SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``True Understanding of the Economy and Safety Act'' or the ``TRUE Safety Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) the trucking industry is the backbone of the Nation's economy, with nearly 7 million Americans working in trucking- related jobs, including more than 3 million commercial truck drivers; (2) 80 percent of all communities in the United States depend solely on trucks to deliver and supply their essential everyday commodities; (3) Federal regulations governing the hours of service for commercial truck drivers must be based on full and fair scientific research, analysis, and operational testing; (4) the restart rule that became effective on July 1, 2013, was based mainly on a one-month sleep study conducted in a laboratory setting; (5) the new restart rule will cost the trucking industry up to $376,000,000 annually, reducing productivity, impacting driver pay, and increasing the cost to deliver goods; and (6) the restart rule should not have become effective prior to completion of the thorough operational study required by section 32301 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act or MAP-21 (Public Law 112-141; 126 Stat. 786). SEC. 3. GAO ASSESSMENTS. (a) Assessment of Methodology for MAP-21 Restart Study.-- (1) In general.--After completion of the field study and submission of the report regarding such study by the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, required by section 32301 of MAP-21, the Comptroller General shall conduct an assessment of the methodology followed by the Secretary of Transportation in carrying out the efficacy of the restart rule published on December 27, 2011. (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the assessment shall be to assess the extent to which the methodology meets the requirement of MAP-21 that-- (A) the data collected is representative of the drivers subject to the restart rule; (B) the methodology is statistically valid; and (C) the study followed the plan for the ``Scheduling and Fatigue Recovery Project'' developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (b) Assessment of Regulatory Impact Analysis.-- (1) In general.--The Comptroller General shall conduct an assessment of the Regulatory Impact Analysis that accompanied the final rule published by the Department of Transportation in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011, entitled ``Hours of Service of Drivers'' (76 Fed. Reg. 81134). (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the GAO assessment shall be-- (A) to conduct an analysis of the methodology and data used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in its Regulatory Impact Analysis; (B) to evaluate the validity and representativeness of the driver data used to evaluate the operational and economic impacts of the new 34-hour restart rule applicable to operators of commercial motor vehicles; (C) to conduct an analysis of the data and methodology used to develop the proposed safety and health benefits of the new 34-hour restart rule applicable to operators of commercial motor vehicles; (D) to review the safety, health, cost, and operational implications of the restart rule, and the potential impact of a greater number of commercial motor vehicles on major roads during ``morning commutes'' as a result of the restart rule; and (E) review the research used in developing and justifying the new restart rule, particularly as it relates to the use of a laboratory test to justify the rule rather than an operational test in the field. (c) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a final report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the assessments required under subsections (a) and (b), including any recommendations. SEC. 4. DELAY IN APPLICATION OF RULE. (a) Delay in Application of Rule.--Effective as of the date of enactment of this Act, the restart rule published by the Department of Transportation in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011, shall have no force or effect until 6 months after the study report required by this Act has been submitted to Congress. (b) Application of Previous Rule Provision.--For the period specified under subsection (a), the 34-hour restart rule issued on April 28, 2003 (68 Fed. Reg. 22456), shall be in effect. (c) December 2011 Rule.--The Secretary shall not apply the rule described in subsection (a) if the conclusions of the operational study completed pursuant to MAP-21 do not support or concur with the conclusions of the laboratory study on which the rule was based.

Summary: True Understanding of the Economy and Safety Act or TRUE Safety Act - Directs the Comptroller General (GAO), after the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports to Congress on an hours of service field study, to assess the methodology followed by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) in carrying out the efficacy of the restart rule ("Hours of Service of Drivers") published on December 27, 2011, which applies to operators of commercial motor vehicles of property subject to maximum DOT driving time requirements. Requires the assessment to evaluate the extent to which that methodology meets the requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) that: (1) the data collected is representative of the drivers subject to the restart rule, (2) the methodology is statistically valid, and (3) the study followed the FMCSA plan for the "Scheduling and Fatigue Recovery Project." Directs GAO to assess the Regulatory Impact Analysis that accompanied the final 2011 restart rule. Nullifies the 2011 restart rule until six months after the study report required by this Act has been submitted to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from applying the restart rule if the conclusions of the field study completed pursuant to MAP-21 do not support or concur with the conclusions of the laboratory study on which the rule was based.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act''. SEC. 2. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY WHISTLEBLOWER INCENTIVES AND PROTECTIONS. (a) In General.--Subchapter IV of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 30172. WHISTLEBLOWER INCENTIVES AND PROTECTIONS. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Covered action.--The term `covered action' means any administrative or judicial action, including any related administrative or judicial action, brought by the Secretary or the Attorney General under this chapter that in the aggregate results in monetary sanctions exceeding $1,000,000. ``(2) Monetary sanctions.--The term `monetary sanctions' means monies, including penalties and interest, ordered or agreed to be paid. ``(3) Original information.--The term `original information' means information that-- ``(A) is derived from the independent knowledge or analysis of an individual; ``(B) is not known to the Secretary from any other source, unless the individual is the original source of the information; and ``(C) is not exclusively derived from an allegation made in a judicial or an administrative action, in a governmental report, a hearing, an audit, or an investigation, or from the news media, unless the individual is a source of the information. ``(4) Part supplier.--The term `part supplier' means a manufacturer of motor vehicle equipment. ``(5) Successful resolution.--The term `successful resolution' includes any settlement or adjudication of a covered action. ``(6) Whistleblower.--The term `whistleblower' means any employee or contractor of a motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership who voluntarily provides to the Secretary original information relating to any motor vehicle defect, noncompliance, or any violation or alleged violation of any notification or reporting requirement of this chapter which is likely to cause unreasonable risk of death or serious physical injury. ``(b) Awards.-- ``(1) In general.--If the original information that a whistleblower provided to the Secretary led to the successful resolution of a covered action, the Secretary, subject to subsection (c) and under the regulations promulgated under subsection (i), may pay an award or awards to 1 or more whistleblowers in an aggregate amount of not more than 30 percent, in total, of collected monetary sanctions. ``(2) Payment of awards.--Any amount payable under paragraph (1) shall be paid from the monetary sanctions collected, and any monetary sanctions so collected shall be available for such payment. ``(c) Determination of Awards; Denial of Awards.-- ``(1) Determination of awards.-- ``(A) Discretion.--The determination of whether, to whom, or in what amount to make an award shall be in the discretion of the Secretary. ``(B) Criteria.--In determining an award made under subsection (b), the Secretary shall take into consideration-- ``(i) if appropriate, whether a whistleblower reported or attempted to report the information internally to an applicable motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership; ``(ii) the significance of the original information provided by the whistleblower to the successful resolution of the covered action; ``(iii) the degree of assistance provided by the whistleblower and any legal representative of the whistleblower in the covered action; and ``(iv) such additional factors as the Secretary considers relevant. ``(2) Denial of awards.--No award under subsection (b) shall be made-- ``(A) to any whistleblower who is convicted of a criminal violation related to the covered action for which the whistleblower otherwise could receive an award under this section; ``(B) to any whistleblower who, acting without direction from an applicable motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership, or agent thereof, deliberately causes or substantially contributes to the alleged violation of a requirement of this chapter; ``(C) to any whistleblower who submits information to the Secretary that is based on the facts underlying the covered action submitted previously by another whistleblower; or ``(D) to any whistleblower who fails to provide the original information to the Secretary in such form as the Secretary may require by regulation. ``(d) Representation.