SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Mortgage and Rental Disaster Relief
Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. DISASTER RELIEF.

    Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
            ``(5) Temporary mortgage and rental payments.--
                    ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph--
                            ``(i) the term `adjusted gross income'
                        means the adjusted gross income (as that term
                        is defined in section 62 of the Internal
                        Revenue Code of 1986) of the relevant
                        individual or household for the last taxable
                        year that such individual or household filed a
                        tax return; and
                            ``(ii) the term `financial hardship caused
                        by a major disaster' means that an individual
                        or member of a household--
                                    ``(I) is employed by a business, or
                                owns a business, located in the area
                                for which the President declared the
                                relevant major disaster;
                                    ``(II) became unemployed, or lost
                                significant income, because the
                                employer or business of that individual
                                or member of a household has or, on the
                                day before the date of the relevant
                                major disaster, had a significant
                                business relationship with a business
                                located in the area for which the
                                President declared the relevant major
                                disaster; or
                                    ``(III) resides in the area for
                                which the President declared the
                                relevant major disaster and has
                                suffered financially due to travel
                                restrictions or station or road
                                closures in effect after the date of
                                that major disaster.
                    ``(B) Authorization.--In accordance with this
                paragraph, the President may provide assistance on a
                temporary basis in the form of mortgage or rental
                payments to or on behalf of individuals and households
                who, as a result of financial hardship caused by a
                major disaster, have received written notice of
                dispossession or eviction from a residence by reason of
                a foreclosure of any mortgage or lien, cancellation of
                any contract of sale, or termination of any lease,
                entered into before such major disaster.
                    ``(C) Eligibility.--
                            ``(i) Income.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Except as
                                provided in subclause (II), an
                                individual or household may receive
                                assistance under this paragraph if the
                                adjusted gross income of that
                                individual or household was not more
                                than $75,000.
                                    ``(II) Areas with a high cost of
                                living.--An individual or household
                                that, on the day before the date of the
                                relevant major disaster, resided in an
                                area with a high cost of living, as
                                determined by the President, may
                                receive assistance under this paragraph
                                if the adjusted gross income of that
                                individual or household was not more
                                than $100,000.
                            ``(ii) Adjustment.--The President shall
                        adjust the limits established under clause (i)
                        annually to reflect inflation.
                    ``(D) Period of assistance.--Assistance under this
                paragraph shall be provided for the duration of the
                period of financial hardship caused by a major
                disaster, not to exceed 18 months.
                    ``(E) Procedures.--
                            ``(i) In general.--An individual or
                        household seeking assistance under this
                        paragraph shall submit an application in such
                        manner and accompanied by such information as
                        the President shall establish, which shall
                        include a requirement that such an individual
                        or household sign a statement indicating that
                        individual or household meets the eligibility
                        requirements under subparagraph (C).
                            ``(ii) Lack of records.--If an individual
                        or household does not have access to records
                        necessary to demonstrate eligibility under
                        subparagraph (C), that individual or household
                        shall submit such records not later than 6
                        months after the date that individual or
                        household applies for assistance under this
                        paragraph.
                            ``(iii) Ineligible recipients.--If an
                        individual or household receives assistance
                        under this paragraph and was not eligible to
                        receive such assistance, that individual or
                        household shall return the full amount of that
                        assistance to the Government.''.

SEC. 3. APPLICABILITY.

    The amendment made by this Act shall apply to any major disaster
(as that term is defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) declared
on or after October 21, 2007.

Summary: Mortgage and Rental Disaster Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments to or on behalf of individuals and households who, as a result of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, have received written notice of dispossession or eviction from a residence because of a foreclosure of mortgage or lien, cancellation of sales contract, or lease termination, entered into before such disaster. Defines such a financial hardship to include: (1) the loss of employment or significant income because a job, a business, or a business interest was located in a disaster area. Or (2) suffering financially because of travel restrictions or station or road closures affecting residents of such area. Restricts eligibility for such assistance to individuals or households who have an adjusted gross income of not more than $75,000 . Directs the President to adjust the limits annually to reflect inflation. Allows assistance to be provided for the duration of the period of financial hardship caused by the disaster, not to exceed 18 months. Requires recipients determined to be ineligible to return the full amount of assistance to the government. Makes this Act applicable to any major disaster declared on or after October 21, 2007.

A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to authorize temporary mortgage and rental payments.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Electric Reliability Act of 2004''.

SEC. 2. ELECTRIC RELIABILITY STANDARDS.

    (a) In General.--Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 215. ELECTRIC RELIABILITY.

