SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Joining Forces for Military Mental
Health Act''.

SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM ON ENHANCEMENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EFFORTS
              ON MENTAL HEALTH IN THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES
              THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.

    (a) Pilot Program Authorized.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense may carry out a
        pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of
        enhancing the efforts of the Department of Defense in research,
        treatment, education, and outreach on mental health and
        substance use disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in
        members of the National Guard and Reserves, their family
        members, and their caregivers through community partners
        described in subsection (c).
            (2) Duration.--The duration of the pilot program may not
        exceed three years.
    (b) Grants.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may
award not more than five grants to community partners described in
subsection (c). Any grant so awarded shall be awarded using a
competitive and merit-based award process.
    (c) Community Partners.--A community partner described in this
subsection is a private non-profit organization or institution (or
multiple organizations and institutions) that--
            (1) engages in each of the research, treatment, education,
        and outreach activities described in subsection (d); and
            (2) meets such qualifications for treatment as a community
        partner as the Secretary shall establish for purposes of the
        pilot program.
    (d) Activities.--Amounts awarded under a grant under the pilot
program shall be utilized by the community partner awarded the grant
for one or more of the following:
            (1) To engage in research on the causes, development, and
        innovative treatment of mental health and substance use
        disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury in members of the National
        Guard and Reserves, their family members, and their caregivers.
            (2) To provide treatment to such members and their families
        for such mental health and substance use disorders and
        Traumatic Brain Injury.
            (3) To identify and disseminate evidence-based treatments
        of mental health and substance use disorders and Traumatic
        Brain Injury described in paragraph (1).
            (4) To provide outreach and education to such members,
        their families and caregivers, and the public about mental
        health and substance use disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury
        described in paragraph (1).
    (e) Requirement for Matching Funds.--
            (1) Requirement.--The Secretary may award a grant under
        this section to an organization or institution (or
        organizations and institutions) only if the awardee agrees to
        make contributions toward the costs of activities carried out
        with the grant, from non-Federal sources (whether public or
        private), an amount equal to not less than $3 for each $1 of
        funds provided under the grant.
            (2) Nature of non-federal contributions.--Contributions
        from non-Federal sources for purposes of paragraph (1) may be
        in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated. Amounts provided by the
        Federal Government, or services assisted or subsidized to any
        significant extent by the Federal Government, may not be
        included in determining the amount of contributions from non-
        Federal sources for such purposes.
    (f) Application.--An organization or institution (or organizations
and institutions) seeking a grant under this section shall submit to
the Secretary an application therefore in such a form and containing
such information as the Secretary considers appropriate, including the
following:
            (1) A description how the activities proposed to be carried
        out with the grant will help improve collaboration and
        coordination on research initiatives, treatment, and education
        and outreach on mental health and substance use disorders and
        Traumatic Brain Injury among the Armed Forces.
            (2) A description of existing efforts by the applicant to
        put the research described in (c)(1) into practice.
            (3) If the application comes from multiple organizations
        and institutions, how the activities proposed to be carried out
        with the grant would improve coordination and collaboration
        among such organizations and institutions.
            (4) If the applicant proposes to provide services or
        treatment to members of the Armed Forces or family members
        using grant amounts, reasonable assurances that such services
        or treatment will be provided by a qualified provider.
            (5) Plans to comply with subsection (g).
    (g) Exchange of Medical and Clinical Information.--A community
partner awarded a grant under the pilot program shall agree to any
requirements for the sharing of medical or clinical information
obtained pursuant to the grant that the Secretary shall establish for
purposes of the pilot program. The exchange of medical or clinical
information pursuant to this subsection shall comply with applicable
privacy and confidentiality laws.
    (h) Dissemination of Information.--The Secretary of Defense shall
share with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs information on best
practices in research, treatment, education, and outreach on mental
health and substance use disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury
identified by the Secretary of Defense as a result of the pilot
program.
    (i) Report.--Not later than 180 days before the completion of the
pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs, and to Congress, a report on the pilot program.
The report shall include the following:
            (1) A description of the pilot program, including the
        community partners awarded grants under the pilot program, the
        amount of grants so awarded, and the activities carried out
        using such grant amounts.
            (2) A description of any research efforts advanced using
        such grant amounts.
            (3) The number of members of the National Guard and
        Reserves provided treatment or services by community partners
        using such grant amounts, and a summary of the types of
        treatment and services so provided.
            (4) A description of the education and outreach activities
        undertaken using such grant amounts.
            (5) A description of efforts to exchange clinical
        information under subsection (g).
            (6) A description and assessment of the effectiveness and
        achievements of the pilot program with respect to research,
        treatment, education, and outreach on mental health and
        substance use disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury.
            (7) Such recommendations as the Secretary of Defense
        considers appropriate in light of the pilot program on the
        utilization of organizations and institutions such as community
        partners under the pilot program in efforts of the Department
        described in subsection (a).
            (8) A description of the metrics used by the Secretary in
        making recommendations under paragraph (7).
    (j) Available Funds.--Funds for the pilot program shall be derived
from amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department of
Defense for Defense Health Program and otherwise available for
obligation and expenditure.
    (k) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``family member'' and
``caregiver'', in the case of a member of the National Guard or
Reserves, have the meaning given such terms in section 1720G(d) of
title 38, United States Code, with respect to a veteran.

Summary: Joining Forces for Military Mental Health Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, through community partnerships with private nonprofit organizations, to carry out a three-year pilot program assessing the enhancement of Department of Defense (DOD) efforts in research, treatment, education, and outreach on mental health and substance use disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in members of the National Guard and Reserves and their family members and caregivers. Allows the Secretary, using a competitive or merit-based award process, to award up to five grants to such community partners, provided that the awardee agrees to make matching contributions from nonfederal sources of at least $3 for each $1 provided under the grant. Requires grant-seeking organizations to submit an application including a description of proposed collaboration initiatives and existing research efforts.

A bill to authorize a pilot program on enhancements of Department of Defense efforts on mental health in the National Guard and Reserves through community partnerships, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Reconnecting Congress with America
Act of 2011''.

SEC. 2. REDUCTION IN SALARIES OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN RESPONSE TO
              FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT.

    (a) Determination of Salaries.--The annual rate of pay for a Member
of Congress (including a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the
Congress) for pay periods occurring in a calendar year shall be equal
to the following:
            (1) If, with respect to the most recent fiscal year ending
        before that calendar year, the Federal deficit was equal to or
        greater than 3 percent of the gross domestic product, 80% of
        the base rate applicable to the Member.
            (2) If, with respect to the most recent fiscal year ending
        before that calendar year, the Federal deficit was less than 3
        percent of the gross domestic product, 90% of the base rate
        applicable to the Member.
            (3) If, with respect to the most recent fiscal year ending
        before that calendar year, there was no Federal deficit, 100%
        of the base rate applicable to the Member.
    (b) Federal Deficit.--
            (1) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term
        ``Federal deficit'' means, with respect to a fiscal year, the
        amount by which outlays of the Federal Government exceeded
        receipts of the Government for that fiscal year.
            (2) Report by secretary of the treasury.--Not later than 30
        days after the end of each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal
        year 2011), the Secretary of the Treasury shall--
                    (A) make a determination of the gross domestic
                product for that fiscal year;
                    (B) make a determination of whether a Federal
                deficit existed with respect to that fiscal year, and,
                if so, the amount of such Federal deficit; and
                    (C) submit a report of such determinations to
                Congress.
    (c) Base Rate.--For purposes of this section, the ``base rate''
applicable to a Member of Congress means--
            (1) in the case of the Speaker of the House of
        Representatives, $223,500;
            (2) in the case of the President pro tempore of the Senate,
        the majority leader and the minority leader of the Senate, and
        the majority leader and the minority leader of the House of
        Representatives, $193,400; and
            (3) in the case of any other Member of Congress, $174,000.
    (d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 601(a) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31) is repealed.
    (e) Effective Date.--
            (1) In general.--This section and the amendments made by
        this section shall apply with respect to pay periods occurring
        on or after January 1, 2013.
            (2) Sense of congress regarding voluntary return of
        salary.--It is the sense of Congress that, during pay periods
        occurring after the date of enactment of this Act and prior to
        the date referred to in paragraph (1), each Member of Congress
        should voluntarily adjust the amount of the Member's salary to
        reflect the annual rates of pay that will take effect on such
        date.