--A whistleblower who makes a claim for an award under subsection (b) may be represented by counsel. ``(e) No Contract Necessary.--No contract with the Secretary is necessary for any whistleblower to receive an award under subsection (b). ``(f) Appeals.-- ``(1) In general.--Any determination made under this section, including whether, to whom, or in what amount to make an award, shall be in the discretion of the Secretary. ``(2) Appeals.--Any determination made by the Secretary under this section may be appealed by a whistleblower to the appropriate court of appeals of the United States not later than 30 days after the determination is issued by the Secretary. ``(3) Review.--The court shall review the determination made by the Secretary in accordance with section 706 of title 5, United States Code. ``(g) Protection of Whistleblowers; Confidentiality.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 30167, and except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Secretary, and any officer or employee of the Department of Transportation, shall not disclose any information, including information provided by a whistleblower to the Secretary, which could reasonably be expected to reveal the identity of a whistleblower, except in accordance with the provisions of section 552a of title 5, United States Code, unless and until required to be disclosed to a defendant or respondent in connection with a public proceeding instituted by the Secretary or any entity described in paragraph (3). For purposes of section 552 of title 5, United States Code, this paragraph shall be considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of that section. ``(2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection is intended to limit the ability of the Attorney General to present such evidence to a grand jury or to share such evidence with potential witnesses or defendants in the course of an ongoing criminal investigation. ``(3) Availability to government agencies.-- ``(A) In general.--Without the loss of its status as confidential in the hands of the Secretary, all information referred to in paragraph (1) may, in the discretion of the Secretary, when determined by the Secretary to be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this chapter and in accordance with subparagraph (B), be made available to the following: ``(i) The Department of Justice. ``(ii) An appropriate department or agency of the Federal Government, acting within the scope of its jurisdiction. ``(B) Maintenance of information.--Each entity described in subparagraph (A) shall maintain information described in that subparagraph as confidential, in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (1). ``(h) Provision of False Information.--A whistleblower who knowingly and willfully makes any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or who makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, shall not be entitled to an award under this section and shall be subject to prosecution under section 1001 of title 18. ``(i) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this section.''. (b) Rule of Construction.-- (1) Original information.--Information submitted to the Secretary of Transportation by a whistleblower in accordance with the regulations to implement the requirements of section 30172, United States Code, shall not lose its status as original information solely because the whistleblower submitted the information prior to the effective date of the regulations if that information was submitted after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Awards.--A whistleblower may receive an award under section 30172, United States Code, regardless of whether the violation underlying the covered action occurred prior to the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents of subchapter IV of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``30172. Whistleblower incentives and protections.''.

Summary: Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act - Prescribes certain whistleblower incentives and protections for motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership employees or contractors who voluntarily provide the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) information relating to any motor vehicle defect, noncompliance, or any violation of any notification or reporting requirement which is likely to cause unreasonable risk of death or serious physical injury. Authorizes the Secretary to pay awards to one or more whistleblowers in an aggregate amount of up to 30% of total monetary sanctions collected pursuant to an administrative or judicial action resulting in aggregate monetary sanctions exceeding $1 million. Prohibits an award to any whistleblower who knowingly and willfully makes false representations. Subjects such a whistleblower to criminal penalties.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Autoimmune Diseases Research and Prevention Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) The term ``autoimmune disease'' refers to a varied group of more than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that involve the human organ system, the nervous, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems, the skin and other connective tissues, eyes, and blood and blood vessels. (2) These diseases include, but are not limited to, Epstein-Barr virus, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and vasculitis syndromes. (3) 50 million Americans are afflicted with some form of autoimmune disease. (4) 75 percent of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most frequently during but not limited to the childbearing years. (5) Taken together, autoimmune diseases represent the fourth largest cause of disability among women in the United States. (6) Female-to-male ratios in autoimmune diseases are dramatically skewed toward women, in some cases by ratios as high as 50 to 1. (7) Autoimmune diseases remain among the most poorly understood and poorly recognized of any category of illnesses; while science suggest they may have a genetric component, they can cluster in families as different illnesses. (8) To help women live longer, healthier lives, more research is needed to shed light on genetic as well as hormonal and environmental risk factors that contribute to the causes of these diseases, as well as providing early diagnosis and treatment. SEC. 3. EXPANSION AND INTENSIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES REGARDING AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES ON WOMEN. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 399O. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES IN WOMEN. ``(a) Definition.--In this section, an `autoimmune disease' means an illness in which the body's immune system becomes misdirected, attacking the organs it was designed to protect. It includes, but is not limited to, Epstein-Barr virus, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's throiditis, Graves disease, and vasculitis syndromes. ``(b) In General.--The Director of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services shall expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Department with respect to autoimmune diseases in women. ``(c) Coordination With Other Institutes.--The Director of the Office on Women's Health shall coordinate activities under subsection (b) with other similar activities conducted by the other national research institutes and agencies of the National Institutes of Health to the extent that such Institutes and agencies have responsibilities that are related to autoimmune diseases in women. ``(d) Certain Programs.--In carrying out subsection (b), the Director of the Office of Women's Health shall conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and develop methods for preventing, autoimmune diseases in women. Activities under such subsection shall include conducting and supporting the following: ``(1) Research to determine the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women, including African American women and other women who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups. ``(2) Basic research concerning the etiology and causes of autoimmune diseases in women, including genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. ``(3) Epidemiological studies to address the frequency and natural history of such diseases and the differences among men and women, and among racial and ethnic groups, with respect to such diseases. ``(4) The development of safe, efficient, and cost- effective diagnostic approaches to evaluating women with suspected autoimmune diseases. ``(5) Clinical research for the development and evaluation of new treatments for women, including rehabilitation. ``(6) Studies to gain a better understanding of methods of preventing autoimmune diseases in women. ``(7) Information and education programs for patients and health care providers on genetic, hormonal, and environmental risk factors associated with autoimmune diseases in women, and on the importance of the prevention or control of such risk factors and timely referral with appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Such programs shall include information and education on the prevalence and nature of autoimmune diseases in women, and on health-related behaviors that can improve certain risk factors. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2007. The authorization of appropriations established in the preceding sentence is in addition to any other authorization of appropriation that is available for such purpose.''.

