SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Close the Revolving Door Act of
2010''.

SEC. 2. LIFETIME BAN ON MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FROM LOBBYING.

    (a) In General.--Section 207(e)(1) of title 18, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) Members of congress.--Any person who is a Senator, a
        Member of the House of Representatives or an elected officer of
        the Senate or the House of Representatives and who after that
        person leaves office, knowingly makes, with the intent to
        influence, any communication to or appearance before any
        Member, officer, or employee of either House of Congress or any
        employee of any other legislative office of the Congress, on
        behalf of any other person (except the United States) in
        connection with any matter on which such former Senator,
        Member, or elected official seeks action by a Member, officer,
        or employee of either House of Congress, in his or her official
        capacity, shall be punished as provided in section 216 of this
        title.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 207(e)(2) of title 18, United
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the caption, by striking ``Officers and staff'' and
        inserting ``Staff''; and
            (2) by striking ``an elected officer of the Senate, or''.

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL STAFF.

    Paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5)(A), and (6)(A) of section 207(e) of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``1 year'' and
inserting ``6 years''.

SEC. 4. IMPROVED REPORTING OF LOBBYISTS ACTIVITIES.

    Section 6 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1605) is
amended by inserting at the end the following:
    ``(c) Joint Web Site.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Senate and the
        Clerk of the House of Representatives shall maintain a joint
        lobbyist disclosure Internet database for information required
        to be publicly disclosed under this Act which shall be an
        easily searchable Web site called lobbyists.gov with a stated
        goal of simplicity of usage.
            ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
        $100,000 for fiscal year 2011.''.

SEC. 5. LOBBYIST REVOLVING DOOR TO CONGRESS.

    (a) In General.--Any person who is a registered lobbyist or an
agent of a foreign principal may not within 6 years after that person
leaves such position be hired by a Member or committee of either House
of Congress with whom the registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign
principal has had substantial lobbying contact.
    (b) Waiver.--This section may be waived in the Senate or the House
of Representatives by the Committee on Ethics or the Committee on
Standards of Official Conduct based on a compelling national need.
    (c) Substantial Lobbying Contact.--For purposes of this section, in
determining whether a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign
principal has had substantial lobbying contact within the applicable
period of time, the Member or committee of either House of Congress
shall take into consideration whether the individual's lobbying
contacts have pertained to pending legislative business, or related to
solicitation of an earmark or other Federal funding, particularly if
such contacts included the coordination of meetings with the Member or
staff, involved presentations to staff, or participation in fundraising
exceeding the mere giving of a personal contribution. Simple social
contacts with the Member or committee of either House of Congress and
staff, shall not by themselves constitute substantial lobbying
contacts.

SEC. 6. PAYMENT FOR CHARTER FLIGHTS BY CAMPAIGN FUNDS AND DISCLOSURE OF
              CERTAIN AIR TRAVEL WITH A LOBBYIST BY A SENATOR.

    (a) Clarification of Rules on Use of Campaign Funds for Flights on
Commercial Aircraft.--
            (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 313(c) of the
        Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 439a(c)) is
        amended--
                    (A) by striking ``a candidate for election for
                Federal office (other than a candidate who is subject
                to paragraph (2)), or any authorized committee of such
                a candidate, may not make any expenditure for a flight
                on an aircraft'' in the matter preceding subparagraph
                (A) and inserting ``in the case of a candidate for
                election to Federal office (other than a candidate who
                is subject to paragraph (2)), no political committee
                may make any expenditure for travel by such a
                candidate, or for travel on behalf of such a candidate,
                by means of a flight on an aircraft (regardless of
                whether such travel is in connection with an election
                for Federal office)'', and
                    (B) by striking ``candidate, the authorized
                committee, or other'' in subparagraph (B).
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection
        shall apply to flights taken on or after the date of the
        enactment of this Act.
    (b) Disclosure.--Paragraph 2(e)(1) of rule XXXV of the Standing
Rules of the Senate is amended--
            (1) in subclause (C), by striking ``and'' after the
        semicolon;
            (2) by inserting after subclause (D) the following:
            ``(E) the source will submit a list of the names of any
        registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal on the
        trip not later than 30 days after the trip; and''.

SEC. 7. BAN ON LOBBYISTS MAKING CASH CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

    Section 321 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441g) is amended by--
            (1) by striking ``No person'' and inserting the following:
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no
person''; and
            (2) inserting at the end the following:
    ``(b) Lobbyist.--
            ``(1) Total ban.--If the person described in subsection (a)
        is a lobbyist, the amount referred to in subsection (a) shall
        be zero.
            ``(2) Lobbyist.--In this subsection, the term `lobbyist'
        shall have the same meaning given such term in section 3(10) of
        the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.''.

SEC. 8. REPORTING BY SUBSTANTIAL LOBBYING ENTITIES.

    The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 6 the following:

``SEC. 6A. REPORTING BY SUBSTANTIAL LOBBYING ENTITIES.

    ``(a) In General.--A substantial lobbying entity shall file on an
annual basis with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the
Secretary of the United States Senate a list of any employee,
individual under contract, or individual who provides paid consulting
services who is--
            ``(1) a former United States Senator or a former Member of
        the United States House of Representatives; or
            ``(2) a former congressional staff person who--
                    ``(A) made at least $100,000 in any 1 year as a
                congressional staff person;
                    ``(B) worked for a total of 4 years or more as a
                congressional staff person; or
                    ``(C) had a job title at any time while employed as
                a congressional staff person that contained any of the
                following terms: `Chief of Staff', `Legislative
                Director', `Staff Director', `Counsel', `Professional
                Staff Member', `Communications Director', or `Press
                Secretary'.
    ``(b) Contents of Filing.--The filing required by this section
shall contain a brief job description of each such employee, individual
under contract, or individual who provides paid consulting services,
and an explanation of their work experience under subsection (a) that
requires this filing.
    ``(c) Improved Reporting of Substantial Lobbying Entities.--The
Joint Web site being maintained by the Secretary of the Senate and the
Clerk of the House of Representatives, known as lobbyists.gov, shall
include an easily searchable database entitled `Substantial Lobbying
Entities' that includes qualifying employees, individuals under
contract, or individuals who provide paid consulting services, under
subsection (a).
    ``(d) Law Enforcement Oversight.--The Clerk of the House of
Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate shall provide a copy of
the filings of substantial lobbying entities to the District of
Columbia United States Attorney, to allow the District of Columbia
United States Attorney to determine whether any such entities are
underreporting the Federal lobbying activities of its employees,
individuals under contract, or individuals who provide paid consulting
services.
    ``(e) Substantial Lobbying Entity.--In this section, the term
`substantial lobbying entity' means an incorporated entity that employs
more than 3 federally registered lobbyists during a filing period.''.

SEC. 9. ENHANCED PENALTIES.

    Section 7(a) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1606(a)) is amended by striking ``$200,000'' and inserting
``$500,000''.