SEC. 3. RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

    (a) Civil Service Retirement System.--
            (1) Member contribution.--Notwithstanding any provision of
        subsection (a)(1)(A) or (k)(1)(A) of section 8334 of title 5,
        United States Code, for any period beginning on or after date
        of enactment of this Act, the contributions payable by a Member
        of Congress under such provision for such period shall be equal
        to the percentage that would otherwise apply plus 4.9
        percentage points.
            (2) Government contribution.--Notwithstanding any provision
        of subsection (a)(1)(B) or (k)(1)(B) of section 8334 of such
        title, for any period beginning on or after date of enactment
        of this Act, the contributions payable under such provision for
        a Member of Congress shall be equal to the percentage that
        would otherwise apply minus 4.9 percentage points.
    (b) Federal Employees' Retirement System.--
            (1) Member contribution.--Notwithstanding any provision of
        section 8422(a) of title 5, United States Code, for any period
        beginning on or after date of enactment of this Act, the
        contributions payable by a Member of Congress under such
        provision for such period shall be equal to the percentage that
        would otherwise apply plus 4.9 percentage points.
            (2) Government contribution.--Notwithstanding any provision
        of section 8423 of such title, for any period beginning on or
        after date of enactment of this Act, the contributions payable
        under such provision for a Member of Congress shall be equal to
        the percentage that would otherwise apply (disregarding
        paragraph (1)) minus 4.9 percentage points.

SEC. 4. PROHIBITING COMMODITIES AND SECURITIES TRADING BASED ON
              NONPUBLIC INFORMATION RELATING TO CONGRESS.

    (a) Nonpublic Information Relating to Congress and Other Federal
Employees.--
            (1) Commodities transactions.--Section 4c of the Commodity
        Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 6c) is amended by adding at the end the
        following:
    ``(h) Nonpublic Information Relating to Congress.--Not later than
270 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission
shall by rule prohibit any person from buying or selling any commodity
for future delivery or swap while such person is in possession of
material nonpublic information, as defined by the Commission, relating
to any pending or prospective legislative action relating to such
commodity if--
            ``(1) such information was obtained by reason of such
        person being a Member or employee of Congress; or
            ``(2) such information was obtained from a Member or
        employee of Congress, and such person knows that the
        information was so obtained.
    ``(i) Nonpublic Information Relating to Other Federal Employees.--
            ``(1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 270 days after the date
        of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall by rule
        prohibit any person from buying or selling any commodity for
        future delivery or swap while such person is in possession of
        material nonpublic information derived from Federal employment
        and relating to such commodity if--
                    ``(A) such information was obtained by reason of
                such person being an employee of an agency, as such
                term is defined in section 551(1) of title 5, United
                States Code; or
                    ``(B) such information was obtained from such an
                employee, and such person knows that the information
                was so obtained.
            ``(2) Material nonpublic information.--For purposes of this
        subsection, the term `material nonpublic information' means any
        information that an employee of an agency (as such term is
        defined in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code) gains
        by reason of Federal employment and that such employee knows or
        should know has not been made available to the general public,
        including information that--
                    ``(A) is routinely exempt from disclosure under
                section 552 of title 5, United States Code, or
                otherwise protected from disclosure by statute,
                Executive order, or regulation;
                    ``(B) is designated as confidential by an agency;
                or
                    ``(C) has not actually been disseminated to the
                general public and is not authorized to be made
                available to the public on request.''.
            (2) Securities transactions.--Section 10 of the Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78j) is amended by adding at
        the end the following:
    ``(d) Nonpublic Information Relating to Congress.--Not later than
270 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission
shall by rule prohibit any person from buying or selling the securities
or security based swaps of any issuer while such person is in
possession of material nonpublic information, as defined by the
Commission, relating to any pending or prospective legislative action
relating to such issuer if--
            ``(1) such information was obtained by reason of such
        person being a Member or employee of Congress; or
            ``(2) such information was obtained from a Member or
        employee of Congress, and such person knows that the
        information was so obtained.
    ``(e) Nonpublic Information Relating to Other Federal Employees.--
            ``(1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 270 days after the date
        of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall by rule
        prohibit any person from buying or selling the securities or
        security based swaps of any issuer while such person is in
        possession of material nonpublic information derived from
        Federal employment and relating to such issuer if--
                    ``(A) such information was obtained by reason of
                such person being an employee of an agency, as such
                term is defined in section 551(1) of title 5, United
                States Code; or
                    ``(B) such information was obtained from such an
                employee, and such person knows that the information
                was so obtained.
            ``(2) Material nonpublic information.--For purposes of this
        subsection, the term `material nonpublic information' means any
        information that an employee of an agency (as such term is
        defined in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code) gains
        by reason of Federal employment and that such employee knows or
        should know has not been made available to the general public,
        including information that--
                    ``(A) is routinely exempt from disclosure under
                section 552 of title 5, United States Code, or
                otherwise protected from disclosure by statute,
                Executive order, or regulation;
                    ``(B) is designated as confidential by an agency;
                or
                    ``(C) has not actually been disseminated to the
                general public and is not authorized to be made
                available to the public on request.''.
    (b) Committee Hearings on Implementation.--
            (1) In general.--The Committee on Agriculture of the House
        of Representatives shall hold a hearing on the implementation
        by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission of subsections (h)
        and (i) of section 4c of the Commodity Exchange Act (as added
        by subsection (a)), and the Committee on Financial Services of
        the House of Representatives shall hold a hearing on the
        implementation by the Securities Exchange Commission of
        subsections (d) and (e) of section 10 of the Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934 (as added by subsection (a)).
            (2) Exercise of rulemaking authority.--Paragraph (1) is
        enacted--
                    (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the
                House of Representatives and, as such, shall be
                considered as part of the rules of the House, and such
                rules shall supersede any other rule of the House only
                to the extent that rule is inconsistent therewith; and
                    (B) with full recognition of the constitutional
                right of the House to change such rules (so far as
                relating to the procedure in the House) at any time, in
                the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case
                of any other rule of the House.

SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING APPLICATION OF LAWS TO MEMBERS.

    It is the sense of Congress that any law enacted by Congress should
apply to Members of Congress in the same manner and to the same extent
as the law applies to other individuals.