    ``(a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
            ``(1) The term `bulk-power system' means--
                    ``(A) facilities and control systems necessary for
                operating an interconnected electric energy
                transmission network (or any portion thereof); and
                    ``(B) electric energy from generation facilities
                needed to maintain transmission system reliability.
        The term does not include facilities used in the local
        distribution of electric energy.
            ``(2) The terms `Electric Reliability Organization' and
        `ERO' mean the organization certified by the Commission under
        subsection (c) the purpose of which is to establish and enforce
        reliability standards for the bulk-power system, subject to
        Commission review.
            ``(3) The term `reliability standard' means a requirement,
        approved by the Commission under this section, to provide for
        reliable operation of the bulk-power system. The term includes
        requirements for the operation of existing bulk-power system
        facilities and the design of planned additions or modifications
        to such facilities to the extent necessary to provide for
        reliable operation of the bulk-power system, but the term does
        not include any requirement to enlarge such facilities or to
        construct new transmission capacity or generation capacity.
            ``(4) The term `reliable operation' means operating the
        elements of the bulk-power system within equipment and electric
        system thermal, voltage, and stability limits so that
        instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading failures of
        such system will not occur as a result of a sudden disturbance
        or unanticipated failure of system elements.
            ``(5) The term `Interconnection' means a geographic area in
        which the operation of bulk-power system components is
        synchronized such that the failure of 1 or more of such
        components may adversely affect the ability of the operators of
        other components within the system to maintain reliable
        operation of the facilities within their control.
            ``(6) The term `transmission organization' means a Regional
        Transmission Organization, Independent System Operator,
        independent transmission provider, or other transmission
        organization finally approved by the Commission for the
        operation of transmission facilities.
            ``(7) The term `regional entity' means an entity having
        enforcement authority pursuant to subsection (e)(4).
    ``(b) Jurisdiction and Applicability.--(1) The Commission shall
have jurisdiction, within the United States, over the ERO certified by
the Commission under subsection (c), any regional entities, and all
users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system, including but not
limited to the entities described in section 201(f), for purposes of
approving reliability standards established under this section and
enforcing compliance with this section. All users, owners and operators
of the bulk-power system shall comply with reliability standards that
take effect under this section.
    ``(2) The Commission shall issue a final rule to implement the
requirements of this section not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section.
    ``(c) Certification.--Following the issuance of a Commission rule
under subsection (b)(2), any person may submit an application to the
Commission for certification as the Electric Reliability Organization.
The Commission may certify 1 such ERO if the Commission determines that
such ERO--
            ``(1) has the ability to develop and enforce, subject to
        subsection (e)(2), reliability standards that provide for an
        adequate level of reliability of the bulk-power system; and
            ``(2) has established rules that--
                    ``(A) assure its independence of the users and
                owners and operators of the bulk-power system, while
                assuring fair stakeholder representation in the
                selection of its directors and balanced decisionmaking
                in any ERO committee or subordinate organizational
                structure;
                    ``(B) allocate equitably reasonable dues, fees, and
                other charges among end users for all activities under
                this section;
                    ``(C) provide fair and impartial procedures for
                enforcement of reliability standards through the
                imposition of penalties in accordance with subsection
                (e) (including limitations on activities, functions, or
                operations, or other appropriate sanctions);
                    ``(D) provide for reasonable notice and opportunity
                for public comment, due process, openness, and balance
                of interests in developing reliability standards and
                otherwise exercising its duties; and
                    ``(E) provide for taking, after certification,
                appropriate steps to gain recognition in Canada and
                Mexico.
    ``(d) Reliability Standards.--(1) The Electric Reliability
Organization shall file each reliability standard or modification to a
reliability standard that it proposes to be made effective under this
section with the Commission.
    ``(2) The Commission may approve, by rule or order, a proposed
reliability standard or modification to a reliability standard if it
determines that the standard is just, reasonable, not unduly
discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. The
Commission shall give due weight to the technical expertise of the
Electric Reliability Organization with respect to the content of a
proposed standard or modification to a reliability standard and to the
technical expertise of a regional entity organized on an
Interconnection-wide basis with respect to a reliability standard to be
applicable within that Interconnection, but shall not defer with
respect to the effect of a standard on competition. A proposed standard
or modification shall take effect upon approval by the Commission.
    ``(3) The Electric Reliability Organization shall rebuttably
presume that a proposal from a regional entity organized on an
Interconnection-wide basis for a reliability standard or modification
to a reliability standard to be applicable on an Interconnection-wide
basis is just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory or
preferential, and in the public interest.
    ``(4) The Commission shall remand to the Electric Reliability
Organization for further consideration a proposed reliability standard
or a modification to a reliability standard that the Commission
disapproves in whole or in part.
    ``(5) The Commission, upon its own motion or upon complaint, may
order the Electric Reliability Organization to submit to the Commission
a proposed reliability standard or a modification to a reliability
standard that addresses a specific matter if the Commission considers
such a new or modified reliability standard appropriate to carry out
this section.
    ``(6) The final rule adopted under subsection (b)(2) shall include
fair processes for the identification and timely resolution of any
conflict between a reliability standard and any function, rule, order,
tariff, rate schedule, or agreement accepted, approved, or ordered by
the Commission applicable to a transmission organization. Such
transmission organization shall continue to comply with such function,
rule, order, tariff, rate schedule or agreement accepted approved, or
ordered by the Commission until--
            ``(A) the Commission finds a conflict exists between a
        reliability standard and any such provision;
            ``(B) the Commission orders a change to such provision
        pursuant to section 206 of this part; and
            ``(C) the ordered change becomes effective under this part.
If the Commission determines that a reliability standard needs to be
changed as a result of such a conflict, it shall order the ERO to
develop and file with the Commission a modified reliability standard
under paragraph (4) or (5) of this subsection.
    ``(e) Enforcement.--(1) The ERO may impose, subject to paragraph
(2), a penalty on a user or owner or operator of the bulk-power system
for a violation of a reliability standard approved by the Commission
under subsection (d) if the ERO, after notice and an opportunity for a
hearing--
            ``(A) finds that the user or owner or operator has violated
        a reliability standard approved by the Commission under
        subsection (d); and
            ``(B) files notice and the record of the proceeding with
        the Commission.
    ``(2) A penalty imposed under paragraph (1) may take effect not
earlier than the 31st day after the ERO files with the Commission
notice of the penalty and the record of proceedings. Such penalty shall
be subject to review by the Commission, on its own motion or upon
application by the user, owner or operator that is the subject of the
penalty filed within 30 days after the date such notice is filed with
the Commission. Application to the Commission for review, or the
initiation of review by the Commission on its own motion, shall not
operate as a stay of such penalty unless the Commission otherwise
orders upon its own motion or upon application by the user, owner or
operator that is the subject of such penalty. In any proceeding to
review a penalty imposed under paragraph (1), the Commission, after
notice and opportunity for hearing (which hearing may consist solely of
the record before the ERO and opportunity for the presentation of
supporting reasons to affirm, modify, or set aside the penalty), shall
by order affirm, set aside, reinstate, or modify the penalty, and, if
appropriate, remand to the ERO for further proceedings. The Commission
shall implement expedited procedures for such hearings.
    ``(3) On its own motion or upon complaint, the Commission may order
compliance with a reliability standard and may impose a penalty against
a user or owner or operator of the bulk-power system if the Commission
finds, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that the user or
owner or operator of the bulk-power system has engaged or is about to
engage in any acts or practices that constitute or will constitute a
violation of a reliability standard.
    ``(4) The Commission shall issue regulations authorizing the ERO to
enter into an agreement to delegate authority to a regional entity for
the purpose of proposing reliability standards to the ERO and enforcing
reliability standards under paragraph (1) if--
            ``(A) the regional entity is governed by--
                    ``(i) an independent board;
                    ``(ii) a balanced stakeholder board; or
                    ``(iii) a combination independent and balanced
                stakeholder board.
            ``(B) the regional entity otherwise satisfies the
        provisions of subsection (c)(1) and (2); and
            ``(C) the agreement promotes effective and efficient
        administration of bulk-power system reliability.
The Commission may modify such delegation. The ERO and the Commission
shall rebuttably presume that a proposal for delegation to a regional
entity organized on an Interconnection-wide basis promotes effective
and efficient administration of bulk-power system reliability and
should be approved. Such regulation may provide that the Commission may
assign the ERO's authority to enforce reliability standards under
paragraph (1) directly to a regional entity consistent with the
requirements of this paragraph.
    ``(5) The Commission may take such action as is necessary or
appropriate against the ERO or a regional entity to ensure compliance
with a reliability standard or any Commission order affecting the ERO
or a regional entity.
    ``(6) Any penalty imposed under this section shall bear a
reasonable relation to the seriousness of the violation and shall take
into consideration the efforts of such user, owner, or operator to
remedy the violation in a timely manner.
    ``(f) Changes in Electric Reliability Organization Rules.--The
Electric Reliability Organization shall file with the Commission for
approval any proposed rule or proposed rule change, accompanied by an
explanation of its basis and purpose. The Commission, upon its own
motion or complaint, may proposed a change to the rules of the ERO. A
proposed rule or proposed rule change shall take effect upon a finding
by the Commission, after notice and opportunity for comment, that the
change is just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential,
is in the public interest, and satisfies the requirements of subsection
(c).
    ``(g) Reliability Reports.--The ERO shall conduct periodic
assessments of the reliability and adequacy of the bulk-power system in
North America.
    ``(h) Coordination With Canada and Mexico.--The President is urged
to negotiate international agreements with the governments of Canada
and Mexico to provide for effective compliance with reliability
standards and the effectiveness of the ERO in the United States and
Canada or Mexico.
    ``(i) Savings Provisions.--(1) The ERO shall have authority to
develop and enforce compliance with reliability standards for only the
bulk-power system.
    ``(2) This section does not authorize the ERO or the Commission to
order the construction of additional generation or transmission
capacity or to set and enforce compliance with standards for adequacy
or safety of electric facilities or services.
    ``(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt any
authority of any State to take action to ensure the safety, adequacy,
and reliability of electric service within that State, as long as such
action is not inconsistent with any reliability standard.
    ``(4) Within 90 days of the application of the Electric Reliability
Organization or other affected party, and after notice and opportunity
for comment, the Commission shall issue a final order determining
whether a State action is inconsistent with a reliability standard,
taking into consideration any recommendation of the ERO.
    ``(5) The Commission, after consultation with the ERO and the State
taking action, may stay the effectiveness of any State action, pending
the Commission's issuance of a final order.
    ``(j) Regional Advisory Bodies.--The Commission shall establish a
regional advisory body on the petition of at least \2/3\ of the States
within a region that have more than \1/2\ of their electric load served
within the region. A regional advisory body shall be composed of 1
member from each participating State in the region, appointed by the
Governor of each State, and may include representatives of agencies,
States, and provinces outside the United States. A regional advisory
body may provide advice to the Electric Reliability Organization, a
regional entity, or the Commission regarding the governance of an
existing or proposed regional entity within the same region, whether a
standard proposed to apply within the region is just, reasonable, not
unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest,
whether fees proposed to be assessed within the region are just,
reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the
public interest and any other responsibilities request by the
Commission. The Commission may give deference to the advice of any such
regional advisory body if that body is organized on an Interconnection-
wide basis.
    ``(k) Alaska and Hawaii.--The provisions of this section do not
apply to Alaska or Hawaii.''.
    (b) Status of ERO.--The Electric Reliability Organization certified
by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under section 215(c) of the
Federal Power Act and any regional entity delegated enforcement
authority pursuant to section 215(e)(4) of that Act are not
departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the United States
Government.

