SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Achieving a Better Life Experience
Act of 2011'' or the ``ABLE Act of 2011''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

    The purposes of this Act are as follows:
            (1) To encourage and assist individuals and families in
        saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals
        with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality
        of life.
            (2) To provide secure funding for disability-related
        expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with
        disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits
        provided through private insurance, the Medicaid program under
        title XIX of the Social Security Act, the supplemental security
        income program under title XVI of such Act, the beneficiary's
        employment, and other sources.

SEC. 3. ABLE ACCOUNTS.

    (a) Establishment.--
            (1) In general.--Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code
        of 1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (f) as
        subsection (g) and by inserting after subsection (e) the
        following new subsection:
    ``(f) ABLE Accounts.--
            ``(1) General rules.--For purposes of any other provision
        of law with respect to a qualified ABLE program and an ABLE
        account, except as otherwise provided in this subsection--
                    ``(A) a qualified ABLE program and an ABLE account
                shall be treated in the same manner as a qualified
                tuition program and an account described in subsection
                (b)(1)(A)(ii), respectively, are treated, and
                    ``(B) qualified disability expenses with respect to
                a program or account described in subparagraph (A)
                shall be treated in the same manner as qualified higher
                education expenses are treated.
            ``(2) Qualified able program.--For purposes of this
        subsection, the term `qualified ABLE program' means a program
        established and maintained by a State or agency or
        instrumentality thereof--
                    ``(A) under which a person may make contributions
                to an ABLE account which is established for the purpose
                of meeting the qualified disability expenses of the
                designated beneficiary of the account,
                    ``(B) which meets the requirements of the preceding
                subsections of this section (as modified by this
                subsection), determined by substituting--
                            ``(i) `qualified ABLE program' for
                        `qualified tuition program', and
                            ``(ii) `ABLE account' for `account', and
                    ``(C) which meets the other requirements of this
                subsection.
            ``(3) Qualified disability expenses.--For purposes of this
        subsection--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified disability
                expenses' means any expenses which are made for the
                benefit of an individual with a disability who is a
                designated beneficiary.
                    ``(B) Expenses included.--The following expenses
                shall be qualified disability expenses if such expenses
                are made for the benefit of an individual with a
                disability who is a designated beneficiary and are
                related to such disability:
                            ``(i) Education.--Expenses for education,
                        including tuition for preschool thru post-
                        secondary education, books, supplies, and
                        educational materials related to such
                        education, tutors, and special education
                        services.
                            ``(ii) Housing.--Expenses for a primary
                        residence, including rent, purchase of a
                        primary residence or an interest in a primary
                        residence, mortgage payments, real property
                        taxes, and utility charges.
                            ``(iii) Transportation.--Expenses for
                        transportation, including the use of mass
                        transit, the purchase or modification of
                        vehicles, and moving expenses.
                            ``(iv) Employment support.--Expenses
                        related to obtaining and maintaining
                        employment, including job-related training,
                        assistive technology, and personal assistance
                        supports.
                            ``(v) Health, prevention, and wellness.--
                        Expenses for health and wellness, including
                        premiums for health insurance, mental health,
                        medical, vision, and dental expenses,
                        habilitation and rehabilitation services,
                        durable medical equipment, therapy, respite
                        care, long term services and supports,
                        nutritional management, communication services
                        and devices, adaptive equipment, assistive
                        technology, and personal assistance.
                            ``(vi) Miscellaneous expenses.--Financial
                        management and administrative services; legal
                        fees; expenses for oversight; monitoring; home
                        improvements, and modifications, maintenance
                        and repairs, at primary residence; or funeral
                        and burial expenses.
                            ``(vii) Assistive technology and personal
                        support services.--Expenses for assistive
                        technology and personal support with respect to
                        any item described in clauses (i) through (vi).
                            ``(viii) Other approved expenses.--Any
                        other expenses which are approved by the
                        Secretary under regulations and consistent with
                        the purposes of this section.
                    ``(C) Individual with a disability.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
                        clause (ii), an individual is an individual
                        with a disability for a year if the individual
                        (regardless of age)--
                                    ``(I) has a medically determinable
                                physical or mental impairment, which
                                results in marked and severe functional
                                limitations, and which can be expected
                                to result in death or which has lasted
                                or can be expected to last for a
                                continuous period of not less than 12
                                month, or
                                    ``(II) is blind.
                            ``(ii) Disability certification required.--
                        An individual shall not be treated as an
                        individual with a disability for a year unless
                        the individual--
                                    ``(I) is receiving (or, for
                                purposes of title XIX of the Social
                                Security Act, is deemed to be, or
                                treated as, receiving) benefits under
                                the supplemental security income
                                program under title XVI of such Act, or
                                whose benefits under such program are
                                suspended other than by reason of
                                misconduct,
                                    ``(II) is receiving disability
                                benefits under title II of such Act, or
                                    ``(III) files a disability
                                certification with the Secretary for
                                such year.
                            ``(iii) Disability certification defined.--
                        The term `disability certification' means, with
                        respect to an individual, a certification to
                        the satisfaction of the Secretary by the
                        designated beneficiary or the parent or
                        guardian of the designated beneficiary that--
                                    ``(I) the individual meets the
                                criteria described in clause (i), and
                                    ``(II) includes a copy of the
                                designated beneficiary's diagnosis,
                                signed by a physician meeting the
                                criteria of section 1861(r)(1) of the
                                Social Security Act.
                            ``(iv) Restriction on use of
                        certification.--No inference may be drawn from
                        a disability certification for purposes of
                        establishing eligibility for benefits under
                        title II or XVI of the Social Security Act.
            ``(4) Rollovers from able accounts.--The limits on
        contributions pursuant to subsection (b)(6) shall not apply to
        any amount paid or distributed from an ABLE account to the
        extent that the amount received is paid, not later than the
        60th day after the date of such payment or distribution, into--
                    ``(A) another ABLE account for the benefit of--
                            ``(i) the same beneficiary, or
                            ``(ii) an individual who--
                                    ``(I) is the spouse of such
                                individual with a disability, or bears
                                a relationship to such individual with
                                a disability which is described in
                                section 152(d)(2), and
                                    ``(II) is also an individual with a
                                disability,
                    ``(B) any trust which is described in subparagraph
                (A) or (C) of section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security
                Act and which is for the benefit of an individual
                described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A), or
                    ``(C) a qualified tuition program--
                            ``(i) for the benefit of the designated
                        beneficiary, or
                            ``(ii) to the credit of another designated
                        beneficiary under a qualified tuition program
                        who is a member of the family of the designated
                        beneficiary with respect to which the
                        distribution was made.
        The preceding sentence shall not apply to any payment or
        distribution if it applied to any prior payment or distribution
        during the 12-month period ending on the date of the payment or
        distribution.
            ``(5) Transfer to state.--Subject to any outstanding
        payments due for qualified disability expenses, in the case
        that the designated beneficiary dies or ceases to be an
        individual with a disability, all amounts remaining in the
        qualified ABLE account not in excess of the amount equal to the
        total medical assistance paid for the designated beneficiary
        after the establishment of the account, net of any premiums
        paid from the account or paid by or on behalf of the
        beneficiary to a Medicaid Buy-In program, under any State
        Medicaid plan established under title XIX of the Social
        Security Act shall be distributed to such State upon filing of
        a claim for payment by such State. For purposes of this
        paragraph, the State shall be a creditor of an ABLE account and
        not a beneficiary. Subsection (c)(3) shall not apply to a
        distribution under the preceding sentence.
            ``(6) Regulations.--Not later than 6 months after the date
        of the enactment of this section, the Secretary may prescribe
        such regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines
        necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this
        section, including regulations to prevent fraud and abuse with
        respect to amounts claimed as qualified disability expenses.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (2) of section 6693(a)
        of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 such Code is amended by
        striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D), by striking
        the period at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting
        ``and'', and by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following
        new subparagraph:
                    ``(F) section 529(d) by reason of 529(f) (relating
                to ABLE accounts).''.
    (b) Annual Reports.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall report
        annually to Congress on the usage of ABLE accounts under
        section 529(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
            (2) Contents of report.--Any report under paragraph (1)
        shall include--
                    (A) the number of people with an ABLE account,
                    (B) the total amount of contributions to such
                accounts,
                    (C) the total amount and nature of distributions
                from such accounts,
                    (D) issues relating to the abuse of such accounts,
                if any, and
                    (E) the amounts repaid from such accounts to State
                Medicaid programs established under title XIX of the
                Social Security Act.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.

