SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Vote By Mail Act of 2016''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) An inequity of voting rights exists in the United
        States because voters in some States have the universal right
        to vote by mail while voters in other States do not.
            (2) Many voters often have work, family, or other
        commitments that make getting to polls and waiting in line on
        the date of an election difficult or impossible. Many citizens
        with disabilities are physically unable to vote due to long
        lines, inadequate parking, no curb cuts, steep ramps, and large
        crowds. In 2012, 30 percent of voters with disabilities had
        difficulty voting, and more than 5,000,000 voters waited more
        than an hour to vote. Under current State laws, many of these
        voters are not permitted to vote by mail.
            (3) Twenty-eight States currently allow universal absentee
        voting (also known as ``no-excuse'' absentee voting), which
        permits any voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing
        a reason for the request. No State which has implemented no-
        excuse absentee voting has repealed it.
            (4) Three States currently hold elections entirely by mail.
        Twenty-two States currently allow some elections to be
        conducted by mail, especially in large and rural jurisdictions
        where voting by mail is especially convenient. Polling stations
        in rural jurisdictions tend to have higher costs per voter,
        smaller staffs, and limited resources. Transportation is often
        a crucial barrier for rural voters.
            (5) Voting by mail gives voters more time to consider their
        choices, which is especially important as many ballots contain
        greater numbers of questions about complex issues than in the
        past due to the expanded use of the initiative and referendum
        process in many States.
            (6) Voting by mail is cost effective. After the State of
        Oregon adopted vote by mail for all voters in 1996, the cost to
        administer an election in the State dropped by nearly 30
        percent over the next few elections, from $3.07 per voter to
        $2.21 per voter. After Colorado implemented all-mail balloting
        in 2013, voting administration costs decreased by an average of
        40 percent. The cost of conducting vote-by-mail elections is
        generally one-third to one-half less than conducting polling
        place elections. Voting by mail also saves a substantial amount
        by getting rid of the temporary labor costs of hiring poll
        workers. In addition to that cost, many jurisdictions have been
        facing difficulty in obtaining sufficient numbers of poll
        workers.
            (7) Allowing all voters the option to vote by mail can
        reduce waiting times for those voters who choose to vote at the
        polls. In 2016, voters in Arizona reported waiting in line from
        1 to 5 hours to vote; in New York, voters reported that
        stations ran out of ballots and did not have staff during all
        of the hours scheduled for voting.
            (8) Voting by mail is preferable to many voters as an
        alternative to going to the polls. In 2012, 19 percent of
        ballots in the United States were cast by mail, up from 10
        percent in 2000. Voting by mail has become increasingly popular
        with voters who want to be certain that they are able to vote
        no matter what comes up on election day, as it reduces the
        physical obstacles and eases the time constraints connected
        with the act of voting.
            (9) The signature verification process, the tracking system
        for each ballot, and postal service cooperation in preventing
        ballots from being delivered to names not recognized as
        receiving mail at an address nearly eliminate the potential for
        fraud in vote-by-mail elections. Evidence of undue influence or
        voter coercion after vote-by-mail implementation in Oregon has
        been nonexistent to minimal.
            (10) Many of the reasons which voters in many States are
        required to provide in order to vote by mail require the
        revelation of personal information about health, travel plans,
        or religious activities, which violate voters' privacy while
        doing nothing to prevent voter fraud.
            (11) State laws which require voters to obtain a notary
        signature to vote by mail only add cost and inconvenience to
        voters without increasing security.
            (12) Many voters choose to cast ballots early when they
        have the option (over 40 percent in Nevada, New Mexico, Texas,
        and Tennessee). Nearly one-third of voters in the 2012 election
        cast their ballot before election day, which is about double
        the rate of voters in 2000. In Oregon, 7 years after vote-by-
        mail election implementation, over 80 percent of voters favored
        the vote-by-mail system.
            (13) Voting by mail typically increases turnout in all
        elections, but can be particularly effective in increasing
        voter participation in special elections and primary elections.
        Oregon and Washington, the 2 States with the longest standing
        vote-by-mail systems, continue to have consistently high voter
        turnout rates. In the 2012 primary elections, while the
        national average turnout was 18 percent, Oregon's was 45
        percent and Washington's was 38 percent.
            (14) A crucial component of a modern voting system is
        making it easy, affordable, and accessible to register to vote.
        Eighteen States and the District of Columbia introduced
        automatic voter registration legislation in 2015, and Oregon
        and California now automatically register their citizens to
        vote when they apply for a driver's license. Automatic,
        permanent voter registration has the potential to increase
        participation, protect election integrity, and reduce
        registration costs.

SEC. 3. PROMOTING ABILITY OF VOTERS TO VOTE BY MAIL IN FEDERAL
              ELECTIONS.

    (a) Voting by Mail in Federal Elections.--
            (1) In general.--Subtitle A of title III of the Help
        America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21081 et seq.) is amended
        by inserting after section 303 the following new section:

``SEC. 303A. PROMOTING ABILITY OF VOTERS TO VOTE BY MAIL.

    ``(a) In General.--If an individual in a State is eligible to cast
a vote in an election for Federal office, the State may not impose any
additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the
individual to cast the vote in such election by mail, except to the
extent that the State imposes a deadline for returning the ballot to
the appropriate State or local election official.
    ``(b) Provision of Ballot Materials.--Not later than 2 weeks before
the date of any election for Federal office, each State shall mail
ballots to individuals who are registered to vote in such election.
    ``(c) Accessibility for Individuals With Disabilities.--All ballots
provided under this section shall be accessible to individuals with
disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access
and participation (including for privacy and independence) as for other
voters.
    ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect the authority of States to conduct elections for
Federal office through the use of polling places at which individuals
cast ballots.
    ``(e) Effective Date.--A State shall be required to comply with the
requirements of subsection (a) with respect to elections for Federal
office held in years beginning with 2018.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment relating to enforcement.--Section
        401 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 21111) is amended by striking ``and
        303'' and inserting ``303, and 303A''.
            (3) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for such Act
        is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 303
        the following new item:

``Sec. 303A. Promoting ability of voters to vote by mail.''.
    (b) Free Postage for Voting by Mail.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 34 of title 39, United States
        Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 3407. Ballots provided for voting in Federal elections
    ``Ballots mailed pursuant to section 303A(b) of the Help America
Vote Act of 2002 (individually or in bulk) shall be carried
expeditiously and free of postage.''.
            (2) Technical and conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Table of sections.--The table of sections for
                chapter 34 of title 39, United States Code, is amended
                by adding at the end the following:

``3407. Ballots provided for voting in Federal elections.''.
                    (B) Authorization of appropriations.--Section
                2401(c) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by
                striking ``3403 through 3406'' and inserting ``3403
                through 3407''.

SEC. 4. AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION THROUGH STATE MOTOR VEHICLE
              AUTHORITIES.