Summary: Women's Autoimmune Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Department with respect to autoimmune diseases in women. Requires such efforts to examine: (1) disease prevalence in women; (2) the etiology and causes of such diseases; (3) epidemiology and gender and ethnic differences; (4) diagnostic approaches; (5) new treatments; and (6) prevention and education programs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Redundant Remapping Reform Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (2) the term ``covered period'' means-- (A) with respect to a levee for which the Army Corps of Engineers has entered into a cost sharing agreement, the 48-month period beginning on the date on which the Army Corps of Engineers makes available any funds required to be made available by the Army Corps of Engineers under the agreement; and (B) with respect to a levee not described in subparagraph (A), the 48-month period beginning on the date on which the Administrator commences an update of a National Flood Insurance Program rate map that includes an area protected by the levee; (3) the term ``National Flood Insurance Program'' means the program established under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.); and (4) the term ``qualified levee'' means a levee that is being constructed or modified, if the owner of the levee enters into an agreement with the Administrator that the construction or modification will be completed before the end of a covered period relating to the qualified levee. SEC. 3. REMAPPING OF AREAS PROTECTED BY CERTAIN LEVEES. (a) Levees Undergoing Accreditation.--The Administrator may not update or publish a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect to an area that is protected by a levee-- (1) for which a community or other party has sought recognition under section 65.10 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto; and (2) with respect to which the Administrator has not issued a Letter of Final Determination. (b) Levees Undergoing Planning, Construction, or Rehabilitation.-- (1) Prohibition.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator may not update or publish a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect to an area that is protected by a qualified levee that is being planned, constructed, or rehabilitated, if the scheduled completion date for the planning, construction, or rehabilitation occurs during the covered period. (2) Exceptions.--The Administrator may update or publish a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect to an area that is protected by a qualified levee described in paragraph (1)-- (A) on or after the date on which the construction or rehabilitation of the qualified levee is completed; or (B) on or after the date on which the Administrator determines that the planning, construction, or rehabilitation of the qualified levee is experiencing an indefinite delay. (3) Scheduled completion date.--For purposes of this subsection, the scheduled completion date for planning, construction, or rehabilitation of a qualified levee shall be determined by an engineer responsible for the design, modification, or construction of the qualified levee, taking into consideration the actual condition of the qualified levee. (c) Notification of Affected Persons.-- (1) Draft notice.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a notice to be used by owners of qualified levees subject to this section to disclose to persons affected by the qualified levees-- (A) information relating to the possible dangers of living in an area affected by the qualified levees without flood insurance coverage; (B) information relating to the availability of flood insurance coverage; and (C) any other information that the Administrator determines is necessary. (2) Notice by owners of levees.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), not later than 30 days after the commencement of a covered period, the owner of the qualified levee to which the covered period relates shall provide the notice published under paragraph (1) to each person identified by the owner of the qualified levee as a person affected by the qualified levee. (B) Exception.--In the case of a covered period that commences before the date on which the Administrator publishes the notice under paragraph (1), the owner of the qualified levee to which the covered period relates shall provide the notice required under subparagraph (A) to each person identified by the owner of the qualified levee as a person affected by the qualified levee as soon as practicable after the date on which the Administrator publishes the notice. (d) Reporting Requirements.--During a covered period relating to a qualified levee, the owner of the qualified levee (or a designee of the owner) shall submit to the Administrator a quarterly report that contains-- (1) a description of the progress of the construction or modification of the qualified levee; and (2) an estimate of the scheduled completion date of the construction or modification of the qualified levee, as determined by an engineer responsible for the design, modification, or construction of the qualified levee, taking into consideration the actual condition of the qualified levee.

Summary: Redundant Remapping Reform Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from updating or publishing a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect to an area protected by a levee that is undergoing accreditation, planning, construction, or rehabilitation. Instructs the Administrator to publish a notice to be used by owners of qualified levees to disclose to persons affected by such levees. Requires owners of qualified levees to provide such notice to each person identified as affected by the qualified levee.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The name of a professional sports team is always linked to the name of the community in which it is located. (2) Communities, sports fans, and taxpayers make a substantial and valuable financial, psychological, and emotional investment in their teams and their teams' names. (3) Professional sports teams promote civic pride, and generate jobs, revenues, and other local economic development. (4) Professional sports teams remain in communities for generations and represent much more than a business. (5) Current law does not protect the rights of sports fans nor the interests of communities when a professional sports team decides to relocate. (6) Professional sports team owners are positioned to extract enormous benefits from communities, and they are taking advantage of these opportunities. (7) Professional sports teams and leagues have directly benefited from Federal legislation, including the following: (A) Public law 87-331 (15 U.S.C. 1291 et seq; commonly referred to as the Sports Antitrust Broadcast Act of 1961). (B) Public law 89-800 (80 Stat. 1508; commonly referred to as the Football Merger Act of 1966). (C) Public law 93-107 (87 Stat. 350; relating to a prohibition of local television blackouts of network games which were sold out 72 hours in advance). (D) Federal tax laws that allow depreciation of player contracts, capital gains, carryover losses, and the formation of Subchapter S corporations. (8) The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission v. National Football League (726 F.2d 1381 (9th cir. 1984); commonly referred to as Raiders I), Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission v. National Football League (791 F.2d. 1356 (9th cir. 1986); commonly referred to as Raiders II), and National Basketball Association v. SDC Basketball Club, Inc. (815 F.2d 562 (9th cir. 1987); commonly referred to as Clippers) that a league has the authority to prevent a professional sports team from relocating from one community to another community. SEC. 3. TEAM NAME. (a) Conditions on Approval of Relocation.--In a case in which a league approves the relocation of a professional sports team from a community described in subsection (b)-- (1) the registered mark that is used to identify the professional sports team becomes the property of the league; (2) the league shall reserve the registered mark and any portion of the registered mark for use only by the community from which the team is relocating until the earlier of-- (A) the expiration of the registered mark; or (B) the date on which the community informs the league that a professional sports team will not be using the registered mark; and (3) the registered mark or any portion of the registered mark may not be used by another professional sports team in the same league. (b) Communities Covered.--A community referred to in subsection (a) is a community in which a professional sports team has been located for a period of at least 10 years. SEC. 4. NOTICE OF PROPOSED RELOCATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM. (a) Requirement.--A professional sports team owner seeking to relocate the team from one community to another shall provide notice of the proposed relocation to the parties listed in subsection (b) not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the professional sports team is to play in the new community. (b) Parties.--The notice required under subsection (a) shall be provided to-- (1) the local government for the community in which the professional sports team's stadium or arena is located; (2) the owner or operator of such stadium or arena; and (3) each professional sports team that is a member of the league for the professional sport concerned. (c) Additional Requirements.--The notice required under subsection (a) shall-- (1) be delivered in person or by certified mail; (2) be published in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the community in which the professional sports team is located; and (3) contain an identification of the proposed new location for the professional sports team, a summary of the reasons for moving the professional sports team based on the factors listed in section 7, and the date on which the proposed change is scheduled to become effective. SEC. 5. REQUIREMENT TO MAKE EXPANSION TEAMS AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES UPON THE FULFILLMENT OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS. (a) League Requirement to Grant Franchise.--Not later than 12 months after the submission of the name of an investor under subsection (b) to a league, the league shall grant to the investor a new expansion professional sports team franchise from the league at a fee in an amount no greater than an amount equal to 85 percent of the franchise fee charged by the league for the last expansion professional sports team franchise granted by the league. (b) Three-Year Opportunity for Investment.--The requirement of subsection (a) applies to a league in any case in which-- (1) the league approves, on or after January 1, 1993, the relocation of a professional sports team from one community to another; (2) not later than three years after such relocation, the community in which the team was previously located submits to the league the name of an investor to be granted a new professional sports team franchise in such community by the league; and (3) the investor demonstrates that he is financially able to purchase and support a team by placing the amount described under subsection (a), in addition to an amount equal to the sale price of the last professional sports team sale approved by the league, in an escrow account. (c) Ten-Year Relocation Prohibition.--In the case of a grant of a professional sports team franchise under subsection (a), the league may approve a resale of the team, but may not approve a relocation of the team during the ten-year period beginning on the date of the grant of the expansion professional sports team franchise. (d) Exception.--This section shall not apply in the case of a community with a professional sports team if the team relocates within 60 miles of the community. SEC. 6. LEAGUE RELOCATION AUTHORITY AND RELOCATION DETERMINATION CRITERIA. (a) League Authority.--It is not unlawful by reason of the antitrust laws for a professional sports league to enforce rules or agreements authorizing the membership of such league to decide whether a professional sports team that is a member of the league may relocate from one community to another. (b) Determination Criteria.--In determining whether to approve or disapprove the relocation of a professional sports team from one community to another, a league shall make specific findings regarding-- (1) the extent to which fan loyalty to and support for the team has been demonstrated during the team's tenure in the community; (2) the degree to which the team has engaged in good faith negotiations with appropriate persons concerning terms and conditions under which the team would continue to play its games in the community; (3) the degree to which the owners or managers of the team have contributed to any circumstances which might demonstrate the need for the relocation; (4) the extent to which the team, directly or indirectly, received public financial support by means of any publicly financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other form of public financial support; (5) the adequacy of the stadium in which the team played its home games in the previous season, and the willingness of the stadium, arena authority, or the local government to remedy any deficiencies in such facility; (6) whether the team has incurred net operating losses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to threaten the continued financial viability of the team; (7) whether any other team in the league is located in the community in which the team is currently located; (8) whether the team proposes to relocate to a community in which no other team in the league is located; (9) whether the stadium authority, if public, is not opposed to such relocation; and (10) whether there is a bona fide investor offering fair market value for the professional sports team and will retain the team in the current community. SEC. 7. ENFORCEMENT. (a) Penalties for Failure to Comply.--A league that violates the requirement of section 5(a) by failing to grant a new professional sports team franchise-- (1) is liable to the community in which the team was previously located for damages equal to three times the purchase price of the team; and (2) is subject to the suspension for one season of its antitrust exemption for pooling the broadcasting rights to games under Public Law 87-331 (15 U.S.C. 1291 et seq.). (b) Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.--The provisions of this Act shall be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission under the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.). SEC. 8. INAPPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN MATTERS. Nothing in this Act shall-- (1) alter, determine, or otherwise affect the applicability or inapplicability of the antitrust laws, the labor laws, or any other provision of law to the wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment of players in any professional sports league, to any employment matter regarding players in any such league or to any collective bargaining rights and privilege of any player union in any such league; (2) alter or affect the applicability or inapplicability of the antitrust laws or any applicable Federal or State law regarding broadcasting or telecasting, including those contained under section 1291 of title 15, United States Code, to any agreement between any professional sports league or a professional sports team that is a member of the league and any person not affiliated with such a league for the broadcasting or telecasting of the games of such league or members of the league on any form of television; (3) affect any contract, or provision of a contract, relating to the use of a stadium or arena between a professional sports team and the owner or operator of any stadium or arena or any other person; (4) exempt from the antitrust laws any agreement to fix the prices of admission to sports contests; (5) exempt from the antitrust laws any predatory practice or other conduct with respect to competing sports leagues which would otherwise be unlawful under the antitrust laws; or (6) except as provided in this Act, alter, determine, or otherwise affect the applicability or inapplicability of the antitrust laws to any act, contract, agreement, rule, course of conduct, or other activity by, between, or among persons engaging in, conducting, or participating in professional football, basketball, hockey, or baseball. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Antitrust laws.--The term ``antitrust laws''-- (A) has the meaning giving it in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), except that such term includes section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent such section applies to unfair methods of competition; and (B) includes any State law similar to the laws referred to in subparagraph (A). (2) Community.--The term ``community'' means a city, county, parish, town, township, village, or any other general function governmental unit established by State law. (3) Investor.--The term ``investor'' means any person or group of persons, including a community. (4) League.--The terms ``league'' and ``professional sports league'' mean an association composed of two or more professional sports teams (which have been engaged in competition in their sport for more than seven years) which has adopted, accepted, or put into effect rules for the conduct of professional sports teams which are members of that association and for the regulation of contests and exhibitions in which such teams regularly engage. The term includes-- (A) the National Football League; (B) the National Hockey League; (C) the National Basketball Association; and (D) Major League Baseball. (5) Located.--The term ``located'', with respect to a professional sports team, means situated in the stadium or arena in which the professional sports team plays its home games. (6) Professional Sports Team.--The term ``professional sports team'' means any group of professional athletes organized to play major league football, hockey, basketball, or baseball. SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect as of August 1, 1995.

Summary: Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1996 - Requires a professional sports team owner seeking to relocate the team to provide notice to the local government for the community in which the team's stadium or arena is located (home community), the sports authority with jurisdiction over the stadium or facility, any owner or operator of such stadium or facility, and the professional sports league concerned and each member team. Requires such notice to: (1) be delivered in person or by certified mail and published in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the home community; and (2) include the proposed new location, a summary of the reasons for moving, and the date on which the change is scheduled to become effective. (Sec. 4) Directs a league, within a year after the submission of the name of an investor, to grant to the investor a new expansion team franchise at a fee no greater, and on terms and conditions no less favorable, than those granted to the last expansion team franchise granted. Authorizes the league, for ten years after granting an expansion team franchise, to approve a resale of the team but not the team's relocation, except as provided herein. Makes this section inapplicable to a team that relocates within 25 miles of the home community and remains within the State in which the home community is located. (Sec. 5) Permits, under the antitrust laws, a league to enforce rules or agreements authorizing its membership to decide whether a member team may relocate. Requires a league, in determining whether to approve such relocation, to make specific written findings, including findings regarding fan loyalty and the extent to which the team received public financial support. Specifies that no decision by a league to permit a relocation shall be valid or final until the league has: (1) conducted at least two public hearings in the home community; (2) permitted any interested member of the public to deliver oral, or file written, comments; (3) published written findings in a local home community newspaper setting forth the basis of such decision; and (4) delivered copies of such findings to the local government of the home community and any sports authority. (Sec. 6) Requires (except where recovery of financial assistance is a remedy under the contract) an owner who relocates a team from one playing facility to another and who, in so doing, breaches a contract with the State or local government to pay to such government the value of financial assistance provided by the State or local government to the team. Makes a team owner who violates the requirement of this section liable to the State or local government that provided financial assistance to the team for an amount equal to three times the value of the assistance provided. (Sec. 7) Makes a league that violates the requirement to grant a new team franchise: (1) liable to the home community in which a team was previously located for damages of three times the purchase price or market value of the team, whichever is greater; (2) subject to the suspension for one season of its antitrust exemption for pooling the broadcasting rights to games; and (3) subject to the loss of the antitrust exemption under this Act for the franchise relocation that led to the violation. Sets forth enforcement provisions.


SECTION 1. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT STATUS FOR CERTAIN ALIENS, INCLUDING TRANSLATORS AND INTERPRETERS, SERVING WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. (a) Increase in Numbers Admitted and Aliens Eligible.-- (1) In general.--Section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note) is amended-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``as translators with united states armed forces'' and inserting ``with federal agencies in iraq and afghanistan''; (B) in subsection (b)(1)-- (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``as a translator'' and inserting ``, or under Chief of Mission authority, as a translator, interpreter, or other capacity'' ; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``the Chief of Mission or'' after ``recommendation from''; and (iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``the Chief of Mission or'' after ``as determined by''; and (C) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``(or, beginning with fiscal year 2007, 500 or such greater number as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines is warranted by the circumstances)'' after ``50''. (2) Review.--If the circumstances warrant, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall review the numerical limitation established under section 1059(c)(1) of such Act, as amended by paragraph (1)(B), and may submit a report to Congress recommending an increase in such limitation. (3) Report.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report whenever the Secretary increases, under subsection (c)(1) of section 1059 of such Act, as amended by paragraph (1)(B), the number of aliens provided special immigrant status under such section. Such report shall include an explanation of the circumstances warranting such increase. (b) Exclusion From Numerical Limitation.--Section 1059(c)(2) of such Act is amended-- (1) in the heading, by striking ``Counting against'' and inserting ``Exclusion from''; and (2) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``but shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under section 201(d), 202(a), or 203(b)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d), 1152(a), and 1153(b)(4))''. (c) Adjustment of Status.--Section 1059 of such Act is further amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: ``(d) Adjustment of Status.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (2), (7), and (8) of section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(c)), the Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust the status of an alien to that of a lawful permanent resident under section 245(a) of such Act if the alien-- ``(1) was paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant into the United States; and ``(2) is otherwise eligible for special immigrant status under this section and under the Immigration and Nationality Act.''. (d) Refugee Assistance Eligibility.--Section 1059 of such Act, as amended by subsection (c), is further amended-- (1) by redesignating (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: ``(e) Eligibility for Refugee Assistance.--Any alien provided special immigrant status under this section shall be eligible for benefits under chapter 2 of title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act to the same extent as individuals admitted (or awaiting admission) to the United States under section 207 of such Act are eligible for benefits under such chapter.''. (e) Sunset Provision.--Section 1059 of such Act, as amended by subsections (c) and (d), is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Sunset Provision.-- ``(1) In general.--This section is repealed on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this subsection. ``(2) Applicability.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security may provide an alien with the status of a special immigrant under this section if-- ``(A) the alien's petition for such status was pending before the date described in paragraph (1); and ``(B) the alien was eligible for such status at the time the petition was filed.''.

Summary: Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to authorize special immigrant status for certain Afghan or Iraqi translators or interpreters working with the U.S. Armed Forces or federal agencies in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Currently, such status is authorized for Afghan and Iraqi translators or interpreters working with U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.) Authorizes: (1) additional annual entrants; (2) adjustment to permanent resident status; and (3) eligibility for refugee assistance. Sunsets such special immigrant provisions.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Cargo Theft Deterrence Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. INTERSTATE OR FOREIGN SHIPMENTS BY CARRIER. (a) In General.--Section 659 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``with intent to convert to his own use'' each place that term appears; (2) in the first undesignated paragraph-- (A) by inserting ``trailer,'' after ``motortruck,''; (B) by inserting ``air cargo container,'' after ``aircraft,''; and (C) by inserting ``, or from any intermodal container, trailer, container freight station, warehouse, or freight consolidation facility,'' after ``air navigation facility''; (3) in the fifth undesignated paragraph-- (A) by striking ``one year'' and inserting ``3 years''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the court may, upon motion of the Attorney General, reduce any penalty imposed under this paragraph with respect to any defendant who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of any dealer or wholesaler of stolen goods or chattels moving as or which are a part of or which constitute an interstate or foreign shipment.''; (4) in the penultimate undesignated paragraph, by inserting after the first sentence the following: ``For purposes of this section, goods and chattel shall be construed to be moving as an interstate or foreign shipment at all points between the point of origin and the final destination (as evidenced by the waybill or other shipping document of the shipment), regardless of any temporary stop while awaiting transshipment or otherwise.''; and (5) by adding at the end the following: ``It shall be an affirmative defense (on which the defendant bears the burden of persuasion by a preponderance of the evidence) to an offense under this section that the defendant bought, received, or possessed the goods, chattels, money, or baggage at issue with the sole intent to report the matter to an appropriate law enforcement officer or to the owner of the goods, chattels, money, or baggage.''. (b) Federal Sentencing Guidelines.--Pursuant to section 994 of title 28, United States Code, the United States Sentencing Commission shall amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide a sentencing enhancement of not less than 2 levels for any offense under section 659 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by this section. (c) Report to Congress.--The Attorney General shall annually submit to Congress a report, which shall include an evaluation of law enforcement activities relating to the investigation and prosecution of offenses under section 659 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by this section. SEC. 3. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CARGO THEFT. (a) Establishment.-- (1) In general.--There is established a Committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Cargo Theft (in this section referred to as the ``Committee''). (2) Membership.-- (A) Composition.--The Committee shall be composed of 6 members, who shall be appointed by the President, of whom-- (i) 1 shall be an officer or employee of the Department of Justice; (ii) 1 shall be an officer or employee of the Department of Transportation; (iii) 1 shall be an officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury; and (iv) 3 shall be individuals from the private sector who are experts in cargo security. (B) Date.--The appointments of the initial members of the Committee shall be made not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--Each member of the Committee shall be appointed for the life of the Committee. Any vacancy in the Committee shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (4) Initial meeting.--Not later than 15 days after the date on which all initial members of the Committee have been appointed, the Committee shall hold its first meeting. (5) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet, not less frequently than quarterly, at the call of the Chairperson. (6) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. (7) Chairperson.--The President shall select 1 member of the Committee to serve as the Chairperson of the Committee. (b) Duties.-- (1) Study.--The Committee shall conduct a thorough study of, and develop recommendations with respect to, all matters relating to-- (A) the establishment of a national computer database for the collection and dissemination of information relating to violations of section 659 of title 18, United States Code (as added by this Act); and (B) the establishment of an office within the Federal Government to promote cargo security and to increase coordination between the Federal Government and the private sector with respect to cargo security. (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit to the President and to Congress a report, which shall contain a detailed statement of results of the study and the recommendations of the Committee under paragraph (1). (c) Powers.-- (1) Hearings.--The Committee may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Committee considers advisable to carry out the purposes of this section. (2) Information from federal agencies.--The Committee may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Committee considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Committee, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Committee. (3) Postal services.--The Committee may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (4) Gifts.--The Committee may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. (d) Personnel Matters.-- (1) Compensation of members.-- (A) Non-federal members.--Each member of the Committee who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Committee. (B) Federal members.--Each member of the Committee who is an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their service as an officer or employee of the United States. (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Committee. (3) Staff.-- (A) In general.--The Chairperson of the Committee may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Committee to perform its duties. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Committee. (B) Compensation.--The Chairperson of the Committee may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (4) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Committee without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (5) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.-- The Chairperson of the Committee may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (e) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Committee submits the report under subsection (b)(2). (f) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to the Committee to carry out the purposes of this section. (2) Availability.--Any sums appropriated under the authorization contained in this section shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.

