SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``GI Bill Processing Improvement Act
of 2015''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE VETERANS BENEFITS
              ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Processing of Certain Educational Assistance Claims.--The
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum extent possible,
make such changes and improvements to the information technology system
of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans
Affairs to ensure that--
            (1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and
        supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33
        of title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated
        electronically; and
            (2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with
        respect to such claims with little human intervention.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to Congress a report on the changes made pursuant to the requirements
of subsection (a).
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 to carry
out this section during fiscal years 2015 and 2016.

SEC. 3. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY PUBLIC
              INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR PURPOSES OF ALL-
              VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND POST-
              9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE CONDITIONAL ON IN-STATE
              TUITION RATE FOR VETERANS.

    (a) Extension of Effective Date.--Section 702(b) of the Veterans
Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146) is
amended by striking ``July 1, 2015'' and inserting ``July 1, 2016''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 3679(c)(2)(B) of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``or 3319'' and all that follows
and inserting ``of this title or to whom educational assistance is
transferred under section 3319 of this title''.

SEC. 4. RECODIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTION PROCESS FOR POST-9/
              11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 33 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3326. Election to receive educational assistance
    ``(a) Individuals Eligible To Elect Participation in Post-9/11
Educational Assistance.--An individual may elect to receive educational
assistance under this chapter if such individual--
            ``(1) as of August 1, 2009--
                    ``(A) is entitled to basic educational assistance
                under chapter 30 of the title and has used, but retains
                unused, entitlement under that chapter;
                    ``(B) is entitled to educational assistance under
                chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 and has used,
                but retains unused, entitlement under the applicable
                chapter;
                    ``(C) is entitled to basic educational assistance
                under chapter 30 of this title but has not used any
                entitlement under that chapter;
                    ``(D) is entitled to educational assistance under
                chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 but has not used
                any entitlement under such chapter;
                    ``(E) is a member of the Armed Forces who is
                eligible for receipt of basic educational assistance
                under chapter 30 this title and is making contributions
                toward such assistance under section 3011(b) or 3012(c)
                of this title; or
                    ``(F) is a member of the Armed Forces who is not
                entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter
                30 of this title by reason of an election under section
                3011(c)(1) or 3012(d)(1) of this title; and
            ``(2) as of the date of the individual's election under
        this paragraph, meets the requirements for entitlement to
        educational assistance under this chapter.
    ``(b) Cessation of Contributions Toward GI Bill.--Effective as of
the first month beginning on or after the date of an election under
subsection (a) of an individual described by paragraph (1)(E) of that
subsection, the obligation of the individual to make contributions
under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as applicable, shall
cease, and the requirements of such section shall be deemed to be no
longer applicable to the individual.
    ``(c) Revocation of Remaining Transferred Entitlement.--
            ``(1) Election to revoke.--If, on the date an individual
        described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(C) of subsection (a) makes
        an election under that subsection, a transfer of the
        entitlement of the individual to basic educational assistance
        under section 3020 of this title is in effect and a number of
        months of the entitlement so transferred remain unutilized, the
        individual may elect to revoke all or a portion of the
        entitlement so transferred that remains unutilized.
            ``(2) Availability of revoked entitlement.--Any entitlement
        revoked by an individual under this paragraph shall no longer
        be available to the dependent to whom transferred, but shall be
        available to the individual instead for educational assistance
        under chapter 33 of this title in accordance with the
        provisions of this section.
            ``(3) Availability of unrevoked entitlement.--Any
        entitlement described in paragraph (1) that is not revoked by
        an individual in accordance with that paragraph shall remain
        available to the dependent or dependents concerned in
        accordance with the current transfer of such entitlement under
        section 3020 of this title.
    ``(d) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and except as
        provided in subsection (e), an individual making an election
        under subsection (a) shall be entitled to educational
        assistance under this chapter in accordance with the provisions
        of this chapter, instead of basic educational assistance under
        chapter 30 this title, or educational assistance under chapter
        107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable.
            ``(2) Limitation on entitlement for certain individuals.--
        In the case of an individual making an election under
        subsection (a) who is described by paragraph (1)(A) of that
        subsection, the number of months of entitlement of the
        individual to educational assistance under this chapter 33
        shall be the number of months equal to--
                    ``(A) the number of months of unused entitlement of
                the individual under chapter 30 of this title, as of
                the date of the election, plus
                    ``(B) the number of months, if any, of entitlement
                revoked by the individual under subsection (c)(1).
    ``(e) Continuing Entitlement to Educational Assistance Not
Available Under 9/11 Assistance Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--In the event educational assistance to
        which an individual making an election under subsection (a)
        would be entitled under chapter 30 of this title, or chapter
        107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable, is not
        authorized to be available to the individual under the
        provisions of this chapter the individual shall remain entitled
        to such educational assistance in accordance with the
        provisions of the applicable chapter.
            ``(2) Charge for use of entitlement.--The utilization by an
        individual of entitlement under paragraph (1) shall be
        chargeable against the entitlement of the individual to
        educational assistance under this chapter at the rate of one
        month of entitlement under this chapter for each month of
        entitlement utilized by the individual under paragraph (1) (as
        determined as if such entitlement were utilized under the
        provisions of chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606,
        or 1607 of title 10, as applicable).
    ``(f) Additional Post-9/11 Assistance for Members Having Made
Contributions Toward GI Bill.--
            ``(1) Additional assistance.--In the case of an individual
        making an election under subsection (a) who is described by
        subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that
        subsection, the amount of educational assistance payable to the
        individual under this chapter 33 as a monthly stipend payable
        under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this title, or
        under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as
        applicable), shall be the amount otherwise payable as a monthly
        stipend under the applicable paragraph increased by the amount
        equal to--
                    ``(A) the total amount of contributions toward
                basic educational assistance made by the individual
                under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as of
                the date of the election, multiplied by
                    ``(B) the fraction--
                            ``(i) the numerator of which is--
                                    ``(I) the number of months of
                                entitlement to basic educational
                                assistance under chapter 30 of this
                                title remaining to the individual at
                                the time of the election; plus
                                    ``(II) the number of months, if
                                any, of entitlement under such chapter
                                30 revoked by the individual under
                                subsection (c)(1); and
                            ``(ii) the denominator of which is 36
                        months.
            ``(2) Months of remaining entitlement for certain
        individuals.--In the case of an individual covered by paragraph
        (1) who is described by subsection (a)(1)(E), the number of
        months of entitlement to basic educational assistance remaining
        to the individual for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) shall
        be 36 months.
            ``(3) Timing of payment.--The amount payable with respect
        to an individual under paragraph (1) shall be paid to the
        individual together with the last payment of the monthly
        stipend payable to the individual under paragraph (1)(B) of
        section 3313(c) of this title, or under subsections (b) through
        (g) of that section (as applicable), before the exhaustion of
        the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under
        this chapter.
    ``(g) Continuing Entitlement to Additional Assistance for Critical
Skills or Speciality and Additional Service.--An individual making an
election under subsection (a)(1) who, at the time of the election, is
entitled to increased educational assistance under section 3015(d) of
this title, or section 16131(i) of title 10, or supplemental
educational assistance under subchapter III of chapter 30 of this
title, shall remain entitled to such increased educational assistance
or supplemental educational assistance in the utilization of
entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter, in an amount
equal to the quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, equivalent of
the monthly amount of such increased educational assistance or
supplemental educational assistance payable with respect to the
individual at the time of the election.
    ``(h) Alternative Election by Secretary.--
            ``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual who, on or
        after January 1, 2016, submits to the Secretary an election
        under this section that the Secretary determines is clearly
        against the interests of the individual, the Secretary may make
        an alternative election on behalf of the individual that the
        Secretary determines is in the best interests of the
        individual.
            ``(2) Notice.--If the Secretary makes an election on behalf
        of an individual under this subsection, the Secretary shall
        notify the individual by not later than seven days after making
        such election and shall provide the individual with a 30-day
        period, beginning on the date of the individual's receipt of
        such notice, during which the individual may modify or revoke
        the election made by the Secretary on the individual's behalf.
        The Secretary shall include, as part of such notice, a clear
        statement of why the alternative election made by the Secretary
        is in the best interests of the individual as compared to the
        election submitted by the individual. The Secretary shall
        provide the notice required under this paragraph by electronic
        means whenever possible.
    ``(i) Irrevocability of Elections.--An election under subsection
(a) or (c)(1) is irrevocable.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``3326. Election to receive educational assistance.''.
    (c) Conforming Repeal.--Subsection (c) of section 5003 of the Post-
9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252;
38 U.S.C. 3301 note) is hereby repealed.