Summary: Reconnecting Congress with America Act of 2011 - Adjusts the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress for pay periods occurring in a calendar year if, for the most recent fiscal year ending before that calendar year, the federal deficit attained specified levels. Sets a Member's annual pay rate at: (1) 80 of the applicable base rate if the federal deficit was equal to or greater than 3 of the gross domestic product (GDP), (2) 90 of the applicable rate if the federal deficit was less than 3 of GDP, and (3) 100 of the applicable rate if there was no federal deficit. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate any statutory pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Increases by 4.9 the contributions payable by a Member of Congress under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Establishes the federal contributions payable under CSRS and FERS for a Member equal to the percentage that would otherwise apply minus such 4.9 increase. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to direct both the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit purchase or sale of either securities, security-based swaps, or commodities for future delivery or swap by a person in possession of material nonpublic information regarding pending or prospective legislative action if the information was obtained: (1) knowingly from a Member or congressional employee, (2) by reason of being a Member or congressional employee, or (3) from other federal employees and derived from their federal employment. Directs both the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives to hold hearings on the implementation by the CFTC and the SEC of such financial transaction prohibitions. Expresses the sense of Congress that any law enacted by Congress should apply to Members of Congress in the same manner and to the same extent as the law applies to other individuals.

To reduce the salaries of Members of Congress if a Federal budget deficit exists, prohibit commodities and securities trading based on non-public information relating to Congress, and for other purposes.


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.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the efficiency of processing certain claims for disability compensation by veterans.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; ETC.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Economic Growth
and Tax Relief Act of 2001''.
    (b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly
provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (c) Section 15 Not To Apply.--No amendment made by section 2 shall
be treated as a change in a rate of tax for purposes of section 15 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

SEC. 2. REDUCTION IN INCOME TAX RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
    ``(i) Rate Reductions After 2000.--
            ``(1) New lowest rate bracket.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the case of taxable years
                beginning after December 31, 2000--
                            ``(i) the rate of tax under subsections
                        (a), (b), (c), and (d) on taxable income not
                        over the initial bracket amount shall be 12
                        percent (as modified by paragraph (2)), and
                            ``(ii) the 15 percent rate of tax shall
                        apply only to taxable income over the initial
                        bracket amount.
                    ``(B) Initial bracket amount.--For purposes of this
                subsection, the initial bracket amount is--
                            ``(i) $12,000 in the case of subsection
                        (a),
                            ``(ii) $10,000 in the case of subsection
                        (b), and
                            ``(iii) \1/2\ the amount applicable under
                        clause (i) in the case of subsections (c) and
                        (d).
                    ``(C) Inflation adjustment.--In prescribing the
                tables under subsection (f) which apply with respect to
                taxable years beginning in calendar years after 2001--
                            ``(i) the Secretary shall make no
                        adjustment to the initial bracket amount for
                        any taxable year beginning before January 1,
                        2007,
                            ``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment used
                        in making adjustments to the initial bracket
                        amount for any taxable year beginning after
                        December 31, 2006, shall be determined under
                        subsection (f)(3) by substituting `2005' for
                        `1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof, and
                            ``(iii) such adjustment shall not apply to
                        the amount referred to in subparagraph
                        (B)(iii).
                If any amount after adjustment under the preceding
                sentence is not a multiple of $50, such amount shall be
                rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.
            ``(2) Reductions in rates after 2001.--In the case of
        taxable years beginning in a calendar year after 2001, the
        corresponding percentage specified for such calendar year in
        the following table shall be substituted for the otherwise
        applicable tax rate in the tables under subsections (a), (b),
        (c), (d), and, to the extent applicable, (e).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           ``In the case of     The corresponding percentages shall be
            taxable years    substituted for  the following percentages:
           beginning during --------------------------------------------
            calendar year:     12%      28%      31%      36%     39.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          2002.............    12%      27%      30%      35%      38%
          2003.............    11%      27%      29%      35%      37%
          2004.............    11%      26%      28%      34%      36%
          2005.............    11%      26%      27%      34%      35%
          2006 and             10%      25%      25%      33%      33%
           thereafter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            ``(3) Adjustment of tables.--The Secretary shall adjust the
        tables prescribed under subsection (f) to carry out this
        subsection.''.
    (b) Repeal of Reduction of Refundable Tax Credits.--
            (1) Subsection (d) of section 24 is amended by striking
        paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
            (2) Section 32 is amended by striking subsection (h).
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Subparagraph (B) of section 1(g)(7) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``15 percent'' in clause (ii)(II)
                and inserting ``the first bracket percentage'', and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following flush
                sentence:
                ``For purposes of clause (ii), the first bracket
                percentage is the percentage applicable to the lowest
                income bracket in the table under subsection (c).''
            (2) Section 1(h) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``28 percent'' both places it
                appears in paragraphs (1)(A)(ii)(I) and (1)(B)(i) and
                inserting ``25 percent'', and
                    (B) by striking paragraph (13).
            (3) Section 15 is amended by adding at the end the
        following new subsection:
    ``(f) Rate Reductions Enacted by Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act
of 2001.--This section shall not apply to any change in rates under
subsection (i) of section 1 (relating to rate reductions after
2000).''.
            (4) Section 531 is amended by striking ``equal to'' and all
        that follows and inserting ``equal to the product of the
        highest rate of tax under section 1(c) and the accumulated
        taxable income.''.
            (5) Section 541 is amended by striking ``equal to'' and all
        that follows and inserting ``equal to the product of the
        highest rate of tax under section 1(c) and the undistributed
        personal holding company income.''.
            (6) Section 3402(p)(1)(B) is amended by striking ``7, 15,
        28, or 31 percent'' and inserting ``7 percent, any percentage
        applicable to any of the 3 lowest income brackets in the table
        under section 1(c),''.
            (7) Section 3402(p)(2) is amended by striking ``equal to 15
        percent of such payment'' and inserting ``equal to the product
        of the lowest rate of tax under section 1(c) and such
        payment''.
            (8) Section 3402(q)(1) is amended by striking ``equal to 28
        percent of such payment'' and inserting ``equal to the product
        of the third to the lowest rate of tax under section 1(c) and
        such payment''.
            (9) Section 3402(r)(3) is amended by striking ``31
        percent'' and inserting ``the third to the lowest rate of tax
        under section 1(c)''.
            (10) Section 3406(a)(1) is amended by striking ``equal to
        31 percent of such payment'' and inserting ``equal to the
        product of the third to the lowest rate of tax under section
        1(c) and such payment''.
            (11) Section 13273 of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of
        1993 is amended by striking ``28 percent'' and inserting ``the
        third to the lowest rate of tax under section 1(c) of the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986''.
    (d) Effective Dates.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
        amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years
        beginning after December 31, 2000.
            (2) Amendments to withholding provisions.--The amendments
        made by paragraphs (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), and (11) of
        subsection (c) shall apply to amounts paid after the 60th day
        after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 3. PROTECTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE.

    The amounts transferred to any trust fund under the Social Security
Act shall be determined as if this Act had not been enacted.

            Passed the House of Representatives March 8, 2001.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.