Summary: Cargo Theft Deterrence Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code regarding thefts pertaining to interstate or foreign shipments by carrier to include thefts of trailers and air cargo containers and thefts from freight consolidation facilities. Increases the maximum penalty from one year to three years imprisonment. Authorizes the court, upon motion of the Attorney General, to reduce any penalty imposed under such provisions for any defendant who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of any dealer or wholesaler of stolen goods or chattels moving as, which are a part of, or which constitute, an interstate or foreign shipment. Specifies that goods and chattel shall be construed to be moving as an interstate or foreign shipment at all points between the point of origin and the final destination. Makes it an affirmative defense that the defendant bought, received, or possessed the goods at issue with the sole intent to report the matter to an appropriate law enforcement officer or to the owner. Directs: (1) the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide a sentencing enhancement of not less than two levels for any such offense; and (2) the Attorney General to annually submit to the Congress a report including an evaluation of law enforcement activities relating to the investigation and prosecution of such offenses. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Cargo Theft to study, and develop recommendations regarding, the establishment of: (1) a national computer database for the collection and dissemination of information relating to violations of cargo theft provisions; and (2) an office within the Federal Government to promote, and to increase coordination between the Government and the private sector regarding, cargo security. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Government Paperwork Elimination Act''. SEC. 2. AUTHORITY OF OMB TO PROVIDE FOR ACQUISITION AND USE OF ALTERNATIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES. Section 3504(a)(1)(B)(vi) of title 44, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(vi) the acquisition and use of information technology, including alternative information technologies that provide for electronic submission, maintenance, or disclosure of information as a substitute for paper and for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures.''. SEC. 3. PROCEDURES FOR USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES. (a) In General.--In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104-106) and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, develop procedures for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures by Executive agencies. (b) Requirements for Procedures.--(1) The procedures developed under subsection (a)-- (A) shall be compatible with standards and technology for electronic signatures that are generally used in commerce and industry and by State governments; (B) may not inappropriately favor one industry or technology; (C) shall ensure that electronic signatures are as reliable as is appropriate for the purpose in question and keep intact the information submitted; (D) shall provide for the electronic acknowledgment of electronic forms that are successfully submitted; and (E) shall, to the extent feasible and appropriate, require an Executive agency that anticipates receipt by electronic means of 50,000 or more submittals of a particular form to take all steps necessary to ensure that multiple methods of electronic signatures are available for the submittal of such form. (2) The Director shall ensure the compatibility of the procedures under paragraph (1)(A) in consultation with appropriate private bodies and State government entities that set standards for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures. SEC. 4. DEADLINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES OF PROCEDURES FOR USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104-106) and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall ensure that, commencing not later than five years after the date of enactment of this Act, Executive agencies provide-- (1) for the option of the electronic maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information, when practicable as a substitute for paper; and (2) for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures, when practicable. SEC. 5. ELECTRONIC STORAGE AND FILING OF EMPLOYMENT FORMS. In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104-106) and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, develop procedures to permit private employers to store and file electronically with Executive agencies forms containing information pertaining to the employees of such employers. SEC. 6. STUDY ON USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. (a) Ongoing Study Required.--In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104-106) and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, in cooperation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, conduct an ongoing study of the use of electronic signatures under this title on-- (1) paperwork reduction and electronic commerce; (2) individual privacy; and (3) the security and authenticity of transactions. (b) Reports.--The Director shall submit to Congress on a periodic basis a report describing the results of the study carried out under subsection (a). SEC. 7. ENFORCEABILITY AND LEGAL EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS. Electronic records submitted or maintained in accordance with procedures developed under this Act, or electronic signatures or other forms of electronic authentication used in accordance with such procedures, shall not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability because such records are in electronic form. SEC. 8. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. Except as provided by law, information collected in the provision of electronic signature services for communications with an executive agency, as provided by this Act, shall only be used or disclosed by persons who obtain, collect, or maintain such information as a business or government practice, for the purpose of facilitating such communications, or with the prior affirmative consent of the person about whom the information pertains. SEC. 9. APPLICATION WITH INTERNAL REVENUE LAWS. No provision of this Act shall apply to the Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service to the extent that such provision-- (1) involves the administration of the internal revenue laws; or (2) conflicts with any provision of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Electronic signature.--The term ``electronic signature'' means a method of signing an electronic message that-- (A) identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic message; and (B) indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic message. (2) Executive agency.--The term ``Executive agency'' has the meaning given that term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code. Passed the Senate October 15 (legislative day, October 2), 1998. Attest: GARY SISCO, Secretary.

Summary: Government Paperwork Elimination Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget: (1) in providing direction and overseeing the acquisition and use of information technology, to include alternative information technologies that provide for electronic submission, maintenance, or disclosure of information as a substitute for paper and for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures; (2) to develop procedures for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures by executive agencies; (3) to ensure that, within five years, executive agencies provide for the option of electronic maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information as a substitute for paper and for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures, when practicable; (4) to develop procedures to permit private employers to store and file electronically with executive agencies forms containing information pertaining to employees; and (5) in cooperation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to conduct and report to Congress on an ongoing study of the use of electronic signatures on paperwork reduction and electronic commerce, individual privacy, and the security and authenticity of transactions. Provides for: (1) the enforceability and legal effect of electronic records and signatures; (2) protection from disclosure of information collected in the provision of electronic signature services for executive agencies; and (3) applicability exceptions with respect to administration of the internal revenue laws.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Transparency in Energy Production Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. ONLINE PUBLICATION OF CARBON EMISSIONS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall make available to the public through the Internet-- (1) information that describes for all covered operations-- (A) the aggregate amount of each fossil fuel, by type and by State, produced under Federal leases; and (B) for gas reported, the portion and source of such amount that was released by each of venting, flaring, and fugitive release; (2) information that accurately describes the estimated amounts of existing fossil fuel resources on Federal lands under lease for the production of fossil fuels, and of Federal lands that have potential for such leasing; and (3) information that describes the amount and sources of energy, in megawatts, produced from operating solar, wind, and geothermal projects on Federal lands under lease for the production of renewable energy. (b) Format.--Information made available under this section shall be presented in a format that-- (1) translates such amounts and portions into emissions of metric tons of greenhouse gases expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent using both the 20-year and 100-year Global Warming Potential-weighted emission values; (2) for energy produced from solar, wind, and geothermal projects, includes an estimate of the greenhouse gas emissions that would result from production of the same amount of energy from fossil fuel resources; and (3) allows-- (A) downloading in a machine readable format; and (B) accessing the information without payment of any fee or other charge. (c) Data Publication Frequency.--The data made available under this section shall be updated at least annually. SEC. 3. ACCURATE MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM FEDERAL LANDS. (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary of the Interior determines that revisions or promulgation of rules are needed to implement section 2 with regard to methane emissions, the Secretary shall initiate a process under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (30 U.S.C. 1711 et seq.), the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), or other applicable law to promulgate regulations to require accurate measuring and reporting to the Secretary, by each holder of a lease for the production of fossil fuels on Federal land, of the actual amount of methane gas produced under such lease, including all such gas not sold by or on behalf of the lessee. (b) Reporting of Gases.--The rules shall include requirements for reporting by holders of leases, to the maximum extent possible, the amount and source of all vented, flared, and fugitive releases of gas resulting from the production of fossil fuels from Federal lands. SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS. Every 2 years, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that includes-- (1) efforts underway by the Department of the Interior to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from covered operations on Federal lands and waters; and (2) plans for future reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from covered operations on Federal lands and waters. SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Covered operations.--The term ``covered operations'' means all fossil fuel operations that are subject to the mineral leasing laws or title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (30 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.), regardless of size, including production, storage, gathering, processing, transportation, and handling operations. (2) Flaring.--The term ``flaring'' means the intentional and controlled burning of gas that occurs in the course of oil and gas or coal operations. (3) Fossil fuel.--The term ``fossil fuel'' means all natural fuels, including oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and coal. (4) Fugitive release.--The term ``fugitive release'' means the unintentional and uncontrolled release of gas into the atmosphere in the course of oil and gas or coal operations. (5) Global warming potential-weighted emission.--The term ``Global Warming Potential-weighted emission'' means the ratio of the time-integrated radiative forcing from the instantaneous release of 1 kilogram of a trace substance relative to that of 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for each greenhouse gas according to the most recent, and any subsequent, decisions by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change regarding global warming potentials. (6) Resources.--The term ``resources'' means oil, gas, and coal resources, both identified and inferred, that are both technically recoverable and economically recoverable using the range of past, and predicted future, commodity prices. (7) Venting.--The term ``venting'' means the intentional and controlled release of gas into the atmosphere in the course of oil and gas operations. (8) Produced and production.--The terms ``produced'' and ``production'' mean extracted, mined, withdrawn, sold, stored, released (including release by venting, flaring, or fugitive release), flared, used for beneficial purposes, or otherwise emitted during production.

Summary: Transparency in Energy Production Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of the Interior to publicly disclose the amounts of fossil fuel production, including amounts of gas released (as by flaring), and renewable energy production on public lands. The data shall present amounts of greenhouse gas emissions using the 20- and 100-year Global Warming Potential-weighted emission values and, for renewable energy production, compare fossil fuel-generated emissions resulting from the same amount of energy. As determined necessary to implement this bill, Interior shall promulgate regulations regarding accurate measurement and reporting of methane emissions.


SECTION 1. FINDINGS. The Congress makes the following findings: (1) On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines Islands. (2) By May 6, 1942, military personnel from the United States and the Philippines had bravely and staunchly fought off enemy attacks for more than 5 months under strenuous conditions that resulted in starvation and disease. (3) By maintaining their position and engaging the enemy for as long as they did, the soldiers at Bataan were able to redefine the momentum of the war and provide other United States and Allied forces throughout the Pacific with time to plan and prepare for subsequent crucial battles. (4) On April 9, 1942, then-Brigadier General Edward King surrendered the combined forces of the United States and the Philippines on the Bataan Peninsula into enemy hands. (5) Over the next week, the soldiers from the United States and the Philippines were taken prisoner and forced to march 65 miles without any food, water, or medical care in what came to be know as the Bataan Death March. (6) During this forced march, thousands of soldiers died, either from starvation, lack of medical care, sheer exhaustion, or abuse by their captors. (7) Within the first 40 days at Camp O'Donnell, 1,600 more prisoners from the United States died. (8) On May 6, 1942, then-Lieutenant General Jonathan M. Wainwright surrendered the island fortress of Corregidor and its fortified islands into enemy hands. (9) Over the next 10 days, prisoners from Corregidor were held in the open, exposed to the elements with little or no food or water. (10) They were subsequently transported to the old Bilibid Prison in Manila and held several more days until they were loaded into cattle rail cars for transport, followed by a forced march of over 20 miles to Cabanatuan. (11) The conditions at the camp were substandard, leading to increased disease and malnutrition among the prisoners. (12) On June 6, 1942, United States prisoners were transferred from Camp O'Donnell to Cabanatuan. (13) In July 1942, all Filipino prisoners were paroled. (14) The prisoners who remained in the camps suffered from continued mistreatment, malnutrition, lack of medical care, and horrific conditions. (15) In 1945, all prisoners were liberated. (16) Over the subsequent decades, these prisoners formed support groups, were honored in local and State memorials, and told their story to all people of the United States. (17) Many of these soldiers have now passed away, and those who remain continue to tell their story. (18) The people of the United States are forever indebted to these men for-- (A) the courage they demonstrated during the first 5 months of World War II in fighting against enemy soldiers; and (B) the perseverance they demonstrated during 3 1/2 years of capture, imprisonment, and atrocious conditions, while maintaining dignity, honor, patriotism, and loyalty. SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. (a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design in honor of the soldiers from the United States who were prisoners of war at Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon, collectively, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. (b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the award under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary. (c) Smithsonian Institution.-- (1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in honor of the prisoners of war at Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it shall be displayed as appropriate and made available for research. (2) Sense of the congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal received under paragraph (1) available for display at other locations, particularly such locations as are associated with those who fought in defense of Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon and the prisoners of war. SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. (a) Striking of Duplicates.--Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may strike duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck under section 2. (b) Selling of Duplicates.--The Secretary may sell such duplicates under subsection (a) at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such duplicates, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses. SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS. Medals struck pursuant to this Act are National medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; PROCEEDS OF SALE. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for the cost of the medal authorized under section 2. (b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Summary: Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the American soldiers who were prisoners of war at Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon during World War II, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with those who fought in defense of Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon and the prisoners of war.