SEC. 5. CENTRALIZED REPORTING OF VETERAN ENROLLMENT BY CERTAIN GROUPS,
              DISTRICTS, AND CONSORTIUMS OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 3684(a) of title 38, United States Code,
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``32, 33,'' after
        ``31,''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term `educational
institution' may include a group, district, or consortium of separately
accredited educational institutions located in the same State that are
organized in a manner that facilitates the centralized reporting of the
enrollments in such group, district, or consortium of institutions.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to reports submitted on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 6. PROVISION OF INFORMATION REGARDING VETERAN ENTITLEMENT TO
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699. Provision of certain information to educational
              institutions
    ``For each veteran or other individual pursuing a course of
education that has been approved under this chapter using educational
assistance to which the veteran or other individual is entitled under
chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, the Secretary shall make
available to the educational institution offering the course
information about the amount of such educational assistance to which
the veteran or other individual is entitled. Such information shall be
provided to such educational institution through an Internet website
and shall be regularly updated to reflect any amounts used by the
veteran or other individual.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3698 the following new item:

``3699. Provision of certain information to educational
                            institutions.''.

Summary: GI Bill Processing Improvement Act of 2015 Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to alter the information technology system of the Veterans Benefits Administration to ensure that: (1) all claims for post-911 educational assistance are electronically adjudicated, to the maximum extent possible. And (2) rule-based processing is used to decide such claims with little human intervention. Changes from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2016, the effective date of the requirement that the Secretary disapprove, for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force and the Post-911 Educational Assistance programs, courses of education provided by a public educational institution of higher education that charges veterans living in the state higher tuition and fees than it charges in-state residents, regardless of the veterans' state of residence. Allows individuals to elect to convert their educational assistance to the post-911 veterans' educational assistance program if, as of August 1, 2009, they meet specified conditions with respect to their entitlements and elections under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program or certain other educational programs for professional military, selected reserve, or reserve component members. Conditions such post-911 program eligibility on the individual meeting the requirements for the post-911 program as of the date of election. Sets forth transitional rules with respect to the transfer or revocation of entitlements from a previous assistance program after an election to convert to the post-911 program. Requires certain assistance to remain available to individuals under their previous program if it is not available under the post-911 program. Authorizes the Secretary, if an individual submits an election that the Secretary determines is against the interests of the individual, to make an alternative election on the individual's behalf. Allows such individual, during a specified period, to modify or revoke the Secretary's alternative selection. Requires individuals and educational institutions participating in the post-Vietnam era and post-911 veterans' educational assistance programs, in addition to those participating in the VA's other educational assistance programs, to report to the Secretary such enrollment and any updates on interruption or termination of the education . Defines quot, educational institutionquot. To permit the inclusion of groups, districts, or consortiums of separately accredited educational institutions in the same state that are organized in a manner facilitating the centralized reporting of enrollments. Directs the Secretary to make available to educational institutions, through an Internet website, information on the amount of educational assistance to which their students are entitled under the all-volunteer force, post-Vietnam era, post-911, and survivors' and dependents' educational assistance programs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening
American Transportation Security Act of 2016''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings; sense of Congress.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Conversion of screening personnel.
Sec. 5. Transition rules.
Sec. 6. Consultation requirement.
Sec. 7. No right to strike.
Sec. 8. Regulations.
Sec. 9. Delegations to Administrator.
Sec. 10. Authorization of appropriations.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists, who underwent
        airport security screening prior to boarding domestic flights,
        were able to commandeer 4 airplanes and use those airplanes to
        perpetrate the most deadly terrorist attack ever to be executed
        on United States soil.
            (2) In the aftermath of those attacks, Congress passed the
        Aviation and Transportation Security Act (Public Law 107-71),
        which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on
        November 19, 2001--
                    (A) to enhance the level of security screening
                throughout our aviation system; and
                    (B) to transfer responsibility for such screening
                from the private sector to the newly established
                Transportation Security Administration (referred to in
                this section as ``TSA'').
            (3) By establishing TSA, Congress and the American public
        recognized that the highest level of screener performance was
        directly linked to employment and training standards, pay and
        benefits, and the creation of an experienced, committed
        screening workforce.
            (4) Section 111(d) of the Aviation and Transportation
        Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) authorizes the Under
        Secretary of Transportation for Security to ``employ, appoint,
        discipline, terminate, and fix the compensation, terms, and
        conditions of employment of Federal service for such a number
        of individuals as the Under Secretary determines to be
        necessary to carry out the screening functions of the Under
        Secretary under section 44901 of title 49, United States
        Code''. The functions of the TSA were transferred to the
        Department of Homeland Security by section 403 of the Homeland
        Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 203).
            (5) TSA has interpreted the authorization set forth in
        paragraph (4) as applying to the majority of the Transportation
        Security Officer workforce performing screening functions,
        while all other Transportation Security Administration
        employees, including managers, are subject to title 5, United
        States Code, as incorporated in title 49 of such Code.
            (6) In November 2006, the International Labor Organization
        ruled that the Bush Administration violated international labor
        law when it prohibited Transportation Security Officers from
        engaging in collective bargaining.
            (7) After the Federal Labor Relations Board approved a
        petition for the election of an exclusive representative, on
        February 4, 2011, TSA Administrator John Pistole issued a
        binding determination stating that ``it is critical that every
        TSA employee feels that he or she has a voice and feels safe
        raising issues and concerns of all kinds. This is important not
        just for morale; engagement of every employee is critically
        important for security.''.
            (8) This determination was superseded by a second
        determination issued on December 29, 2014, which changed the
        previous guideline for collective bargaining and resulting in
        limitations in the subjects that can be bargained, issues in
        dispute that may be raised to an independent, third-party
        neutral decisionmaker (such as an arbitrator or the Merit
        Systems Protection Board), and barriers to union representation
        of the Transportation Security Officer workforce.
            (9) The 2011 and 2014 determinations both cited TSA's
        authority under section 111(d) of the Aviation and
        Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) to create a
        personnel system that denies the Transportation Security
        Officer workforce the rights under title 5, United States Code,
        that are provided to most other Federal workers, including--
                    (A) the right to appeal adverse personnel decisions
                to the Merit Systems Protection Board;
                    (B) fair pay under the General Services wage
                system, 2011;
                    (C) fair pay and raises under the General Services
                wage system, including overtime guidelines, access to
                earned leave;
                    (D) the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act
                of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.);
                    (E) fair performance appraisals under chapter 73 of
                title 5, United States Code; and
                    (F) direct protections against employment
                discrimination set forth in title 7, United States
                Code.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the personnel system utilized by the Transportation
        Security Administration pursuant to section 111(d) of the
        Aviation and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note)
        provides insufficient workplace protections for the
        Transportation Security Officer workforce, who are the
        frontline personnel who secure our Nation's aviation system;
        and
            (2) such personnel should be entitled to the protections
        under title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
        official within the Department of Homeland Security who is
        responsible for overseeing and implementing transportation
        security pursuant to the Aviation and Transportation Security
        Act, whether designated as the Assistant Secretary of Homeland
        Security (Transportation Security Administration), the
        Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration,
        the Undersecretary of Transportation for Security, or
        otherwise.
            (2) Agency.--The term ``agency'' means an Executive agency,
        as defined by section 105 of title 5, United States Code.
            (3) Conversion date.--The term ``conversion date'' means
        the date as of which paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 3(b)
        take effect.
            (4) Covered employee.--The term ``covered employee'' means
        an employee who holds a covered position.
            (5) Covered position.--The term ``covered position''
        means--
                    (A) a position within the Transportation Security
                Administration; and
                    (B) any position within the Department of Homeland
                Security, not described in subparagraph (A), the duties
                and responsibilities of which involve providing
                transportation security in furtherance of the purposes
                of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (Public
                Law 107-71), as determined by the Secretary.
            (6) Employee.--The term ``employee'' has the meaning given
        such term by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.
            (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Homeland Security.
            (8) TSA personnel management system.--The term ``TSA
        personnel management system'' means any personnel management
        system established or modified under--
                    (A) section 111(d) of the Aviation and
                Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note); or
                    (B) section 114(n) of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 4. CONVERSION OF SCREENING PERSONNEL.

    (a) Termination of Certain Personnel Authorities.--
            (1) TSA personal management system.--Section 114 of title
        49, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (n).
            (2) Termination of flexibility in employment of screener
        personnel.--Section 111 of the Aviation and Transportation
        Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) is amended by striking
        subsection (d).
            (3) Human resources management system.--
                    (A) In general.--Section 9701 of title 5, United
                States Code, is amended--
                            (i) by redesignating subsection (h) as
                        subsection (i); and
                            (ii) by inserting after subsection (g) the
                        following:
    ``(h) Limitation.--The human resources management system authorized
under this section shall not apply to covered employees or covered
positions (as such terms are defined in section 3 of the Strengthening
American Transportation Security Act of 2016).''.
                    (B) Effective date.--The amendments made by
                subparagraph (A) shall take effect on the date set
                forth in subsection (b).
    (b) Covered Employees and Positions Made Subject to Same Personnel
Management System as Applies to Civil Service Employees Generally.--On
the earlier of a date determined by the Secretary or 60 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act--
            (1) all TSA personnel management personnel policies,
        directives, letters, and guidelines, including the
        Determinations of February 2011 and December 2014 shall cease
        to be effective;
            (2) any human resources management system established or
        adjusted under section 9701 of title 5, United States Code,
        shall cease to be effective with respect to covered employees
        and covered positions; and
            (3) covered employees and covered positions shall become
        subject to the applicable labor provisions under title 49,
        United States Code.

SEC. 5. TRANSITION RULES.

    (a) Nonreduction in Rate of Pay.--Any conversion of an employee
from a TSA personnel management system to the provisions of law
referred to in section 4(b)(3) shall be effected, under pay conversion
rules prescribed by the Secretary, without any reduction in the rate of
basic pay payable to such employee.
    (b) Preservation of Other Rights.--The Secretary shall take any
necessary actions to ensure, for any covered employee as of the
conversion date, that--
            (1) all service performed by such covered employee before
        the conversion date is credited in the determination of such
        employee's length of service for purposes of applying the
        provisions of law governing leave, pay, group life and health
        insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status, which are made
        applicable to such employee under section 4(b)(3);
            (2) all annual leave, sick leave, or other paid leave
        accrued, accumulated, or otherwise available to the covered
        employee immediately before the conversion date remains
        available to the employee, until used, while the employee
        remains continuously employed by the Department of Homeland
        Security; and
            (3) the Government share of any premiums or other periodic
        charges under the provisions of law governing group health
        insurance remains at the level in effect immediately before the
        conversion date while the employee remains continuously
        employed by the Department of Homeland Security.

SEC. 6. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT.

    (a) Exclusive Representative.--The labor organization certified by
the Federal Labor Relations Authority on June 29, 2011, or successor
organization shall be deemed the exclusive representative of full- and
part-time nonsupervisory personnel carrying out screening functions
under section 44901 of title 49, United States Code under chapter 71 of
title 5, United States Code, with full rights under such chapter 71.
    (b) Consultation Rights.--Not later than 14 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
            (1) consult with the exclusive representative for employees
        under chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, on the
        formulation of plans and deadlines to carry out the conversion
        of covered employees and covered positions under this Act; and
            (2) provide final written plans to the exclusive
        representative on how the Secretary intends to carry out the
        conversion of covered employees and covered positions under
        this Act, including with respect to--
                    (A) the proposed conversion date; and
                    (B) measures to ensure compliance with section 5.
    (c) Required Agency Response.--If any views or recommendations are
presented under subsection (b)(2) by the exclusive representative, the
Secretary shall consider the views or recommendations before taking
final action on any matter with respect to which the views or
recommendations are presented and provide the exclusive representative
a written statement of the reasons for the final actions to be taken.
    (d) Sunset Provision.--The provisions of this section shall cease
to be effective as of the conversion date.

SEC. 7. NO RIGHT TO STRIKE.

    Nothing in this Act may be construed--
            (1) to repeal or otherwise affect--
                    (A) section 1918 of title 18, United States Code
                (relating to disloyalty and asserting the right to
                strike against the Government); or
                    (B) section 7311 of title 5, United States Code
                (relating to loyalty and striking); or
            (2) to otherwise authorize any activity which is not
        permitted under either provision of law cited in paragraph (1).

SEC. 8. REGULATIONS.

    The Secretary may prescribe any regulations that may be necessary
to carry out this Act.

SEC. 9. DELEGATIONS TO ADMINISTRATOR.

    The Secretary may, with respect to any authority or function vested
in the Secretary under any of the preceding provisions of this Act,
delegate any such authority or function to the Administrator of the
Transportation Security Administration under such terms, conditions,
and limitations, including the power of redelegation, as the Secretary
considers appropriate.

SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act.

Summary: Strengthening American Transportation Security Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the personnel system used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides insufficient workplace protections for its workforce and such personnel should be entitled to protections under the civil service system applicable to all federal employees. The bill repeals personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to all other federal employees. Within 60 days after the enactment of this bill or an earlier date set by DHS: (1) all TSA personnel management policies, directives, letters, and guidelines and any DHS human resources management system shall cease to be effective with respect to TSA employees. And (2) TSA employees shall become subject to labor provisions applicable to other federal transportation employees. The bill sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates and other rights of TSA employees. DHS shall consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of TSA employees and positions to the civil service system. The provisions of this bill do not affect the prohibitions against disloyalty and asserting the right to strike against the federal government.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Homeownership Vesting Plan Act of
2009''.

SEC. 2. HOMEOWNERSHIP VESTING PLAN.

    Title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.) is
amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 257, as added by section
        2124(a) of the Housing and Economic Relief Act of 2008 (12
        U.S.C. 1715z-24), as section 258; and
            (2) by adding after section 258, as so redesignated, the
        following new section:

``SEC. 259. HOMEOWNERSHIP VESTING PLAN.

    ``(a) Authority.--The Secretary shall, subject only to the absence
of requests for insurance under this section and the availability of
amounts pursuant to subsection (i)--
            ``(1) make commitments to insure and insure any mortgage
        covering a 1- to 4-family residence that is made for the
        purpose of paying or prepaying outstanding obligations under an
        existing mortgage or mortgages on the residence if the mortgage
        being insured under this section meets the requirements of this
        section; and
            ``(2) in connection with the insurance of such mortgages--
                    ``(A) make payments under subsection (c) to
                servicers of eligible mortgages refinanced by such
                insured mortgages;
                    ``(B) make payments under (b)(4) for the
                extinguishment of subordinate liens on the properties
                subject to eligible mortgages refinance by such insured
                mortgages; and
                    ``(C) make loans under subsection (d) to mortgagors
                under such insured mortgages.
    ``(b) Eligible Mortgages.--To be eligible for insurance under this
section, a mortgage shall comply with all of the following
requirements:
            ``(1) Owner-occupied sole residence.--The residence
        securing the mortgage insured under this section shall be
        occupied by the mortgagor as the principal residence of the
        mortgagor and the mortgagor shall provide a certification to
        the originator of the insured mortgage that such residence
        securing the mortgage is the only residence in which the
        mortgagor has any present ownership interest.
            ``(2) Principal obligation amount.--The principal
        obligation amount of the mortgage to be insured under this
        section shall be equal to 97.5 percent of the current appraised
        value of the residence securing the mortgage.
            ``(3) Required waiver of prepayment penalties and fees.--
        All penalties for prepayment or refinancing of the existing
        senior mortgage, and all fees and penalties related to default
        or delinquency on the existing senior mortgage, shall be waived
        or forgiven.
            ``(4) Extinguishment of subordinate liens.--
                    ``(A) Required agreement.--All holders of existing
                mortgages on the property to which the eligible
                mortgage relates shall agree to accept the proceeds of
                the insured loan, and any payment pursuant to
                subparagraph (B), as payment in full of all
                indebtedness under the existing mortgage, and all
                encumbrances related to such existing mortgage shall be
                removed. The Secretary may take such actions, in
                accordance with the standards established pursuant to
                subparagraph (B), as may be necessary and appropriate
                to facilitate coordination and agreement between the
                holders of the existing senior mortgage and any
                existing subordinate mortgages, taking into
                consideration the subordinate lien status of such
                subordinate mortgages.
                    ``(B) Payment.--The Secretary shall provide for the
                payment to the holder of any existing subordinate
                mortgage of an amount equal to 5 cents for each dollar
                of the outstanding principal balance of, and accrued
                interest on, the outstanding mortgage.
            ``(5) Interest rate and term of mortgage.--The mortgage to
        be insured under this section shall--
                    ``(A) bear interest at a single rate that is fixed
                for the entire term of the mortgage; and
                    ``(B) have a maturity of 30 years from the date of
                the beginning of amortization of such mortgage.
            ``(6) Underwriting standards.--The mortgage insured under
        this section shall comply with the underwriting standards
        applicable under the FHA Secure Program (established by
        mortgagee letter 2007-11, issued September 5, 2007), as such
        Program is in effect as of February 1, 2009.
            ``(7) Priority of lien for non-vested loan principal.--The
        mortgage to be insured under this section shall provide that
        the Secretary's lien pursuant to subsection (d)(4) on the
        residence that is subject to the mortgage shall have superior
        priority to the lien under the insured mortgage.
            ``(8) Requirements for existing senior mortgage being
        refinanced.--
                    ``(A) Origination date.--The existing senior
                mortgage shall have been originated during the period
                beginning on January 1, 2003, and ending upon December
                31, 2007.
                    ``(B) Principal obligation.--The existing senior
                mortgage shall have had an original principal
                obligation in an amount that did not exceed the maximum
                dollar amount limitation in effect on February 1, 2009,
                under section 203(b)(2) of the National Housing Act (12
                U.S.C. 1709(b)(2)) for a residence of the applicable
                size for the area in which the residence is located.
                    ``(C) Debt-to-income ratio upon origination.--As of
                the time of the origination of the existing senior
                mortgage, the mortgagor shall have had a ratio of
                mortgage debt to income, taking into consideration all
                existing mortgages of that mortgagor at such time,
                exceeding 30 percent.
                    ``(D) Loan-to-value ratio.--The existing senior
                mortgage shall, upon origination, have involved a
                principal obligation (including such initial service
                charges, appraisal, inspection, and other fees as the
                Secretary shall approve) in an amount not exceeding 90
                percent of the appraised value of the property at such
                time.
    ``(c) Payment to Servicer of Existing Mortgage.--For each mortgage
insured under this section, the Secretary shall make a payment in the
amount of $1,000 to the servicer of the existing senior mortgage
refinanced by such insured mortgage.
    ``(d) Nonamortizing No-Interest Loan.--
            ``(1) In general.--In connection with each mortgage insured
        under this section, the Secretary shall make a loan under this
        subsection to the mortgagor, the proceeds of which shall be
        paid by the Secretary directly to the holder of the existing
        senior mortgage being refinanced by the mortgage insured under
        this section. Such loan shall be in an amount equal to the
        difference between--
                    ``(A) the amount of the outstanding principal
                obligation under the existing senior mortgage
                refinanced by such insured mortgage as of the time of
                the origination of such insured mortgage; and
                    ``(B) the amount of the original principal
                obligation of the insured mortgage.
            ``(2) Terms.--A loan under this section--
                    ``(A) shall not bear interest; and
                    ``(B) shall not require the borrower to make
                payments of principal, except as provided in paragraph
                (3).
            ``(3) Repayment.--A loan under this section shall require
        repayment of principal only if the borrower defaults with
        respect to the borrower's obligations under the insured
        mortgage in connection with which such loan is made during the
        5-year period that begins on the date that such mortgage is
        insured, as follows:
                    ``(A) Year 1.--If any such default occurs during
                the period that begins on the date that such mortgage
                is insured and ends 1 year after such date of
                insurance, the Secretary shall be entitled to repayment
                of 100 percent of the principal amount of the loan.
                    ``(B) Year 2.--If any such default occurs during
                the period that begins 1 year after such date of
                insurance and ends 2 years after such date of
                insurance, the Secretary shall be entitled to 80
                percent of such principal amount.
                    ``(C) Year 3.--If any such default occurs during
                the period that begins 2 years after such date of
                insurance and ends 3 years after such date of
                insurance, the Secretary shall be entitled to 60
                percent of such principal amount.
                    ``(D) Year 4.--If any such default occurs during
                the period that begins 3 years after such date of
                insurance and ends 4 years after such date of
                insurance, the Secretary shall be entitled to 40
                percent of such principal amount.
                    ``(E) Year 5.--If any such default occurs during
                the period that begins 4 years after such date of
                insurance and ends 5 years after such date of
                insurance, the Secretary shall be entitled to 20
                percent of such principal amount.
                    ``(F) After year 5.--If any such default occurs
                after the expiration of the 5-year period that begins
                on such date of insurance, the Secretary shall not be
                entitled to repayment of any portion of such principal
                amount.
            ``(4) Lien.--Repayment of the portion of the principal
        amount of a loan made under this subsection that is required
        under paragraph (3) shall be secured by a lien on the residence
        that is subject to the mortgage insured under this section in
        connection with which such loan was made, that is held by the
        Secretary, and which shall have priority over all other liens
        on such residence.
    ``(e) Premiums.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act:
            ``(1) In general.--For each eligible mortgage insured under
        this section, the Secretary shall establish and collect an
        annual premium in an amount equal to not less than 0.55 percent
        of the amount of the remaining insured principal balance of the
        mortgage and not more than 0.75 percent of such remaining
        insured principal balance, as determined according to a
        schedule established by the Secretary that assigns such annual
        premiums based upon the credit risk of the mortgage.
            ``(2) Reduction or termination during mortgage term.--
        Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide that
        the annual premiums charged for eligible mortgages insured
        under this section are reduced over the term of the mortgage or
        that the collection of such premiums is discontinued at some
        time during the term of the mortgage, in a manner that is
        consistent with policies for such reduction or discontinuation
        of annual premiums charged for mortgages in accordance with
        section 203(c).
    ``(f) Sunset.--The Secretary may not enter into any new commitment
to insure any refinanced eligible mortgage, or newly insure any
refinanced eligible mortgage, pursuant to this section after the
expiration of the 3-year period beginning upon the date of the
enactment of this Act.
    ``(g) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following
definitions shall apply:
            ``(1) Eligible mortgage.--The term `eligible mortgage'
        means a mortgage that meets the requirement under subsection
        (b) for insurance under this section.
            ``(2) Existing mortgage.--The term `existing mortgage'
        means, with respect to a mortgage insured or to be insured
        under this section, a mortgage on the same residence that is to
        be subject to such mortgage insured under this section that is
        to be extinguished pursuant to such insured mortgage.
            ``(3) Existing senior mortgage.--The term `existing senior
        mortgage' means, with respect to a mortgage insured or to be
        insured under this section, the existing mortgage that has
        superior priority.
            ``(4) Existing subordinate mortgage.--The term `existing
        subordinate mortgage' means, with respect to a mortgage insured
        or to be insured under this section, an existing mortgage that
        has subordinate priority to the existing senior mortgage.
    ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal years 2009 through 2012--
            ``(1) $2,000,000,000 for payments under subsection (c) to
        servicers of eligible mortgages refinanced by such insured
        mortgages;
            ``(2) $1,500,000,000 for payments under (b)(4) for the
        extinguishment of subordinate liens on the properties subject
        to eligible mortgages refinanced by such insured mortgages; and
            ``(3) $90,000,000,000 for the costs (as such term is
        defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1974
        (2 U.S.C. 661a)) of loans under subsection (d) to mortgagors
        under such insured mortgages.''.

SEC. 3. SERVICER SAFE HARBOR.

    (a) Safe Harbor.--
            (1) Loan modifications and workout plans.--Notwithstanding
        any other provision of law, and notwithstanding any investment
        contract between a servicer and a securitization vehicle or
        investor, a servicer that acts consistent with the duty set
        forth in section 129A(a) of Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.
        1639a) shall not be liable for entering into a loan
        modification or workout plan with respect to any such mortgage
        that meets all of the criteria set forth in paragraph (2)(B)
        to--
                    (A) any person, based on that person's ownership of
                a residential mortgage loan or any interest in a pool
                of residential mortgage loans or in securities that
                distribute payments out of the principal, interest and
                other payments in loans on the pool;
                    (B) any person who is obligated pursuant to a
                derivatives instrument to make payments determined in
                reference to any loan or any interest referred to in
                subparagraph (A); or
                    (C) any person that insures any loan or any
                interest referred to in subparagraph (A) under any law
                or regulation of the United States or any law or
                regulation of any State or political subdivision of any
                State.
            (2) Ability to modify mortgages.--
                    (A) Ability.--Notwithstanding any other provision
                of law, and notwithstanding any investment contract
                between a servicer and a securitization vehicle or
                investor, a servicer--
                            (i) shall not be limited in the ability to
                        modify mortgages, the number of mortgages that
                        can be modified, the frequency of loan
                        modifications, or the range of permissible
                        modifications; and
                            (ii) shall not be obligated to repurchase
                        loans from or otherwise make payments to the
                        securitization vehicle on account of a
                        modification, workout, or other loss mitigation
                        plan for a residential mortgage or a class of
                        residential mortgages that constitute a part or
                        all of the mortgages in the securitization
                        vehicle,
                if any mortgage so modified meets all of the criteria
                set forth in subparagraph (B).
                    (B) Criteria.--The criteria under this subparagraph
                with respect to a mortgage are as follows:
                            (i) Default on the payment of such mortgage
                        has occurred or is reasonably foreseeable.
                            (ii) The property securing such mortgage is
                        occupied by the mortgagor of such mortgage.
                            (iii) The servicer reasonably and in good
                        faith believes that the anticipated recovery on
                        the principal outstanding obligation of the
                        mortgage under the particular modification or
                        workout plan or other loss mitigation action
                        will exceed, on a net present value basis, the
                        anticipated recovery on the principal
                        outstanding obligation of the mortgage to be
                        realized through foreclosure.
            (3) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply only with
        respect to modifications, workouts, and other loss mitigation
        plans initiated before January 1, 2012.
    (b) Reporting.--Each servicer that engages in loan modifications or
workout plans subject to the safe harbor in subsection (a) shall report
to the Secretary on a regular basis regarding the extent, scope and
results of the servicer's modification activities. The Secretary shall
prescribe regulations specifying the form, content, and timing of such
reports.
    (c) Definition of Securitization Vehicles.--For purposes of this
section, the term ``securitization vehicle'' means a trust,
corporation, partnership, limited liability entity, special purpose
entity, or other structure that--
            (1) is the issuer, or is created by the issuer, of mortgage
        pass-through certificates, participation certificates,
        mortgage-backed securities, or other similar securities backed
        by a pool of assets that includes residential mortgage loans;
        and
            (2) holds such mortgages.

Summary: Home Ownership Vesting Plan Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) insure any mortgage covering a one- to four-family principal and sole residence that is made for the purpose of paying or prepaying outstanding obligations (refinancing) under an existing mortgage or mortgages meeting specified requirements. (2) pay $1,000 to the servicer of the existing senior mortgage refinanced by each mortgage insured under this Act. And (3) make a nonamortizing no-interest loan to the mortgagor, the proceeds of which shall be paid by the Secretary directly to the holder of the existing senior mortgage being refinanced. Sets forth a schedule for repayment of principal only if the borrower defaults. Shields a servicer from liability for entering into a loan modification or workout plan with respect to any such mortgage if the servicer acts consistent with the fiduciary duty of servicers of pooled residential mortgages under the Truth in Lending Act.

To reduce foreclosures of residential mortgages.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Antiboycott Act''.