Summary: Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001 - States that tax rate revisions made by this Act shall not be treated as a tax rate change for purposes of applying the pre-and post-change tax rates under section 15 of the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Code, as of tax year 2001, to establish a 12 percent individual tax bracket for each filing status. Caps taxable income levels for the 12 percent bracket at: (1) $12,000 for married individuals filing jointly, (2) $10,000 for heads of households. And (3) $6,000 for unmarried individuals or married individuals filing separately. Applies the current 15 percent bracket to income levels above the 12 percent caps but below current 15 percent caps. Prohibits minimum bracket amount inflation adjustments through tax year 2006. Revises the cost-of-living adjustment formula, as of tax year 2007. Provides, beginning in tax year 2002, for specified reductions in the 12. 28, 31, 36, and 39.6 percent individual brackets, so that as of 2006 and thereafter, there shall be four tax brackets of 10, 15, 25, and 33 percent. Repeals mandatory reductions in the additional child tax credit and the earned income credit for taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax. Revises current tax rates in conformity with the amendments made by this Act respecting: (1) accumulated corporate earnings, (2) personal holding companies. (3) voluntary withholding on certain Federal payments, unemployment benefits, gambling winnings, and Indian casino profits, (3) backup withholding. And (4) supplemental wage payments. States that amounts transferred to any Social Security Act trust fund shall be determined as if this Act had not been enacted.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce individual income tax rates.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Defined Benefit Pension Plan Reform
Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN EMERGENCY INVESTMENT LOSS RULE.

    (a) Amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--Section
412(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to special
rules for multiemployer plans) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
                    ``(F) Emergency investment loss method.--
                            ``(i) In general.--In lieu of amortizing
                        net experience loss as prescribed in paragraph
                        (2)(B)(iv), a multiemployer plan may elect to
                        use the emergency investment loss method
                        described in this subparagraph, starting with
                        the first plan year in which there is an
                        emergency investment loss.
                            ``(ii) Emergency investment loss.--An
                        emergency investment loss for any plan year
                        beginning on or after July 1, 1999, and ending
                        before January 1, 2004, is the amount (if any)
                        by which--
                                    ``(I) the fair market value of the
                                plan's assets as of the last day of the
                                plan year, is less than
                                    ``(II) the fair market value which
                                would have been determined if the
                                plan's earnings for the plan year had
                                been equal to the projected investment
                                return based on the actuarial interest
                                rate under paragraph (5)(A) for the
                                plan year, applied to the fair market
                                value of assets as of the beginning of
                                the year and noninvestment cash flows
                                during the year.
                            ``(iii) Amortization of emergency
                        investment loss.--The funding standard account
                        shall be charged with the amounts necessary to
                        amortize in equal annual installments (until
                        fully amortized) the plan's emergency
                        investment loss over a period of 30 plan years.
                            ``(iv) Treatment of adjusted net actuarial
                        experience.--If an election is in effect for
                        any plan year described in clause (ii)--
                                    ``(I) any net experience gain
                                otherwise determined for such year
                                under paragraph (2)(B)(iv) shall be
                                increased by an amount equal to the
                                emergency investment loss for such
                                year, and
                                    ``(II) any net experience loss
                                otherwise determined for such year
                                under paragraph (3)(B)(ii) shall be
                                reduced by the emergency investment
                                loss for such year, except that if such
                                emergency investment loss exceeds such
                                net experience loss, the excess shall
                                be treated as a net experience gain for
                                such year for purposes of paragraph
                                (2)(B)(iv).''
    (b) Amendment to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974.--Section 302(b)(7) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1082(b)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
    ``(F)(i) In lieu of amortizing net experience loss as prescribed in
paragraph (2)(B)(iv), a multiemployer plan may elect to use the
emergency investment loss method described in this subparagraph,
starting with the first plan year in which there is an emergency
investment loss.
    ``(ii) An emergency investment loss for any plan year beginning on
or after July 1, 1999, and ending before January 1, 2004, is the amount
(if any) by which--
            ``(I) the fair market value of the plan's assets as of the
        last day of the plan year, is less than
            ``(II) the fair market value which would have been
        determined if the plan's earnings for the plan year had been
        equal to the projected investment return based on the actuarial
        interest rate under paragraph (5)(A) for the plan year, applied
        to the fair market value of assets as of the beginning of the
        year and noninvestment cash flows during the year.
    ``(iii) The funding standard account shall be charged with the
amounts necessary to amortize in equal annual installments (until fully
amortized) the plan's emergency investment loss over a period of 30
plan years.
    ``(iv) If an election is in effect for any plan year described in
clause (ii)--
            ``(I) any net experience gain otherwise determined for such
        year under paragraph (2)(B)(iv) shall be increased by an amount
        equal to the emergency investment loss for such year, and
            ``(II) any net experience loss otherwise determined for
        such year under paragraph (3)(B)(ii) shall be reduced by the
emergency investment loss for such year, except that if such emergency
investment loss exceeds such net experience loss, the excess shall be
treated as a net experience gain for such year for purposes of
paragraph (2)(B)(iv).''
    (c) Election Procedure.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall
        prescribe a procedure under which multiemployer plans that
        elect to use the emergency investment loss method described in
        section 412(b)(7)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
        section 302(b)(7)(F) of the Employee Retirement Income Security
        Act of 1974 may do so either by starting the special
        amortization periods in the actuarial valuations for each of
        the affected plan years or by starting with a cumulative
        emergency investment loss and adjusted net actuarial experience
        (based on the outstanding balance of the experience gain bases
        for the affected plan years, reduced by the cumulative
        emergency investment loss) in the actuarial valuation for the
        last plan year ending before January 1, 2004.
            (2) Filing period.--The procedures described in paragraph
        (1) shall provide a period of not less than 210 days after the
        date of enactment of this Act for multiemployer plans to file
        Schedule Bs (relating to actuarial information under the plan)
        to the Form 5500 Annual Reports for the plan years for which
        the emergency investment loss method is elected, including
        amended Schedule Bs for annual reports previously filed.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to years beginning after June 30, 1999.

SEC. 3. MORTALITY TABLE ADJUSTMENT.

    (a) Amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--Section
412(l)(7)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding
at the end the following:
                            ``(iv) Separate mortality tables for blue-
                        collar and white-collar workers.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Notwithstanding
                                clause (ii), in the case of plan years
                                beginning after December 31, 2003, the
                                Secretary shall establish separate
                                mortality tables for blue-collar
                                workers and white-collar workers which
                                may be used (in lieu of the tables
                                under clause (ii)) to determine current
                                liability under this subsection. For
                                this purpose, the Secretary shall take
                                into account the Society of Actuaries
                                RP-2000 Mortality Table, as adjusted to
                                take into account the collar adjustment
                                prescribed in such table to reflect the
                                workforce covered by the plan.
                                    ``(II) Classification of workers.--
                                For purposes of this clause,
                                individuals shall be classified as
                                blue-collar or white-collar workers
                                under rules prescribed by the
                                Secretary. In prescribing such rules,
                                the Secretary shall treat professional
                                employees (within the meaning of
                                section 410) as white-collar workers.
                                    ``(III) Consistent use.--If an
                                employer elects to use the tables
                                prescribed under subclause (I) for any
                                plan established or maintained by the
                                employer, the employer shall use the
                                tables for all such plans other than a
                                plan for which use of the tables is
                                prohibited under regulations prescribed
                                by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Amendment to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974.--Section 302(d)(7)(C) of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1082(d)(7)(C)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
                            ``(iv) Separate mortality tables for blue-
                        collar and white-collar workers.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Notwithstanding
                                clause (ii), in the case of plan years
                                beginning after December 31, 2003, the
                                Secretary of the Treasury shall
                                establish separate mortality tables for
                                blue-collar workers and white-collar
                                workers which may be used (in lieu of
                                the tables under clause (ii)) to
                                determine current liability under this
                                subsection. For this purpose, the
                                Secretary of the Treasury shall take
                                into account the Society of Actuaries
                                RP-2000 Mortality Table, as adjusted to
                                take into account the collar adjustment
                                prescribed in such table to reflect the
                                workforce covered by the plan.
                                    ``(II) Classification of workers.--
                                For purposes of this clause,
                                individuals shall be classified as
                                blue-collar or white-collar workers
                                under rules prescribed by the Secretary
                                of the Treasury. In prescribing such
                                rules, the Secretary of the Treasury
                                shall treat professional employees
                                (within the meaning of section 410 of
                                the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) as
                                white-collar workers.
                                    ``(III) Consistent use.--If an
                                employer elects to use the tables
                                prescribed under subclause (I) for any
                                plan established or maintained by the
                                employer, the employer shall use the
                                tables for all such plans other than a
                                plan for which use of the tables is
                                prohibited under regulations prescribed
                                by the Secretary of the Treasury.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. MODIFICATION OF FULL-FUNDING LIMITATION FOR PURPOSES OF
              DEDUCTION LIMITS ON EMPLOYER PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 404(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (relating to limitation on deductibility of employer
contributions) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``In
determining the full funding limitation for purposes of the preceding
sentence for any year beginning after December 31, 2003, the amount
determined under section 412(c)(7)(A)(i) shall in no event be treated
as being less than 130 percent of current liability (including the
expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during
the year).''
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to years beginning after December 31, 2003.

SEC. 5. REQUIRED NOTIFICATION OF PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES OF PLAN
              TERMINATIONS BY PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 4042(b) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1342(b)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
    ``(4)(A) Not later than 30 days after the corporation notifies a
plan administrator under this subsection regarding the commencement of
proceedings to terminate a plan under this section, the corporation
shall provide notice of such proceedings to affected parties as
provided in this paragraph. The notice shall state that such
termination is intended, the proposed termination date, and the
procedure for such termination under this section.
    ``(B) Upon notice to the plan of the commencement of proceedings,
the plan administrator shall provide the corporation with a list of the
names and addresses of all participants and beneficiaries of the plan.
    ``(C) The corporation shall provide--
            ``(i) written notice to each affected party of the plan;
        and
            ``(ii) notice in the 2 newspapers with the largest
        circulation in the area of the majority of the affected
        parties.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to proceedings commenced after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Defined Benefit Pension Reform Plan of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) concerning minimum funding standards for pension plans to: (1) permit a multiemployer plan to elect to use an emergency investment loss method , starting in the first plan year in which there is an emergency investment loss. And (2) establish separate mortality tables for blue-collar and white-collar workers which may be used in lieu of the current table. Amends the Code to modify the full-funding limitation for purposes of the deduction limits on employer pension contributions. Amends ERISA to require notification of participants and beneficiaries of plan terminations by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure the adequate funding of pension plans, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Complete America's Great Trails
Act''.

SEC. 2. NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL CONSERVATION CREDIT.

    (a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:

``SEC. 30E. NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL CONSERVATION CREDIT.

    ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount
equal to the fair market value of any National Scenic Trail
conservation contribution of the taxpayer for the taxable year.
    ``(b) National Scenic Trail Conservation Contribution.--For
purposes of this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `National Scenic Trail
        conservation contribution' means any qualified conservation
        contribution--
                    ``(A) to the extent the qualified real property
                interest with respect to such contribution includes a
                National Scenic Trail (or portion thereof) and its
                trail corridor, and
                    ``(B) with respect to which the taxpayer makes an
                election under this section.
            ``(2) National scenic trail.--The term `National Scenic
        Trail' means any trail authorized and designated under section
        5 of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244), but only
        if such trail is at least 200 miles in length.
            ``(3) Trail corridor.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `trail corridor' means
                so much of the corridor of a trail as is--
                            ``(i) subject to subparagraph (B), not less
                        than 150 feet wide on each side of such trail,
                        and
                            ``(ii) not greater than 2,640 feet wide.
                    ``(B) Exceptions.--
                            ``(i) Less than 150 feet wide on a side of
                        the trail.--In the case of an interest in real
                        property of the taxpayer which includes less
                        than 150 feet on either side of the trail, the
                        trail corridor shall include the entire
                        distance with respect to such interest on such
                        side.
                            ``(ii) Building and structures near the
                        trail.--In the case of an interest in real
                        property of the taxpayer which includes a
                        residence or structure owned by the taxpayer
                        which is located less than 150 feet from the
                        trail, the trail corridor for the side of the
                        trail on which the residence or structure is
                        located shall include such distance from the
                        trail as is determined appropriate by the
                        taxpayer.
            ``(4) Qualified conservation contribution; qualified real
        property interest.--The terms `qualified conservation
        contribution' and `qualified real property interest' have the
        respective meanings given such terms by section 170(h), except
        that paragraph (2)(A) thereof shall be applied without regard
        to any qualified mineral interest (as defined in paragraph (6)
        thereof).
    ``(c) Special Rules.--
            ``(1) Fair market value.--Fair market value of any National
        Scenic Trail conservation contribution shall be determined in
        the same manner as qualified conservation contributions under
        section 170, except that in any case, to the extent
        practicable, fair market value shall be determined by reference
        to the highest and best use of the real property with respect
        to such contribution.
            ``(2) Election irrevocable.--An election under this section
        may not be revoked.
            ``(3) Denial of double benefit.--No deduction shall be
        allowed under this chapter with respect to any qualified
        conservation contribution with respect to which an election is
        made under this section.
    ``(d) Application With Other Credits.--
            ``(1) Business credit treated as part of general business
        credit.--So much of the credit which would be allowed under
        subsection (a) for any taxable year (determined without regard
        to this subsection) that is attributable to property used in a
        trade or business or held for the production of income shall be
        treated as a credit listed in section 38(b) for such taxable
        year (and not allowed under subsection (a)).
            ``(2) Personal credit.--For purposes of this title, the
        credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year
        (determined after the application of paragraph (1)) shall be
        treated as a credit allowable under subpart A for such taxable
        year.
    ``(e) Carryforward of Unused Credit.--
            ``(1) In general.--If the credit allowable under subsection
        (a) exceeds--
                    ``(A) the limitation imposed by section 26(a) for
                any taxable year, reduced by
                    ``(B) the sum of the credits allowable under
                subpart A (other than this section) for the taxable
                year,
        such excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and
        added to the credit allowable under subsection (a) for such
        succeeding taxable year.
            ``(2) Limitation.--No credit may be carried forward under
        this subsection to any taxable year following the tenth taxable
        year after the taxable year in which the credit arose. For
        purposes of the preceding sentence, credits shall be treated as
        used on a first-in first-out basis.''.
    (b) Continued Use Not Inconsistent With Conservation Purposes.--A
contribution of an interest in real property shall not fail to be
treated as a National Scenic Trail conservation contribution (as
defined in section 30E(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) solely
by reason of continued use of the real property, such as for
recreational or agricultural use (including motor vehicle use related
thereto), if, under the circumstances, such use does not impair
significant conservation interests and is not inconsistent with the
purposes of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.).
    (c) Study Regarding Efficacy of National Scenic Trail Conservation
Credit.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior shall, in
        consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, study--
                    (A) the efficacy of the National Scenic Trail
                conservation credit under section 30E of the Internal
                Revenue Code of 1986 in completing, extending, and
                increasing the number of National Scenic Trails (as
                defined in section 30E(b) of such Code), and
                    (B) the feasibility and estimated costs and
                benefits of--
                            (i) making such credit refundable (in whole
                        or in part), and
                            (ii) allowing transfer of such credit.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
        submit a report to Congress on the results of the study
        conducted under this subsection.
    (d) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:

``30E. National Scenic Trail conservation credit.''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to contributions made after the date of the enactment of this
Act.