SEC. 4. TREATMENT OF ABLE ACCOUNTS UNDER CERTAIN FEDERAL PROGRAMS.

    (a) Account Funds Disregarded for Purposes of Certain Other Means-
Tested Federal Programs.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
Federal law that requires consideration of 1 or more financial
circumstances of an individual, for the purpose of determining
eligibility to receive, or the amount of, any assistance or benefit
authorized by such provision to be provided to or for the benefit of
such individual, any amount (including earnings thereon) in any ABLE
account (as defined in section 529(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986) of such individual, and any distribution for qualified disability
expenses (as defined in paragraph (3) of such section) shall be
disregarded for such purpose with respect to any period during which
such individual maintains, makes contributions to, or receives
distributions from such ABLE account, except that, in the case of the
supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Social
Security Act, a distribution for housing expenses (as defined in
subparagraph (B)(ii) of such paragraph) shall not be so disregarded,
and in the case of such program, only the 1st $100,000 of the amount
(including such earnings) in such ABLE account shall be so disregarded.
    (b) Suspension of SSI Benefits During Periods of Excessive Account
Funds.--
            (1) In general.--The benefits of an individual under the
        supplemental security income program under title XVI of the
        Social Security Act shall not be terminated, but shall be
        suspended, by reason of excess resources of the individual
        attributable to an amount in the ABLE account (as defined in
        section 529(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of the
        individual not disregarded under subsection (a) of this
        section.
            (2) No impact on medicaid eligibility.--An individual who
        would be receiving payment of such supplemental security income
        benefits but for the application of the previous sentence shall
        be treated for purposes of title XIX of the Social Security Act
        as if the individual continued to be receiving payment of such
        benefits.

Summary: Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2011 or the ABLE Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts to assist an individual with a disability in building an account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Defines qualified disability expenses to include expenses for education, a primary residence, transportation, obtaining and maintaining employment, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses. Treats a qualified ABLE program and an ABLE account in the same manner as a qualified tuition program for income tax purposes . Defines qualified ABLE program as a program established and maintained by a state agency under which a person may make contributions to an ABLE account established to pay for qualified disability expenses. Requires amounts in ABLE accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested federal programs. Suspends the payment of supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act to an individual during any period in which such individual has excess resources attributable to an ABLE account.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the tax treatment of ABLE accounts established under State programs for the care of family members with disabilities, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States Life-Saving Service
Heritage Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
            (1) The United States has a long tradition of heroic
        efforts to rescue those in peril on the sea.
            (2) Legislation providing appropriations to the Secretary
        of the Treasury for ``surf boats, rockets, carronades, and
        other necessary apparatus for the better preservation of life
        and property from shipwrecks on the coast of New Jersey,
        between Sandy Hook and Little Egg Harbor'' was approved August
        14, 1848 (9 Stat. 322), and was subsequently extended to
        support volunteer lifesaving efforts on the coast of New Jersey
        between Little Egg Harbor and Cape May, and in other States and
        territories.
            (3) Legislation providing appropriations to the Secretary
        of the Treasury ``for the purpose of more effectively securing
        life and property on the coast of New Jersey and Long Island...
        and to employ crews of experienced surfmen at such stations''
        was approved April 20, 1871 (17 Stat. 12).
            (4) The Life-Saving Service was reorganized by the Congress
        by enactment of the Act entitled ``An Act to organize the Life-
        Saving-Service'', approved June 18, 1878 (chapter 265; 20 Stat.
        163).
            (5) America's lifesaving stations and boats were staffed by
        brave volunteer and professional lifesavers, who risked life
        and limb to rescue shipwrecked passengers and crews.
            (6) Many surviving Life-Saving Service stations are of rare
        architectural significance, yet these historic stations are
        threatened by harsh coastal environments, rapid economic
        development in the coastal zone, neglect, and lack of resources
        for their preservation.
            (7) The heroic actions of Life-Saving Service personnel
        deserve greater recognition, and their contributions to
        America's maritime and architectural history should be
        celebrated through a comprehensive preservation program and
        greater opportunities for the public's education about the
        heritage of the Life-Saving Service and related private and
        public organizations.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to authorize the Secretary
of the Interior to establish a program to inventory, evaluate,
document, and assist in efforts to restore and preserve surviving
lifesaving stations and other structures and artifacts dedicated to our
forefathers' lifesaving efforts.

SEC. 3. UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE STATION PRESERVATION PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior, through the
National Maritime Initiative of the National Park Service, shall
establish a program in accordance with this section to inventory,
evaluate, document, and assist efforts to restore and preserve
surviving United States Life-Saving Service stations.
    (b) Inventory, Documentation, and Evaluation.--The Secretary, in
cooperation with the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association,
shall--
            (1) survey coastal regions of the United States to identify
        and prepare an inventory of surviving historic lifesaving
        stations, boats, and other significant lifesaving equipment;
            (2) document the designs of significant existing structures
        and lifesaving boats for inclusion in the Historic American
        Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record Collection
        in the Library of Congress; and
            (3) evaluate historic lifesaving stations, including--
                    (A) assessing the historic significance, integrity,
                and condition of surviving historic lifesaving
                stations;
                    (B) making recommendations for outstanding examples
                of historic lifesaving stations that should be listed
                on the National Register of Historic Places, or
                designated as National Historic Landmarks; and
                    (C) making recommendations for outstanding examples
                of lifesaving boats to be included in the Historic
                American Engineering Record Collection.
    (c) Technical Assistance, Educational Materials, Research Aids, and
Other Information.--The Secretary shall--
            (1) serve as a clearinghouse of information for persons
        interested in restoring and preserving historic lifesaving
        stations, their boats, and related lifesaving equipment; and
            (2) make available to the public, including through the
        Internet, educational materials, research aids, guides,
        bibliographies, and other information regarding the Life-Saving
        Service, Revenue Cutter Service, and related organizations that
        provided humanitarian assistance to shipwrecked mariners and
        their passengers, including--
                    (A) information on the history and development of
                the Life-Saving Service, the Revenue Cutter Service,
                predecessor private and State lifesaving organizations
                such as the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of
                Massachusetts, and early Coast Guard lifesaving and
                lifeboat stations;
                    (B) technical descriptions of lifesaving boats,
                line-guns, life cars, and beachcarts;
                    (C) the inventory, documentation, and evaluation
                prepared under subsection (b);
                    (D) guidance and technical assistance in the
                listing of historic lifesaving and lifeboat stations on
                the National Register of Historic Places, or their
                designation as National Historic Landmarks; and
                    (E) guidance and technical assistance in the
                listing of historic lifesaving boats in the Historic
                American Engineering Record Collection.
    (d) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary, subject to the availability
        of appropriations, shall make grants to coordinate and assist
        in the restoration and preservation of historic lifesaving
        stations, historic lifesaving boats, and other significant
        lifesaving artifacts.
            (2) Cost share.--The Federal share of the cost of an
        activity carried out with financial assistance under this
        subsection shall not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the
        activity.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Historic lifesaving station.--The term ``historic
        lifesaving station'' means any land, structure, equipment, or
        other physical artifact or facility formerly under the
        jurisdiction or control of the Life-Saving Service or any
        earlier private or State organizations, including lifesaving
        and lifeboat stations, sailors' refuges, shipwreck survivors'
        cache sites, boats, and beachcarts.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior, acting through the National Maritime
        Initiative of the National Park Service.
            (3) U.S. life-saving service heritage association.--The
        term ``U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association'' means
        the national nonprofit educational organization by that name
        established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
        for the purposes and objectives of meeting and preserving
        America's lifesaving heritage.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary--
            (1) for use in making grants under subsection (d),
        $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004; and
            (2) for carrying out the other provisions of this section
        $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004.

