SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Programs
Improvement Act of 2003''.
    (b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever
in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a
section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be
made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 2. INCREASE IN RATES OF DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND DEPENDENCY AND
              INDEMNITY COMPENSATION.

    (a) Rate Adjustment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
effective on December 1, 2003, increase the dollar amounts in effect
for the payment of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity
compensation by the Secretary, as specified in subsection (b).
    (b) Amounts To Be Increased.--The dollar amounts to be increased
pursuant to subsection (a) are the following:
            (1) Compensation.--Each of the dollar amounts in effect
        under section 1114.
            (2) Additional compensation for dependents.--Each of the
        dollar amounts in effect under section 1115(1).
            (3) Clothing allowance.--The dollar amount in effect under
        section 1162.
            (4) New dic rates.--Each of the dollar amounts in effect
        under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1311(a).
            (5) Old dic rates.--Each of the dollar amounts in effect
        under section 1311(a)(3).
            (6) Additional dic for surviving spouses with minor
        children.--The dollar amount in effect under section 1311(b);
            (7) Additional dic for disability.--Each of the dollar
        amounts in effect under subsections (c) and (d) of section
        1311.
            (8) DIC for dependent children.--Each of the dollar amounts
        in effect under sections 1313(a) and 1314.
    (c) Determination of Increase.--
            (1) The increase under subsection (a) shall be made in the
        dollar amounts specified in subsection (b) as in effect on
        November 30, 2003.
            (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), each such amount
        shall be increased by the same percentage as the percentage by
        which benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social
        Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are increased effective
        December 1, 2003, as a result of a determination under section
        215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)).
            (3) Each dollar amount increased pursuant to paragraph (2)
        shall, if not a whole dollar amount, be rounded down to the
        next lower whole dollar amount.
    (d) Special Rule.--The Secretary may adjust administratively,
consistent with the increases made under subsection (a), the rates of
disability compensation payable to persons within the purview of
section 10 of Public Law No. 85-857 (72 Stat. 1263) who are not in
receipt of compensation payable pursuant to chapter 11 of title 38,
United States Code.
    (e) Publication of Adjusted Rates.--At the same time as the matters
specified in section 215(i)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
415(i)(2)(D)) are required to be published by reason of a determination
made under section 215(i) of such Act during fiscal year 2004, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish in the Federal Register the
amounts specified in subsection (b) as increased pursuant to subsection
(a).

SEC. 3. REPEAL OF 45-DAY RULE FOR EFFECTIVE DATE OF AWARD OF DEATH
              PENSION.

    Subsection (d) of section 5110 is amended--
            (1) by striking the designation ``(1)'';
            (2) by striking ``death compensation or dependency and
        indemnity compensation'' and inserting ``death compensation,
        dependency and indemnity compensation, or death pension''; and
            (3) by striking paragraph (2).

SEC. 4. EXCLUSION OF LUMP-SUM LIFE INSURANCE PROCEEDS FROM
              DETERMINATIONS OF ANNUAL INCOME FOR PENSION PURPOSES.

    Subsection (a) of section 1503 is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9);
            (2) by striking ``materials.'' at the end of paragraph
        (10)(B) and inserting ``materials; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(11) lump-sum proceeds of any life insurance policy or
        policies on a veteran, for purposes of pension under subchapter
        III of this chapter.''.

SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF PROHIBITION ON PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION FOR
              ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED DISABILITY.

    (a) Clarification.--Chapter 11 is amended--
            (1) in section 1110, by striking ``drugs.'' and inserting
        ``drugs, even if the abuse is secondary to a service-connected
        disability.''; and
            (2) in section 1131, by striking ``drugs.'' and inserting
        ``drugs, even if the abuse is secondary to a service-connected
        disability.''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to any claim--
            (1) filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act; or
            (2) filed before the date of enactment of this Act and not
        finally decided as of that date.

SEC. 6. ALTERNATIVE BENEFICIARIES FOR NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE
              AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE.

    (a) National Service Life Insurance.--
            (1) Section 1917 is amended by adding at the end the
        following new subsection:
    ``(f)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not
covered by subsection (d)--
            ``(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to
        payment of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment
        within two years after the death of the insured, payment may be
        made to another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the
        order of precedence as designated by the insured, as if the
        first beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and
            ``(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured,
        no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured
        as a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice
        in writing that any such claim will be made, payment may
        (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such
        person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably
        entitled thereto.
    ``(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to
recovery by any other person.''.
    (b) United States Government Life Insurance.--Section 1952 is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not
covered by section 1950 of this title--
            ``(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to
        payment of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment
        within two years after the death of the insured, payment may be
        made to another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the
        order of precedence as designated by the insured, as if the
        first beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and
            ``(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured,
        no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured
        as a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice
        in writing that any such claim will be made, payment may
        (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such
        person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably
        entitled thereto.
    ``(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to
recovery by any other person.''.
    (c) Transition Provision.--In the case of a person insured under
subchapter I or II of chapter 19, title 38, United States Code, who
dies before the date of the enactment of this Act, the two-year and
four-year periods specified in subsection (f)(1) of section 1917 of
title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and
subsection (c)(1) of section 1952 of such title, as added by subsection
(b), as applicable, shall for purposes of the applicable subsection be
treated as being the two-year and four-year periods, respectively,
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 7. TIME LIMITATION ON RECEIPT OF CLAIM INFORMATION PURSUANT TO
              REQUEST BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) In General.--Section 5102 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
    ``(c) Time Limitation.--
            ``(1) If information that a claimant and the claimant's
        representative, if any, are notified under subsection (b) is
        necessary to complete an application is not received by the
        Secretary within one year from the date of such notification,
        no benefit may be paid or furnished by reason of the claimant's
        application.
            ``(2) This subsection shall not apply to any application or
        claim for Government life insurance benefits.''.
    (b) Repeal of Superseded Provisions.--Section 5103 is amended--
            (1) by striking ``(a) Required Information and Evidence.--
        ''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (b).
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if enacted on November 9, 2000, immediately after the
enactment of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (Public Law
106-475; 114 Stat. 2096).

SEC. 8. BURIAL PLOT ALLOWANCE.

    (a) Subsection (b) of section 2303 is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``a
        burial allowance under such section 2302, or under such
        subsection, who was discharged from the active military, naval,
        or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line
        of duty, or who is a veteran of any war'' and inserting
        ``burial in a national cemetery under section 2402 of this
        title''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(other than a veteran
        whose eligibility for benefits under this subsection is based
        on being a veteran of any war)'' and inserting ``is eligible
        for a burial allowance under section 2302 of this title or
        under subsection (a) of this section, or was discharged from
        the active military, naval, or air service for a disability
        incurred or aggravated in line of duty, and such veteran''.
    (b) Section 2307 is amended in the last sentence by striking ``and
(b)'' and inserting ``and (b)(2)''.

SEC. 9. PROVISION OF MARKERS FOR PRIVATELY MARKED GRAVES.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (d) of section 502 of the Veterans
Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-103; 115
Stat. 995), as amended by section 203 of the Veterans Benefits Act of
2002 (Public Law 107-330; 116 Stat. 2824), is further amended by
striking ``September 11, 2001'' and inserting ``November 1, 1990''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect as if included in the enactment of section 502 of Public
Law 107-103.

SEC. 10. EXPANSION OF BURIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR REMARRIED SPOUSES.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (5) of section 2042 is amended by
striking ``(which for purposes of this chapter includes an unremarried
surviving spouse who had a subsequent remarriage which was terminated
by death or divorce)'' and inserting ``(which for purposes of this
chapter includes a surviving spouse who remarries following the
veteran's death)''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to deaths occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this
Act.

SEC. 11. MAKE PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR STATE CEMETERY GRANTS PROGRAM.

    (a) Permanent Authorization.--Paragraph (2) of section 2408(a) is
amended--
            (1) by striking ``for fiscal year 1999 and for each
        succeeding fiscal year through fiscal year 2004''; and
            (2) by adding at the end ``Funds appropriated under the
        preceding sentence shall remain available until expended.''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (e) of section 2408 is amended
by striking ``Sums appropriated under subsection (a) of this section
shall remain available until expended.''.

SEC. 12. FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS FOR SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES.

    (a) Addition of Certain Offenses.--Paragraph (2) of section 6105(b)
is amended by striking ``sections 792, 793, 794, 798, 2381, 2382, 2383,
2384, 2385, 2837, 2388, 2389, 2390, and chapter 105 of title 18'' and
inserting ``sections 175, 229, 792, 793, 794, 798, 831, 1091, 2332a,
2332b, 2381, 2382, 2383, 2384, 2385, 2387, 2388, 2389, 2390, and
chapter 105 of title 18''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to claims filed after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 13. VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

    Section 3692 is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``as far as
        practicable'' after ``include'';
            (2) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``chapter 106''
        and inserting ``chapter 1606'' both places it appears; and
            (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``2003'' and inserting
        ``2013''.

SEC. 14. REPEAL OF EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM.

    (a) Termination of Program.--No loans shall be made under
subchapter III of chapter 36 after the date of the enactment of this
Act, and such subchapter shall be repealed 90 days after such date of
enactment.
    (b) Closing of Loan Fund.--All monies in the revolving fund
established in the Treasury of the United States of America known as
the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan Fund'' (the
``Fund'') on the day before the date of repeal of such subchapter III
shall be transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment
Benefits Account, and the Fund shall be closed.
    (c) Discharge of Liability.--The liability on any education loan
debt outstanding under such subchapter III shall be discharged, and any
overpayments declared under section 3698(e)(1) of that subchapter shall
be waived without further process on the date funds are transferred as
referred to in subsection (b) of this section.
    (d) Technical Amendment.--On the date of repeal of such subchapter
III, as provided herein, the table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 36 shall be amended by striking the items relating to
subchapter III.
    (e) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Chapter 34 is amended--
                    (A) by repealing paragraph (2) of section 3462(a);
                and
                    (B) in paragraph (1) of section 3485(e), by
                striking ``(other than an education loan under
                subchapter III)''.
            (2) Section 3512 is amended by repealing subsection (f).
            (3) The amendments made by paragraphs (1)(B) and (2) shall
        take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this
        Act.

SEC. 15. RESTORATION OF CHAPTER 35 EDUCATION BENEFITS OF CERTAIN
              INDIVIDUALS.

    (a) Restoration.--Subsection (h) of section 3512 is amended by
inserting ``or is involuntarily ordered to full-time National Guard
duty under section 502(f) of title 32'' following ``title 10''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect as of September 11, 2001.

SEC. 16. EXPANSION OF MONTGOMERY GI BILL EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN
              SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING.

    (a) Self-Employment Training.--Subparagraph (B) of section 3002(3)
is amended--
            (1) in clause (i) by striking ``and'';
            (2) by adding at the end the following clause:
                            ``(iii) a program of self-employment on-job
                        training approved as provided in section
                        3677(d) of this title; and''.
    (b) Program Approval.--Section 3677 is amended--
            (1) in subsections (a) and (c), by inserting ``self-
        employment on-job training or'' after ``(other than'';
            (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``described in
        subsection (a)'' after ``offering training''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d)(1) Any State approving agency may approve a program of self-
employment on-job training for purposes of chapter 30 of this title
only when it finds that the training is generally recognized as needed
or accepted for purposes of obtaining licensure to engage in the self-
employment occupation or is required for ownership and operation of a
franchise that is the objective of the training.
    ``(2) The training entity offering the training for which approval
is sought under this chapter must submit to the State approving agency
a written application for approval, in the form and with the content as
prescribed by the Secretary, which shall include such information as is
required by the State approving agency.
    ``(3) As a condition for approving a program of self-employment on-
job training, the State approving agency must find upon investigation
that the following criteria are met:
            ``(A) The training content is adequate to qualify the
        eligible individual for the self-employment occupation that is
        the objective of the training.
            ``(B) The training consists of full-time training for a
        period of less than six months.
            ``(C) The length of the training period is not longer than
        that customarily required to obtain the knowledge, skills, and
        experience needed to successfully engage in the particular
        self-employment occupation that is the objective of the
        training.
            ``(D) The training entity has adequate instructional space,
        equipment, materials, and personnel to provide satisfactory
        training on the job.
            ``(E) The training entity keeps adequate records of each
        trainee's progress toward the self-employment objective and, at
        the end of the training period, issues a license, certificate,
        or other document recording the individual's successful
        completion of the training program.
            ``(F) The training entity and the self-employment on-job
        training program meet such other criteria as the Secretary may
        prescribe and as the State approving agency, with the
        Secretary's approval, may establish.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (2) of section 3687(a) is
amended by inserting ``subsections (a), (b), and (c) of'' before
``section 3677''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date six months after the enactment of this Act and shall
apply to self-employment on-job training approved and pursued on or
after that date.

Summary: Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2003, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Makes the effective date for the award of death pension the same as that for the award of death compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation. Excludes lump-sum insurance proceeds from income for purposes of eligibility for veterans' pensions. Prohibits the payment of veterans' disability compensation for an alcohol- or drug-abuse related disability even if the the alcohol or drug abuse is secondary to a service-connected disability. Provides alternative beneficiaries for National Service Life Insurance and United States Government Life Insurance proceeds when the first beneficiary does not make a claim. Provides burial benefit eligibility for a veteran's surviving spouse who remarries following the veteran's death. Makes permanent the authority for the State cemetery grants program. Repeals the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan program. Includes self-employment training under the Montgomery GI Bill.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the authorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, pension, education benefits, life insurance benefits, and memorial benefits, to improve the administration of benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Super-Efficient Appliance Incentives
and Market Transformation Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. MODIFICATIONS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE CREDIT FOR
              APPLIANCES PRODUCED AFTER 2007.

    (a) In General.--Section 45M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 45M. ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE CREDIT.

    ``(a) General Rule.--
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 38, the energy
        efficient appliance credit determined under this section for
        any taxable year is an amount equal to the sum of the credit
        amounts determined under paragraph (2) for each type of
        qualified energy efficient appliance produced by the taxpayer
        during the calendar year ending with or within the taxable
        year.
            ``(2) Credit amounts.--The credit amount determined for any
        type of qualified energy efficient appliance is--
                    ``(A) the applicable amount determined under
                subsection (b) with respect to such type, multiplied by
                    ``(B) the eligible production for such type.
    ``(b) Applicable Amount.--For purposes of subsection (a)--
            ``(1) Dishwashers.--The applicable amount is--
                    ``(A) $45 in the case of a residential model
                dishwasher which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year 2008
                        or 2009, and
                            ``(ii) uses not more than 324 kilowatt
                        hours per year and 5.8 gallons per cycle, and
                    ``(B) $75 in the case of a residential model
                dishwasher which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, 2009, or 2010, and
                            ``(ii) uses not more than 307 kilowatt
                        hours per year and 5.0 gallons per cycle (5.5
                        gallons for dishwashers designed for greater
                        than 12 place settings).
            ``(2) Clothes washers.--The applicable amount is--
                    ``(A) $75 in the case of a residential model top-
                loading clothes washer which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, and
                            ``(ii) meets or exceeds a 1.72 MEF and does
                        not exceed an 8.0 water consumption factor,
                    ``(B) $125 in the case of a residential model top-
                loading clothes washer which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year 2008
                        or 2009, and
                            ``(ii) meets or exceeds a 1.8 MEF and does
                        not exceed a 7.5 water consumption factor,
                    ``(C) $150 in the case of a residential or
                commercial model clothes washer which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, 2009, or 2010, and
                            ``(ii) meets or exceeds 2.0 MEF and does
                        not exceed a 6.0 water consumption factor, and
                    ``(D) $250 in the case of a residential or
                commercial model clothes washer which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, 2009, or 2010, and
                            ``(ii) meets or exceeds 2.2 MEF and does
                        not exceed a 4.5 water consumption factor.
            ``(3) Refrigerators.--The applicable amount is--
                    ``(A) $50 in the case of a residential model
                refrigerator which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, and
                            ``(ii) consumes at least 20 percent, but
                        not more than 22.9 percent, less kilowatt hours
                        per year than the 2001 energy conservation
                        standards,
                    ``(B) $75 in the case of a residential model
                refrigerator which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year 2008
                        or 2009, and
                            ``(ii) consumes at least 23 percent, but
                        not more than 24.9 percent, less kilowatt hours
                        per year than the 2001 energy conservation
                        standards,
                    ``(C) $100 in the case of a residential model
                refrigerator which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, 2009, or 2010, and
                            ``(ii) consumes at least 25 percent, but
                        not more than 29.9 percent, less kilowatt hours
                        per year than the 2001 energy conservation
                        standards, and
                    ``(D) $200 in the case of a residential model
                refrigerator which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, 2009, or 2010, and
                            ``(ii) consumes at least 30 percent less
                        kilowatt hours per year than the 2001 energy
                        conservation standards.
            ``(4) Dehumidifiers.--The applicable amount is--
                    ``(A) $15 in the case of a dehumidifier which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, and
                            ``(ii) has a capacity less than or equal to
                        45 pints per day and is 7.5 percent more
                        efficient than the applicable Department of
                        Energy energy conservation standard effective
                        October 2012, and
                    ``(B) $25 in the case of a dehumidifier which--
                            ``(i) is manufactured in calendar year
                        2008, and
                            ``(ii) has a capacity greater than 45 pints
                        per day and is 7.5 percent more efficient than
                        such conservation standard.
    ``(c) Eligible Production.--The eligible production in a calendar
year with respect to each type of qualified energy efficient appliance
is the excess of--
            ``(1) the number of appliances of such type which are
        produced by the taxpayer for sale within the United States
        during such calendar year, over
            ``(2) the average number of appliances of such type which
        were produced by the taxpayer (or any predecessor) for sale
        within the United States during the preceding 2-calendar year
        period.
    ``(d) Types of Qualified Energy Efficient Appliances.--For purposes
of this section, the types of qualified energy efficient appliances
are--
            ``(1) dishwashers described in subsection (b)(1),
            ``(2) clothes washers described in subsection (b)(2),
            ``(3) refrigerators described in subsection (b)(3), and
            ``(4) dehumidifiers described in subsection (b)(4).
    ``(e) Limitations.--
            ``(1) Aggregate credit amount allowed.--Except as provided
        in paragraph (2), the aggregate amount of credit allowed under
        subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for any taxable year
        shall not exceed $100,000,000 reduced by the amount of the
        credit allowed under subsection (a) to the taxpayer (or any
        predecessor) for all prior taxable years beginning after
        December 31, 2007.
            ``(2) Amount allowed for certain clothes washers and
        refrigerators.--For purposes of paragraph (1), clothes washers
        described in subsection (b)(2)(D) and refrigerators described
        in subsection (b)(3)(D) shall not be taken into account.
            ``(3) Limitation based on gross receipts.--The credit
        allowed under subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for the
        taxable year shall not exceed an amount equal to 2 percent of
        the average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the 3
        taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the credit is
        determined beginning after December 31, 2007.
            ``(4) Gross receipts.--For purposes of this subsection, the
        rules of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 448(c) shall apply.
    ``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
            ``(1) Dishwasher.--The term `dishwasher' means a dishwasher
        subject to the energy conservation standards established by the
        Department of Energy.
            ``(2) Clothes washer.--The term `clothes washer' includes a
        clothes washer subject to the energy conservation standards
        established by the Department of Energy.
            ``(3) Top-loading clothes washer.--The term `top-loading
        clothes washer' means a clothes washer with the clothes
        container compartment access located on the top of the machine.
            ``(4) Refrigerator.--The term `refrigerator' means an
        automatic defrost refrigerator-freezer which has an internal
        volume of at least 16.5 cubic feet.
            ``(5) Dehumidifier.--The term `dehumidifier' means a self-
        contained, electrically operated, and mechanically refrigerated
        encased assembly consisting of--
                    ``(A) a refrigerated surface that condenses
                moisture from the atmosphere,
                    ``(B) a refrigerating system, including an electric
                motor,
                    ``(C) an air-circulating fan, and
                    ``(D) means for collecting or disposing of
                condensate.
            ``(6) Gallons per cycle.--The term `gallons per cycle'
        means the amount of water, expressed in gallons, required to
        complete a normal cycle of a dishwasher.
            ``(7) MEF.--The term `MEF' means the modified energy factor
        established by the Department of Energy for compliance with the
        Federal energy conservation standard.
            ``(8) Water consumption factor.--The term `water
        consumption factor' means the quotient of the total weighted
        per-cycle water consumption divided by the cubic foot capacity
        of the clothes washer.
            ``(9) 2001 energy conservation standard.--The term `2001
        energy conservation standard' means the energy conservation
        standards promulgated by the Department of Energy and effective
        July 1, 2001.
    ``(g) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section:
            ``(1) In general.--Rules similar to the rules of
        subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 52 shall apply.
            ``(2) Controlled group.--
                    ``(A) In general.--All persons treated as a single
                employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or
                subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated
                as a single producer.
                    ``(B) Inclusion of foreign corporations.--For
                purposes of subparagraph (A), in applying subsections
                (a) and (b) of section 52 to this section, section 1563
                shall be applied without regard to subsection (b)(2)(C)
                thereof.
            ``(3) Verification.--No amount shall be allowed as a credit
        under subsection (a) with respect to which the taxpayer has not
        submitted such information or certification as the Secretary,
        in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, determines
        necessary.''.
    (b) Credit Allowed Against the Alternative Minimum Tax.--Section
38(c)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to specified
credits) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (i),
            (2) by striking the period at the end of clause (ii)(II)
        and inserting ``, and'', and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                            ``(iii) for taxable years beginning after
                        December 31, 2007, the credit determined under
                        section 45M.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to appliances produced after December 31, 2007.

Summary: Super-Efficient Appliance Incentives and Market Transformation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the applicable amount of the tax credit for energy efficient appliances produced after 2007.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the energy efficient appliance credit for appliances produced after 2007.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Mississippi Gulf Coast National
Heritage Area Act''.

SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) the 6-county area in southern Mississippi located on
        the Gulf of Mexico and in the Mississippi Coastal Plain has a
        unique identity that is shaped by--
                    (A) the coastal and riverine environment; and
                    (B) the diverse cultures that have settled in the
                area;
            (2) the area is rich with diverse cultural and historical
        significance, including--
                    (A) early Native American settlements; and
                    (B) Spanish, French, and English settlements
                originating in the 1600s;
            (3) the area includes spectacular natural, scenic, and
        recreational resources;
            (4) there is broad support from local governments and other
        interested individuals for the establishment of the Mississippi
        Gulf Coast National Heritage Area to coordinate and assist in
        the preservation and interpretation of those resources;
            (5) the Comprehensive Resource Management Plan, coordinated
        by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources--
                    (A) is a collaborative effort of the Federal
                Government and State and local governments in the area;
                and
                    (B) is a natural foundation on which to establish
                the Heritage Area; and
            (6) establishment of the Heritage Area would assist local
        communities and residents in preserving the unique cultural,
        historical, and natural resources of the area.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the
        Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area established by
        section 4(a).
            (2) Coordinating entity.--The term ``coordinating entity''
        means the coordinating entity for the Heritage Area designated
        by section 4(c).
            (3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
        the management plan for the Heritage Area developed under
        section 5.
            (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior.
            (5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
        Mississippi.

SEC. 4. MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established in the State the
Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area.
    (b) Boundaries.--The Heritage Area shall consist of the counties of
Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson in the
State.
    (c) Coordinating Entity.--
            (1) In general.--The Mississippi Department of Marine
        Resources, in consultation with the Mississippi Department of
        Archives and History, shall serve as the coordinating entity
        for the Heritage Area.
            (2) Oversight committee.--The coordinating entity shall
        ensure that each of the 6 counties included in the Heritage
        Area is appropriately represented on any oversight committee.

SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the coordinating entity shall develop and submit to the
Secretary a management plan for the Heritage Area.
    (b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
            (1) provide recommendations for the conservation, funding,
        management, interpretation, and development of the cultural,
        historical, archaeological, natural, and recreational resources
        of the Heritage Area;
            (2) identify sources of funding for the Heritage Area;
            (3) include--
                    (A) an inventory of the cultural, historical,
                archaeological, natural, and recreational resources of
                the Heritage Area; and
                    (B) an analysis of ways in which Federal, State,
                tribal, and local programs may best be coordinated to
                promote the purposes of this Act;
            (4) provide recommendations for educational and
        interpretive programs to inform the public about the resources
        of the Heritage Area; and
            (5) involve residents of affected communities and tribal
        and local governments.
    (c) Failure to Submit.--If a management plan is not submitted to
the Secretary by the date specified in subsection (a), the Secretary
shall not provide any additional funding under this Act until a
management plan for the Heritage Area is submitted to the Secretary.
    (d) Approval or Disapproval of the Management Plan.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receipt of
        the management plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
        approve or disapprove the management plan.
            (2) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary
        disapproves a management plan under paragraph (1), the
        Secretary shall--
                    (A) advise the coordinating entity in writing of
                the reasons for disapproval;
                    (B) make recommendations for revision of the
                management plan; and
                    (C) allow the coordinating entity to submit to the
                Secretary revisions to the management plan.
    (e) Revision.--After approval by the Secretary of the management
plan, the coordinating entity shall periodically--
            (1) review the management plan; and
            (2) submit to the Secretary, for review and approval by the
        Secretary, any recommendations for revisions to the management
        plan.

SEC. 6. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF COORDINATING ENTITY.

    (a) Authorities.--For purposes of developing and implementing the
management plan and otherwise carrying out this Act, the coordinating
entity may make grants to and provide technical assistance to tribal
and local governments, and other public and private entities.
    (b) Duties.--In addition to developing the management plan under
section 5, in carrying out this Act, the coordinating entity shall--
            (1) implement the management plan; and
            (2) assist local and tribal governments and non-profit
        organizations in--
                    (A) establishing and maintaining interpretive
                exhibits in the Heritage Area;
                    (B) developing recreational resources in the
                Heritage Area;
                    (C) increasing public awareness of, and
                appreciation for, the cultural, historical,
                archaeological, and natural resources of the Heritage
                Area;
                    (D) restoring historic structures that relate to
                the Heritage Area; and
                    (E) carrying out any other activity that the
                coordinating entity determines to be appropriate to
                carry out this Act, consistent with the management
                plan;
            (3) conduct public meetings at least annually regarding the
        implementation of the management plan; and
            (4) for any fiscal year for which Federal funds are made
        available under section 9--
                    (A) submit to the Secretary a report that
                describes, for the fiscal year, the actions of the
                coordinating entity in carrying out this Act;
                    (B) make available to the Secretary for audit all
                records relating to the expenditure of funds and any
                matching funds; and
                    (C) require, for all agreements authorizing the
                expenditure of Federal funds by any entity, that the
                receiving entity make available to the Secretary for
                audit all records relating to the expenditure of the
                funds.
    (c) Prohibition on Acquisition of Real Property.--The coordinating
entity shall not use Federal funds made available under this Act to
acquire real property or any interest in real property.

SEC. 7. TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

    (a) In General.--On the request of the coordinating entity, the
Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance to the
coordinating entity for use in the development and implementation of
the management plan.
    (b) Prohibition of Certain Requirements.--The Secretary may not, as
a condition of the provision of technical or financial assistance under
this section, require any recipient of the assistance to impose or
modify any land use restriction or zoning ordinance.

SEC. 8. EFFECT OF ACT.

    Nothing in this Act--
            (1) affects or authorizes the coordinating entity to
        interfere with--
                    (A) the right of any person with respect to private
                property; or
                    (B) any local zoning ordinance or land use plan;
            (2) restricts an Indian tribe from protecting cultural or
        religious sites on tribal land;
            (3) modifies, enlarges, or diminishes the authority of any
        State, tribal, or local government to regulate any use of land
        under any other law (including regulations);
            (4)(A) modifies, enlarges, or diminishes the authority of
        the State to manage fish and wildlife in the Heritage Area,
        including the regulation of fishing and hunting; or
            (B) authorizes the coordinating entity to assume any
        management authorities over such lands; or
            (5) diminishes the trust responsibilities or government-to-
        government obligations of the United States to any federally
        recognized Indian tribe.

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may be made
available for any fiscal year.
    (b) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--The Federal share of the total cost
of any activity assisted under this Act shall be not more than 50
percent.

Summary: Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Act - Establishes, in the State of Mississippi, the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area, and assigns the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to serve as the Area's coordinating entity . Directs the entity to develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a management plan for the Area. States elements that the plan shall contain, including recommendations for: (1) the conservation and development of the Area's resources. And (2) educational and interpretive programs. Directs the Secretary to approve or disapprove of the plan. Directs the entity to periodically review the plan and to submit amendments for approval. Allows the entity to make grants to and provide technical assistance to tribal and local governments and other public and private entities to further the development and implementation of the plan. Directs the entity to perform certain functions in carrying out this Act, including to: (1) assist local and tribal governments and non-profits in various ways. And (2) make available to the Secretary for audit all records relating to the expenditure of funds and any matching funds. Sets forth things this Act shall not do, including that it shall not restrict an Indian tribe from protecting cultural or religious sites on tribal land.

To establish the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area in the State of Mississippi, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Fair Trade in Grain Act of 1993''.

SEC. 2. MONITORING OF DOMESTIC USES MADE OF CERTAIN FOREIGN GRAIN AFTER
              IMPORTATION.

    (a) Definitions.--As used in this section:
            (1) Entry.--The term ``entry'' means the entry into, or the
        withdrawal from warehouse for consumption in, the customs
        territory of the United States.
            (2) Foreign grain.--The term ``foreign grain'' means any of
        the following, if a product of any foreign country or
        instrumentality:
                    (A) Wheat provided for in heading 1001 of the
                Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
                    (B) Barley provided for in heading 1003.00 of such
                Schedule.
                    (C) Oats provided for in heading 1004.00.00 of such
                Schedule.
    (b) Certification Requirements Regarding Foreign Grain.--
            (1) End-use certificate.--An end-use certificate that meets
        the requirements of subsection (c) shall be included in the
        documentation covering the entry of any foreign grain.
            (2) Quarterly reports.--A consignee of imported foreign
        grain shall submit to the Secretary of Agriculture a quarterly
        report that certifies--
                    (A) what percentage of the foreign grain covered by
                an end-use certificate was used by the consignee during
                the quarter; and
                    (B) that the grain referred to in paragraph (1) was
                used by the consignee for the purpose stated in the
                end-use certificate.
    (c) End-Use Certificate and Quarterly Report Content.--The end-use
certificates and quarterly reports required under subsection (b) shall
be in such form, and require such information, as the Secretary of
Agriculture considers necessary or appropriate to carry out the
purposes of this section, including--
            (1) in the case of the end-use certificate--
                    (A) the name and address of the importer of record
                of the foreign grain covered by the certificate;
                    (B) the name and address of the consignee of the
                grain;
                    (C) the identification of the country of origin of
                the grain;
                    (D) a description by class and quantity of the
                grain;
                    (E) a specification of the purpose for which the
                consignee will use the grain; and
                    (F) the identification of the transporter of the
                grain from the port of entry to the processing facility
                of the consignee; and
            (2) in the case of the quarterly report--
                    (A) the information referred to in subparagraphs
                (A) and (B) of paragraph (1);
                    (B) the identification of the end-use certificates
                currently held by the consignee;
                    (C) a statement of the quantity of the foreign
                grain covered by each of the end-use certificates
                identified under subparagraph (B) that was used during
                the quarter;
                    (D) a statement of the use made during the quarter
                by the consignee of each quantity referred to in
                subparagraph (C); and
                    (E) a statement of the quantity of wheat, barley,
                and oats that have been exported by the consignee
                during the quarter.
    (d) Regulations.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall prescribe such
requirements regarding the preparation and submission of the quarterly
reports required under subsection (b)(2) as may be necessary or
appropriate to carry out this section.
    (e) Penalties.--
            (1) Customs penalties.--End-use certificates required under
        this section shall be treated as any other customs
        documentation for purposes of applying the customs laws that
        prohibit the entry, or the attempt to enter, merchandise by
        fraud, gross negligence, or negligence.
            (2) Civil penalties.--Any person who knowingly violates any
        requirement prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture to carry
        out this section is punishable by a civil penalty in an amount
        not to exceed $10,000.
    (f) Entry Prohibited Unless End-Use Certificate Presented.--The
Commissioner of Customs may not permit the entry of foreign grain
unless the importer of record presents at the time of entry of the
grain an end-use certificate that complies with the applicable
requirements of subsection (c).

SEC. 3. USE OF EXPORT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE WHEAT EXPORTS TO
              MEXICO.

    Section 301(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
5651(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(9) Promotion of wheat exports to mexico.--In carrying
        out the program established under this section, the Secretary
        shall provide agricultural commodities or cash payments, or
        both, to promote the export of wheat to Mexico.''.

SEC. 4. INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION WITH RESPECT TO CANADIAN WHEAT
              SUBSIDIES.

    Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the administering authority shall initiate a countervailing duty
investigation and an antidumping duty investigation under title VII of
the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.) with respect to the
subsidies provided by Canada in connection with the exportation of
wheat to the United States.

Summary: Fair Trade in Grain Act of 1993 - Requires a consignee of imported foreign grain to: (1) include an end-use certificate in the documentation covering the entry of such grain. And (2) submit to the Secretary of Agriculture certain quarterly reports regarding the use of such grain. Sets forth civil penalties. Prohibits the Commissioner of Customs from permitting the entry of such grain unless the importer of record presents such certificate at the time of entry. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to require the Secretary to provide agricultural commodities or cash payments, or both, to promote US wheat exports to Mexico. Directs the administering authority to initiate a countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigation with respect to Canadian subsidies for wheat exported to the United States.

Fair Trade in Grain Act of 1993


SECTION 1. INCREASED CREDIT FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH.

    (a) In General.--Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to credit for increasing research activities) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(i) Increased Credit for Medical Research.--
            ``(1) General rule.--Subsection (a) of this section shall
        be applied by substituting--
                    ``(A) `40 percent' for `20 percent' in paragraph
                (1) thereof with respect to qualified medical research
                expenses, and
                    ``(B) `medical research base amount' for `base
                amount'.
            ``(2) Qualified medical research expenses.--For purposes of
        this subsection--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified medical
                research expenses' means qualified research expenses--
                            ``(i) incurred for research in, or
                        reasonably expected to lead to, the development
                        of any medical product for the prevention,
                        cure, or alleviation of human disease,
                        sickness, or injury, and
                            ``(ii) incurred before the earliest of--
                                    ``(I) the date on which an
                                application with respect to such
                                product is approved under section
                                505(b) or 505A of the Federal Food,
                                Drug, and Cosmetic Act,
                                    ``(II) the date on which a license
                                for such product is approved under
                                section 351 of the Public Health
                                Service Act, or
                                    ``(III) the later of the date
                                classification of such product as
                                intended for human use is made under
                                section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug,
                                and Cosmetic Act or the date of
                                approval of such product as intended
                                for human use is granted under section
                                515 of such Act.
                    ``(B) Exclusion of research after commercial
                production not to apply.--For purposes of this
                paragraph, the term `qualified research expenses' shall
                be determined without regard to subsection (d)(4)(A).
                    ``(C) Special rule for certain testing.--The term
                `qualified medical research expenses' includes
                qualified research expenses for preclinical and
                clinical testing occurring after the earliest date
                under subparagraph (A)(ii) if the purpose of such
                testing is to develop new functional uses (including
                pediatric studies as described in section 355A(g) of
                the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act),
                characteristics, indications, combinations, dosages, or
                delivery forms to an existing product.
                    ``(D) Product.--For purposes of this paragraph, the
                term `product' means any drug, biologic, medical, or
                diagnostic test, or medical device.
            ``(3) Medical research base amount.--For purposes of this
        subsection--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
                subparagraph (C), the term `medical research base
                amount' means, with respect to any taxable year, the
                average of the taxpayer's qualified medical research
                expenses for those taxable years in the base period
                during which the taxpayer paid or incurred qualified
                medical research expenses. The Secretary may prescribe
                regulations providing that de minimis amounts of
                qualified medical research expenses shall be
                disregarded under the preceding sentence.
                    ``(B) Base period.--For purposes of subparagraph
                (A), the base period is the period consisting of--
                            ``(i) the most recent taxable year ending
                        at least 6 months before the taxable year for
which the medical research base amount is being determined, and
                            ``(ii) the 4 taxable years preceding such
                        most recent taxable year.
                    ``(C) Medical base period amount for first 2
                taxable years.--For each of the first 2 taxable years
                during which the taxpayer pays or incurs qualified
                medical research expenses, the term `medical research
                base amount' means 60 percent of the taxpayer's
                qualified medical research expenses for the taxable
                year for which such base period amount is determined.
            ``(4) Research conducted by academic and medical
        institutions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subsection (b)(3)(A) shall be
                applied--
                            ``(i) by substituting `100 percent' for `65
                        percent' with respect to amounts paid to a
                        qualified academic institution for qualified
                        research described in paragraph (2), and
                            ``(ii) by substituting `85 percent' for `65
                        percent' with respect to amounts paid to a
                        qualified nonprofit medical institution for
                        qualified research described in paragraph (2).
                    ``(B) Qualified academic institution.--For purposes
                of this paragraph, the term `qualified academic
                institution' means any of the following institutions:
                            ``(i) Educational institutions.--Any
                        institution described in section
                        170(b)(1)(A)(ii) or (iii) which is owned or
                        affiliated with an institution of higher
                        education as described in section 3304(f).
                            ``(ii) Cancer research institutions.--Any
                        cancer research institution which is designated
                        as a cancer center by the National Cancer
                        Institute, is, or is owned by, an organization
                        described in section 501(c)(3), is exempt from
                        taxation under section 501(a), and is not a
                        private foundation.
                            ``(iii) Nonprofit independent research
                        institutions.--Any not-for-profit, independent
                        research institute which is described in
                        section 501(c)(3), is exempt from taxation
                        under section 501(a), and is organized and
                        operated exclusively for scientific or
                        educational purposes.
                    ``(C) Qualified nonprofit medical institution.--For
                purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified
                nonprofit medical institution' means any not-for-profit
                organization that is described in section 501(c)(3), is
                exempt from taxation under section 501(a) by reason of
                its operation of a hospital or medical or health
                activity, is not a private foundation, and is not a
                qualified academic institution.
            ``(5) Election of alternative incremental medical research
        credit.--
                    ``(A) In general.--At the election of the taxpayer,
                the credit determined under this subsection shall be
                the sum of--
                            ``(i) 1.65 percent of so much of the
                        taxpayer's qualified medical research expenses
                        for the taxable year as exceeds 1 percent of
                        the gross receipts of the taxpayer for the year
                        but does not exceed 1.5 percent of such gross
                        receipts,
                            ``(ii) 2.2 percent of so much of such
                        expenses as exceeds 1.5 percent of such gross
                        receipts but does not exceed 2 percent of such
                        gross receipts, and
                            ``(iii) 2.75 percent of so much of such
                        expenses as exceeds 2 percent of such receipts.
                    ``(B) Election.--An election under this subsection
                shall apply only to the taxable year for which made.
            ``(6) Coordination.--In determining the amount of the
        credit allowed by subsection (a) for expenses which are not
        allowed the increased credit under this subsection--
                    ``(A) the amount of qualified research expenses
                shall be computed by excluding qualified medical
                research expenses for which the increased credit
                determined under this subsection is allowed;
                    ``(B) the base amount determined under paragraph
                (1) of subsection (c) shall be computed by excluding
                qualified medical research expenses for which the
                increased credit determined under this subsection is
                allowed from qualified research expenses for purposes
                of that computation; and
                    ``(C) the alternative incremental credit determined
                under subsection (c)(4) shall be computed by excluding
                qualified medical research expenses for which the
                increased credit determined under this subsection is
                allowed from qualified research expenses for purposes
                of that computation.''
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning the credit for increasing research activities provisions to provide for an increased credit for qualified medical research expenses.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an increased credit for medical research.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Support for Democracy and Human
Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) When Zimbabwe achieved independence in 1980, its
        economic and democratic prospects were bright and President
        Robert Mugabe was hailed as a liberator. However, 27 years
        later, the economy of Zimbabwe has collapsed as income per
        capita has fallen below the 1953 level and President Mugabe's
        Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF)
        government has increasingly and systematically exercised
        repression of political opposition and engaged in violations of
        human rights.
            (2) The Department of State's 2006 Country Report on Human
        Rights Practices states that Zimbabwe's 2002 presidential
        election and 2005 parliamentary elections were neither free nor
        fair, and reports that President Mugabe's government interfered
        with the campaign activities of the opposition, intimidated
        voters, and distributed food in a partisan manner.
            (3) The Department of State Report also finds that the
        Government of Zimbabwe continues to--
                    (A) restrict freedom of assembly, movement, and
                association;
                    (B) forcibly evict civilians from their land; and
                    (C) harass and abuse members of the opposition, the
                media, the religious community, civil society, and
                organized labor.
            (4) According to the Freedom House Freedom in the World
        2007 report, ``In 2006, Zimbabwe suffered from a further
        deterioration of political rights and civil liberties amid a
        near-total collapse of the country's economy.''.
            (5) Zimbabwe is a member of the United Nations, the African
        Union, the Southern African Development Community, the African
        Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the
        World Trade Organization, and a party to the Universal
        Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and
        Peoples' Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and
        Political Rights.
            (6) Section 2 of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic
        Recovery Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-99; 22 U.S.C. 2151 note)
        states, ``It is the policy of the United States to support the
        people of Zimbabwe in their struggle to effect peaceful,
        democratic change, achieve broad-based and equitable economic
        growth, and restore the rule of law.''.
            (7) In 2002 and 2003, the United States imposed financial
        and immigration sanctions targeted against selected
        individuals, a ban on the transfer of defense items and
        services, and a suspension of nonhumanitarian government-to-
        government assistance, although the United States remains one
        of the leading providers of humanitarian assistance to the
        people of Zimbabwe.
            (8) The United Nations, the European Union, the United
        States, human rights organizations, and many others have
        condemned the security forces of Zimbabwe for the beating,
        detention, and arrest of opposition and civil society members
        attending a prayer meeting on March 11, 2007.
            (9) In March 2007, the heads of state of the Southern
        African Development Community announced that the President of
        South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will mediate between President
        Mugabe and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change in
        advance of the 2008 presidential election, but failed to
        condemn the Government of Zimbabwe for its human rights abuses
        and restriction of democratic space.
            (10) On March 30, 2007, it was announced that the ZANU-PF
        central committee had chosen President Mugabe as the party's
        candidate for the 2008 election and that the parliamentary
        elections will also be held in 2008, instead of 2010.
            (11) A Human Rights Watch report released in May 2007
        concluded, ``Arbitrary arrests, detentions, and brutal beatings
        by police and security forces skyrocketed in March and April,
        and continue unabated. . . . The Zimbabwean government is
        violating the human rights of its citizens with impunity.''.

SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

    It is the policy of the United States--
            (1) to support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to
        promote democracy and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe; and
            (2) to call on President Mugabe to immediately restore
        democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe.

SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE.

    The following is the sense of Congress:
            (1) The United States welcomes and commends the
        announcement by the Southern African Development Community that
        the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will lead
        negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties in
        Zimbabwe to resolve the political and humanitarian crisis in a
        way that reflects the will of the people of Zimbabwe and
        respects international standards.
            (2) The creation of a level playing field for those who
        want to participate in the political process in Zimbabwe and
        the encouragement of transparency in the political process
        should be priority objectives in the negotiations.
            (3) All preparations should be made to hold free, fair, and
        peaceful elections in accordance with international standards,
        such as the Southern African Development Community
        Parliamentary Forum Election Norms and Guidelines.
            (4) Cooperation between the United States, regional players
        in Africa, and the wider international community is an
        important component of a proactive strategy to support
        democratic rule and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe.
            (5) Normalized relations with the Government of Zimbabwe
        are desirable, but until the Government of Zimbabwe promotes
        democracy and the rule of law, the United States will continue
        to isolate the Government of Zimbabwe and expand financial and
        travel sanctions targeted against those responsible for
        repressing the people of Zimbabwe.
            (6) The United States Permanent Representative to the
        United Nations should use the voice and vote of the United
        States in the United Nations Security Council to emphasize the
        threat to international peace and security posed by the
        Government of Zimbabwe.

SEC. 5. BRIEFING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and quarterly thereafter, the Secretary of State
shall provide to Congress a briefing on the strategy of the United
States for engagement with Zimbabwe.
    (b) Content.--The briefing required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
            (1) The details of a comprehensive policy of the United
        States to support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to
        promote democratic rule and respect for human rights in
        Zimbabwe, including support for free, fair and peaceful
        elections.
            (2) An assessment of the resources necessary to most
        effectively enable Zimbabwe to return peacefully to a state of
        democratic governance, with respect for human rights and the
        rule of law.
            (3) A diplomatic strategy for engaging and encouraging
        regional partners in Africa to help facilitate the transition
        of Zimbabwe to democracy.
            (4) A review of policy options in the event of further
        deterioration of the situation in Zimbabwe.
            (5) A review of policy options in the event of an
        improvement in the situation in Zimbabwe.
            (6) Indicators of progress toward democracy and respect for
        human rights that would allow for the removal of targeted
        bilateral sanctions on Zimbabwe and strengthened relations with
        the Government of Zimbabwe.
    (c) Consultation.--The Secretary of State shall, to the extent
possible, develop the strategy described in subsection (a) in
consultation with--
            (1) the United Nations;
            (2) the African Union;
            (3) the Southern African Development Community;
            (4) other multilateral organizations; and
            (5) interested States.
    (d) Sunset.--The requirements of this section shall cease to be
effective after the date that is 3 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there
are authorized to be appropriated up to $10,000,000 for the purpose
described in subsection (b).
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose described in this subsection is to
support democracy and governance activities in Zimbabwe consistent with
the provisions of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of
2001 (Public Law 107-99; 22 U.S.C. 2151 note), including through--
            (1) support for free, fair, and peaceful national elections
        in accordance with international standards;
            (2) support for the capacity of civil society to create
        nonviolent political space in Zimbabwe; and
            (3) support for programs to defend and protect the human
        rights of the people of Zimbabwe.

Summary: Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007 - States that is US policy to: (1) support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe. And (2) call on President Mugabe to restore democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States welcomes the Southern African Development Community's announcement that the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will lead negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties in Zimbabwe. (2) preparations should be made to hold free elections in accordance with international standards. (3) cooperation among the United States, regional players in Africa, and the international community is an important component of a proactive strategy to support democratic rule and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe. (4) normalized relations with the government of Zimbabwe are desirable but until the government of Zimbabwe promotes democracy and the rule of law the United States will continue to isolate the government of Zimbabwe and expand financial and travel sanctions against those responsible for repressing Zimbabwe's people. And (5) the United States should use its influence in the U. N. Security Council to emphasize the threat to international peace posed by the government of Zimbabwe. Directs the Secretary of State to provide Congress with quarterly briefings on US strategy for engagement with Zimbabwe. Authorizes appropriations to support democracy and governance activities in Zimbabwe, including support for: (1) free and peaceful national elections, (2) creation of nonviolent political space, and (3) human rights programs.

A bill to support democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Access to Quality Diabetes Education
Act of 2013''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
        (hereinafter ``CDC'') report that nearly 26,000,000 Americans
        have diabetes, in addition to an estimated 79,000,000 Americans
        who have prediabetes, an increase of 24,000,000 Americans with
        either diabetes or prediabetes since 2008. People with
        prediabetes are at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
        or cardiovascular disease.
            (2) Diabetes impacts 8.3 percent of all Americans and 11.3
        percent of American adults. The CDC estimates that as many as 1
        in 3 Americans will have diabetes by 2050 if current trends
        continue.
            (3) According to the American Diabetes Association, the
        total costs of diagnosed diabetes have risen to $245 billion in
        2012 from $174 billion in 2007, when the cost was last examined
        by the CDC. This figure represents a 41 percent increase over a
        five-year period.
            (4) One in 3 Medicare dollars is currently spent on people
        with diabetes.
            (5) There were 11.3 million diabetes related emergency room
        visits in 2008, compared with 9.5 million in 2000, an increase
        of 11 percent.
            (6) According to the CDC, health care providers are finding
        statistically significant increases in the prevalence of Type 2
        diabetes in children and adolescents.
            (7) Diabetes self-management training (hereinafter
        ``DSMT''), also called diabetes education, provides critical
        knowledge and skills training to patients with diabetes,
        helping them manage medications, address nutritional issues,
        facilitate diabetes-related problem solving, and make other
        critical lifestyle changes to effectively manage their
        diabetes. Evidence shows that individuals participating in DSMT
        programs are able to progress along the continuum necessary to
        make sustained behavioral changes in order to manage their
        diabetes.
            (8) A certified diabetes educator is a State licensed or
        registered health care professional who specializes in helping
        people with diabetes develop the self-management skills needed
        to stay healthy and avoid costly acute complications and
        emergency care, as well as debilitating secondary conditions
        caused by diabetes.
            (9) Diabetes self-management training has been proven
        effective in helping to reduce the risks and complications of
        diabetes and is a vital component of an overall diabetes
        treatment regimen. Patients who have received training from a
        certified diabetes educator are better able to implement the
        treatment plan received from a physician skilled in diabetes
        treatment.
            (10) Lifestyle changes, such as those taught by certified
        diabetes educators, directly contribute to better glycemic
        control and reduced complications from diabetes. Evidence shows
        that the potential for prevention of the most serious medical
        complications caused by diabetes to be as high as 90 percent
        (blindness), 85 percent (amputations), and 50 percent (heart
        disease and stroke) with proper medical treatment and active
        self-management.
            (11) In recognition of the important role of DSMT programs,
        the CDC in 2012 awarded funding to expand the National Diabetes
        Prevention Program to help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes
        for individuals at high risk.
            (12) The net savings to the Medicare program of ensuring
        that beneficiaries have access to quality DSMT is estimated to
        be $2,000,000,000 over 10 years.
            (13) Despite its effectiveness in reducing diabetes-related
        complications and associated costs, diabetes self-management
        training has been recognized by the Centers for Medicare &
        Medicaid Services as an underutilized Medicare benefit, even
        after more than a decade of coverage.
            (14) Enhancing access to diabetes self-management training
        programs that are certified as necessary by the patient's
        treating physician and taught by certified diabetes educators
        is an important public policy goal that can help improve health
        outcomes, ensure quality, and reduce escalating diabetes-
        related health costs.

SEC. 3. RECOGNITION OF CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATORS AS AUTHORIZED
              PROVIDERS OF MEDICARE DIABETES OUTPATIENT SELF-MANAGEMENT
              TRAINING SERVICES.

    (a) In General.--Section 1861(qq) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(qq)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``by a certified provider
        (as described in paragraph (2)(A)) in an outpatient setting''
        and inserting ``in an outpatient setting by a certified
        diabetes educator (as defined in paragraph (3)) or by a
        certified provider (as described in paragraph (2)(A))''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
    ``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `certified diabetes
educator' means an individual--
            ``(A) who is licensed or registered by the State in which
        the services are performed as a certified diabetes educator; or
            ``(B) who--
                    ``(i) is licensed or registered by the State in
                which the services are performed as a health care
                professional;
                    ``(ii) specializes in teaching individuals with
                diabetes to develop the necessary skills and knowledge
                to manage the individual's diabetic condition; and
                    ``(iii) is certified as a diabetes educator by a
                recognized certifying body (as defined in paragraph
                (4)).
    ``(4) For purposes of paragraph (3)(B)(iii), the term `recognized
certifying body' means a certifying body for diabetes educators which
is recognized by the Secretary as authorized to grant certification of
diabetes educators for purposes of this subsection pursuant to
standards established by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Treatment as a Practitioner, Including for Telehealth
Services.--Section 1842(b)(18)(C) of the such Act (42 U.S.C.
1395u(b)(18)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
clause:
            ``(vii) A certified diabetes educator (as defined in
        section 1861(qq)(3)).''.
    (c) GAO Study and Report.--
            (1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
        shall conduct a study to identify the barriers that exist for
        Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes
        self-management training services under the Medicare program,
        including economic and geographic barriers and availability of
        appropriate referrals and access to adequate and qualified
        providers.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
        States shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted
        under paragraph (1).
    (d) AHRQ Development of Recommendations for Outreach Methods and
Report.--
            (1) Development of recommendations.--The Director of the
        Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shall, through use
        of a workshop and other appropriate means, develop a series of
        recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate
        physicians and other health care providers as well as the
        public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training
        in order to promote better health outcomes for patients with
        diabetes.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Director of the Agency for
        Healthcare Research and Quality shall submit to Congress a
        report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1).
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to items and services furnished after the end of the 12-month
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered certified diabetes educators or state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who specialize in teaching individuals with diabetes to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the individual's diabetic condition and are certified as a diabetes educator by a recognized certifying body. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Requires the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and other health care providers as well as the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Trade Enforcement and Trade Deficit
Reduction Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The United States market is widely recognized as one of
        the most open markets in the world. Average United States
        tariff rates are very low and the United States has limited, if
        any, nontariff barriers.
            (2) With each subsequent round of bilateral, regional, and
        multilateral trade negotiations, tariffs have been
        significantly reduced or eliminated for many manufactured
        goods, leaving nontariff barriers as the most pervasive,
        significant, and challenging barriers to United States exports
        and market opportunities.
            (3) Often the only leverage the United States has to obtain
        the reduction or elimination of nontariff barriers imposed by
        foreign countries is to negotiate the amount of tariffs the
        United States imposes on imports from those foreign countries.
            (4) The United States has become the world's largest net
        debtor nation, having run up massive trade deficits since the
        mid-1970s.
            (5) Every year since 1976, whether in expansion or
        recession, the United States has run a deficit in goods and
        services trade, which weakens and detracts from America's
        global leadership position.
            (6) The United States trade deficit in 1993, the year
        before the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went
        into force, was $135.6 billion.
            (7) In 2015, the United States had a deficit in the balance
        of trade in goods and services of $939.8 billion.
            (8) In 2015, the United States had a trade deficit of $179
        billion with countries with which it has free trade agreements.
            (9) Persistent deficits weaken the United States economy,
        defense industrial base, and innovation system and increase the
        likelihood of ownership of large segments of the United States
        economy by foreign interests.

SEC. 3. WITHDRAWAL OF TARIFF CONCESSIONS.

    (a) In General.--If the Department of Commerce determines pursuant
to subsection (c) that--
            (1) a tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of
        the government of a foreign country with respect to United
        States exports of any product has not been reduced or
        eliminated in accordance with the terms of a trade agreement
        entered into between the United States and the foreign country;
        or
            (2) a tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of
        such government with respect to United States exports of any
        product has been imposed or discovered,
the United States Trade Representative shall withdraw any modification
of any duty that reduced or eliminated the bound or applied rate of
duty on any product that has the same physical characteristics and uses
as a product described in paragraph (1) or (2) until such time as the
Department of Commerce submits to Congress a certification that the
foreign government has reduced or eliminated the tariff or nontariff
barrier or policy or practice.
    (b) Investigation.--
            (1) In general.--The Department of Commerce shall initiate
        an investigation if an interested party files a petition with
        the Department of Commerce which alleges the elements necessary
        for the withdrawal of the modification of an existing duty
        under subsection (a), and which is accompanied by information
        reasonably available to the petitioner supporting such
        allegations.
            (2) Interested party defined.--For purposes of paragraph
        (1), the term ``interested party'' means--
                    (A) a manufacturer, producer, or wholesaler in the
                United States of a domestic product that has the same
                physical characteristics and uses as the product for
                which a modification of an existing duty is sought;
                    (B) a certified union or recognized union or group
                of workers engaged in the manufacture, production, or
                wholesale in the United States of a domestic product
                that has the same physical characteristics and uses as
                the product for which a modification of an existing
                duty is sought;
                    (C) a trade or business association a majority of
                whose members manufacture, produce, or wholesale in the
                United States a domestic product that has the same
                physical characteristics and uses as the product for
                which a modification of an existing duty is sought; or
                    (D) a member of the Committee on Ways and Means of
                the House of Representatives or a member of the
                Committee on Finance of the Senate.
    (c) Determination by the Department of Commerce.--Not later than 45
days after the date on which a petition is filed under subsection (b),
the Department of Commerce shall--
            (1) determine whether the petition alleges the elements
        necessary for the withdrawal of the modification of an existing
        duty under subsection (a); and
            (2) notify the petitioner of the determination under
        paragraph (1) and the reasons for the determination.

SEC. 4. TRADE DEFICIT REDUCTION.

    (a) Identification.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
        the enactment of this Act, and monthly thereafter, the
        Department of Commerce shall identify each country from which
        the value of goods and services imported into the United States
        exceeds twice the value of goods and services that are products
        of the United States that are exported from the United States
        to that country.
            (2) Statistical sources.--For purposes of the calculations
        described in this section, the Department of Commerce shall use
        the goods and services trade deficit data compiled by the
        United States International Trade Commission, specifically--
                    (A) U.S. Imports for Consumption data, in the case
                of imports; and
                    (B) U.S. Domestic Exports data, in the case of
                exports.
            (3) Exclusion of least developed countries.--For purposes
        of this subsection, the term ``country'' does not include a
        country that is identified on the most recent List of Least
        Developed Countries published by the United Nations Committee
        for Development Policy.
    (b) Action by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.--In the case of a
country which is identified under subsection (a) for six consecutive
months, U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall bar the importation of
products from a country identified under subsection (a), other than
those granted a waiver under subsection (c), beginning 180 days after
the date on which a determination is made under subsection (a) until
such time that--
            (1) such country is no longer identified under subsection
        (a); or
            (2) the President has provided written notice to Congress
        of the President's intention to enter into negotiations with
        such country to enter into a trade agreement, or changes to an
        existing trade agreement, with such country pursuant to section
        105(a)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities
        and Accountability Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 4204(a)(1)(A)).
    (c) Waiver.--A manufacturer, producer, or wholesaler in the United
States may apply to the Department of Commerce to allow the importation
of a product from a country identified under subsection (a), which the
Department of Commerce shall grant--
            (1) if it is shown that such product is not available in
        sufficient quantities from other sources; and
            (2) for a period not to exceed one year.

Summary: Trade Enforcement and Trade Deficit Reduction Act This bill requires the Office of the US Trade Representative to withdraw tariff concessions granted to a foreign country if the Department of Commerce determines that such country has not reduced or eliminated a tariff or nontariff barrier on US exports in accordance with a trade agreement. Commerce must: (1) initiate an investigation if it receives a petition alleging that a foreign country has not complied with the tariff provisions of a trade agreement, and (2) identify each country whose imports of goods and services to the United States exceed twice the value of US exports to that country over a six month period. The US Customs and Border Protection must bar the importation of products from such a country unless a waiver is granted for such products to a US manufacturer, producer, or wholesaler.