SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Superfund Emergency Response Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. DISASTER RESPONSE AT SITES ON THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the ``Administrator'') may carry out any assessment, monitoring, remediation, repair, or construction activity that the Administrator determines to be necessary at a site that-- (1) is proposed to be listed on, is listed on, or has been deleted from, the National Priorities List under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.); and (2) is located in an area that the President has declared a major disaster in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. SEC. 3. DISASTER ASSESSMENTS. Title I of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 129. SITE ASSESSMENTS AFTER A MAJOR DISASTER. ``(a) In General.--The Governor or Senator of a State may request that the Administrator carry out an assessment and submit a report on the impacts, if any, of a major disaster (as defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) on any site that is-- ``(1) proposed to be listed on or listed on the National Priorities List; and ``(2) located in an area that the President has declared a major disaster in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). ``(b) Response.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 15 days after the date on which a request described in subsection (a) is submitted, the Administrator shall-- ``(A) determine whether to carry out the assessment; and ``(B) inform the Governor or Senator, as applicable, of the determination. ``(2) Preliminary assessment.-- ``(A) In general.--If the Administrator determines to carry out an assessment under this section, the assessment shall include-- ``(i) an evaluation of whether the major disaster resulted in the release of any contaminants into the ambient environment that threaten public health and the environment; ``(ii) an assessment of any actions necessary to mitigate a toxic release, repair any damage, or provide monitoring in response to damage associated with the major disaster, along with an estimate of the cost to complete those actions; ``(iii) a list of any actions already taken by Administrator, including actions in coordination with State and local governments, to prevent, mitigate, or remediate any damage resulting from the major disaster at the site; and ``(iv) any information needed to alert the public to any threat, or potential threat, to public health and the environment relating to the release of contaminants at the site as a result of a major disaster. ``(B) Public notice.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Administrator determines to carry out an assessment described in subsection (a), the Administrator shall-- ``(i) complete the assessment; and ``(ii) publish the results of the assessment on a publicly accessible Internet site. ``(3) Amended assessment.--The Administrator may amend or update any assessment carried out under this section during the 1-year period following the date on which the Administrator determines to carry out the assessment.''. SEC. 4. STUDY OF SITES ON THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST AND EXTREME WEATHER. Title III of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9651 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 313. STUDY ON SITES ON THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST AND EXTREME WEATHER. ``(a) Definition of Extreme Weather Event.--In this section, the term `extreme weather event' means-- ``(1) severe and unseasonable weather; ``(2) heavy precipitation; ``(3) a hurricane; ``(4) a storm surge; ``(5) a tornado or other windstorm, including a derecho; ``(6) extreme heat and cold; and ``(7) any other event that qualifies as a `major disaster' under section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). ``(b) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall carry out a study and submit to Congress a report that includes-- ``(1) an assessment of the existing vulnerability of each property that, due to an extreme weather event, is proposed to be listed, listed, or removed from the National Priorities List, particularly in relation to the potential for contaminants to leach or enter into the ambient environment and threaten public health; ``(2) an evaluation of the quantity of properties proposed to be listed or listed on the National Priorities List in areas that are prone to flooding as a result of an extreme weather event, including an estimate of the cost necessary to remediate each site so that the site can be removed from the National Priorities List; and ``(3) any recommendations of the Administrator relating to-- ``(A) emergency response protocols in the event of an extreme weather event to prevent any release of contaminants into the ambient environment, including coordination between the regional office, appropriate State and local officials, and any relevant community advisory groups; ``(B) strategies the Administrator determines necessary to improve the resiliency of assessments, monitoring, or construction carried out on proprieties on the National Priorities List as extreme weather events become more common; and ``(C) additional policies necessary to enhance the resiliency of properties on the National Priorities List as a result of extreme weather events, including any modifications of existing Federal law.''.

Summary: Superfund Emergency Response Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out any assessment, monitoring, remediation, repair, or construction activity determined to be necessary at a site that: (1) is proposed to be listed on, is listed on, or has been deleted from the National Priorities List (NPL) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); and (2) is located in an area that the President has declared a major disaster in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Amends CERCLA to authorize a state governor or senator to request that the Administrator carry out an assessment and report on the impacts of a major disaster on any proposed or listed NPL site located in a major disaster area. Requires the assessment to include: (1) an evaluation of whether the disaster resulted in the release of any contaminants into the ambient environment that threaten public health and the environment; (2) an assessment of any actions necessary to mitigate a toxic release, repair any damage, or provide monitoring in response to disaster damage; (3) a list of actions already taken by Administrator to prevent, mitigate, or remediate any disaster damage at the site; and (4) any information needed to alert the public to any threat to public health and the environment relating to the release of contaminants at the site. Directs the Administrator to study and report on: (1) an assessment of the vulnerability of each property that, due to an extreme weather event, is proposed to be listed, is listed, or is removed from the NPL; (2) an evaluation of the quantity of properties proposed or listed on the NPL in areas that are prone to flooding as a result of such an event; and (3) recommendations relating to emergency response protocols in such an event to prevent any release of contaminants into the ambient environment, strategies to improve the resiliency of assessments, monitoring, or construction carried out on NPL proprieties as such events become more common, and additional policies necessary to enhance the resiliency of NPL properties as a result of such events. Defines an "extreme weather event" as severe and unseasonable weather, heavy precipitation, a hurricane, a storm surge, a tornado or other windstorm, extreme heat and cold, or any other event that qualifies as a major disaster.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. ASSISTANCE TO END PREVENTABLE MATERNAL, NEWBORN, AND CHILD DEATHS GLOBALLY. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end of chapter I of part I the following new section: ``SEC. 137. ASSISTANCE TO END PREVENTABLE MATERNAL, NEWBORN, AND CHILD DEATHS GLOBALLY. ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to implement a strategic approach for providing foreign assistance in order to end preventable child and maternal deaths globally by 2030. ``(b) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. ``(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term `appropriate congressional committees' means-- ``(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and ``(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. ``(3) Coordinator.--The term `Coordinator' means the Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator established under subsection (e). ``(4) Relevant partner entities.--The term `relevant partner entities' means each of the following: ``(A) The governments of other donor countries. ``(B) International financial institutions. ``(C) Nongovernmental organizations. ``(D) Faith-based organizations. ``(E) Professional organizations ``(F) The private sector. ``(G) Multilateral organizations. ``(H) Local and international civil society groups. ``(I) Local health workers. ``(J) International organizations. ``(5) Target countries.--The term `target countries' means specific countries that have the greatest need and highest burden of child and maternal deaths, taking into consideration countries that-- ``(A) have high-need communities in fragile states or conflict-affected states; ``(B) are low- or middle-income countries; or ``(C) are located in regions with weak health systems. ``(c) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States, in partnership with target countries and relevant partner entities, to establish and implement a coordinated, integrated, and comprehensive strategy to combat the leading causes of maternal, newborn, and child mortality globally and ensure healthy and productive lives by-- ``(1) scaling up the highest impact, evidence-based interventions, including for the most vulnerable populations, with a focus on country ownership; ``(2) designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs in a way that enhances transparency and accountability, increases sustainability, and improves outcomes in target countries; and ``(3) supporting the development and scale up of innovative tools and approaches to accelerate progress toward ending preventable child and maternal deaths. ``(d) Strategy.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2017, the President shall establish and implement a comprehensive five-year, whole-of-government strategy to achieve, with target countries and donors, the goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths globally and ensure healthy and productive lives by 2030. ``(2) Elements.--The strategy established under paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) set outcome-based targets to achieve the goals of the strategy and ascertain baseline data relevant for each target country and for all areas of focus and programming as of the date of the release of the strategy; ``(B) utilize United States Government strategies and frameworks relevant to ending preventable child and maternal deaths, including specific objectives, programs, and approaches to implement highest impact, evidence-based interventions to address the leading causes of death, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, of-- ``(i) women related to pregnancy, childbirth, and post delivery; ``(ii) newborns in their first 28 days; and ``(iii) infants and children under the age of five years old; ``(C) include development and scale up of new technologies and approaches, including those supported by public-private partnerships, for research and innovation; ``(D) promote coordination and efficiency within and amongst the relevant executive branch agencies and initiatives, including the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Peace Corps, the Department of the Treasury, the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, and the President's Malaria Initiative; ``(E) project general levels of resources needed to achieve the strategy's stated objectives; ``(F) identify strategies for leveraging resources in new and innovative ways; ``(G) align with country-driven maternal, newborn, and child health and survival plans and improve coordination with foreign governments and international organizations; ``(H) outline consultations with target countries and relevant partner entities as appropriate; ``(I) implement results-based contracting (such as pay-for-success) and financial and operational risk reduction; ``(J) promote a shift towards investments that support inclusive and sustainable business models; and ``(K) support the transition to domestic sustainably financed health systems. ``(3) Initial strategy.--For the purposes of this section, a strategy meeting the criteria described in paragraph (2) that is in effect as of the date of enactment of this section may be deemed to fulfill the establishment requirement in paragraph (1). ``(e) Establishment of Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator.-- ``(1) In general.--The President shall designate a current USAID employee serving in a career or non-career position in the Senior Executive Service or at the level of a Deputy Assistant Administrator or higher to serve concurrently as the Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator. The Coordinator shall be responsible for-- ``(A) overseeing the strategy established under subsection (d); and ``(B) all United States Government funds appropriated or used for international maternal and child health and nutrition programs. ``(2) Duties.--The Coordinator shall-- ``(A) have the primary responsibility for the oversight and coordination of all resources and international activities of the United States Government appropriated or used for international maternal and child health and nutrition programs; ``(B) direct the budget, planning, and staffing to implement international maternal and child health and nutrition projects and programs for the purpose of achieving reductions in preventable child and maternal deaths; ``(C) lead implementation and revision, not less frequently than once every 5 years, of the strategy established under subsection (d)(1); ``(D) coordinate with relevant executive branch agencies, target countries, and relevant partner entities as appropriate, to carry out the strategy established under section 5(a) and to align current and future investments with high-impact, evidence-based interventions to save lives; ``(E) provide direction to the design and oversight of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with nongovernmental organizations (including community, faith-based, and civil society organizations) and private sector entities for the purpose of carrying out the strategy established under subsection (d)(1); and ``(F) report directly to the Administrator regarding implementation of the strategy established under subsection (d)(1). ``(3) Restriction on additional or supplemental compensation.--The Coordinator shall receive no additional or supplemental compensation as a result of carrying out responsibilities and duties under this section. ``(f) Authority to Assist in Implementation of the Strategy.-- ``(1) In general.--The President shall provide assistance to implement the strategy established under subsection (d)(1). ``(2) Focus on impact.-- ``(A) Targets for increased implementation required.--Consistent with the requirements for foreign assistance programs included in the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-119), USAID grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for the purposes of the strategy established under subsection (d)(1) shall be required to include targets for increased implementation of high-impact, evidence-based interventions and strengthening health systems, as appropriate, including the establishment of baseline measurements from which to quantify progress. ``(B) Exception.--In exceptional circumstances where USAID determines that inclusion of coverage targets or baseline measures are not reasonable or practicable for the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, the funding mechanism shall include an explanation of the omission and explicitly state how measurable impact will be targeted and tracked. ``(g) Reports.-- ``(1) Report required.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter for 5 additional years, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on progress made to achieve the strategy established under subsection (d)(1) as well as progress toward the goal to end preventable child and maternal deaths globally. The data in the report shall be made publicly available. ``(2) Information included in report.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: ``(A) Indicators of progress made by United States Government programs carried out under international maternal and child health and nutrition programs for the purposes of improving maternal, newborn, and child health and survival, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, in each target country and overall, including-- ``(i) maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births and under-5 mortality ratio per 1,000 live births; ``(ii) number of maternal, newborn, and child deaths averted; ``(iii) percentage of births attended by skilled health personnel; ``(iv) an analysis of gaps in the health workforce required to end preventable child and maternal deaths, including an analysis of health workforce density (number of certified health workers, including community-based health workers, per population); ``(v) a description of the measured or estimated impact on maternal, newborn, and child survival of each ongoing program or project; ``(vi) progress towards achieving the goal to save 15,000,000 children's lives and 600,000 women's lives by 2020, and any subsequent goals established under the strategy required under subsection (d); and ``(vii) any other targets identified by the Coordinator as essential to meeting the goals of the strategy for ending preventable child and maternal deaths. ``(B) Assessments of progress made toward achieving the targets set forth under subparagraph (A). ``(C) A description of how the interventions or programs are designed to-- ``(i) increase activities in target countries; ``(ii) reach underserved, marginalized, vulnerable, and impoverished populations; ``(iii) address causes of maternal, newborn, and child mortality with innovative efforts and interventions posed to go to scale; ``(iv) invest in activities that empower women, support voluntarism, and provide respectful maternity care; ``(v) improve transparency and accountability at all levels and include common metrics for tracking progress; ``(vi) ensure that high-impact, evidence- based interventions are prioritized; and ``(vii) expand access to quality services through community-based approaches and include community accountability measures. ``(D) Reporting on each aspect of the strategy established under subsection (d)(1), including-- ``(i) multi-sectoral approaches, specific strategies, and programming utilizing high- impact, evidence-based interventions to address the leading causes of preventable child and maternal deaths; ``(ii) activities to develop and scale up new technologies and approaches, including those identified by public-private partnerships, for research and innovation; ``(iii) coordination with United States agencies, foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international organizations; ``(iv) methods used to leverage new financial and other public and private resources in innovative ways; and ``(v) best practices identified by the executive branch. ``(E) Reporting on grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements awarded, including-- ``(i) a comprehensive list of USAID grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements awarded in implementation of the strategy established under subsection (d)(1); and ``(ii) a description of-- ``(I) the targets for coverage of interventions or services and the baseline against which they are measured and the status of progress in meeting the targets; or ``(II) in the case of exceptional circumstances where USAID determines that inclusion of targets or baseline measurements is not reasonable or practicable, an explanation of how the impact of the grant, contract, agreement, or resulting program is being measured. ``(F) Reporting on the innovative public-private financing tools, including an analysis of the feasibility and potential effectiveness of new financing tools that could be used to fund efforts to end preventable child and maternal deaths globally. ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) Authorization.--For fiscal years 2018 through 2022, the provisions of this section shall be carried out using amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development and available for global health programs. ``(2) Application.--Funds appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out activities under this section shall be subject to all applicable restrictions under Federal law. ``(3) Expiration of funds.--Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out activities under this section shall remain available for obligation for a period of 5 years.''.

Summary: Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to: establish a five-year strategy to achieve, with target countries and donors, the goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths globally and ensure healthy and productive lives by 2030; and provide assistance to implement the strategy. The President shall designate a current U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employee serving in the Senior Executive Service or at the level of a Deputy Assistant Administrator or higher to serve concurrently as the Maternal and Child Survival Coordinator, who shall be responsible for: overseeing such strategy, and all U.S. government funds appropriated or used for international maternal and child health and nutrition programs. Strategy grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements shall include targets for increased implementation of high-impact, evidence-based interventions and strengthening health systems. The President shall report to Congress annually for six years regarding progress made toward achieving the strategy and ending preventable child and maternal deaths.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) there exists-- (A) a unique relationship between the Federal Government and the Indian tribal governments; and (B) a unique Federal trust responsibility to Indians; (2) Indians experience some of the worst housing conditions in the country, such that-- (A) 32.6 percent of Indian homes are overcrowded; (B) 33 percent of Indian homes lack adequate solid waste management systems; (C) 8 percent of Indian homes lack a safe indoor water supply; and (D) approximately 90,000 Indian families are homeless or underhoused; (3) the poverty rate for Indians is twice that of the rest of the population of the United States; (4) the population growth of Indians that began in the latter part of the 20th century increased the need for Federal housing services; (5)(A) under the requirements of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), members of Indian tribes are given preference for housing programs; (B) a primary purpose of that Act is to allow Indian tribes to leverage funds with other Federal and private funds; (C) the Department of Agriculture has been a significant funding source for housing for Indian tribes; and (D) the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) should be amended-- (i) to allow assistance provided under that Act and assistance provided by the Secretary of Agriculture under other law to be combined to meet the severe housing needs of Indian tribes; and (ii) to allow for the preference referred to in subparagraph (A) by granting an exemption from title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) to Indian tribes that-- (I) comply with title II of Public Law 90- 284 (25 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Indian Civil Rights Act''); or (II) are acting under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4131(b)); and (6) section 457 of the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12899f) should be amended to include Indian tribes, tribally designated housing entities, or other agencies that primarily serve Indians as eligible applicants for YouthBuild grants. SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF PROGRAM INCOME. Section 104(a)(2) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4114(a)(2)) is amended by inserting ``restrict access to a grant or'' after ``not''. SEC. 4. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE. Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 544. INDIAN TRIBES. ``(a) In General.--Federally recognized Indian tribes (or the instrumentalities of the tribes) that exercise powers of self- government shall comply with title II of Public Law 90-284 (25 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Indian Civil Rights Act'') when receiving assistance under this title. ``(b) Exemption.--Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) shall not apply to-- ``(1) tribes covered by title II of Public Law 90-284 (25 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Indian Civil Rights Act''); or ``(2) tribes acting under section 201(b) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4131(b)).''. SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY OF INDIAN TRIBES FOR YOUTHBUILD GRANTS. Section 457(2) of the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12899f(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (H); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following: ``(G) an Indian tribe, tribally designated housing entity (as defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103)), or other agency primarily serving Indians; and''.

Summary: Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance Act of 1996 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from restricting access to a Native American affordable housing grant based solely on one of four specified factors. Amends title V (Farm Housing) of the Housing Act of 1949 to state that federally recognized Indian tribes who exercise powers of self-government (or their instrumentalities) shall comply with the Indian Civil Rights Act (title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) when receiving assistance under title V. States that title VI (Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and title VIII (Fair Housing) of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 shall not apply to tribes: (1) covered by Federal law commonly known as the Indian Civil Rights Act; or (2) tribes acting under affordable housing provisions of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. Amends the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act to make Indian tribes, tribally designated housing entities, or other agencies primarily serving Indians eligible for Youthbuild grants.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Each of the Armed Forces and other Government agencies, including the Secret Service, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration, use military working dogs (MWDs) in service to the country. (2) Since September 11, 2011, military working dogs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and have been trained in explosive detection, narcotic detection, sentry, patrol, tracking, and other specific duties. (3) Military working dogs, through their training, have prevented injuries and saved the lives of thousands of United States citizens. (4) Military working dogs perform critical and varied roles that go far beyond their current designation as ``equipment.'' SEC. 3. RETIREMENT AND ADOPTION OF MILITARY WORKING DOGS. (a) Retirement and Reclassification of Military Working Dogs.-- Section 2583 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections: ``(f) Classification of Military Working Dogs.--The Secretary of Defense shall classify military working dogs as canine members of the armed forces. Such dogs shall not be classified as equipment. ``(g) Transfer of Retired Military Working Dogs.--If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that a military working dog should be retired, and no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located, the Secretary may transfer the dog-- ``(1) to the 341st Training Squadron; or ``(2) to another location for adoption under this section.''. (b) Acceptance of Frequent Traveler Miles.--Section 2613(d) of such title is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) facilitating the adoption of a military working dog under section 2583 of this title.''. SEC. 4. VETERINARY CARE FOR RETIRED MILITARY WORKING DOGS. (a) Veterinary Care.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 50 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 993. Military working dogs: veterinary care for retired military working dogs ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a system to provide for the veterinary care of retired military working dogs. ``(b) Eligible Dogs.--(1) A retired military working dog eligible for veterinary care under this section is any military working dog adopted under section 2583 of this title. ``(2) The veterinary care provided a military working dog under this section shall be provided during the life of the dog beginning on the date on which the dog is adopted under such section 2583. ``(c) Administration.--(1) The Secretary shall administer the system required by this section under a contract awarded by the Secretary for that purpose. ``(2)(A) The contract under this subsection shall be awarded to a private non-profit entity selected by the Secretary from among such entities submitting an application therefor that have such experience and expertise as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of this subsection. ``(B) An entity seeking the award of a contract under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form, and containing such information, as the Secretary shall require. ``(3) The term of any contract under this subsection shall be such duration as the Secretary shall specify. ``(d) Standards of Care.--(1) The veterinary care provided under the system required by this section shall meet such standards as the Secretary shall establish and from time to time update. ``(2) The standards required by this subsection shall include the following: ``(A) Provisions regarding the types of care to be provided to retired military working dogs. ``(B) Provisions regarding the entities (including private veterinarians and entities) qualified to provide the care. ``(C) Provisions regarding the facilities, including military installations, government facilities, and private facilities, in which the care may be provided. ``(D) A requirement that complete histories be maintained on the health and use in research of retired military working dogs. ``(E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(3) The Secretary shall consult with the board of directors of the non-profit private entity awarded the contract under subsection (c) in establishing and updating standards of care under this subsection. ``(e) Coverage of Costs.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any costs of operation and administration of the system required by this section, and of any veterinary care provided under the system, shall be covered by such combination of the following as the Secretary and the non-profit entity awarded the contract under subsection (c) jointly consider appropriate: ``(A) Contributions from the non-profit entity. ``(B) Payments for such care by owners or guardians of the retired military working dogs receiving such care. ``(C) Other appropriate non-Federal sources of funds. ``(2) Funds provided by the Federal Government-- ``(A) may not be used-- ``(i) to provide veterinary care under the system required by this section; or ``(ii) to pay for the normal operation of the non- profit entity awarded the contract under subsection (c); and ``(B) may be used to carry out the duties of the Secretary under subsections (a), (c), (d), and (f). ``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the discharge of the requirements and authorities in this section, including regulations on the standards of care required by subsection (d).''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 50 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``993. Military working dogs: veterinary care for retired military working dogs.''. (b) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the regulations required by subsection (f) of section 993 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 5. RECOGNITION OF SERVICE OF MILITARY WORKING DOGS. Section 1125 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(a) General Authority.--'' before ``The Secretary of Defense''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Recognition of Service of Military Working Dogs.--The Secretary of Defense shall create a decoration or other appropriate recognition to recognize military working dogs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States.''.

Summary: Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to classify military working dogs as canine members of the Armed Forces. Requires that such dogs no longer be classified as equipment. Provides that if a dog should be retired, and no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located, the dog may transferred to the 341st Training Squadron or to another location for adoption. Authorizes the acceptance of the donation of frequent traveler miles to facilitate the adoption of a dog. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system to provide for the lifetime veterinary care of retired, adopted dogs. Requires the Secretary to administer the system under a contract awarded by the Secretary to a private non-profit entity. Requires such care to meet standards that the Secretary shall establish and periodically update. Requires any costs of the operation and administration of the system and of any veterinary care provided under the system to be covered by such combination of the following as the Secretary and the non-profit entity jointly consider appropriate: (1) contributions from the non-profit entity, (2) payments for such care by owners or guardians of such dogs, and (3) other appropriate non-federal sources of funds. Prohibits the use of federal funds to provide care or operate the system, except for funds used to establish or administer the system, establish standards of care, or prescribe related regulations. Directs the Secretary to create a decoration or other appropriate recognition to recognize dogs that are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of North Las Vegas, Nevada. (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, Nevada. (3) Economic support area.--The term ``Economic Support Area'' means the land identified on the map as the ``Economic Support Area''. (4) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the approximately 1,211 acres of Federal land in the County, as depicted on the map. (5) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Clark County Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Park'' and dated July 28, 2011. (6) Net proceeds.--The term ``net proceeds'' means the amount that is equal to the difference between-- (A) the amount of gross revenues received by the County from the development of the Economic Support Area; and (B) the total amount expended by the County for capital improvements to each of the Economic Support Area and the Recreation Area. (7) Recreation area.--The term ``Recreation Area'' means the Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area designated by section 4(a). (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (9) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada. SEC. 3. CONVEYANCE OF FEDERAL LAND TO CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA. (a) Conveyance.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the County, subject to valid existing rights, for no consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcels of Federal land. (b) Use of Federal Land.-- (1) In general.--The parcels of Federal land conveyed under subsection (a)-- (A) shall be used by the County-- (i) to provide a suitable location for the establishment of a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park in the County; (ii) to provide the public with opportunities for off-road vehicle recreation, including a location for races, competitive events, training and other commercial services that directly support a centralized off-road vehicle recreation area and County park; and (iii) to provide a designated area and facilities that would discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in areas that have been identified by the Federal Government, State government, or County government as containing environmentally sensitive land; and (B) shall not be disposed of by the County. (2) Reversion.--If the County ceases to use any parcel of the Federal land for the purposes described in paragraph (1)(A) or paragraph (3)-- (A) title to the parcel shall revert to the United States, at the option of the United States; and (B) the County shall be responsible for any reclamation necessary to revert the parcel to the United States. (3) Renewable and solar energy.--The Federal land conveyed to the County under subsection (a) and the land conveyed to the County under section 1(c) of Public Law 107-350 (116 Stat. 2975) may be used for the incidental purpose of generating renewable energy and solar energy for use by the Clark County Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Park, the shooting park authorized under Public Law 107-350 (116 Stat. 2975), and the County. (4) Consultation with the secretary of the air force.-- (A) Restriction.--Any project authorized under paragraph (3) shall not interfere with the national security mission of Nellis Air Force Base (or any military operation). (B) Condition.--Before the construction of any proposed project under paragraph (3), the project proponent shall consult with the Secretary of Defense (or a designee). (c) Economic Support Area.-- (1) Designation.--There is designated the Economic Support Area. (2) Interlocal agreement.-- (A) In general.--Before the Economic Support Area may be developed, the City and County shall enter into an interlocal agreement regarding the development of the Economic Support Area. (B) City of north las vegas.--As a precondition of the development of the Economic Support Area, the County shall use the best efforts of the County to cooperate with the City to ensure compatible development of the Economic Support Area. (C) Limitation of agreement.--In no case shall the interlocal agreement under this paragraph compromise or interfere with the aviation rights provided under subsection (f) and section 4(d). (D) Future conveyances.--Any future conveyance of Federal land for addition to the Clark County Off Highway Vehicle Park or the Recreation Area shall be subject to-- (i) the binding interlocal agreement under this paragraph; and (ii) the aviation easement requirements under subsection (f). (E) Management plan.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force and the County, may develop a special management plan for the Federal land-- (i) to enhance public safety and safe off- highway recreation use; and (ii) to ensure compatible development with the mission requirements of the Nellis Air Force Base. (3) Use of net proceeds.--Of the net proceeds from the development of the Economic Support Area, the County shall-- (A) deposit 50 percent in a special account in the Treasury, to be used by the Secretary to develop, maintain, and operate the Recreation Area; and (B) retain 50 percent, to be used by the County for capital improvements and maintaining and operating the park established under subsection (b)(1). (d) Agreement With Nellis Air Force Base.-- (1) In general.--Before the Federal land may be conveyed to the County under subsection (a), the Clark County Board of Commissioners, the Bureau of Land Management, and Nellis Air Force Base shall enter into an interlocal agreement for the Federal land and the Recreation Area-- (A) to enhance safe off-highway recreation use; and (B) to ensure that development of the Federal land is consistent with the long-term mission requirements of Nellis Air Force Base. (2) Limitation.--The use of the Federal land conveyed under subsection (a) shall not compromise the national security mission or aviation rights of Nellis Air Force Base. (e) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the conveyance of Federal land under subsection (a), the Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. (f) Aviation Easement.-- (1) In general.--Each deed entered into for the conveyance of the Federal land shall contain a perpetual aviation easement reserving to the United States all rights necessary to preserve free and unobstructed overflight in and through the airspace above, over, and across the surface of the Federal land for the passage of aircraft owned or operated by any Federal agency or other Federal entity. (2) Requirements.--Each easement described in paragraph (1) shall include such terms and conditions as the Secretary of the Air Force determines to be necessary to comply with paragraph (1). SEC. 4. DESIGNATION OF THE NELLIS DUNES NATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION AREA. (a) In General.--The area known as ``Nellis Dunes'' in the Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan shall be known and designated as the ``Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area''. (b) Management Plan.--The Director of the Bureau of Land Management may develop a special management plan for the Recreation Area to enhance the safe use of off-highway vehicles for recreational purposes. (c) Exclusion From National Landscape Conservation System.--The Recreation Area shall not be considered to be a unit of the National Landscape Conservation System. (d) Aviation Rights.--The aviation rights described in section 3(f) shall apply to the Recreation Area. SEC. 5. WITHDRAWAL AND RESERVATION OF LAND FOR NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE. (a) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights and except as otherwise provided in this section-- (1) the Federal land and interests in Federal land identified on the map as land to be withdrawn for Nellis Air Force Base are withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the general land laws, including the mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal leasing laws; and (2) jurisdiction over the land and interest in lands withdrawn and reserved by this section is transferred to the Secretary of the Air Force. (b) Reservation.--The land withdrawn under subsection (a) is reserved for use by the Secretary of the Air Force for-- (1) the enlargement and protection of Nellis Air Force Base; or (2) other defense-related purposes consistent with the purposes of this section. (c) Changes in Use.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall consult with the Secretary before using the land withdrawn and reserved by this section for any purpose other than the purposes described in section 3(b). (d) Easement.--The United States reserves-- (1) a right of flight for the passage of aircraft in the airspace above the surface of the Federal land conveyed to the County; and (2) the right to cause in the airspace any noise, vibration, smoke, or other effects that may be inherent in the operation of aircraft landing at, or taking off from, Nellis Air Force Base.

Summary: Nellis Dunes National Off-Hughway Vehicle Recreation Area Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified federal land to Clark County, Nevada, for use for: (1) a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park, and (2) a designated area and facilities to discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in environmentally sensitive areas. Allows the use of federal land conveyed to Clark County for the incidental purpose of generating renewable energy and solar energy for the Clark County Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Park, a certain shooting park, and the County. Designates: (1) the Economic Support Area (ESA), and (2) the Nellis Dunes as the Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Requires proceeds from the ESA to be used to develop and operate the Recreation Area and the park. Requires the Clark County Board of Commissioners, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Nellis Air Force Base to enter into an interlocal agreement for the federal land and the Recreation Area to: (1) enhance safe off-highway recreation use, and (2) ensure that development of the federal land is consistent with the long-term mission requirements of Nellis Air Force Base.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Disability Claims Efficiency Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENT OF DISABILITY CLAIMS PROCESSING. (a) Establishment of Fast Track Interim Disability Ratings.-- Section 1157 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Fast Track Interim Disability Ratings.--(1) In the case of a veteran who submits to the Secretary a claim for compensation under this chapter for more than one condition and the Secretary determines that a disability rating can be assigned without further development for one or more conditions but not all conditions in the claim, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) expeditiously review the claim in accordance with section 5103B of this title; ``(B) assign an interim disability rating for each condition that the Secretary determines could be assigned without further development (except as provided in paragraph (3)(A)); and ``(C) continue development of the remaining conditions. ``(2) If the Secretary is able to assign a disability rating for a condition described in paragraph (1)(C) with respect to a claim, the Secretary shall assign such rating and combine such rating with each interim rating previously assigned under paragraph (1)(B) with respect to that claim. ``(3)(A) With respect to an interim disability rating assigned under paragraph (1)(B) for a condition that is rated less than the maximum rate, the Secretary shall continue development of such condition. ``(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an interim disability rating assigned under paragraph (1)(B) for a condition shall remain in effect unless the Secretary later assigns an increased rating for such condition. ``(C) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, subparagraph (B) shall not apply to an interim disability rating assigned under paragraph (1)(B) for a condition if-- ``(i) such rating was based on fraud; or ``(ii) such condition improves.''. (b) Establishment of Fast Track Claim Review Process.-- (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 5103A the following new section: ``Sec. 5103B. Expedited review of initial claims for disability compensation ``(a) Process Required.--The Secretary shall establish a process for the rapid identification of initial claims for disability compensation that should, in the adjudication of such claims, receive priority in the order of review. ``(b) Review of Initial Claims.--As part of the process required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out a preliminary review of all initial claims for disability compensation submitted to the Secretary in order to identify whether-- ``(1) the claims have the potential of being adjudicated quickly, including claims where an interim disability rating could be assigned under section 1157(b)(1)(B) of this title; ``(2) the claims qualify for priority treatment under paragraph (2) of subsection (c); and ``(3) a temporary disability rating could be assigned with respect to the claims under section 1156 of this title. ``(c) Priority in Adjudication of Initial Claims.--(1) As part of the process required by subsection (a) and except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, in the adjudication of initial claims for disability compensation submitted to the Secretary, give priority in the order of review of such claims to claims identified under subsection (b)(1) as having the potential of being adjudicated quickly. ``(2) Under regulations prescribed for such purpose, the Secretary may provide priority in the order of review of initial claims for disability compensation based on the effect such priority would have on a claimant.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 51 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5103A, the following new item: ``5103B. Expedited review of initial claims for disability compensation''. (c) Reports.-- (1) First interim report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on-- (A) the implementation of sections 1157(b) and 5103B of title 38, United States Code, as added by this section; (B) the workflow of the employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who review and process claims for disability compensation, including an analysis of-- (i) the efficiency of such employees; and (ii) whether such claims are directed to such employees based on the complexity of the claim in relation to the experience and skill of the employee; and (C) pilot programs carried out by the Secretary relating to the review and process of claims for disability compensation, including-- (i) the status of such pilot programs; (ii) an evaluation of any best practices learned from such pilot programs; and (iii) whether such practices should be expanded. (2) Second interim report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an update to the report submitted under paragraph (1). (3) Final report.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an update to the report submitted under paragraph (2). (4) Appropriate congressional committees.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to claims for disability compensation filed on or after the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Veterans' Disability Claims Efficiency Act of 2010 - Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in the case of a disability claim with multiple conditions, to assign an interim disability rating for the condition(s) that can be assigned without further development and to continue development of the remaining condition(s). Requires an interim disability rating to remain in effect unless the Secretary later assigns an increased rating for such condition. Prohibits the continuation of such rating if the rating was based on fraud or the condition improves. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for the rapid identification of initial claims for disability compensation that should, in adjudication, receive priority in the order of review. Requires the Secretary to identify whether claims have the potential of being adjudicated quickly, the claims qualify for priority treatment, and a temporary disability rating could be assigned for such claims. Authorizes the Secretary to provide priority based on the effect such priority would have on a claimant.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe Schools Act of 1994''. SEC. 2. SAFE SCHOOLS PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. (a) In General.--With funds appropriated under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Education shall make competitive grants to eligible local educational agencies to carry out projects designed to achieve Goal Six of the National Education Goals, which provides that by the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning, by helping to ensure that all schools are safe and free of violence. (b) Model Project.--The Secretary of Education, shall develop a written safe schools model so all schools can develop models that enable all students to participate regardless of any language barriers. (c) Authorization of Appropriations and Reservation.-- (1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1994. (2) Reservation.--From the sums appropriated to carry out this Act for any fiscal year, the Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent to carry out national leadership activities under section 6. SEC. 3. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS. To be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, a local educational agency shall demonstrate in its application under section 4(a) that it-- (1) serves an area in which there is a high rate of-- (A) homicides committed by persons between the ages 5 to 18, inclusive; (B) referrals of youth to juvenile court; (C) youth under the supervision of the courts; (D) expulsions and suspensions of students from school; (E) referrals of youth, for disciplinary reasons, to alternative schools; or (F) victimization of youth by violence, crime, or other forms of abuse; and (2) has serious school crime, violence, and discipline problems, as indicated by other appropriate data. SEC. 4. APPLICATIONS AND PLANS. (a) In General.--In order to receive a grant under this Act, an eligible local educational agency shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes-- (1) an assessment of the current violence and crime problems in the schools to be served by the grant and in the community to be served by the applicant; (2) an assurance that the applicant has written policies regarding school safety, student discipline, and the appropriate handling of violent or disruptive acts; (3) a description of the schools and communities to be served by the grant, the activities and projects to be carried out with grant funds, and how these activities and projects will help to reduce the current violence and crime problems in the schools and communities served; (4) a description of educational materials to be developed in the second most predominate language of the schools and communities to be served by the grant, if applicable; (5) if the local educational agency receives Federal education funds, an explanation of how activities assisted under this Act will be coordinated with and support any systemic education improvement plan prepared with such funds; (6) the applicant's plan to establish school-level advisory committees, which include faculty, parents, staff, and students, for each school to be served by the grant and a description of how each committee will assist in assessing that school's violence and discipline problems as well as in designing appropriate programs, policies, and practices to combat those problems; (7) the applicant's plan for collecting baseline and future data, by individual schools, to monitor violence and discipline problems and to measure its progress in achieving the purpose of this Act; (8) a description of how, in subsequent fiscal years, the grantee will integrate the violence prevention activities it carries out with funds under this Act with activities carried out under its comprehensive plan for drug and violence prevention adopted under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986; (9) a description of how the grantee will coordinate its school crime and violence prevention efforts with education, law enforcement, judicial, health, social service, programs supported under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, and other appropriate agencies and organizations serving the community; (10) a description of how the grantee will inform parents about the extent of crime and violence in their children's schools and maximize the participation of parents in its violence prevention activities; (11) an assurance that grant funds under this Act will be used to supplement and not supplant State and local funds that would, in the absence of funds under this Act, be made available by the applicant for the purposes of the grant; (12) an assurance that the applicant will cooperate with, and provide assistance to, the Secretary in gathering statistics and other data the Secretary determines are necessary to determine the effectiveness of projects and activities under this Act or the extent of school violence and discipline problems throughout the Nation; and (13) such other information as the Secretary may require. (b) Priorities.--In awarding grants under this Act, the Secretary shall take into account the special needs of local educational agencies located in both rural and urban communities. SEC. 5. GRANTS AND USE OF FUNDS. (a) Duration and Amount of Grants.--Grants under this Act may not exceed-- (1) 1 year in duration; and (2) $3,000,000. (b) Use of Funds.-- (1) Activities.--A local educational agency may use funds awarded under section 2(a) for 1 or more of the following activities: (A) Identifying and assessing school violence and discipline problems, including coordinating needs assessment activities with education, law-enforcement, judicial, health, social service, juvenile justice programs, gang prevention activities, and other appropriate agencies and organizations. (B) Conducting school safety reviews or violence prevention reviews of programs, policies, practices, and facilities to determine what changes are needed to reduce or prevent violence and promote safety and discipline. (C) Planning for comprehensive, long-term strategies for combating and preventing school violence and discipline problems through the involvement and coordination of school programs with other education, law-enforcement, judicial, health, social service, and other appropriate agencies and organizations. (D) Activities which involve parents in efforts to promote school safety and prevent school violence. (E) Community education programs involving parents, businesses, local government, the medical, and other appropriate entities about the local educational agency's plan to promote school safety and reduce and prevent school violence and discipline problems and the need for community support. (F) Coordination of school-based activities designed to promote school safety and reduce or prevent school violence and discipline problems with related efforts of education, law-enforcement, judicial, health, social service, juvenile justice programs, and other appropriate agencies and organizations. (G) Developing and implementing violence prevention activities and materials, including-- (i) conflict resolution and social skills development for students, teachers, aides, other school personnel, and parents; (ii) disciplinary alternatives to expulsion and suspension of students who exhibit violent or anti-social behavior; (iii) student-led activities such as peer mediation, peer counseling, and student courts; or (iv) alternative after-school programs that provide safe havens for students, which may include cultural, recreational, educational and instructional activities, and mentoring and community service programs. (H) Educating students and parents about the dangers of guns and other weapons and the consequences of their use. (I) Developing and implementing innovative curricula to prevent violence in schools and training staff how to stop disruptive or violent behavior if it occurs. (J) Supporting ``safe zones of passage'' for students between home and school through such measures as Drug- and Weapon-Free School Zones, enhanced law enforcement, and neighborhood patrols. (K) Counseling programs for victims and witnesses of school violence and crime. (L) Evaluating its project under this Act. (M) The cost of administering the project of the local educational agency under this Act. (N) Other activities that meet the purposes of this Act. (2) Other limitations.--A local educational agency may use not more than 5 percent of its grant for activities described in paragraph (1)(M). (3) Construction.--A local educational agency may not use funds under this Act for construction. SEC. 6. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP. To carry out the purpose of this Act, the Secretary may use funds reserved under section 2(b)(2) to conduct national leadership activities such as research, program development and evaluation, data collection, public awareness activities, training and technical assistance, to provide grants to noncommercial telecommunications entities for the production and distribution of national video-based projects that provide young people with models for conflict resolution and responsible decisionmaking, and to conduct peer review of applications under this Act. The Secretary may carry out such activities directly, through interagency agreements, or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. SEC. 7. REPORTS. (a) Report to Secretary.--Local educational agencies that receive funds under this part shall submit to the Secretary a report not later than March 1, 1995, that describes progress achieved in carrying out the plan required under section 4. (b) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives a report not later than October 1, 1995, which contains a detailed statement regarding grant awards, activities of grant recipients, a compilation of statistical information submitted by applicants under section 4, and an evaluation of programs established under this part. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 1471(12) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 2891(12)). (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. Passed the House of Representatives February 22, 1994. Attest: DONNALD K. ANDERSON, Clerk.

Summary: Safe Schools Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to eligible local educational agencies for projects to achieve National Education Goal Six by helping to ensure that all schools are safe and free of violence. Directs the Secretary to develop a written safe schools model. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain reserved funds to conduct national leadership activities such as research, program development and evaluation, data collection, public awareness activities, training and technical assistance, peer review of applications, and grants for public television video projects for conflict resolution.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fair Elections Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--The Congress makes the following findings: (1) Voting participation in the United States is lower than in any other advanced industrialized democracy. (2) The rights of eligible citizens to seek election to office, vote for candidates of their choice and associate for the purpose of taking part in elections, including the right to create and develop new political parties, are fundamental in a democracy. The rights of citizens to participate in the election process, provided in and derived from the first and fourteenth amendments to the Constitution, having consistently been promoted and protected by the Federal Government. These rights include the right to cast an effective vote and the right to associate for the advancement of political beliefs, which includes the ``constitutional right . . . to create and develop new political parties.'' Norman v. Reed, 502 U.S.______, 112 S.Ct. 699 (1992). It is the duty of the Federal Government to see that these rights are not impaired in elections for Federal office. (3) Certain restrictions on access to the ballot impair the ability of citizens to exercise these rights and have a direct and damaging effect on citizens' participation in the electoral process. (4) Many States unduly restrict access to the ballot by nonmajor party candidates and nonmajor political parties by means of such devices as excessive petition signature requirements, insufficient petitioning periods, unconstitutionally early petition filing deadlines, petition signature distribution criteria, discriminatory petition signature fees, and limitations on eligibility to circulate and sign petitions. (5) Many States require political parties to poll an unduly high number of votes or to register an unduly high number of voters as a precondition for remaining on the ballot. (6) In 1983, the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional an Ohio law requiring a nonmajor party candidate for President to qualify for the general election ballot earlier than major party candidates. This Supreme Court decision, Anderson v. Celebrezze, 460 U.S. 780 (1983) has been followed by many lower courts in challenges by nonmajor parties and candidates to early petition filing deadlines. See, e.g., Stoddard v. Quinn, 593 F. Supp. 300 (D.Me. 1984); Cripps v. Seneca County Board of Elections, 629 F. Supp. 1335 (N.D.Oh. 1985); Libertarian Party of Nevada v. Swackhamer, 638 F. Supp. 565 (D. Nev. 1986); Cromer v. State of South Carolina, 917 F.2d 819 (4th Cir. 1990); New Alliance Party of Alabama v. Hand, 933 F. 2d 1568 (11th Cir. 1991). (7) In 1992, 26 States still required nonmajor party candidates for President to qualify for the ballot before the second major party national convention (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, West Virginia). Nine of these States required nonmajor party candidates to qualify before the first major party national convention (Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas). (8) In 1992, nonmajor party candidates for President had to obtain 806,401 petition signatures to be listed on the ballots of all 50 States and the District of Columbia--32 times more signatures than the 25,500 required of Democratic Party candidates and 15 times more signatures than the 54,250 required of Republican Party candidates. To be listed on the ballot in all 50 States and the District of Columbia with a party label, nonmajor party candidates for President had to obtain approximately 649,092 petition signatures and 79,136 registrants. In 1992, 32 of the 41 States that held Presidential primaries required no signatures of major party candidates for President (Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin). Only two States required no signatures of nonmajor party candidates for President (Arkansas and Louisiana; Louisiana, however, requires a $500 filing fee). (9) The number of petition signatures required by the States to list a major party candidate for Senate on the ballot in 1992 ranged from zero to 15,111. The number of petition signatures required to list a nonmajor party candidate for Senate ranged from zero to 180,935. Thirty-one States required no signatures of major party candidates for Senate (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming). Only one State required no signatures of nonmajor party candidates for Senate, provided they were willing to be listed on the ballot without a party label (Louisiana, although a $600 filing fee is required, and to run with a party label, a candidate must register 106,146 voters into his or her party). (10) The number of petition signatures required by the States to list a major party candidate for Congress on the ballot in 1992 ranged from zero to 2,000. The number of petition signatures required to list a nonmajor party candidate for Congress ranged from zero to 12,252. Thirty-one States required no signatures of major party candidates for Congress (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming). Only one State required no signatures of nonmajor party candidates for Congress, provided they were willing to be listed on the ballot without a party label (Louisiana, although a $600 filing fee is required). (11) Eight States required additional signatures to list a nonmajor party candidate for President on the ballot with a party label (Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee). Thirteen States required additional signatures to list a nonmajor party candidate for Senate or Congress on the ballot with a party label (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee). Two of these States (Ohio and Tennessee, respectively) required 5,000 signatures and 25 signatures, respectively, to list a nonmajor party candidate for President or Senate on the ballot in 1992, but required 34,777 signatures and 19,759 signatures, respectively, to list the candidate on the ballot with her or his party label. One State (California) required a nonmajor party to have 78,992 registrants in order to have its candidate for President listed on the ballot with a party label. (12) In 1992 one State (Arizona) required nonmajor party candidates for President or Senate to obtain 10,555 signatures in 10 days, but allowed major party candidates for Senate 45 days to obtain approximately half that number of signatures, and required no signatures of major party candidates for President. Another State (California) required nonmajor party candidates for President or Senate to obtain 134,781 signatures in 105 days, but required major party candidates for Senate to obtain only 65 signatures in 105 days, and required no signatures of major party candidates for President. Another State (Texas) required nonmajor party candidates for President or Senate to obtain 38,900 signatures in 75 days, and required no signatures of major party candidates for President or Senate. (13) Two States required all nonmajor party candidates to pay fees of ten and five cents per petition signature, while requiring no fees or signatures of major party candidates (Florida and North Carolina, respectively). (14) Seven States require nonmajor party candidates for President or Senate to collect a certain number or percentage of their petition signatures in each congressional district or in a specified number of congressional districts (Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Virginia). Only three of these States impose a like requirement on major party candidates for President or Senate (Michigan, New York, Virginia). (15) Twenty States restrict the circulation of petitions for nonmajor party candidates to residents of those States (California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin). Three States restrict the circulation of petitions for nonmajor party candidates to the county or congressional district where the circulator lives (Kansas, Nebraska, Virginia). (16) Four States prohibit people who voted in a primary election from signing petitions for nonmajor party candidates (Nebraska, New York, Texas, West Virginia). Twelve States restrict the signing of petitions to people who indicate intent to support or vote for the candidate or party (California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Utah). Five of these 12 States require no petitions of major party candidates (Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah), and only one of the six remaining States restricts the signing of petitions for major party candidates to people who indicate intent to support or vote for the candidate or party (New Jersey). (17) Restrictions on the ability of citizens to exercise the rights identified in this subsection have disproportionately impaired participation in the electoral process by various groups, including racial minorities. (18) The establishment of fair and uniform national standards for access to the ballot in elections for Federal office would remove barriers to the participation of citizens in the electoral process and thereby facilitate such participation and maximize the rights identified in this subsection. (19) The Congress has authority, under the provisions of the Constitution of the United States in sections 4 and 8 of article I, section 1 of article II, article VI, the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments, and other provisions of the Constitution of the United States, to protect and promote the exercise of the rights identified in this subsection. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to establish fair and uniform standards regulating access to the ballot by eligible citizens who desire to seek election to Federal office and political parties, bodies, and groups which desire to take part in elections for Federal office; and (2) to maximize the participation of eligible citizens in elections for Federal office. SEC. 3. BALLOT ACCESS RIGHTS. (a) An individual shall have the right to be placed as a candidate on, or to have such individual's political party, body, or group affiliation in connection with such candidacy placed on, a ballot or similar voting materials to be used in a Federal election, if such individual presents a petition stating in substance that the signatories desire such individual's name and political party, body or group affiliation, if any, to be placed on the ballot or other similar voting materials to be used in the Federal election with respect to which such rights are to be exercised, and (1) with respect to a Federal election for the office of President, Vice President, or Senator, such petition has a number of signatures of persons qualified to vote for such office equal to one-tenth of one percent of the number of persons who voted in the most recent previous Federal election for such office in the State, or 1,000 signatures, whichever is greater; (2) with respect to a Federal election for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress, such petition has a number of signatures of persons qualified to vote for such office equal to one-half of one percent of the number of persons who voted in the most recent previous Federal election for such office, or, if there was no previous Federal election for such office, 1,000 signatures; (3) with respect to a Federal election the date of which was fixed 345 or more days in advance, such petition was circulated during a period beginning on the 345th day and ending on the 75th day before the date of the election; (4) with respect to a Federal election the date of which was fixed less than 345 days in advance, such petition was circulated during a period established by the State holding the election, or, if no such period was established, during a period beginning on the day after the date the election was scheduled and ending on the tenth day before the date of the election, provided, however, that the number of signatures required under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be reduced by \1/ 270\th for each day less than 270 in such period. (b) An individual shall have the right to be placed as a candidate on, or to have such individual's political party, body, or group affiliation in connection with such candidacy placed on, a ballot or similar voting materials to be used in a Federal election, without having to satisfy any requirement relating to a petition under subsection (a), if that or another individual, as a candidate of that political party, body, or group, received one percent of the votes cast in the most recent general Federal election for President or Senator in that State. SEC. 4. RULEMAKING. The Attorney General shall make rules to carry out this Act. SEC. 5. GENERAL DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act-- (1) the term ``Federal election'' means a general or special election for the office of-- (A) President or Vice President; (B) Senator; or (C) Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress; (2) the term ``State'' means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States; and (3) the term ``individual'' means an individual who has the qualifications required by law of a person who holds the office for which such individual seeks to be a candidate.

Summary: Fair Elections Act of 1993 - Sets forth ballot access rights for Federal elections.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Black Hills National Forest and Rocky Mountain Research Station Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF LAND, BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST, SOUTH DAKOTA. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') may, under such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, sell or exchange any right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the approximately 362 acres contained in the following parcels of land in the State of South Dakota: (1) Tract BLKH-1 ``Spearfish Dwelling'' (approximately 0.24 acres); N\1/2\ of Lot 8 and Lot 9 of Block 16, Section 10, T6N, R2E, Black Hills Meridian. (2) Tract BLKH-2 ``Deadwood Garage'' (approximately 0.12 acres); Lots 9 and 11 of Block 34, Section 23, T5N, R3E, Black Hills Meridian. (3) Tract BLKH-3 ``Deadwood Dwellings'' (approximately 0.32 acres); Lots 12-16, inclusive, of Block 44, Section 23, T5N, R3E, Black Hill Meridian. (4) Tract BLKH-4 ``Hardy Work Center'' (approximately 150 acres); E\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\, SE\1/4\SE\1/4\, Section 19; NE\1/ 4\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\, E\1/2\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\, E\1/2\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\, NE\1/ 4\NE\1/4\, Section 30, T3N, R1E, Black Hills Meridian. (5) Tract BLKH-6 ``Pactola Work Center'' (approximately 100 acres); W\1/2\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\, W\1/2\NW\1/4\SW\1/4\, W\1/2\SW\1/ 4\SW\1/4\, SE\1/4\SW\1/4\SW\1/4\, Section 25; E\1/2\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\, SE\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\, Section 26, T2N, R5E, Black Hills Meridian. (6) Tract BLKH-7 ``Pactola Ranger District Office'' (approximately 8.25 acres); Lot 1 of Ranger Station Subdivision, Section 4, T1N, R7E, Black Hills Meridian. (7) Tract BLKH-8 ``Reder Administrative Site'' (approximately 82 acres); Lots 6 and 7, Section 29; Lot A of Reder Placer, Lot 19, NW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\, Section 30, T1S, R5E, Black Hills Meridian. (8) Tract BLKH-9 ``Allen Gulch Properties'' (approximately 21 acres); Lot 14 less and except Tract STA #0029, Section 25, and Lot 1, Section 36, T1S, R4E, Black Hills Meridian. (9) Tract BLKH-10 ``Custer Ranger District Office'' (approximately 0.39 acres); Lots 4 and 9 of Block 125 and the East 15 feet of the vacated north/south alley adjacent to Lot 4, City of Custer, Section 26, T3S, R4E, Black Hills Meridian. (b) Technical Corrections.--The Secretary may make technical corrections to the legal descriptions in paragraphs (1) through (9) of subsection (a). (c) Applicable Authorities.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, any sale or exchange of land described in subsection (a) shall be subject to laws (including regulations) applicable to the conveyance and acquisition of land for National Forest System purposes. (d) Cash Equalization.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may accept cash equalization payments in excess of 25 percent of the total value of the land described in subsection (a) from any exchange under subsection (a). (e) Solicitations of Offers.-- (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary may use solicitations of offers for sale or exchange under this section on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe. (2) Rejection of offers.--The Secretary may reject any offer under this section if the Secretary determines that the offer is not adequate or not in the public interest. (f) Disposition of Funds.--Any funds received by the Secretary from a sale under this section or as cash equalization payments from an exchange under this section-- (1) shall be deposited into the fund established by Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a); and (2) shall be available for expenditure, on appropriation, for-- (A) the acquisition from willing sellers of land and interests in land in the State of South Dakota; and (B) the acquisition or construction of administrative improvements in connection with the Black Hills National Forest. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 3. REPLACEMENT LABORATORY, ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESEARCH STATION, RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA. (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture $2,100,000 for a laboratory facility for the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Rapid City, South Dakota, to replace the obsolete laboratory capability at the research station. The replacement facility shall be colocated with at least one of the administrative improvements for the Black Hills National Forest acquired or constructed under the authority of section 2(f)(2)(B). (b) Conditions on Acquisition of Property.--No funds available to carry out this section may be used to purchase or otherwise acquire property unless-- (1) the acquisition is from willing sellers; and (2) the property is located within the boundaries of the State of South Dakota. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Authorizes appropriations for construction of a replacement laboratory for the Rocky Mountain Research Station at Rapid City, South Dakota, to be colocated with at least one of the Forest administrative improvements. Requires any acquired property to be: (1) in South Dakota; and (2) from a willing seller.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Conservation Corps Authorization Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Corps.--The term ``corps'' means the veterans conservation corps established under section 3(a). (2) Eligible veteran.--The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran (as the term is defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) that, as of the date on which the application for the corps is submitted-- (A) is unemployed; (B) is not enrolled in any other Federal training program; and (C) meets any other criteria that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 3. VETERANS CONSERVATION CORPS. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Commerce, shall establish a veterans conservation corps-- (1) to provide training and employment to eligible veterans; (2) to assist eligible veterans in the transition from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life; and (3) to assist the Federal Government in maintaining Federal land and water. (b) Employment of Eligible Veterans.-- (1) Long-term employment.-- (A) Initial period.--The Secretary shall employ in the corps eligible veterans for a 1-year period to carry out work projects assigned under subsection (c). (B) Extension of employment.--The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis and as the Secretary considers appropriate, extend the employment of an eligible veteran under subparagraph (A) for an additional 1-year period. (2) Temporary employment for student veterans.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary may establish a program in the corps for the short-term employment of eligible veterans that are attending institutions of higher education. (B) Terms.--The employment of an eligible veteran under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed 16 weeks in total. (3) Compensation.--An eligible veteran employed by the corps under paragraph (1) or (2) shall receive a stipend and living allowance in an amount to be determined by the Secretary, in consultation with Secretary of Veteran Affairs. (c) Work Projects.-- (1) Assignment.--Each eligible veteran employed under subsection (b)(1) shall be assigned to a work project that-- (A) furthers the purposes described in subsection (a); and (B) falls within 1 or more of the following categories: (i) Transportation improvements, such as improving wilderness trails. (ii) Erosion control. (iii) Landscape and recreation. (iv) Habitat protection and restoration, including removal of invasive species. (v) Data collection. (vi) Any other specific project category identified under paragraph (2). (2) Specification of additional project categories.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall identify additional project categories that the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce consider appropriate to further the purposes described in subsection (a). (3) Leveraging of military skills.--To the maximum extent practicable, an eligible veteran in the corps shall be assigned to a work project under paragraph (1) that enables the eligible veteran to use the skills that the eligible veteran developed as a member of the Armed Forces. (4) Development and supervision of work projects.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall develop and supervise the work projects under the corps that relate to the respective jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Secretary. (d) Education and Training.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Commerce, shall establish a program as part of the corps to provide to eligible veterans employed under the corps any education or training that is necessary to enable the eligible veterans to carry out the work projects assigned under subsection (c)(1). (2) Use of existing facilities.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Commerce shall use existing facilities of the Federal Government to provide the education and training required under paragraph (1).

Summary: Veterans Conservation Corps Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a veteran conservation corps (corps) to: (1) provide training and employment to unemployed veterans not enrolled in any other federal training program, (2) assist veterans in their transition from military service to civilian life, and (3) assist the government in maintaining federal land and water. Directs the Secretary to employ such veterans for a one-year period, with an option for employment for an additional one-year period. Allows the Secretary to establish a corps program for the short-term employment of veterans attending institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide to such veterans any education or training necessary to carry out assigned work projects.