Summary: Requires the Secretary to: (1) serve as a clearinghouse of information for persons interested in restoring and preserving historic lifesaving stations, boats, and related equipment. And (2) make information regarding the Service, the Revenue Cutter Service, and related organizations that provided humanitarian assistance to shipwrecked mariners and passengers available to the public. Provides for grants, subject to the availability of appropriations, for coordination and assistance in restoration and preservation of historic lifesaving stations, boats, and other artifacts. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Commission On Reforming Entitlement
Spending Act'' or the ``CORE Spending Act''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT.

    There is established a commission to be known as the ``Commission
On Reforming Entitlement Spending'' (hereinafter in this Act referred
to as the ``Commission'').

SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Mandatory Legislation Development.--
            (1) Issues to address.--The Commission shall examine the
        long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and
        develop legislation designed to address the following issues:
                    (A) The unsustainable imbalance between long-term
                Federal spending commitments and projected revenues.
                    (B) Increasing net national savings to provide for
                domestic investment and economic growth.
                    (C) The implications of foreign ownership of debt
                instruments issued by the United States Government.
                    (D) Improving the budget process to place greater
                emphasis on long-term fiscal issues.
            (2) Policy solutions.--Legislation developed to address the
        issues described in paragraph (1) may include the following:
                    (A) Reforms that limit the growth of entitlement
                spending to ensure that the programs are fiscally
                sustainable.
                    (B) Reforms that strengthen the safety net
                functions of entitlement programs to provide assistance
                to the neediest people.
                    (C) Incentives to increase private savings.
                    (D) Automatic stabilizers or triggers to enforce
                spending and revenue targets.
                    (E) Any other reforms designed to address the
                issues described in paragraph (1).
            (3) Limitation.--The legislation developed under this
        subsection may not include any new, or any increase in an
        existing, Federal tax.
    (b) Optional Development of Cost Estimate Alternatives.--The
Commission shall by an affirmative vote of 5 members develop not more
than 2 methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative
to the method currently used by the Congressional Budget Office. Any
such alternative method must be designed to address any flaws in the
method currently used with regard to estimating the positive economic
effects of legislation.

SEC. 4. INITIAL TOWN HALL STYLE PUBLIC HEARINGS.

    (a) In General.--The Commission shall hold at least 1 town hall
style public hearing within each Federal reserve district, and shall,
to the extent feasible, ensure that there is broad public participation
in the hearings.
    (b) Hearing Format.--During each hearing, the Commission shall
present to the public, and generate comments and suggestions regarding,
the issues described in section 3, policies designed to address the
issues, and tradeoffs between the policies.

SEC. 5. REPORT.

    The Commission shall, not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, submit a report to Congress and the President
containing the following:
            (1) A detailed description of the activities of the
        Commission.
            (2) A summary of comments and suggestions generated from
        the town hall style public hearings.
            (3) A detailed statement of any findings of the Commission
        as to public preferences regarding the issues, policies, and
        tradeoffs presented in the town hall style public hearings.
            (4) A detailed description of the long-term fiscal problems
        faced by the United States.
            (5) A list of policy options for addressing those problems.
            (6) Criteria for the legislative proposal to be developed
        by the Commission.

SEC. 6. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date the report
is submitted under section 5 and by a vote of two-thirds of the
members, the Commission shall submit a legislative proposal to Congress
and the President designed to address the issues described section 3.
    (b) Proposal Requirements.--The proposal must, to the extent
feasible, be designed--
            (1) to achieve generational equity and long-term economic
        stability;
            (2) to address the comments and suggestions of the public;
        and
            (3) to meet the criteria set forth in the Commission
        report.
    (c) Inclusion of Cost Estimate.--The Commission shall submit with
the proposal--
            (1) a long-term CBO cost estimate prepared under section 14
        for the proposal; and
            (2) if an alternative cost estimate method is developed by
        the Commission, a 50-year cost estimate using such method.

SEC. 7. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS.

    (a) In General.--The Commission shall be composed of 15 voting
members appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) and 2 nonvoting members
described in paragraph (2).
            (1) Voting members.--(A) The President shall appoint 3
        members, one of which the President shall appoint as
        chairperson of the Commission.
            (B) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall
        appoint 3 members.
            (C) The minority leader of the House of Representatives
        shall appoint 3 members.
            (D) The majority leader of the Senate shall appoint 3
        members.
            (E) The minority leader of the Senate shall appoint 3
        members.
            (2) Nonvoting members.--The Comptroller General of the
        United States and the Director of the Congressional Budget
        Office shall each be nonvoting members of the Commission and
        shall advise and assist at the request of the Commission.
    (b) Limitation as to Members of Congress.--Each appointing
authority described in subsection (a)(1) who is a Member of Congress
may only appoint 1 Member of Congress to the Commission.
    (c) Date for Original Appointment.--The appointing authorities
described in subsection (a)(1) shall appoint the initial members of the
Commission not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act.
    (d) Terms.--
            (1) In general.--The term of each member is for the life of
        the Commission.
            (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled
        not later than 30 days after such vacancy occurs and in the
        manner in which the original appointment was made.
    (e) Pay and Reimbursement.--
            (1) No compensation for members of commission.--Except as
        provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Commission may not
        receive pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service
        on the Commission.
            (2) Travel expenses.--Each member shall receive travel
        expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence under
        subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
    (f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet upon the call of the
chairperson or a majority of its voting members.
    (g) Quorum.--Six voting members of the Commission shall constitute
a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.

SEC. 8. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Director.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c) and to the
        extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the
        Commission shall appoint and fix the pay of a director.
            (2) Duties.--The director of the Commission shall be
        responsible for the administration and coordination of the
        duties of the Commission and shall perform other such duties as
        the Commission may direct.
    (b) Staff.--In accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission,
subject to subsection (c), and to the extent provided in advance in
appropriation Acts, the director may appoint and fix the pay of
additional personnel.
    (c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The director and
staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the
provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in
the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title
relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that
pay fixed under subsection (a) may not exceed $150,000 per year and pay
fixed under subsection (b) may not exceed a rate equal to the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive
Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
    (d) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to
the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such
detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of their
regular employment without interruption.
    (e) Experts and Consultants.--In accordance with rules agreed upon
by the Commission and to the extent provided in advance in
appropriation Acts, the director may procure the services of experts
and consultants under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code,
but at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of
basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 9. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Hearings and Evidence.--The Commission may, for the purpose of
carrying out this Act, hold such hearings in addition to the town hall
style public hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such
testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers
appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to
witnesses appearing before it.
    (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the
Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which
the Commission is authorized to take under this section.
    (c) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and
agencies of the United States.
    (d) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this Act.
    (e) Contract Authority.--To the extent provided in advance in
appropriation Acts, the Commission may enter into contracts to enable
the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act.
    (f) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.

SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

    The Commission shall terminate 60 days after submitting its
legislative proposal.

SEC. 11. ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL OF PRESIDENT.

    The President may, not later than 60 days after the Commission
submits its legislative proposal, submit to Congress an alternative to
the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission.

SEC. 12. ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE
              BUDGET.

    The Committee on the Budget of either House may, in consultation
with the relevant committees of their respective House and not later
than 60 days after the Commission submits its legislative proposal,
have published in the Congressional Record an alternative to the
legislative proposal submitted by the Commission.

SEC. 13. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION.

    (a) Introduction.--On the first legislative day after the
Commission submits its legislative proposal, the Speaker of the House
of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate shall
introduce (by request) the legislation submitted by the Commission.
    (b) In the House of Representatives.--
            (1) Privileged consideration.--In the House of
        Representatives, if a committee to which the legislation has
        been referred has not reported the legislation before the
        expiration of the 60-day period described in section 12, then--
                    (A) that committee shall be discharged from
                consideration of the legislation;
                    (B) the legislation shall be placed on the
                appropriate calendar; and
                    (C) a motion to proceed to the consideration of the
                legislation is highly privileged and is not debatable.
            (2) Amendments limited.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                (B), an amendment to the legislation may not be offered
                in the House of Representatives.
                    (B) Permitted amendments.--(i) Any Member may
                offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute,
                the alternative legislative proposal submitted by the
                President.
                    (ii) Any Member may offer, as an amendment in the
                nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative
                proposal submitted by the Commission.
                    (iii) The chairman of the House Committee on the
                Budget may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a
                substitute, the alternative legislative proposal
                published in the Congressional Record by the House
                Committee on the Budget.
                    (C) Points of order.--An amendment offered under
                subparagraph (B) is subject to a point of order if--
                            (i) the amendment is not accompanied by a
                        long-term CBO cost estimate of the amendment;
                        or
                            (ii) the long-term CBO cost estimate of the
                        amendment exceeds the long-term CBO cost
                        estimate of the legislative proposal submitted
                        by the Commission.
                    (D) Multiple amendments.--If more than one
                amendment is offered under this paragraph, then each
                amendment shall be considered separately, and the
                amendment receiving both a majority and the highest
                number of votes shall be the amendment adopted.

SEC. 14. LONG-TERM CBO COST ESTIMATE.

    (a) Preparation and Submission.--When the Commission, the
President, or the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of either
House submits a written request to the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office for a long-term CBO cost estimate of legislation proposed
under this Act or an amendment referred to in section 13(b)(2)(B), the
Director shall prepare the estimate and have it published in the
Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.
    (b) Content.--A long-term CBO cost estimate shall include--
            (1) an estimate of the cost of each provision of the
        legislation or amendment for first fiscal year it would take
        effect and for each of the 50 fiscal years thereafter; and
            (2) a statement of any estimated future costs not reflected
        by the estimate described in paragraph (1).

Summary: Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending Act, or CORE Spending Act - Establishes the Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address them. Authorizes the President and the House or Senate Budget Committee to submit alternatives to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare a long-term cost estimate of legislation proposed under this Act or a related amendment, and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.

To establish a commission to develop legislation designed to reform entitlement benefit programs and ensure a sound fiscal future for the United States, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Park System New Area
Studies Act''.

SEC. 2. STUDY OF NEW PARK SYSTEM AREAS.

    Section 8 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5; popularly known as
the National Park System General Authorities Act) is amended as
follows:
            (1) By inserting ``General Authority.--'' after ``(a)''.
            (2) By striking the second through the seventh sentences of
        subsection (a).
            (3) By designating the last two sentences of subsection (a)
        as subsection (e) and inserting in the first of such sentences
        before the words ``For the purposes of carrying'' the
        following: ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--''.
            (4) By inserting the following after subsection (a):
    ``(b) Studies of Areas for Potential Addition.--(1) At the
beginning of each calendar year, along with the annual budget
submission, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committee
on Resources of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate a list of
areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the National
Park System.
    ``(2) In developing the list to be submitted under this subsection,
the Secretary shall give consideration to those areas that have the
greatest potential to meet the established criteria of national
significance, suitability, and feasibility. The Secretary shall give
special consideration to themes, sites, and resources not already
adequately represented in the National Park System.
    ``(3) No study of the potential of an area for inclusion in the
National Park System may be initiated after the date of enactment of
this subsection, except as provided by specific authorization of an Act
of Congress.
    ``(4) Nothing in this Act shall limit the authority of the National
Park Service to conduct preliminary resource assessments, gather data
on potential study areas, provide technical and planning assistance,
prepare or process nominations for administrative designations, update
previous studies, or complete reconnaissance surveys of individual
areas requiring a total expenditure of less than $25,000.
    ``(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to or to
affect or alter the study of any river segment for potential addition
to the national wild and scenic rivers system or to apply to or to
affect or alter the study of any trail for potential addition to the
national trails system.
    ``(c) Report.--(1) The Secretary of the Interior shall complete the
study for each area for potential inclusion in the National Park System
within 3 complete fiscal years following the date of enactment of
specific legislation providing for the study of such area. Each study
under this section shall be prepared with appropriate opportunity for
public involvement, including at least one public meeting in the
vicinity of the area under study, and after reasonable efforts to
notify potentially affected landowners and State and local governments.
    ``(2) In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider whether
the area under study--
            ``(A) possesses nationally significant natural or cultural
        resources and represents one of the most important examples of
        a particular resource type in the country; and
            ``(B) is a suitable and feasible addition to the system.
    ``(3) Each study--
            ``(A) shall consider the following factors with regard to
        the area being studied--
                    ``(i) the rarity and integrity of the resources;
                    ``(ii) the threats to those resources;
                    ``(iii) similar resources are already protected in
                the National Park System or in other public or private
                ownership;
                    ``(iv) the public use potential;
                    ``(v) the interpretive and educational potential;
                    ``(vi) costs associated with acquisition,
                development and operation;
                    ``(vii) the socioeconomic impacts of any
                designation;
                    ``(viii) the level of local and general public
                support; and
                    ``(ix) whether the area is of appropriate
                configuration to ensure long-term resource protection
                and visitor use;
            ``(B) shall consider whether direct National Park Service
        management or alternative protection by other public agencies
        or the private sector is appropriate for the area;
            ``(C) shall identify what alternative or combination of
        alternatives would in the professional judgment of the Director
        of the National Park Service be most effective and efficient in
        protecting significant resources and providing for public
        enjoyment; and
            ``(D) may include any other information which the Secretary
        deems to be relevant.
    ``(4) Each study shall be completed in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
    ``(5) The letter transmitting each completed study to Congress
shall contain a recommendation regarding the Secretary's preferred
management option for the area.
    ``(d) List of Areas.--At the beginning of each calendar year, along
with the annual budget submission, the Secretary of the Interior shall
submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives
and to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United
States Senate a list of areas which have been previously studied which
contain primarily historical resources, and a list of areas which have
been previously studied which contain primarily natural resources, in
numerical order of priority for addition to the National Park System.
In developing the lists, the Secretary should consider threats to
resource values, cost escalation factors, and other factors listed in
subsection (c) of this section. The Secretary should only include on
the lists areas for which the supporting data is current and
accurate.''.
            (5) By adding at the end of subsection (e) (as designated
        by paragraph (3) of this section) the following: ``For carrying
        out subsections (b) through (d) there are authorized to be
        appropriated $2,000,000.''.

            Passed the House of Representatives August 3, 1998.

            Attest:

                                                ROBIN H. CARLE,

                                                                 Clerk.