    (a) Automatic Voter Registration.--Section 5 of the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20504) is amended to read as
follows:

``SEC. 5. VOTER REGISTRATION THROUGH MOTOR VEHICLE AUTHORITY.

    ``(a) Simultaneous Application for Voter Registration and
Application for Motor Vehicle Driver's License.--
            ``(1) Transmission of information to election officials.--
        Each State's motor vehicle authority, upon receiving any of the
        identifying information described in paragraph (2) with respect
        to any applicable individual, shall securely transmit the
        identifying information to the appropriate State election
        official.
            ``(2) Identifying information described.--The identifying
        information described in this paragraph with respect to any
        individual is as follows:
                    ``(A) The individual's legal name.
                    ``(B) The individual's age.
                    ``(C) The individual's residence.
                    ``(D) The individual's citizenship status.
                    ``(E) The individual's electronic signature.
    ``(b) Duties of Officials Receiving Information.--
            ``(1) In general.--Upon receiving the identifying
        information with respect to an applicable individual under
        subsection (a), the appropriate State election official shall
        determine--
                    ``(A) whether such individual is eligible to vote
                in an election for Federal office; and
                    ``(B) whether such individual is currently
                registered to vote in elections for Federal office at
                the address provided in such identifying information.
            ``(2) Notification to individuals.--
                    ``(A) Eligible unregistered individuals.--In the
                case of an applicable individual who is eligible to
                vote in an election for Federal office and who is not
                currently registered to vote, the appropriate State
                election official shall issue a notification to the
                individual containing--
                            ``(i) a statement that, unless the
                        individual notifies the election official prior
                        to the expiration of the 21-calendar-day period
                        which begins on the date the official issued
                        the notification that the individual declines
                        to be registered to vote in elections for
                        Federal office held in the State, the
                        individual's records and signature will
                        constitute a completed registration for the
                        individual; and
                            ``(ii) a description of the process by
                        which the individual may decline to be
                        registered to vote in elections for Federal
                        office in the State.
                    ``(B) Eligible individuals registered at a
                different address.--In the case of an applicable
                individual who is eligible to vote in an election for
                Federal office and who is registered to vote in such
                election at a different address than the address
                provided in the identifying information, the
                appropriate State election official shall issue a
                notification to the individual containing--
                            ``(i) a statement that, unless the
                        individual notifies the election official prior
                        to the expiration of the 21-calendar-day period
                        which begins on the date the official issued
                        the notification that the address provided in
                        the identifying information should not be used
                        for voter registration purposes, the address
                        provided in the identifying information shall
                        be used as the individual's address for voter
                        registration purposes; and
                            ``(ii) a description of the process by
                        which the individual may decline a change of
                        address for voter registration purposes.
    ``(c) Automatic Registration of Eligible Individuals; Automatic
Change of Address.--
            ``(1) Registration.--Upon the expiration of the 21-
        calendar-day period which begins on the date the appropriate
        State election official issues a notification to an individual
        under subsection (b)(2)(A), the official shall ensure that the
        individual is registered to vote in elections for Federal
        office held in the State unless--
                    ``(A) the official later determines that the
                individual does not meet the eligibility requirements
                for registering to vote in such elections; or
                    ``(B) prior to the expiration of such 21-calendar-
                day period, the individual notifies the official that
                the individual declines to be registered to vote in
                such elections.
            ``(2) Change of address.--Upon the expiration of the 21-
        calendar-day period which begins on the date the appropriate
        State election official issues a notification to an individual
        under subsection (b)(2)(B), the official shall ensure that the
        individual is registered to vote in elections for Federal
        office at the address provided in the identifying information
        unless--
                    ``(A) the official later determines that the
                individual does not meet the eligibility requirements
                for registering to vote in such elections; or
                    ``(B) prior to the expiration of such 21-calendar-
                day period, the individual notifies the official that
                the individual declines a change of address for voter
                registration purposes.
    ``(d) Applicable Individual.--For purposes of this section, the
term `applicable individual' means any individual who seeks assistance
from, receives benefits from, or receives service or assistance from a
State motor vehicle authority that issues motor vehicle driver's
licenses.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Timing of Registration Prior
to Elections.--Section 8(a)(1)(A) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
20507(a)(1)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
                    ``(A) in the case of registration through a motor
                vehicle authority under section 5, if the identifying
                information with respect to the individual is
                transmitted by the authority to the appropriate State
                election official under section 5(a)(1) not later than
                the lesser of 30 days, or the period provided by State
                law, before the date of the election;''.
    (c) Other Conforming Amendment.--Section 4(a)(1) of such Act (52
U.S.C. 20503(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) through the State motor vehicle authority pursuant to
        section 5;''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect upon the expiration of the 180-day period which begins on the
date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Vote by Mail Act of 2017 This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require states to allow voting in federal elections to be by mail without additional conditions or requirements, except a deadline for returning the ballot. States must mail ballots to individuals registered to vote in a federal election not later than two weeks before the election. The US Postal Service must carry ballots mailed by a state expeditiously and free of postage. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 is amended to authorize automatic voter registration of individuals through state motor vehicle authorities.

Vote By Mail Act of 2016


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Office of Biometric Identity
Management Authorization Act of 2018'' or the ``OBIM Authorization Act
of 2018''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF BIOMETRIC IDENTITY MANAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:

``SEC. 710. OFFICE OF BIOMETRIC IDENTITY MANAGEMENT.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Office of Biometric Identity Management
is established within the Management Directorate of the Department.
    ``(b) Director.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Office of Biometric Identity
        Management shall be administered by the Director of the Office
        of Biometric Identity Management (in this section referred to
        as the `Director') who shall report to the Secretary, or to
        another official of the Department, as the Secretary may
        direct.
            ``(2) Qualifications and duties.--The Director shall--
                    ``(A) have significant professional management
                experience, as well as experience in the field of
                biometrics and identity management;
                    ``(B) lead the Department's biometric identity
                services to support anti-terrorism, counter-terrorism,
                border security, credentialing, national security, and
                public safety;
                    ``(C) enable operational missions across the
                Department by receiving, matching, storing, sharing,
                and analyzing biometric and associated biographic and
                encounter data;
                    ``(D) deliver biometric identity information and
                analysis capabilities to--
                            ``(i) the Department and its components;
                            ``(ii) appropriate Federal, State, local,
                        and tribal agencies;
                            ``(iii) appropriate foreign governments;
                        and
                            ``(iv) appropriate private sector entities;
                    ``(E) support the law enforcement, public safety,
                national security, and homeland security missions of
                other Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies, as
                appropriate;
                    ``(F) manage the operation of the Department's
                primary biometric repository and identification system;
                    ``(G) manage Biometric Support Centers to provide
                biometric identification and verification analysis and
                services to the Department, appropriate Federal, State,
                local, and tribal agencies, appropriate foreign
                governments, and appropriate private sector entities;
                    ``(H) oversee the implementation of Department-wide
                standards for biometric conformity, and work to make
                such standards Government-wide;
                    ``(I) in coordination with the Department's Office
                of Policy Strategy, Policy, and Plans, and in
                consultation with relevant component offices and
                headquarters offices, enter into data sharing
                agreements with appropriate Federal, State, local, and
                foreign agencies to support immigration, law
                enforcement, national security, and public safety
                missions;
                    ``(J) maximize interoperability with other Federal,
                State, local, and foreign biometric systems, as
                appropriate;
                    ``(K) ensure the activities of the Office of
                Biometric Identity Management are carried out in
                compliance with the policies and procedures established
                by the Privacy Officer appointed under section 222; and
                    ``(L) consult with the Office for Civil Rights and
                Civil Liberties of the Department about biometric
                technologies that may result in disparities in the
                treatment of individuals on the basis of their race or
                ethnicity; and
                    ``(L)(M) carry out other duties and powers
                prescribed by law or delegated by the Secretary.
    ``(c) Deputy Director.--There shall be in the Office of Biometric
Identity Management a Deputy Director, who shall assist the Director in
the management of the Office.
    ``(d) Other Authorities.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Director may establish such other
        offices within the Office of Biometric Identity Management as
        the Director determines necessary to carry out the missions,
        duties, functions, and authorities of the Office.
            ``(2) Notification.--If the Director exercises the
        authority provided by paragraph (1), the Director shall notify
        the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
        Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
        Governmental Affairs of the Senate not later than 30 days
        before exercising such authority.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by adding after the item
relating to section 709 the following new item:

``Sec. 710. Office of Biometric Identity Management.''.

Summary: Office of Biometric Identity Management Authorization Act of 2018 or the OBIM Authorization Act of 2018 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Management Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Office of Biometric Identity Management, which shall be administered by a director with significant management experience and experience in biometrics and identity management. The director shall have specified duties, including leading DHS's biometric identity services to support anti-terrorism, counterterrorism, border security, credentialing, national security, and public safety.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDING.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Young Child Tax
Credit Act''.
    (b) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Economists have found similar effects of the importance
        of income in the earliest years with returns to school
        achievement.
            (2) Pediatricians and other child development experts have
        long talked about the critical importance of the earliest years
        of life.
            (3) Young children, including babies and toddlers, are the
        poorest people in the country by age.
            (4) With the recent improvements signed into law in
        December, together, the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax
        Credit now lift more children out of poverty than any other
        Federal policies.
            (5) Families with young children receive the smallest child
        tax credits, despite the fact that the economic literature
        suggests that these credits have particularly beneficial
        effects for families with young children.
            (6) Economists have found that large fluctuations in a
        family's income can be detrimental to the development of young
        children. Research on scarcity have found it is hard for
        parents to focus on children if they are worrying about having
        sufficient income to meet their family's needs.

SEC. 2. YOUNG CHILD TAX CREDIT.

    (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
section 36B the following new section:

``SEC. 36C. YOUNG CHILD TAX CREDIT.

    ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the
taxable year an amount equal to the product of--
            ``(1) the applicable dollar amount, multiplied by
            ``(2) the number of qualifying children of the taxpayer for
        which the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 and
        who (as of the close of such taxable year) have not attained
        age 3.
    ``(b) Applicable Dollar Amount.--For purposes of this section, the
term `applicable dollar amount' means with respect to any taxable year,
the product of--
            ``(1) 1.5, multiplied by
            ``(2) the dollar amount in effect under section 24(a) for
        the taxable year.
    ``(c) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.--
            ``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit allowable under
        subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the
        phaseout amount for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which
        the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income (as defined in
        section 24(b)(1)) exceeds the threshold amount (as defined in
        section 24(b)(2)).
            ``(2) Phaseout amount.--For purposes of this subsection,
        the term `phaseout amount' means 1.5 multiplied by the first
        dollar amount in section 24(b)(1).
    ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualifying child' has the meaning given such term by section 24(c).
    ``(e) Identification Requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under
this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless
the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of
such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year.
    ``(f) Reconciliation of Credit and Advance Credit.--
            ``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit allowed under
        this section for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not
        below zero) by the aggregate amount of any advance payments of
        such credit under section 7527A for such taxable year.
            ``(2) Excess advance payments.--If the aggregate amount of
        advance payments under section 7527A for the taxable year
        exceed the amount of the credit allowed under this section for
        such taxable year (determined without regard to paragraph (1)),
        the tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year shall be
        increased by the amount of such excess.''.
    (b) Advance Payment of Credit.--Chapter 77 of such Code is amended
by inserting after section 7527 the following new section:

``SEC. 7527A. ADVANCE PAYMENT OF YOUNG CHILD TAX CREDIT.

    ``(a) In General.--As soon as practicable and not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
establish a program for making advance payments of the credit allowed
under section 36C on a monthly basis, or as frequently as the Secretary
determines to be administratively feasible, to taxpayers allowed such
credit (determined without regard to section 36C(f)(1)).
    ``(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may make payments under subsection
(a) only to the extent that the total amount of such payments made to
any taxpayer during the taxable year does not exceed the amount
determined under subsection (a) of section 36C with respect to such
taxpayer (determined without regard to subsections (c) and (f) of such
section). Such program shall make reasonable efforts to apply the
limitation of section 36C(c) with respect to payments made under such
program.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 152(f)(6)(B) of such Code is amended by
        striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii), by striking the
        period at the end of clause (iv) and inserting ``, and'', and
        by adding at the end the following new clause:
                            ``(v) the credit under section 36C
                        (relating to young child tax credit).''.
            (2) Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of such Code is amended by
        inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''.
            (3) Section 6213(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking
        ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (P), by striking the period
        at the end of subparagraph (Q) and inserting ``, and'', and by
        inserting after subparagraph (Q) the following new
        subparagraph:
                    ``(R) an omission of a correct TIN required under
                section 36C(e) (relating to young child tax credit) to
                be included on a return.''.
            (4) Section 6402(m) of such Code is amended by striking
        ``or 32'' and inserting ``, 32 or 36C''.
            (5) Section 6695(g) of such Code is amended by striking
        ``or 32'' and inserting ``32, or 36C''.
            (6) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is
        amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''.
            (7) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of
        subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
        is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36B
        the following new item:

``Sec. 36C. Young child tax credit.''.
            (8) The table of sections for chapter 77 of such Code is
        amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7527
        the following new item:

``Sec. 7527A. Advance payment of young child tax credit.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--
            (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
        apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016.
            (2) Advance payment program.--The Secretary of the
        Treasury, or his designee, shall establish the program
        described in section 7527A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
        (as added by this section) not later than such date.

Summary: Young Child Tax Credit Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a new refundable tax credit based on the number of their qualifying children under the age of three and the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Advance payments of credit amounts shall be made to taxpayers each month.

Young Child Tax Credit Act


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Department of National Homeland
Security Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
        Department of National Homeland Security established under this
        Act.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of National Homeland Security.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL HOMELAND SECURITY.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established the Department of National
Homeland Security.
    (b) Secretary of National Homeland Security.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of National Homeland
        Security shall be the head of the Department. The Secretary
        shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
        consent of the Senate.
            (2) Cabinet level position.--Section 5312 of title 5,
        United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
        following:
            ``Secretary of National Homeland Security.''.
            (3) Membership on the national security council.--Section
        101(a) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 402(a))
        is amended in the fourth sentence by striking paragraphs (5),
        (6), and (7) and inserting the following:
            ``(5) the Secretary of National Homeland Security; and
            ``(6) each Secretary or Under Secretary of such other
        executive department, or of a military department, as the
        President shall designate.''.
    (c) Duties.--The duties of the Secretary shall be the following:
            (1) To plan, coordinate, and integrate those United States
        Government activities relating to homeland security, including
        border security and emergency preparedness, and to act as a
        focal point regarding natural and manmade crises and emergency
        planning.
            (2) To work with State and local governments and executive
        agencies in protecting United States homeland security, and to
        support State officials through the use of regional offices
        around the Nation.
            (3) To provide overall planning guidance to executive
        agencies regarding United States homeland security.
            (4) To conduct exercise and training programs for employees
        of the Department and establish effective command and control
        procedures for the full range of potential contingencies
        regarding United States homeland security, including
        contingencies that require the substantial support of military
        assets.
            (5) To annually develop a Federal response plan for
        homeland security and emergency preparedness.

SEC. 4. TRANSFER OF AUTHORITIES, FUNCTIONS, PERSONNEL, AND ASSETS TO
              THE DEPARTMENT.

    The authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the following
entities are transferred to the Department:
            (1) The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the ten
        regional offices of which shall be maintained and strengthened
        by the Department.
            (2) The United States Customs Service, which shall be
        maintained as a distinct entity within the Department.
            (3) The Border Patrol of the Immigration and Naturalization
        Service, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within
        the Department.
            (4) The United States Coast Guard, which shall be
        maintained as a distinct entity within the Department.
            (5) The Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office and the
        Institute of Information Infrastructure Protection of the
        Department of Commerce.
            (6) The National Infrastructure Protection Center and the
        National Domestic Preparedness Office of the Federal Bureau of
        Investigation.

SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF DIRECTORATES AND OFFICE.

    (a) Establishment of Directorates.--The following staff
directorates are established within the Department:
            (1) Directorate of prevention.--The Directorate of
        Prevention, which shall be responsible for the following:
                    (A) Overseeing and coordinating all United States
                border security activities.
                    (B) Developing border and maritime security policy
                for the United States.
                    (C) Developing and implementing international
                standards for enhanced security in transportation
                nodes.
            (2) Directorate of critical infrastructure protection.--The
        Directorate of Critical Infrastructure Protection, which shall
        be responsible for the following:
                    (A) Acting as the Critical Information Technology,
                Assurance, and Security Officer of the Department to
                coordinate efforts to address the vulnerability of the
                United States to electronic or physical attacks on
                critical infrastructure of the United States, including
                utilities, transportation nodes, and energy resources.
                    (B) Overseeing the protection of such
                infrastructure and the physical assets and information
                networks that make up such infrastructure.
                    (C) Ensuring the maintenance of a nucleus of cyber
                security experts within the United States Government.
                    (D) Enhancing sharing of information regarding
                cyber security and physical security of the United
                States, tracking vulnerabilities and proposing improved
                risk management policies, and delineating the roles of
                various government agencies in preventing, defending,
                and recovering from attacks.
                    (E) Coordinating with the Federal Communications
                Commission in helping to establish cyber security
                policy, standards, and enforcement mechanisms, and
                working closely with the Federal Communications
                Commission on cyber security issues with respect to
                international bodies.
                    (F) Coordinating the activities of Information
                Sharing and Analysis Centers to share information on
                threats, vulnerabilities, individual incidents, and
                privacy issues regarding United States homeland
                security.
                    (G) Assuming the responsibilities carried out by
                the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office before the
                date of the enactment of this Act.
                    (H) Assuming the responsibilities carried out by
                the National Infrastructure Protection Center before
                the date of the enactment of this Act.
                    (I) Supporting and overseeing the management of the
                Institute for Information Infrastructure Protection.
            (3) Directorate for emergency preparedness and response.--
        The Directorate for Emergency Preparedness and Response, which
        shall be responsible for the following:
                    (A) Carrying out all emergency preparedness and
                response activities carried out by the Federal
                Emergency Management Agency before the date of the
                enactment of this Act.
                    (B) Assuming the responsibilities carried out by
                the National Domestic Preparedness Office before the
                date of the enactment of this Act.
                    (C) Organizing and training local entities to
                respond to emergencies and providing State and local
                authorities with equipment for detection, protection,
                and decontamination in an emergency involving weapons
                of mass destruction.
                    (D) Overseeing Federal, State, and local emergency
                preparedness training and exercise programs in keeping
                with current intelligence estimates and providing a
                single staff for Federal assistance for any emergency
                (including emergencies caused by flood, earthquake,
                hurricane, disease, or terrorist bomb).
                    (E) Creating a National Crisis Action Center to act
                as the focal point for monitoring emergencies and for
                coordinating Federal support for State and local
                governments and the private sector in crises.
                    (F) Establishing training and equipment standards,
                providing resource grants, and encouraging intelligence
                and information sharing among the Department of
                Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the
                Central Intelligence Agency, State emergency management
                officials, and local first responders.
                    (G) Coordinating and integrating activities of the
                Department of Defense, the National Guard, and other
                Federal agencies into a Federal response plan.
                    (H) Coordinating activities among private sector
                entities, including entities within the medical
                community, with respect to recovery, consequence
                management, and planning for continuity of services.
                    (I) Developing and managing a single response
                system for national incidents in coordination with the
                Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of
                Investigation, the Department of Health and Human
                Services, and the Centers for Disease Control.
                    (J) Maintaining Federal asset databases and
                supporting up-to-date State and local databases.
    (b) Establishment of Office of Science and Technology.--
            (1) In general.--There is established in the Department an
        Office of Science and Technology.
            (2) Purpose.--The Office of Science and Technology shall
        advise the Secretary regarding research and development efforts
        and priorities for the directorates established in subsection
        (a).

SEC. 6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Biennial Reports.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress on a
biennial basis--
            (1) a report assessing the resources and requirements of
        executive agencies relating to border security and emergency
        preparedness issues; and
            (2) a report certifying the preparedness of the United
        States to prevent, protect against, and respond to natural
        disasters, cyber attacks, and incidents involving weapons of
        mass destruction.
    (b) Additional Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report--
            (1) assessing the progress of the Department in--
                    (A) implementing the provisions of this Act; and
                    (B) ensuring the core functions of each entity
                transferred to the Department are maintained and
                strengthened; and
            (2) recommending any conforming changes in law necessary as
        a result of the enactment and implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. COORDINATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

    The Secretary shall establish and maintain strong mechanisms for
the sharing of information and intelligence with United States and
international intelligence entities.

SEC. 8. PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, AND BUDGETING PROCESS.

    The Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that the
planning, programming, budgeting, and financial activities of the
Department comport with sound financial and fiscal management
principles. At a minimum, those procedures shall provide for the
planning, programming, and budgeting of activities of the Department
using funds that are available for obligation for a limited number of
years.

SEC. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.

    The Secretary shall--
            (1) ensure that the Department complies with all applicable
        environmental, safety, and health statutes and substantive
        requirements; and
            (2) develop procedures for meeting such requirements.

SEC. 10. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.

    (a) Continuing Effect of Legal Documents.--All orders,
determinations, rules, regulations, permits, agreements, grants,
contracts, certificates, licenses, registrations, privileges, and other
administrative actions--
            (1) which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to
        become effective by the President, any Federal agency or
        official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in
        the performance of functions which are transferred under this
        Act, and
            (2) which are in effect at the time this Act takes effect,
        or were final before the effective date of this Act and are to
        become effective on or after the effective date of this Act,
shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified,
terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by
the President, the Secretary of National Homeland Security or other
authorized official, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation
of law.
    (b) Proceedings Not Affected.--The provisions of this Act shall not
affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed rulemaking, or
any application for any license, permit, certificate, or financial
assistance pending before an agency at the time this Act takes effect,
with respect to functions transferred by this Act but such proceedings
and applications shall continue. Orders shall be issued in such
proceedings, appeals shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be
made pursuant to such orders, as if this Act had not been enacted, and
orders issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until
modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized
official, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the
discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same
terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could
have been discontinued or modified if this Act had not been enacted.
    (c) Suits Not Affected.--The provisions of this Act shall not
affect suits commenced before the effective date of this Act, and in
all such suits, proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments
rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this Act had
not been enacted.
    (d) Nonabatement of Actions.--No suit, action, or other proceeding
commenced by or against an agency, or by or against any individual in
the official capacity of such individual as an officer of an agency,
shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act.
    (e) Administrative Actions Relating to Promulgation of
Regulations.--Any administrative action relating to the preparation or
promulgation of a regulation by an agency relating to a function
transferred under this Act may be continued by the National Homeland
Security with the same effect as if this Act had not been enacted.
    (f) References.--Any reference in any other Federal law, Executive
order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of
or pertaining to a department, agency, or office from which a function
is transferred by this Act--
            (1) to the head of such department, agency, or office is
        deemed to refer to the Secretary of National Homeland Security;
        or
            (2) to such department, agency, or office is deemed to
        refer to the Department of National Homeland Security.

SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act shall take effect 6 months after the date of enactment of
this Act.

Summary: Department of National Homeland Security Act of 2001 - Establishes the Department of National Homeland Security. Includes the Secretary of National Homeland Security as a cabinet level position with membership on the National Security Council. Requires the Secretary to: (1) plan, coordinate, and integrate Government activities relating to homeland security, including border security and emergency preparedness, and act as a focal point regarding natural and manmade crises and emergency planning. (2) work with State and local governments and executive agencies in protecting US homeland security and support State officials through the use of regional offices. (3) provide overall planning guidance to such agencies regarding homeland security. (4) conduct exercise and training programs for department employees and establish command and control procedures for security contingencies, including those that require the substantial military support. And (5) annually develop a Federal response plan for homeland security and emergency preparedness. Transfers to the Agency the authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Customs Service, the Border Patrol of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the US Coast Guard, the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office and the Institute of Information Infrastructure Protection of the Department of Commerce, and the National Infrastructure Protection Center and the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Establishes within the Department: (1) separate Directorates of Prevention, Critical Infrastructure Protection, and Emergency Preparedness and Response. And (2) an Office of Science and Technology to advise the Secretary with regard to research and development efforts and priorities for such directorates. Requires the Secretary to establish mechanisms for the sharing of information and intelligence with US and international intelligence entities.

A bill to establish the Department of National Homeland Security.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Housing Benefits
Enhancement Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS FOR TOTALLY
              DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES BEFORE DISCHARGE OR
              RELEASE FROM THE ARMED FORCES.

    Section 1717 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d)(1) In the case of a member of the Armed Forces who, as
determined by the Secretary, has a total disability permanent in nature
incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military,
naval, or air service, the Secretary may furnish improvements and
structural alterations for such member for such disability or as
otherwise described in subsection (a)(2) while such member is
hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or
treatment for such disability if the Secretary determines that such
member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for
such disability.
    ``(2) The furnishing of improvements and alterations under
paragraph (1) in connection with the furnishing of medical services
described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2) shall be
subject to the limitation specified in the applicable subparagraph.''.

SEC. 3. SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED VETERANS WITH
              SEVERE BURNS.

    Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the
        following new subparagraph:
            ``(E) The disability is due to a severe burn injury (as
        determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the
        Secretary).''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
                    (A) by striking ``either'' and inserting ``any'';
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subparagraph:
            ``(C) The disability is due to a severe burn injury (as so
        determined).''.

SEC. 4. REPORT ON SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 2007, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report that contains an assessment of the adequacy of
the authorities available to the Secretary under law to assist disabled
veterans in acquiring--
            (1) suitable housing units with special fixtures or movable
        facilities required for their disabilities, and necessary land
        therefor;
            (2) such adaptations to their residences as are reasonably
        necessary because of their disabilities; or
            (3) residences already adapted with special features
        determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary as a
        result of their disabilities.
    (b) Focus on Particular Disabilities.--The report required by
subsection (a) shall pay particular attention to the needs of veterans
who have disabilities that are not described in subsections (a)(2) and
(b)(2) of section 2101 of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY OF DISABLED VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
              FORCES WITH SEVERE BURN INJURIES FOR AUTOMOBILES AND
              ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT.

    Section 3901(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
                ``or (iii)'' and inserting ``(iii), or (iv)''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                    ``(iv) A severe burn injury (as determined pursuant
                to regulations prescribed by the Secretary); or''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or (iii)'' and
        inserting ``(iii), or (iv)''.

SEC. 6. ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
              FORCES RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A FAMILY
              MEMBER.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 2102A of title 38,
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``In the case'';
            (2) by striking ``disabled veteran who is described in
        subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title and''
        and inserting ``person described in paragraph (2)'';
            (3) by striking ``such veteran's'' and inserting ``the
        person's'';
            (4) by striking ``the veteran'' and inserting ``the
        person'';
            (5) by striking ``the veteran's'' and inserting ``the
        person's''; and
            (6) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) A person described in this paragraph is--
            ``(A) a veteran who is described in subsection (a)(2) or
        (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title; or
            ``(B) a member of the Armed Forces who--
                    ``(i) has, as determined by the Secretary, a
                disability permanent in nature described in subsection
                (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title that has
                incurred in the line of duty in the active military,
                naval, or air service;
                    ``(ii) is hospitalized or receiving outpatient
                medical care, services, or treatment for such
                disability; and
                    ``(iii) is likely to be discharged or released from
                the Armed Forces for such disability.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
            (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``veteran'' both places
        it appears and inserting ``person with a disability''; and
            (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``veteran'' and
        inserting ``person''.
    (c) Report on Assistance for Disabled Veterans and Members of the
Armed Forces Who Reside in Housing Owned by Family Member on Permanent
Basis.--Not later than December 31, 2007, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the advisability of providing assistance
under section 2102A of title 38, United States Code, to veterans and
members of the Armed Forces described in subsection (a) of such
section, as amended by subsection (a) of this section, who reside with
family members on a permanent basis.

Summary: Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces determined to have a total disability permanent in nature which was incurred or aggravated in the line of active duty, to furnish home improvements and structural alterations for the member for the disability while the member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care, medical services, or treatment, if the Secretary determines that the member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for such disability. Authorizes the provision of specially adapted housing assistance for: (1) disabled veterans whose disability is due to a severe burn injury. And (2) disabled members residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Makes veterans and members with a severe burn disability eligible for automobile and automotive adaptive equipment assistance.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide certain housing benefits to disabled members of the Armed Forces, to expand certain benefits for disabled veterans with severe burns, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Higher Education
Fairness Act of 1997''.
    (b) References.--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
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).

SEC. 2. FAMILY CONTRIBUTION FOR DEPENDENT STUDENTS.

    (a) Parents' Available Income.--Section 475(c)(1) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E)
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                    ``(F) the amount of any tax credit taken by the
                parents under section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code
                of 1986.''.
    (b) Student Contribution From Available Income.--Section 475(g)(2)
is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C);
            (2) by striking ``$1,750'' in subparagraph (D) and
        inserting ``$2,250 (or a successor amount prescribed by the
        Secretary under section 478)'';
            (3) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D);
        and
            (4) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new
        subparagraph:
                    ``(E) the amount of any tax credit taken by the
                student under section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code
                of 1986.''.

SEC. 3. FAMILY CONTRIBUTION FOR INDEPENDENT STUDENTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS
              OTHER THAN A SPOUSE.

    (a) Family's Contribution From Available Income.--Section
476(b)(1)(A) (20 U.S.C. 1087pp(b)(1)(A)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iv); and
            (2) by inserting after clause (v) the following new clause:
                            ``(vi) the amount of any tax credit taken
                        under section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code
                        of 1986; and''.
    (b) Income Protection Allowances.--Section 476(b)(1)(A)(iv) is
amended--
            (1) by striking ``allowance of--'' and inserting
        ``allowance of the following amount (or a successor amount
        prescribed by the Secretary under section 478):'';
            (2) by striking ``$3,000'' each place it appears in
        subclauses (I) and (II) and inserting ``$5,500''; and
            (3) by striking ``$6,000'' in subclause (III) and inserting
        ``$8,500''.

SEC. 4. FAMILY CONTRIBUTION FOR INDEPENDENT STUDENTS WITH DEPENDENTS
              OTHER THAN A SPOUSE.

    Section 477(b)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1087qq(b)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E)
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                    ``(F) the amount of any tax credit taken under
                section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.

SEC. 5. REGULATIONS; UPDATED TABLES AND AMOUNTS.

    Section 478(b) (20 U.S.C. 1087rr(b)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``For each academic year'' and inserting
        the following:
            ``(1) Revised tables.--For each academic year''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(2) Revised amounts.--For each academic year after
        academic year 1997-1998, the Secretary shall publish in the
        Federal Register revised income protection allowances for the
        purpose of sections 475(g)(2)(D) and 476(b)(1)(A)(iv). Such
        revised allowances shall be developed by increasing each of the
        dollar amounts contained in such section by a percentage equal
        to the estimated percentage increase in the Consumer Price
        Index (as determined by the Secretary) between December 1996
        and the December next preceding the beginning of such academic
        year, and rounding the result to the nearest $10.''.

SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.

    (a) Total Income.--Section 480(a)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1087vv(a)(2)) is
amended--
            (1) by striking ``individual, and'' and inserting
        ``individual,''; and
            (2) by inserting ``, and no portion of any tax credit taken
        under section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986'' before
        ``shall be included''.
    (b) Excludable Income.--Section 480(e) is amended
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding after paragraph (4) the following new
        paragraph:
            ``(5) any tax credit taken under section 25A of the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
    (c) Other Financial Assistance.--Section 480(j) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a tax credit taken under
section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not be treated
as estimated financial assistance for purposes of section 471(3).''.

Summary: Higher Education Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise certain need analysis formulas for student assistance. Requires deduction of the amount of the new Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning education expense tax credits taken under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 , in calculating family available income for determination of expected family contribution . Increases the amounts of income protection allowances for dependent students and for independent students without dependents other than a spouse.

Higher Education Fairness Act of 1997


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Nonproliferation Assistance
Coordination Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) United States nonproliferation efforts in the
        independent states of the former Soviet Union have achieved
        important results in ensuring that weapons of mass destruction,
        weapons-usable material and technology, and weapons-related
        knowledge remain beyond the reach of terrorists and weapons-
        proliferating states;
            (2) although these efforts are in the United States
        national security interest, the effectiveness of these efforts
        suffers from a lack of coordination within and among United
        States Government agencies;
            (3) increased spending and investment by the United States
        private sector on nonproliferation efforts in the independent
        states of the former Soviet Union, specifically, spending and
        investment by the United States private sector in job creation
        initiatives and proposals for unemployed Russian weapons
        scientists and technicians, is making an important contribution
        in ensuring that knowledge related to weapons of mass
        destruction remains beyond the reach of terrorists and weapons-
        proliferating states; and
            (4) increased spending and investment by the United States
        private sector on nonproliferation efforts in the independent
        states of the former Soviet Union requires the establishment of
        a coordinating body to ensure that United States public and
        private efforts are not in conflict, and to ensure that public
        spending on efforts by the independent states of the former
        Soviet Union is maximized to ensure efficiency and further
        United States national security interests.

SEC. 3. INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION DEFINED.

    In this Act, the term ``independent states of the former Soviet
Union'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the FREEDOM
Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5801).

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEE ON NONPROLIFERATION ASSISTANCE TO
              THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established within the executive
branch of the Government an interagency committee known as the
``Committee on Nonproliferation Assistance to the Independent States of
the Former Soviet Union'' (in this Act referred to as the
``Committee'').
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of five
        members, as follows:
                    (A) A representative of the Department of State
                designated by the Secretary of State.
                    (B) A representative of the Department of Energy
                designated by the Secretary of Energy.
                    (C) A representative of the Department of Defense
                designated by the Secretary of Defense.
                    (D) A representative of the Department of Commerce
                designated by the Secretary of Commerce.
                    (E) A representative of the Assistant to the
                President for National Security Affairs designated by
                the Assistant to the President.
            (2) Level of representation.--The Secretary of a department
        named in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (1)
        shall designate as the department's representative an official
        of that department who is not below the level of an Assistant
        Secretary of the department.
    (b) Chair.--The representative of the Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs shall serve as Chair of the Committee.
The Chair may invite the head of any other department or agency of the
United States to designate a representative of that department or
agency to participate from time to time in the activities of the
Committee.

SEC. 5. DUTIES OF COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--The Committee shall have primary continuing
responsibility within the executive branch of the Government for--
            (1) monitoring United States nonproliferation efforts in
        the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and
            (2) coordinating the implementation of United States policy
        with respect to such efforts.
    (b) Duties Specified.--In carrying out the responsibilities
described in subsection (a), the Committee shall--
            (1) arrange for the preparation of analyses on the issues
        and problems relating to coordination within and among United
        States departments and agencies on nonproliferation efforts of
        the independent states of the former Soviet Union;
            (2) arrange for the preparation of analyses on the issues
        and problems relating to coordination between the United States
        public and private sectors on nonproliferation efforts in the
        independent states of the former Soviet Union, including
        coordination between public and private spending on
        nonproliferation programs of the independent states of the
        former Soviet Union and coordination between public spending
        and private investment in defense conversion activities of the
        independent states of the former Soviet Union;
            (3) provide guidance on arrangements that will coordinate,
        de-conflict, and maximize the utility of United States public
        spending on nonproliferation programs of the independent states
        of the former Soviet Union to ensure efficiency and further
        United States national security interests;
            (4) encourage companies and nongovernmental organizations
        involved in nonproliferation efforts of the independent states
        of the former Soviet Union to voluntarily report these efforts
        to the Committee;
            (5)(A) arrange for the preparation of analyses on the
        issues and problems relating to the coordination between the
        United States and other countries with respect to
        nonproliferation efforts in the independent states of the
        former Soviet Union; and
            (B) provide guidance and arrangements that will coordinate,
        de-conflict, and maximize the utility of United States public
        spending on nonproliferation programs of the independent states
        of the former Soviet Union to ensure efficiency and further
        United States national security interests; and
            (6) consider, and make recommendations to the President and
        Congress with respect to, proposals for new legislation or
        regulations relating to United States nonproliferation efforts
        in the independent states of the former Soviet Union as may be
        necessary.

SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.

    All United States departments and agencies shall provide, to the
extent permitted by law, such information and assistance as may be
requested by the Committee or the Secretary of State in carrying out
their functions and activities under this Act.

SEC. 7. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION.

    Information which has been submitted or received in confidence
shall not be publicly disclosed, except to the extent required by law,
and such information shall be used by the Committee only for the
purpose of carrying out the functions and activities set forth in this
Act.

SEC. 8. STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.

    Nothing in this Act--
            (1) applies to the data-gathering, regulatory, or
        enforcement authority of any existing United States department
        or agency over nonproliferation efforts in the independent
        states of the former Soviet Union, and the review of those
        efforts undertaken by the Committee shall not in any way
        supersede or prejudice any other process provided by law; or
            (2) applies to any activity that is reportable pursuant to
        title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 413 et
        seq.).

Summary: Nonproliferation Assistance Coordination Act of 2001 - Establishes within the executive branch the Committee on Nonproliferation Assistance to the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union, which shall monitor and coordinate US nonproliferation efforts in the independent states of the former Soviet Union.

A bill to establish within the executive branch of the Government an interagency committee to review and coordinate United States nonproliferation efforts in the independent states of the former Soviet Union.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Health Quality Advisory
Commission Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. RURAL HEALTH QUALITY ADVISORY COMMISSION AND DEMONSTRATION
              PROJECTS.

    (a) Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date
        of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Health and
        Human Services (in this section referred to as the
        ``Secretary'') shall establish a commission to be known as the
        Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission (in this section
        referred to as the ``Commission'').
            (2) Duties of commission.--
                    (A) National plan.--The Commission shall develop,
                coordinate, and facilitate implementation of a national
                plan for rural health quality improvement. The national
                plan shall--
                            (i) identify objectives for rural health
                        quality improvement;
                            (ii) identify strategies to eliminate known
                        gaps in rural health system capacity and
                        improve rural health quality; and
                            (iii) provide for Federal programs to
                        identify opportunities for strengthening and
                        aligning policies and programs to improve rural
                        health quality.
                    (B) Demonstration projects.--The Commission shall
                design demonstration projects to test alternative
                models for rural health quality improvement, including
                with respect to both personal and population health.
                    (C) Monitoring.--The Commission shall monitor
                progress toward the objectives identified pursuant to
                paragraph (1)(A).
            (3) Membership.--
                    (A) Number.--The Commission shall be composed of 11
                members appointed by the Secretary.
                    (B) Selection.--The Secretary shall select the
                members of the Commission from among individuals with
                significant rural health care and health care quality
                expertise, including expertise in clinical health care,
                health care quality research, population or public
                health, or purchaser organizations.
            (4) Contracting authority.--Subject to the availability of
        funds, the Commission may enter into contracts and make other
        arrangements, as may be necessary to carry out the duties
        described in paragraph (2).
            (5) Staff.--Upon the request of the Commission, the
        Secretary may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the
        personnel of the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health
        Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Health
        Care Quality and Research, or the Centers for Medicare &
        Medicaid Services to the Commission to assist in carrying out
        this subsection.
            (6) Reports to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
        establishment of the Commission, and annually thereafter, the
        Commission shall submit a report to the Congress on rural
        health quality. Each such report shall include the following:
                    (A) An inventory of relevant programs and
                recommendations for improved coordination and
                integration of policy and programs.
                    (B) An assessment of achievement of the objectives
                identified in the national plan developed under
                paragraph (2) and recommendations for realizing such
                objectives.
                    (C) Recommendations on Federal legislation,
                regulations, or administrative policies to enhance
                rural health quality and outcomes.
    (b) Rural Health Quality Demonstration Projects.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
        the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation
        with the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission, the Office
        of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services
        Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
        and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall make
        grants to eligible entities for 5 demonstration projects to
        implement and evaluate methods for improving the quality of
        health care in rural communities. Each such demonstration
        project shall include--
                    (A) alternative community models that--
                            (i) will achieve greater integration of
                        personal and population health services; and
                            (ii) address safety, effectiveness,
                        patient- or community-centeredness, timeliness,
                        efficiency, and equity (the six aims identified
                        by the Institute of Medicine of the National
                        Academies in its report entitled ``Crossing the
                        Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st
                        Century'' released on March 1, 2001);
                    (B) innovative approaches to the financing and
                delivery of health services to achieve rural health
                quality goals; and
                    (C) development of quality improvement support
                structures to assist rural health systems and
                professionals (such as workforce support structures,
                quality monitoring and reporting, clinical care
                protocols, and information technology applications).
            (2) Eligible entities.--In this subsection, the term
        ``eligible entity'' means a consortium that--
                    (A) shall include--
                            (i) at least one health care provider or
                        health care delivery system located in a rural
                        area; and
                            (ii) at least one organization representing
                        multiple community stakeholders; and
                    (B) may include other partners such as rural
                research centers.
            (3) Consultation.--In developing the program for awarding
        grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with
        the Administrator of the Agency for Healthcare Research and
        Quality, rural health care providers, rural health care
        researchers, and private and non-profit groups (including
        national associations) which are undertaking similar efforts.
            (4) Expedited waivers.--The Secretary shall expedite the
        processing of any waiver that--
                    (A) is authorized under title XVIII or XIX of the
                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); and
                    (B) is necessary to carry out a demonstration
                project under this subsection.
            (5) Demonstration project sites.--The Secretary shall
        ensure that the 5 demonstration projects funded under this
        subsection are conducted at a variety of sites representing the
        diversity of rural communities in the Nation.
            (6) Duration.--Each demonstration project under this
        subsection shall be for a period of 4 years.
            (7) Independent evaluation.--The Secretary shall enter into
        an arrangement with an entity that has experience working
        directly with rural health systems for the conduct of an
        independent evaluation of the program carried out under this
        subsection.
            (8) Report.--Not later than one year after the conclusion
        of all of the demonstration projects funded under this
        subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress
        on the results of such projects. The report shall include--
                    (A) an evaluation of patient access to care,
                patient outcomes, and an analysis of the cost
                effectiveness of each such project; and
                    (B) recommendations on Federal legislation,
                regulations, or administrative policies to enhance
                rural health quality and outcomes.
    (c) Appropriation.--
            (1) In general.--Out of funds in the Treasury not otherwise
        appropriated, there are appropriated to the Secretary to carry
        out this section $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years
        2008 through 2012.
            (2) Availability.--
                    (A) In general.--Funds appropriated under paragraph
                (1) shall remain available for expenditure through
                fiscal year 2012.
                    (B) Report.--For purposes of carrying out
                subsection (b)(8), funds appropriated under paragraph
                (1) shall remain available for expenditure through
                fiscal year 2013.
            (3) Reservation.--Of the amount appropriated under
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve--
                    (A) $5,000,000 to carry out subsection (a); and
                    (B) $25,000,000 to carry out subsection (b), of
                which--
                            (i) 2 percent shall be for the provision of
                        technical assistance to grant recipients; and
                            (ii) 5 percent shall be for independent
                        evaluation under subsection (b)(7).

Summary: Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission to develop, coordinate, and facilitate implementation of a national plan for rural health quality improvements. Requires that such plan: (1) identify objectives for rural health quality improvement. (2) identify strategies to eliminate known gaps in rural health system capacity and improve rural health quality. And (3) provide for federal programs to identify opportunities for strengthening and aligning policies and programs to improve rural health quality. Directs the Commission to: (1) design demonstration projects to test alternative models for rural health quality improvement, including with respect to both personal and population health. And (2) monitor progress towards identified objectives. Requires the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to implement and evaluate methods for improving the quality of health care in rural communities that include: (1) alternative community models. (2) innovative approaches to the financing and delivery of health services. And (3) the development of quality improvement support structures to assist rural health systems and professionals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expedite Medicaid and Medicare waivers as necessary to carry out such demonstration projects, and (2) provide for an independent evaluation of such projects.

To provide for the establishment of the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This bill may be cited as the ``Freedom to Fish Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) Recreational fishing is traditionally one of the most
        popular outdoor sports with more than 45 million participants
        of all ages, in all regions of the country.
            (2) Recreational fishing makes substantial contributions to
        the local, State, and national economies. According to the most
        recent economic figures, recreational fishing infuses $108
        billion annually into the national economy. Nationally, over
        1.2 million jobs are related to recreational fishing; this
        represents approximately 1 percent of the nation's entire
        civilian work force. For those communities and small businesses
        that rely on seasonal tourism, the expenditures of recreational
        fishers result in substantial benefits to the local economies.
            (3) Recreational fishers have long demonstrated a
        conservation ethic. Through catch-and-release fisheries and
        through the use of non-lethal fishing gear. In addition to
        payment of Federal excise taxes on fishing equipment,
        motorboats and fuel, as well as license fees, recreational
        fishers contribute over $500 million annually to State
        fisheries conservation management programs and projects.
            (4) The single most important element of recreational
        fishing is open access to places to fish. The open access
        principle is universally accepted on all Federal lands and
        waters including wildlife refuges, national parks, wilderness
        areas, and the exclusive economic zone.
            (5) All recreational fishery resources can be maintained
        through a variety of management measures including take limits,
        minimum size requirements, and closed seasons without
        unnecessarily restricting public access to places to fish.
            (6) The absence of clear Congressional policy has confused
        the general public as to how programs within the National
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration complement one another
        with respect to recreational fishing.

SEC. 3. POLICY.

    It is the policy of the Congress in this Act--
            (1) to ensure that all Federal regulations promote open
        access for recreational fishing to the maximum extent
        practicable;
            (2) to ensure that recreational fishers will be actively
        involved in any regulatory procedures that contemplate
        restrictions on their access to places to fish; and
            (3) to ensure that whenever access to fishing places is
        restricted, that the restricted areas be as small as are
        scientifically necessary to provide for the conservation of the
        fishery resource.

SEC. 4. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT
              AMENDMENT.

    Section 303(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1853(a)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in paragraph
        (13);
            (2) by striking ``fishery.'' in paragraph (14) and
        inserting ``fishery; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(15) not establish areas closed to recreational fishing
        unless--
                    ``(A) there is a clear indication that recreational
                fishermen are the cause of a specific conservation
                problem and that less severe conservation measures,
                such as gear restrictions, quotas, or closed seasons
                will not adequately provide for conservation and
                management of the affected stocks of fish;
                    ``(B) the closed area regulation includes specific
                measurable criteria to determine the conservation
                benefit of the closed area on the affected stocks of
                fish and provides a timetable for periodic review of
                the continued need for the closed area at least once
                every three years;
                    ``(C) the closed area is no larger than that which
                is supported by the best available scientific
                information; or
                    ``(D) provision is made to reopen the closed area
                to recreational fishing whenever the condition in
                subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) that was the basis of the
                closure no longer exists.''.

SEC. 5. NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ACT AMENDMENT.

    Section 304(a)(5) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C.
1434(a)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(5) Fishing regulations.--The Secretary shall provide the
appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council with the opportunity to
propose, and revise from time to time, all regulations applicable to
fishing within designated marine sanctuaries according to the standards
and procedures of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). The regulations, upon approval
by the Secretary, shall apply within the exclusive economic zone, and
may be applied within the boundaries of a State, with the approval of
the Governor of the State, or pursuant to the authority of the
Secretary under section 306(b) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1856(b)).''.

Summary: Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to direct the Secretary to provide such a Council with the opportunity to propose and revise all regulations applicable to fishing within designated marine sanctuaries according to the standards and procedures of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Requires such regulations, upon approval by the Secretary, to apply within the exclusive economic zone and allows them to be applied within a State, with the approval of the State's Governor or pursuant to the Secretary's authority under such Act.

Freedom to Fish Act