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Government Shutdown Accountability and Economic Report Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITING PAY OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN EVENT OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. (a) Prohibition of Pay.-- (1) In general.--If on any day during a pay period a Government shutdown is in effect, the payroll administrator of each House of Congress shall exclude from the payments otherwise required to be made with respect to that pay period for the compensation of each Member of Congress who serves in that House of Congress an amount equal to the product of-- (A) an amount equal to one day's worth of pay under the annual rate of pay applicable to the Member under section 601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501); and (B) the number of 24-hour periods during which the Government shutdown is in effect which occur during the pay period. (2) Effective date.--This subsection shall apply with respect to days occurring after the date of the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2018. (b) Special Rule for One Hundred Fifteenth Congress.-- (1) Holding salaries in escrow.--If on any day during the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress a Government shutdown is in effect, the payroll administrator of that House of Congress shall-- (A) withhold from the payments otherwise required to be made with respect to a pay period for the compensation of each Member of Congress who serves in that House of Congress an amount equal to the product of-- (i) an amount equal to one day's worth of pay under the annual rate of pay applicable to the Member under section 601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501); and (ii) the number of 24-hour periods during which the Government shutdown is in effect which occur during the pay period; and (B) deposit in an escrow account all amounts withheld under subparagraph (A). (2) Release of amounts at end of the congress.--In order to ensure that this subsection is carried out in a manner that shall not vary the compensation of Senators or Representatives in violation of the twenty-seventh article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the payroll administrator of a House of Congress shall release for payments to Members of that House of Congress any amounts remaining in any escrow account under this subsection on the last day of the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress. (3) Exception for days occurring after general election.-- This subsection does not apply with respect to any day during the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress which occurs after the date of the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2018. (c) Role of Secretary of the Treasury.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall provide the payroll administrators of the Houses of Congress with such assistance as may be necessary to enable the payroll administrators to carry out this section. (d) Payroll Administrator Defined.--In this section, the ``payroll administrator'' of a House of Congress means-- (1) in the case of the House of Representatives, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, or an employee of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer who is designated by the Chief Administrative Officer to carry out this section; and (2) in the case of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate, or an employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate who is designated by the Secretary to carry out this section. (e) Member of Congress Defined.--In this section, the term ``Member of Congress'' means an individual serving in a position under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501). SEC. 3. REPORTS BY CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ON ECONOMIC COSTS AND COSTS TO TAXPAYERS OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. Not later than 24 hours after each day on which a Government shutdown is in effect, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall submit a report to Congress containing information on each of the following, based on the most recent information available to the Director: (1) An estimate of the economic output lost on that day as the result of the Government shutdown. (2) An estimate of any decrease in gross domestic product for the quarter that will occur as the result of the Government shutdown. (3) The value of any assistance, including loans, grants, and contracts, that the Small Business Administration was unable to provide as the result of the Government shutdown. (4) The amount of any revenue for the National Park Service that was lost on that day as the result of the closure of National Park Service lands and historic sites. (5) An estimate of revenue lost on that day because of the effects of the Government shutdown on tourism and travel to and within the United States, including travel by foreign tourists. SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. For purposes of this Act, a Government shutdown shall be considered to be in effect if there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution.

Summary: Government Shutdown Accountability and Economic Report Act of 2017 This bill prohibits Members of Congress from being paid salaries during a pay period in which a government shutdown is in effect after the regularly scheduled general election for federal office held in November 2018. For the purpose of this bill, a government shutdown is considered to be in effect if there is a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution. If a government shutdown occurs during the 115th Congress, congressional salaries must be withheld during the shutdown and released to Members of Congress at the end of the Congress, subject to an exception for any day during the 115th Congress which occurs after the date of the regularly scheduled general election for federal office held in November 2018. During a government shutdown, the Congressional Budget Office must submit specified reports to Congress regarding the costs and economic effects of the shutdown.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Banking Regulatory Relief Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO SAVINGS AND DEMAND DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS AT DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS. (a) Interest-Bearing Transaction Accounts Authorized for All Businesses.--Section 2 of Public Law 93-100 (12 U.S.C. 1832) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: ``(b) Interaccount Transfers.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any depository institution may permit the owner of any deposit or account on which interest or dividends are paid to make up to 24 transfers per month, for any purpose, to another account of the owner in the same institution. ``(2) Rule of construction.--No provision of this subsection shall be construed as preventing an account offered pursuant to this subsection from being considered a transaction account (as defined in section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)) for purposes of such Act.''. (b) Now Accounts Authorized for All Businesses After September 30, 2001.-- (1) In general.--Effective on the date provided in paragraph (3), section 2 of Public Law 93-100 (12 U.S.C. 1832) (as amended by subsection (a) of this section) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 2. WITHDRAWALS BY NEGOTIABLE OR TRANSFERABLE INSTRUMENTS FOR TRANSFERS TO THIRD PARTIES. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any depository institution (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) may permit the owner of any deposit or account to make withdrawals from such deposit or account by negotiable or transferable instruments for the purpose of making payments to third parties. ``(b) Escrow Accounts.--With respect to an escrow account, a lender or servicer shall pay interest on such account only if such payments are required by-- ``(1) a contract between the lender or servicer and the borrower; or ``(2) a specific statutory provision of the law in effect in the State in which the property which is secured by the loan is located requires the lender or servicer to make such payments.''. (2) Repeal of prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits.-- (A) Federal reserve act.--Section 19(i) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371a(i)) is amended to read as follows: ``(i) [Repealed]''. (B) Home owners' loan act.--The 1st sentence of section 5(b)(1)(B) of the Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``savings association may not--'' and all that follows through ``(ii) permit any'' and inserting ``savings association may not permit any''. (C) Federal deposit insurance act.--Section 18(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1828(g)) is amended to read as follows: ``(g) [Repealed]''. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on October 1, 2001. SEC. 3. PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON RESERVES AT FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS. (a) In General.--Section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Earnings on reserves.-- ``(A) In general.--Balances maintained at a Federal reserve bank by or on behalf of a depository institution to meet the reserve requirements of this subsection applicable with respect to such depository institution shall receive earnings to be paid by the Federal reserve bank at least once each calendar quarter at a rate not to exceed the rate earned on the securities portfolio of the Federal Reserve System during the preceding quarter. ``(B) Regulations relating to payments and distribution.--The Board may prescribe regulations concerning-- ``(i) the payment of earnings in accordance with this paragraph; ``(ii) the distribution of such earnings to the depository institutions which maintain balances at such banks or on whose behalf such balances are maintained; and ``(iii) the responsibilities of depository institutions, Federal home loan banks, and the National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility with respect to the crediting and distribution of earnings attributable to balances maintained, in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(B), in a Federal reserve bank by any such entity on behalf of depository institutions which are not member banks.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 19(b)(4) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)(4)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). (2) Section 19(c)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``subsection (b)(4)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''.

Summary: Small Business Banking Regulatory Relief Act of 1999 - Amends Federal banking law with respect to a depository institution's authority to permit the holder of any interest-earning or dividend-earning deposit or account (negotiable order of withdrawal or NOW account) to make withdrawals from such account by negotiable or transferable instrument in order to make payments to third parties. Allows the owner of such an account to make up to 24 transfers per month, for any purpose, to another account in the same institution. Allows any depository institution to permit the owner of any deposit or account (currently limited to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and Federal, State, and local governments) to make withdrawals for making payments to third parties. Provides conditions under which a lender or servicer shall pay interest on an escrow account. Repeals Federal provisions which prohibit the payment of interest on demand deposits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to provide for the payment of earnings by Federal reserve banks on balances maintained at such banks by or on behalf of a depository institution in order to meet Federal reserve requirements. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe regulations with regard to such payments and their distribution and crediting.