Summary: National Park System New Area Studies Act - Amends Federal law to repeal provisions which require: (1) the Secretary of the Interior to annually report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate on areas of national significance that have been studied for potential inclusion in the National Park System (NPS) and requiring, within such report, a listing of not less than 12 such areas. And (2) a synopsis to accompany the annual listing of the areas, for each report previously submitted, of the current and changed condition of the resource integrity of the area and other relevant factors compiled as a result of continual periodic monitoring and embracing the period since the previous such submission or initial report submission one year earlier. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Committee on Resources of the House and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, along with the annual budget, a list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the NPS. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) consideration to those areas that have the greatest potential to meet the established criteria of national significance, suitability, and feasibility. And (2) special consideration to themes, sites, and resources not already adequately represented in the NPS. Prohibits studies of potential areas for inclusion in the NPS from being initiated after the enactment of this Act, except as specifically authorized by an Act of Congress. Provides that nothing in this Act shall: (1) limit the authority of the National Park Service to conduct preliminary resource assessments, gather data on potential study areas, provide technical and planning assistance, prepare or process nominations for administrative designations, update previous studies, or complete reconnaissance surveys of individual areas requiring a total expenditure of less than $25,000. Or (2) be construed to apply to the study of any river segment or any trail for potential addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system or the national trails system. Directs the Secretary to complete the study for each area for potential inclusion in the NPS within three complete fiscal years following the date of enactment of specific legislation providing for the study. Requires: (1) each study to consider specified factors, including similar resources already protected, costs, public support, and alternatives for protecting the area. (2) each study to be completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. And (3) the letter transmitting each completed study to the Congress to contain a recommendation regarding the Secretary's preferred management option for the area. Requires the Secretary to submit to such Committees, along with the annual budget, a list of areas which have been previously studied which contain primarily historical resources, and a list of areas which have been previously studied which contain primarily natural resources, in numerical order of priority for addition to the NPS. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Metropolitan Medical Response System
Program Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. METROPOLITAN MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM PROGRAM.

    (a) Amendment.--Title V of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 311 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 525. METROPOLITAN MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a Metropolitan
Medical Response System Program, that shall assist State and local
governments in preparing for and responding to public health and mass
casualty incidents resulting from natural disasters, acts of terrorism,
and other man-made disasters.
    ``(b) Financial Assistance.--
            ``(1) Authorization of grants.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, through the
                Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
                Agency, may make grants under this section to State and
                local governments to assist in preparing for and
                responding to mass casualty incidents resulting from
                natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-
                made disasters.
                    ``(B) Consultation.--In developing guidance for
                grants authorized under this section, the Administrator
                shall consult with the Assistant Secretary, Office of
                Health Affairs.
            ``(2) Use of funds.--A grant made under this section may be
        used to support the integration of emergency management,
        health, and medical systems into a coordinated response to mass
        casualty incidents caused by any hazard, including--
                    ``(A) to strengthen medical surge capacity;
                    ``(B) to strengthen mass prophylaxis capabilities
                including development and maintenance of an initial
                pharmaceutical stockpile sufficient to protect first
                responders, their families, and immediate victims from
                a chemical or biological event;
                    ``(C) to strengthen chemical, biological,
                radiological, nuclear, and explosive detection,
                response, and decontamination capabilities;
                    ``(D) to develop and maintain mass triage and pre-
                hospital treatment plans and capabilities;
                    ``(E) for planning;
                    ``(F) to support efforts to strengthen information
                sharing and collaboration capabilities of regional,
                State, and urban areas in support of public health and
                medical preparedness;
                    ``(G) for medical supplies management and
                distribution;
                    ``(H) for training and exercises;
                    ``(I) for integration and coordination of the
                activities and capabilities of public health personnel
                and medical care providers with those of other
                emergency response providers as well as other Federal
                agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit
                organizations, for the forward movement of patients;
                and
                    ``(J) for such other activities as the
                Administrator provides.
            ``(3) Eligibility.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
                subparagraph (C), any jurisdiction that received funds
                through the Metropolitan Medical Response System
                Program in fiscal year 2009 shall be eligible to
                receive a grant under this section.
                    ``(B) Additional jurisdictions.--
                            ``(i) Unrepresented states.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Except as
                                provided in subparagraph (C), for any
                                State in which no jurisdiction received
                                funds through the Metropolitan Medical
                                Response System Program in fiscal year
                                2009, or in which funding was received
                                only through another State, the
                                metropolitan statistical area in such
                                State with the largest population of
                                all such areas in such State shall be
                                eligible to receive a grant under this
                                section.
                                    ``(II) Limitation.--For each of
                                fiscal years 2010 through 2012, no
                                jurisdiction that would otherwise be
                                eligible to receive grants under
                                subclause (I) shall receive a grant
                                under this section if it would result
                                in any jurisdiction under subparagraph
                                (A) receiving less funding than such
                                jurisdiction received in fiscal year
                                2009.
                            ``(ii) Other jurisdictions.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Subject to
                                subparagraph (C), the Administrator may
                                determine that additional jurisdictions
                                are eligible to receive grants under
                                this section.
                                    ``(II) Limitation.--For each of
                                fiscal years 2010 through 2012, the
                                eligibility of any additional
                                jurisdiction to receive grants under
                                this section is subject to the
                                availability of appropriations beyond
                                that necessary to--
                                            ``(aa) ensure that each
                                        jurisdiction eligible to
                                        receive a grant under
                                        subparagraph (A) does not
                                        receive less funding than such
                                        jurisdiction received in fiscal
                                        year 2009; and
                                            ``(bb) provide grants to
                                        jurisdictions eligible under
                                        clause (i).
                    ``(C) Performance requirement after fiscal year
                2010.--A jurisdiction shall not be eligible for a grant
                under this subsection from funds available after fiscal
                year 2010 unless the Secretary determines that the
                jurisdiction maintains a sufficient measured degree of
                capability in accordance with the performance measures
                issued under subsection (c).
            ``(4) Distribution of funds.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall
                distribute grant funds under this section to the State
                in which the jurisdiction receiving a grant under this
                section is located.
                    ``(B) Pass through.--Subject to subparagraph (C),
                not later than 45 days after the date on which a State
                receives grant funds under subparagraph (A), the State
                shall provide the jurisdiction receiving the grant 100
                percent of the grant funds, and not later than 45 days
                after the State releases the funds, all fiscal agents
                shall make the grant funds available for expenditure.
                    ``(C) Exception.--The Administrator may permit a
                State to provide to a jurisdiction receiving a grant
                under this section 97 percent of the grant funds
                awarded if doing so would not result in any
                jurisdiction eligible for a grant under paragraph
                (3)(A) receiving less funding than such jurisdiction
                received in fiscal year 2009.
            ``(5) Regional coordination.--The Administrator shall
        ensure that each jurisdiction that receives a grant under this
        section, as a condition of receiving such grant, is actively
        coordinating its preparedness efforts with surrounding
        jurisdictions, with the official with primary responsibility
        for homeland security (other than the Governor) of the
        government of the State in which the jurisdiction is located,
        and with emergency response providers from all relevant
        disciplines, as determined by the Administrator, to effectively
        enhance regional preparedness.
    ``(c) Performance Measures.--The Administrator, in coordination
with the Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs, and the
National Metropolitan Medical Response System Working Group, shall
issue performance measures within one year after the date of enactment
of this section that enable objective evaluation of the performance and
effective use of funds provided under this section in any jurisdiction.
    ``(d) Metropolitan Medical Response System Working Group Defined.--
In this section, the term `National Metropolitan Medical Response
System Working Group' means--
            ``(1) 10 Metropolitan Medical Response System Program grant
        managers, who shall--
                    ``(A) include one such grant manager from each
                region of the Agency;
                    ``(B) comprise a population-based cross section of
                jurisdictions that are receiving grant funds under the
                Metropolitan Medical Response System Program; and
                    ``(C) include--
                            ``(i) 3 selected by the Administrator; and
                            ``(ii) 3 selected by the Assistant
                        Secretary, Office of Health Affairs; and
            ``(2) 3 State officials who are responsible for
        administration of State programs that are carried out with
        grants under this section, who shall be selected by the
        Administrator.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $75,000,000 to carry out the program for each of fiscal
years 2010 through 2014.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to title
V the following new item:

``Sec. 525. Metropolitan Medical Response System Program.''.

SEC. 3. METROPOLITAN MEDICAL RESPONSE PROGRAM REVIEW.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, the Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs,
and the National Metropolitan Medical Response System Working Group
shall conduct a review of the Metropolitan Medical Response System
Program authorized under section 525 of the Homeland Security Act of
2002, as added by section 2 of this Act, including an examination of--
            (1) the goals and objectives of the Metropolitan Medical
        Response System Program;
            (2) the extent to which the goals and objectives are being
        met;
            (3) the performance metrics that can best help assess
        whether the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program is
        succeeding;
            (4) how the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program
        can be improved;
            (5) how the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program
        complements and enhances other preparedness programs supported
        by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of
        Health and Human Services;
            (6) the degree to which the strategic goals, objectives,
        and capabilities of the Metropolitan Medical Response System
        Program are incorporated in State and local homeland security
        plans;
            (7) how eligibility for financial assistance, and the
        allocation of financial assistance, under the Metropolitan
        Medical Response System Program should be determined, including
        how allocation of assistance could be based on risk;
            (8) whether the Metropolitan Medical Response System
        Program would be more effective if it were managed as a
        contractual agreement; and
            (9) the resource requirements of the Metropolitan Medical
        Response System Program.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator and the Assistant Secretary, Office of
Health Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the results of the
review under this subsection.
    (c) Consultation.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall consult with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services in the implementation of subsection (a)(5).
    (d) Definition.--In this section the term ``National Metropolitan
Medical Response System Working Group'' has the meaning that term has
in section 525 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by this
section.

SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT.

    Section 635 of the Post-Katrina Management Reform Act of 2006 (6
U.S.C. 723) is repealed.

Summary: Metropolitan Medical Response System Program Act of 2009 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program that shall assist state and local governments in preparing for and responding to public health and mass casualty incidents resulting from natural disasters, terrorist acts, and other man-made disasters. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to make grants to state and local governments for such purposes. Authorizes the use of grant funds to support the integration of emergency management, health, and medical systems into a coordinated response to mass casualty incidents caused by any hazard. Sets forth eligibility requirements. Directs the Administrator to ensure that each jurisdiction that receives a grant, as a condition of receiving such grant, is actively coordinating its preparedness efforts with surrounding jurisdictions, with the official with primary responsibility for homeland security of the government of the state in which the jurisdiction is located, and with emergency response providers from all relevant disciplines, to effectively enhance regional preparedness. Requires the Administrator: (1) in coordination with the Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs, and a National Metropolitan Medical Response System Working Group, to issue performance measures that enable objective evaluation of the performance and effective use of funds provided in any jurisdiction. And (2) together with the Assistant Secretary and the Working Group, to conduct a review of the Program.

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to ensure continuation of the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

     This Act may be cited as the ``Eating Disorders Awareness,
Prevention, and Education Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

     Congress finds the following:
            (1) An estimated 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 women and girls
        and 1,000,000 men and boys suffer from eating disorders,
        including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating
        disorder, as well as eating disorders that are not otherwise
        defined.
            (2) Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by
        self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
            (3) An estimated .5 to 3.7 percent of American women will
        suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime.
            (4) Anorexia Nervosa is associated with serious health
        consequences including heart failure, kidney failure,
        osteoporosis, and death.
            (5) Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all
        psychiatric disorders. A young woman is 12 times more likely to
        die than other women her age without Anorexia.
            (6) Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by
        excessive food consumption followed by inappropriate
        compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse
        of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise.
            (7) Bulimia Nervosa is common: an estimated 1.1 to 4.2
        percent of American women will suffer from this disorder in
        their lifetime.
            (8) Bulimia Nervosa is associated with cardiac,
        gastrointestinal, and dental problems including irregular
        heartbeats, gastric rupture, peptic ulcer, and tooth decay.
            (9) Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by frequent
        episodes of uncontrolled overeating.
            (10) Binge Eating Disorder is common: an estimated 2 to 5
        percent of Americans experience this disorder in a 6-month
        period.
            (11) Binge Eating is associated with obesity, heart
        disease, gall bladder disease, and diabetes.
            (12) Eating disorders usually appear in adolescence and are
        associated with substantial psychological problems, including
        depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
            (13) Forty-two percent of 1st through 3d grade girls want
        to be thinner, and 81 percent of 10-year-old children are
        afraid of being fat.
            (14) Thirty-five percent of dieters progress to
        pathological dieting, and 20 to 25 percent of these individuals
        progress to partial or full syndrome eating disorders.
            (15) Eating disorders can lead to death. According to the
        National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 10 people with
        anorexia nervosa will die of starvation, cardiac arrest, or
        other medical complications.
            (16) Eating disorders can have a negative impact on the
        educational advancement of a student, a situation often
        overlooked and rarely addressed in our Nation's schools.
            (17) Educational efforts to prevent eating disorders are of
        primary importance to the health, well being and academic
        success of our Nation's students.
            (18) Females are much more likely than males to develop an
        eating disorder. An estimated 5 to 15 percent of people with
        anorexia or bulimia and an estimated 35 percent of people with
        binge-eating disorder are male.

SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

     The purposes of this Act are the following:
            (1) To provide States, local school districts, and parents
        with the means and flexibility to improve awareness of,
        identify, and help students with eating disorders.
            (2) To help ensure that such individuals receive a quality
        education and secure their chance for a bright future.

SEC. 4. INNOVATIVE ASSISTANCE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF, TRAINING ON,
              AND EDUCATIONAL AWARENESS OF EATING DISORDERS.

    Section 5131(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7215(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(28) Programs to improve the identification of students
        with eating disorders, increase awareness of such disorders
        among parents and students, and train educators (such as
        teachers, school nurses, school social workers, coaches, school
        counselors, and administrators) on effective eating disorder
        prevention and assistance methods.''.

SEC. 5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS.

     The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of
Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, shall
carry out a program to develop, distribute, and promote the
broadcasting of public service announcements to improve public
awareness, and to promote the identification and prevention, of eating
disorders.

SEC. 6. EATING DISORDER RESEARCH AND REPORT.

     Not later than 18 months after the enactment of this Act, the
National Center for Education Statistics and the National Center for
Health Statistics shall conduct a study on the impact eating disorders
have on educational advancement and achievement. The study shall--
            (1) determine the prevalence of eating disorders among
        students and the morbidity and mortality rates associated with
        eating disorders;
            (2) evaluate the extent to which students with eating
        disorders are more likely to miss school, have delayed rates of
        development, or have reduced cognitive skills;
            (3) report on current State and local programs to educate
        youth about the dangers of eating disorders, as well as
        evaluate the value of such programs; and
            (4) make recommendations on measures that could be
        undertaken by Congress, the Department of Education, States,
        and local educational agencies to strengthen eating disorder
        prevention and awareness programs.

Summary: Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the use of innovative assistance funds for programs to: (1) improve identification of students with eating disorders, (2) increase awareness of such disorders among parents and students. And (3) train educators with respect to effective eating disorder prevention and assistance methods. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to broadcast public service announcements to improve public awareness, and to promote the identification and prevention, of eating disorders. Requires the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Center for Health Statistics to: (1) study the impact eating disorders have on educational advancement and achievement. (2) report on current State and local programs to educate youth on the dangers of eating disorders. And (3) recommend Federal, State, and local measures that could be undertaken.

To amend title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to raise awareness of eating disorders and to create educational programs concerning the same, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SAVINGS FROM STATE AUTHORIZED PUBLIC ENTITY HEALTH BENEFITS
              POOLS.

    The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148)
is amended by inserting after section 1332 (42 U.S.C. 18052) the
following new section (and inserting a corresponding item in the table
of contents of the Act):

``SEC. 1332A. SAVINGS FROM STATE AUTHORIZED PUBLIC ENTITY BENEFITS
              POOLS.

    ``(a) Application.--
            ``(1) In general.--A State authorized public entity health
        benefits pool (in this section referred to as a `pool') may
        apply to the Secretary for a pass through of funding described
        in subsection (b) with respect to health care benefits provided
        through that pool for coverage years beginning on or after
        January 1, 2014.
            ``(2) Approval of application.--The Secretary shall approve
        such an application of a pool if the Secretary determines that
        health care benefits provided through the pool--
                    ``(A) will provide coverage that is at least as
                comprehensive as the coverage defined in section
                1302(b);
                    ``(B) will provide coverage and cost sharing
                protections against excessive out-of-pocket spending
                that are at least as affordable as the provisions of
                this title would provide; and
                    ``(C) will result in cost savings to the Federal
                Government because the cost of providing health care
                benefits to individuals through the pool will be less
                than the cost of providing health care benefits to such
                individuals had they become participants in a qualified
                health plan offered through an Exchange, and so the
                payment amount under subsection (b) will be less than
                the total of premium tax credits, cost-sharing
                reductions, or small business credits that would
                otherwise be required if individuals and small
                employers in the pool were instead participants in an
                Exchange.
            ``(3) Consideration.--Not later than 90 days after the date
        of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
        promulgate regulations relating to pass through of funding
        under this section. The Secretary shall begin accepting
        applications under this section no later than 180 days after
        such date of enactment.
            ``(4) Additional consequences of approval.--An individual
        receiving health care benefits through such a pool for which
        such an application is approved under this section shall be
        treated, for purposes of section 5000A of the Internal Revenue
        Code of 1986, as being covered under minimum essential coverage
        described in subsection (f)(1)(E) of such section.
    ``(b) Pass Through of Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--With respect to a pool application under
        subsection (a)(1), under which individuals and small employers
        in the pool would not qualify for the premium tax credits,
        cost-sharing reductions, or small business credits under
        sections 36B or 45R of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for
        which they would otherwise be eligible if they had entered an
        Exchange, the Secretary shall provide for an alternative means
        by which an aggregate amount determined under paragraph (2)
        shall be paid to the pool for purposes of implementing the
        application.
            ``(2) Payment determination.--The amount to be paid under
        paragraph (1) shall be determined--
                    ``(A) based on the sum of premium tax credits,
                cost-sharing reductions, and small business credits
                under sections 36B or 45R of the Internal Revenue Code
                of 1986 that would have been provided with respect to
                individuals in the pool had the health care benefits
                provided by the pool been a qualified health plan
                offered in an Exchange, but taking into account the
                lower cost of providing health care benefits to
                individuals through the pool; and
                    ``(B) annually by the Secretary, taking into
                consideration the experience of individuals and small
                employers participating in Exchanges.
    ``(c) Timely Determination by Secretary.--The Secretary shall make
a determination under subsection (a)(1) with respect to the application
of a pool not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of such
application, and shall notify the pool involved of such determination.
    ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `public entity' means a county,
        municipality, special district, school district, junior college
        district, housing authority, or other political subdivision or
        public entity defined under State law.
            ``(2) The term `State authorized public entity health
        benefits pool' means a risk pool authorized or permitted by
        State statute or otherwise regulated by a State agency under
        which--
                    ``(A) a public entity or group of public entities,
                directly or through a pool, provide health care
                benefits primarily for public entity officials,
                employees, and retirees and their dependents; and
                officials, employees, and retirees and dependents of
                affiliated service contractors of such public entities;
                and
                    ``(B) such pool may provide health care benefits
                from the assets of the pool or its member public
                entities through any combination of self-funded
                arrangements or fully insured products.
            ``(3) The term `affiliated service contractor' means an
        organization that provides governmental or quasi-governmental
        services on behalf of a public entity when such contractor is
        eligible to obtain health care benefits through a state
        authorized public entity health benefits pool for its
        officials, employees, retirees and their dependents.''.

Summary: Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to allow a state-authorized public entity benefits pool to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for pass-through funding with respect to health care benefits provided through the pool for coverage years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Requires the Secretary to approve such a pool if the health care benefits provided through it will: (1) provide at least the essential health benefits, (2) provide coverage and cost-sharing protections against excessive out-of-pocket spending that are at least as affordable as the health insurance requirements of PPACA would provide, and (3) result in cost savings to the federal government because the cost of coverage through the pool is less than the cost of coverage through an exchange. Treats an individual covered under such a plan as having minimum essential coverage for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to provide for an alternative means by which an aggregate amount shall be paid to the pool annually based on the premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and small business credits that would have been provided to an exchange plan. Gives the Secretary 180 days to make a determination on an application under this Act.

To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide for savings to the Federal Government by permitting pass-through funding for State authorized public entity health benefits pools.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer and Retail Sales Stimulus
Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. STATE AND LOCAL SALES TAX RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall reimburse each State for the
amount of State and local sales tax payable and not collected during
the sales tax holiday period.
    (b) Determination and Timing of Reimbursement.--
            (1) Predetermined amount.--Not later than 30 days after the
        expiration of the sales tax holiday period, the Secretary shall
        pay to each State an amount equal to the sum of--
                    (A)(i) the amount of State and local sales tax
                payable and collected in such State during the same
                period in 2000 as the sales tax holiday period, times
                    (ii) an acceleration factor equal to 1.73, plus
                    (B) an amount equal to 1 percent of the amount
                determined under subparagraph (A) for State
                administrative costs.
            (2) Reconciliation amount.--Not later than 60 days after
        the expiration of the sales tax holiday period, the Secretary
        shall pay to each electing State under subsection (c)(2) an
        amount equal to the excess (if any) of--
                    (A) the amount of State and local sales tax payable
                and not collected in such State during the sales tax
                holiday period, over
                    (B) the amount determined under paragraph (1)(A)
                and paid to such State.
    (c) Requirement for Reimbursement.--The Secretary may not pay a
reimbursement under this section unless--
            (1) the chief executive officer of the State informs the
        Secretary, not later than 10 days after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, of the intention of the State to qualify
        for such reimbursement by not collecting sales tax payable
        during the sales tax holiday period,
            (2) in the case of a State which elects to receive the
        reimbursement of a reconciliation amount under subsection
        (b)(2)--
                    (A) the chief executive officer of the State
                informs the Secretary and the Director of Management
                and Budget and the retail sellers of tangible property
                in such State, not later than 10 days after the date of
                the enactment of this Act, of the intention of the
                State to make such an election,
                    (B) the chief executive officer of the State
                informs the retail sellers of tangible property in such
                State, not later than 10 days after the date of the
                enactment of this Act, of the intention of the State to
                make such an election and the additional information
                (if any) that will be required as an addendum to the
                standard reports required of such retail sellers with
                respect to the reporting periods including the sales
                tax holiday period,
                    (C) the chief executive officer reports to the
                Secretary and the Director of Management and Budget,
                not later than 45 days after the expiration of the
                sales tax holiday period, the amount determined under
                subsection (b)(2) in a manner specified by the
                Secretary,
                    (D) if amount determined under subsection (b)(1)(A)
                and paid to such State exceeds the amount determined
                under subsection (b)(2)(A), the chief executive officer
                agrees to remit to the Secretary such excess not later
                than 60 days after the expiration of the sales tax
                holiday period, and
                    (E) the chief executive officer of the State
                certifies that such State--
                            (i) in the case of any retail seller unable
                        to identify and report sales which would
                        otherwise be taxable during the sales tax
                        holiday period, shall treat the reporting by
                        such seller of sales revenue during such
                        period, multiplied by the ratio of taxable
                        sales to total sales for the same period in
                        2000 as the sales tax holiday period, as a good
                        faith effort to comply with the requirements
                        under subparagraph (B), and
                            (ii) shall not treat any such retail seller
                        of tangible property who has made such a good
                        faith effort liable for any error made as a
                        result of such effort to comply unless it is
                        shown that the retailer acted recklessly or
                        fraudulently,
            (3) in the case of any home rule State, the chief executive
        officer of such State certifies that all local governments that
        impose sales taxes in such State agree to provide a sales tax
        holiday during the sales tax holiday period,
            (4) the chief executive officer of the State agrees to pay
        each local government's share of the reimbursement (as
        determined under subsection (d)) not later than 20 days after
        receipt of such reimbursement, and
            (5) in the case of not more than 20 percent of the States
        which elect to receive the reimbursement of a reconciliation
        amount under subsection (b)(2), the Director of Management and
        Budget certifies the amount of the reimbursement required under
        subsection (b)(2) based on the reports by the chief executive
        officers of such States under paragraph (2)(C).
    (d) Determination of Reimbursement of Local Sales Taxes.--For
purposes of subsection (c)(4), a local government's share of the
reimbursement to a State under this section shall be based on the ratio
of the local sales tax to the State sales tax for such State for the
same time period taken into account in determining such reimbursement,
based on data published by the Bureau of the Census.
    (e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
            (1) Home rule state.--The term ``home rule State'' means a
        State that does not control imposition and administration of
        local taxes.
            (2) Local.--The term ``local'' means a city, county, or
        other subordinate revenue or taxing authority within a State.
            (3) Sales tax.--The term ``sales tax'' means--
                    (A) a tax imposed on or measured by general retail
                sales of taxable tangible property, or services
                performed incidental to the sale of taxable tangible
                property, that is--
                            (i) calculated as a percentage of the
                        price, gross receipts, or gross proceeds, and
                            (ii) can or is required to be directly
                        collected by retail sellers from purchasers of
                        such property,
                    (B) a use tax, or
                    (C) the Illinois Retailers' Occupation Tax, as
                defined under the law of the State of Illinois,
        but excludes any tax payable with respect to food and beverages
        sold for immediate consumption on the premises, beverages
        containing alcohol, and tobacco products.
            (4) Sales tax holiday period.--The term ``sales tax holiday
        period'' means the 30-day period beginning on the 21st day
        occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act.
            (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Treasury.
            (6) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the several
        States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto
        Rico.
            (7) Use tax.--The term ``use tax'' means a tax imposed on
        the storage, use, or other consumption of tangible property
        that is not subject to sales tax.

Summary: Consumer and Retail Sales Stimulus Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse States for the amount of State and local sales tax payable and not collected during the sales tax holiday period. Sets forth requirements and formulae for determining the amount and timing of reimbursement.

To provide Federal reimbursement to State and local governments for a 30-day sales, use, and retailers' occupation tax holiday.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Incentives for our Nation's Veterans
in Energy Sustainability Technologies'' or as the ``INVEST Act''.

SEC. 2. WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT FOR VETERANS HIRED IN THE FIELD OF
              RENEWABLE ENERGY.

    (a) In General.--Section 51(d)(14) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended to read as follows:
            ``(14) Certain veterans hired in the field of renewable
        energy.--
                    ``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subpart, an
                individual shall be treated a member of a targeted
                group if such individual is a specified veteran, but
                qualified wages with respect to such individual shall
                include only wages attributable to services rendered in
                a field of renewable energy.
                    ``(B) Specified veteran.--For purposes of this
                paragraph, the term `specified veteran' means any
                veteran (as defined in paragraph (3)) who is certified
                by the designated local agency as--
                            ``(i) having received a credential or
                        certification from the Department of Defense of
                        military occupational specialty or skill in a
                        field of renewable energy or with respect to
                        advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding,
                        or engineering,
                            ``(ii) having completed a vocational degree
                        in a field of renewable energy during the 1-
                        year period ending on the hiring date, or
                            ``(iii) having completed a LEED
                        certification with the United States Green
                        Building Council.
                    ``(C) Renewable energy.--For purposes of this
                paragraph, renewable energy means resources that rely
                on fuel sources that restore themselves over short
                periods of time and do not diminish, including the sun,
                wind, moving water, organic plant and waste material,
                and the earth's heat.''.
    (b) Treatment of Possessions.--
            (1) Payments to possessions.--
                    (A) Mirror code possessions.--The Secretary of the
                Treasury shall pay to each possession of the United
                States with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to
                the loss to that possession by reason of the amendment
                made by this section. Such amounts shall be determined
                by the Secretary of the Treasury based on information
                provided by the government of the respective possession
                of the United States.
                    (B) Other possessions.--The Secretary of the
                Treasury shall pay to each possession of the United
                States which does not have a mirror code tax system the
                amount estimated by the Secretary of the Treasury as
                being equal to the loss to that possession that would
                have occurred by reason of the amendment made by this
                section if a mirror code tax system had been in effect
                in such possession. The preceding sentence shall not
                apply with respect to any possession of the United
                States unless such possession establishes to the
                satisfaction of the Secretary that the possession has
                implemented (or, at the discretion of the Secretary,
                will implement) an income tax benefit which is
                substantially equivalent to the income tax credit in
                effect after the amendments made by this section.
            (2) Coordination with credit allowed against united states
        income taxes.--The credit allowed against United States income
        taxes for any taxable year under the amendment made by this
        section to section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
        any person with respect to any qualified veteran shall be
        reduced by the amount of any credit (or other tax benefit
        described in paragraph (1)(B)) allowed to such person against
        income taxes imposed by the possession of the United States by
        reason of this subsection with respect to such qualified
        veteran for such taxable year.
            (3) Definitions and special rules.--
                    (A) Possession of the united states.--For purposes
                of this subsection, the term ``possession of the United
                States'' includes American Samoa, Guam, the
                Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States
                Virgin Islands.
                    (B) Mirror code tax system.--For purposes of this
                subsection, the term ``mirror code tax system'' means,
                with respect to any possession of the United States,
                the income tax system of such possession if the income
                tax liability of the residents of such possession under
                such system is determined by reference to the income
                tax laws of the United States as if such possession
                were the United States.
                    (C) Treatment of payments.--For purposes of section
                1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, the
                payments under this subsection shall be treated in the
                same manner as a refund due from credit provisions
                described in such section.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to individuals who begin work for the employer after December 31, 2016.

Summary: Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies ornbsp. The INVEST Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of a specified veteran who works innbsp. A field of renewable energy. A specified veteran means any veteran who is certified as: (1) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense of a military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering. (2) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy, or (3) having completed a LEED nbsp. Certification with the United States Green Building Council. The Department of the Treasury shall pay: (1) each US possession with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss to such possession due to this Act. And (2) each US possession without such a tax system an amount estimated to equal the loss to such possession that would have occurred due to this Act if such a tax system had been in effect.

Incentives for our Nation’s Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies