SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Violence Against Children Act of
2003''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) People under the age of 18 make up approximately 12
        percent of all crime victims known to police, including 71
        percent of all sex crime victims and 38 percent of all
        kidnaping victims.
            (2) People from the ages of 12 through 17 are over 2 times
        more likely to be victims of violent crime than adults.
            (3) It has been estimated that only 28 percent of crimes
        against children are actually reported.
            (4) Some 1,200 children die as a result of abuse each year,
        and approximately 879,000 children are victims of abuse.
            (5) Child abuse has long-lasting negative effects upon
        children and families, including delayed development,
        depression, substance abuse, and increased likelihood of
        experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence as an adult.
            (6) Most local agencies lack adequate resources to protect
        and serve the needs of children and families that are brought
        to their attention.
            (7) Failure to pay child support is in itself a form of
        neglect, as children who do not receive financial support are
        more likely to live in poverty, and are therefore more likely
        to suffer from inadequate education, a lack of quality health
        care, and a lack of affordable housing.

       TITLE I--ENHANCED FEDERAL ROLE IN CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

SEC. 101. ENHANCED PENALTIES.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting at the end the following:
``Sec. 2260A. Violence against children
    ``(a) In General.--Whoever, whether or not acting under color of
law, in any circumstance described in subsection (b), by force or
threat of force willfully injures or attempts to injure any person
under 18 years of age--
            ``(1) shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years and
        fined in accordance with this title; and
            ``(2) shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for
        life, and fined in accordance with this title if--
                    ``(A) death results from the offense; or
                    ``(B) the offense includes kidnaping or an attempt
                to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to
                commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill.
    ``(b) Circumstances.--For purposes of subsection (a), the
circumstances described in this subsection are that--
            ``(1) the conduct described in subsection (a) occurs during
        the course of, or as the result of, the travel of the defendant
        or the victim--
                    ``(A) across a State line or national border; or
                    ``(B) using a channel, facility, or instrumentality
                of interstate or foreign commerce; or
            ``(2) in connection with the conduct described in
        subsection (a), the defendant employs a firearm, explosive or
        incendiary device, or other weapon that has traveled in
        interstate or foreign commerce.
    ``(c) Penalties.--An offense under this section shall also be
subject to the penalties provided in section 1111 of this title (as
amended by the PROTECT Act) if the offense is also an offense under
that section.''.
    (b) Amendment to Chapter Analysis.--The chapter analysis for
chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting at
the end the following:

``2260A. Violence against children.''.
    (c) Enhanced Penalties for Existing Crimes When Committed Against
Children.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28,
United States Code, and in accordance with this Act and its purposes,
the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and amend its
guidelines and its policy statements to provide enhanced penalties when
the victim of a Federal crime is under the age of 18.
    (d) GAO Review of State Laws.--Not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall--
            (1) review the statutory penalties for crimes against
        children under State laws and the sentencing practices of the
        States with respect to those crimes, including whether a State
        provides enhanced penalties when the victim of the crime is a
        child; and
            (2) report the findings of the review to Congress.

SEC. 102. ENHANCED ASSISTANCE FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND
              PROSECUTIONS BY STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
              OFFICIALS.

    (a) In General.--At the request of a State, Indian tribal
government, or unit of local government, the Attorney General shall
provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or any other form of
assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crime
that--
            (1) constitutes a crime of violence (as defined in section
        16 of title 18, United States Code);
            (2) constitutes a felony under the laws of the State or
        Indian tribe; and
            (3) is committed against a person under 18 years of age.
    (b) Priority.--If the Attorney General determines that there are
insufficient resources to fulfill requests made pursuant to subsection
(a), the Attorney General shall give priority to requests for
assistance to--
            (1) crimes committed by, or believed to be committed by,
        offenders who have committed crimes in more than 1 State; and
            (2) rural jurisdictions that have difficulty covering the
        extraordinary expenses relating to the investigation or
        prosecution of the crime.

                        TITLE II--GRANT PROGRAMS

SEC. 201. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Attorney General shall award grants to assist
States, Indian tribal governments, and units of local government to
develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution of
crimes against children.
    (b) Purposes.--Grants provided under this section shall provide
personnel, training, technical assistance, data collection, and other
equipment for the more widespread apprehension, prosecution, and
adjudication of persons committing crimes against children, and
specifically, for the purposes of--
            (1) training law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges,
        and other court personnel to more effectively identify and
        respond to crimes against children;
            (2) developing, training, or expanding units of law
        enforcement officers, prosecutors, or courts specifically
        targeting crimes against children;
            (3) developing and implementing more effective police and
        prosecution policies, protocols, orders, and services
        specifically devoted to preventing, identifying, and responding
        to crimes against children;
            (4) developing, installing, or expanding data collection
        and communication systems, including computerized systems,
        linking police, prosecutors, and courts for the purpose of
        identifying and tracking arrests, prosecutions, and convictions
        for crimes against children;
            (5) encouraging, developing, and strengthening programs,
        procedures, and policies that enhance cross-collaboration and
        cross-communication between law enforcement and child services
        agencies regarding the care, treatment, and services for child
        victims; and
            (6) developing, enlarging, or strengthening programs
        addressing the needs and circumstances of Indian tribes in
        dealing with crimes against children.
    (c) Application.--
            (1) In general.--Each State, Indian tribal government, or
        unit of local government that desires a grant under this
        section shall submit an application to the Attorney General at
        such time, in such manner, and accompanied by or containing
        such information as the Attorney General shall reasonably
        require.
            (2) Requirements.--A State, Indian tribal government, or
        unit of local government applying for a grant under this
        section shall--
                    (A) describe--
                            (i) the purposes for which the grant is
                        needed;
                            (ii) the intended use of the grant funds;
                        and
                            (iii) the expected results from the use of
                        grant funds;
                    (B) demonstrate that, in developing a plan to
                implement the grant, the State, Indian tribal
                government, or unit of local government has consulted
                and coordinated with nonprofit, nongovernmental victim
                services programs that have experience in providing
                services to victims of crimes against children; and
                    (C) certify that--
                            (i) any Federal funds received under this
                        section will be used to supplement, not
                        supplant, non-Federal funds that would
                        otherwise be available for activities funded
                        under this section; and
                            (ii) the State, the Indian tribal
                        government, or the State in which the unit of
                        local government is located is in compliance
                        with sections 301 and 302.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2004 through 2008.

SEC. 202. EDUCATION, PREVENTION, AND VICTIMS' ASSISTANCE GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--The Attorney General shall award grants to assist
States, Indian tribal governments, units of local government, and
nongovernmental organizations to provide education, prevention,
intervention, and victims' assistance services regarding crimes against
children.
    (b) Purposes.--Grants provided under this section shall be used to
provide education, prevention, and intervention services to prevent
crimes against children and to provide assistance to children, and the
families of children, who are victims of crime, including--
            (1) educational seminars;
            (2) the operation of hotlines;
            (3) training programs for professionals;
            (4) the preparation of informational materials;
            (5) intervention services to prevent crimes against
        children;
            (6) other efforts to increase awareness of the facts about,
        or to help prevent, crimes against children, including efforts
        to increase awareness in underserved racial, ethnic, and
        language minority communities;
            (7) emergency medical treatment for victims;
            (8) counseling to victims of crimes against children and
        their families; and
            (9) increasing the supply of mental health professionals
        specializing in the mental health of victims of crimes against
        children.
    (c) Application.--
            (1) In general.--Each State, Indian tribal government, unit
        of local government, or nongovernmental organization that
        desires a grant under this section shall submit an application
        to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and
        accompanied by or containing such information as the Attorney
        General shall reasonably require.
            (2) Requirements.--A State, Indian tribal government, unit
        of local government, or nongovernmental organization applying
        for a grant under this section shall--
                    (A) describe--
                            (i) the purposes for which the grant is
                        needed;
                            (ii) the intended use of the grant funds;
                        and
                            (iii) the expected results from the use of
                        grant funds;
                    (B) demonstrate that, in developing a plan to
                implement the grant--
                            (i) in the case of a State, Indian tribal
                        government, or unit of local government, that
                        the State, Indian tribal government, or unit of
                        local government has consulted and coordinated
                        with nonprofit, nongovernmental victim services
                        programs that have experience in providing
                        services to victims of crimes against children;
                        and
                            (ii) in the case of a nongovernmental
                        organization, that the nongovernmental
                        organization has experience in providing
                        education, prevention, or intervention services
                        regarding crimes against children or has
                        experience in providing services to victims of
                        crimes against children; and
                    (C) certify that--
                            (i) any Federal funds received under this
                        section will be used to supplement, not
                        supplant, non-Federal funds that would
                        otherwise be available for activities funded
                        under this section, provided that the Attorney
                        General may waive such requirement for
                        nongovernmental organizations in extraordinary
                        circumstances; and
                            (ii) the State, the Indian tribal
                        government, the State in which the unit of
                        local government is located, or the State in
                        which the nongovernmental organization will
                        operate the activities funded under this
                        section is located, is in compliance with
                        section 303.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2004 through 2008.

                     TITLE III--NATIONWIDE PROGRAMS

SEC. 301. NATIONWIDE AMBER ALERT.

    Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act,
each State receiving grants pursuant to section 201 shall have in place
a statewide AMBER Alert communications network for child abduction
cases.

SEC. 302. IMPROVED STATISTICAL GATHERING.

    Each State receiving grants pursuant to section 201 shall use, or
shall be in the process of testing or developing protocols to use, the
National Incident-Based Reporting System.

SEC. 303. NATIONAL SAFE HAVEN.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, each State receiving grants pursuant to section 202 shall
have in effect a statute that--
            (1) permits a parent to leave a newborn baby with a
        medically-trained employee of a hospital emergency room
        anonymously without any criminal or other penalty;
            (2) includes a mechanism to encourage and permit a hospital
        employee in the receiving hospital to collect information about
        the medical history of the family subject to the approval of
        the parent;
            (3) requires law enforcement entities in the State,
        immediately after relinquishment of a child under paragraph
        (1), to search State and Federal missing person databases to
        ensure that the child has not been reported missing; and
            (4) includes a plan for publicizing the State's Safe Haven
        law.
    (b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), a State statute
in effect pursuant to this section may deny a parent the ability to
leave a newborn baby anonymously without any criminal or other penalty
if the newborn baby shows signs of abuse or appears to have been
intentionally harmed.

SEC. 304. IMPROVED CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES PROGRAMS.

    (a) Report by States.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, each State receiving an allotment for child
welfare services under subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 620 et seq.) shall submit to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services a report detailing the State's program funded
under that subpart, including the process for maintaining records and
verifying the well-being of the children under the State's care.
    (b) GAO Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the General Accounting Office shall report to Congress on
State practices and policies under the child welfare program funded
under subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 620 et seq.). The report shall include the following:
            (1) How States are maintaining records and verifying the
        well-being of the children under their care, including how well
        States are keeping track of where those children are.
            (2) Whether and how the review system being undertaken by
        the Secretary of Health and Human Services is helping States to
        reform their child welfare system.
            (3) The best practices being implemented by the States.
            (4) Recommendations for legislative changes by Congress.

                  TITLE IV--CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT

SEC. 401. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON TAX TREATMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT.

    It is the sense of the Senate that Congress should pass legislation
to extend the current Federal tax treatment on bad debt to nonpayment
of child support by--
            (1) allowing those that do not receive the child support
        they are owed to deduct that amount from their Federal income
        taxes; and
            (2) requiring those who fail to pay child support to add
        the unpaid amount to their income for Federal tax purposes.

Summary: Violence Against Children Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe penalties to be imposed for injuring or attempting to injure a person under 18 years of age under circumstances in which: (1) the conduct occurs during the course of, or as a result of, the travel of the defendant or victim across a State line or national border. Or (2) in connection with such conduct, the defendant employs a weapon that has traveled in interstate or foreign commerce. Directs the: (1) United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines to provide enhanced penalties when the victim of a Federal crime is under 18. And (2) the Comptroller General to review State penalties and sentencing guidelines for crimes against children. Requires the Attorney General: (1) at the request of a State, Indian tribal government, or local government, to provide assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any felony crime of violence against a child. And (2) to award grants to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution of crimes against children and to provide education, prevention, intervention, and victims' assistance services regarding crimes against children. Requires each State receiving: (1) law enforcement grants under this Act to have in place a statewide AMBER Alert communications network for child abduction cases and to use the National Incident-Based Reporting System. (2) education, prevention, and victims' assistance grants to have in effect a statute allowing a parent to leave a newborn baby at a hospital anonymously. And (3) certain allotments for child welfare allotments to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a report on the State's funded program, including the process for maintaining records and verifying the well-being of the children under the State's care.

To provide enhanced Federal enforcement and assistance in preventing and prosecuting crimes of violence against children.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Gasoline Tax Relief Act of 2006''.

SEC. 2. SUSPENSION OF FUEL TAXES ON HIGHWAY MOTOR FUELS WHEN WEEKLY
              UNITED STATES RETAIL GASOLINE PRICES EXCEED BENCHMARK.