SEC. 2. ANTIBOYCOTT PROVISIONS.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
            (1) the Arab League boycott of Israel, and the secondary
        boycott of United States firms that have commercial ties with
        Israel, are an impediment to investment, trade, economic
        development, and peace in the Middle East and North Africa;
            (2) it is in the common interest of the people of Israel
        and the Arab states that the Arab League boycott be terminated,
        that the Central Office for the Boycott of Israel be closed,
        and that Arab League states normalize relations with their
        neighbor Israel; and
            (3) the President, the Secretary of State, and the
        Secretary of Commerce should continue to vigorously oppose the
        Arab League boycott of Israel and use the authorities enacted
        into law by Congress to take concrete steps to seek an end to
        the Arab League boycott.
    (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States--
            (1) to oppose restrictive trade practices or boycotts
        fostered or imposed by foreign countries against other
        countries friendly to the United States or against any United
        States person;
            (2) to encourage and, in specified cases, require United
        States persons engaged in the export of goods or technology or
        other information to refuse to take actions, including
        furnishing information or entering into or implementing
        agreements, which have the effect of furthering or supporting
        the restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed
        by any foreign country against a country friendly to the United
        States or against any United States person; and
            (3) to foster international cooperation and the development
        of international rules and institutions to assure reasonable
        access to world supplies.
    (c) Prohibitions and Exceptions.--
            (1) Prohibitions.--In order to carry out the purposes set
        forth in subsection (b), the Secretary of Commerce (in this Act
        referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall issue regulations
        prohibiting any United States person, with respect to that
        person's activities in the interstate or foreign commerce of
        the United States, from taking or knowingly agreeing to take
        any of the following actions with intent to comply with,
        further, or support any boycott fostered or imposed by a
        foreign country against a country that is friendly to the
        United States and is not itself the object of any form of
        boycott pursuant to United States law or regulation:
                    (A) Refusing, or requiring any other person to
                refuse, to do business with or in the boycotted
                country, with any business concern organized under the
                laws of the boycotted country, with any national or
                resident of the boycotted country, or with any other
                person, pursuant to an agreement with, or requirement
                of, or a request from or on behalf of the boycotting
                country. The mere absence of a business relationship
                with or in the boycotted country with any business
                concern organized under the laws of the boycotted
                country, with any national or resident of the boycotted
                country, or with any other person, does not indicate
                the existence of the intent required to establish a
                violation of regulations issued to carry out this
                subparagraph.
                    (B) Refusing, or requiring any other person to
                refuse, to employ or otherwise discriminate against any
                United States person on the basis of the race,
                religion, sex, or national origin of that person or of
                any owner, officer, director, or employee of such
                person.
                    (C) Furnishing information with respect to the
                race, religion, sex, or national origin of any United
                States person or of any owner, officer, director, or
                employee of such person.
                    (D) Furnishing information about whether any person
                has, has had, or proposes to have any business
                relationship (including a relationship by way of sale,
                purchase, legal or commercial representation, shipping
                or other transport, insurance, investment, or supply)
                with or in the boycotted country, with any business
                concern organized under the laws of the boycotted
                country, with any national or resident of the boycotted
                country, or with any other person which is known or
                believed to be restricted from having any business
                relationship with or in the boycotting country. Nothing
                in this subparagraph shall prohibit the furnishing of
                normal business information in a commercial context as
                defined by the Secretary.
                    (E) Furnishing information about whether any person
                is a member of, has made a contribution to, or is
                otherwise associated with or involved in the activities
                of any charitable or fraternal organization that
                supports the boycotted country.
                    (F) Paying, honoring, confirming, or otherwise
                implementing a letter of credit that contains any
                condition or requirement the compliance with which is
                prohibited by regulations issued pursuant to this
                paragraph, and no United States person shall, as a
                result of the application of this paragraph, be
                obligated to pay or otherwise honor or implement such
                letter of credit.
            (2) Exceptions.--Regulations issued pursuant to paragraph
        (1) may provide exceptions for--
                    (A) compliance, or agreement to comply, with
                requirements--
                            (i) prohibiting the import of items from
                        the boycotted country or items produced or
                        provided, by any business concern organized
                        under the laws of the boycotted country or by
                        nationals or residents of the boycotted
                        country; or
                            (ii) prohibiting the shipment of items to
                        the boycotting country on a carrier of the
                        boycotted country or by a route other than that
                        prescribed by the boycotting country or the
                        recipient of the shipment;
                    (B) compliance, or agreement to comply, with import
                and shipping document requirements with respect to the
                country of origin, the name of the carrier and route of
                shipment, the name of the supplier of the shipment, or
                the name of the provider of other services, except
                that, for purposes of applying any exception under this
                subparagraph, no information knowingly furnished or
                conveyed in response to such requirements may be stated
                in negative, blacklisting, or similar exclusionary
                terms, other than with respect to carriers or route of
                shipment as may be permitted by such regulations in
                order to comply with precautionary requirements
                protecting against war risks and confiscation;
                    (C) compliance, or agreement to comply, in the
                normal course of business with the unilateral and
                specific selection by a boycotting country, or a
                national or resident thereof, of carriers, insurers,
                suppliers of services to be performed within the
                boycotting country, or specific items which, in the
                normal course of business, are identifiable by source
                when imported into the boycotting country;
                    (D) compliance, or agreement to comply, with export
                requirements of the boycotting country relating to
                shipment or transshipment of exports to the boycotted
                country, to any business concern of or organized under
                the laws of the boycotted country, or to any national
                or resident of the boycotted country;
                    (E) compliance by an individual, or agreement by an
                individual to comply, with the immigration or passport
                requirements of any country with respect to such
                individual or any member of such individual's family or
                with requests for information regarding requirements of
                employment of such individual within the boycotting
                country; and
                    (F) compliance by a United States person resident
                in a foreign country, or agreement by such a person to
                comply, with the laws of the country with respect to
                the person's activities exclusively therein, and such
                regulations may contain exceptions for such resident
                complying with the laws or regulations of the foreign
                country governing imports into such country of
                trademarked, trade-named, or similarly specifically
                identifiable products, or components of products for
                such person's own use, including the performance of
                contractual services within that country.
            (3) Limitation on exceptions.--Regulations issued pursuant
        to paragraphs (2)(C) and (2)(F) shall not provide exceptions
        from paragraphs (1)(B) and (1)(C).
            (4) Antitrust and civil rights laws not affected.--Nothing
        in this subsection may be construed to supersede or limit the
        operation of the antitrust or civil rights laws of the United
        States.
            (5) Evasion.--This section applies to any transaction or
        activity undertaken by or through a United States person or any
        other person with intent to evade the provisions of this
        section or the regulations issued pursuant to this subsection.
        The regulations issued pursuant to this section shall expressly
        provide that the exceptions set forth in paragraph (2) do not
        permit activities or agreements (expressed or implied by a
        course of conduct, including a pattern of responses) otherwise
        prohibited, which are not within the intent of such exceptions.
    (d) Reports.--
            (1) In general.--Regulations issued under this section
        shall require that any United States person receiving a request
        to furnish information, enter into or implement an agreement,
        or take any other action referred to in subsection (c) shall
        report that request to the Secretary, together with any other
        information concerning the request that the Secretary
        determines appropriate. The person shall also submit to the
        Secretary a statement regarding whether the person intends to
        comply, and whether the person has complied, with the request.
            (2) Public availability of reports.--Any report filed
        pursuant to this subsection shall be made available promptly
        for public inspection and copying, except that information
        regarding the quantity, description, and value of any item to
        which such report relates may be kept confidential if the
        Secretary determines that disclosure of that information would
        place the United States person involved at a competitive
        disadvantage.
            (3) Summaries to secretary of state.--The Secretary shall
        periodically transmit summaries of the information contained in
        the reports filed pursuant to this subsection to the Secretary
        of State for such action as the Secretary of State, in
        consultation with the Secretary, considers appropriate to carry
        out the purposes set forth in subsection (b).
    (e) Preemption.--The provisions of this section and the regulations
issued under this section shall preempt any law, rule, or regulation
that--
            (1) is a law, rule, or regulation of any of the several
        States or the District of Columbia, or any of the territories
        or possessions of the United States, or of any governmental
        subdivision thereof; and
            (2) pertains to participation in, compliance with,
        implementation of, or the furnishing of information regarding
        restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed by
        foreign countries against other countries.
    (f) Penalties.--
            (1) Unlawful acts.--It shall be unlawful for a person to
        violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a
        violation of this section or of any regulation or order issued
        under this section.
            (2) Criminal penalty.--A person who, with knowledge or
        intent, commits, attempts to commit, or conspires to commit, or
        aids or abets in the commission of, an unlawful act described
        in subsection (c) shall, upon conviction, be fined not more
        than $1,000,000, or, if a natural person, be imprisoned for not
        more than 20 years, or both.
            (3) Civil penalties.--
                    (A) Authority.--The President may impose the
                following civil penalties on a person for each
                violation by that person of this section or any
                regulation or order issued under this section, for each
                violation:
                            (i) A fine of not more than $250,000.
                            (ii) A prohibition on the person's ability
                        to export any goods, technology, or services,
                        whether or not a license has been issued
                        previously to authorize such an export.
                    (B) Procedures.--Any civil penalty under this
                subsection may be imposed only after notice and
                opportunity for an agency hearing on the record in
                accordance with sections 554 through 557 of title 5,
                United States Code, and shall be subject to judicial
                review in accordance with chapter 7 of such title.
                    (C) Standards for levels of civil penalty.--The
                President may by regulation provide standards for
                establishing levels of civil penalty under this
                paragraph based upon the seriousness of the violation,
                the culpability of the violator, and the violator's
                record of cooperation with the Government in disclosing
                the violation.
    (g) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the President shall
report to the Congress on the implementation and enforcement of this
section and on additional steps taken by the United States to bring
about the termination of the Arab League boycott of Israel and to
encourage Arab League states to normalize their relations with Israel.
    (h) Definition.--In this section, the term ``United States
person''--
            (1) means--
                    (A) any United States resident or national;
                    (B) any domestic concern (including any permanent
                domestic establishment of any foreign concern); and
                    (C) any foreign subsidiary or affiliate (including
                any permanent foreign establishment) of any domestic
                concern that is controlled in fact by such domestic
                concern, as determined under regulations of the
                President; but
            (2) does not include an individual resident outside the
        United States who is employed by a person other than a person
        described in paragraph (1).

Summary: Antiboycott Act - States that: (1) the Arab League boycott of Israel and the secondary boycott of US firms that have commercial ties with Israel are an impediment to economic development and peace in the Middle East and North Africa. And (2) the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Commerce should seek an end to the Arab League boycott of Israel. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue regulations prohibiting, with specified exceptions, any US person from taking specified actions that support any boycott imposed by a foreign country against a country that is friendly to the United States and is not itself the object of any form of boycott pursuant to United States law or regulation. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for violations of such regulations.

To prohibit certain activities in support of the Arab League boycott of Israel, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States Capitol Fire
Protection Act of 2000''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) although progress has been made in recent years, the
        Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, and Library of
        Congress still do not provide staff and visitors with the fire
        safety and protection they deserve;
            (2) the Architect of the Capitol must place great emphasis
        on the need to ensure that these and other properties
        administered by the Architect, and individuals who visit or
        work in these properties, enjoy the maximum protection that
        modern technology and human diligence can provide against fire
        and related threats to life and property; and
            (3) properties and structures of the United States Capitol
        Complex are of historical and architectural significance and
        are an essential public and national resource, and it is
        essential that they be preserved and rehabilitated in such a
        manner as to retain their historical and architectural
        significance.
    (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish the
position of the Director of Fire Safety and Protection to assist the
Architect of the Capitol in meeting the Architect's responsibilities
for fire safety and protection so that the properties of the United
States Capitol Complex will be protected from fire and serve as a safe
environment for those who work or visit there.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF FIRE SAFETY AND
              PROTECTION.

    (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the Office of
the Architect of the Capitol the position of Director of Fire Safety
and Protection.
    (b) Appointment; Compensation.--
            (1) Appointment.--The Director of Fire Safety and
        Protection shall be appointed by the Architect of the Capitol
        from among individuals with the knowledge, skills, and
        abilities necessary to carry out the duties described in this
        Act.
            (2) Compensation.--The Architect of the Capitol shall fix
        the rate of basic pay and benefits for the Director of Fire
        Safety and Protection at such rate as the Architect considers
        appropriate, except that such rate may not be less than the
        rate of pay and benefits for the Director of Engineering under
        the Architect of the Capitol.
    (c) Duties.--
            (1) In general.--Working under the direction and control of
        the Architect of the Capitol and reporting directly to the
        Architect, the Director of Fire Safety and Protection shall--
                    (A) be responsible for all fire safety and
                protection activities of the Architect of the Capitol;
                    (B) ensure that Architect properties meet the
                applicable codes and standards established by the
                National Fire Protection Association, except that the
                Architect may modify the application of such codes to
                the properties to take into account the historic and
                architecturally significant features of such properties
                so long as a reasonable degree of safety and protection
                is maintained; and
                    (C) carry out the duties specified in paragraph
                (2).
            (2) Duties specified.--The duties specified in this
        paragraph are as follows:
                    (A) The routine periodic testing and maintenance of
                all fire alarm, fire suppression, and fire protection
                systems in all Architect properties.
                    (B) The conduct of comprehensive inspections and
                risk assessments on a regular basis (but not less
                frequently than once each year) of all Architect
properties to identify conditions which constitute fire hazards and to
develop plans for the prompt abatement of such conditions, in
accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph (1)(B).
                    (C) The development and implementation of programs
                to train employees of the Architect of the Capitol and
                others in the proper use and maintenance of fire alarm,
                fire suppression, and fire protection systems and in
                the proper use and storage of hazardous chemicals and
                materials.
                    (D) The identification of structural changes and
                repairs which may be necessary to assure maximum fire
                protection and safety in Architect properties, and the
                development of comprehensive plans to carry out such
                changes.
                    (E) The preparation of semi-annual reports on the
                efforts made by the Director to carry out the duties
                required under this subsection.
                    (F) Consultation with experts in fire safety and
                protection regarding the modification of codes and
                standards carried out pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) and
                such other matters relating to the Director's duties as
                the Director considers appropriate.
                    (G) Such other steps as may be reasonably necessary
                to protect Architect properties from fire and provide a
                safe environment for employees and visitors.

SEC. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ARCHITECT.

    (a) In General.--The Architect of the Capitol shall provide the
Director of Fire Safety and Protection with such staff and other
resources as the Director may reasonably require to carry out duties
under this Act, except that the Architect of the Capitol shall assign
not fewer than 12 full-time-equivalent employees to the Director for
carrying out such duties.
    (b) Budget Request.--Beginning with fiscal year 2002, the Architect
of the Capitol shall include in the budget request for the Architect
for a fiscal year a separate statement of the total amount to be used
to carry out the duties of the Director of Fire Safety and Protection
in the fiscal year.
    (c) Submission of Reports.--The Architect shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and
Senate, the Committee on House Administration of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate the semi-annual reports prepared by the
Director of Fire Safety and Protection under section 3(c)(2)(E).

SEC. 5. ARCHITECT PROPERTIES DEFINED.

    In this Act, the term ``Architect properties'' means any properties
under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol, including the
Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, the Library of Congress,
the United States Botanic Garden, and the Capitol Power Plant.

Summary: Directs the Architect of the Capitol to assign at least 12 full-time employees to the Director.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Defense Science and
Technology Investment Act of 1998''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress of the United States finds the following:
            (1) To provide for the national security of the United
        States in the 21st century, the U.S. military must be able to
        dominate the full range of military operations, from
        humanitarian assistance to full-scale conflict. The keys to
        achieving this ``Full Spectrum Dominance,'' as described in the
        Department of Defense's ``Joint Vision 2010,'' are
        technological innovation and information superiority.
            (2) The global spread of advanced technology is
        transforming the military threats faced by the United States
        and will challenge our ability to achieve Full Spectrum
        Dominance. Some of the major technological challenges our
        military face include information warfare; proliferating
        weapons of mass destruction; inexpensive, precise, cruise
        missiles; and increasingly difficult operations in urban
        environments.
            (3) The United States is now in a relatively secure
        interlude in its international relations, but the future
        security environment is very uncertain. Thus, now is the time
        to focus our Defense investments on the research and
        experimentation needed to meet new and undefined threats and
        achieve Full Spectrum Dominance.
            (4) The Department of Defense has been the preeminent
        Federal agency supporting research in engineering, mathematics,
        and computer science, and a key supporter of research in the
        physical and environmental sciences. These disciplines remain
        critical to achieving information superiority and maintaining
        technological innovation in our military. The Department of
        Energy has played a critical role in supporting the research
        needed to limit the spread of weapons of mass destruction. No
        other organizations, public or private, can be expected to
        substitute for the role of the Department of Defense and
        Department of Energy in these research areas.
            (5) However, the current budget plan for the Defense
        Science and Technology Program is essentially flat in real
        terms through fiscal year 2003. The planned budget for
        nonproliferation science and technology activities at the
        Department of Energy will decline.
            (6) These budget plans are not consistent with the vision
        of Full Spectrum Dominance, the threats or uncertainties on the
        horizon, or the opportunity presented by the current state of
        international relations. The planned level of investment could
        pose a serious threat to our national security in the next 15
        years, given the usual time it takes from the start of Defense
        research to achieving new military capabilities.
            (7) Consequently, the Congress must act to establish a
        long-term vision for the Defense Science and Technology
        Program's funding if the United States is to encourage the
        research and experimentation needed to seize the current
        opportunity and begin transforming our military to meet the new
        threats and achieve Full Spectrum Dominance early in the next
        century.
            (8) The Congress must also act to establish a robust long-
        term vision and funding plan in support of nonproliferation
        science and technology activities at the Department of Energy.

SEC. 3. PURPOSE AND FUNDING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to create a ten-year
budget plan to support the disciplines, research, and concept of
operations experimentation that will transform our military and reduce
the threat from weapons of mass destruction early in the next century.
    (b) Funding Requirements.--
            (1) Defense science and technology program budget.--For
        each year from fiscal year 2000 until fiscal year 2008, it
        shall be an objective of the Secretary of Defense to increase
        the Defense Science and Technology Program budget by no less
        than 2.0 percent over inflation greater than the previous
        fiscal year's budget request.
            (2) Nonproliferation science and technology activities
        budget.--For each year from fiscal year 2000 until fiscal year
        2008, it shall be an objective of the Secretary of Energy to
        increase the budget for nonproliferation science and technology
        activities by no less than 2.0 percent a year over inflation
        greater than the previous fiscal year's budget request.

SEC. 4. GUIDELINES FOR THE DEFENSE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    (a) Synergistic Management of Research and Development.--The
Secretary of Defense may allocate a combination of funds from
Department of Defense 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 accounts in supporting any
individual project or program of the Defense Science and Technology
Program.
    (b) Relationship of the Defense Science and Technology Program to
Commercial Research and Technology.--
            (1) In supporting projects within the Defense Science and
        Technology Program, the Secretary of Defense shall attempt to
        leverage commercial research, technology, products, and
        processes for the benefit of the Department of Defense to the
        maximum extent practicable.
            (2) Funds made available to the Defense Science and
        Technology Program must only be used to benefit the Department
        of Defense, which includes--
                    (A) the development of defense unique technology;
                    (B) the development of military useful, commercial
                viable technology; or
                    (C) the adaption of commercial technology,
                products, or processes for military purposes.
    (c) Relationship of Defense Science and Technology Program to
University Research.--The following shall be key objectives of the
Defense Science and Technology Program--
            (1) the sustainment of research capabilities in scientific
        and engineering disciplines critical to the Department of
        Defense;
            (2) the education and training of the next generation of
        scientists and engineers in disciplines relevant to future
        Defense systems, particularly through the conduct of basic
        research; and
            (3) the continued support of the Defense Experimental
        Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and research programs
        at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority
        Institutions.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this Act--
            (1) Defense science and technology program.--The term
        ``Defense Science and Technology Program'' means work funded in
        Department of Defense accounts 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3; and
            (2) Nonproliferation science and technology activities.--
        The term ``nonproliferation science and technology activities''
        means work related to preventing and countering the
        proliferation of weapons of mass destruction that is funded by
        the Department of Energy under the following programs and
        projects of the Department's Office of Nonproliferation and
        National Security and Office of Defense Programs;
                    (A) the Verification and Control Technology program
                within the Office of Nonproliferation and National
                Security;
                    (B) projects under the ``Technology and Systems
                Development'' element of the Nuclear Safeguards and
                Security program within the Office of Nonproliferation
                and National Security;
                    (C) projects relating to a national capability to
                assess the credibility of radiological and extortion
                threats, or to combat nuclear materials trafficking or
                terrorism, under the Emergency Management program
                within the Office of Nonproliferation and National
                Security;
                    (D) projects relating to developing or integrating
                new technology to respond to emergencies and threats
                involving the presence, or possible presence, of
                weapons of mass destruction; radiological emergencies;
                and related terrorist threats, under the Office of
                Defense Programs; and
                    (E) program direction costs for the programs and
                projects funded under subparagraphs (A) through (D).

Summary: National Defense Science and Technology Investment Act of 1998 - States that, for each year from FY 2000 until 2008, it shall be an objective of the Secretary of: (1) Defense to increase the Defense Science and Technology Program (DSTP) budget by not less than two percent over inflation over the year before. And (2) Energy to increase the budget for nonproliferation science and technology activities by not less than two percent over inflation over the year before. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to expend funds from Department of Defense (DOD) 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 accounts in supporting any individual DSTP project or program. Directs the Secretary to attempt to leverage commercial research, technology, products, and processes for the benefit of DOD. Allows funds made available to the DSTP to be used only to benefit DOD. Includes as key DSTP objectives: (1) the sustainment of research capabilities in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to DOD. (2) the education and training of the next generation of scientists and engineers in disciplines relevant to future defense systems. And (3) the continued support of the Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and research programs at historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Burial Benefits
Enhancement Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF STATES FOR BURIAL PLOT
              ALLOWANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 2303(b) of title 38, United States Code,
is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``a
        burial allowance under such section 2302, or under such
        subsection, who was discharged from the active military, naval,
        or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line
        of duty, or who is a veteran of any war'' and inserting
        ``burial in a national cemetery under section 2402 of this
        title''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(other than a veteran
        whose eligibility for benefits under this subsection is based
        on being a veteran of any war)'' and inserting ``is eligible
        for a burial allowance under section 2302 of this title or
        under subsection (a) of this section, or was discharged from
        the active military, naval, or air service for a disability
        incurred or aggravated in line of duty, and such veteran''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to the burial of persons dying on or after the date
of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 3. LEASE OF UNUTILIZED OR UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY OR FACILITIES OF
              NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 2406 the following new section:
``Sec. 2406A. Lease of unutilized or underutilized land or facilities
    ``(a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary may
lease to such lessee, and upon such terms and conditions as the
Secretary considers will be in the public interest, any unutilized or
underutilized land or facilities of the United States that are part of
the National Cemetery Administration as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
    ``(b) The term of any lease of land or facilities under subsection
(a) may not exceed three years.
    ``(c)(1) A lease under subsection (a) to any public or nonprofit
organization may be made without regard to the provisions of section
3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).
    ``(2) Notwithstanding section 1302 of title 40 or any other
provision of law, a lease under subsection (a) to any public or
nonprofit organization may provide for the maintenance, protection, or
restoration by the lessee of the land or facilities covered by the
lease as a part or all of the consideration for the lease.
    ``(3) Before entering into a lease of land or facilities under
subsection (a) to a public or nonprofit organization, the Secretary
shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the community in
which such land or facilities are located appropriate public notice of
the intention of the Secretary to enter into the lease.
    ``(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, proceeds from the
lease of land or facilities under subsection (a) shall be deposited in
the National Cemetery Administration account. Amounts so deposited
shall be merged with amounts in such account, and shall be available
for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and
limitations, as the amounts with which merged.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
that chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
2406 the following new item:

``2406A. Lease of unutilized or underutilized land or facilities.''.

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CEMETERIES FOR GEOGRAPHICALLY
              UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS OF VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2412. Establishment of national cemeteries: geographically
              underserved populations of veterans
    ``(a) Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary shall
establish a national cemetery in each geographic area identified by the
Secretary under subsection (b) in order to ensure that the veterans who
reside in such geographic area reside not more than 50 miles from an
open national cemetery.
    ``(b) The Secretary shall identify each geographic area in the
United States in which--
            ``(1) the number of veterans who reside more than 50 miles
        from an open national cemetery or State cemetery for veterans
        exceeds 170,000 veterans; or
            ``(2) the number of veterans who reside more than 50 miles
        from an open national cemetery or State cemetery for veterans,
        when combined with the number of veterans who reside within 50
        miles of a State cemetery for veterans but are ineligible for
        burial in such State cemetery due to residency requirements,
        exceeds 170,000 veterans.
    ``(c) If the Secretary determines that the expansion of one or more
national cemeteries in a geographic area identified under subsection
(b) is adequate and appropriate to meet the needs of veterans and their
families in such geographic area, the Secretary shall expand such
national cemetery or cemeteries in lieu of meeting the requirement for
such geographic area under subsection (a).
    ``(d) A national cemetery established under this section shall be
treated as a national cemetery of the National Cemetery Administration
under this chapter.
    ``(e) In this section, the term `open', with respect to a national
cemetery or State cemetery for veterans, means that the national
cemetery or State cemetery for veterans has the capacity for each of
the following:
            ``(1) First interment, in-ground casket burials.
            ``(2) Burial or inurnment of cremated remains.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
that chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``2412. Establishment of national cemeteries: geographically
                            underserved populations of veterans.''.

Summary: Veterans' Burial Benefits Enhancement Act of 2003 - Revises eligibility requirements concerning the veterans' burial plot allowance paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to a State cemetery. Authorizes the Secretary to lease any unutilized or underutilized land or facilities of the United States that are part of the National Cemetery Administration (Administration) for up to three years. Requires: (1) the lessee to maintain, protect, or restore such land or facilities. And (2) lease proceeds to be deposited into the Administration account. Directs the Secretary to establish a national cemetery in each geographic area in which more than 170,000 veterans reside more than 50 miles from an open (unfilled) national or State veterans' cemetery. Allows the Secretary to expand a current (filled) national cemetery in such an area in lieu of such requirement.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance burial benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.