Summary: Electric Reliability Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Power Act to extend Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction for purposes of approving reliability standards and enforcing compliance with this Act over a FERC-certified electric reliability organization (ERO), a regional entity, and users, owners, and operators of a bulk-power system. Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) certification as an ERO, (2) filing of reliability standards. And (3) imposition of penalties by either an ERO or FERC for noncompliance with this Act. Requires an ERO to file with FERC for approval of any proposed rule or rule change. Urges the President to negotiate international agreements with the governments of Canada and Mexico to provide for effective compliance with reliability standards and the efficacy of the ERO in the United States, Canada or Mexico. Requires an ERO to assess periodically the reliability and adequacy of the interconnected bulk-power system in North America. Directs FERC to establish a regional advisory body upon the petition of at least two-thirds of the States within a region that have more than half of their electric loads served within the region. Declares this Act inapplicable to Alaska or Hawaii.

A bill to enhance the reliability of the electric system.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate
Payment Act of 2013''.

SEC. 2. ENSURING TIMELY ACCESS TO HOSPICE CARE.

    (a) In General.--Section 1814(a)(7)(D)(i) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)(7)(D)(i)) is amended to read as follows:
                            ``(i) a hospice physician, nurse
                        practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or
                        physician assistant (as those terms are defined
                        in section 1861(aa)(5)), or other health
                        professional (as designated by the Secretary),
                        has a face-to-face encounter with the
                        individual to determine continued eligibility
                        of the individual for hospice care prior to the
                        first 60-day period and each subsequent
                        recertification under subparagraph (A)(ii) (or,
                        in the case where a hospice program newly
                        admits an individual who would be entering
                        their first 60-day period or a subsequent
                        hospice benefit period or where exceptional
                        circumstances, as defined by the Secretary, may
                        prevent a face-to-face encounter prior to the
                        beginning of the hospice benefit period, not
                        later than 7 calendar days after the
                        individual's election under section 1812(d)(1)
                        with respect to the hospice program) and
                        attests that such visit took place (in
                        accordance with procedures established by the
                        Secretary); and''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) takes
effect on January 1, 2014, and applies to hospice care furnished on or
after such date.

SEC. 3. RESTORING AND PROTECTING THE MEDICARE HOSPICE BENEFIT.

    (a) In General.--Section 1814(i) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395f(i)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (6)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (D)--
                            (i) in clause (i)--
                                    (I) in the first sentence, by
                                striking ``not earlier than October 1,
                                2013, the Secretary shall, by
                                regulation,'' and inserting ``subject
                                to clause (iii), not earlier than the
                                later of 2 years after the
                                demonstration program under
                                subparagraph (F) is completed or
                                October 1, 2017, the Secretary shall,
                                by regulation, preceded by a notice of
                                the proposed regulation in the Federal
                                Register and a period for public
                                comment in accordance with section
                                1871(b)(1),''; and
                                    (II) in the second sentence, by
                                inserting `` and shall take into
                                account the results of the evaluation
                                conducted under subparagraph (F)(ii)''
                                before the period; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following new
                        clause:
                    ``(iii) The Secretary shall implement the revisions
                in payment pursuant to clause (i) unless the Secretary
                determines that the demonstration program under
                subparagraph (F) demonstrated that such revisions would
                adversely affect access to quality hospice care by
                beneficiaries under this title.''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subparagraph:
            ``(F) Hospice payment reform demonstration program.--
                    ``(i) Establishment of demonstration program.--
                            ``(I) In general.--Before implementing any
                        revisions to the methodology for determining
                        the payment rates for routine home care and
                        other services included in hospice care under
                        subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall establish
                        a Medicare Hospice Payment Reform demonstration
                        program (in this subparagraph referred to as
                        the `demonstration program') to test such
                        proposed revisions.
                            ``(II) Duration.--The demonstration program
                        shall be conducted for a 2-year period
                        beginning on or after October 1, 2013.
                            ``(III) Scope.--Any certified hospice
                        program may apply to participate in the
                        demonstration program and the Secretary shall
                        select not more than 15 such hospice programs
                        to participate in the demonstration program.
                            ``(IV) Representative participation.--
                        Hospice programs selected under subclause (III)
                        to participate in the demonstration program
                        shall include a representative cross-section of
                        hospice programs throughout the United States,
                        including programs located in urban and rural
                        areas.
                    ``(ii) Evaluation and report.--
                            ``(I) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall
                        conduct an evaluation of the demonstration
                        program. Such evaluation shall include an
                        analysis of whether the use of the revised
                        payment methodology under the demonstration
                        program has improved the quality of patient
                        care and access to hospice care for
                        beneficiaries under this title and the impact
                        of such payment revisions on hospice care
                        providers, including the impact, if any, on the
                        ability of hospice programs to furnish quality
                        care to beneficiaries under this title.
                            ``(II) Report.--Not later than 2 years
                        after the completion of the demonstration
                        program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress
                        a report containing the results of the
                        evaluation conducted under subclause (I),
                        together with recommendations for such
                        legislation and administrative action as the
                        Secretary determines appropriate.
                    ``(iii) Budget neutrality.--With respect to the 2-
                year period of the demonstration program, the Secretary
                shall ensure that revisions in payment implemented as
                part of the demonstration program shall result in the
                same estimated amount of aggregate payments under this
                title for hospice care for the programs participating
                in the demonstration as would have been made if the
                hospice programs had not participated in the
                demonstration program.''.

SEC. 4. HOSPICE SURVEY REQUIREMENT.

    Section 1861(dd)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(dd)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
    ``(C) Any entity that is certified as a hospice program shall be
subject to a standard survey by an appropriate State or local survey
agency, or an approved accreditation agency, as determined by the
Secretary, not less frequently than once every 36 months beginning 6
months after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph.''.

Summary: Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate Payment Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the face-to-face encounter framework in hospice care. Allows a clinical nurse specialist, physician assistant, or other health professional to conduct the face-to-face encounter with the individual to determine continued eligibility for hospice care before the first 60-day recertification period and each subsequent recertification. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Medicare Hospital Payment Reform demonstration program to test any revisions to the methodology for determining payment rates for routine home care and other hospice care services. Sets at every three years the frequency of surveys of certified hospice programs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Urban Watershed Model
Restoration Act''.