    (a) In General.--Section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to imposition of tax on motor and aviation fuels) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(f) Suspension of Highway Motor Fuel Taxes When Retail Gasoline
Exceeds Benchmark.--
            ``(1) In general.--During any suspension period, the tax
        imposed by section 4041 or 4081 on highway motor fuel shall be
        suspended.
            ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
                    ``(A) Suspension period.--The term `suspension
                period' means--
                            ``(i) the 60-day period beginning 7 days
                        after the date of enactment of this subsection,
                        and
                            ``(ii) after such 60-day period, any
                        period--
                                    ``(I) beginning 7 days after the
                                date on which the weekly United States
                                retail gasoline price for regular grade
                                conventional areas (as published by the
                                Energy Information Administration,
                                Department of Energy), inclusive of
                                such tax, is greater than the benchmark
                                price, and
                                    ``(II) ending 7 days after the date
                                on which such price (as so published),
                                without regard to this subsection, does
                                not exceed the benchmark price.
                    ``(B) Benchmark price.--For purposes of this
                subsection--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term `benchmark
                        price' means $2.75 per gallon.
                            ``(ii) Adjustment for inflation.--In the
                        case of any calendar year beginning after 2006,
                        the dollar amount in clause (i) shall be
                        increased by an amount equal to--
                                    ``(I) such dollar amount,
                                multiplied by
                                    ``(II) the cost-of-living
                                adjustment determined under section
                                1(f)(3) for such calendar year,
                                determined by substituting `calendar
                                year 2005' for `calendar year 1992' in
                                subparagraph (B) thereof.
                        Any increase determined under subclause (II)
                        shall be rounded to the nearest cent.
                    ``(C) Highway motor fuel.--The term `highway motor
                fuel' means any fuel subject to tax under section 4041
                or 4081 other than aviation gasoline and aviation-grade
                kerosene.''.
    (b) Maintenance of Trust Funds Deposits; Amounts Appropriated to
Trust Funds Treated as Taxes.--
            (1) In general.--There is hereby appropriated (out of any
        money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated) to each trust
        fund which would (but for this subsection) receive reduced
        revenues as a result of a suspension in a rate of tax by reason
        of section 4081(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as
        added by this section) an amount equal to such reduction in
        revenues. Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence to any
        trust fund--
                    (A) shall be transferred from the general fund at
                such times and in such manner as to replicate to the
                extent possible the transfers which would have occurred
                had subsection (a) not been enacted, and
                    (B) shall be treated for all purposes of Federal
                law as taxes received under the appropriate section
                referred to in such section 4081(f)(1).
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (d) Floor Stock Refunds.--
            (1) In general.--If--
                    (A) before the tax suspension date, tax has been
                imposed under section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code
                of 1986 on any highway motor fuel, and
                    (B) on such date such fuel is held by a dealer and
                has not been used and is intended for sale,
        there shall be credited or refunded (without interest) to the
        person who paid such tax (hereafter in this subsection referred
        to as the ``taxpayer'') an amount equal to the excess of the
        tax paid by the taxpayer over the tax which would be imposed on
        such fuel had the taxable event occurred on such date.
            (2) Time for filing claims.--No credit or refund shall be
        allowed or made under this subsection unless--
                    (A) claim therefor is filed with the Secretary of
                the Treasury before the date which is 6 months after
                the tax suspension date based on a request submitted to
                the taxpayer before the date which is 3 months after
                the tax suspension date by the dealer who held the
                highway motor fuel on such date, and
                    (B) the taxpayer has repaid or agreed to repay the
                amount so claimed to such dealer or has obtained the
                written consent of such dealer to the allowance of the
                credit or the making of the refund.
            (3) Exception for fuel held in retail stocks.--No credit or
        refund shall be allowed under this subsection with respect to
        any highway motor fuel in retail stocks held at the place where
        intended to be sold at retail.
            (4) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
                    (A) Tax suspension date.--The term ``tax suspension
                date'' means the first day of any suspension period in
                effect under section 4081(f) of the Internal Revenue
                Code of 1986 (as added by subsection (a) of this
                section).
                    (B) Other terms.--The terms ``dealer'' and ``held
                by a dealer'' have the respective meanings given to
                such terms by section 6412 of such Code.
            (5) Certain rules to apply.--Rules similar to the rules of
        subsections (b) and (c) of section 6412 of such Code shall
        apply for purposes of this subsection.
    (e) Floor Stocks Tax.--
            (1) Imposition of tax.--In the case of any highway motor
        fuel which is held on the tax restoration date by any person,
        there is hereby imposed a floor stocks tax equal to the excess
        of the tax which would be imposed on such fuel had the taxable
        event occurred on such date over the tax (if any) previously
        paid (and not credited or refunded) on such fuel.
            (2) Liability for tax and method of payment.--
                    (A) Liability for tax.--The person holding highway
                motor fuel on the tax restoration date to which the tax
                imposed by paragraph (1) applies shall be liable for
                such tax.
                    (B) Method of payment.--The tax imposed by
                paragraph (1) shall be paid in such manner as the
                Secretary shall prescribe.
                    (C) Time for payment.--The tax imposed by paragraph
                (1) shall be paid on or before the 45th day after the
                tax restoration date.
            (3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
                    (A) Tax restoration date.--The term ``tax
                restoration date'' means the first day after the end of
                any suspension period (as defined in section 4081(f) of
                the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
                    (B) Highway motor fuel.--The term ``highway motor
                fuel'' has the meaning given to such term by section
                4081(f) of such Code.
                    (C) Held by a person.--A highway motor fuel shall
                be considered as held by a person if title thereto has
                passed to such person (whether or not delivery to the
                person has been made).
                    (D) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
                Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate.
            (4) Exception for exempt uses.--The tax imposed by
        paragraph (1) shall not apply to any highway motor fuel held by
        any person exclusively for any use to the extent a credit or
        refund of the tax is allowable for such use.
            (5) Exception for certain amounts of fuel.--
                    (A) In general.--No tax shall be imposed by
                paragraph (1) on any highway motor fuel held on the tax
                restoration date by any person if the aggregate amount
                of such highway motor fuel held by such person on such
                date does not exceed 2,000 gallons. The preceding
                sentence shall apply only if such person submits to the
                Secretary (at the time and in the manner required by
                the Secretary) such information as the Secretary shall
                require for purposes of this subparagraph.
                    (B) Exempt fuel.--For purposes of subparagraph (A),
                there shall not be taken into account any highway motor
                fuel held by any person which is exempt from the tax
                imposed by paragraph (1) by reason of paragraph (4).
                    (C) Controlled groups.--For purposes of this
                subsection--
                            (i) Corporations.--
                                    (I) In general.--All persons
                                treated as a controlled group shall be
                                treated as 1 person.
                                    (II) Controlled group.--The term
                                ``controlled group'' has the meaning
                                given to such term by subsection (a) of
                                section 1563 of such Code; except that
                                for such purposes the phrase ``more
                                than 50 percent'' shall be substituted
                                for the phrase ``at least 80 percent''
                                each place it appears in such
                                subsection.
                            (ii) Nonincorporated persons under common
                        control.--Under regulations prescribed by the
                        Secretary, principles similar to the principles
                        of subparagraph (A) shall apply to a group of
                        persons under common control if 1 or more of
                        such persons is not a corporation.
            (6) Other laws applicable.--All provisions of law,
        including penalties, applicable with respect to the taxes
        imposed by section 4081 of such Code shall, insofar as
        applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this
        subsection, apply with respect to the floor stock taxes imposed
        by paragraph (1) to the same extent as if such taxes were
        imposed by such section.

Summary: Gasoline Tax Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend excise taxes on diesel and other highway motor fuels during specified periods when weekly retail gasoline prices as published by the Department of Energy exceed $2.75 per gallon.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to suspend the excise tax on highway motor fuels when average United States retail gasoline prices exceed $2.75 per gallon.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Iran Sanctions Enhancement Act of
2007''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The Islamic Republic of Iran is a signatory to the
        Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
            (2) Iran is a member of the International Atomic Energy
        Agency (IAEA).
            (3) Iran has agreed to safeguards to ensure compliance with
        its non-proliferation commitments under the NPT.
            (4) The IAEA has reported numerous concerns with the
        implementation of such safeguards to ensure Iran's compliance
        with its non-proliferation commitments.
            (5) International inspections in 2003 and 2004 of Iran's
        nuclear program revealed significant undeclared activities with
        potential application for the development of nuclear weapons.
            (6) According to the IAEA, Iran has not declared the full
        scope of its nuclear program and has not allowed full and
        unrestricted access to all its nuclear sites.
            (7) In June 2006, Iran refused to consider economic
        incentives offered by the five permanent members of the United
        Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Germany in exchange for a
        permanent halt to Iran's uranium enrichment program.
            (8) On July 31, 2006, the UNSC adopted Resolution 1696,
        setting a deadline of August 31, 2006, for Iran's full,
        unconditional, and immediate compliance with its obligations
        under the NPT.
            (9) Iran is in violation of UNSC Resolution 1696.
            (10) On March 23, 2007, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard
        Navy seized 15 British marines and sailors on the same day the
        UNSC considered a new resolution to sanction the Government of
        Iran for its continued defiance of the UNSC and the IAEA.
            (11) On March 24, 2007, the UNSC adopted Resolution 1747,
        imposing further economic sanctions on Iran for its non-
        compliance with previous UNSC resolutions.
            (12) Iran is in violation of UNSC Resolution 1747.
            (13) On May 14, 2007, IAEA Director General Mohammed El-
        Baradei announced that Iran had overcome its technical
        difficulties and now possesses the knowledge to enrich uranium
        to weapons-grade level.
            (14) On May 20, 2007, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy
        Organization announced the Iranian nuclear program was moving
        ahead as scheduled towards its previously stated goal of 50,000
        centrifuges running at its Natanz facility.
            (15) On May 23, 2007, the IAEA reported that Iran not only
        ignored the UNSC's deadline to stop enriching uranium but
        markedly expanded its enrichment program.
            (16) More than 40 percent of Iranian gasoline comes from
        imports.
            (17) The Government of Iran is set to impose a daily
        gasoline ration of three liters for private cars and 15 to 20
        liters for taxis.
            (18) If the supply of gasoline to Iran is restricted, the
        impact on Iran's economy would be considerable.
            (19) Diplomatic means present the most effective way to
        defuse the crisis regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE IRAN SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996.

    (a) Expansion of Sanctions to Refined Petroleum.--Section 5(a) of
the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended to read
as follows:
    ``(a) Sanctions With Respect to the Development of Petroleum
Resources of Iran and Export of Refined Petroleum to Iran.--Except as
provided in subsection (f), the President shall impose two or more of
the sanctions described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of section 6 if
the President determines that a person has, with actual knowledge--
            ``(1) on or after the date of the enactment of this Act,
        made an investment of $20,000,000 or more (or any combination
        of investments of at least $5,000,000 each, which in the
        aggregate equals or exceeds $20,000,000 in any 12-month
        period), that directly and significantly contributed to the
        enhancement of Iran's ability to develop petroleum resources of
        Iran; or
            ``(2) on or after December 31, 2007, provided Iran with
        refined petroleum resources or engaged in an activity that
        could contribute to the enhancement of Iran's ability to import
        refined petroleum resources.''.
    (b) Presidential Waiver.--Section 9(c)(2)(C) of such Act is amended
by striking ``section 5(a) or section 5(b) to Iran's ability to,
respectively, develop its petroleum resources or its weapons of mass
destruction or other military capabilities'' and inserting ``section
5(a)(1), section 5(a)(2), or section 5(b) to Iran's ability to,
respectively, develop its petroleum resources, enhance its ability to
import refined petroleum resources, or develop its weapons of mass
destruction or other military capabilities''.
    (c) Reports on United States Efforts To Curtail the Export of
Refined Petroleum to Iran.--Section 10 of such Act is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Reports on Refined Petroleum Exports to Iran.--Not later than
January 30, 2008, and every six months thereafter, the President shall
transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on any
person who has provided Iran with refined petroleum resources or any
activity by any person that could contribute to the enhancement of
Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources. For each such
activity, the President shall provide a description of such activity
and what steps the United States has taken to respond to such
activity.''.

Summary: Iran Sanctions Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to direct the President to impose two or more sanctions under such Act if a person has, with actual knowledge: (1) made an investment of $20 million or more that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Or (2) on or after December 31, 2007, provided Iran with refined petroleum resources or engaged in an activity that could contribute to the enhancement of Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources. Extends existing presidential waiver authority to such activities. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months on such activities.

To amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by expanding economic sanctions against Iran to include the importation of refined petroleum.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Quit Smoking Incentive and
Opportunity Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds as follows:
            (1) Unless the prevalence of tobacco use is cut
        dramatically, about 24,000,000 Americans, 1 out of every 2
        current smokers in America, will die prematurely of a disease
        directly caused by their dependence on tobacco.
            (2) Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in
        the United States with 400,000 premature deaths annually, and
        $157,000,000,000 in annual health-related economic losses,
        including more than $75,000,000,000 in excess medical
        expenditures.
            (3) Clinical studies have shown that pharmacological
        treatments are an effective treatment for tobacco dependence,
        and there are currently 6 medications that have been approved
        by the FDA for tobacco use cessation.
            (4) Clinical studies have shown that counseling is an
        effective treatment for tobacco dependence, and that counseling
        can be provided in individual or group settings, or via
        telephone, such as the Quit Lines provided by 33 States.
            (5) Studies have also shown that when counseling is
        combined with pharmacological treatment, the effectiveness of
        treatment doubles or triples (compared to counseling alone).
            (6) The cost of over-the-counter Nicotine Replacement
        Therapy (gum, patch, lozenges) is not covered by Medicare, and
        is rarely covered by private insurance. Fifteen states under
        Medicaid cover no Nicotine Replacement Therapy and many of the
        remaining 35 states do not cover all Nicotine Replacement
        Therapies. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is rarely tax-
        deductible, and typically costs about $300 for a suggested 10-
        week course of treatment.
            (7) The Guide to Community Preventive Services: Tobacco Use
        Prevention and Control (CDC 2000) and Treating Tobacco Use and
        Dependence: Clinical Practice Guideline (2000) recommended a
        reduction or elimination of out-of-pocket costs to increase the
        use of tobacco use cessation treatments.
            (8) Under current law, unreimbursed tobacco use cessation
        counseling programs and prescribed nicotine-withdrawal drugs
        are considered expenses for medical care that are deductible
        subject to the 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income limitation.
            (9) Two-thirds of all filers do not itemize.

SEC. 3. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR AMOUNTS PAID TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS TO
              CEASE USING TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

    (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits)
is amended by inserting after section 35 the following new section:

``SEC. 35A. CERTAIN EXPENSES TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS TO CEASE USING
              TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

    ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle
an amount equal to the qualified tobacco use cessation expenses paid by
the taxpayer during the taxable year for the benefit of the taxpayer,
the taxpayer's spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer.
    ``(b) Limitation.--The credit allowed under this section shall not
exceed--
            ``(1) $300 for amounts described in subsection (c)(1)(A),
        and
            ``(2) $100 for amounts described in subsection (c)(1)(B).
    ``(c) Qualified Tobacco Use Cessation Expenses.--For purposes of
this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified tobacco use
        cessation expenses' means expenses--
                    ``(A) for products determined by the Food and Drug
                Administration to be safe and effective in promoting a
                reduction in the use of tobacco products by
                individuals, and
                    ``(B) for counseling for cessation of tobacco use.
            ``(2) Counseling.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
                term `counseling for cessation of tobacco use' means
                diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services for
                cessation of tobacco use for individuals who use
                tobacco products or who are being treated for tobacco
                use which are furnished--
                            ``(i) by or under the supervision of a
                        physician, or
                            ``(ii) by any other health care
                        professional who is legally authorized to
                        furnish such services under State law (or the
                        State regulatory mechanism provided by State
                        law) of the State in which the services are
                        furnished.
                    ``(B) Limitation.--Such term is limited to--
                            ``(i) services recommended in `Treating
                        Tobacco Use and Dependence: A Clinical Practice
                        Guideline', published by the Public Health
                        Service in June 2000, or any subsequent
                        modification of such Guideline, and
                            ``(ii) such other services that the
                        Secretary of Health and Human Services
                        recognizes to be effective.''
    (b) Technical Amendments.--
            (1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United
        States Code, is amended by inserting ``or 36'' after ``section
        35''.
            (2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of
        subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting
        after the item relating to section 35 following new item:

                              ``Sec. 35A. Certain expenses to assist
                                        individuals to cease using
                                        tobacco products.''
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.

Summary: Quit Smoking Incentive and Opportunity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for the qualified tobacco use cessation expenses of a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a refundable credit for amounts paid for products and counseling designed to assist individuals to cease using tobacco products.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Dental and Optometric Care Access
Act'' or the ``DOC Access Act''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVING HEALTH CARE COVERAGE UNDER VISION AND DENTAL PLANS.

    (a) In General.--Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by inserting after section 2719A (42 U.S.C. 300gg-19a) the
following new section:

``SEC. 2719B. IMPROVING COVERAGE UNDER VISION AND DENTAL PLANS.

    ``(a) In General.--Under a group health plan or individual or
health insurance coverage (including such a plan or coverage offering
limited scope dental or vision benefits), the following shall apply:
            ``(1) Payment amounts from covered persons.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The plan or coverage shall
                provide, with respect to a doctor of optometry, doctor
                of dental surgery, or doctor of dental medicine that
                has an agreement to participate in the plan or coverage
                and that furnishes items or services that are not
                covered by the plan or coverage to a person enrolled
                under such plan or coverage, that the doctor may charge
                the enrollee for such items or services any amount
                determined by the doctor that is equal to, or less
                than, the usual and customary amount that the doctor
                charges individuals who are not so enrolled for such
                items or services.
                    ``(B) Items and services considered covered by a
                plan.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), an item or
                service shall be considered, with respect to a plan or
                coverage, to be covered by the plan or coverage only if
                the negotiated rate agreed to by such plan or coverage
                and the doctor for such item or service, without regard
                to any cost sharing obligation of the enrollee, is an
                amount that is reasonable and is not nominal or de
                minimis.
            ``(2) Changes to plans.--The terms of an agreement between
        such a plan or coverage and such a doctor (including, in the
        case of a plan or coverage that provides for a provider
        network, the negotiated rate for providers that participate in
        the network of such plan or coverage), may be changed only
        pursuant to a subsequent agreement signed by the doctor that
        documents the acknowledgment and acceptance of the doctor (as
        applicable) to such changes.
            ``(3) Duration of limited scope vision and dental plans.--
        In the case of an agreement between such a doctor and such a
        plan or coverage that offers limited scope dental or vision
        benefits, the agreement may not be for a period that is greater
        than two years.
            ``(4) Terms and conditions for ancillary services and
        procedures.--Such plan or coverage may not deny such a doctor
        participation in the plan or coverage or remove such a doctor
        from participation in the plan or coverage for the sole reason
        of the failure of the doctor to accept the terms and conditions
        under such agreement for any ancillary service or procedure.
            ``(5) Condition to join a provider network.--The plan or
        coverage may not require that such a doctor must participate
        with, or be credentialed by, any specific plan or coverage
        offering limited scope dental or vision benefits as a condition
        to participate in the provider network of such plan or
        coverage.
            ``(6) No interference with existing relationships and
        requirements.--Unless otherwise required by law or regulation,
        such plan or coverage may not directly communicate with an
        individual enrolled in such plan or coverage in a manner that
        interferes with or contravenes any State or Federal
        requirement, or doctor-patient relationship in existence at the
        time of such communication.
            ``(7) No restriction on choice of laboratories.--The plan
        or coverage may not, directly or indirectly, restrict or limit,
        such a doctor's choice of laboratories or choice of source and
        suppliers of services or materials provided by the doctor to an
        individual who is enrolled under the plan or coverage.
    ``(b) Private Right of Action.--In addition to any other remedies
under State or Federal law, a person adversely affected by a violation
of this subsection may bring action for injunctive relief against a
plan described in subsection (a) and, upon prevailing, in addition to
such injunctive relief, shall recover monetary damages of no more than
$1,000 for each day found to be in violation plus attorney's fees and
costs. The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive
jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this subsection.
    ``(c) Relationship to Exception for Limited, Excepted Benefits.--
Section 2722(c)(1) shall not apply with respect to the requirements of
this section.
    ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The terms `doctor of dental surgery' and `doctor of
        dental medicine' mean a doctor of dental surgery or of dental
        medicine, as applicable, who is legally authorized to practice
        dentistry by the State in which the doctor performs such
        function and who is acting within the scope of the license of
        the doctor when performing such functions.
            ``(2) The term `doctor of optometry' means a doctor of
        optometry who is legally authorized to practice optometry by
        the State in which the doctor so practices.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2722(c)(1) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-21(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``The
requirements'' and inserting ``Subject to section 2719B, the
requirements''.

Summary: Dental and Optometric Care Access Act or the DOC Access Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit group health plans and individual health insurance coverage from setting rates for items and services provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan or insurer does not pay a substantial amount. An agreement between a plan or insurer and such a doctor: (1) may only be changed with the doctor's acknowledgement and acceptance, and (2) may not last longer than two years if the agreement is for limited scope dental or vision benefits. Such a doctor must be allowed to participate in a: (1) plan or coverage without accepting terms for ancillary services or procedures, and (2) provider network without participating in a specific limited scope dental or vision benefit plan. Plans and insurers may not: (1) directly communicate with an enrolled individual in a manner that interferes with an existing doctor-patient relationship or a state or federal requirement, or (2) restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers. The bill establishes a private right of action for a person adversely affected by a violation of this Act.

DOC Access Act


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Commonsense
Reporting and Verification Act of 2015''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Prospective reporting system.
Sec. 4. Protection of dependent privacy.
Sec. 5. Electronic statements.
Sec. 6. GAO studies.
Sec. 7. Eligibility verification process for ACA subsidies.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue
        Service should work together with other relevant departments
        and agencies to identify and implement methods to minimize
        compliance burdens on businesses, insurance carriers, and
        individuals under provisions of the Patient Protection and
        Affordable Care Act.
            (2) Such collaboration should strike an appropriate balance
        between sufficient reporting to enforce the law and protecting
        the privacy of individuals.

SEC. 3. PROSPECTIVE REPORTING SYSTEM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, and the
Administrator of the Small Business Administration, shall implement a
voluntary prospective reporting system meeting the requirements of
subsection (b). Such system shall be established not later than
September 2, 2016, and shall be available for use by employers with
respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 2015.
    (b) Requirements.--The system created under subsection (a) shall be
maintained by the Secretary of the Treasury and shall include--
            (1) a process whereby employers may voluntarily report--
                    (A) the name and employer identification number of
                the employer;
                    (B) a certification of--
                            (i) whether coverage meeting the definition
                        of minimum essential coverage in section
                        5000A(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
                        is offered to the full-time employees;
                            (ii) whether such coverage is offered to
                        dependents of such employees;
                            (iii) whether such coverage is offered to
                        spouses of such employees;
                            (iv) whether such coverage is offered to
                        part-time employees;
                            (v) whether such coverage meets the minimum
                        value requirement of section 36B(c)(2)(C)(ii)
                        of such Code; and
                            (vi) whether such coverage satisfies the
                        requirements to qualify for one of the
                        affordability safe harbors promulgated by the
                        Secretary of the Treasury for purposes of
                        section 4980H of such Code;
                    (C) the months during the prospective reporting
                period that such coverage is available to full time
                employees of the employer; and
                    (D) whether any waiting periods apply with respect
                to such coverage;
        to be reported not later than 60 days before the start of the
        open enrollment period under section 1311(c)(6)(B) of the
        Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with respect to each
        such calendar year;
            (2) a process to ensure that Exchanges, the Federal
        Marketplace Data Services Hub, and the Internal Revenue Service
        can securely and confidentially access the information
        described in paragraph (1) as necessary to carry out their
        respective missions, and to provide to the Secretary of Health
        and Human Services additional information relating to
        eligibility determinations for advance payment of the premium
        tax credits under section 36B of such Code and the cost-sharing
        subsidies under section 1402 of the Patient Protection and
        Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148);
            (3) a process to allow the appropriate agency described in
        subsection (a) to follow up with employers in order to obtain
        additional necessary information relating to an employee's
        eligibility for such advance payment or such cost-sharing
        subsidies, and to allow an employee to receive notification of
        any problem in verifying such eligibility; and
            (4) a process to allow employers using the system to
        provide timely updates to the Federal Marketplace Data Services
        Hub regarding any cancellation of coverage or significant
        change in availability of coverage for participating employees.
    (c) Exemption From Reporting Requirement Under Internal Revenue
Code of 1986.--If, through the system created under subsection (a), an
employer provides prospective reporting for a calendar year in which a
plan year ends that meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1)--
            (1) such employer shall be treated as satisfying the return
        requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of section 6056 of the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the calendar year in which
        such plan year ends; and
            (2) such employer shall be treated as satisfying the
        requirements of section 6056(c) of such Code for the calendar
        year in which such plan year ends if the employer furnishes the
        statement described in such section to the Internal Revenue
        Service and to those employees of the employer for whom the
        employer has received a notice under section 1411(e)(4)(B)(iii)
        of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C.
        18081) from the Exchange (established under section 1311 or
        1321 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42
        U.S.C. 18031, 18041)) that the employee, or the spouse or
        dependent of the employee, has enrolled in a qualified health
        plan (as defined in section 1301 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18021))
        through the Exchange or been deemed eligible for an advance
        payment of premium tax credits under section 36B of such Code
        or cost-sharing subsidies under section 1402 of the Patient
        Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18071).
    (d) Third-Party Filing.--Employers may use third parties to
complete the filing described in subsection (b)(1). Use of such a third
party to complete the filing does not affect an employer's liability
under sections 6055 or 6056 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (e) Employer Notification of Employee Enrollments.--Each Exchange
established under title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act shall provide notice to each employer at the time an employee (or
dependent of an employee) is enrolled under a qualified health plan
through the Exchange.

SEC. 4. PROTECTION OF DEPENDENT PRIVACY.

    (a) In General.--Section 6055(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(3) TINs not collected or maintained.--For purposes of
        subparagraph (B)(i), in the case of an individual other than
        the primary insured, if, before January 1, 2014, the health
        insurance issuer or the employer did not collect or maintain
        information on the TINs of such individuals (other than for
        purposes of this section), the individual's name and date of
        birth may be substituted for the name and TIN.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to returns the due date for which is after the date that is 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 5. ELECTRONIC STATEMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 6056(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(3) Electronic delivery.--An individual shall be deemed
        to have consented to receive the statement under this section
        in electronic form if such individual has consented at any
        prior time, to the person who is the employer of the individual
        during the calendar year or the preceding plan year to which
        the statement relates, to receive such statement in electronic
        form. The preceding sentence shall not apply if the individual
        refuses consent in writing with respect to the statement under
        this section.''.
    (b) Statements Relating to Health Insurance Coverage.--Section
6055(c) of such Code, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(4) Electronic delivery.--An individual shall be deemed
        to have consented to receive the statement under this
        subsection in electronic form if such individual has consented
        at any prior time to receive in electronic form any private
        health information (such as electronic health records)
        furnished to such individual by the person required to make
        such statement, unless the individual refuses such consent in
        writing.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to statements the due date for which is after December 31, 2015.

SEC. 6. GAO STUDIES.

    (a) Study of First Years of Employer Reporting.--
            (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
        States shall conduct a study that evaluates, with respect to
        the period beginning on January 1, 2014, and ending on December
        31, 2016--
                    (A) the notification of employers by Exchanges
                established under title I of the Patient Protection and
                Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) that a full-
                time employee of the employer has been determined
                eligible for advance payment of premium tax credits
                under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
                or cost-sharing subsidies under section 1402 of such
                Act (42 U.S.C. 18071), including information
                regarding--
                            (i) the data elements included in the
                        employer notification;
                            (ii) the process by which the notification
                        forms were developed and sent to employers,
                        including whether the process provided for a
                        formal notice and comment period;
                            (iii) whether employers report that such
                        notifications provided sufficient and relevant
                        information for them to make appropriate
                        decisions about whether to utilize the appeals
                        process;
                            (iv) the total number of notifications sent
                        to employers and the timeline of when such
                        notifications were sent;
                            (v) differences in the notification process
                        between the marketplace facilitated by the
                        Federal Government and the State-Based
                        Marketplaces; and
                            (vi) challenges that have arisen in the
                        notification process, and recommendations to
                        address these challenges; and
                    (B) the extent to which the Secretary of Health and
                Human Services has established a separate appeals
                process for employers who received such a notification
                to challenge the eligibility determination, as required
                by section 1411(f)(2) of the Patient Protection and
                Affordable Care Act (42 U.S..C. 18081(f)(2)).
            (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
        the Committees on Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and
        Pensions of the Senate and the Committees on Ways and Means,
        Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce of the
        House of Representatives a report on the results of the study
        conducted under paragraph (1).
    (b) Study of Prospective Reporting System.--
            (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
        States shall conduct a study that evaluates, with respect to
        the period beginning on January 1, 2017, and ending on December
        31, 2017, the functionality of the prospective reporting system
        established under section 3, including the accuracy of
        information collected, the number of employers electing to
        report under such system, and any challenges that have arisen
        in implementing such system.
            (2) Report.--Not later than July 1, 2018, the Comptroller
        General shall submit to the Committees on Finance and Health,
        Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committees
        on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and the
        Workforce of the House of Representatives a report on the
        results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).

SEC. 7. ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROCESS FOR ACA SUBSIDIES.

    (a) In General.--Except as specified in subsection (b), a
marketplace (as defined in subsection (d)) may automatically reenroll
an individual into a qualified health plan (as defined for purposes of
title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) so long as
the marketplace--
            (1) redetermines on an annual basis the eligibility of the
        individual for any advanced premium tax credit or a cost-
        sharing reduction pursuant to section 1412 of the Patient
        Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18082); and
            (2) takes into account, in making such redeterminations,
        annual changes in premiums and in the Federal poverty level as
        well as the most recent income data available with respect to
        the individual involved.
    (b) Reenrollment Limitations.--If a marketplace does not follow the
processes specified under the section with respect to an individual,
then the marketplace may not automatically reenroll the individual into
a qualified health plan with an advanced premium tax credit or a cost-
sharing reduction until the individual provides current income
information to the marketplace so that eligibility for a credit or
reduction can be redetermined.
    (c) Comprehensive Guidance Based on Current Guidance.--The
provisions of this section are intended to generally reflect and be
consistent with the guidance on annual eligibility redeterminations and
reenrollments for marketplace coverage issued by the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services on April 22, 2015. In carrying out this
section, the Secretary shall apply rules (whether through guidance or
otherwise) regarding the annual eligibility redeterminations and
reenrollments for coverage and for tax credits and cost-sharing
reduction for individuals through a marketplace that are consistent
with this section and are at least as comprehensive as the guidance
(issued on April 22, 2015) applied for coverage for 2016. Such guidance
shall include provisions that ensure that--
            (1) enrollees eligible to be automatically reenrolled in a
        qualified health plan and to continue provision of such a tax
        credit or cost-sharing reduction shall maintain on file with
        the marketplace (or otherwise provide to the marketplace) an
        authorization for disclosure of information verifying
        eligibility for such a credit or cost-sharing reduction;
            (2) the marketplace annually requests updated income
        information to verify such eligibility; and
            (3) enrollees are provided timely and appropriate notices
        of the rules regarding annual redeterminations and
        reenrollments.
    (d) Marketplace Defined.--In this section, the term ``marketplace''
means State Based Exchanges and the Federally Facilitated Exchange
established under sections 1311 and 1321 of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031, 18041), respectively.

Summary: Commonsense Reporting and Verification Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Treasury to implement and maintain a voluntary prospective reporting system for employers subject to the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Employers satisfy the information return requirement if they voluntarily report general information about the health coverage offered to full-time employees. Employers satisfy the employee statement requirement if they provide statements to employees after receiving exchange notification that employee or spouse or dependent enrolled in a qualified health plan or qualified for premium tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies. The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit employers and health insurance issuers that provide minimum essential coverage to submit an information return with names and birth dates of covered dependents if the employer or health insurance issuer does not already collect or maintain their taxpayer identification numbers, and (2) permit electronic delivery of employee statement if employee consented previously to electronic delivery of other notices and does not refuse consent in writing. It directs the Government Accountability Office to: (1) evaluate the exchange notification and appeals processes for employers whose employee or spouse or dependent enrolls in a qualified health plan or qualifies for premium tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies, and (2) evaluate the prospective reporting system functionality. The legislation permits a health insurance exchange to automatically reenroll an individual into a qualified health plan after annually redetermining the individual's eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United Nations Rapid Deployment Act
of 2001''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) The December 1999 United Nations ``Report on the
        Independent Inquiry into the Actions of the United Nations
        During the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda'' indicates that in April
        1994, the United Nations Security Council failed to deploy
        5,500 United Nations peacekeepers to Rwanda within two weeks of
        the initial violence, thereby allowing the conflict to
        escalate. The six-month estimated cost of the deployment would
        have been $115,000,000. Instead, the genocide consumed 800,000
        lives along with $2,000,000,000 in humanitarian aid.
            (2) The April 2000 report of the United Nations Secretary
        General, ``We the Peoples, The Role of the United Nations in
        the 21st Century'', states that only member nations of the
        United Nations can fix the structural weakness of United
        Nations peace operations. The report compares the current
        system for launching peacekeeping operations to a volunteer
        fire department that has to find fire engines and the funds to
        run them before starting to douse any flames. The present
        United Nations system relies almost entirely on last minute, ad
        hoc arrangements that guarantee delay, with respect to the
        provision of civilian personnel even more so than military
        personnel. Availability and readiness of forces is very
        unpredictable and constraints on resources preclude rapid
        deployment.
            (3) In August 2000, the specially-appointed panel on United
        Nations Peace Operations issued its findings. Known as the
        ``Brahimi Report'' (A/55/305; S/2000/809), the report concludes
        that ``few of the basic building blocks are in place for the
        United Nations to rapidly acquire and deploy the human and
        material resources required to mount any complex peace
        operation in the future''. These building blocks include a
        standing police corps, a reserve corps of mission leadership, a
        sufficient stockpile of equipment, and arrangements for
        recruitment of civilian personnel. Furthermore, the report
        encourages member nations to enter partnerships with one
        another in the context of the United Nations Stand-by
        Arrangements System (UNSAS). These partnerships would form the
        basis for Rapid Deployment Brigades (RDBs), which would develop
        the operational capabilities to fully deploy ``traditional''
        peacekeeping operations within 30 days of the adoption of an
        authorizing Security Council resolution and to fully deploy
        ``complex'' peacekeeping operations within 90 days of the
        adoption of an authorizing Security Council resolution.
            (4) Former United States Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke,
        speaking before the United Nations Security Council on November
        15, 2000, stated that ``[u]nless we move decisively on
        meaningful peacekeeping reform, those that threaten
        peacekeepers across the globe may draw the conclusion that the
        UN lacks the will, the cohesion and even the capability to
        perform its essential peacekeeping function''.
            (5) Both the nations of Europe and the United States have
        recognized the value and need for rapidly deployable combat
        units in response to a full spectrum of contingencies,
        including peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, low-
        intensity conflicts, and full-scale warfare. The European Union
        has proposed forming a standing police force and rapid
        deployment brigades as part of the European Defense Force, and
        in the United States, the Department of Defense is establishing
        interim brigade combat teams as part of the overall Army
        transformation strategy.
            (6) The United States' veto power in the United Nations
        Security Council gives it the capacity to halt the deployment
        of United Nations forces if the deployment is not in the
        national interests of the United States.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF A UNITED NATIONS RAPID DEPLOYMENT POLICE AND
              SECURITY FORCE.

    (a) Establishment.--The President shall direct the United States
representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and
influence of the United States to urge the United Nations--
            (1) to establish a United Nations Rapid Deployment Police
        and Security Force (UNRDPSF) that--
                    (A) is rapidly deployable under the authority of
                the United Nations Security Council;
                    (B) should be able to deploy within 15 days of a
                United Nations Security Council resolution to establish
                international peace operations;
                    (C) is limited to a maximum deployment of six
                months for any given mission;
                    (D) should be deployed only when the United Nations
                Security Council determines that violations of human
                rights, breaches of the peace, or the failure to
                restore the rule of law, requires rapid response to
                ensure adherence to negotiated agreements to prevent or
end hostilities;
                    (E) should be composed of at least 6,000 volunteers
                who train together and are appropriately equipped
                expressly for international peace operations, including
                civilian policing; and
                    (F) should be given the authority to protect
                itself, execute negotiated peace accords, disarm
                combatants, protect civilians, detain war criminals,
                restore the rule of law, and to carry out other
                purposes as detailed in United Nations Security Council
                resolutions;
            (2) to recruit personnel to serve in the Force; and
            (3) to provide equitable and reliable funding for the
        Force.
    (b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``international peace
operations'' means any operation carried out under a United Nations
Security Council resolution.

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF RAPID DEPLOYMENT BRIGADES.

    In order to promote the development of human and material resources
for United Nations peacekeeping operations as recommended by the August
2000 Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations (A/55/305;
S/2000/809), commonly known as the ``Brahimi Report'', the President--
            (1) shall direct the Secretary of State and the United
        States representative to the United Nations to encourage the
        member nations of the United Nations to enter into partnerships
        with one another, in the context of the United Nations Stand-by
        Arrangements System (UNSAS), to form the basis for Rapid
        Deployment Brigades, which would develop the operational
        capabilities to fully deploy ``traditional'' peacekeeping
        operations within 30 days of the adoption of a Security Council
        resolution and ``complex'' peacekeeping operations within 90
        days of the adoption of a Security Council resolution; and
            (2) shall direct the Secretary of Defense to undertake a
        study, not later than six months after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, to determine the advisability of and the
        feasibility of using interim combat brigade teams as part of
        Rapid Deployment Brigades as described in paragraph (1).

SEC. 5. REPORT ON UNITED NATIONS RAPID DEPLOYMENT.

    Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act,
the President shall prepare and transmit to the Congress a report on--
            (1) the status of negotiations to establish a United
        Nations Rapid Deployment Police and Security Force (UNRDPSF) in
        accordance with section 3;
            (2) the status of United States activities to encourage
        member nations of the United Nations to establish Rapid
        Deployment Brigades in accordance with section 4(1); and
            (3) the results of the study conducted under section 4(2).

Summary: United Nations Rapid Deployment Act of 2001 - Requires the President to direct the US representative to the United Nations (UN) to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the UN to: (1) establish a United Nations Rapid Deployment Police and Security Force (UNRDPSF) that is rapidly deployable under the authority of the UN Security Council, and that meets other specified requirements, (2) recruit UNRDPSF personnel. And (3) provide equitable and reliable funding. Requires the President, in order to promote the development of human and material resources for UN peacekeeping operations as recommended by the August 2000 Report of the Panel on UN Peace Operations , to: (1) direct the Secretary of State and the US representative to the UN to encourage UN member nations to enter into partnerships with one another to form Rapid Deployment Brigades which could develop operational capabilities to fully deploy peacekeeping operations within a specified time. And (2) direct the Secretary of Defense to study the advisability of and feasibility of using interim combat brigade teams as part of the Rapid Deployment Brigades.

To enhance the capability of the United Nations to rapidly respond to emerging crises.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Retailers and Entertainers Lacey
Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act'' or the ``RELIEF Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) Amendments to the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 were
        enacted as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
        2008 (Public Law 110-246).
            (2) The 2008 amendments were intended to level the playing
        field for American businesses engaged in the responsible
        harvest, shipment, manufacture, and trade of plants and plant
        products whose prices had been undercut by a black market
        fueled by irresponsible and illegal taking of protected plants
        around the globe.
            (3) The 2008 amendments were overly broad and their
        enforcement as enacted could criminalize actions of a good-
        faith owner, purchaser, or retailer of a plant or plant
        product, subjecting them to penalties that include forfeiture,
        fines, and imprisonment.
            (4) Sanctions for violating the 2008 amendments should be
        proportional to the act in violation. An individual who is not
        in the commercial shipping business should not be held to the
        same standard of compliance under that Act.
            (5) Individuals fear that they risk incurring those
        penalties by merely owning or traveling with a vintage musical
        instrument, antique furniture, or another wood product.
            (6) The Department of the Interior and Department of
        Justice have stated ``people who unknowingly possess a musical
        instrument or other object containing wood that was illegally
        taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of law and
        who, in the exercise of due care would not have known that it
        was illegal, do not have criminal exposure.''.
            (7) It is necessary to clarify the 2008 amendments so that
        legally harvested new plant products can enter the market
        place.
            (8) Declaration requirements for plant products imported or
        manufactured prior to May 22, 2008, are unreasonable since the
        sourcing of plant products was not previously required by law.
            (9) Federal law enforcement officials should not engage in
        overzealous enforcement action under the 2008 amendments.
            (10) It is important to ensure that the appropriate
        agencies have the necessary funding to implement the current
        phases of the declaration requirement before considering any
        future phases.
            (11) The appropriate agencies have the responsibility of
        providing a publicly accessible database so that everyone can
        be notified of the foreign laws of countries as they apply to
        the importation of plants.

SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS UNDER LACEY ACT
              AMENDMENTS OF 1981.

    (a) Limitation on Application of Act to Certain Plants and Plant
Products.--The Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) is
amended by redesignating section 9 as section 10, and by inserting
after section 8 the following:

``SEC. 9. LIMITATION ON APPLICATION TO CERTAIN PLANTS AND PLANT
              PRODUCTS.

    ``This Act does not apply with respect to--
            ``(1) any plant that was imported into the United States
        before May 22, 2008; or
            ``(2) any finished plant or plant product the assembly and
        processing of which was completed before May 22, 2008.''.
    (b) Limitations on Application of Plant Declaration Requirement.--
Section 3(f) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3372(f)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``that is entered for
        consumption (as that term is defined in part 141.0a of title
        19, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of
        enactment of the Retailers and Entertainers Lacey
        Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act)'' after ``plant'';
        and
            (2) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Paragraphs (1)'';
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(B)(i) In the case of a plant product that is derived
        from a tree, a declaration under paragraph (1) or (2) is not
        required to include information referred to in subparagraph
        (A), (B), or (C) of that paragraph unless the plant product is
        solid wood.
            ``(ii) The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health
        Inspection Service shall issue regulations that define the term
        `solid wood' for purposes of this subparagraph.''.
    (c) Application of Civil Forfeiture Laws.--Section 5(d) of such Act
(16 U.S.C. 3374(d)) is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Civil'';
            (2) by inserting ``, except as provided in paragraphs (2)
        and (3) of this subsection'' before the period at the end; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Subsection (d)(4) of section 983 of such chapter, and the
second sentence of subsection (a)(1)(F) of such section, shall not
apply to plants or plant products.
    ``(3) This section is the sole authority for civil seizure or
forfeiture actions alleging, or predicated upon, a violation of section
3.''.

SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON APPLICATION OF FOREIGN LAWS.

    (a) Prohibited Acts.--Section 3(a) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3372(a))
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(B), in clause (ii) and in clause
        (iii), by striking ``foreign law'' and inserting ``foreign law
        that is directed at the protection, conservation, and
        management of plants''; and
            (2) in paragraph (3)(B), in clause (ii) and in clause
        (iii), by striking ``foreign law'' and inserting ``foreign law
        that is directed at the protection, conservation, and
        management of plants''.
    (b) Civil Penalties.--Section 4(a)(1) of such Act (16 U.S.C.
3373(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``foreign law'' and inserting
``foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and
management of plants''.

SEC. 5. REVIEW AND REPORT.

    Section 3(f) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3372(f)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Not later than two
        years after the date of enactment of this subsection,'' and
        inserting ``Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
        of the Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and
        Enforcement Fairness Act,''; and
            (2) in paragraph (5)--
                    (A) by striking ``Not later than 180 days after the
                date on which the Secretary completes the review under
                paragraph (4), the Secretary'' and inserting ``Not
                later than 180 days after the date the Secretary
                completes the review under paragraph (4), the Director
                of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service'';
                    (B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the
                end of subparagraph (B);
                    (C) by striking the period at the end of
                subparagraph (C) and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) an evaluation of the feasibility of creating
                and maintaining a publicly available database of laws
                of foreign countries from which plants are exported.''.

Summary: Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act or the RELIEF Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to: (1) make such Act inapplicable to any plant that was imported into the United States before May 22, 2008, or any finished plant or plant product the assembly and processing of which was completed before such date. (2) limit the application of plant importation declaration requirements to plants that are entered for consumption. And (3) exclude from declaration requirements a plant product that is derived from a tree unless the product is solid wood . Provides that: (1) civil forfeiture provisions that prohibit any person from asserting an ownership interest in contraband or other property that it is illegal to possess, or that prohibit the federal government from being required to return contraband or other property that the person from whom the property was seized may not legally possess, shall not apply to plants or plant products. And (2) civil forfeiture provisions of such Act are the sole authority for civil seizure or forfeiture actions alleging, or predicated upon, a violation of such Act. Prohibits any person from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing in interstate or foreign commerce, or any person within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States from possessing, a plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold: (1) without the payment of appropriate royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required for the plant by any law or regulation of any state or any foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants. And (2) in violation of any limitation under any law or regulation of any state, or under foreign law, governing the export or transshipment of plants and that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants Limits the application of a civil penalty under such Act for violations of foreign laws to violations of foreign laws that are directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants. Requires the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested pursuant to the provisions of Reorganization Plan Numbered 4 of 1970, to review the implementation of plant declarations with 180 days. Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to report on plant declaration requirements, including an evaluation of the feasibility of creating a publicly available database of laws of foreign countries from which plants are exported.

To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to limit the application of that Act with respect to plants and plant products that were imported before the effective date of amendments to that Act enacted in 2008, and for other purposes.