Summary: Close the Revolving Door Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a permanent ban on lobbying contacts by any former Member of Congress or elected officer of the Senate or the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either house of Congress or any employee of any other legislative office. Provides for a six-year lobbying ban on former congressional staff. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to: (1) require the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to maintain a joint Internet website for the disclosure of lobbying activity called lobbyist. gov. (2) require a substantial lobbying entity to file annually with the Secretary and Clerk a list of any employee or contractor who is a former Member of Congress or congressional staff person who made at least $100,000 in any one year, who worked for a total of four years or more in that capacity, or who had a job title that contained the terms Chief of Staff, Legislative or Staff Director, Counsel, Professional Staff Member, Communications Director, or Press Secretary. (3) require the Secretary and the Clerk to provide a copy of the filings of substantial lobbying entities to the US Attorney for the District of Columbia. And (4) increase from $200,000 to $500,000 the civil penalty for intentional failure to correct a defective filing of lobbying activity. Prohibits any person who is a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal, within six years after leaving such position, from being hired by a Member or committee of either house of Congress with whom that lobbyist or agent has had substantial lobbying contact, subject to a waiver based on a compelling national need. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit: (1) a political committee from making any expenditure or reimbursement for noncommercial air travel by a candidate for federal office. And (2) a lobbyist from making any contribution of US or foreign currency to or for the benefit of any candidate for federal office.

A bill to provide greater controls and restrictions on revolving door lobbying.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Partnering to Detect and Defeat
Tunnels Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Tunnels have been used for centuries around the world
        as a means of avoiding detection or circumventing defenses.
            (2) Tunnels can be used for criminal purposes, such as
        smuggling drugs, weapons, or humans, or for terrorist or
        military purposes, such as launching surprise attacks or
        detonating explosives underneath infrastructure.
            (3) Tunnels have been a growing threat on the southern
        border of the United States for many years, and the Department
        of Homeland Security has been working to address this threat.
            (4) The conflict in Gaza in 2014 showed that terrorists are
        now actively using tunnels as a means of attack, and news
        reports indicate that tunnels are being used in Syria as well.
            (5) Terrorist organizations are quick to adopt successful
        tactics, and it is only a matter of time before other terrorist
        organizations begin using tunnels.
            (6) The facilities of the United States, and those of the
        allies of the United States, could be under threat very quickly
        if tunnel threats continue to proliferate.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) it is in the best interests of the United States to
        develop technology to detect and counter tunnels, and the best
        way to do this is to partner with other affected countries; and
            (2) Israel is facing serious threats posed by tunnels and
        should be the first partner of the United States in addressing
        this significant challenge.

SEC. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF TUNNEL DETECTION TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Partnerships.--
            (1) Israel.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with
        the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security,
        shall seek to enter into an agreement with Israel to partner
        and coordinate in developing and deploying technologies to
        detect and counter tunnels, including by--
                    (A) carrying out research, development, testing,
                and evaluation activities with respect to tunnel
                detection technologies; and
                    (B) carrying out operational testing of such
                technologies in both the United States and Israel.
            (2) Other allies.--In addition to the agreement described
        in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense, in coordination
        with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland
        Security, may seek to enter into similar agreements with allies
        of the United States to develop technologies to detect and
        counter tunnels.
    (b) Lead Development Agency.--The Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall designate a
military department or other element of the Department of Defense to
carry out subsection (a) as the lead agency of the Federal Government
for developing technology to detect and counter tunnels.
    (c) Lead Intelligence Officer.--The Director of National
Intelligence shall designate a senior intelligence officer to manage
the collection and analysis of intelligence regarding the tactical use
of tunnels by state and non-state actors.
    (d) Annual Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter through 2020, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing, with
respect to the period covered by each such report, the following:
            (1) Instances of tunnels being used to attack installations
        of the United States or allies of the United States.
            (2) Trends or developments in tunnel attacks throughout the
        world.
            (3) Key technologies used and challenges faced by potential
        adversaries of the United States with respect to using tunnels.
            (4) The capabilities of the Department of Defense for
        defending fixed or forward locations from tunnel attacks.
            (5) Partnerships entered into with allies of the United
        States under this section, and potential opportunities for
        increased partnerships with other allies with respect to
        researching tunnel detection technologies.
            (6) The plans, including with respect to funding, of the
        Secretary for countering threats posed by tunnels.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
otherwise authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2016, to carry
out this section there is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2016--
            (1) for research, development, test, and evaluation, Army,
        for sensors and electronic survivability, $5,000,000;
            (2) for research, development, test, and evaluation,
        Defense-wide, for the physical security program of the
        Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office, $8,000,000; and
            (3) for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund,
        $10,000,000.

Summary: Partnering to Detect and Defeat Tunnels Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) it is in the best interests of the United States to develop technology to detect and counter tunnels, and the best way to do this is to partner with other affected countries. And (2) Israel is facing serious threats posed by tunnels and should be the first US partner in addressing this challenge. The Secretary of Defense: (1) shall seek to enter into an agreement with Israel to partner in developing and deploying technologies to detect and counter tunnels, (2) may seek to enter into similar agreements with US allies, and (3) shall report to Congress annually through 2020.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Ronald Reagan Memorial Act of
2000''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) Ronald Reagan is an American hero deserving of
        recognition by this and future generations of Americans and
        visitors from around the world.
            (2) As President, Ronald Reagan initiated policies that won
        the Cold War, protected and restored freedom and democracy
        around the globe, lowered taxes on American citizens, tamed the
        economic threats of inflation and economic stagnation, and
        ushered in an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity across
        the Nation, and his contributions merit permanent
        memorialization.
            (3) The legacies of Ronald Reagan include restoring faith
        in our system of democracy and capitalism, returning pride in
        being an American, and renewing the honor and decency of the
        American Presidency, and are deserving of national recognition.
            (4) The contributions of former President Ronald Reagan,
        and his status as a preeminent twentieth-century American
        statesman and one of the greatest American Presidents, merit
        and require a permanent memorialization alongside the other
        great American leaders memorialized on the Mall in the District
        of Columbia.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF RONALD REAGAN MEMORIAL; LOCATION AND DESIGN.

    (a) Authorization of Ronald Reagan Memorial.--
            (1) In general.--The Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission is
        authorized to establish the Ronald Reagan Memorial in
        accordance with this Act, on Federal lands administered by the
        National Park Service in the District of Columbia.
            (2) Location.--The memorial shall be situated in a location
        that is--
                    (A) recommended by the Ronald Reagan Memorial
                Commission; and
                    (B) in the area on the Mall west of the Capitol and
                east of the Lincoln Memorial, and within the area
                referred to in the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C.
                1001 et seq.) as Area I.
    (b) Duties of the National Capital Memorial Commission and the
Secretary of the Interior.--The National Capital Memorial Commission
and the Secretary of the Interior shall assist the members of the
Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission--
            (1) in the preparation of a recommendation to the Congress
        of a permanent location for the memorial; and
            (2) the selection of a design for the memorial and the
        grounds of the memorial.
    (c) Detail of Department of the Interior Employees.--The Secretary
of the Interior shall detail to the Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission
such support staff as are necessary to assist the members of the
commission in carrying out its responsibilities.
    (d) Beginning of Process.--The Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission
shall begin the process of recommending a location and selecting a
design for the memorial no later than six months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
    (e) Marker.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall erect, at the site
        approved by the Congress for the memorial, a suitable marker
        designating the site as the ``Future Site of the Ronald Reagan
        Memorial''.
            (2) Requirements.--The marker shall be--
                    (A) installed by the Secretary no later than 3
                months after the date of the enactment of a law
                approving the location for the memorial;
                    (B) no smaller than 3 feet square and constructed
                of durable material suitable to the outdoor
                environment; and
                    (C) maintained at the location by the Secretary
                until the memorial is completed, dedicated, and open to
                the public.
    (f) Relationship to the Commemorative Works Act.--Sections 3(c),
7(a)(2), and 8(a)(1) of the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1003(c),
1007(a)(2), 1008(a)(1)) shall not apply to the memorial.

SEC. 4. RONALD REAGAN MEMORIAL COMMISSION.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission, to be known
as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission. The commission shall--
            (1) be comprised of--
                    (A) the Chairman of the National Capital Memorial
                Commission;
                    (B) one member appointed by the Speaker of the
                House of Representatives by no later than 6 months
                after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
                    (C) one member appointed by the majority leader of
                the Senate by no later than 6 months after the date of
                the enactment of this Act;
            (2) be chaired by one of its members, to be designated
        jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
        majority leader of the Senate;
            (3) meet no later than one month after its members are
        appointed, and at such other times as may be necessary; and
            (4) be exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
        U.S.C. App.).
    (b) Duties.--The Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission shall--
            (1) raise necessary funds from private sector sources to
        design, construct, and maintain the memorial;
            (2) in cooperation with the National Capital Memorial
        Commission and the Secretary of the Interior, determine and
        recommend to the Congress a permanent location for the
        memorial;
            (3) select a design for the memorial from proposals
        solicited and accepted from qualified American architects; and
            (4) issue a report to the Congress and the President on its
        activities every six months after its first meeting, and issue
        a final report to the Congress and the President, including a
        recommended location and final design for the memorial, no
        later than February 6, 2002.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Memorial.--The term ``memorial'' means the Ronald
        Reagan Memorial authorized by this Act.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior.
            Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to authorize the
        establishment of a memorial to former President Ronald Reagan
        within the area in the District of Columbia referred to in the
        Commemorative Works Act as `Area I', to provide for the design
        and construction of such memorial, and for other purposes.''.

Summary: Requires the Secretary to erect a suitable marker designating theFuture Site of the Ronald Reagan Memorial which shall be maintained at the location until the memorial is open to the public. Establishes the Ronald Reagan Memorial Commission to: (1) raise necessary funds from appropriate private sector sources to design, construct, and maintain the memorial. (2) determine and recommend to Congress a permanent location for the memorial, (3) select a design for the memorial. And (4) report to Congress and the President on a recommended location and final design for the memorial no later than February 6, 2002.

Ronald Reagan Memorial Act of 2000


SECTION 1. MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY TRANSITION (MOST) PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3687 the following
new section:
``Sec. 3687A. Military occupational specialty transition (MOST) program
    ``(a) Establishment; Eligibility.--(1) Subject to the availability
of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary shall carry out a
program of training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant
to the job market.
    ``(2) For purposes of this section, the term `eligible veteran'
means any veteran--
            ``(A) whose military occupational specialty at the time of
        discharge is determined by the Secretary to have limited
        transferability to the civilian job market;
            ``(B) who is not otherwise eligible for education or
        training services under this title;
            ``(C) who has not acquired a marketable skill since leaving
        military service;
            ``(D) who was discharged under conditions not less than
        general under honorable conditions; and
            ``(E)(i) who has been unemployed for at least 90 days
        during the 180-day period preceding the date of application for
        the program established under this section; or
            ``(ii) the maximum hourly rate of pay of such veteran
        during such 180-day period is not more than 150 percent of the
        Federal minimum wage.
    ``(b) MOST Program.--The program established under this section
shall provide for payments to employers who provide for eligible
veterans a program of apprenticeship or on-the-job training if--
            ``(1) such program is approved as provided in paragraph (1)
        or (2) of section 3687(a) of this title;
            ``(2) the rate of pay for veterans participating in the
        program is not less than the rate of pay for nonveterans in
        similar jobs; and
            ``(3) the Secretary reasonably expects that--
                    ``(A) the veteran will be qualified for employment
                in that field upon completion of training; and
                    ``(B) the employer providing the program will hire
                the veteran at the completion of training.
    ``(c) Payments to Employers.--(1) Subject to the availability of
appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary shall enter into
contracts with employers to provide programs of apprenticeship or on-
the-job training that meet the requirements of this section. Each such
contract shall provide for the payment of the amounts described in
subsection (b) to employers whose programs meet such requirements.
    ``(2) The amount paid under this section with respect to any
eligible veteran for any period shall be 50 percent of the wages paid
by the employer to such veteran for such period. Wages shall be
calculated on an hourly basis.
    ``(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B)--
            ``(i) the amount paid under this section with respect to a
        veteran participating in the program established under this
        section may not exceed $20,000 in the aggregate and $1,666.67
        per month; and
            ``(ii) such payments may only be made during the first 12
        months of such veteran's participation in the program.
    ``(B) In the case of a veteran participating in the program on a
less than full-time basis, the Secretary may extend the number of
months of payments under subparagraph (A) and proportionally adjust the
amount of such payments, but the maximum amount paid with respect to a
veteran may not exceed the maximum amount of $20,000 and the maximum
amount of such payments may not exceed 24 months.
    ``(4) Payments under this section shall be made on a quarterly
basis.
    ``(5) Each employer providing a program of apprenticeship or on-
the-job training pursuant to this section shall submit to the Secretary
on a quarterly basis a report certifying the wages paid to eligible
veterans under such program (which shall be certified by the veteran as
being correct) and containing such other information as the Secretary
may specify. Such report shall be submitted in the form and manner
required by the Secretary.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018 to
carry out this section.
    ``(e) Reporting.--The Secretary shall include a detailed
description of activities carried out under this section in the annual
report prepared by the Veterans Benefits Administration.
    ``(f) Separate Accounting.--The Department shall have a separate
line item in budget proposals of the Department for funds to be
appropriated to carry out this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such chapter is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3687 the
following new item:

``3687A. Military occupational specialty transition (MOST) program.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Subsection (a)(1) of section 3034
of such title is amended by striking ``and 3687'' and inserting ``3687,
and 3687A''.
    (2) Subsections (a)(1) and (c) of section 3241 of such title are
each amended by striking ``section 3687'' and inserting ``sections 3687
and 3687A''.
    (3) Subsection (d)(1) of section 3672 of such title is amended by
striking ``and 3687'' and inserting ``3687, and 3687A''.
    (4) Paragraph (3) of section 4102A(b) of such title is amended by
striking ``section 3687'' and inserting ``section 3687 or 3687A''.

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of job training in skills relevant to the job market for discharged veterans who are either currently not paid at more than 150 of the federal minimum wage, or: (1) had a military occupational specialty of limited transferability to the civilian job market. (2) are not otherwise eligible for veterans' education or training services. (3) have not acquired a marketable skill since leaving military service, (4) were discharged under conditions not less than honorable. And (5) have been unemployed for at least 90 of the previous 180 days. Designates the program as the MOST Program. Directs the Secretary to contract with employers to provide on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs for such veterans. Limits payments under the program to $20,000 per veteran and 24 months in duration.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to the job market, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

    The purpose of this Act is to establish the Trade Agreement
Enforcement Commission to oversee the enforcement of worker rights
provisions in trade agreements to which the United States is a party
and in trade preference programs.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT.

    (a) In General.--There is established the Trade Agreement
Enforcement Commission (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 15
        members, who shall be appointed as follows from among persons
        in private life who have expertise in matters involving worker
        rights:
                    (A) Four members shall be appointed by the Speaker
                of the House of Representatives, after consulting with
                the chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor
                and the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means.
                    (B) Three members shall be appointed by the
                minority leader of the House of Representatives, after
                consulting with the ranking member of the Committee on
                Education and Labor and the ranking member of the
                Committee on Ways and Means.
                    (C) Four members shall be appointed by the majority
                leader of the Senate, after consulting with the
                chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
                and Pensions and the chairman of the Committee on
                Finance.
                    (D) Three members shall be appointed by the
                minority leader of the Senate, after consulting with
                the ranking member of the Committee on Health,
                Education, Labor, and Pensions and the ranking member
                of the Committee on Finance.
                    (E) One member shall be appointed by the President.
            (2) Staggered terms.--(A) Each appointing authority
        referred to under subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (1)
        shall make the initial appointments on a staggered term basis,
        such that--
                            (i) 1 appointment shall be for a term
                        expiring on December 31, 2009;
                            (ii) 1 appointment shall be for a term
                        expiring on December 31, 2010; and
                            (iii) 2 appointments shall be for a term
                        expiring on December 31, 2011.
            (B) Each appointing authority referred to under
        subparagraphs (B) and (D) of paragraph (1) shall make the
        initial appointments on a staggered term basis, such that--
                    (i) 1 appointment shall be for a term expiring on
                December 31, 2009;
                    (ii) 1 appointment shall be for a term expiring on
                December 31, 2010; and
                    (iii) 1 appointment shall be for a term expiring on
                December 31, 2011.
            (C) The President shall make the initial appointment under
        subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) for a term expiring on
        December 31, 2010.
            (D) Each appointing authority under paragraph (1) shall
        make all subsequent appointments on an approximate 2-year term
        basis to expire on December 31 of the applicable year.
            (E) Each appointing authority under paragraph (1) shall
        make appointments not later than January 31 of the year in
        which the term of the member of the Commission is to begin.
            (3) Reappointment.--Members of the Commission may be
        reappointed for additional terms of service as members of the
        Commission.
            (4) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy
        occurring before the expiration of the term for which the
        member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for
        the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the
        expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken
        office. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the
        manner in which the original appointment was made.
    (c) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The members of the
Commission shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the
Commission from among the members of the Commission.
    (d) Meetings.--
            (1) Meetings.--The first meeting of the Commission shall be
        held not later than 90 days after the initial appointments are
        made under subsection (b). Thereafter, the Commission shall
        meet at the call of the Chairperson of the Commission.
            (2) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission
        shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of
        the Commission.
    (e) Voting.--Each member of the Commission shall be entitled to one
vote, which shall be equal to the vote of every other member of the
Commission.

SEC. 3. DUTIES.

    (a) In General.--The Commission shall monitor, investigate, and
report to Congress and the President on the enforcement by each trading
partner of the United States of worker rights in the territory of the
trading partner.
    (b) Specific Matters.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Commission shall do the following:
            (1) Monitor enforcement of worker rights in the territory
        of each trading partner of the United States.
            (2) Review enforcement activities, including complaints,
        claims, and petitions reviewed, of the United States Trade
        Representative, and the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs in
        the Bureau of International Affairs of the Department of Labor,
        with respect to violations of worker rights in the territory of
        trading partners of the United States.
            (3) With respect to trading partners of the United States
        that are violating worker rights, make recommendations that the
        Commission considers appropriate to the President, including--
                    (A) invoking dispute settlement procedures under
                the applicable trade agreement with a trading partner
                of the United States that is failing to enforce worker
                rights in the territory of that trading partner;
                    (B) withdrawing trade preferences from a trading
                partner under the applicable trade agreement with the
                trading partner, or under the applicable trade
                preference program, as the case may be;
                    (C) establishing an ombudsman in the territory of a
                trading partner that has engaged in a pattern of
                violations of worker rights or that has engaged in
                serious violations of worker rights, for the purpose of
                monitoring and investigating worker rights in those
                countries; or
                    (D) taking such other actions as the Commission
                considers appropriate.
    (c) Annual Report.--Not later than June 1 of each year (beginning
in 2009), the Commission shall submit to the Congress and the President
a report on the enforcement by the trading partners of the United
States of worker rights within the territories of such trading
partners, including the recommendations for action, if any, under
subsection (b)(3). If possible, the report shall include an analysis of
the impact of any violations of workers rights in the territory of a
trading partner on the economy of the United States and, in particular,
on employment in the United States.
    (d) Report by the President.--The President shall report to the
Congress, not later than 6 months after each report of the Commission
is submitted under subsection (c), on the actions taken by the
executive branch with respect to all issues addressed in the
Commission's report, including whether, or the extent to which, the
President has implemented any recommendations of the Commission with
respect to the enforcement of worker rights.

SEC. 4. POWERS.

    (a) Hearings.--The Commission or, at its direction, any panel or
member of the Commission, may, for the purpose of carrying out the
provisions of this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places,
take testimony, receive evidence, and administer oaths to the extent
that the Commission or any panel or member considers advisable.
    (b) Information.--The Commission may request from any Federal
department or agency information that the Commission considers
necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its duties under this
Act. Upon the request of the Commission, the head of such department or
agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
    (c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
    (d) Commission Personnel Matters.--
            (1) Compensation of members.--Each member of the Commission
        shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of
        the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
        Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
        Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such
        member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the
        Commission.
            (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Commission shall
        be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
        subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies
        under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
        Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business
        in the performance of services for the Commission.
            (3) Staff.--
                    (A) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission
                may, without regard to the civil service laws and
                regulations, appoint and terminate an executive
                director and such other additional personnel as may be
                necessary to enable the Commission to perform its
                duties. The employment of an executive director shall
                be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
                    (B) Compensation.--The Chairperson of the
                Commission may fix the compensation of the executive
                director and other personnel without regard to the
                provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter
                53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to
                classification of positions and General Schedule pay
                rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive
                director and other personnel may not exceed the rate
                payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under
                section 5316 of such title.
            (4) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government
        employee may be detailed to the Commission without
        reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or
        loss of civil service status or privilege.
            (5) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.--
        The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and
        intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United
        States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the
        daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for
        level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such
        title.
            (6) Foreign travel for official purposes.--Foreign travel
        for official purposes by members and staff of the Commission
        may be authorized by either the Chairperson or the Vice
        Chairperson of the Commission.
            (7) Applicability of certain pay authorities.--An
        individual who is a member of the Commission and is an
        annuitant or otherwise covered by section 8344 or 8468 of title
        5, United States Code, by reason of membership on the
        Commission is not subject to the provisions of section 8344 or
        8468 (whichever is applicable) with respect to such membership.
    (e) Support Services.--The Administrator of the General Services
Administration shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis
such administrative support services as the Commission may request.
    (f) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92-463; 5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply
to the activities of the Commission.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Worker rights.--The term ``worker rights'' means, with
        respect to a trading partner--
                    (A) those provisions of the trade agreement between
                the United States and the trading partner that relate
                to worker rights in the territory of the trading
                partner, or
                    (B) those provisions of law establishing the
                applicable trade preference program relating to worker
                rights in the territory of the trading partner,
        as the case may be.
            (2) Trade preference program.--The term ``trade preference
        program'' means a program established under the laws of the
        United States that provides trade preferences to countries that
        meet eligibility requirements set forth in the applicable law,
        including title V of the Trade Act of 1974, the Carribean Basin
        Economic Recovery Act, the African Growth and Opportunity Act,
        and the Andean Trade Preference Act.
            (3) Trading partner of the united states.--The term
        ``trading partner of the United States'' means--
                    (A) any country with which the United States has in
                effect a trade agreement providing for the reduction of
                tariff and nontariff barriers between the two
                countries; and
                    (B) any country that is a beneficiary country under
                a trade preference program.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission for
fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act.

SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act shall take effect on the first day of the 111th Congress.

Summary: Establishes the Trade Agreement Enforcement Commission to oversee enforcement of worker rights provisions in: (1) trade agreements between the United States and other countries, and (2) trade preference programs.

To create a Trade Agreement Enforcement Commission.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Long Island Sound Protection Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON DUMPING OF DREDGED MATERIAL.

    Section 106 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1416) is amended by striking subsection (f) and
inserting the following:
    ``(f) Prohibition on Dumping of Dredged Material.--
            ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) Covered body of water.--The term `covered
                body of water' means--
                            ``(i) Long Island Sound;
                            ``(ii) Fisher's Island Sound;
                            ``(iii) Block Island Sound;
                            ``(iv) Peconic Bay; and
                            ``(v) any harbor or tributary of a body of
                        water described in any of clauses (i) through
                        (iv).
                    ``(B) Covered project.--The term `covered project'
                means--
                            ``(i) any Federal dredging project (or any
                        project conducted for a Federal agency pursuant
                        to Federal authorization);
                            ``(ii) a dredging project carried out by a
                        non-Federal entity that results in the
                        production of more than 25,000 cubic yards of
                        dredged material; and
                            ``(iii) any of 2 or more dredging projects
                        carried out by 1 or more non-Federal entities
                        in a covered body of water, simultaneously or
                        sequentially within a 180-day period, that
                        result, in the aggregate, in the production of
                        more than 25,000 cubic yards of dredged
                        material.
                    ``(C) Plan.--The term `plan' means the dredged
                material management plan required under paragraph (5).
            ``(2) Prohibition.--No dredged material from any covered
        project shall be dumped, or transported for the purpose of
        dumping, into any covered body of water unless and until the
        dredged material is determined by the Administrator--
                    ``(A) to have, or to cause (including through
                bioaccumulation), concentrations of chemical
                constituents that are not greater than those
                concentrations present in the water column, sediments,
                and biota of areas proximate to, but unaffected by, the
                proposed disposal site; and
                    ``(B) to meet all requirements under this title
                (including the trace contaminant provision under
                section 227.6 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations
                (or a successor regulation), and requirements under
                other regulations promulgated under section 108).
            ``(3) Designation of sites.--No dredged material shall be
        dumped, or transported for the purpose of dumping, into any
        covered body of water except--
                    ``(A) at a site designated by the Administrator in
                accordance with section 102(c); and
                    ``(B) upon a determination by the Administrator,
                following approval of the plan required under paragraph
                (5)(F), that no feasible alternative to ocean disposal,
                including sediment remediation, beneficial reuse, and
                land-based alternatives, is available prior to the time
                of designation.
            ``(4) Relationship to other law.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
                subparagraph (B), this title applies to each covered
                body of water.
                    ``(B) Exception.--No waiver under section 103(d)
                shall be available for the dumping of dredged material
                in any covered body of water.
            ``(5) Dredged material management plan.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Before designation of any
                dredged material disposal site in a covered body of
                water, the Secretary and the Administrator, in
                consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife
                Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the
                Coast Guard, and the States of Connecticut and New
                York, shall--
                            ``(i) develop a dredged material management
                        plan for the management of all dredged sediment
                        in the covered bodies of water; and
                            ``(ii) submit the plan to Congress and the
                        Governors of the States of Connecticut and New
                        York.
                    ``(B) Objectives.--The objectives of the plan shall
                be--
                            ``(i) to identify sources, quantities, and
                        the extent of contamination of dredged material
                        that requires disposal;
                            ``(ii) to determine management actions that
                        are to be taken to reduce sediment and
                        contaminant loading of dredged areas;
                            ``(iii) to thoroughly assess alternative
                        locations, treatment technologies, and
                        beneficial uses for dredged material;
                            ``(iv) to ensure that dumping is the
                        disposal option of last resort for dredged
                        material and is used only after all other
                        options have been exhausted;
                            ``(v) to secure--
                                    ``(I) alternative methods of
                                disposal of dredged materials,
                                including decontamination technologies;
                                and
                                    ``(II) alternative uses of
                                materials, including upland disposal,
                                containment, beach nourishment, marsh
                                restoration, habitat construction, and
                                other beneficial reuses; and
                            ``(vi) to confirm the specific roles of
                        Federal, State, and local agencies with respect
                        to various aspects of dredged material
                        management.
                    ``(C) Requirements.--The plan shall include
                environmental, economic, and other analysis required to
                meet the objectives listed in subparagraph (B),
                including--
                            ``(i) an analysis of strategies to reduce
                        sediment loading of harbors and navigation
                        areas;
                            ``(ii) an analysis of sources of sediment
                        contamination, including recommendations for
                        management measures to limit or reduce those
                        contamination sources;
                            ``(iii) an analysis of options for reducing
                        dredging needs through modification of
                        navigation strategies;
                            ``(iv) an analysis of decontamination
                        technologies, including subsequent alternative
                        uses of decontaminated materials (such as
                        upland disposal, containment, beach
                        nourishment, marsh restoration, and habitat
                        construction); and
                            ``(v) a program for use of alternative
                        methods of disposal and use of dredged
                        material, including alternatives to dumping or
                        dispersal in a covered body of water.
                    ``(D) Public input.--The Secretary and the
                Administrator shall--
                            ``(i) during the development of the plan,
                        hold in the States of Connecticut and New York
                        a series of public hearings on the plan; and
                            ``(ii) append to the plan a summary of the
                        public comments received.
                    ``(E) Support.--Each of the Federal agencies
                referred to in subparagraph (A) shall provide such
                staff support and other resources as are necessary to
                carry out this paragraph.
                    ``(F) Approval by connecticut and new york.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Not later than 60 days
                        after the date of receipt of the plan, the
                        Governors of the States of Connecticut and New
                        York shall notify the Secretary and the
                        Administrator of whether the States approve or
                        disapprove the plan.
                            ``(ii) Dumping of dredged material.--No
                        dredged material from a covered project may be
                        dumped, or transported for the purpose of
                        dumping, in any covered body of water unless
                        the dredged material--
                                    ``(I) conforms to a plan that has
                                been approved by the Governors of the
                                States of Connecticut and New York; and
                                    ``(II) is to be dumped in a dredged
                                material disposal site designated by
                                the Administrator under this title.
                            ``(iii) Finality.--No dredged material
                        disposal plan shall become final until the plan
                        has been approved by the States of Connecticut
                        and New York under clause (i).
                            ``(iv) Previously designated sites.--No
                        dredged material disposal site in any covered
                        body of water that was designated before the
                        date of enactment of this clause shall be used
                        for dumping of dredged material from a covered
                        project until the plan has been approved by the
                        States of Connecticut and New York under clause
                        (i).
                    ``(G) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
                authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
                paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 and
                2006.''.

Summary: Long Island Sound Protection Act - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to revise requirements for the dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound. Prohibits dredged material from any Federal or non-Federal dredging project from being dumped, or transported for the purpose of being dumped, into Long Island Sound, Fisher's Island Sound, Block Island Sound, or Peconic Bay until the dredged material is determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) have, or to cause, concentrations of chemical constituents that are not greater than those concentrations present in the water column, sediments, and biota of areas proximate to, but unaffected by, the proposed disposal site. And (2) meet certain Federal dumping requirements. Prohibits dumping or transportation for dumping into any covered body of water, except at a site designated by the Administrator, and upon a determination that no feasible alternative to ocean disposal is available prior to the time of designation. Requires the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator, before designation of a dredged material disposal site in a covered body of water, to develop a dredged material management plan and to submit it to Congress and to the Governors of the States of Connecticut and New York for their approval.

To amend the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping of dredged material in certain bodies of water.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``University Transit Rider Innovation
Program Act of 2015'' or ``UTRIP Act''.

SEC. 2. FORMULA GRANTS TO INCREASE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP BY
              COLLEGE STUDENTS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
            (1) by inserting after section 5307 the following:
``Sec. 5308. Formula grants to increase ridership by college students
    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
            ``(1) the term `covered student' means an undergraduate or
        graduate student attending an institution of higher education;
            ``(2) the term `eligible entity' means--
                    ``(A) a recipient or subrecipient that provides
                covered students a discounted fare for public
                transportation that meets the requirements under
                subsection (d)(1); or
                    ``(B) a recipient that allocates amounts provided
                to the recipient under a grant under this section to a
                subrecipient described in subparagraph (A);
            ``(3) the term `institution of higher education' has the
        meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education
        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001);
            ``(4) the term `large urbanized area' means an urbanized
        area with a population of not less than 200,000 individuals, as
        determined by the Bureau of the Census;
            ``(5) the term `recipient' means a designated recipient, a
        local governmental authority, or a State;
            ``(6) the term `small urbanized area' means an urbanized
        area with a population of less than 200,000 individuals, as
        determined by the Bureau of the Census; and
            ``(7) the term `subrecipient' means a State or local
        governmental authority, a private nonprofit organization, or an
        operator of public transportation services, including a private
        operator of public transportation services.
    ``(b) General Authority.--
            ``(1) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants under this
        section to recipients that are eligible entities to increase
        the use of public transportation by covered students in
        accordance with subsection (c).
            ``(2) Subrecipients.--A recipient that receives a grant
        under this section may allocate the amounts provided under the
        grant to subrecipients that are eligible entities to increase
        the use of public transportation by covered students in
        accordance with subsection (c).
    ``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity may use amounts provided
under a grant under this section to--
            ``(1) offset decreased revenue resulting from providing
        discounted fares to covered students;
            ``(2) provide general operating assistance to public
        transportation services and routes designed to better serve
        institutions of higher education; or
            ``(3) pay for capital costs associated with expanding and
        maintaining public transportation services and routes designed
        to serve institutions of higher education.
    ``(d) Discounted Fare.--
            ``(1) In general.--In order to qualify as an eligible
        entity described in subsection (a)(2)(A), a recipient or
        subrecipient shall provide to covered students a discounted
        fare for public transportation that is--
                    ``(A) not more than 75 percent of the fare; and
                    ``(B) applicable to both monthly and single-ride
                fares.
            ``(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall
        be construed to prohibit a recipient or subrecipient that, as
        of the date of enactment of the University Transit Rider
        Innovation Program Act of 2015, provides a discounted fare to
        covered students that meets the requirements under paragraph
        (1), including a discounted fare that is lower than 75 percent
        of the fare, from qualifying as an eligible entity described in
        subsection (a)(2)(A).
    ``(e) Apportionment and Transfers.--
            ``(1) Formula.--The Secretary shall apportion amounts made
        available to carry out this section as follows:
                    ``(A) Large urbanized areas.--Sixty percent of the
                funds shall be apportioned among designated recipients
                for large urbanized areas in the ratio that--
                            ``(i) the number of full-time equivalent
                        covered students in each such urbanized area;
                        bears to
                            ``(ii) the number of full-time equivalent
                        covered students in all such urbanized areas.
                    ``(B) Small urbanized areas.--Twenty percent of the
                funds shall be apportioned among the States in the
                ratio that--
                            ``(i) the number of full-time equivalent
                        covered students in small urbanized areas in
                        each State; bears to
                            ``(ii) the number of full-time equivalent
                        covered students in small urbanized areas in
                        all States.
                    ``(C) Rural areas.--Twenty percent of the funds
                shall be apportioned among the States in the ratio
                that--
                            ``(i) the number of full-time equivalent
                        covered students in rural areas in each State;
                        bears to
                            ``(ii) the number of full-time equivalent
                        covered students in rural areas in all States.
            ``(2) Areas served by projects.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
                subparagraph (B)--
                            ``(i) funds apportioned under paragraph
                        (1)(A) shall be used to serve covered students
                        or institutions of higher education in large
                        urbanized areas;
                            ``(ii) funds apportioned under paragraph
                        (1)(B) shall be used to serve covered students
                        or institutions of higher education in small
                        urbanized areas; and
                            ``(iii) funds apportioned under paragraph
                        (1)(C) shall be used to serve covered students
                        or institutions of higher education in rural
                        areas.
                    ``(B) Exceptions.--A State may use funds
                apportioned to the State under subparagraph (B) or (C)
                of paragraph (1)--
                            ``(i) to serve covered students or
                        institutions of higher education in an area
                        other than an area specified in subparagraph
                        (A)(ii) or (A)(iii), as the case may be, if the
                        Governor of the State certifies that all of the
                        objectives of this section are being met in the
                        area specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) or
                        (A)(iii); or
                            ``(ii) to serve covered students or
                        institutions of higher education anywhere in
                        the State, if the State has established a
                        statewide program for meeting the objectives of
                        this section.
                    ``(C) Consultation.--A recipient may transfer an
                amount under subparagraph (B) only after consulting
                with responsible local officials, publicly owned
                operators of public transportation, and nonprofit
                providers in the area for which the amount was
                originally apportioned.''; and
            (2) in section 5338(a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
                        ``$9,347,604,639'' and inserting
                        ``$9,597,604,639'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
                        ``$9,534,706,043'' and inserting
                        ``$9,784,706,043'';
                            (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
                        ``$9,733,353,407'' and inserting
                        ``$9,983,353,407'';
                            (iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking
                        ``$9,939,380,030'' and inserting
                        ``$10,189,380,030''; and
                            (v) in subparagraph (E), by striking
                        ``$10,150,348,462'' and inserting
                        ``$10,400,348,462''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (M), by striking
                        ``and'' at the end;
                            (ii) in subparagraph (N), by striking the
                        period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(M) $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
                through 2020 shall be available to carry out section
                5308.''.
    (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Table of sections.--The table of sections for chapter
        53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the
        item relating to section 5308 and inserting the following:

``5308. Formula grants to increase ridership by college students.''.
            (2) Obligation ceiling.--Section 3018 of the Federal Public
        Transportation Act of 2015 (title III of Public Law 114-94) is
        amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking
                ``$9,347,604,639'' and inserting ``$9,597,604,639'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking
                ``$9,733,706,043'' and inserting ``$9,983,706,043'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking
                ``$9,733,353,407'' and inserting ``$9,983,353,407'';
                    (D) in paragraph (4), by striking
                ``$9,939,380,030'' and inserting ``$10,189,380,030'';
                and
                    (E) in paragraph (5), by striking
                ``$10,150,348,462'' and inserting ``$10,400,348,462''.

Summary: University Transit Rider Innovation Program Act of 2015 or the UTRIP Act This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to make grants to designated recipients, local or state governmental authorities, private nonprofit organizations, or operators of public transportation services (recipients) to increase the use of public transportation by undergraduate or graduate students attending an institution of higher education . A recipient may use amounts provided under a grant to: offset decreased revenue resulting from providing discounted fares to covered students, provide general operating assistance to public transportation services and routes designed to better serve institutions of higher education, or pay for capital costs associated with expanding and maintaining public transportation services and routes designed to serve such institutions. To be eligible for a grant, a recipient must provide to covered students a discounted fare for public transportation that is: (1) not more than 75 of the fare, and (2) applicable to both monthly and single-ride fares. DOT shall apportion amounts made available to carry out this Act to large urbanized areas, small urbanized areas, and rural areas based on the relative numbers of full-time equivalent covered students in such areas, according to a specified formula, with specified exceptions.

UTRIP Act


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Policy and Posture Review
Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. REVISED NUCLEAR POLICY REVIEW AND NUCLEAR POSTURE REVIEW.

    (a) Nuclear Policy Review.--
            (1) In general.--The President shall conduct a nuclear
        policy review to consider a range of options on the role of
        nuclear weapons in United States security policy. The policy
        review shall be coordinated by the National Security Advisor
        and shall include the Secretary of State, the Secretary of
        Energy, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National
        Intelligence, the Director of the Office of Management and
        Budget, and the Director of the Office of Science and
        Technology Policy.
            (2) Scope of review.--The nuclear policy review conducted
        under paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) address the role and value of nuclear weapons
                in the current global security environment;
                    (B) set forth short-term and long-term objectives
                of United States nuclear weapons policy;
                    (C) consider the contributions of the Treaty on the
                Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, done at
                Washington, London, and Moscow July 1, 1968 (commonly
                referred to as the ``Nuclear Non-Proliferation
                Treaty''), to United States national security, and
                include recommendations for strengthening the Treaty;
                    (D) explore the relationship between the nuclear
                policy of the United States and nonproliferation and
                arms control objectives and international treaty
                obligations, including obligations under Article VI of
                the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty;
                    (E) determine the role and effectiveness of the
                Treaty Between the United States of America and the
                Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Reduction
                and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed at
                Moscow July 31, 1991 (commonly referred to as the
                ``START I Treaty''), and the Treaty Between the United
                States of America and the Russian Federation on
                Strategic Offensive Reductions, done at Moscow May 24,
                2002 (commonly referred to as the ``Moscow Treaty''),
                in achieving the national security and nonproliferation
                goals of the United States and in implementing United
                States military strategy, and describe the elements of
                a recommended successor treaty, including verification
                provisions; and
                    (F) provide policy guidance and make
                recommendations for the nuclear posture review to be
                conducted under subsection (b).
            (3) Outside input.--The policy review shall include
        contributions from outside experts and, to the extent possible,
        shall include public meetings to consider a range of views.
    (b) Nuclear Posture Review.--
            (1) In general.--Following completion of the nuclear policy
        review under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall
        conduct a comprehensive review of the nuclear posture of the
        United States to clarify United States nuclear deterrence
        policy and strategy. The Secretary shall conduct the review in
        collaboration with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of
        State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the National
        Security Advisor.
            (2) Elements of review.--The nuclear posture review
        conducted under paragraph (1) shall include the following
        elements:
                    (A) The role of nuclear forces in United States
                military strategy, planning, and programming, including
                the extent to which conventional forces can assume
                roles previously assumed by nuclear forces.
                    (B) The policy requirements and objectives for the
                United States to maintain a safe, reliable, and
                credible nuclear deterrence posture, in light of the
                guidance provided by the nuclear policy review
                conducted under subsection (a).
                    (C) The targeting strategy required to implement
                effectively the guidance provided by the nuclear policy
                review conducted under subsection (a).
                    (D) The levels and composition of the nuclear
                delivery systems that will be required for implementing
                the United States national and military strategy,
                including any plans for removing, replacing, or
                modifying existing systems.
                    (E) The nuclear weapons complex that will be
                required for implementing the United States national
                and military strategy, including any plans to
                consolidate, modernize, or modify the complex.
                    (F) The active and inactive nuclear weapons
                stockpile that will be required for implementing the
                United States national and military strategy, including
                any plans for replacing or modifying warheads.
                    (G) An account of the different nuclear postures
                considered in the review and the reasoning for the
                selection of the nuclear posture.
    (c) Reports Required.--
            (1) Nuclear policy review.--Not later than September 1,
        2009, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the
        results of the nuclear policy review conducted under subsection
        (a).
            (2) Nuclear posture review.--Not later than March 1, 2010,
        the President shall submit to Congress a report on the results
        of the nuclear posture review conducted under subsection (b).
            (3) Form.--Each report required under this subsection shall
        be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified
        annex.
    (d) Sense of Congress on Use of Nuclear Posture Review.--It is the
sense of Congress that the nuclear policy review conducted under
subsection (a) should be used as the basis for establishing future
strategic arms control objectives and negotiating positions of the
United States.
    (e) Restriction on Funding of Reliable Replacement Warhead
Program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds may be
appropriated or otherwise made available for the Reliable Replacement
Warhead Program for fiscal years 2008, 2009, or 2010 until the reports
required under subsection (c) have been submitted to Congress.

Summary: Nuclear Policy and Posture Review Act of 2007 - Directs the President to conduct a nuclear policy review to consider a range of options on the role of nuclear weapons in US security policy. Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of the US nuclear posture to clarify US nuclear deterrence policy and strategy. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President's review should be used as the basis for establishing future US strategic arms control objectives and negotiating positions. Prohibits the appropriation or availability of funds for the Reliable Replacement Warhead Program for FY2008-FY2010 until reports on the above reviews have been submitted to Congress.

A bill to require a comprehensive nuclear posture review, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Consumers from
Unreasonable Credit Rates Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) attempts have been made to prohibit usurious interest
        rates in America since colonial times;
            (2) at the State level, 15 states and the District of
        Columbia have enacted broadly applicable usury laws that
        protect borrowers from high-cost payday loans and many other
        forms of credit, while 34 states and the District of Columbia
        have limited annual interest rates to 36 percent or less for 1
        or more types of consumer credit;
            (3) at the Federal level, in 2006, Congress enacted a
        Federal 36 percent annualized usury cap for service members and
        their families for covered credit products, as defined by the
        Department of Defense, which curbed payday, car title, and tax
        refund lending around military bases;
            (4) notwithstanding such attempts to curb predatory
        lending, high-cost lending persists in all 50 States due to
        loopholes in State laws, safe harbor laws for specific forms of
        credit, and the exportation of unregulated interest rates
        permitted by preemption;
            (5) due to the lack of a comprehensive Federal usury cap,
        consumers annually pay approximately $17,500,000,000 for high-
        cost overdraft loans, as much as $8,600,000,000 for storefront
        and online payday loans, and nearly $900,000,000 for tax refund
        anticipation loans;
            (6) cash-strapped consumers pay on average 400 percent
        annual interest for payday loans, 300 percent annual interest
        for car title loans, up to 3,500 percent for bank overdraft
        loans, 50 to 500 percent annual interest for loans secured by
        expected tax refunds, and higher than 50 percent annual
        percentage interest for credit cards that charge junk fees;
            (7) a national maximum interest rate that includes all
        forms of fees and closes all loopholes is necessary to
        eliminate such predatory lending; and
            (8) alternatives to predatory lending that encourage small
        dollar loans with minimal or no fees, installment payment
        schedules, and affordable repayment periods should be
        encouraged.

SEC. 3. NATIONAL MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE.

    The Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 141. MAXIMUM RATES OF INTEREST.

    ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no
creditor may make an extension of credit to a consumer with respect to
which the fee and interest rate, as defined in subsection (b), exceeds
36 percent.
    ``(b) Fee and Interest Rate Defined.--
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the fee
        and interest rate includes all charges payable, directly or
        indirectly, incident to, ancillary to, or as a condition of the
        extension of credit, including--
                    ``(A) any payment compensating a creditor or
                prospective creditor for--
                            ``(i) an extension of credit or making
                        available a line of credit, such as fees
                        connected with credit extension or availability
                        such as numerical periodic rates, annual fees,
                        cash advance fees, and membership fees; or
                            ``(ii) any fees for default or breach by a
                        borrower of a condition upon which credit was
                        extended, such as late fees, creditor-imposed
                        not sufficient funds fees charged when a
                        borrower tenders payment on a debt with a check
                        drawn on insufficient funds, overdraft fees,
                        and over limit fees;
                    ``(B) all fees which constitute a finance charge,
                as defined by rules of the Board in accordance with
                this title;
                    ``(C) credit insurance premiums, whether optional
                or required; and
                    ``(D) all charges and costs for ancillary products
                sold in connection with or incidental to the credit
                transaction.
            ``(2) Tolerances.--
                    ``(A) In general.--With respect to a credit
                obligation that is payable in at least 3 fully
                amortizing installments over at least 90 days, the term
                `fee and interest rate' does not include--
                            ``(i) application or participation fees
                        that in total do not exceed the greater of $30
                        or, if there is a limit to the credit line, 5
                        percent of the credit limit, up to $120, if--
                                    ``(I) such fees are excludable from
                                the finance charge pursuant to section
                                106 and regulations issued thereunder;
                                    ``(II) such fees cover all credit
                                extended or renewed by the creditor for
                                12 months; and
                                    ``(III) the minimum amount of
                                credit extended or available on a
                                credit line is equal to $300 or more;
                            ``(ii) a late fee charged as authorized by
                        State law and by the agreement that does not
                        exceed either $20 per late payment or $20 per
                        month; or
                            ``(iii) a creditor-imposed not sufficient
                        funds fee charged when a borrower tenders
                        payment on a debt with a check drawn on
                        insufficient funds that does not exceed $15.
                    ``(B) Adjustments for inflation.--The Board may
                adjust the amounts of the tolerances established under
                this paragraph for inflation over time, consistent with
                the primary goals of protecting consumers and ensuring
                that the 36 percent fee and interest rate limitation is
                not circumvented.
    ``(c) Calculations.--
            ``(1) Open end credit plans.--For an open end credit plan--
                    ``(A) the fee and interest rate shall be calculated
                each month, based upon the sum of all fees and finance
                charges described in subsection (b) charged by the
                creditor during the preceding 1-year period, divided by
                the average daily balance; and
                    ``(B) if the credit account has been open less than
                1 year, the fee and interest rate shall be calculated
                based upon the total of all fees and finance charges
                described in subsection (b)(1) charged by the creditor
                since the plan was opened, divided by the average daily
                balance, and multiplied by the quotient of 12 divided
                by the number of full months that the credit plan has
                been in existence.
            ``(2) Other credit plans.--For purposes of this section, in
        calculating the fee and interest rate, the Board shall require
        the method of calculation of annual percentage rate specified
        in section 107(a)(1), except that the amount referred to in
        that section 107(a)(1) as the `finance charge' shall include
        all fees, charges, and payments described in subsection (b)(1).
            ``(3) Adjustments authorized.--The Board may make
        adjustments to the calculations in paragraphs (1) and (2), but
        the primary goals of such adjustment shall be to protect
        consumers and to ensure that the 36 percent fee and interest
        rate limitation is not circumvented.
    ``(d) Definition of Creditor.--As used in this section, the term
`creditor' has the same meaning as in section 702(e) of the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691a(e)).
    ``(e) No Exemptions Permitted.--The exemption authority of the
Board under section 105 shall not apply to the rates established under
this section or the disclosure requirements under section 127(b)(6).
    ``(f) Disclosure of Fee and Interest Rate for Credit Other Than
Open End Credit Plans.--In addition to the disclosure requirements
under section 127(b)(6), the Board may prescribe regulations requiring
disclosure of the fee and interest rate established under this section
in addition to or instead of annual percentage rate disclosures
otherwise required under this title.
    ``(g) Relation to State Law.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to preempt any provision of State law that provides greater
protection to consumers than is provided in this section.
    ``(h) Civil Liability and Enforcement.--In addition to remedies
available to the consumer under section 130(a), any payment
compensating a creditor or prospective creditor, to the extent that
such payment is a transaction made in violation of this section, shall
be null and void, and not enforceable by any party in any court or
alternative dispute resolution forum, and the creditor or any
subsequent holder of the obligation shall promptly return to the
consumer any principal, interest, charges, and fees, and any security
interest associated with such transaction. Notwithstanding any statute
of limitations or repose, a violation of this section may be raised as
a matter of defense by recoupment or setoff to an action to collect
such debt or repossess related security at any time.
    ``(i) Violations.--Any person that violates this section, or seeks
to enforce an agreement made in violation of this section, shall be
subject to, for each such violation, 1 year in prison and a fine in an
amount equal to the greater of--
            ``(1) 3 times the amount of the total accrued debt
        associated with the subject transaction; or
            ``(2) $50,000.
    ``(j) State Attorneys General.--An action to enforce this section
may be brought by the appropriate State attorney general in any United
States district court or any other court of competent jurisdiction
within 3 years from the date of the violation, and such attorney
general may obtain injunctive relief.''.

SEC. 4. DISCLOSURE OF FEE AND INTEREST RATE FOR OPEN END CREDIT PLANS.

    Section 127(b)(6) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.
1637(b)(6)) is amended by striking ``the total finance charge
expressed'' and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and
inserting ``the fee and interest rate, displayed as `FAIR', established
under section 141.''.

Summary: Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from extending credit to a consumer under an open end consumer credit plan for which the fee and interest rate exceeds 36. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Empowers state Attorneys General to enforce this Act. Revises requirements for a periodic statement for each billing cycle with respect to where the total finance charge exceeds 50 cents for a monthly or longer billing cycle, or the pro rata part of 50 cents for a billing cycle shorter than monthly. Requires inclusion of the fee and interest rate, displayed as FAIR, instead of the total finance charge expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR).

A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish a national usury rate for consumer credit transactions.