SEC. 2. ANACOSTIA RIVER WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PILOT
              PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency shall develop and carry out a pilot program to serve as a
national model for the restoration of urban watersheds and community
environments. The purposes of the program shall be to demonstrate
methods to encourage urban communities to use their environmental
resources as a catalyst for sustainable community redevelopment and to
meet the objectives of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
including stormwater, combined sewer overflows, and other water quality
objectives. The program shall have a dual function of restoration and
protection of river resources and reduction of environmental human
health risks in the surrounding communities.
    (b) Location.--The pilot program under this section shall be
carried out in the Anacostia River watershed, District of Columbia and
Maryland.
    (c) Activities.--In carrying out the program under this section,
the Administrator shall--
            (1) integrate on a community or geographic basis the
        regulatory and nonregulatory programs of the Environmental
        Protection Agency with other Federal, State, and local
        government programs and provide effective coordination among
        such programs;
            (2) support baseline monitoring efforts of State and local
        governments to determine key trends in ambient environmental
        conditions for the purpose of filling gaps in critical data
        about the environmental condition of the watershed;
            (3) develop and maintain environmental indicators in
        conjunction with interested public entities and ensure regular
        public reporting of these indicators;
            (4) provide grants in accordance with subsection (d) to
        local community groups and nonprofit organizations to foster
        community involvement in the decisionmaking process,
        environmental educational goals, and restoration strategies;
            (5) assist in the establishment of measurable goals for
        such restoration;
            (6) maintain annual program plans which provide for public
        input;
            (7) provide opportunities for the education of school
        children and community groups on local environmental resources
        and on what individuals can do to reduce environmental and
        health risks;
            (8) develop consensus strategies for the restoration and
        protection of the watershed in cooperation with other Federal,
        State, and local groups to address critical issues and needs;
            (9) maintain a biennial Federal work planning process for
        Federal landholders and programmatic agencies to identify
        specific opportunities and needs for Federal activities in
        support of the pilot program's goals;
            (10) demonstrate new technologies and approaches which are
        applicable nationally to stormwater management, combined sewer
        overflow control, floatables reduction, forest buffer
        restoration, and other activities being conducted under the
        Federal Water Pollution Control Act;
            (11) participate in urban habitat improvement projects in
        the watershed on a demonstration basis;
            (12) assist in the implementation of the regional action
        plan for toxics reduction and prevention in the watershed;
            (13) implement on the ground projects for restoration of
        the watershed to the extent they are unique or transferable to
        national audiences; and
            (14) maintain and enhance the Biennial Work Plan for the
        Anacostia River Watershed published by the United States Army
        Corp of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency on
        April 22, 1997, for the purpose of identifying specific
        opportunities for Federal landholders to contribute to the
        pilot program.
    (d) Challenge Grants.--
            (1) Set-aside.--The Administrator may set aside no less
        than $400,000 of amounts appropriated to carry out this section
        for each fiscal year to make grants under subsection (c)(4).
            (2) Environmental protection agency share.--The
        Environmental Protection Agency's share of the costs of
        activities to be carried out with a grant under this section
        shall be not less than 75 percent. The remaining share of such
        costs may be provided through in-kind contributions and may be
        provided from Federal funds appropriated to carry out any law,
        other than this Act, if the Federal agency making such funds
        available agrees.
    (e) Coordination.--In carrying out the pilot program under this
section, the Administrator shall work in coordination with other
Federal agencies, particularly the Army Corps of Engineers, to identify
projects and activities which are supportive of the goals of the pilot
program.
    (f) Reports.--The Administrator shall transmit to Congress by
January 1 of each fiscal years 2000 through 2004 a report on the
activities carried out under, and results of, the pilot program during
the preceding fiscal year, including a report on the technical,
managerial, and public involvement aspects of the pilot program which
are transferable to other urban areas.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $750,000 for each of fiscal
years 2000 through 2004. Such sums shall remain available until
expended.

Summary: Authorizes the Administrator to set aside amounts for grants to local community groups and nonprofit organizations to foster community involvement in the decision making process, environmental educational goals, and restoration strategies. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Distilled Spirits
Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1997''.
    (b) Reference to 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly
provided, whenever an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference
shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF DISTILLED SPIRITS BETWEEN BONDED PREMISES.

    (a) In General.--Section 5212 is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 5212. TRANSFER OF DISTILLED SPIRITS BETWEEN BONDED PREMISES.

    ``Distilled spirits on which the internal revenue tax has not been
paid as authorized by law may, under such regulations as the Secretary
shall prescribe, be transferred in bond between bonded premises in any
approved container. For the purposes of this chapter, except in the
case of any transfer from a premise of a bonded dealer, the removal of
distilled spirits for transfer in bond between bonded premises shall
not be construed to be a withdrawal from bonded premises.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The first sentence of section 5232(a)
(relating to transfer to distilled spirits plant without payment of
tax) is amended to read as follows: ``Distilled spirits imported or
brought into the United States, under such regulations as the Secretary
shall prescribe, may be withdrawn from customs custody and transferred
to the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant without payment of
the internal revenue tax imposed on such distilled spirits.''.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTILLED SPIRITS PLANT.

    Section 5171 (relating to establishment) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``or processor'' and
        inserting ``processor, or bonded dealer'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``or as both'' and
        inserting ``as a bonded dealer, or as any combination
        thereof'';
            (3) in subsection (e)(1), by inserting ``, bonded dealer,''
        before ``processor''; and
            (4) in subsection (e)(2), by inserting ``bonded dealer,''
        before ``or processor''.

SEC. 4. DISTILLED SPIRITS PLANTS.

    Section 5178(a) (relating to location, construction, and
arrangement) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) Bonded dealer operations.--Any person establishing a
        distilled spirits plant to conduct operations as a bonded
        dealer may, as described in the application for registration--
                    ``(A) store distilled spirits in any approved
                container on the bonded premises of such plant, and
                    ``(B) under such regulations as the Secretary shall
                prescribe, store taxpaid distilled spirits, beer, and
                wine, and such other beverages and items (products) not
                subject to tax or regulation under this title on such
                bonded premises.''.

SEC. 5. BONDED DEALERS.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 5002(a) (relating to definitions) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(16) Bonded Dealer.--The term `bonded dealer' means any person
who has elected under section 5011 to be treated as a bonded dealer.
    ``(17) Control State Entity.--The term `control State entity' means
a State, a political subdivision of a State, or any instrumentality of
such a State or political subdivision, in which only the State,
political subdivision, or instrumentality is allowed under applicable
law to perform distilled spirit operations.''.
    (b) Election To Be Treated as a Bonded Dealer.--Subpart A of part I
of subchapter A of chapter 51 (relating to distilled spirits) is
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 5011. ELECTION TO BE TREATED AS BONDED DEALER.

    ``(a) Election.--Any wholesale dealer or any control State entity
may elect, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall
prescribe, to be treated as a bonded dealer if such wholesale dealer or
entity sells bottled distilled spirits exclusively to a wholesale
dealer in liquor, to an independent retail dealer subject to the
limitation set forth in subsection (b), or to another bonded dealer.
    ``(b) Limitation in Case of Sales to Retail Dealers.--
            ``(1) By bonded dealer.--Any person, other than a control
        State entity, who is a bonded dealer shall not be considered as
        selling to an independent retail dealer if--
                    ``(A) the bonded dealer has a greater than 10
                percent ownership interest in, or control of, the
                retail dealer;
                    ``(B) the retail dealer has a greater than 10
                percent ownership interest in, or control of, the
                bonded dealer; or
                    ``(C) any person has a greater than 10 percent
                ownership interest in, or control of, both the bonded
                and retail dealer.
        For purposes of this paragraph, ownership interest, not limited
        to stock ownership, shall be attributed to other persons in the
        manner prescribed by section 318.
            ``(2) By control state entity.--In the case of any control
        State entity, subsection (a) shall be applied by substituting
        `retail dealer' for `independent retail dealer'.
    ``(c) Inventory Owned at Time of Election.--Any bottled distilled
spirits in the inventory of any person electing under this section to
be treated as a bonded dealer shall, to the extent that the tax under
this chapter has been previously determined and paid at the time the
election becomes effective, not be subject to such additional tax on
such spirits as a result of the election being in effect.
    ``(d) Revocation of Election.--The election made under this section
may be revoked by the bonded dealer at any time, but once revoked shall
not be made again without the consent of the Secretary. When the
election is revoked, the bonded dealer shall immediately withdraw the
distilled spirits on determination of tax in accordance with a tax
payment procedure established by the Secretary.
    ``(e) Equitable Treatment of Bonded Dealers Using LIFO Inventory.--
The Secretary shall provide such rules as may be necessary to assure
that taxpayers using the last-in, first-out method of inventory
valuation do not suffer a recapture of their LIFO reserve by reason of
making the election under this section or by reason of operating a
bonded wine cellar as permitted by section 5351.
    ``(f) Approval of Application.--Any person submitting an
application under section 5171(c) and electing under this section to be
treated as a bonded dealer shall be entitled to approval of such
application to the same extent such person would be entitled to
approval of an application for a basic permit under section 104(a)(2)
of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C 204(a)(2)), and
shall be accorded notice and hearing as described in section 104(b) of
such Act (27 U.S.C. 204(b)).''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--The tables of sections of subpart A of
part I of subchapter A of chapter 51 is amended by adding at the end
the following:

                              ``Sec. 5011. Election to be treated as
                                        bonded dealer.''.

SEC. 6. DETERMINATION OF TAX.

    The first sentence of section 5006(a)(1) (relating to requirements)
is amended to read as follows: ``Except as otherwise provided in this
section, the tax on distilled spirits shall be determined when the
spirits are transferred from a distilled spirits plant to a bonded
dealer or are withdrawn from bond.''.

SEC. 7. LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF DISTILLED SPIRITS.

    Section 5008 (relating to abatement, remission, refund, and
allowance for loss or destruction of distilled spirits) is amended--
            (1) in subsections (a)(1)(A) and (a)(2), by inserting
        ``bonded dealer,'' after ``distilled spirits plant,'' both
        places it appears;
            (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``of a distilled
        spirits plant''; and
            (3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``distilled spirits
        plant'' and inserting ``bonded premises''.

SEC. 8. TIME FOR COLLECTING TAX ON DISTILLED SPIRITS.

    (a) In General.--Section 5061(d) (relating to time for collecting
tax on distilled spirits, wines, and beer) is amended by redesignating
paragraph (5) as paragraph (6) and by inserting after paragraph (4) the
following:
            ``(5) Advanced payment of distilled spirits tax.--
        Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subsection, in
        the case of any tax imposed by section 5001 with respect to a
        bonded dealer who has an election in effect on September 20 of
        any year, any payment of which would, but for this paragraph,
        be due in October or November of that year, such payment shall
        be made on such September 20. No penalty or interest shall be
        imposed for the period from such September 20 until the due
        date determined without regard to this paragraph to the extent
        that tax due exceeds the tax which would have been due with
        respect to distilled spirits in the preceding October and
        November had the election under section 5011 been in effect.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5061(e)(1) (relating to payment
by electronic fund transfer) is amended by inserting ``or any bonded
dealer,'' after ``respectively,''.

SEC. 9. EXEMPTION FROM OCCUPATIONAL TAX NOT APPLICABLE.

    Section 5113(a) (relating to sales by proprietors of controlled
premises) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``This
subsection shall not apply to a proprietor of a distilled spirits plant
whose premises are used for operations of a bonded dealer.''.

SEC. 10. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

            (1) Section 5003(3) is amended by striking ``certain''.
            (2) Section 5214 is amended by redesignating subsection (b)
        as subsection (c) and by inserting after subsection (a) the
        following:
    ``(b) Exception.--Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), (10), (11), and
(12) of subsection (a) shall not apply to distilled spirits withdrawn
from premises used for operations as a bonded dealer.''.
            (3) Section 5215 is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``the bonded
                premises'' and all that follows through the period and
                inserting ``bonded premises.'';
                    (B) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking
                ``a Distilled Spirits Plant'' and inserting ``Bonded
                Premises''; and
                    (C) in subsection (d), by striking ``a distilled
                spirits plant'' and inserting ``bonded premises''.
            (4) Section 5362(b)(5) is amended by adding at the end the
        following: ``The term does not mean premises used for
        operations as a bonded dealer.''.
            (5) Section 5551(a) is amended by inserting ``bonded
        dealer,'' after ``processor'' both places it appears.
            (6) Subsections (a)(2) and (b) of section 5601 are each
        amended by inserting ``, bonded dealer,'' before ``or
        processor'' .
            (7) Paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 5601(a) are
        each amended by inserting ``bonded dealer,'' before ``or
        processor'' .
            (8) Section 5602 is amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``, warehouseman, processor, or
                bonded dealer'' after ``distiller''; and
                    (B) in the heading, by striking ``by distiller''.
            (9) Sections 5115, 5180, and 5681 are repealed.
            (10) The table of sections for part II of subchapter A of
        chapter 51 is amended by striking the item relating to section
        5115.
            (11) The table of sections for subchapter B of chapter 51
        is amended by striking the item relating to section 5180.
            (12) The item relating to section 5602 in the table of
        sections for part I of subchapter J of chapter 51 is amended by
        striking ``by distiller''.
            (13) The table of sections for part IV of subchapter J of
        chapter 51 is amended by striking the item relating to section
        5681.

SEC. 11. REGISTRATION FEES.

    (a) General Rule.--The Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms shall, in accordance with this section, assess and collect
registration fees solely to defray a portion of any net increased costs
of regulatory activities of the Government resulting from enactment of
this Act.
    (b) Persons Subject to Fee.--Fees shall be paid in a manner
prescribed by the Director by the bonded dealer.
    (c) Amount and Timing of Fees.--Fees shall be paid annually and
shall not exceed $1,000 per bonded premise.
    (d) Deposit and Credit.--The moneys received during any fiscal year
from fees described in subsection (a) shall be deposited as an
offsetting collection in, and credited to, the account providing
appropriations to conduct the regulatory activities of the Government
resulting from enactment of this Act.
    (e) Limitation.--The aggregate amount of fees assessed and
collected under this section may not exceed in any fiscal year the
aggregate amount of any net increased costs of regulatory activity
referred to in subsection (a).

SEC. 12. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

    (a) Study.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall study and report to
Congress concerning possible administrative efficiencies which could
inure to the benefit of the Federal Government of cooperative
agreements with States regarding the collection of distilled spirits
excise taxes. Such study shall include, but not be limited to, possible
benefits of the standardization of forms and collection procedures and
shall be submitted 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Cooperative Agreement.--The Secretary of the Treasury is
authorized to enter into such cooperative agreements with States which
the Secretary deems will increase the efficient collection of distilled
spirits excise taxes.

SEC. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
amendments made by this Act take effect on the date which is 120 days
after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Exceptions.--
            (1) Establishment of distilled spirits plant.--The
        amendments made by section 3 take effect on the date of
        enactment of this Act.
            (2) Special rule.--Each wholesale dealer who is required to
        file an application for registration under section 5171(c) of
        the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 whose operations are required
        to be covered by a basic permit under sections 103 and 104 of
        the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C. 203, 204) and
        who has received such basic permits as an importer, wholesaler,
        or as both, and has obtained a bond required under subchapter B
        of chapter 51 of subtitle E of such Code before the close of
        the fourth month following the date of enactment of this Act,
        shall be qualified to operate bonded premises until such time
        as the Secretary of the Treasury takes final action on the
        application. Any control State entity (as defined in section
        5002(a)(17) of such Code, as added by section 5(a)) that has
        obtained a bond required under such subchapter shall be
        qualified to operate bonded premises until such time as the
        Secretary of the Treasury takes final action on the application
        for registration under section 5171(c) of such Code.

Summary: Distilled Spirits Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or impose requirements regarding: (1) the transfer of distilled spirits between bonded premises. (2) operations as a bonded dealer conducted on the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant. (3) establishment and operation of such a plant by a bonded dealer, (4) election to be treated as a bonded dealer. (5) the time at which the tax on distilled spirits is determined. (6) distilled spirits lost or destroyed in bond or returned to bonded premises. (7) the time for tax payment and payment by electronic transfer. And (8) application to a plant used by a bonded dealer of provisions relating to sales by proprietors of controlled premises. Directs the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to assess and collect registration fees to defray a portion of the costs resulting from the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress concerning cooperative agreements regarding the collection of distilled spirits excise taxes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``STEM Support for Teachers in
Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act'' or the ``STEM\2\ Act''.

SEC. 2. STEM EDUCATION PLANNING AND TRAINING.

    (a) In General.--Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:

             ``PART E--STEM EDUCATION PLANNING AND TRAINING

``SEC. 2501. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this part:
            ``(1) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms `Indian
        tribe' and `tribal organization' have the meanings given those
        terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
        Education Assistance Act.
            ``(2) STEM.--The term `STEM' means science, technology,
        engineering, and mathematics.

``SEC. 2502. PLANNING GRANTS.

    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to address the lack
of coordination among STEM education efforts in the States.
    ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means a State, Indian tribe, tribal organization,
nonprofit organization, or institution of higher education that
identifies a coalition of related entities to participate in the grant
application process under this section and subsequent STEM network
activities funded with a grant awarded under this section.
    ``(c) Grants Authorized.--
            ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
        this section, the Secretary shall carry out a program of
        awarding, on a competitive basis, planning grants to eligible
        entities to enable the eligible entities to--
                    ``(A) develop effective State or tribal STEM
                networks for communication and collaboration that
                include school teachers, institutions of higher
                education, nonprofit organizations, businesses,
                Federal, State, and local governments, and any other
                relevant entities; and
                    ``(B) through such State STEM networks, identify
                future STEM skills needed for STEM and non-STEM
                occupations.
            ``(2) Proportionality.--In awarding grants under this
        section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure
        a distribution of grant funds focused on high-need and high-
        poverty eligible entities.
    ``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
    ``(e) Reports.--
            ``(1) Reports to the secretary.--An eligible entity
        receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the
        Secretary an annual report describing the progress made on the
        grant.
            ``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 3 years after
        the date of enactment of the STEM Support for Teachers in
        Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act, and every 3 years
        thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress
        regarding the program supported under this section.

``SEC. 2503. TRAINING PROGRAM GRANTS.

    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to strengthen the
capacity of preservice and existing teachers, elementary schools,
middle schools, and secondary schools to use proven methods, including
inquiry or project-based learning, to inspire and prepare students for
STEM careers and build STEM literacy.
    ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means a State, Indian tribe, tribal organization,
local educational agency, institution of higher education, or nonprofit
organization.
    ``(c) Grants Authorized.--
            ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
        this section, the Secretary shall carry out a program of
        awarding grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities
        to enable the eligible entities to develop, carry out, and
        evaluate training programs for STEM education--
                    ``(A) in elementary schools, middle schools, and
                secondary schools for existing teachers; and
                    ``(B) in postsecondary schools for preservice
                teachers.
            ``(2) Proportionality.--In awarding grants under this
        section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure
        an equitable distribution--
                    ``(A) between eligible entities serving urban areas
                and eligible entities serving rural areas; and
                    ``(B) of grant funds focused on high-need and high-
                poverty eligible entities.
    ``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require. Such application shall include--
            ``(1) a description of how the eligible entity will monitor
        and evaluate the effectiveness of the training program,
        including how the eligible entity plans to measure the impact
        of the training on--
                    ``(A) teachers who attended the training after the
                teachers return to the classroom; or
                    ``(B) preservice teachers; and
            ``(2) any other information the Secretary determines
        appropriate.
    ``(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under
this section shall use grant funds to carry out a training program,
using best practice models (including inquiry and project-based models)
and through summer institutes or other professional development
enrichment programs, that provides professional development regarding
STEM education to existing and preservice STEM teachers (including STEM
teachers who are master teachers or have otherwise demonstrated mastery
of STEM teaching) and administrators who are employed as teachers and
administrators, respectively, as of the time of the program.
    ``(f) Reports.--
            ``(1) Reports to the secretary.--An eligible entity
        receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the
        Secretary an annual report that describes the progress made on
        the grant and includes the results from the evaluation
        described in the application under subsection (d).
            ``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 3 years after
        the date of enactment of this part, and every 3 years
        thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress
        regarding the program supported under this section.

``SEC. 2504. ACADEMIC STANDARDS GRANTS.

    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to strengthen the
capacity of States to implement new mathematics and science academic
standards.
    ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means a State, Indian tribe, tribal organization,
local educational agency, public charter school, institution of higher
education, or nonprofit organization.
    ``(c) Grants Authorized.--
            ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
        this section, the Secretary shall award grants, on a
        competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable the eligible
        entities to support curriculum development, assessments, or
        related activities that would enable States to adopt new
        mathematics and science academic standards.
            ``(2) Proportionality.--In awarding grants under this
        section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure
        a distribution of grant funds focused on high-need and high-
        poverty eligible entities.
    ``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require. Such application shall include--
            ``(1) a description of how the eligible entity will monitor
        and evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum development,
        assessments, or related activities that would enable States to
        adopt new mathematics and science academic standards; and
            ``(2) any other information the Secretary determines
        appropriate.
    ``(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under
this section shall use grant funds to carry out curriculum development,
assessments, or related activities that would enable States to adopt
new mathematics and science academic standards and provide professional
development regarding STEM education standards and national tests for
administrators who are employed as teachers and administrators,
respectively, as of the time of the program.
    ``(f) Reports to the Secretary.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual report
that describes the progress made on the grant and includes the results
from the evaluation described in the application under subsection (d).

``SEC. 2505. NATIONAL PANEL.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a national panel
to review, evaluate, and identify--
            ``(1) rigorous kindergarten through grade 12 STEM curricula
        models, including computer or web-based simulation education
        programs, kinesthetic learning, and inquiry- or project-based
        learning techniques; and
            ``(2) best practices with respect to STEM curricula.
    ``(b) Members.--The Secretary shall determine the membership of the
national panel described in subsection (a), which shall be comprised of
individuals who have the wisdom and experience to identify and
recommend the most effective STEM curricula models, such as--
            ``(1) representatives of technology industries and
        business;
            ``(2) teachers and school administrators;
            ``(3) representatives of nonprofit organizations and
        community organizations;
            ``(4) faculty members of institutions of higher education;
            ``(5) research specialists and curricula specialists;
            ``(6) at least 1 rural education expert;
            ``(7) at least 1 high school or college student to provide
        a youth perspective; and
            ``(8) other individuals, as determined appropriate by the
        Secretary.
    ``(c) Reports.--The panel shall prepare reports and recommendations
regarding the panel's findings as requested by the Secretary.

``SEC. 2506. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014 and each of the 5
succeeding fiscal years.''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 2441 the following:

             ``Part E--STEM Education Planning and Training

``Sec. 2501. Definitions.
``Sec. 2502. Planning grants.
``Sec. 2503. Training program grants.
``Sec. 2504. Academic standards grants.
``Sec. 2505. National panel.
``Sec. 2506. Authorization of appropriations.''.

Summary: STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act or the STEM 2 Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive planning grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop effective state or tribal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) networks that coordinate STEM education efforts by: (1) facilitating communication and collaboration among public and private STEM stakeholders, and (2) identifying STEM occupational skills needed in the future. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, local educational agencies (LEAs), IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate STEM education training programs for teachers and administrators in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and for preservice teachers in postsecondary schools. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, LEAs, public charter schools, IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to support curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that enable states to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards. Requires the Secretary to establish a national panel to identify and recommend the most effective STEM curricula models for kindergarten through grade 12.

STEM 2 Act


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Access to Obstetric Care Act of
1993''.

SEC. 2. MEDICAID DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS IN
              UNDERSERVED AREAS TO OBSTETRIC SERVICES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
provide under this section for demonstration projects by States that
seek to reduce infant mortality by improving access in urban and rural
underserved areas to obstetric services for eligible pregnant women
under title XIX of the Social Security Act.
    (b) Nature of Projects.--Demonstration projects under this section
shall incorporate innovative approaches for increasing the
participation of obstetric providers under title XIX of the Social
Security Act, such as--
            (1) expediting reimbursement and using innovative payment
        mechanisms, including global fees for obstetric services with
        guaranteed periodic payments;
            (2) special or enhanced reimbursement for early prenatal
        care, risk-assessment, and high-risk services;
            (3) patient distribution or referral systems;
            (4) subsidizing medical liability insurance premiums, in
        whole or in part, for selected obstetric providers;
            (5) paying for all or a portion of payments made in
        settlement of malpractice claims by patients of obstetric
        providers who meet certain criteria; and
            (6) providing professional liability coverage under the
        State tort claims act for certain obstetric providers while
        treating a specified category of patients.
Demonstration projects addressing reimbursement must provide for
integrated prenatal, delivery and postpartum services.
    (c) Supplemental Funding.--(1) With respect to the additional
expenditures for medical assistance made under the State plan under
title XIX of the Social Security Act to carry out a demonstration
project under this section, the Federal medical assistance percentage
(otherwise determined under section 1905(b) of such Act) shall be
increased by 25 percentage points (but in no case to a percentage
greater than 95 percent).
    (2) The amount of funds that may be expended as medical assistance
to carry out the purposes of this section shall be such sums as may be
appropriated during the 5-fiscal-year period beginning with fiscal year
1994.
    (d) Waiver Authority.--(1) Except as provided under paragraphs (2)
and (3), the Secretary is authorized to waive the requirements of title
XIX of the Social Security Act to the extent necessary to implement
demonstration projects under this section.
    (2) Except as permitted under section 1915(b)(1) of the Social
Security Act, the Secretary may not waive under paragraph (1) the
requirement of sections 1902(a)(23) and 1916 of such Act.
    (3) The Secretary may not approve a demonstration project under
this section, or a waiver under paragraph (1), that reduces the amount,
duration, or scope of medical assistance made available under title XIX
of the Social Security Act or that results in a loss of eligibility for
individuals otherwise eligible for such assistance.
    (e) Timely Action on Applications.--A request to the Secretary by a
State for approval of a demonstration project under this section (and
any accompanying waiver of a requirement of title XIX of the Social
Security Act) shall be deemed granted unless the Secretary, within 90
days after the date of its submission to the Secretary, either denies
such request in writing or informs the State in writing with respect to
any additional information which is needed in order to make a final
determination with respect to the request. After the date the Secretary
receives such additional information, the request shall be deemed
granted unless the Secretary, within 90 days of such date, denies the
request.
    (f) Duration.--A demonstration project under this section may be
conducted for any portion of the period beginning after the date of
enactment of this Act and ending December 31, 1997.
    (g) Evaluation.--Such projects must include a plan for evaluating
the effects of the demonstration projects on provider participation.
    (h) Report.--The Secretary shall report to Congress, not later than
March 1, 1998, on the demonstration projects carried out under this
section and on how the results of such projects may be used to
implement programs to lower infant mortality and morbidity through
improving the access of pregnant women to obstetric services in urban
and rural underserved areas.
    (i) Obstetric Provider Defined.--In this section, the term
``obstetric provider'' means an obstetrician, obstetrician-
gynecologist, family practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or
certified family nurse practitioner.

SEC. 3. ANNUAL COMPENDIUM ON STATE INITIATIVES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
consultation with the Office of Rural Health Policy, shall develop and
make available to the public each year a compendium of the various
State initiatives undertaken to address the obstetric access crisis in
urban and rural areas.
    (b) Nature of Compendium.--The compendium shall include information
on State laws, regulations, programs and other initiatives undertaken
to increase access to obstetric care in underserved areas. The
compendium shall include information on activities addressing liability
problems, efforts to retain and place providers of pregnancy-related
services in underserved areas, and efforts to recruit and retain
providers of obstetric services under the Medicaid program. The
compendium shall also include information on the results on any
evaluations that have been conducted on such initiatives.

SEC. 4. STUDY OF OBSTETRICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS.

    (a) Study.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
provide a grant to a public or private nonprofit organization to
conduct a study on the rate of medical malpractice actions or claims
relating to obstetrical care for patients whose care is paid for by
title XIX of the Social Security Act as compared to those whose care is
paid for by private insurance. Such study shall include a review of
medical records at selected hospitals, including rural hospitals, to
determine the rates for each group.
    (b) Report.--By not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on the study conducted under subsection (a).
    (c) Medical Malpractice Action or Claim Defined.--In this section,
the term ``medical malpractice action or claim'' has the meaning given
such term in section 431(7) of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act
of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11151(7)).

Summary: Access to Obstetric Care Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for demonstration projects to improve access to obstetric services in underserved urban and rural areas for eligible pregnant women under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. (2) develop and make public each year a compendium of State initiatives to address the obstetric access crisis. And (3) provide a grant for the study of obstetrical malpractice claims.

Access to Obstetric Care Act of 1993


SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) Armed conflicts in the Middle East have created refugee
        populations numbering in the millions and comprised of peoples
        from many ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds.
            (2) Jews have lived mostly as a minority in the Middle
        East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region for more than
        2,500 years.
            (3) The United States has long voiced its concern about the
        mistreatment of minorities and the violation of human rights in
        the Middle East and elsewhere.
            (4) The United States continues to play a pivotal role in
        seeking an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East
        and to promoting a peace that will benefit all the peoples of
        the region.
            (5) United States administrations historically have called
        for a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem.
            (6) The Palestinian refugee issue has received considerable
        attention from countries of the world while the issue of Jewish
        refugees from the Arab and Muslim worlds has received very
        little attention.
            (7) A comprehensive peace in the region will require the
        resolution of all outstanding issues through bilateral and
        multilateral negotiations involving all concerned parties.
            (8) Approximately 850,000 Jews were displaced from Arab
        countries since the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948.
            (9) The United States has demonstrated interest and concern
        about the mistreatment, violation of rights, forced expulsion,
        and expropriation of assets of minority populations in general,
        and, in particular, former Jewish refugees displaced from Arab
        countries as evidenced, inter alia, by--
                    (A) the Memorandum of Understanding signed by
                President Jimmy Carter and Israeli Foreign Minister
                Moshe Dayan on October 4, 1977, which states that ``[a]
                solution of the problem of Arab refugees and Jewish
                refugees will be discussed in accordance with rules
                which should be agreed'';
                    (B) after negotiating the Camp David Accords, the
                Framework for Peace in the Middle East, the statement
                by President Jimmy Carter in a press conference on
                October 27, 1977, that ``Palestinians have rights . . .
                obviously there are Jewish refugees . . . they have the
                same rights as others do''; and
                    (C) in an interview after Camp David II in July
                2000, at which the issue of Jewish refugees displaced
                from Arab lands was discussed, the statement by
                President Clinton that ``There will have to be some
                sort of international fund set up for the refugees.
                There is, I think, some interest, interestingly enough,
                on both sides, in also having a fund which compensates
                the Israelis who were made refugees by the war, which
                occurred after the birth of the State of Israel. Israel
                is full of people, Jewish people, who lived in
                predominantly Arab countries who came to Israel because
                they were made refugees in their own land.''.
            (10) On April 1, 2008, the House of Representatives passed
        House Resolution 185, expressing the sense of the House of
        Representatives that--
                    (A) for any comprehensive Middle East peace
                agreement to be credible and enduring, the agreement
                must address and resolve all outstanding issues
                relating to the legitimate rights of all refugees,
                including Jews, Christians, and other populations,
                displaced from countries in the Middle East; and
                    (B) the President should instruct the United States
                Representative to the United Nations and all United
                States representatives in bilateral and multilateral
                fora to--
                            (i) use the voice, vote, and influence of
                        the United States to ensure that any
                        resolutions relating to the issue of Middle
                        East refugees, and which include a reference to
                        the required resolution of the Palestinian
                        refugee issue, must also include a similarly
                        explicit reference to the resolution of the
                        issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries;
                        and
                            (ii) make clear that the United States
                        Government supports the position that, as an
                        integral part of any comprehensive Arab-Israeli
                        peace, the issue of refugees from the Middle
                        East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf must
                        be resolved in a manner that includes
                        recognition of the legitimate rights of and
                        losses incurred by all refugees displaced from
                        Arab countries, including Jews, Christians, and
                        other groups.
            (11) The international definition of a refugee clearly
        applies to Jews who fled the persecution of Arab regimes, where
        a refugee is a person who ``owing to a well-founded fear of
        being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality,
        membership of a particular social group, or political opinion,
        is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or,
        owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the
        protection of that country'' (the 1951 Convention relating to
        the Status of Refugees).
            (12) On January 29, 1957, the United Nations High
        Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), determined that Jews fleeing
        from Arab countries were refugees who fell within the mandate
        of the UNHCR.
            (13) Subsequently, in a second UNHCR declaration, Dr. E.
        Jahn of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
        stated, on July 6, 1967: ``I refer to our recent discussion
        concerning Jews from Middle Eastern and North African countries
        in consequence of recent events. I am now able to inform you
        that such persons may be considered prima facie within the
        mandate of this Office.''.
            (14) United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 of
        November 22, 1967, calls for a ``just settlement of the refugee
        problem'' without distinction between Palestinian and Jewish
        refugees, and this is evidenced by the following:
                    (A) On November 16, 1967, the United Kingdom
                submitted a draft of Resolution 242 (S/8247) to the
                United Nations Security Council. This United Kingdom
                draft called for a just settlement of ``the refugee
                problem''. The Soviet Union submitted its own draft of
                Resolution 242 (S/8253) to the United Nations Security
                Council four days later which restricted the just
                settlement to only ``Palestinian refugees''.
                    (B) On November 22, 1967, the United Nations
                Security Council unanimously approved the draft of
                Resolution 242 advanced by the United Kingdom. It thus
                rejected the limitation proposed by the Soviet Union
                and accepted the broader notion of a ``just settlement
                of the refugee problem'' arising out of the Middle East
                conflict to include Palestinian and Jewish refugees.
                    (C) Justice Arthur Goldberg, the United States
                Chief Delegate to the United Nations at that time, who
                was instrumental in drafting the unanimously adopted
                Resolution 242, pointed out that ``The Resolution
                addresses the objective of `achieving a just settlement
                of the refugee problem'. This language presumably
                refers both to Arab and Jewish refugees, for about an
                equal number of each abandoned their homes as a result
                of the several wars.''.
            (15) In his opening remarks before the January 28, 1992,
        organizational meeting for multilateral negotiations on the
        Middle East in Moscow, United States Secretary of State James
        Baker made no distinction between Palestinian refugees and
        Jewish refugees in articulating the mission of the Refugee
        Working Group, stating that ``[t]he refugee group will consider
        practical ways of improving the lot of people throughout the
        region who have been displaced from their homes''.
            (16) The Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the
        Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, which refers in Phase III to an
        ``agreed, just, fair, and realistic solution to the refugee
        issue'', uses language that is equally applicable to all
        persons displaced as a result of the conflict in the Middle
        East.
            (17) Israel's agreements with Egypt, Jordan, and the
        Palestinians have affirmed that a comprehensive solution to the
        Arab-Israeli conflict will require a just solution to the
        plight of all refugees.
            (18) Israel's long-standing position in support of the
        rights and claims of Jewish refugees from Arab countries and
        Iran is well-established:
                    (A) On September 28, 1969, Israel adopted
                Government Decision number 34, in which it set up a
                special, temporary department in the Ministry of
                Justice to gather facts and evidence regarding property
                expropriated and persecution perpetrated on Jews in
                Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
                    (B) On March 3, 2002, Israel adopted Government
                Decision number 1544, in which it reaffirmed Government
                Decision number 34 and expanded it to include Jews who
                left all Arab countries and Iran.
                    (C) On December 28, 2003, Israel adopted Government
                Decision number 1250, in which it reaffirmed Government
                Decisions number 34 and 1544 and directed the
                Department for the Rights of Jews from Arab Countries
                in the Ministry of Justice to continue collecting
                information on property expropriated and persecution
                perpetrated on Jews in Arab countries, create a
                centralized database of this information, and publish
                this information to encourage parties to come forward.
            (19) Recently, in February 2010, the Israeli Knesset
        adopted a law preserving the rights for compensation for Jewish
        refugees who originated from Arab countries and Iran. According
        to this law, the Israeli government and its prime minister are
        instructed to raise the issue of compensation for private and
        communal property during negotiations.
            (20) The initiative to secure rights and redress for Jews
        who were forced to flee Arab countries does not conflict with
        the right of Palestinian refugees to claim redress.
            (21) All countries should be aware of the plight of Jews
        and other minority groups displaced from countries in the
        Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf.
            (22) An international campaign has been proceeding in some
        20 countries to record the history and legacy of Jewish
        refugees from Arab countries.
            (23) A just, comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace cannot be
        reached without addressing the uprooting of centuries-old
        Jewish communities in the Middle East, North Africa, and the
        Persian Gulf.
            (24) It would be inappropriate and unjust for the United
        States to recognize rights for Palestinian refugees without
        recognizing equal rights for Jewish refugees from Arab
        countries.

SEC. 2. REPORT.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and every two years thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress
a report on the following:
            (1) Actions the executive branch has taken to fulfill the
        sense of the House of Representatives, as contained in
        paragraph (2) of the first section of House Resolution 185 (as
        passed the House of Representatives on April 1, 2008) and
        described in section 1(10)(B) of this Act.
            (2) Actions the executive branch has taken to use the
        voice, vote, and influence of the United States to ensure that
        any statements that include a reference to the required
        resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue by the Quartet on
        the Middle East, which includes the United Nations, the United
        States, the European Union, and Russia, must also include a
        similarly explicit reference to the resolution of the issue of
        Jewish refugees from Arab countries.
            (3) Assistance the United States has provided to Israel to
        help it accomplish its goal that the interests of Jews
        displaced from Arab countries are considered in any final
        settlement of the Middle East refugee question that is part of
        any comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.
            (4) Recommended actions that would ensure that the
        interests of all refugees displaced from Arab countries,
        including Jews, Christians, and other groups, are considered in
        any final settlement of the Middle East refugee question that
        is part of any comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.

Summary: Directs the President to report to Congress every two years regarding executive branch actions taken to ensure that the interests of all refugees displaced from Arab countries, including Jews, Christians, and other groups, are considered in any final settlement of the Middle East refugee question that is part of any comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.

To direct the President to submit to Congress a report on actions the executive branch has taken relating to the resolution of the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries.