section 552.''. SEC. 3. LITIGATION MANAGEMENT. (a) In General.--Chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 613. Litigation management ``(a) Each agency, in consultation with the Attorney General of the United States and consistent with applicable Federal privacy law, shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives an annual report describing-- ``(1) any civil action filed or pending against the agency or any employee of the agency; and ``(2) any settlements entered by or final judgments entered against the agency or any employee of the agency. ``(b) The report required under subsection (a) shall include-- ``(1) a summary of-- ``(A) the number of civil actions filed, pending, or settled; ``(B) the number of civil actions for which more than 36 months have passed since the date the action was filed; ``(C) the number of claims-- ``(i) made under a statute or regulation; and ``(ii) alleging a violation of a statute or regulation; ``(D) the number of judgments entered for and against the agency; ``(E) the number of settlements or consent decrees involving the agency; ``(F) the number of judgments entered under seal; ``(G) the number of settlements or consent decrees involving a confidentiality agreement or order; ``(H) the total amount of all judgments, settlements, and attorney fees paid by or on behalf of the agency; and ``(I) the total number of agency rulemakings or other actions commenced due to a judgment or settlement; ``(2) for each filed or pending civil action, a summary of the action that-- ``(A) describes-- ``(i) the nature of the action; ``(ii) the cause of action asserted, including specific statutory references; ``(iii) the nature and amount of relief requested; ``(iv) whether the plaintiff is a party to any other litigation against the agency; ``(v) whether a claim for attorney fees has been made, and if so, the statutory basis for the claim; ``(vi) the date the action was filed; and ``(vii) whether more than 36 months have passed since the date the action was filed; and ``(B) identifies-- ``(i) the court, the presiding judge, and the case number; and ``(ii) the plaintiff and counsel for the plaintiff; and ``(3) for each settlement or final judgment, except a settlement or final judgment described in paragraph (4), a summary of the civil action that includes-- ``(A) the nature of the civil action; ``(B) the amount of the payment or other relief granted or agreed; ``(C) the amount of attorneys fees paid; and ``(D) the nature of any rulemaking or other agency action commenced due to the settlement or judgment; and ``(4) for each settlement or final judgment involving a judgment under seal or a confidentiality agreement or order-- ``(A) the parties to the settlement or final judgment; and ``(B) each cause of action alleged in the complaint.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``613. Litigation management.''.

Summary: Transparency in Judgment Payments Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, not later than 30 days after the payment of a final judgment, award, or compromise settlement involving a federal agency, to publish electronically: (1) the agency responsible for the payment; (2) a citation to the law under which the claim was made; (3) the amount to be paid, including any interest and attorney fees; and (4) the court in which such claim was filed and the court case number. Requires each federal agency to submit annual reports to Congress describing: (1) any civil action filed or pending against such agency or an agency employee, and (2) any settlements entered by, or final judgments entered against, such agency or an agency employee.


SECTION 1. PROVISIONS RELATING TO CERTAIN OFFICES AND POSITIONS WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. (a) Salary of the Vice President.-- (1) In general.--Section 104 of title 3, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by redesignating subsection (a) as subsection (a)(1) and subsection (b) as paragraph (2); and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(b)(1)(A) Effective at the beginning of the first month in which any comparability payment becomes payable under section 5304 or 5304a of title 5 with respect to General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia during any year, the per annum rate of salary of the Vice President (exclusive of any previous adjustment under this subsection) shall be adjusted by an amount, rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or if midway between multiples of $100, to the next highest multiple of $100) equal to the percentage of such per annum rate which corresponds to the percentage adjustment becoming so payable with respect to General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia under such section 5304 or 5304a (as applicable). ``(B) If an adjustment under this subsection is scheduled to take effect on the same date as an adjustment under subsection (a), the adjustment under subsection (a) shall be made first. ``(2) The rate of salary of the Vice President, as adjusted under paragraph (1), shall for all purposes be treated as the rate of salary of the Vice President, except as otherwise provided in subsection (a), paragraph (1), or any other provision of law. ``(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to permit or require the continuation of an adjustment under paragraph (1) after the comparability payment (for General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia) on which it was based has been terminated or superseded.''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 104 of title 3, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in the second sentence of subsection (a)(1) (as so redesignated)-- (i) by striking ``Subject to subsection (b),'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (2),''; and (ii) by inserting ``(exclusive of any previous adjustment under subsection (b))'' after ``the salary of the Vice President''; and (B) in subsection (a)(2) (as so redesignated), by striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)''. (b) Executive Schedule Pay Rates.-- (1) In general.--Section 5318 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by redesignating subsection (a) as subsection (a)(1) and subsection (b) as paragraph (2); and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(b)(1)(A) Effective at the beginning of the first applicable pay period commencing on or after the first day of the month in which any comparability payment becomes payable under section 5304 or 5304a with respect to General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia during any year, the annual rate of pay for positions at each level of the Executive Schedule (exclusive of any previous adjustment under this subsection) shall be adjusted by an amount, rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or if midway between multiples of $100, to the next highest multiple of $100) equal to the percentage of such annual rate of pay which corresponds to the percentage adjustment becoming so payable with respect to General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia under such section 5304 or 5304a (as applicable). ``(B) If an adjustment under this subsection is scheduled to take effect on the same date as an adjustment under subsection (a), the adjustment under subsection (a) shall be made first. ``(2) An annual rate of pay, as adjusted under paragraph (1), shall for all purposes be treated as the annual rate of pay for the positions involved, except as otherwise provided in subsection (a), paragraph (1), or any other provision of law. ``(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to permit or require the continuation of an adjustment under paragraph (1) after the comparability payment (for General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia) on which it was based has been terminated or superseded.''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 5318 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in the first sentence of subsection (a)(1) (as so redesignated)-- (i) by striking ``Subject to subsection (b),'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (2),''; and (ii) by inserting ``(exclusive of any previous adjustment under subsection (b))'' after ``Executive Schedule''; and (B) in subsection (a)(2) (as so redesignated), by striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)''. (c) Amendments Relating to Certain Limitation and Other Provisions.-- (1) Provisions to be applied by excluding executive schedule comparability adjustment.--Sections 5303(f), 5304(h)(1)(F), 5306(e), and 5373(a) of title 5, United States Code, are each amended by inserting ``, exclusive of any adjustment under section 5318(b)'' after ``Executive Schedule''. (2) Limitation on certain payments.--Section 5307(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) In the case of an employee who is receiving basic pay under section 5372, 5376, or 5383, paragraph (1) shall be applied by substituting `the annual rate of salary of the Vice President of the United States' for `the annual rate of basic pay payable for level I of the Executive Schedule'. Regulations under subsection (c) may extend the application of the preceding sentence to other equivalent categories of employees.''. (3) References to level iv of the executive schedule.-- Sections 5372(b)(1)(C), 5372a(b)(1), 5376(b)(1)(B), and 5382(b) of title 5, United States Code, are each amended by striking ``level IV'' each place it appears and inserting ``level III''. SEC. 2. PROVISIONS RELATING TO CERTAIN OFFICES AND POSITIONS WITHIN THE JUDICIAL BRANCH. (a) Increase in Maximum Rates of Basic Pay Allowable.-- (1) For positions covered by section 604(a)(5) of title 28, united states code.--Section 604(a)(5) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``by law'' and inserting ``by law (except that the rate of basic pay fixed under this paragraph for any such employee may not exceed the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule)''. (2) For circuit executives.--Section 332(f)(1) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315'' and inserting ``level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314''. (3) For personnel of the administrative office of the united states courts.-- (A) In general.--Section 3(a) of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts Personnel Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-474; 28 U.S.C. 602 note) is amended-- (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``level V'' and inserting ``level IV''; and (ii) in paragraph (10), by striking ``level IV'' and inserting ``level III''. (B) Provisions relating to certain additional positions.--Section 603 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315'' and inserting ``level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314''. (b) Salary of the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.--Section 603 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``district'' and inserting ``circuit''. SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall be effective with respect to pay periods beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Provides that, when any comparability payment becomes payable with respect to General Schedule employees within the District of Columbia, the annual rate of the salary of the Vice President and the pay for positions at each level of the Executive Schedule shall be adjusted by an amount equal to the percentage adjustment becoming so payable to such General Schedule employees.Increases the maximum limit on bonuses, awards, or other similar cash payments that may be paid in a calendar year to administrative law judges, certain senior-level employees, and individual senior executives.Increases: (1) the rate of basic pay payable for certain executive schedule positions; and (2) the highest rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service.Increases the maximum rates of basic pay allowable for circuit executives and certain personnel of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Provides for the salary of the Director of such Office to be the same as the salary of a circuit (currently, district) judge.


SECTION 1. MODELING AND SIMULATION PROGRAMS. The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title: ``TITLE VIII--ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS ``SEC. 801. MODELING AND SIMULATION PROGRAMS. ``(a) Purpose; Definition.-- ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education, through the collaboration with new and existing programs, and specifically to promote the use of technology in such study through the creation of accurate models that can simulate processes or recreate real life, by-- ``(A) establishing a task force at the Department of Education to raise awareness of and define the study of modeling and simulation; ``(B) provide grants to institutions of higher education to develop new modeling and simulation degree programs; and ``(C) create grants for institutions of higher education to enhance existing modeling and simulation degree programs. ``(2) Definition.--In this section, the term `modeling and simulation' means a field of study related to the application of computer science and mathematics to develop a level of understanding of the interaction of the parts of a system and of a system as a whole. ``(b) Establishment of Taskforce.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a taskforce within the Department of Education to study modeling and simulation and to support the development of the modeling and simulation field. The activities of such taskforce shall include-- ``(A) helping to define the study of modeling and simulation (including the content of modeling and simulation classes and programs); ``(B) identifying best practices for such study; ``(C) identifying core knowledge and skills that individuals who participate in modeling and simulation programs should aquire; and ``(D) providing recommendations to the Secretary with respect to-- ``(i) the information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C); and ``(ii) a system by which grants under this section will be distributed. ``(2) Taskforce membership.--The membership of the taskforce under this subsection shall be composed of representatives from-- ``(A) institutions of higher education with established modeling and simulation degree programs; ``(B) the National Science Foundation; ``(C) Federal Government agencies that use modeling and simulation extensively, including the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Health, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transportation; ``(D) private industries with a primary focus on modeling and simulation; and ``(E) national modeling and simulation organizations. ``(c) Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at Institutions of Higher Education.-- ``(1) Enhancement grants authorized.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to enhance modeling and simulation degree programs at such eligible institutions. ``(B) Duration of grant.--A grant awarded under this subsection shall be awarded for a 3-year period, and such grant period may be extended for not more than 2 years if the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has demonstrated success in enhancing the modeling and simulation degree program at such eligible institution. ``(C) Minimum grant amount.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, a grant awarded to an eligible institution under this subsection shall not be for an amount less than $750,000. ``(D) Non-federal share.--Each eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The Secretary may waive the non-Federal share requirement under this subparagraph for an eligible institution if the Secretary determines a waiver to be appropriate based on the financial ability of the institution. ``(2) Eligible institutions.--For the purposes of this subsection, an eligible institution is an institution of higher education that-- ``(A) has an established modeling and simulation degree program, including a major, minor, or career- track program; or ``(B) has an established modeling and simulation certifcate or concentration program. ``(3) Application.--To be considered for a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include-- ``(A) a letter from the President or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution's commitment to the enhancement of the modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education; ``(B) identification of designated faculty responsible for the enhancement of the institution's modeling and simulation program; and ``(C) a detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to enhance the modeling and simulation program of the institution. ``(4) Uses of funds.--A grant awarded under this subsection shall be used by an eligible institution to carry out the plan developed in accordance with paragraph (3)(C) to enhance modeling and simulation programs at the institution, which may include-- ``(A) in the case of an institution that is eligible under paragraph (2)(B), activities to assist in the establishment of a major, minor, or career-track modeling and simulation program at the eligible institution; ``(B) expanding the multi-disciplinary nature of the institution's modeling and simulation programs; ``(C) recruiting students into the field of modeling and simulation through the provision of fellowships or assistantships; ``(D) creating new courses to compliment existing courses and reflect emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field; ``(E) conducting research to support new methodologies and techniques in modeling and simulation; and ``(F) purchasing equipment necessary for modeling and simulation programs. ``(d) Establishing Modeling and Simulation Programs.-- ``(1) Establishment grants authorized.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program. ``(B) Duration of grant.--A grant awarded under this subsection shall be awarded for a 3-year period, and such grant period may be extended for not more than 2 years if the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has demonstrated success in establishing a modeling and simulation degree program at such eligible institution. ``(C) Minimum grant amount.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, a grant awarded to an eligible institution under this subsection shall not be for an amount less than $750,000. ``(D) Non-federal share.--Each eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The Secretary may waive the non-Federal share requirement under this subparagraph for an eligible institution if the Secretary determines a waiver to be appropriate based on the financial ability of the institution. ``(2) Application.--To apply for a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include-- ``(A) a letter from the President or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution's commitment to the establishment of a modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education; ``(B) a detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to establish a modeling and simulation program at the institution; and ``(C) a description of how the modeling and simulation program established under this subsection will complement existing programs and fit into the institution's current program and course offerings. ``(3) Uses of funds.--A grant awarded under this subsection may be used by an eligible institution to-- ``(A) establish, or work toward the establishment of, a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program at the eligible institution; ``(B) provide adequate staffing to ensure the successful establishment of the modeling and simulation program, which may include the assignment of full-time dedicated or supportive faculty; and ``(C) purchasing equipment necessary for a modeling and simulation program. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years. Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year-- ``(1) $1,000,000 is authorized to carry out the activities of the task force established pursuant to subsection (b); and ``(2) of the amount remaining after the allocation for paragraph (1)-- ``(A) 50 percent is authorized to carry out the grant program under subsection (c); and ``(B) 50 percent is authorized to carry out the grant program under subsection (d).''.

Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a taskforce within the Department of Education to recommend improvements to the study of modeling and simulation, and identify the core capacities that students in such programs should acquire. Authorizes the Secretary to award: (1) competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) for the enhancement of their existing modeling and simulation programs; and (2) grants to IHEs for the establishment of such programs. Requires grantees to raise, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 25% of their grants.