SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments
Act of 2012''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 401 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2681) is
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
                clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting the
                clauses appropriately;
                    (B) in the first sentence, by striking ``The term''
                and inserting the following:
                    ``(A) In general.--The term'';
                    (C) by striking ``Such term includes--'' and
                inserting the following:
                    ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `abatement' includes--
                ''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `abatement' does not
                include any renovation, remodeling, landscaping, or
                other activity--
                            ``(i) the primary purpose of which is to
                        repair, restore, or remodel a structure or
                        dwelling; and
                            ``(ii) that incidentally results in a
                        reduction or elimination of lead-based paint
                        hazards.'';
            (2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (12) and
        paragraphs (13) through (17) as paragraphs (5) through (13) and
        paragraphs (15) through (19), respectively;
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
            ``(4) Emergency renovation.--The term `emergency
        renovation' means a renovation, replacement, or repair activity
        that--
                    ``(A) was not planned; and
                    ``(B) results from a sudden, unexpected event that,
                if not immediately attended to--
                            ``(i) presents a risk to the public health
                        or safety; or
                            ``(ii) threatens to cause significant
                        damage to equipment or property.'';
            (4) by striking paragraph (10) (as redesignated by
        paragraph (2)) and inserting the following:
            ``(10) Lead-based paint.--The term `lead-based paint' means
        paint or other surface coatings that contain lead--
                    ``(A) in excess of--
                            ``(i) 1.0 milligrams per centimeter
                        squared; or
                            ``(ii) 0.5 percent by weight; or
                    ``(B) in the case of paint or other surface
                coatings on target housing, the lower level established
                by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under
                section 302(c) of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning
                Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.).'';
            (5) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as redesignated by
        paragraph (2)) the following:
            ``(14) Post-abatement clearance testing.--The term `post-
        abatement clearance testing' means a test that--
                    ``(A) is carried out on the completion of any lead-
                based paint activity to ensure that--
                            ``(i) the reduction is complete; and
                            ``(ii) no lead-contaminated dust hazards
                        remain in the dwelling unit or worksite; and
                    ``(B) includes a visual assessment and the
                collection and analysis of environmental samples from
                the dwelling or worksite.''; and
            (6) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(20) Test kit.--The term `test kit' means a chemical test
        that has the ability to determine the presence of lead in a
        paint chip, paint powder, or painted surface at a level that is
        equal to or in excess of--
                    ``(A) 1.0 milligrams per centimeter squared; or
                    ``(B) 0.5 percent by weight.''.

SEC. 3. LEAD-BASED PAINT ACTIVITIES TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.

    Section 402(c) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C.
2682(c)) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
            ``(2) Study of certification.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Prior to proposing any new
                regulation applicable to target housing or public or
                commercial buildings constructed before 1978, the
                Administrator shall conduct a study of the extent to
                which persons engaged in various types of renovation
                and remodeling activities in the target housing or
                public or commercial buildings constructed before
                1978--
                            ``(i) are exposed to lead in the conduct of
                        those activities; or
                            ``(ii) disturb lead and create a lead-based
                        paint hazard on a regular or occasional basis.
                    ``(B) Completion.--The Administrator shall complete
                each study under subparagraph (A) and publish the
                results of that study not later than 1 year prior to
                proposing any new regulation applicable to a structure
                or dwelling described in subparagraph (A).'';
            (2) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``Within 4
                years'' and inserting the following:
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 4 years'';
                    (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``In
                determining'' and inserting the following:
                    ``(B) Use of study.--In determining'';
                    (C) in the third sentence, by striking ``If the
                Administrator'' and inserting the following:
                    ``(C) Determination of administrator.--If the
                Administrator''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) Exemption.--An emergency renovation shall be
                exempt from any regulation promulgated by the
                Administrator under this paragraph.
                    ``(E) Prohibition on post-abatement clearance
                requirement.--No regulation promulgated by the
                Administrator under this paragraph shall require post-
                abatement clearance testing.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Target housing owners.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the
                date of enactment of this paragraph and subject to
                subparagraph (B), in promulgating any regulation
                relating to renovation or remodeling activities in
                target housing in which the owner resides, the
                Administrator shall include a provision that permits
                the owner to authorize the renovation or remodeling
                contractor to forego compliance with that regulation.
                    ``(B) Restriction.--The Administrator shall only
                permit an owner of target housing to forgo compliance
                with a regulation under this paragraph if--
                            ``(i) no pregnant woman or child under the
                        age of 6 resides in the target housing as of
                        the date on which the renovation or remodeling
                        commences; and
                            ``(ii) the owner submits to the renovation
                        or remodeling contractor written certification
                        that--
                                    ``(I) the renovation or remodeling
                                project is to be carried out at the
                                target housing of the owner;
                                    ``(II) no pregnant woman or child
                                under the age of 6 resides in the
                                target housing as of the date on which
                                the renovation or remodeling commences;
                                and
                                    ``(III) the owner acknowledges
                                that, in carrying out the project, the
                                renovation or remodeling contractor
                                will be exempt from employing the work
                                practices required by a regulation
                                promulgated under this subsection.
                    ``(C) Limitation of contractor liability.--A
                contractor that receives written certification
                described in subparagraph (B)(ii) shall be exempt from
                liability resulting from any misrepresentation of the
                owner of the target housing.
            ``(5) Test kits.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In making a certification
                determination under this subsection, the Administrator
                shall allow contractors to use commercially available
                lead-based paint test kits that comply with the
                positive and negative response criteria established by
                the Administrator.
                    ``(B) Test kit approval.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall
                        establish a process by which the Administrator
                        shall identify and approve a test kit that--
                                    ``(I) meets the criteria described
                                in subparagraph (A);
                                    ``(II) is inexpensively and
                                commercially available;
                                    ``(III) does not require special
                                training to use the test kit; and
                                    ``(IV) enables users to determine
                                the presence of lead at the job site in
                                accordance with the criteria described
                                in subparagraph (A) without the need
                                for off-site laboratory analysis.
                            ``(ii) Suspension of regulations.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--If the
                                Administrator is unable to determine
                                that 1 or more test kits under clause
                                (i) exists, the Administrator shall
                                suspend the implementation of any
                                applicable regulation under this
                                subsection relating to renovation or
                                remodeling, except for owners described
                                in paragraph (4)(B), until the date on
                                which the Administrator--
                                            ``(aa) identifies and
                                        approves 1 or more test kits
                                        under clause (i); and
                                            ``(bb) publishes in the
                                        Federal Register notice of that
                                        identification and approval.
                                    ``(II) Duration.--The Administrator
                                shall remove the suspension under this
                                clause not earlier than 45 days after
                                the date on which notification of the
                                identification and approval of the test
                                kit is published in the Federal
                                Register in accordance with subclause
                                (I)(bb).
                                    ``(III) Applicability.--This clause
                                shall--
                                            ``(aa) only apply to
                                        regulations that permit an
                                        owner of target housing to
                                        authorize a renovation or
                                        remodeling contractor to forego
                                        compliance with the regulation;
                                        and
                                            ``(bb) not affect any other
                                        regulation issued under this
                                        subsection.
            ``(6) Applicability of certain penalties.--Any regulation
        promulgated by the Administrator under this section requiring
        the submission of documentation to the Administrator shall
        provide--
                    ``(A) an exemption from penalty for a person who--
                            ``(i) is submitting the required
                        documentation for the first time; and
                            ``(ii) submits documentation that contains
                        de minimus or typographical errors, as
                        determined by the Administrator; and
                    ``(B) a process by which a person described in
                subparagraph (A) may resubmit the required
                documentation.
            ``(7) Accreditation of recertification courses.--Subsection
        (a)(2)(D) shall not apply to any certified renovator
        recertification course that is accredited by the Environmental
        Protection Agency.''.

Summary: Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2012 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to exclude from the definition of abatement any renovation, remodeling, landscaping, or other activity: (1) the primary purpose of which is to repair, restore, or remodel a structure or dwelling. And (2) that incidentally results in a reduction or elimination of lead-based paint hazards. Removes from the definition of lead-based paint lead levels that may be established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for paint or surface coating that are not otherwise specified in such definition. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a lead-based paint certification study prior to proposing any new regulation applicable to target housing or public or commercial buildings constructed before 1978. And (2) complete and publish such study no later than a year prior to proposing any new regulation applicable to such structure or dwelling. Exempts from such regulations emergency renovations that result from a sudden, unexpected event that presents a risk to the public health or safety or threatens to cause significant damage to equipment or property if not attended to immediately. Prohibits such regulation from requiring post-abatement clearance testing. Requires the Administrator, in promulgating regulations relating to renovation or remodeling activities in target housing in which the owner resides, to include a provision that permits the owner to authorize the renovation or remodeling contractor to forego compliance with such regulation if: (1) no pregnant woman or child under the age of six resides in such housing. And (2) the owner certifies that the renovation or remodeling project is to be carried out at the target housing of the owner, that no such woman or child resides in such housing, and that such contractor will be exempt from employing the work practices required by such regulation. Exempts contractors from liability resulting from any misrepresentation of the owner of the target housing. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a process by which the Administrator shall identify and approve a commercially available lead-based paint test kit that is inexpensive, does not require special training, and enables users to determine the presence of lead at the job site. And (2) suspend implementation of such regulation relating to renovation and remodeling until the Administrator identifies and approves one or more test kits that meet such criteria.

A bill to amend the Toxic Substance Control Act relating to lead-based paint renovation and remodeling activities.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Credit Card Protection Act
of 2005''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBIT UNIVERSAL DEFAULTS ON CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS.

    Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(i) Universal Defaults Prohibited.--
            ``(1) In general.--No creditor may use any adverse
        information concerning any consumer, including any information
        in any consumer report (as defined in section 603) or any
        change in the credit score of the consumer, as the basis for
        increasing any annual percentage rate of interest applicable to
        a credit card account of the consumer under an open end
        consumer credit plan, or to remove or increase any introductory
        annual percentage rate of interest applicable to such account,
        for reasons other than actions or omissions of the consumer
        that are directly related to such account.
            ``(2) Notice to consumer.--The limitation under paragraph
        (1) on the use of adverse information by a credit card issuer
        shall be clearly and conspicuously described to the consumer by
        the credit card issuer in any disclosure or statement required
        under subsection (a) or (b).''.

SEC. 3. BOX DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENT PERIOD FOR MINIMUM PAYMENTS ON CREDIT
              CARD BALANCE.

    Section 127(b) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637(b)) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(12) Minimum payment terms.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In a clear and conspicuous
                manner, repayment information applicable with respect
                to any outstanding balance on the account, including
                the following expressed in a tabular format and in
                close proximity:
                            ``(i) The required minimum monthly payment
                        on that balance, represented as both a dollar
                        figure and a percentage of the outstanding
                        balance.
                            ``(ii) The number of months (rounded to the
                        nearest month) that it would take to pay the
                        entire amount of the current outstanding
                        balance if--
                                    ``(I) the consumer pays only the
                                required minimum monthly payments (as
                                in effect at the time such statement is
                                issued); and
                                    ``(II) no further advances or
                                extensions of credit are made with
                                respect to such account.
                    ``(B) Applicable terms.--
                            ``(i) Applicable apr.--Subject to clause
                        (ii), in making any determination required for
                        purposes of the disclosures under subparagraph
                        (A), the creditor shall apply any applicable
                        annual percentage rate of interest in effect on
                        the date on which the disclosure is made,
                        taking into account the different rates that
                        may be applicable with respect to different
                        portions of the outstanding balance, without
                        regard to whether any such rate is a fixed rate
                        or a variable rate.
                            ``(ii) Introductory rate.--If the annual
                        percentage rate of interest in effect on the
                        date on which the disclosure is made is a
                        temporary or introductory rate that will change
                        pursuant to a contractual provision applying an
                        index or formula for subsequent interest rate
                        adjustment, the creditor shall apply--
                                    ``(I) the annual percentage rate of
                                interest in effect on the date on which
                                the disclosure is made, in making a
                                determination for the balance of the
                                introductory or temporary period, and
                                    ``(II) an annual percentage rate of
                                interest, based on an index, formula,
                                or contractual provision that is, or
                                but for the temporary or introductory
                                rate referred to in subclause (I) would
                                be, in effect as of the date on which
                                the disclosure is made, in making a
                                determination for the remainder of the
                                amortization period.''.

SEC. 4. ADVANCED NOTICE REQUIRED BEFORE INCREASING RATES OR FEES ON
              CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS.

    Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended
by inserting after subsection (i) (as added by section 2 of this Act)
the following new subsection:
    ``(j) Advance Notice of Increase in Any Interest Rate and
Imposition of Any Fee Required.--
            ``(1) Interest rates.--In the case of any credit card
        account under an open end consumer credit plan, no increase in
        any annual percentage rate of interest (other than an increase
        due to the expiration of any introductory percentage rate of
        interest) applicable to such account, or any portion of any
        outstanding balance on such account--
                    ``(A) may take effect before the beginning of the
                billing cycle which begins not less than--
                            ``(i) 30 days after the obligor receives a
                        specific notice of such increase in accordance
                        with paragraph (3), in the case of any change
                        in any such annual percentage rate that is due
                        solely to a change in another rate of interest
                        to which such rate is indexed; or
                            ``(ii) 60 days after the obligor receives a
                        specific notice of such increase in accordance
                        with paragraph (3), in the case of any change
                        in any such annual percentage rate that is not
                        described in clause (i); and
                    ``(B) may, in the case of any change in any such
                annual percentage rate that is not described in
                subparagraph (A)(i), apply to any outstanding balance
                of credit under such plan as of the date of the notice
                of the increase required under subparagraph (A).
            ``(2) Fees.--In the case of any credit card account under
        an open end consumer credit plan, no fee, including any annual
        fee, late payment fee, or over-the-limit fee, may be imposed on
        such account before the end of the 30-day period beginning on
        the date the obligor receives a specific notice of the
        imposition of such fee in accordance with paragraph (3).
            ``(3) Notice requirements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Any notice required under this
                subsection shall be mailed (or e-mailed, if the
                consumer has requested to receive such notices
                electronically) to the obligor separately from any
                statement or other notice and without any advertising
                or other disclosures.
                    ``(B) Fee explanation.--In the case of any notice
                pursuant to paragraph (2), the notice shall include an
                explanation of how, when, and why a fee will be imposed
                and what options the obligor may have for addressing
                the imposition of the fee or any reason for such
                imposition, including the prevention of any future
                imposition of such fee.''.