Summary: Complete America's Great Trails Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the fair market value of any National Scenic Trail conservation contribution. The Department of the Interior must study and report onnbsp. The efficacy of such tax credit in completing, extending, and increasing the number of National Scenic Trails and the feasibility and cost of making such credit refundable and transferable.

Complete America’s Great Trails Act


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Empowerment Zone Enhancement Act of
1998''.

SEC. 2. FUNDING ENTITLEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL ENTERPRISE ZONES.

    (a) Entitlement.--Section 2007(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1397f(a)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``in the State; and''
        and inserting ``in the State designated pursuant to section
        1391(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;'';
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding after subparagraph (B) the following new
        subparagraph:
                    ``(C) 10 grants under this section for each
                qualified empowerment zone in the State designated
                pursuant to section 1391(g) of such Code.''.
    (b) Amount of Grants.--Section 2007(a)(2) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1397f(a)(2)) is amended--
            (1) in the heading of subparagraph (A), by inserting
        ``original'' before ``empowerment'';
            (2) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause
        (i), by inserting ``described in paragraph (1)(A)'' after
        ``empowerment zone'';
            (3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
        and
            (4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
        subparagraph:
                    ``(C) Additional empowerment grants.--The amount of
                each grant to a State under this section for a
                qualified empowerment zone described in paragraph
                (1)(C) shall be--
                            ``(i) if the zone is designated in an urban
                        area, $10,000,000, or
                            ``(ii) if the zone is designated in a rural
                        area, $4,000,000,
                multiplied by the proportion of the population of the
                zone that resides in the State.''.
    (c) Timing of Grants.--Section 2007(a)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1397f(a)(3)) is amended--
            (1) in the heading of subparagraph (A), by inserting
        ``original'' before ``qualified'';
            (2) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause
        (i), by inserting ``described in paragraph (1)(A)'' after
        ``empowerment zone''; and
            (3) by adding after subparagraph (B) the following new
        subparagraph:
                    ``(C) Additional qualified empowerment zones.--With
                respect to each qualified empowerment zone described in
                paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall make--
                            ``(i) 1 grant under this subsection to the
                        State in which the zone lies, on the date of
                        the designation of the zone under such part I;
                        and
                            ``(ii) 1 grant under this subsection to
                        such State, on the first day of each of the
                        nine fiscal years that begin after the date of
                        the designation.''.
    (d) Funding.--Section 2007(a)(4) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1397f(a)(4)) is amended--
            (1) by relocating and redesignating the matter following
        the caption as subparagraph (A);
            (2) by inserting ``Original grants.--'' after the
        subparagraph designation ``(A)'';
            (3) in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by inserting
        before the period ``for empowerment zones and enterprise
        communities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph
        (1)''; and
            (4) by adding after subparagraph (A), as so redesignated,
        the following new subparagraph:
                    ``(B) Additional grants.--$1,700,000,000 shall be
                made available to the Secretary for grants under this
                section for empowerment zones described in paragraph
                (1)(C).''.

SEC. 3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.

    Section 2007 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397f) is
amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (h); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new
        subsection:
    ``(f) Environmental Review.--
            ``(1) Execution of responsibility by the secretary of
        housing and urban development and the secretary of
        agriculture.--
                    ``(A) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply
                to grants under this section in connection with
                empowerment zones and enterprise communities designated
                under section 1391(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
                1986 and empowerment zones designated under section
                1391(g) of such Code--
                            ``(i) by the Secretary of Housing and Urban
                        Development in the case of those located in
                        urban areas; and
                            ``(ii) by the Secretary of Agriculture in
                        the case of those located in rural areas.
                    ``(B) Execution of responsibility.--With respect to
                grants described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary of
                Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of
                Agriculture, as appropriate, shall execute the
                responsibilities under the National Environmental
                Policy Act of 1969 and other provisions of law which
                further the purposes of such Act (as specified in
                regulations issued by each such Secretary under
                paragraph (2)(B)) that would otherwise apply to the
                Secretary of Health and Human Services, and may provide
                for the assumption of such responsibilities in
                accordance with paragraphs (2) through (5).
                    ``(C) Definition of secretary.--Except as used in
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), the term `Secretary' as used
                in this subsection means the Secretary of Housing and
                Urban Development for purposes of grants under this
                section with respect to urban areas and means the
                Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of grants under
                this section with respect to rural areas.
            ``(2) Assumption of responsibility by states, units of
        general local government, and indian tribes.--
                    ``(A) Release of funds.--In order to assure that
                the policies of the National Environmental Policy Act
                of 1969 and other provisions of law that further the
                purposes of such Act (as specified in regulations
                issued by the Secretary under paragraph (2)(B)) are
                most effectively implemented in connection with the
                expenditure of funds under this section, and to assure
                to the public undiminished protection of the
                environment, the Secretary may, under such
regulations, in lieu of the environmental protection procedures
otherwise applicable, provide for the release of funds for particular
projects to recipients of assistance under this section if the State,
unit of general local government, or Indian tribe, as designated by the
Secretary in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary under
paragraph (2)(B), assumes all of the responsibilities for environmental
review, decisionmaking, and action pursuant to such Act, and such other
provisions of law as the regulations of the Secretary specify, that
would otherwise apply to the Secretary were the Secretary to undertake
such projects as Federal projects.
                    ``(B) Implementation.--The Secretary of Housing and
                Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture
                shall each issue regulations to carry out this
                subsection only after consultation with the Council on
                Environmental Quality. Such regulations shall--
                            ``(i) specify any other provisions of law
                        which further the purposes of the National
                        Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and to which
                        the assumption of responsibility as provided in
                        this subsection applies;
                            ``(ii) provide eligibility criteria and
                        procedures for the designation of a State, unit
                        of general local government, or Indian tribe to
                        assume all of the responsibilities in this
                        section;
                            ``(iii) specify the purposes for which
                        funds may be committed without regard to the
                        procedure established under paragraph (3);
                            ``(iv) provide for monitoring of the
                        performance of environmental reviews under this
                        subsection;
                            ``(v) in the discretion of the Secretary,
                        provide for the provision or facilitation of
                        training for such performance; and
                            ``(vi) subject to the discretion of the
                        Secretary, provide for suspension or
                        termination by the Secretary of the assumption
                        under subparagraph (A).
                    ``(C) Responsibilities of state, unit of general
                local government, or indian tribe.--The Secretary's
                duty under subparagraph (B) shall not be construed to
                limit any responsibility assumed by a State, unit of
                general local government, or Indian tribe with respect
                to any particular release of funds under subparagraph
                (A).
            ``(3) Procedure.--The Secretary shall approve the release
        of funds for projects subject to the procedures authorized by
        this subsection only if, not less than 15 days prior to such
        approval and prior to any commitment of funds to such projects
        (except for such purposes specified in the regulations issued
        under paragraph (2)(B)), the recipient submits to the Secretary
        a request for such release accompanied by a certification of
        the State, unit of general local government, or Indian tribe
        which meets the requirements of paragraph (4). The approval by
        the Secretary of any such certification shall be deemed to
        satisfy the Secretary's responsibilities pursuant to paragraph
        (1) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and
        such other provisions of law as the regulations of the
        Secretary specify insofar as those responsibilities relate to
        the release of funds for projects to be carried out pursuant
        thereto which are covered by such certification.
            ``(4) Certification.--A certification under the procedures
        authorized by this subsection shall--
                    ``(A) be in a form acceptable to the Secretary;
                    ``(B) be executed by the chief executive officer or
                other officer of the State, unit of general local
                government, or Indian tribe who qualifies under
                regulations of the Secretary;
                    ``(C) specify that the State, unit of general local
                government, or Indian tribe under this subsection has
                fully carried out its responsibilities as described
                under paragraph (2); and
                    ``(D) specify that the certifying officer--
                            ``(i) consents to assume the status of a
                        responsible Federal official under the National
                        Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and each
                        provision of law specified in regulations
                        issued by the Secretary insofar as the
                        provisions of such Act or other such provision
                        of law apply pursuant to paragraph (2); and
                            ``(ii) is authorized and consents on behalf
                        of the State, unit of general local government,
                        or Indian tribe and himself or herself to
                        accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts
                        for the purpose of enforcement of the
                        responsibilities as such an official.
            ``(5) Approval by states.--In cases in which a unit of
        general local government carries out the responsibilities
        described in paragraph (2), the Secretary may permit the State
        to perform those actions of the Secretary described in
        paragraph (3). The performance of such actions by the State,
        where permitted, shall be deemed to satisfy the
        responsibilities referred to in the second sentence of
        paragraph (3).''.

SEC. 4. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION; GRANT ADJUSTMENTS.

    Section 2007 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397f), as
amended by section 4, is further amended by adding after subsection (f)
the following new subsection:
    ``(g) Performance Measurement System, Reports, and Evaluations,
Grant Adjustments, and Related Matters.--
            ``(1) Applicability.--The requirements of this subsection--
                    ``(A) apply to all grants made by a State, from
                grants to the State under subsection (a)(2)(C), to lead
                implementing entities (as defined in paragraph (7)) for
                empowerment zones designated pursuant to section
                1391(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.
                1391(g)); and
                    ``(B) are in addition to the annual report and
                biennial audit requirements applicable to States under
                section 2006.
            ``(2) Performance measurement system.--The lead
        implementing entity for an empowerment zone shall establish a
        performance measurement system acceptable to the Secretary to
        assist in assessing the extent to which its strategic plan is
        being implemented and funds made available under subsection
        (a)(2)(C) are being used effectively.
            ``(3) Performance report.--Each lead implementing entity
        shall submit to the Secretary (and make available to the public
        upon request), at such time and in such manner as the Secretary
        shall prescribe, a report including an assessment of the
        progress the empowerment zone has made toward implementing its
        strategic plan, and such other information as the Secretary
        shall prescribe. To the extent practicable, the report shall
        also include information available to the lead implementing
        entity with respect to the use of tax incentives available to
        empowerment zones designated pursuant to section 1391(g) of the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
            ``(4) Performance evaluations, adjustments, and
        recordkeeping.--
                    ``(A) Performance evaluations.--The Secretary shall
                regularly evaluate the progress of the lead
                implementing entity for the empowerment zone in
                implementing the strategic plan for the zone, on the
                basis of performance reviews and any other information
                that the Secretary may require.
                    ``(B) Adjustments.--On the basis of the Secretary's
                evaluation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may
                direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
                adjust, reduce, or cancel the grant to a State under
                subsection (a)(2)(C) for the current or any future
                fiscal year or years, except that amounts already
                properly expended by a lead implementing entity on
                eligible activities under this Act shall not be
                recaptured or deducted from future grants to the State.
            ``(5) Retention of records.--Each lead implementing entity
        shall keep such records relating to funds received from grants
        to the State under subsection (a)(2)(C), including the amounts
        and disposition of such funds and the types of activities
funded, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to enable the
Secretary to evaluate the performance of the lead implementing agency
and to determine compliance with the requirements of this subsection.
            ``(6) Secretary's access to documents.--The Secretary shall
        have access, for the purpose of evaluations and examinations
        pursuant to paragraph (4)(A), to any books, documents, papers,
        and records of any grantee or other entity or person that are
        pertinent to grant amounts received in connection with this
        section.
            ``(7) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
                    ``(A) The term `lead implementing entity' means the
                local government or governments, the governance body of
                an empowerment zone as specified in the strategic plan,
                or any non-profit entity that is principal
                administrator of an empowerment zone.
                    ``(B) The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of
                Housing and Urban Development for purposes of grants
                under this section with respect to urban areas and
                means the Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of
                grants under this section with respect to rural areas,
                except as the context otherwise indicates.''.

SEC. 5. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

    Section 2007(b) of the Social Security act is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph
        (A), by striking ``to prevent''; and
            (2) in paragraph (4), in the matter preceding subparagraph
        (A), by striking ``maintain'' and inserting ``maintaining''.

Summary: Empowerment Zone Enhancement Act of 1998 - Amends title XX of the Social Security Act with respect to additional grants to: (1) provide for grant funding for additional empowerment zones. (2) set the amount of such grants for zones in urban and rural areas, as well as the timing of such grants, (3) provide funding for such grants. (4) require environmental review by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture. And (5) require the lead implementing entity for an empowerment zone to establish a performance measurement system.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Iran From Smuggling Weapons to
Terrorists Act''.

SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING TO INCREASE
              MARITIME SECURITY AND DOMAIN AWARENESS OF FOREIGN
              COUNTRIES BORDERING THE PERSIAN GULF, ARABIAN SEA, OR
              MEDITERRANEAN SEA.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to authorize
assistance and training to increase maritime security and domain
awareness of foreign countries bordering the Persian Gulf, the Arabian
Sea, or the Mediterranean Sea in order to deter and counter illicit
smuggling and related maritime activity by Iran, including illicit
Iranian weapons shipments.
    (b) Authority.--
            (1) In general.--To carry out the purpose of this section
        as described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, with
        the concurrence of the Secretary of State, is authorized--
                    (A) to provide training to the national military or
                other security forces of Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia,
                the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar that
                have among their functional responsibilities maritime
                security missions; and
                    (B) to provide training to ministry, agency, and
                headquarters level organizations for such forces.
            (2) Designation.--The provision of assistance and training
        under this section may be referred to as the ``Counter Iran
        Maritime Initiative''.
    (c) Types of Training.--
            (1) Authorized elements of training.--Training provided
        under subsection (b)(1)(A) may include the provision of de
        minimis equipment, supplies, and small-scale military
        construction.
            (2) Required elements of training.--Training provided under
        subsection (b) shall include elements that promote the
        following:
                    (A) Observance of and respect for human rights and
                fundamental freedoms.
                    (B) Respect for legitimate civilian authority
                within the country to which the assistance is provided.
    (d) Availability of Funds.--Of the amount authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 2018 and available for operation and
maintenance for Defense-wide activities, $50,000,000 shall be available
only for the provision of assistance and training under subsection (b).
    (e) Cost Sharing.--
            (1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that,
        given income parity among recipient countries, the Secretary of
        Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, should
        seek, through appropriate bilateral and multilateral
        arrangements, payments sufficient in amount to offset any
        training costs associated with implementation of subsection
        (b).
            (2) Cost-sharing agreement.--The Secretary of Defense, with
        the concurrence of the Secretary of State, shall negotiate a
        cost-sharing agreement with a recipient country regarding the
        cost of any training provided pursuant to subsection (b). The
        agreement shall set forth the terms of cost sharing that the
        Secretary of Defense determines are necessary and appropriate,
        but such terms shall not be less than 50 percent of the overall
        cost of the training.
            (3) Credit to appropriations.--The portion of such cost
        sharing received by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to this
        subsection may be credited towards appropriations available for
        operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities.
    (f) Notice to Congress on Training.--Not later than 15 days before
exercising the authority under subsection (b) with respect to a
recipient country, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a notification containing the
following:
            (1) An identification of the recipient country.
            (2) A detailed justification of the program for the
        provision of the training concerned, and its relationship to
        United States security interests.
            (3) The budget for the program, including a timetable of
        planned expenditures of funds to implement the program, an
        implementation timeline for the program with milestones
        (including anticipated delivery schedules for any assistance
        and training under the program), the military department or
        component responsible for management of the program, and the
        anticipated completion date for the program.
            (4) A description of the arrangements, if any, to support
        recipient country sustainment of any capability developed
        pursuant to the program, and the source of funds to support
        sustainment efforts and performance outcomes to be achieved
        under the program beyond its completion date, if applicable.
            (5) A description of the program objectives and an
        assessment framework to be used to develop capability and
        performance metrics associated with operational outcomes for
        the recipient force.
            (6) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
        appropriate.
    (g) Definition.--In this section, the term ``appropriate
congressional committees'' means--
            (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
        Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
        Senate; and
            (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
        Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
        House of Representatives.
    (h) Termination.--Assistance and training may not be provided under
this section after September 30, 2021.

Summary: Stop Iran From Smuggling Weapons to Terrorists Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide training to: (1) the national military or other security forces of Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar that have among their functional responsibilities maritime security missions. And (2) ministry, agency, and headquarters level organizations for such forces. Such assistance and training may be referred to as the Counter Iran Maritime Initiative. Such training: (1) may include the provision of de minimis equipment, supplies, and small-scale military construction. And (2) shall include the promotion of human rights and respect for legitimate civilian authority. It is the sense of Congress that DOD should seek payments from such countries to offset training costs. DOD shall negotiate a training cost-sharing agreement with a recipient country that covers at least 50 of related costs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Land Management Workforce
Flexibility Act''.

SEC. 2. PERSONNEL FLEXIBILITIES RELATING TO LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES.

    (a) In General.--Subpart I of part III of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 95 the following:

   ``CHAPTER 96--PERSONNEL FLEXIBILITIES RELATING TO LAND MANAGEMENT
                                AGENCIES

``Sec.
``9601. Definition.
``9602. Competitive service; time-limited appointments.
``Sec. 9601. Definition
    ``For purposes of this chapter, the term `land management agency'
means--
            ``(1) the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture;
            ``(2) the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of
        the Interior;
            ``(3) the National Park Service of the Department of the
        Interior;
            ``(4) the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of
        the Interior;
            ``(5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the
        Interior; and
            ``(6) the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the
        Interior.
``Sec. 9602. Competitive service; time-limited appointments
    ``(a) Notwithstanding chapter 33 or any other provision of law
relating to the examination, certification, and appointment of
individuals in the competitive service, an employee of a land
management agency serving under a time-limited appointment in the
competitive service is eligible to compete for a permanent appointment
in the competitive service under that agency's merit promotion
procedures if--
            ``(1) such individual was appointed initially under open,
        competitive examination under subchapter I of chapter 33 to the
        time-limited appointment;
            ``(2) the employee has served under 1 or more time-limited
        appointments by such agency for a period or periods totaling
        not less than 24 months without an intervening break of 2 or
        more years; and
            ``(3) the employee's performance has been at an acceptable
        level of performance throughout the period or periods (as the
        case may be) referred to in paragraph (2).
    ``(b)(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term `successor
permanent position' means, with respect to a time-limited position, a
permanent position in the competitive service with the same or
substantially similar major duties and qualification requirements in
the same major subdivision of the same agency as the time-limited
position.
    ``(2) Notwithstanding chapter 33 or any other provision of law
relating to the examination, certification, and appointment of
individuals in the competitive service, an employee of a land
management agency serving under a time-limited appointment in the
competitive service shall be offered any successor permanent position
that the agency decides to fill and, upon his or her concurrence, be
appointed to such position if--
            ``(A) such individual was appointed initially under open,
        competitive examination under subchapter I of chapter 33 to the
        time-limited appointment;
            ``(B)(i) the job announcement for the time-limited position
        stated that there was potential for the position to become
        permanent; or
            ``(ii) the employee's first time-limited appointment by
        such agency occurred before the date of enactment of this
        chapter;
            ``(C) the employee has served under a time-limited
        appointment or appointments in a position or positions in such
        agency with the same or substantially similar major duties and
        qualification requirements as the successor permanent position
        for a period or periods totaling not less than 24 months
        without an intervening break of 2 or more years; and
            ``(D) the employee's performance has been at an acceptable
        level of performance throughout the period or periods (as the
        case may be) referred to in subparagraph (C).
    ``(3) If 2 or more employees are eligible for conversion under this
subsection, then any preference eligible veterans shall be given
priority.
    ``(4) If 2 or more employees have equal priority for conversion
under this subsection, then placement shall be determined by
competitive procedures consistent with merit system principles.
    ``(c) An employee selected or converted under this section becomes
a career-conditional employee, unless the employee has otherwise
completed the service requirements for career tenure.
    ``(d) An employee appointed under this section acquires competitive
status upon appointment.
    ``(e) The provisions of this section shall apply with respect to
time-limited employees who have been separated for reasons other than
misconduct or unacceptable performance. For such a separated employee,
the provisions of this chapter shall apply as if such separated
employee occupied the time-limited position from which such employee
was most recently separated. An agency shall be deemed to have met its
obligation under this section if notice is sent to the last known
address of such individual 21 or more days before a successor permanent
position for which he or she is eligible is filled.
    ``(f) For purposes of this section, time-limited appointments
include temporary appointments and term appointments, as defined by the
Office of Personnel Management.
    ``(g) The Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for part III of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item for chapter
95 the following:

``96. Personnel flexibilities relating to land management       9601''.
                            agencies.

Summary: Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act - Makes an employee of a land management agency who served under a time-limited appointment in the competitive service eligible to compete for a permanent appointment in the agency if the original appointment was competitive, totaled a period of at least 24 months, and the employee's performance was satisfactory. Requires such an employee's appointment to a full-time position, if such a position is offered and the employee agrees to such employment, if the original position stated that there was the potential for the position to become permanent.