SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Helping Our Professionals
Educationally (HOPE) Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER
              MONTGOMERY GI BILL BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH
              CRITICAL MILITARY SKILLS.

    (a) Authority To Transfer to Family Members.--(1) Subchapter II of
chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:
``Sec. 3020. Transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance:
              members of the Armed Forces with critical military skills
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to the provisions of this section, each
Secretary concerned may, for the purpose of enhancing recruitment and
retention of members of the Armed Forces with critical military skills
and at such Secretary's sole discretion, permit an individual described
in subsection (b) who is entitled to basic educational assistance under
this subchapter to elect to transfer, in whole or in part, up to one-
half of such individual's entitlement to such assistance to the
dependents specified in subsection (c).
    ``(b) Eligible Individuals.--An individual referred to in
subsection (a) is any member of the Armed Forces who, at the time of
the approval by the Secretary concerned of the member's request to
transfer entitlement to basic educational assistance under this
section--
            ``(1) has completed six years of service in the Armed
        Forces;
            ``(2) either--
                    ``(A) has a critical military skill designated by
                the Secretary concerned for purposes of this section;
                or
                    ``(B) is in a military specialty designated by the
                Secretary concerned for purposes of this section as
                requiring critical military skills; and
            ``(3) enters into an agreement to serve at least four more
        years as a member of the Armed Forces.
    ``(c) Eligible Dependents.--An individual approved to transfer an
entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section may
transfer the individual's entitlement as follows:
            ``(1) To the individual's spouse.
            ``(2) To one or more of the individual's children.
            ``(3) To a combination of the individuals referred to in
        paragraphs (1) and (2).
    ``(d) Limitation on Months of Transfer.--The total number of months
of entitlement transferred by an individual under this section may not
exceed 18 months.
    ``(e) Designation of Transferee.--An individual transferring an
entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section shall--
            ``(1) designate the dependent or dependents to whom such
        entitlement is being transferred and the percentage of such
        entitlement to be transferred to each such dependent; and
            ``(2) specify the period for which the transfer shall be
        effective for each dependent designated under paragraph (1).
    ``(f) Time for Transfer; Revocation and Modification.--(1) Subject
to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of
this title, an individual approved to transfer entitlement to basic
educational assistance under this section may transfer such entitlement
at any time after the approval of individual's request to transfer such
entitlement without regard to whether the individual is a member of the
Armed Forces when the transfer is executed.
    ``(2)(A) An individual transferring entitlement under this section
may modify or revoke at any time the transfer of any unused portion of
the entitlement so transferred.
    ``(B) The modification or revocation of the transfer of entitlement
under this paragraph shall be made by the submittal of written notice
of the action to both the Secretary concerned and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
    ``(g) Commencement of Use.--A dependent to whom entitlement to
basic educational assistance is transferred under this section may not
commence the use of the transferred entitlement until the following:
            ``(1) In the case of entitlement transferred to a spouse,
        the completion by the individual making the transfer of 6 years
        of service in the Armed Forces.
            ``(2) In the case of entitlement transferred to a child,
        both--
                    ``(A) the completion by the individual making the
                transfer of 10 years of service in the Armed Forces;
                and
                    ``(B) either--
                            ``(i) the completion by the child of the
                        requirements of a secondary school diploma (or
                        equivalency certificate); or
                            ``(ii) the attainment by the child of 18
                        years of age.
    ``(h) Additional Administrative Matters.--(1) The use of any
entitlement to basic educational assistance transferred under this
section shall be charged against the entitlement of the individual
making the transfer at the rate of one month for each month of
transferred entitlement that is used.
    ``(2) Except as provided under subsection (e)(2) and subject to
paragraphs (4) and (5), a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred
under this section is entitled to basic educational assistance under
this subchapter in the same manner and at the same rate as the
individual from whom the entitlement was transferred.
    ``(3) The death of an individual transferring an entitlement under
this section shall not affect the use of the entitlement by the
individual to whom the entitlement is transferred.
    ``(4) Notwithstanding section 3031 of this title, a child to whom
entitlement is transferred under this section may not use any
entitlement so transferred after attaining the age of 26 years.
    ``(5) The administrative provisions of this chapter (including the
provisions set forth in section 3034(a)(1) of this title) shall apply
to the use of entitlement transferred under this section, except that
the dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred shall be treated
as the eligible veteran for purposes of such provisions.
    ``(6) The purposes for which a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section may use such entitlement shall include
the pursuit and completion of the requirements of a secondary school
diploma (or equivalency certificate).
    ``(i) Overpayment.--(1) In the event of an overpayment of basic
educational assistance with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement
is transferred under this section, the dependent and the individual
making the transfer shall be jointly and severally liable to the United
States for the amount of the overpayment for purposes of section 3685
of this title.
    ``(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), if an individual
transferring entitlement under this section fails to complete the
service agreed to by the individual under subsection (b)(3) in
accordance with the terms of the agreement of the individual under that
subsection, the amount of any transferred entitlement under this
section that is used by a dependent of the individual as of the date of
such failure shall be treated as an overpayment of basic educational
assistance under paragraph (1).
    ``(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply in the case of an individual
who fails to complete service agreed to by the individual--
            ``(A) by reason of the death of the individual; or
            ``(B) for a reason referred to in section
        3011(a)(1)(A)(ii)(I) of this title.
    ``(j) Approvals of Transfer Subject to Availability of
Appropriations.--The Secretary concerned may approve transfers of
entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section in a
fiscal year only to the extent that appropriations for military
personnel are available in the fiscal year for purposes of making
transfers of funds under section 2006 of title 10 with respect to such
transfers of entitlement.
    ``(k) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
regulations for purposes of this section. Such regulations shall
specify the manner and effect of an election to modify or revoke a
transfer of entitlement under subsection (f)(2), and shall specify the
manner of the applicability of the administrative provisions referred
to in subsection (h)(5) to a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section.
    ``(l) Annual Reports.--(1) Not later than January 31, 2003, and
each year thereafter, each Secretary concerned shall submit to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives
a report on the transfers of entitlement to basic educational
assistance under this section that were approved by such Secretary
during the preceding year.
    ``(2) Each report shall set forth--
            ``(A) the number of transfers of entitlement under this
        section that were approved by such Secretary during the
        preceding year; or
            ``(B) if no transfers of entitlement under this section
        were approved by such Secretary during that year, a
        justification for such Secretary's decision not to approve any
        such transfers of entitlement during that year.
    ``(m) Secretary Concerned Defined.--Notwithstanding section 101(25)
of this title, in this section, the term `Secretary concerned' means--
            ``(1) the Secretary of the Army with respect to matters
        concerning the Army;
            ``(2) the Secretary of the Navy with respect to matters
        concerning the Navy or the Marine Corps;
            ``(3) the Secretary of the Air Force with respect to
        matters concerning the Air Force; and
            ``(4) the Secretary of the Defense with respect to matters
        concerning the Coast Guard, or the Secretary of Transportation
        when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3019 the
following new item:

``3020. Transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance:
                            members of the Armed Forces with critical
                            military skills.''.
    (b) Treatment under Department of Defense Education Benefits
Fund.--Section 2006(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) The present value of the future benefits
                payable from the Fund as a result of transfers under
                section 3020 of title 38 of entitlement to basic
                educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38.''.
    (c) Plan for Implementation.--Not later than June 30, 2002, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report describing the
manner in which the Secretaries of the military departments and the
Secretary of Transportation propose to exercise the authority granted
by section 3020 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a).

SEC. 3. AUTHORITY FOR ACCELERATED PAYMENTS OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL
              ASSISTANCE UNDER MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

    (a) In General.--Section 3014 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c)(1)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and
subject to subparagraph (B), an individual entitled to basic
educational assistance under this subchapter may elect to receive an
accelerated payment of the basic educational assistance allowance.
    ``(B) The Secretary may not make an accelerated payment for a
course to an individual who has received an advance payment under
section 3680(d) of this title for the same enrollment period.
    ``(2)(A) Pursuant to an election under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall make an accelerated payment to an individual for a course in a
lump-sum amount equal to the lesser of--
            ``(i) the amount of the educational assistance allowance
        for the month, or fraction thereof, in which the course begins
        plus the educational assistance allowance for each of the
        succeeding four months; or
            ``(ii)(I) in the case of a course offered on a quarter,
        semester, or term basis, the amount of aggregate monthly
        educational assistance allowance otherwise payable under this
        subchapter for the course for the entire quarter, semester, or
        term; or
            ``(II) in the case of a course that is not offered on a
        quarter, semester, or term basis, the amount of aggregate
        monthly educational assistance allowance otherwise payable
        under this subchapter for the entire course.
    ``(B) In the case of an adjustment under section 3015(h) of this
title in the monthly rate of basic educational assistance that occurs
during a period for which an accelerated payment is made under this
subsection, the Secretary shall pay--
            ``(i) on an accelerated basis the amount of the allowance
        otherwise payable under this subchapter for the period without
        regard to the adjustment under that section; and
            ``(ii) on the date of the adjustment any additional amount
        of the allowance that is payable for the period as a result of
        the adjustment.
    ``(3) For each accelerated payment made to an individual under this
subsection, the individual's entitlement under this subchapter shall be
charged at the same rate at which the entitlement would be charged if
the individual had received a monthly educational assistance allowance
for the period of educational pursuit covered by the accelerated
payment.
    ``(4) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this
subsection. The regulations shall include the requirements, conditions,
and methods for the request, issuance, delivery, certification of
receipt and use, and recovery of overpayment of an accelerated payment
under this subsection.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is six months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to courses of
education beginning on or after that date.

SEC. 4. AVAILABILITY OF MONTGOMERY GI BILL BENEFITS FOR TRAINING FOR
              TECHNOLOGICAL OCCUPATIONS OFFERED BY ENTITIES OTHER THAN
              EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 3452(c) of title 38, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
    ``(c) The term `educational institution' means the following:
            ``(1) Any public or private elementary school, secondary
        school, vocational school, correspondence school, business
        school, junior college, teachers' college, college, normal
        school, professional school, university, or scientific or
        technical institution, or other institution furnishing
        education for adults.
            ``(2) Any entity that provides training required for
        completion of any State-approved alternative teacher
        certification program (as determined by the Secretary).
            ``(3) Any entity that provides, either directly or under an
        agreement with another entity, a course or courses to fulfill
        the requirements for the attainment of a license or certificate
        generally recognized as necessary to obtain, maintain, or
        advance in employment in a vocation or profession in a
        technological occupation (as defined by the Secretary).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2001, and shall apply with respect to
training courses, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for
certification for technological occupations beginning on or after that
date.

SEC. 5. MODIFICATION OF TIME FOR USE BY CERTAIN MEMBERS OF SELECTED
              RESERVE OF ENTITLEMENT TO CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

    Section 16133(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(5)(A) In the case of a person who continues to serve as member
of the Selected Reserve as of the end of the 10-year period applicable
to the person under subsection (a), as extended, if at all, under
paragraph (4), the period during which the person may use the person's
entitlement shall expire at the end of the 5-year period beginning on
the date the person is separated from the Selected Reserve.
    ``(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to an
individual otherwise described by that subparagraph who is separated
from the armed forces under other than honorable conditions.
    ``(C) The provisions of paragraph (4) shall apply with respect to
any period of active duty of a person referred to in subparagraph (A)
during the 5-year period referred to in that subparagraph.''.

Summary: Helping Our Professionals Educationally (HOPE) Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to permit a member who is entitled to basic educational assistance under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), has served at least six years, has a critical military skill or is in a military specialty designated as critical, and agrees to serve at least four more years to transfer such assistance to one or more dependents. Allows up to 18 months of entitlement to be transferred. Prohibits a spouse from using such assistance until the transferor has completed six years of service. Prohibits a child from using such assistance until the transferor has completed ten years of service and the child has completed secondary school requirements or is 18 years of age. Authorizes a VEAP-entitled individual to elect to receive an accelerated lump-sum payment of basic educational assistance, under specified conditions. Makes Montgomery GI Bill benefits available for training which leads to licensing or certification in technological occupations. Makes members who continue in the Selected Reserve beyond the ten-year period required for entitlement to educational assistance eligible for such assistance for five years after separation from such service .

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to permit the transfer of entitlement to educational assistance the Montgomery GI Bill by members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``HIV/AIDS Assistance Reauthorization
Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 401(a) of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7671(a)) (in this Act
referred to as the ``Act'') is amended by inserting after ``2008'' the
following: ``, $30,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, and
such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter''.

SEC. 3. MODIFICATIONS TO ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.

    (a) Promotion of Abstinence, Fidelity, and Other Preventative
Measures.--Section 403(a) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7673(a)) is amended to
read as follows:
    ``(a) Promotion of Abstinence, Fidelity, and Other Preventative
Measures.--Not less than 50 percent of the amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 401 and
available for programs and activities that include a priority emphasis
on public health measures to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV
shall be dedicated to abstinence and fidelity as components of a
comprehensive approach including abstinence, fidelity, and the correct
and consistent use of condoms, consistent with other provisions of law
and the epidemiology of HIV infection in a given country. Programs and
activities that implement or purchase new prevention technologies or
modalities such as medical male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis,
or microbicides shall not be included in determining compliance with
this subsection.''.
    (b) Extension of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Funding
Requirement.--Section 403(b) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7673(b)) is amended
by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2013''.

SEC. 4. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) On May 30, 2007, President George W. Bush announced his
        intent to double the commitment of the United States to fight
        global HIV/AIDS with a new $30,000,000,000, 5-year proposal to
        reauthorize the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS,
        Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003.
            (2) With the enactment of the President's fiscal year 2008
        budget, the United States Government will have committed
        $18,000,000,000 to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS
        Relief (PEPFAR), which exceeds the original 5-year,
        $15,000,000,000 commitment.
            (3) After 3 years of PEPFAR implementation, the American
        people have supported treatment of 1,100,000 people in the 15
        focus countries, including more than 1,000,000 people in
        Africa.
            (4) PEPFAR is on track to meet its 5-year goals to support
        treatment for 2,000,000 people, prevention of 7,000,000 new
        infections, and care for 10,000,000 people, including orphans
        and vulnerable children.
            (5) The success of PEPFAR is rooted in support for country-
        owned strategies and programs with commitment of resources and
        dedication to results, achieved through the power of
        partnerships with governments, with nongovernmental, faith-
        based, and community-based organizations, and with the private
        sector.
            (6) United States efforts to address global HIV/AIDS will
        be multiplied by engaging in partnerships with countries
        dedicating to fighting their HIV epidemics and with
        multilateral partners, such as the Global Fund, which can help
        leverage international resources and build upon the efforts of
        the United States to combat global HIV/AIDS. In his
        announcement of his intent to double the commitment of the
        United States to fight global HIV/AIDS, President Bush
        reiterated his call for developed and developing countries, in
        particular middle-income countries where projections suggest
        many new infections will occur, to increase their contributions
        to fighting AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a global crisis that requires a
        global response. The United States currently provides as many
        resources for global HIV/AIDS as all other developed country
        governments combined. But only together can we turn the tide
        against the global epidemic.
    (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to expand PEPFAR,
including the expansion of life-saving treatment, comprehensive
prevention programs, and care for those in need, including orphans and
vulnerable children, in the next 5-year period as a signal of the
commitment of the United States to support, strengthen, and expand
United States and global efforts to address these health crises in
partnership with others.

SEC. 5. UNITED STATES FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL FUND.

    (a) Authority To Increase Proportional Support.--Section 202(d) of
the Act (22 U.S.C. 7622(d)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
            ``(5) Authority to increase proportional support.--
                    ``(A) Findings.--Congress makes the following
                findings:
                            ``(i) The Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
                        Tuberculosis and Malaria is an innovative
                        financing mechanism to combat the three
                        diseases, and it has made progress in many
                        areas.
                            ``(ii) The United States Government is the
                        largest supporter of the Fund, both in terms of
                        resources and technical support.
                            ``(iii) The United States made the founding
                        contribution to the Funds, remains committed to
                        the original vision for the Fund, and is fully
                        committed to its success.
                    ``(B) Authority.--The President may increase
                proportional support for the Fund, within the amount
                authorized to be appropriated by this Act, if
                benchmarks for performance, accountability, and
                transparency are satisfactorily met, and if the Fund
                remains committed to its founding principles. The
                United States Global AIDS Coordinator should consider
                the benchmarks set forth in subparagraphs (C) and (D)
                in assessing whether to make the annual contribution of
                the United States Government to the Fund.
                    ``(C) Benchmarks related to transparency and
                accountability.--Increased proportional support for the
                Fund should be based upon achievement of the following
                benchmarks related to transparency and accountability:
                            ``(i) As recommended by the Government
                        Accountability Office, the Fund Secretariat has
                        established standardized expectations for the
                        performance of Local Fund Agents (LFAs), is
                        undertaking a systematic assessment of the
                        performance of LFAs, and is making available
                        for public review, according to the Fund
                        Board's policies and practices on disclosure of
                        information, a regular collection and analysis
                        of performance data of Fund grants, which shall
                        cover both Principal Recipients and sub-
                        recipients.
                            ``(ii) A well-staffed, independent Office
                        of the Inspector General reports directly to
                        the Board and is responsible for regular,
                        publicly published audits of both financial and
                        programmatic and reporting aspects of the Fund,
                        its grantees, and LFAs.
                            ``(iii) The Fund Secretariat has
                        established and is reporting publicly on
                        standard indicators for all program areas.
                            ``(iv) The Fund Secretariat has established
                        a database that tracks all sub-recipients and
                        the amounts of funds disbursed to each, as well
                        as the distribution of resources, by grant and
                        Principal Recipient, for prevention, care,
                        treatment, the purchases of drugs and
                        commodities, and other purposes.
                            ``(v) The Fund Board has established a
                        penalty to offset tariffs imposed by national
                        governments on all goods and services provided
                        by the Fund.
                            ``(vi) The Fund Board has successfully
                        terminated its Administrative Services
                        Agreement with the World Health Organization
                        and completed the Fund Secretariat's transition
                        to a fully independent status under the
                        Headquarters Agreement the Fund has established
                        with the Government of Switzerland.
                    ``(D) Benchmarks related to principles of fund.--
                Increased proportional support for the Fund should be
                based upon achievement of the following benchmarks
                related to the founding principles of the Fund:
                            ``(i) The Fund must maintain its status as
                        a financing institution.
                            ``(ii) The Fund must remain focused on
                        programs directly related to HIV/AIDS, malaria,
                        and tuberculosis.
                            ``(iii) The Fund Board must maintain its
                        Comprehensive Funding Policy, which requires
                        confirmed pledges to cover the full amount of
                        new grants before the Board approves them.
                            ``(iv) The Fund must maintain and make
                        progress on sustaining its multi-sectoral
                        approach, through Country Coordinating
                        Mechanisms (CCMs) and in the implementation of
                        grants, as reflected in percent and resources
                        allocated to different sectors, including
                        governments, civil society, and faith- and
                        community-based organizations.''.
    (b) Extension of Authorization.--Section 202(d) of such Act is
further amended by striking ``2008'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2013''.

Summary: HIVAIDS Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIVAIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to authorize appropriations for HIVAIDS assistance. Revises fund allocation provisions, including requiring that at least 50 of funds be made available for the promotion of abstinence, fidelity, and other preventative measures. Extends the minimum 10 funding obligation for orphans and vulnerable children through FY2013. Authorizes the President to increase proportional support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, within the authorized amounts under this Act, if specified performance, accountability, and transparency benchmarks are met. Authorizes appropriations for Fund contributions through FY2013.

A bill to reauthorize HIV/AIDS assistance.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Caribbean National Forest Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act of 2002''.

SEC. 2. WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS, CARIBBEAN NATIONAL FOREST,
              PUERTO RICO.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
        (1) In the revised land and resource management plan for the
    Caribbean National Forest/Luquillo Experimental Forest, approved
    April 17, 1997, and the environmental impact statement prepared as
    part of the plan, the Secretary of Agriculture examined the
    suitability of rivers within the Caribbean National Forest/Luquillo
    Experimental Forest for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic
    Rivers System.
        (2) Based on such examination, the Rio Icacos, Rio Mameyes, and
    Rio de La Mina were found to be free flowing waterways and to
    possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geological,
    hydrological, biological, historical, and cultural values, and,
    therefore, to qualify for addition to the National Wild and Scenic
    Rivers System.
    (b) Designations.--Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
(16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
    ``(____) Rivers of Caribbean National Forest, Puerto Rico.--
        ``(A) Rio mameyes.--The segment of approximately 4.5 miles from
    its headwaters in the Bano de Oro Research Natural Area to the
    boundary of the Caribbean National Forest, to be administered by
    the Secretary of Agriculture as follows:
            ``(i) As a wild river from its headwaters in the Bano de
        Oro Research Natural Area to the crossing point of Trail No.
        24/11 (approximately 500 feet upstream from the confluence with
        the Rio de La Mina), a total of approximately 2.1 miles.
            ``(ii) As a scenic river from the crossing point of Trail
        No. 24/11 to the access point of Trail No. 7, a total of
        approximately 1.4 miles.
            ``(iii) As a recreational river from the access point of
        Trail No. 7 to the national forest boundary, a total of
        approximately 1.0 miles.
        ``(B) Rio de la mina.--The segment of approximately 2.1 miles
    from its headwaters to its confluence with the Rio Mameyes, to be
    administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as follows:
            ``(i) As a recreational river from its headwaters in the El
        Yunque Recreation Area downstream to La Mina Falls, a total of
        approximately 0.9 miles.
            ``(ii) As a scenic river from La Mina falls downstream to
        its confluence with the Rio Mameyes, a total of approximately
        1.2 miles.
        ``(C) Rio icacos.--The segment of approximately 2.3 miles from
    its headwaters to the boundary of the Caribbean National Forest, to
    be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a scenic
    river.''.
    (c) Special Management Considerations.--
        (1) Certain permitted activities.--Subject to paragraph (2),
    the amendment made by the subsection (b) and the applicability of
    the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to the
    river segments added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
    by the amendment shall not be construed to prevent any of the
    following activities within the boundaries of the river segments:
            (A) Installation and maintenance of hydrologic,
        meteorological, climatological, or atmospheric data collection
        and transmission facilities, or any combination of such
        facilities, when the Secretary of Agriculture determines that
        such facilities are essential to the scientific research
        purposes of the Luquillo Experimental Forest.
            (B) Construction and maintenance of nesting structures,
        observation blinds, and population monitoring platforms for
        threatened and endangered species.
            (C) Construction and maintenance of trails to such
        facilities as necessary for research purposes and for the
        recovery of threatened and endangered species.
        (2) Conditions.--The activities authorized by paragraph (1)
    shall be subject to such conditions as the Secretary considers
    desirable. The Secretary shall ensure that the scale and scope of
    such activities within the boundaries of a river segment added to
    the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by the amendment made by
    the subsection (b) are not detrimental to the characteristics of
    the river segment that merited its designation as a wild, scenic,
    or recreational river.
    (d) Preservation of Commonwealth Authority.--Nothing in this
section or the amendment made by this section shall be construed to
limit the authority of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico over waters and
natural channels of public domain pursuant to the laws of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and
                                               President of the Senate.

Summary: Caribbean National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 2002 - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate Rio Mameyes, Rio de la Mina, and Rio Icacos of the Caribbean National Forest of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Provides that such designation shall not be construed to limit the authority of Puerto Rico over waters and natural channels of its public domain or to prevent any of the following activities within such segments: (1) installation and maintenance of hydrologic, meteorological, climatological, or atmospheric data collection and transmission facilities when they are essential to the scientific research purposes of the Luquillo Experimental Forest. (2) construction and maintenance of nesting structures, observation blinds, and population monitoring platforms for threatened and endangered species. Or (3) construction and maintenance of trails to such facilities as necessary for research purposes and the recovery of such species. Provides that all such activities shall be subject to such conditions as the Secretary of Agriculture considers desirable. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the scale and scope of such activities are not detrimental to a river segment's characteristics that merited its designation as a wild, scenic, or recreational river.

To designate certain waterways in the Caribbean National Forest in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Colonias Improvement Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
        Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
            (2) Covered program.--The term ``covered program'' means--
                    (A) water and waste facility loans and grants under
                section 306C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926c);
                    (B) wastewater assistance to colonias under section
                307 of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996
                (33 U.S.C. 1281 note; Public Law 104-182);
                    (C) drinking water assistance to colonias under
                section 1456 of the Public Health Service Act (42
                U.S.C. 300j-16);
                    (D) housing assistance under section 509(f) of the
                Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1479(f));
                    (E) community development block grant assistance
                under section 916 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National
                Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 5306 note; Public Law
                101-625);
                    (F) assistance under section 108 of the Housing and
                Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5308); and
                    (G) any other program of the Environmental
                Protection Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban
                Development, or the Department of Agriculture that
                specifically includes assistance for colonias, as
                determined by the Administrator.

SEC. 3. REVISED DEFINITION.

    (a) Revised Definition Required.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of
Agriculture, shall issue a proposed rule containing a definition of the
term ``colonia'' that--
            (1) is the same for each covered program, to the extent
        consistent with the provisions of law described in
        subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section 2(2) and the
        requirements of any program described in subparagraph (G) of
        such section 2(2);
            (2) is limited to a community that--
                    (A) is located within 75 miles of the border
                between the United States and Mexico; or
                    (B) has applied for or received funding under a
                covered program before the date of enactment of this
                Act;
            (3) reflects and preserves the historic, geographic, and
        cultural character of the communities served by the covered
        programs; and
            (4) may be used to determine whether an applicant qualifies
        for assistance under any covered program.
    (b) Exemptions.--The rule issued under subsection (a) may include a
process by which the Administrator may request a limited exemption from
the application of the revised definition to a covered program.
    (c) Final Rule.--The Administrator shall ensure that the final rule
under subsection (a) takes effect not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. WEBPAGE.

    The Administrator, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,
and the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish and regularly update a
webpage that--
            (1) serves as a clearinghouse for information relating to
        the covered programs; and
            (2) includes links to information specific to each State in
        which a covered program operates, including local contact
        information.

SEC. 5. WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a working
group that includes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and
the Secretary of Agriculture--
            (1) to review covered programs;
            (2) to record information relating to each award that is
        and has been made under a covered program;
            (3) to hold public hearings relating to covered programs;
        and
            (4) to make recommendations to Congress for improvements to
        covered programs, including improvements--
                    (A) that address the economic and social
                development of colonias; and
                    (B) to the application process for covered
                programs.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that
includes--
            (1) the results of the review under subsection (a)(1);
            (2) a summary of the information recorded under subsection
        (a)(2);
            (3) the recommendations under subsection (a)(3);
            (4) a plan to include transportation planning and health
        considerations in covered programs;
            (5) a survey of needs that are not met by covered programs;
            (6) a plan to develop key indicators for living standards
        in communities served by covered programs, including health,
        education, and housing conditions;
            (7) proposed metrics for tracking the success of covered
        programs and identifying areas for the improvement of covered
        programs; and
            (8) any other applicable information, as determined by the
        Administrator.

SEC. 6. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY.

    The Administrator, and any person working with the Administrator to
carry out a covered program, shall make every effort--
            (1) to carry out this Act in a manner that is sensitive to
        the cultural and regional differences among communities served
        by covered programs; and
            (2) to work with local organizations that carry out
        activities in communities served by covered programs.

Summary: Colonias Improvement Act of 2014 - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), a rule defining colonia that: is the same for any program of the EPA, HUD, or USDA that specifically includes assistance for colonias. Is limited to a community that is located within 75 miles of the border or that has applied for or received funding under a covered program before this Act's enactment. Reflects and preserves the historic, geographic, and cultural character of the communities served by the covered program. And may be used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for assistance under a program. Directs the EPA, HUD, and USDA to establish and update an online clearinghouse with information relating to covered programs and links to information specific to each state. Requires EPA to establish a working group that includes HUD and USDA to review covered programs, record information relating to each award made under a covered program, hold public hearings, and make recommendations to Congress for improving the programs.

Colonias Improvement Act of 2014


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Green Railcar Enhancement Act of
2010''.

SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR FREIGHT RAILCAR REPLACEMENT OR MODERNIZATION.

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

``SEC. 45R. FREIGHT RAILCAR REPLACEMENT OR MODERNIZATION CREDIT.

    ``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, the freight
railcar replacement or modernization credit determined under this
section for the taxable year is an amount equal to 25 percent of the
sum of--
            ``(1) the basis of any qualified freight railcar placed in
        service by the taxpayer during the taxable year, plus
            ``(2) the qualified freight railcar rebuild expenditures of
        the taxpayer for the taxable year.
    ``(b) Qualified Freight Railcar.--
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
        `qualified freight railcar' means a freight railcar which--
                    ``(A) is acquired or rebuilt by the taxpayer
                pursuant to a binding agreement entered into after the
                date of the enactment of this section, and
                    ``(B) meets the capacity or fuel efficiency
                improvement requirements of paragraph (2).
            ``(2) Capacity or fuel efficiency requirements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A freight railcar shall be
                treated as meeting the capacity or fuel efficiency
                requirements of this paragraph if--
                            ``(i) in the case of a freight railcar
                        which is acquired by the taxpayer during the
                        taxable year (`replacement railcar'), the
                        taxpayer identifies another railcar (although
                        not necessarily one being used for an identical
                        purpose) which the taxpayer certifies--
                                    ``(I) was removed permanently from
                                service as a freight railcar during the
                                taxable year, or
                                    ``(II) is being rebuilt in such a
                                manner as to achieve a significant
                                improvement in capacity or fuel
                                efficiency, or
                            ``(ii) in the case of a freight railcar
                        rebuilt by the taxpayer, such rebuilding
                        results in a significant improvement in
                        capacity or fuel efficiency.
                    ``(B) Ownership not required.--For purposes of
                subparagraph (A)(i), such other railcar may be one
                owned by the taxpayer or one owned by another taxpayer,
                so long as there exists a binding agreement to so
                remove or rebuild the railcar.
                    ``(C) Significant improvement.--For purposes of
                subparagraph (A), an improvement in capacity or fuel
                efficiency with respect to a freight railcar shall be
                treated as significant if such capacity or fuel
                efficiency, as the case may be, is increased by at
                least 8 percent.
    ``(c) Qualified Freight Railcar Rebuild Expenditure.--For purposes
of this section, the term `qualified freight railcar rebuild
expenditure' means any amount paid or incurred--
            ``(1) in connection with the modification of a freight
        railcar resulting in such railcar being a qualified freight
        railcar, and
            ``(2) which is properly chargeable to a capital account
        with respect to such freight railcar.
    ``(d) Other Special Rules.--
            ``(1) Coordination with other credits.--Any amount taken
        into account in determining the credit under this section may
        not be taken into account in determining a credit under any
        other provision of this title.
            ``(2) Basis adjustment.--For purposes of this subtitle, if
        a credit is allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any
        qualified freight railcar, the basis of such railcar shall be
        reduced by the amount of the credit so allowed.
            ``(3) Sale-leaseback.--For purposes of subsection (a)(1),
        if any qualified freight railcar is--
                    ``(A) originally placed in service by a person
                after [the date of the enactment of this section], and
                    ``(B) sold and leased back by such person within 3
                months after the railcars are originally placed in
                service (or, in the case of more than 1 railcar subject
                to the same lease, within 3 months after the date the
                final railcar is placed in service, so long as the
                period between the time the first railcar is placed in
                service and the time the last railcar is placed in
                service does not exceed 12 months),
        such railcars shall be treated as originally placed in service
        not earlier than the date on which such railcars are used under
        the leaseback referred to in subparagraph (B).
            ``(4) Syndication.--For purposes of subsection (a)(1), if--
                    ``(A) any qualified freight railcar is originally
                placed in service after the date of enactment of this
                section by the lessor of such railcar,
                    ``(B) such railcar is sold by such lessor or any
                subsequent purchaser within 3 months after the date
                such railcar was originally placed in service (or, in
                the case of more than 1 railcar subject to the same
                lease, within 3 months after the date the final railcar
                is placed in service and the time the last railcar is
                placed in service does not exceed 12 months), and
                    ``(C) the user of such railcar after the last sale
                during such 3-month period remains the same as when
                such railcar was originally placed in service,
        such railcars shall be treated as originally placed in service
        not earlier than the date of such last sale.
            ``(5) Recapture.--The benefit of any credit allowable under
        subsection (a) shall, under regulations prescribed by the
        Secretary, be recaptured with respect to any qualified freight
        railcar that is sold or otherwise disposed of by the taxpayer
        during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which such
        railcar is originally placed in service. The preceding sentence
        shall not apply to a qualified freight railcar that is sold by
        and subsequently leased back to the taxpayer.
            ``(6) Reporting requirements.--The Secretary, in
        consultation with the Surface Transportation Board, may develop
        appropriate reporting requirements for taxpayers utilizing this
        credit.
    ``(e) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any freight
railcars acquired, or with respect to which at least 50 percent of the
rebuilding is completed, after December 31, 2011.''.
    (b) Credit Allowed as Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to current year business
credit) is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (34),
by striking the period at the end of paragraph (35) and inserting ``,
plus'' and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(36) the freight railcar replacement or modernization
        credit determined under section 45R.''.
    (c) Coordination With Section 55.--Section 38(c)(4)(B) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end
of clause (vii), by striking the period at the end of clause (viii) and
inserting ``, and'' and by adding at the end the following new clause:
                            ``(ix) the credit determined under section
                        45R.''.
    (d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 45Q the
following new item:

``Sec. 45R. Freight railcar replacement or modernization credit.''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service, and amounts paid or incurred,
after December 31, 2009.

Summary: Green Railcar Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, through 2011, a new business-related tax credit for 25 of the cost of acquiring or rebuilding freight railcars which achieve an increase in capacity or fuel efficiency of at least 8.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an incentive to encourage the replacement of inefficient, outdated freight railcars with greener, more fuel efficient vehicles.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Reform Act of 2010''
or the ``Not Too Small to Succeed in Business Act of 2010''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) Small businesses are a vital part of the economy of the
        United States.
            (2) The 26,800,000 small businesses in the United States
        account for more than 99.7 percent of all employer firms.
            (3) Small businesses employ just over half of all private
        sector employees.
            (4) Four million one-hundred thousand small businesses
        owned by individuals who are members of economically
        disadvantaged groups generate approximately $694,000,000,000 in
        revenues and employ approximately 4,800,000 individuals each
        year.
            (5) Small businesses need help to remain competitive in the
        global economy, particularly during difficult economic times.
            (6) Economically disadvantaged-owned businesses receive
        less than 7 percent of venture capital.
            (7) Seventy percent of small businesses survive at least 2
        years, but less than half survive 5 years.
            (8) The Small Business Administration was established in
        1953 by the Federal Government to aid, counsel, assist, and
        protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve
        free competitive enterprise, and to maintain and strengthen the
        overall economy of the United States.
            (9) The Small Business Administration assists firms owned
        and controlled by economically disadvantaged individuals to
        enter the economic mainstream by providing firm-specific
        analysis, counseling, management training, professional
        consulting and monitoring services, and access to business
        development opportunities under section 8(a) of the Small
        Business Act.
            (10) Although the program under section 8(a) is well
        intended, the problems of the program are well known.
            (11) The program under section 8(a) has a record of
        graduating companies that are not sufficiently prepared to
        compete for contracts with large and established companies in
        the private sector, resulting in a large number of former
        participants in the program failing to remain in business
        shortly after leaving the program.
            (12) The problem of graduating companies from the program
        under section 8(a) that are not sufficiently prepared to
        compete for contracts with large and established companies in
        the private sector is caused by the reliance of the Small
        Business Administration on outdated measures of adjusted gross
        income and net worth in determining whether a company
        participating in the program continues to be economically
        disadvantaged.
            (13) Reliance by the Small Business Administration on
        measures that do not reflect contemporary conditions has had,
        and will continue to have, the unintended consequence of
        keeping small businesses too small to succeed, which is as
        undesirable as protecting companies that are too big to fail.

SEC. 3. IMPROVEMENT OF PROGRAM UNDER SECTION 8(A) OF THE SMALL BUSINESS
              ACT.

    (a) Period of Eligibility.--
            (1) Extension.--Section 7(j)(15) of the Small Business Act
        (15 U.S.C. 636(j)(15)) is amended--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
                striking ``nine years'' and inserting ``11 years''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``five years''
                and inserting ``7 years''.
            (2) Completed periods.--A small business concern that
        completed a 9-year period of participation in the program under
        section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)) prior
        to the date of enactment of this Act and that is otherwise
        eligible to participate in such program except for having
        completed such 9-year period, and current net worth exceeds
        $750,000 but still less than $2,250,000, may participate in
        such program during the 2-year period beginning on the date of
        enactment of this Act.
    (b) Net Worth and Income Limitations.--
            (1) Increase.--Section 8(a)(6)(A) of the Small Business Act
        (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(6)(A)) is amended by inserting after
        ``disadvantaged individual.'' the following: ``For purposes of
        eligibility for admission as a Program Participant the net
        worth of such individual may be any amount not exceeding
        $750,000 and for purposes of continued eligibility after
        admission the net worth of such individual may be any amount
        not exceeding $2,250,000. For purposes of eligibility for
        admission as a Program Participant and continued eligibility
        after admission, the modified adjusted gross income (as such
        term is defined in section 25A(d)(3) of the Internal Revenue
        Code of 1986) of such individual for an applicable taxable year
        may be any amount not exceeding $500,000.''.
            (2) Completed periods of participation.--If the
        Administrator of the Small Business Administration graduated a
        small business concern from the program under section 8(a) of
        the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)) prior to the date of
        enactment of this Act as a result of a determination that such
        concern did not meet standards relating to economic
        disadvantage and such concern meets requirements under such
        section as amended by this Act, such concern may participate in
        such program for a period--
                    (A) of 11 years less the period of time such
                concern previously participated in such program; and
                    (B) beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Small Business Reform Act of 2010 or Not Too Small to Succeed in Business Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend from: (1) 9 to 11 years the period that a small business may receive developmental assistance under the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program (Program). And (2) five to seven years the period that such a small business may spend in the Program's transitional stage. Allows small businesses that previously completed the 9-year period, above, and whose current net worth exceeds $750,000 but is less than $2.25 million to participate for an additional two years. Sets net worth limits for individual Program participants at: (1) $750,000, for Program admission, (2) $2.25 million, for continued Program participation after admission. And (3) $500,000 adjusted gross income, for Program admission and continued eligibility. Provides that, if the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) graduated a small business from the Program prior to the date of enactment of this Act on the basis that the small business did not meet standards relating to economic disadvantage and the small business now meets such standards, the small business may participate in the Program for 11 years less any period of previous participation.

To amend the Small Business Act to improve the program under section 8(a), and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``English Language Empowerment Act of
1996''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds and declares the following:
            (1) The United States is comprised of individuals and
        groups from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic
        backgrounds.
            (2) The United States has benefited and continues to
        benefit from this rich diversity.
            (3) Throughout the history of the United States, the common
        thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been a
        common language.
            (4) In order to preserve unity in diversity, and to prevent
        division along linguistic lines, the Federal Government should
        maintain a language common to all people.
            (5) English has historically been the common language and
        the language of opportunity in the United States.
            (6) The purpose of this Act is to help immigrants better
        assimilate and take full advantage of economic and occupational
        opportunities in the United States.
            (7) By learning the English language, immigrants will be
        empowered with the language skills and literacy necessary to
        become responsible citizens and productive workers in the
        United States.
            (8) The use of a single common language in conducting
        official business of the Federal Government will promote
        efficiency and fairness to all people.
            (9) English should be recognized in law as the language of
        official business of the Federal Government.
            (10) Any monetary savings derived from the enactment of
        this Act should be used for the teaching of non-English
        speaking immigrants the English language.

SEC. 3. ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

    (a) In General.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new chapter:

            ``CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

``Sec.
``161. Declaration of official language of Federal Government.
``162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language.
``163. Official Federal Government activities in English.
``164. Standing.
``165. Reform of naturalization requirements.
``166. Rule of construction.
``167. Definitions.
``Sec. 161. Declaration of official language of Federal Government
    ``The official language of the Federal Government is English.
``Sec. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language
    ``The Federal Government shall have an affirmative obligation to
preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of
the Federal Government. Such obligation shall include encouraging
greater opportunities for individuals to learn the English language.
``Sec. 163. Official Federal Government activities in English
    ``(a) Conduct of Business.--The Federal Government shall conduct
its official business in English.
    ``(b) Denial of Services.--No person shall be denied services,
assistance, or facilities, directly or indirectly provided by the
Federal Government solely because the person communicates in English.
    ``(c) Entitlement.--Every person in the United States is entitled--
            ``(1) to communicate with the Federal Government in
        English;
            ``(2) to receive information from or contribute information
        to the Federal Government in English; and
            ``(3) to be informed of or be subject to official orders in
        English.
``Sec. 164. Standing
    ``A person injured by a violation of this chapter may in a civil
action (including an action under chapter 151 of title 28) obtain
appropriate relief.
``Sec. 165. Reform of naturalization requirements
    ``(a) Fluency.--It has been the longstanding national belief that
full citizenship in the United States requires fluency in English.
English is the language of opportunity for all immigrants to take their
rightful place in society in the United States.
    ``(b) Ceremonies.--All authorized officials shall conduct all
naturalization ceremonies entirely in English.
``Sec. 166. Rule of construction
    ``Nothing in this chapter shall be construed--
            ``(1) to prohibit a Member of Congress, an employee or
        official of the Federal Government, while performing official
        business, from communicating orally in a foreign language with
        another person.
            ``(2) to discriminate against or restrict the rights of any
        individual in the country;
            ``(3) to discourage or prevent the use of languages other
        than English in any nonofficial capacity; and
            ``(4) except where an existing Federal law directly
        contravenes the amendments made by such section (such as by
        requiring the use of a language other than English for official
        business of the Federal Government), to repeal existing Federal
        laws.
``Sec. 167. Definitions
    ``For purposes of this chapter:
            ``(1) Federal Government.--The term `Federal Government'
        means all branches of the Federal Government and all employees
        and officials of the Federal Government while performing
        official business.
            ``(2) Official business.--The term `official business'
        means governmental actions, documents, or policies which are
        enforceable with the full weight and authority of the Federal
        Government, and includes publications, income tax forms,
        informational materials, and the contents of franked mail (as
        described in section 3210 of title 39, United States Code), but
        does not include--
                    ``(A) teaching of foreign languages;
                    ``(B) actions, documents, or policies necessary for
                international relations, trade, or commerce;
                    ``(C) actions or documents that protect the public
                health and safety;
                    ``(D) actions, documents, or policies that are not
                enforceable in the United States;
                    ``(E) actions that protect the rights of victims of
                crimes or criminal defendants; or
                    ``(F) documents that utilize terms of art or
                phrases from languages other than English.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for title 4,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
item:

``6. Language of the Federal Government.....................     161''.

SEC. 4. PREEMPTION.

    This Act (and the amendments made by this Act) shall not preempt
any law of any State.

SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    The amendments made by section 3 shall take effect upon the date of
enactment of this Act, except that no suit may be commenced to enforce
or determine rights under chapter 6 of title 4, United States Code,
until the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
Act.

Summary: English Language Empowerment Act of 1996 - Declares English to be the official language of the US Government. States that the Federal Government have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government. Requires the Federal Government to conduct its official business in English. Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because he or she communicates in English. Requires that all officials conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English. Sets forth definitions for purposes of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Student Right to Know Before You Go
Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS.

    Section 487(a)(17) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1094(a)(17)) is amended by inserting ``and including the requirements
of section 493E'' after ``as designated by the Secretary''.

SEC. 3. INSTITUTIONAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FOR
              STUDENTS.

    Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(n) Alignment With Institutional Reporting Requirements Related
to IPEDS.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date
        of enactment of the Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of
        2015, the Secretary shall issue guidance outlining which data
        metrics required to be submitted by institutions of higher
        education under section 493E are duplicative of institutional
        reporting requirements under this section and other provisions
        of this Act.
            ``(2) Link to institutional reporting website.--Not later
        than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Student Right
        to Know Before You Go Act of 2015, an institution of higher
        education participating in any program under this title shall--
                    ``(A) not be required to make available such
                duplicative requirements, as determined under paragraph
                (1), under this section and other provisions of this
                Act; and
                    ``(B) provide a prominently displayed link on the
                institution's website to the website described in
                section 493E(e)(2).''.

SEC. 4. INSTITUTIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Amendment to Database of Student Information Prohibited.--
Section 134(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015c(b))
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' after the
        semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) is necessary to carry out section 493E.''.
    (b) Reporting Requirements.--Part G of title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:

``SEC. 493E. INSTITUTIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    ``(a) In General.--
            ``(1) Submission of data.--Each institution of higher
        education participating in a program under this title shall
        submit to the Secretary data sufficient, as determined by the
        Secretary, to complete all student components of reporting
        required for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
        (referred to in this section as `IPEDS').
            ``(2) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
        enactment of the Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of
        2015, the Secretary shall submit to institutions of higher
        education guidance related to the submission of data under this
        subsection.
            ``(3) Review.--The Secretary shall review, every 5 years,
        the determination of the categories of data that shall be
        submitted pursuant to paragraph (1).
    ``(b) Establishment of Additional Student Classifications.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
        enactment of the Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of
        2015, the Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) establish common definitions for institutions
                to follow in submitting the data required under this
                section; and
                    ``(B) determine collection and submission
                requirements.
            ``(2) Student-level components of ipeds.--The Secretary
        shall require institutions of higher education participating in
        a program under this title to submit student-level components
        of IPEDS to enable coding and reporting on--
                    ``(A) students who participate in remedial
                education at, or through, the institution;
                    ``(B) whether, and at what level, the student is
                seeking a degree; and
                    ``(C) whether the student is seeking a certificate.
    ``(c) Establishment of New Outcome Metrics.--
            ``(1) In general.--Data submitted to the Secretary under
        subsections (a) and (b) shall be used to calculate all student-
        level components of IPEDS.
            ``(2) Additional measures to be calculated.--In addition to
        the student-level component outcome measures required to be
        calculated by the Secretary on the day before the date of
        enactment of the Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of
        2015, the Secretary shall, beginning not later than 2 years
        after the date of enactment of the Student Right to Know Before
        You Go Act of 2015, also calculate, at the institutional and
        program-specific levels, the following:
                    ``(A) The percentage of students who receive--
                            ``(i) Federal grants;
                            ``(ii) Federal loans;
                            ``(iii) State grants;
                            ``(iv) State loans;
                            ``(v) institutional grants; or
                            ``(vi) institutional loans.
                    ``(B) The average amount of total Federal loan debt
                upon student graduation assumed by students while
                enrolled at the institution.
                    ``(C) The average amount of total Federal loan debt
                of students who do not complete a program of study 2
                years after the students' last known enrollment in any
                institution of higher education.
                    ``(D) Student transfer rates by sector of transfer,
                which shall be defined as the percentage of students
                who leave an institution and successfully enroll in and
                complete a program of study at another institution,
                including whether the receiving institution is a public
                4-year institution, public 2-year institution, public
                less-than-2-year institution, private nonprofit 4-year
                institution, private nonprofit 2-year institution,
                private nonprofit less-than-2-year institution, private
                for-profit 4-year institution, private for-profit 2-
                year institution, or private for-profit less-than-2-
                year institution.
                    ``(E) Rates of continuation to higher levels of
                education.
                    ``(F) The percentage of students who receive the
                degree level they initially sought.
                    ``(G) The outcome measures described in
                subparagraphs (A) through (F), in addition to all
                student-level components of IPEDS required to be
                reported on the day before the date of enactment of the
                Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2015,
                disaggregated on the basis of the following student
                types:
                            ``(i) Students who received a Federal Pell
                        Grant.
                            ``(ii) Students who received a loan under
                        part B or part D, but not a Federal Pell Grant.
                            ``(iii) Students who received neither a
                        Federal Pell Grant, nor a loan under part B or
                        part D.
                            ``(iv) Students who are identified as
                        veterans or members of the Armed Forces who
                        received assistance under the Post-9/11
                        Veterans Educational Assistance Program under
                        chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, or
                        tuition assistance under the laws administered
                        by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of
                        Veterans Affairs and Secretary of the
                        Department of Defense shall coordinate with the
                        Secretary to make available data sufficient to
                        enable such reporting under this clause.
                            ``(v) Enrollment status, including the
                        following:
                                    ``(I) First-time, full-time
                                students.
                                    ``(II) First-time, part-time
                                students.
                                    ``(III) Non-first-time, full-time
                                students.
                                    ``(IV) Non-first-time, part-time
                                students.
                            ``(vi) Enrollment intensity while enrolled
                        at the institution, including the following:
                                    ``(I) Full-time only.
                                    ``(II) Part-time only.
                                    ``(III) Mixed enrollment, both
                                full- and part-time.
                    ``(H) Earning metrics, generated through a system
                established by the Secretary in cooperation with the
                Commissioner of Social Security and using the student
                components of IPEDS, that shall include--
                            ``(i) median annual earnings and employment
                        metrics, disaggregated by--
                                    ``(I) educational program based on
                                CIP code;
                                    ``(II) credential received;
                                    ``(III) educational institution;
                                and
                                    ``(IV) State of employment; and
                            ``(ii) the disaggregated median annual
                        earnings for each of the categories described
                        in subclauses (I) through (IV) of clause (i),
                        further disaggregated for each of the following
                        time periods:
                                    ``(I) 2 years after educational
                                program completion.
                                    ``(II) 6 years after educational
                                program completion.
                                    ``(III) 15 years after educational
                                program completion.
                    ``(I) Other information determined necessary by the
                Secretary.
            ``(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the
        Secretary shall consult extensively with State offices with
        existing, as of the date of the consultation, student-level
        data collections from public and private institutions,
        particularly in the formulation of the calculation and
        reporting standards outlined in this subsection and subsections
        (a) and (b), and the public access to data under subsection
        (e)(2).
            ``(4) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall issue guidelines to
        institutions of higher education regarding the amendments
        needed to the annual privacy notices required under section
        444(c)(3) of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly
        referred to as the `Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
        of 1974') of the institutions in order to reference the data
        collection required under this section.
    ``(d) Unauthorized Uses.--
            ``(1) In general.--Any personally identifiable information
        collected for the data system under this section shall not be
        used for any use that is not either specifically authorized by
        this section or permitted as a disclosure under this section.
            ``(2) No federal action.--No action of Federal authority
        may be taken against an individual based on data collected for
        the data system developed under this section. No Federal
        agency, officer, or employee and no recipient of a Federal
        grant, contract, or cooperative agreement may, for any reason,
        require the Secretary or any employee of the Secretary to
        disclose personally identifiable information that has been
        collected or retained under this section.
            ``(3) Immunity.--Personally identifiable information
        collected or retained under this section shall be immune from
        legal process and shall not, without the consent of the
        individual concerned, be admitted as evidence or used for any
        purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial or
        administrative proceeding.
            ``(4) No institution action.--An institution of higher
        education may not use the data system developed under this
        section, or data accessed through such system, to take any
        action against an individual.
            ``(5) Application.--This subsection shall not apply to
        requests for personally identifiable information submitted by
        or on behalf of the individual identified in the information.
        Any such individual has the right to request and receive from
        the Secretary the data containing personally identifiable
        information collected on the individual's behalf, upon
        demonstrating the individual's identity to the satisfaction of
        the Secretary.
    ``(e) Permissible Disclosures.--
            ``(1) Disclosure limitation.--In carrying out the public
        reporting and disclosure requirements of this Act, the
        Secretary shall use appropriate statistical disclosure
        limitation techniques necessary such that the data released to
        the public cannot include personally identifiable information
        or be used to identify specific individuals.
            ``(2) Public availability.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall post the
                aggregate data collected under this section on a
                website of the Department in a timely and user-friendly
                manner.
                    ``(B) Additional research availability.--The
                Secretary may make available the non-personally
                identifiable data set used to prepare the data for the
                website in accordance with subparagraph (A) to
                researchers performing studies or evaluations approved
                by the Secretary or the Director of the Institute of
                Education Sciences.
                    ``(C) Enabling administrative improvement by
                institutions of higher education.--The Secretary shall
                create a process through which institutions of higher
                education participating in programs under this title
                and States may request and receive from the Department
                aggregate student outcome data for the purposes of
                institutional improvement and program evaluation. The
                Secretary shall promulgate regulations to ensure fair
                and equitable access to such data.
            ``(3) No sale of data.--The Secretary shall not sell any
        data collected under this section, including the public use
        data set available under paragraph (2)(B), to any third party.
    ``(f) Ensuring Comparability of Data Metric.--For a period of 5
years following the date of enactment of the Student Right to Know
Before You Go Act of 2015, the Secretary shall be responsible for
publishing all student-level components of IPEDS as such components
would have been produced on the day before the date of enactment of the
Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2015.
    ``(g) Felony for Willful Disclosure.--
            ``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful for any person who
        obtains or has access to personally identifiable information in
        connection with the data system described in this section to
        willfully disclose such personally identifiable information, in
        any manner, to any person that is not entitled to receive the
        information.
            ``(2) Penalty.--Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall
        be found guilty of a felony and imprisoned for not more than 5
        years, or fined as specified in section 3571 of title 18,
        United States Code, or both.
    ``(h) Protection of Data.--The Secretary shall promulgate and
periodically review guidance and regulations relating to security,
which shall govern the access, use, and disclosure of data collected in
connection with the activities authorized in this Act. The regulations
developed and reviewed shall be consistent with the need to protect
data from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure, and shall include--
            ``(1) an audit capability;
            ``(2) access controls; and
            ``(3) requirements to ensure sufficient data security,
        quality, validity, and reliability.
    ``(i) Definition of Personally Identifiable Information.--In this
section, the term `personally identifiable information' includes--
            ``(1) a student's name;
            ``(2) the name of a student's parent or other family
        members;
            ``(3) the address of a student or student's family;
            ``(4) a personal identifier, such as a student's social
        security number, student number, or biometric record;
            ``(5) other indirect identifiers, such as a student's date
        of birth, place of birth, and mother's maiden name;
            ``(6) other information that, alone or in combination, is
        linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a
        reasonable person in the school community, who does not have
        personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify
        the student with reasonable certainty; or
            ``(7) information requested by a person who the educational
        agency or institution reasonably believes knows the identity of
        the student to whom the education record relates.
    ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2024.''.

Summary: Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2015 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify reporting requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in title IV federal financial aid programs. Currently, to retain title IV eligibility, IHEs must report data to the Department of Education (ED) through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This bill requires IHEs to submit additional student enrollment data to ED to enable coding and reporting on students' level of academic preparation. It also requires ED to calculate additional outcome measures by institution and program, including: the percentage of students who receive federal, state, or institutional grants or loans, the average amount of federal loan debt upon graduation. The average amount of total federal loan debt of students who do not complete a program of study, student transfer rates, rates of continuation to higher levels of education. And the percentage of students who receive the degree they initially sought. ED must report additional outcome measures established by this Act, as well as all existing student data in IPEDS, based on these student types: receipt or non-receipt of federal Pell Grants, receipt or non-receipt of Stafford Loans,nbsp. Participation in the Post-911 Veterans Educational Assistance Program, enrollment status, and enrollment intensity. ED must also, in cooperation with the Social Security Administration, make publicly available data on employment metrics and median annual earnings 2 years, 6 years, and 15 years after program completion. ED must report the data by: education program, credential received, institution, and state of employment.