Summary: Consumer Credit Card Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from using adverse information concerning a consumer as the basis for increasing any annual percentage rate of interest applicable to a credit card account of the consumer under an open end consumer credit plan, or to remove or increase any introductory annual percentage rate of interest applicable to such account, for reasons other than actions or omissions of the consumer that are directly related to such account . Expands mandatory disclosures governing an open end consumer credit plan to include clear and conspicuous minimum payment terms with respect to the outstanding balance on the account, including prescribed details expressed in tabular format and in close proximity. Requires a creditor to furnish advance notice as a prerequisite to increasing rates or imposing fees on a consumer credit card account.

To amend the Truth in Lending Act to protect consumers from unfair practices of credit card issuers, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act
of 2017''.

SEC. 2. REPEAL OF THE RETIREMENT EARNINGS TEST.

    (a) In General.--Subsections (b), (c)(1), (d), (f), (h), (j), and
(k) of section 203 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403) are
repealed.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 203 of such Act (as amended by
subsection (a)) is further amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (e), (g), and (l) as
        subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e), respectively;
            (2) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
                    (A) by striking ``Noncovered Work Outside the
                United States or'';
                    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)
                as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively;
                    (C) by striking ``paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)
                of''; and
                    (D) by striking the last sentence.
            (3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by striking
        ``subsections (c) and (d)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)'';
            (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), by striking
        ``subsection (c)'' each place it appears and inserting
        ``subsection (b)''; and
            (5) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), by striking
        ``subsection (g) or (h)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection
        (d)''.
    (c) Additional Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Provisions relating to benefits terminated upon
        deportation.--Section 202(n)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
        U.S.C. 402(n)(1)) is amended by striking ``Section 203(b), (c),
        and (d)'' and inserting ``Section 203(b)''.
            (2) Provisions relating to exemptions from reductions based
        on early retirement.--Section 202(q) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
        402(q)) is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``section
                203(c)(2)'' and inserting ``section 203(b)(1)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``deductions
                under section 203(b), 203(c)(1), 203(d)(1), or 222(b)''
                and inserting ``deductions on account of work under
                section 203 (as in effect on the day before the date of
                the enactment of the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work
                Act of 2017) or deductions under section 222(b)''.
            (3) Provisions relating to exemptions from reductions based
        on disregard of certain entitlements to child's insurance
        benefits.--Section 202(s) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(s)) is
        amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraphs (2),
                (3), and (4) of section 203(c)'' and inserting
                ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 203(b)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``The last
                sentence of subsection (c) of section 203, subsection
                (f)(1)(C) of section 203, and subsections'' and
                inserting ``Subsections''.
            (4) Provisions relating to suspension of aliens'
        benefits.--Section 202(t)(7) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(t)(7))
        is amended by striking ``Subsections (b), (c), and (d)'' and
        inserting ``Subsection (b)''.
            (5) Provisions relating to reductions in benefits based on
        maximum benefits.--Section 203(a)(3)(B)(iii) of such Act (42
        U.S.C. 403(a)(3)(B)(iii)) is amended by striking ``and
        subsections (b), (c), and (d)'' and inserting ``and subsection
        (b)''.
            (6) Provisions relating to penalties for misrepresentations
        concerning earnings for periods subject to deductions on
        account of work.--Section 208(a)(1)(C) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
        408(a)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ``under section 203(f) of
        this title for purposes of deductions from benefits'' and
        inserting ``under section 203 (as in effect on the day before
        the date of the enactment of the Senior Citizens' Freedom to
        Work Act of 2017) for purposes of deductions from benefits on
        account of work''.
            (7) Provisions taking into account earnings in determining
        benefit computation years.--Clause (I) in the next to last
        sentence of section 215(b)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
        415(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``no earnings as described
        in section 203(f)(5) in such year'' and inserting ``no wages,
        and no net earnings from self-employment (in excess of net loss
        from self-employment), in such year''.
            (8) Provisions relating to rounding of benefits.--Section
        215(g) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(g)) is amended by striking
        ``and any deduction under section 203(b)''.
            (9) Provisions defining income for purposes of ssi.--
        Section 1612(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382a(a)) is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``as
                determined under section 203(f)(5)(C)'' and inserting
                ``as defined in the last two sentences of this
                subsection''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end (after and below paragraph
                (2)(H)) the following:
``For purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the term `wages' means wages as
defined in section 209, but computed without regard to the limitations
as to amounts of remuneration specified in paragraphs (1), (6)(B),
(6)(C), (7)(B), and (8) of section 209(a). In making the computation
under the preceding sentence, (A) services which do not constitute
employment as defined in section 210, performed within the United
States by an individual as an employee or performed outside the United
States in the active military or naval services of the United States,
shall be deemed to be employment as so defined if the remuneration for
such services is not includible in computing the individual's net
earnings or net loss from self-employment for purposes of title II, and
(B) the term `wages' shall be deemed not to include (i) the amount of
any payment made to, or on behalf of, an employee or any of his or her
dependents (including any amount paid by an employer for insurance or
annuities, or into a fund, to provide for any such payment) on account
of retirement, or (ii) any payment or series of payments by an employer
to an employee or any of his or her dependents upon or after the
termination of the employee's employment relationship because of
retirement after attaining an age specified in a plan referred to in
section 209(a)(11)(B) or in a pension plan of the employer.''.
    (d) Repeal of Deductions on Account of Work Under the Railroad
Retirement Program.--
            (1) In general.--Section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act
        of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231a) is amended--
                    (A) by striking subsection (f); and
                    (B) by striking subsection (g)(2) and by
                redesignating subsection (g)(1) as subsection (g).
            (2) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Section 3(f)(1) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
                231b(f)(1)) is amended in the first sentence by
                striking ``before any reductions under the provisions
                of section 2(f) of this Act,''.
                    (B) Section 4(g)(2) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
                231c(g)(2)) is amended--
                            (i) in clause (i), by striking ``shall,
                        before any deductions under section 2(g) of
                        this Act,'' and inserting ``shall''; and
                            (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``any
                        deductions under section 2(g) of this Act and
                        before''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to taxable years ending after December 31, 2018.

Summary: Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2017 This bill amends title II (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to remove limitations on the amount of outside income that an OASDInbsp, beneficiary may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits.

Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act of 2017


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Redundant Remapping Reform Act of
2011''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act--
            (1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
        the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
            (2) the term ``covered period'' means--
                    (A) with respect to a levee for which the Army
                Corps of Engineers has entered into a cost sharing
                agreement, the 48-month period beginning on the date on
                which the Army Corps of Engineers makes available any
                funds required to be made available by the Army Corps
                of Engineers under the agreement; and
                    (B) with respect to a levee not described in
                subparagraph (A), the 48-month period beginning on the
                date on which the Administrator commences an update of
                a National Flood Insurance Program rate map that
                includes an area protected by the levee;
            (3) the term ``National Flood Insurance Program'' means the
        program established under the National Flood Insurance Act of
        1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.); and
            (4) the term ``qualified levee'' means a levee that is
        being constructed or modified, if the owner of the levee enters
        into an agreement with the Administrator that the construction
        or modification will be completed before the end of a covered
        period relating to the qualified levee.

SEC. 3. REMAPPING OF AREAS PROTECTED BY CERTAIN LEVEES.

    (a) Levees Undergoing Accreditation.--The Administrator may not
update or publish a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a
covered period with respect to an area that is protected by a levee--
            (1) for which a community or other party has sought
        recognition under section 65.10 of title 44, Code of Federal
        Regulations, or any successor thereto; and
            (2) with respect to which the Administrator has not issued
        a Letter of Final Determination.
    (b) Levees Undergoing Planning, Construction, or Rehabilitation.--
            (1) Prohibition.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
        Administrator may not update or publish a National Flood
        Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect
        to an area that is protected by a qualified levee that is being
        planned, constructed, or rehabilitated, if the scheduled
        completion date for the planning, construction, or
        rehabilitation occurs during the covered period.
            (2) Exceptions.--The Administrator may update or publish a
        National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered
        period with respect to an area that is protected by a qualified
        levee described in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) on or after the date on which the construction
                or rehabilitation of the qualified levee is completed;
                or
                    (B) on or after the date on which the Administrator
                determines that the planning, construction, or
                rehabilitation of the qualified levee is experiencing
                an indefinite delay.
            (3) Scheduled completion date.--For purposes of this
        subsection, the scheduled completion date for planning,
        construction, or rehabilitation of a qualified levee shall be
        determined by an engineer responsible for the design,
        modification, or construction of the qualified levee, taking
        into consideration the actual condition of the qualified levee.
    (c) Notification of Affected Persons.--
            (1) Draft notice.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a notice
        to be used by owners of qualified levees subject to this
        section to disclose to persons affected by the qualified
        levees--
                    (A) information relating to the possible dangers of
                living in an area affected by the qualified levees
                without flood insurance coverage;
                    (B) information relating to the availability of
                flood insurance coverage; and
                    (C) any other information that the Administrator
                determines is necessary.
            (2) Notice by owners of levees.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                (B), not later than 30 days after the commencement of a
                covered period, the owner of the qualified levee to
                which the covered period relates shall provide the
                notice published under paragraph (1) to each person
                identified by the owner of the qualified levee as a
                person affected by the qualified levee.
                    (B) Exception.--In the case of a covered period
                that commences before the date on which the
                Administrator publishes the notice under paragraph (1),
                the owner of the qualified levee to which the covered
                period relates shall provide the notice required under
                subparagraph (A) to each person identified by the owner
                of the qualified levee as a person affected by the
                qualified levee as soon as practicable after the date
                on which the Administrator publishes the notice.
    (d) Reporting Requirements.--During a covered period relating to a
qualified levee, the owner of the qualified levee (or a designee of the
owner) shall submit to the Administrator a quarterly report that
contains--
            (1) a description of the progress of the construction or
        modification of the qualified levee; and
            (2) an estimate of the scheduled completion date of the
        construction or modification of the qualified levee, as
        determined by an engineer responsible for the design,
        modification, or construction of the qualified levee, taking
        into consideration the actual condition of the qualified levee.

Summary: Redundant Remapping Reform Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from updating or publishing a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect to an area protected by a levee that is undergoing accreditation, planning, construction, or rehabilitation. Instructs the Administrator to publish a notice to be used by owners of qualified levees to disclose to persons affected by such levees. Requires owners of qualified levees to provide such notice to each person identified as affected by the qualified levee.

A bill to postpone the remapping of areas protected by certain levees for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may cited as the ``District of Columbia Full Self-
Government Act''.

              TITLE I--STATUS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SEC. 101. STATUS OF THE DISTRICT.

    (a) In General.--All of the territory constituting the permanent
seat of the Government of the United States shall continue to be
designated as the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia shall
remain and continue a body corporate, as provided in section 2 of the
Revised Statutes relating to the District (sec. 1-102, D.C. Official
Code).
    (b) No Effect on Existing Laws.--No law or regulation which is in
force on the effective date of this Act shall be deemed amended or
repealed by this Act except to the extent specifically provided herein
or to the extent that such law or regulation is inconsistent with this
Act, but any such law or regulation may be amended or repealed by act
or resolution as authorized in this Act, or by Act of Congress.
    (c) No Effect on Boundary Line.--Nothing contained in this section
shall affect the boundary line between the District of Columbia and the
Commonwealth of Virginia as the same was established or may be
subsequently established under the provisions of title I of the Act of
October 31, 1945 (59 Stat. 552).

SEC. 102. LEGISLATIVE POWER OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

    Except as provided in section 202, the legislative power of the
District of Columbia shall extend to all rightful subjects of
legislation within the District consistent with the Constitution of the
United States and the provisions of this Act subject to all the
restrictions and limitations imposed upon the States by the tenth
section of the first article of the Constitution of the United States.

                      TITLE II--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established a Council of the District
of Columbia (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Council''), and
the members of the Council shall be elected by the registered qualified
electors of the District.
    (b) Powers, Organization, and Procedure.--The powers, organization,
and procedure of the Council shall be set forth under such laws as may
be enacted by the District of Columbia consistent with the provisions
of this Act.

SEC. 202. LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORITY.

    The Council shall have no authority to pass any act contrary to the
provisions of this Act except as specifically provided in this Act, or
to--
            (1) impose any tax on property of the United States or any
        of the several States;
            (2) lend the public credit for support of any private
        undertaking;
            (3) enact any act, or enact any act to amend or repeal any
        Act of Congress, which concerns the functions or property of
        the United States or which is not restricted in its application
        exclusively in or to the District of Columbia;
            (4) enact any act, resolution, or rule with respect to any
        provision of title 11 of the District of Columbia Official Code
        (relating to organization and jurisdiction of the District of
        Columbia courts);
            (5) impose any tax on the whole or any portion of the
        personal income, either directly or at the source thereof, of
        any individual not a resident of the District (the terms
        ``individual'' and ``resident'' in this paragraph to have the
        meaning given such terms in section 47-1801.04, D.C. Official
        Code);
            (6) enact any act, resolution, or rule which permits the
        building of any structure within the District of Columbia in
        excess of the height limitations contained in section 5 of the
        Act of June 1, 1910 (sec. 5-405, D.C. Official Code), and in
        effect on the effective date of this Act;
            (7) enact any act, resolution, or regulation with respect
        to the Commission of Mental Health;
            (8) enact any act or regulation relating to the United
        States District Court for the District of Columbia or any other
        court of the United States in the District other than the
        District courts, or relating to the duties or powers of the
        United States attorney or the United States Marshal for the
        District of Columbia; or
            (9) enact any act, resolution, or rule with respect to the
        District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management
        Assistance Authority established under section 101(a) of the
        District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management
        Assistance Act of 1995.

                      TITLE III--EXECUTIVE BRANCH

SEC. 301. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established the Office of the Mayor of
the District of Columbia, and the Mayor shall be elected by the
registered qualified electors of the District.
    (b) Powers and Duties.--The powers and duties of the Mayor of the
District of Columbia, and the organization of the Office of the Mayor
of the District of Columbia, shall be set forth under such laws as may
be enacted by the District of Columbia consistent with the provisions
of this Act.

SEC. 302. TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES FORMERLY COVERED BY FEDERAL CIVIL
              SERVICE SYSTEM.

    In the case of persons employed by the District government
immediately preceding the effective date of the personnel system
established by the District government pursuant to section 422(3) of
the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, the personnel system of the
District government may provide for continued participation in all or
part of the Federal Civil Service System and shall provide for
benefits, including but not limited to pay, tenure, leave, residence,
retirement, health and life insurance, and employee disability and
death benefits, all at least equal to those provided by legislation
enacted by Congress, or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, and
applicable to such officers and employees immediately prior to such
date, except that nothing in this Act shall prohibit the District from
separating an officer or employee subject to such system in the
implementation of a financial plan and budget for the District
government approved under subtitle A of title II of the District of
Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of
1995.

SEC. 303. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN MUNICIPAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES.

    The Mayor's planning responsibility shall not extend to Federal and
international projects and developments in the District, as determined
by the National Capital Planning Commission, or to the United States
Capitol buildings and grounds as defined in chapter 51 of title 40,
United States Code, or to any extension thereof or addition thereto, or
to buildings and grounds under the care of the Architect of the
Capitol.

SEC. 304. EMERGENCY CONTROL OF METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT.

    (a) Authority of President To Exercise Control in Emergencies.--
            (1) Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
        whenever the President of the United States determines that
        special conditions of an emergency nature exist which require
        the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes,
        he may direct the Mayor to provide him, and the Mayor shall
        provide, such services of the Metropolitan Police force as the
        President may deem necessary and appropriate.
            (2) Limitation of duration of authority.--In no case shall
        services made available pursuant to any direction of the
        President under this subsection extend--
                    (A) for a period in excess of 48 hours unless the
                President has, prior to the expiration of such period,
                notified the chairman and ranking minority member of
                the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the
                House of Representatives and the chairman and ranking
                minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security
                and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, in writing, as
                to the reason for such direction and the period of time
                during which the need for such services is likely to
                continue; or
                    (B) for any period in excess of 30 days, unless the
                Senate and the House of Representatives enact into law
                a joint resolution authorizing such an extension.
    (b) Termination.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the services
        made available in accordance with subsection (a) shall
        terminate upon the end of such emergency, the expiration of a
        period of 30 days following the date on which such services are
        first made available, or the enactment into law of a joint
        resolution by the Congress providing for such termination,
        whichever first occurs.
            (2) Special rule in case of adjournment of congress sine
        die.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in any case in which
        services are made available in accordance with subsection (a)
        during any period of an adjournment of the Congress sine die,
        such services shall terminate upon the end of the emergency,
        the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which
        Congress first convenes following such adjournment, or the
        enactment into law of a joint resolution by the Congress
        providing for such termination, whichever first occurs.

                       TITLE IV--JUDICIAL BRANCH

SEC. 401. JUDICIAL BRANCH.

    The judicial powers of the District of Columbia, and the provisions
of the charter of the District of Columbia government which are
applicable to the judges and courts of the District of Columbia, shall
be those set forth in part C of title IV of the District of Columbia
Home Rule Act (sec. 1-204.31 et seq., D.C. Official Code), as in effect
on the effective date of this Act.

                TITLE V--BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

SEC. 501. APPLICATION OF LAWS ESTABLISHED BY DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

    (a) Budget and Financial Management.--Subject to this Act, the
process by which the District of Columbia develops and enacts the
budget for the District government for a fiscal year, and the
activities carried out with respect to the financial management of the
District government for a fiscal year, shall be established under such
laws as may be enacted by the District.
    (b) Borrowing.--Subject to this Act, the process and rules by which
the District of Columbia issues bonds or otherwise borrows money shall
be established under such laws as may be enacted by the District.

SEC. 502. FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF UNITED STATES NOT PLEDGED.

    The full faith and credit of the United States is not pledged for
the payment of any principal of or interest on any bond, note, or other
obligation issued by the District of Columbia, and the United States is
not responsible or liable for the payment of any principal of or
interest on any bond, note, or other obligation issued by the District.

SEC. 503. FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION.

    Bonds and notes issued by the District of Columbia and the interest
thereon shall be exempt from all Federal taxation except estate,
inheritance, and gift taxes.

SEC. 504. LEGAL INVESTMENT IN BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED BY DISTRICT OF
              COLUMBIA.

    Notwithstanding any restriction on the investment of funds by
fiduciaries contained in any other law, all domestic insurance
companies, domestic insurance associations, executors, administrators,
guardians, trustees, and other fiduciaries within the District of
Columbia may legally invest any sinking funds, moneys, trust funds, or
other funds belonging to them or under or within their control in any
bonds issued by the District of Columbia. National banking associations
are authorized to deal in, underwrite, purchase and sell, for their own
accounts or for the accounts of customers, bonds and notes issued by
the District to the same extent as national banking associations are
authorized by paragraph seven of section 5136 of the Revised Statutes
(12 U.S.C. 24), to deal in, underwrite, purchase and sell obligations
of the United States, States, or political subdivision thereof. All
Federal building and loan associations and Federal savings and loan
associations, and banks, trust companies, building and loan
associations, and savings and loan associations, domiciled in the
District may purchase, sell, underwrite, and deal in, for their own
account or for the account of others, all bonds or notes issued by the
District of Columbia. Nothing contained in this section shall be
construed as relieving any person, firm, association, or corporation
from any duty of exercising due and reasonable care in selecting
securities for purchase or investment.

               TITLE VI--RETENTION OF FEDERAL AUTHORITIES

SEC. 601. RETENTION OF CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, Congress reserves
the right, at any time, to exercise its constitutional authority as
legislature for the District of Columbia, by enacting legislation for
the District on any subject, whether within or without the scope of
legislative power granted to the Council by this Act, including
legislation to amend or repeal any law in force in the District prior
to or after the effective date of this Act and any act passed by the
Council.

SEC. 602. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY OF DISTRICT OVER CERTAIN AGENCIES.

    Nothing in this Act shall be construed as vesting in the District
of Columbia government any greater authority over the National
Zoological Park, the National Guard of the District of Columbia, the
Washington Aqueduct, the National Capital Planning Commission, or over
any Federal agency, than was vested in the Commissioner of the District
of Columbia established under Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1967
prior to January 2, 1975.

         TITLE VII--TERMINATION OF EXISTING CHARTER; TRANSITION

SEC. 701. TERMINATION OF EXISTING CHARTER.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in section 401 and subsection
(b), the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (sec. 1-201.01 et seq.,
D.C. Official Code) is repealed.
    (b) No Effect on Amendatory Provisions.--Nothing in subsection (a)
shall be construed to affect any provision of law which is amended or
repealed by the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.

SEC. 702. NO EFFECT ON EXISTING OBLIGATIONS.

    (a) Budgets.--Nothing in this Act or in the amendment made by
section 701 may be construed to relieve the District of Columbia of any
contractual or other financial obligations incurred by the District
under a budget enacted for a fiscal year prior to the effective date of
this Act.
    (b) Borrowing.--Nothing in this Act or in the amendment made by
section 701 may be construed--
            (1) to relieve the District of Columbia of any obligation
        incurred with respect to bonds or other forms of borrowing
        issued prior to the effective date of this Act; or
            (2) to waive the application to the District of Columbia of
        any other Federal law governing the borrowing of funds by
        States or units of local government, including the Internal
        Revenue Code of 1986.

SEC. 703. NO EFFECT ON INDIVIDUALS HOLDING POSITIONS WITHIN DISTRICT
              GOVERNMENT.

    Nothing in this Act or in the amendment made by section 701 may be
construed to affect the status of any individual who holds elective or
appointed office in, or is an officer or employee of, the government of
the District of Columbia as of the effective date of this Act.

SEC. 704. NO EFFECT ON PENDING ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS.

    No suit, action, or other judicial proceeding lawfully commenced by
or against any officer or agency in his or its official capacity or in
relation to the exercise of his or its official functions, and no
administrative action or proceeding lawfully commenced, shall abate by
reason of this Act or the amendment made by section 701.

                       TITLE VIII--EFFECTIVE DATE

SEC. 801. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on
the effective date of legislation enacted by the District of Columbia
after the date of the enactment of this Act which establishes--
            (1) the powers, organization, and procedure of the Council
        of the District of Columbia; and
            (2) the powers and duties of the Mayor of the District of
        Columbia, and the organization of the Office of the Mayor of
        the District of Columbia.

Summary: District of Columbia Full Self-Government Act - Declares that: (1) this Act shall have no effect on existing law or regulation unless otherwise repealed or amended by this Act or an Act of Congress. And (2) the legislative power of the District shall extend to all rightful subjects of legislation within the District consistent with the US Constitution and the provisions of this Act, subject to all the restrictions and limitations imposed upon the states by the Constitution. Establishes a Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of the Mayor. Prescribes requirements for treatment of District employees formerly covered by the Federal Civil Service System. Prohibits the Mayor's planning responsibility from extending to federal and District international projects and developments. Prescribes requirements granting the President emergency control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Declares that the District's judicial powers and the provisions of the District charter applicable to District judges and courts shall be those set forth in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act as in effect on the enactment of this Act. Subjects the process by which the District develops and enacts its fiscal year budget and related financial management activities to such laws as the District may enact. Declares that the full faith and credit of the United States is not pledged for any District obligations, nor is the United States responsible or liable for them. Exempts all District bonds and notes from federal taxation, except estate, inheritance, and gift taxes. Authorizes certain entities to invest in District bonds and notes. Reserves Congress the right to exercise constitutional authority as legislature for the District. Repeals the District of Columbia Home Rule Act , but not any provision of law amended or repealed by such Act.

To establish the charter for the government of the District of Columbia.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Employees Health Benefits
Access Act''.

SEC. 2. PROVISIONS TO MAKE FEHBP AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 8915. Provisions to require that benefits be extended to the
              general public
    ``(a) A contract may not be made or a plan approved unless the
carrier agrees to offer to the general public, throughout each term for
which the contract or approval remains effective, the same benefits
(subject to the same maximums, limitations, exclusions, and other
similar terms or conditions) as would be offered under such contract or
plan to employees and annuitants and their family members.
    ``(b)(1) Premiums for coverage under this section shall be
established in conformance with such requirements as the Office of
Personnel Management shall by regulation prescribe, including
provisions to ensure conformance with generally accepted standards and
practices associated with community rating.
    ``(2) In no event shall the enactment of this section result in--
            ``(A) any increase in the level of individual or Government
        contributions required under section 8906 or any other
        provision of this chapter, including copayments or deductibles;
            ``(B) any decrease in the types of benefits offered under
        this chapter; or
            ``(C) any other change that would adversely affect the
        coverage afforded under this chapter to employees and
        annuitants and their family members.
    ``(c) Benefits under this section shall, with respect to an
individual who is entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of
the Social Security Act, be offered (for use in coordination with those
Social Security benefits) to the same extent and in the same manner as
if coverage were under the preceding provisions of this chapter, rather
than under this section.
    ``(d)(1) A carrier may file an application with the Office setting
forth reasons why it, or a plan provided by such carrier, should be
excluded from the requirements of this section.
    ``(2) In reviewing any such application, the Office may consider
such factors as--
            ``(A) any bona fide enrollment restrictions which would
        make the application of this section inappropriate, including
        those common to plans which are limited to individuals having a
        past or current employment relationship with a particular
        agency or other authority of the Government;
            ``(B) whether compliance with this section would jeopardize
        the financial solvency of the plan or carrier, or otherwise
        compromise its ability to offer health benefits under the
        preceding provisions of this chapter; and
            ``(C) the anticipated duration of the requested exclusion,
        and what efforts the plan or carrier proposes to take in order
        to be able to comply with this section.
    ``(e) Except as the Office may by regulation prescribe, any
reference to this chapter (or any requirement of this chapter), made in
any provision of law, shall not be considered to include this section
(or any requirement of this section).''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 89 of
title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:

``8915. Provisions to require that benefits be extended to the general
                            public.''.

SEC. 3. STANDARDIZED CLAIMS PROCESSING.

    Section 8902 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
    ``(o) A claim for payment or reimbursement under this chapter
(whether electronic or otherwise) shall be submitted on such a standard
form or in such a standard manner as may be required by the Office in
relation to health benefit plans. Each contract under this chapter
shall include appropriate provisions to carry out the preceding
sentence.''.

SEC. 4. ADVANCE DIRECTIVES.

    Section 8907 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
    ``(c) The Office shall--
            ``(1) prepare information relating to the use of advance
        directives regarding the type or intensity of care which an
        individual desires in the event that such individual becomes
        unable to communicate by reason of incapacity due to illness or
        injury; and
            ``(2) require, as a condition for approval of any contract
        under section 8902, that appropriate provisions be included so
        that such information may be made available to enrollees of the
        plan involved.''.

SEC. 5. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF OFFERING
              FEHBP ENROLLEES THE OPTION OF USING ARBITRATION INSTEAD
              OF LITIGATION TO RESOLVE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS.

    (a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management shall conduct a
demonstration project to assess the feasibility and desirability of
offering the use of arbitration, instead of litigation, to resolve
medical malpractice claims arising out of covered health care services.
    (b) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the term
``covered health care services'' means any care, treatment, or other
service for which the individual who receives such service has coverage
under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
    (c) Project Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--The demonstration project shall be
        conducted as a demonstration project under section 4703 of
        title 5, United States Code.
            (2) Plan design.--In developing a plan for such project
        under section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, the Office
        shall include (in addition to any information otherwise
        required)--
                    (A) suggestions for incentives that may be offered
                in order to obtain the voluntary participation of
                enrollees, such as reductions in premiums, copayments,
                or deductibles;
                    (B) the criteria for identifying the types of
                health benefit plans which are appropriate for
                inclusion, and the procedures and conditions in
                accordance with which any such plan may participate;
                    (C) the general framework for arbitration,
                including (to the extent the Office considers
                appropriate) methods for the selection of arbitrators,
                length of hearings, and limitations on damages; and
                    (D) the effect of an award resulting from the
                arbitration process, and the extent to which review of
                such an award may be obtained.
    (d) Evaluation.--The evaluation required under section 4703(h) of
title 5, United States Code, with respect to the demonstration project
shall include data and analysis relating to matters such as--
            (1) the number of claims brought for arbitration;
            (2) how those claims were disposed of (whether by
        settlement, hearing, or otherwise), and the percentage of the
        total number of claims represented by each;
            (3) the average dollar amount of those awards or
        settlements;
            (4) the various costs involved in connection with those
        claims; and
            (5) the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration,
        relative to other methods of dispute resolution, and the extent
        to which arbitration should continue to be used under chapter
        89 of such title.

SEC. 6. APPLICABILITY.

    The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to
contract terms beginning after the end of the 6-month period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Federal Employees Health Benefits Access Act - Prohibits a Government health services contract from being made or a plan approved unless the carrier agrees to offer to the general public the same benefits as would be offered under such contract or plan to Federal employees and annuitants and their family members. Requires premiums for coverage to be established in conformance with such requirements as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) shall prescribe. Specifies that in no event shall this Act's enactment result in any: (1) increase in the level of individual or Government contributions required, including copayments or deductibles, (2) decrease in the types of benefits offered. Or (3) other change that would adversely affect the coverage afforded to employees and annuitants and their family members. Permits a carrier to file an application with OPM setting forth reasons why it, or a plan provided by such carrier, should be excluded from the requirements of this Act. Allows OPM, in reviewing any such application, to consider such factors as: (1) any bona fide enrollment restrictions which would make the application of this Act inappropriate. (2) whether compliance would jeopardize the financial solvency of the plan or carrier or otherwise compromise its ability to offer health benefits. And (3) the anticipated duration of the requested exclusion and what efforts the plan or carrier proposes to take in order to be able to comply with this Act. Requires a claim for payment or reimbursement to be submitted on a standard form or in a standard manner as may be required by OPM in relation to health benefit plans. Directs OPM to: (1) prepare information relating to the use of advance directives regarding the type or intensity of care which an individual desires in the event that such individual becomes unable to communicate by reason of incapacity due to illness or injury. And (2) require, as a condition for contract approval, that appropriate provisions be included so that such information may be made available to enrollees of the plan involved. Requires OPM to conduct a demonstration project to assess the feasibility and desirability of offering the use of arbitration, instead of litigation, to resolve medical malpractice claims arising out of covered health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding project requirements and evaluation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Peopling of America Theme Study
Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) an important facet of the history of the United States
        is the story of how the United States was populated;
            (2) the migration, immigration, and settlement of the
        population of the United States--
                    (A) is broadly termed the ``peopling of America'';
                and
                    (B) is characterized by--
                            (i) the movement of groups of people across
                        external and internal boundaries of the United
                        States and territories of the United States;
                        and
                            (ii) the interactions of those groups with
                        each other and with other populations;
            (3) each of those groups has made unique, important
        contributions to American history, culture, art, and life;
            (4) the spiritual, intellectual, cultural, political, and
        economic vitality of the United States is a result of the
        pluralism and diversity of the American population;
            (5) the success of the United States in embracing and
        accommodating diversity has strengthened the national fabric
        and unified the United States in its values, institutions,
        experiences, goals, and accomplishments;
            (6)(A) the National Park Service's official thematic
        framework, revised in 1996, responds to the requirement of
        section 1209 of the Civil War Sites Study Act of 1990 (16
        U.S.C. 1a-5 note; title XII of Public Law 101-628), that ``the
        Secretary shall ensure that the full diversity of American
        history and prehistory are represented'' in the identification
        and interpretation of historic properties by the National Park
        Service; and
            (B) the thematic framework recognizes that ``people are the
        primary agents of change'' and establishes the theme of human
        population movement and change--or ``peopling places''--as a
        primary thematic category for interpretation and preservation;
        and
            (7) although there are approximately 70,000 listings on the
        National Register of Historic Places, sites associated with the
        exploration and settlement of the United States by a broad
        range of cultures are not well represented.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
            (1) to foster a much-needed understanding of the diversity
        and contribution of the breadth of groups who have peopled the
        United States; and
            (2) to strengthen the ability of the National Park Service
        to include groups and events otherwise not recognized in the
        peopling of the United States.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior.
            (2) Theme study.--The term ``theme study'' means the
        national historic landmark theme study required under section
        4.
            (3) Peopling of america.--The term ``peopling of America''
        means the migration, immigration, and settlement of the
        population of the United States.

SEC. 4. NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK THEME STUDY ON THE PEOPLING OF
              AMERICA.

    (a) Theme Study Required.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit
to Congress a national historic landmark theme study on the peopling of
America.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the theme study shall be to identify
regions, areas, trails, districts, communities, sites, buildings,
structures, objects, organizations, societies, and cultures that--
            (1) best illustrate and commemorate key events or decisions
        affecting the peopling of America; and
            (2) can provide a basis for the preservation and
        interpretation of the peopling of America that has shaped the
        culture and society of the United States.
    (c) Identification and Designation of Potential New National
Historic Landmarks.--
            (1) In general.--The theme study shall identify and
        recommend for designation new national historic landmarks.
            (2) List of appropriate sites.--The theme study shall--
                    (A) include a list, in order of importance or
                merit, of the most appropriate sites for national
                historic landmark designation; and
                    (B) encourage the nomination of other properties to
                the National Register of Historic Places.
            (3) Designation.--On the basis of the theme study, the
        Secretary shall designate new national historic landmarks.
    (d) National Park System.--
            (1) Identification of sites within current units.--The
        theme study shall identify appropriate sites within units of
        the National Park System at which the peopling of America may
        be interpreted.
            (2) Identification of new sites.--On the basis of the theme
        study, the Secretary shall recommend to Congress sites for
        which studies for potential inclusion in the National Park
        System should be authorized.
    (e) Continuing Authority.--After the date of submission to Congress
of the theme study, the Secretary shall, on a continuing basis, as
appropriate to interpret the peopling of America--
            (1) evaluate, identify, and designate new national historic
        landmarks; and
            (2) evaluate, identify, and recommend to Congress sites for
        which studies for potential inclusion in the National Park
        System should be authorized.
    (f) Public Education and Research.--
            (1) Linkages.--
                    (A) Establishment.--On the basis of the theme
                study, the Secretary may identify appropriate means for
                establishing linkages--
                            (i) between--
                                    (I) regions, areas, trails,
                                districts, communities, sites,
                                buildings, structures, objects,
                                organizations, societies, and cultures
                                identified under subsections (b) and
                                (d); and
                                    (II) groups of people; and
                            (ii) between--
                                    (I) regions, areas, trails,
                                districts, communities, sites,
                                buildings, structures, objects,
                                organizations, societies, and cultures
                                identified under subsection (b); and
                                    (II) units of the National Park
                                System identified under subsection (d).
                    (B) Purpose.--The purpose of the linkages shall be
                to maximize opportunities for public education and
                scholarly research on the peopling of America.
            (2) Cooperative arrangements.--On the basis of the theme
        study, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of
        funds, enter into cooperative arrangements with State and local
        governments, educational institutions, local historical
        organizations, communities, and other appropriate entities to
        preserve and interpret key sites in the peopling of America.
            (3) Educational initiatives.--
                    (A) In general.--The documentation in the theme
                study shall be used for broad educational initiatives
                such as--
                            (i) popular publications;
                            (ii) curriculum material such as the
                        Teaching with Historic Places program;
                            (iii) heritage tourism products such as the
                        National Register of Historic Places Travel
                        Itineraries program; and
                            (iv) oral history and ethnographic
                        programs.
                    (B) Cooperative programs.--On the basis of the
                theme study, the Secretary shall implement cooperative
                programs to encourage the preservation and
                interpretation of the peopling of America.

SEC. 5. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

    The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with
educational institutions, professional associations, or other entities
knowledgeable about the peopling of America--
            (1) to prepare the theme study;
            (2) to ensure that the theme study is prepared in
        accordance with generally accepted scholarly standards; and
            (3) to promote cooperative arrangements and programs
        relating to the peopling of America.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

            Passed the Senate August 3, 2001.

            Attest:

                                                  JERI THOMSON,

                                                             Secretary.

Summary: Peopling of America Theme Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and submit to Congress a national historic landmark theme study on the peopling of America to identify regions, areas, trails, districts, communities, sites, buildings, structures, objects, organizations, societies, and cultures that: (1) best illustrate and commemorate key events or decisions affecting the peopling of America. And (2) can provide a basis for the preservation and interpretation of the peopling of America that has shaped US culture and society. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with educational institutions, professional associations, or other knowledgeable entities to prepare the study and promote cooperative arrangements and programs relating to the peopling of America. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study on the peopling of America, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Public Health Coordinating Council
Act''.

SEC. 2. NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH COORDINATING COUNCIL.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), acting in
collaboration with the Surgeon General, shall establish a National
Public Health Coordinating Council (referred to in this section as the
``Council'') to facilitate and strengthen sustained communication and
coordination across Federal agencies and offices regarding public
health and to review and make recommendations concerning adequate and
needed socio-economic and environmental policies to reduce health
disparities and improve the public's health.
    (b) Composition.--The Council shall be composed of--
            (1) the heads of each Federal department or agency (or
        their designees) that administers a program related to, or
        affected by, public health policies and projects (including
        medical and population-based public health programs), including
        the Secretary, the Surgeon General, the heads of the institutes
        and agencies within the Department of Health and Human
        Services, the heads of those Centers for Disease Control and
        Prevention centers determined appropriate by the Secretary, and
        the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, including
        the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the
        Department of Defense, the Department of Education, the
        Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
        Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of
        Homeland Security, the Department of the Interior, the
        Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, and the
        Department of Transportation;
            (2) representatives from each of the 10 regional health
        offices of the Department of Health and Human Services, who
        shall provide a State, local, and tribal perspective;
            (3) health advisors or other members of the President's
        domestic policy and domestic security councils;
            (4) public health experts who are not employed by the
        Federal Government, of whom--
                    (A) two individuals shall be appointed by the
                President pro tempore of the Senate upon the
                recommendation of the Majority Leader of the Senate,
                after consultation with the Chairman of the Committee
                on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
                Senate;
                    (B) two individuals shall be appointed by the
                President pro tempore of the Senate upon the
                recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate,
                after consultation with the ranking minority member of
                the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
                Pensions;
                    (C) three individuals shall be appointed by the
                Speaker of the House of Representatives, after
                consultation with the Chairman of the Committee on
                Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives;
                and
                    (D) three individuals shall be appointed by the
                Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, after
                consultation with the ranking minority member of the
                Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
                Representatives; and
            (5) other individuals determined appropriate by the
        Secretary or the co-chairpersons of the Council.
    (c) Administrative Provisions.--
            (1) Chairperson.--The Surgeon General and the Assistant
        Secretary for Health shall serve as the co-chairpersons of the
        Council.
            (2) Terms.--Members of the Council appointed under
        subsection (b)(4) shall serve for a term of 2 years and members
        appointed under subsection (b)(5) shall serve for a term of 3
        years, except that the initial terms of the members appointed
        under subsection (b)(4) shall be staggered. Such members may be
        reappointed for one or more additional term. Any member
        appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be
        appointed for the remainder of such term. A member may serve
        after the expiration of the member's term until a successor has
        taken office.
            (3) Meetings.--The Council shall meet at the call of the
        chairperson, but not fewer than 2 times each year. All meetings
        of the Council shall be public and shall include appropriate
        time periods for questions and presentations by the public.
            (4) Subcommittees; establishment and membership.--In
        carrying out its functions, the Council may establish
        subcommittees and convene workshops and conferences. Such
        subcommittees shall be composed of Council members and may hold
        such meetings as are necessary to enable the subcommittees to
        carry out their duties.
            (5) Support.--The Council shall receive necessary and
        appropriate administrative and other support from the
        Secretary, including the detailing of Department of Health and
        Human Services staff. The heads of the Federal entities
        represented on the Council shall share information, data,
        resources, and staff as appropriate.
    (d) Duties.--The Secretary shall determine the duties of the
Council, which shall at a minimum include--
            (1) reviewing existing Federal health programs and
        policies, the Federal administration of such programs, and
        whether such program provide for the availability of equitable
        public health services across communities;
            (2) making recommendations for the modification of such
        Federal programs and policies to improve public health;
            (3) making recommendations for the funding of such Federal
        programs at levels that would improve public health;
            (4) seeking to strengthen the impact of Federal public
        health efforts by improving interagency collaboration and
        promoting a dialogue on broad public health issues;
            (5) making recommendations to improve the efficiency of
        Federal health programs;
            (6) providing for the demonstration of Federal health
        leadership through the activities of the council;
            (7) improving Federal communication regarding health
        programs and policies through--
                    (A) the sharing of health-related information,
                knowledge, and data and the identification of gaps in
                comparable data and knowledge needed to improve the
                public's health; and
                    (B) the facilitation of new health-related
                partnerships, and enhancing existing networks across
                Federal agencies;
            (8) identifying needed technical assistance to State and
        local public health agencies; and
            (9) carrying out other activities determined appropriate by
        the Council to improve public health.
    (e) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
Council is established, and biennially thereafter, the Council shall
submit to the President, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives, a report that contains--
            (1) a description of the demonstrated strategic
        collaboration among Federal entities with respect to health
        programs and policies;
            (2) a summary of any evidence of improvements in
        communication and collaboration between such Federal entities
        with respect to Federal health programs and policies;
            (3) a description of any improvements in efficiencies of
        activities by such Federal entities with respect to such health
        programs and policies;
            (4) a description of the impact on public health of any
        modifications to such Federal programs and policies made as a
        result of the activities of the Council;
            (5) a description of progress made in meeting national
        health objectives and the public health infrastructure required
        to meet such objectives; and
            (6) recommendations for policies and programs to reduce
        health disparities.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary.

Summary: Public Health Coordinating Council Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Public Health Coordinating Council to: (1) facilitate and strengthen sustained communication and coordination across federal agencies and offices regarding public health. And (2) review and make recommendations concerning socioeconomic and environmental policies to reduce health disparities and improve the public's health. Requires the Secretary to determine the duties of the Council, which shall include: (1) reviewing existing federal health programs and policies for the availability of equitable public health services across communities. (2) making recommendations for the modification of such federal programs and policies to improve public health. And (3) seeking to strengthen the impact of federal public health efforts by improving interagency collaboration and promoting a dialogue on broad public health issues.

A bill to establish a National Public Health Coordinating Council to assess the impact of Federal health-related socio-economic and environmental policies across Federal agencies to improve the public's health.