SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Skilled Worker
Immigration and Fairness Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. H-1B visas.
Sec. 3. Employment-based immigration.
Sec. 4. H-1B visa fraud and abuse protections.

SEC. 2. H-1B VISAS.

    (a) Exemptions to Numerical Limitations.--
            (1) In general.--Section 214(g)(5) of the Immigration and
        Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(5)) is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``until the
                number of aliens who are exempted from such numerical
                limitation during such year exceeds 20,000.'' and
                inserting ``or has been awarded a medical specialty
                certification based on post-doctoral training and
                experience in the United States; or''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) has earned a masters or higher degree in
                science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from
                an institution of higher education outside of the
                United States.''.
            (2) Applicability.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
        shall apply to--
                    (A) any petition or visa application pending on the
                date of the enactment of this Act; and
                    (B) any petition or visa application filed on or
                after such date.
    (b) Market-Based Visa Limits.--Section 214(g) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1184(g)), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                striking ``(beginning with fiscal year 1992)''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking clauses (i)
                through (vii) and inserting the following:
                    ``(i) 115,000 in fiscal year 2007; and
                    ``(ii) in fiscal year 2008, and in each subsequent
                fiscal year, the greater of--
                            ``(I) 115,000; or
                            ``(II) the number calculated under
                        paragraph (9);'';
            (2) in paragraph (8)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (iv);
                and
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (D);
            (3) by redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), and (11) as
        paragraphs (10), (11), and (12), respectively; and
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
    ``(9) If the numerical limitation under paragraph (1)(A)--
            ``(A) is reached during a given fiscal year, the numerical
        limitation under paragraph (1)(A) for the subsequent fiscal
        year shall be equal to the lesser of--
                    ``(i) 120 percent of the numerical limitation for
                the given fiscal year; or
                    ``(ii) 180,000; and
            ``(B) is not reached during a given fiscal year, the
        numerical limitation under paragraph (1)(A) for the subsequent
        fiscal year shall be equal to the numerical limitation for the
        given fiscal year.''.

SEC. 3. EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
            ``(F) Aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree
        from an accredited university in the United States.
            ``(G) Aliens who--
                    ``(i) have earned an advanced degree in science,
                technology, engineering, or mathematics; and
                    ``(ii) have been working in a related field in the
                United States under a nonimmigrant visa during the 3-
                year period preceding their application for an
                immigrant visa under section 203(b).
            ``(H) Aliens who--
                    ``(i) are described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of
                section 203(b)(1); or
                    ``(ii) have received a national interest waiver
                under section 203(b)(2)(B).
            ``(I) The immediate relatives of an alien who is admitted
        as an employment-based immigrant under section 203(b).''.
    (b) Adjustment of Status for Employment-Based Immigrants.--
            (1) In general.--Section 245 of the Immigration and
        Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) is amended by adding at the end
        the following:
    ``(n) Adjustment of Status to Employment-Based Immigrant.--
            ``(1) Eligibility.--An alien, and any eligible dependents
        of such alien, may file an application for adjustment of status
        with the Secretary of Homeland Security, whether or not an
        employment-based immigrant visa is immediately available at the
        time the application is filed, if--
                    ``(A) a petition filed under subparagraph (E) or
                (F) of section 204(a)(1) on behalf of the alien has
                been approved; or
                    ``(B) in the discretion of the Secretary, the
                adjudication of such petition is pending.
            ``(2) Visa availability.--An application filed under
        paragraph (1) may not be approved until the appropriate
        employment-based immigrant visa becomes available under section
        203(b).
            ``(3) Fees.--If an employment-based immigrant visa is not
        available on the date on which an application is filed under
        paragraph (1), a supplemental fee of $500 shall be paid on
        behalf of the beneficiary of such application. Such fee may not
        be charged with respect to any dependent accompanying or
        following to join such beneficiary.
    ``(o) Extension of Employment Authorization and Advanced Parole
Document.--The Secretary of Homeland Security--
            ``(1) shall issue a 3-year employment authorization and 3-
        year advanced parole document to any beneficiary of an
        application for adjustment of status if a petition has been
        filed or is pending under subparagraph (E) or (F) of section
        204(a)(1); and
            ``(2) may adjust fees assessed under this section in
        accordance to the 3-year period of validity assigned to the
        employment authorization or advanced parole documents issued
        under subparagraph (1).''.
            (2) Use of fees.--Section 286 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1356)
        is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (m), by striking ``provisions of
                law, all adjudication fees'' and inserting ``provision
                of law, all adjudication fees and the fees collected
                under section 245(n)(3)''; and
                    (B) in subsection (n)--
                            (i) by striking ``All deposits'' and
                        inserting the following: ``(1) Except as
                        provided in paragraph (2), all deposits''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) All deposits in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account that
were originally collected under section 245(n)(3) shall be used to
clear security background check delays.''.
    (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply to any visa application--
            (1) pending on the date of the enactment of this Act; or
            (2) filed on or after such date.

SEC. 4. H-1B VISA FRAUD AND ABUSE PROTECTIONS.

    (a) Prohibition Against Advertising Exclusively to H-1B
Nonimmigrants.--Section 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (H);
            (2) by inserting after subparagraph (H), as redesignated,
        the following:
            ``(I) The employer has not advertised the available jobs
        specified in the application in an advertisement that states or
        indicates that--
                    ``(i) the jobs are only available to persons who
                are, or may become, H-1B nonimmigrants; or
                    ``(ii) persons will receive priority or preference
                in the hiring process because they are, or may become,
                H-1B nonimmigrants.''; and
            (3) in the undesignated paragraph at the end, by striking
        ``The employer'' and inserting the following:
            ``(K) The employer''.
    (b) Limit on Percentage of H-1B Employees.--Section 212(n)(1) of
such Act, as amended by this section, is further amended by inserting
after subparagraph (I), as added by subsection (a)(1), the following:
            ``(J) If the employer employs 50 or more employees in the
        United States, not more than 50 percent of such employees are
        H-1B nonimmigrants.''.
    (c) Safeguards Against Fraud and Misrepresentation in Application
Review Process.--Section 212(n)(1)(K) of such Act, as designated by
subsection (a)(2), is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``, clear indicators of fraud,
        misrepresentation of material fact,'' after ``completeness'';
            (2) by striking ``or obviously inaccurate'' and inserting
        ``, presents clear indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of
        material fact, or is obviously inaccurate''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following: ``If the
        Secretary's review of an application identifies clear
        indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact, the
        Secretary may conduct an investigation and hearing under
        paragraph (2).''.
    (d) Investigations by Department of Labor.--Section 212(n)(2) of
such Act is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``12 months'' and all
        that follows and inserting ``24 months after the date of the
        failure or misrepresentation, respectively. Upon the receipt of
        such a complaint, the Secretary may initiate an investigation
        to determine if such a failure or misrepresentation has
        occurred.'';
            (2) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
                    (A) by striking ``a condition of paragraph (1)(B),
                (1)(E), or (1)(F)'' and inserting ``a condition under
                subparagraph (B), (C), (E), (F), (H), (I), or (J) of
                paragraph (1)''; and
                    (B) by striking ``paragraph (1)(C), (1)(D), or
                (1)(G)(i)(I)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (C), (D) or
                (G)(i)(I) of paragraph (1)'';
            (3) in subparagraph (G)--
                    (A) in clause (i), by striking ``if the Secretary''
                and all that follows and inserting ``with regard to the
                employer's compliance with the requirements under this
                subsection.'';
                    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``and whose
                identity'' and all that follows through ``failure or
                failures.'' and inserting ``the Secretary of Labor may
                conduct an investigation into the employer's compliance
                with the requirements under this subsection.'';
                    (C) in clause (iii), by striking the last sentence;
                    (D) by striking clauses (iv) and (v);
                    (E) by redesignating clauses (vi), (vii), and
                (viii) as clauses (iv), (v), and (vi), respectively;
                    (F) in clause (iv), as redesignated, by striking
                ``meet a condition'' and all that follows and inserting
                ``comply with the requirements under this subsection,
                unless the Secretary of Labor receives the information
                not later than 24 months after the date of the alleged
                failure.'';
                    (G) by amending clause (v), as redesignated, to
                read as follows:
    ``(v) The Secretary of Labor shall provide notice to an employer of
the intent to conduct an investigation. The notice shall be provided in
such a manner, and shall contain sufficient detail, to permit the
employer to respond to the allegations before an investigation is
commenced. The Secretary is not required to comply with this clause if
the Secretary determines that such compliance would interfere with an
effort by the Secretary to investigate the employer or secure the
employer's compliance with this subsection. A determination by the
Secretary under this clause is not subject to judicial review.'';
                    (H) in clause (vi), as redesignated, by striking
                ``An investigation'' and all that follows through ``the
                determination.'' and inserting ``If the Secretary of
                Labor, after an investigation under clause (i) or (ii),
                determines that a reasonable basis exists to make a
                finding that the employer has failed to comply with the
                requirements under this subsection, the Secretary shall
                provide interested parties with notice of such
                determination and an opportunity for a hearing in
                accordance with section 556 of title 5, United States
                Code, not later than 120 days after the date of such
                determination.''; and
                    (I) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(vii) If the Secretary of Labor, after a hearing, finds a
reasonable basis to believe that the employer has violated a
requirement under this subsection, the Secretary may impose a penalty
under subparagraph (C).'';
            (4) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (J).
    (e) Additional Department of Labor Employees.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor is authorized to
        hire 200 additional employees to administer, oversee,
        investigate, and enforce programs involving H-1B nonimmigrant
        workers.
            (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
        to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
        this subsection.
    (f) Schedule of Fees.--Section 214(c)(12)(C) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(12)(C)) is amended by striking
``$500'' and inserting ``$1,000''.
    (g) Information Sharing Between Department of Labor and Department
of Homeland Security.--Section 212(n)(2) of such Act, as amended by
this section, is further amended by inserting after subparagraph (H)
the following:
    ``(I) If any information contained in the materials submitted by
employers of H-1B nonimmigrants as part of the adjudication process
indicates that the employer is not complying with the requirements
under this subsection, the Director of United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services shall provide such information to the Secretary of
Labor. The Secretary may initiate and conduct an investigation and
hearing under this paragraph after receiving such information.''.
    (h) Audits.--Section 212(n)(2)(A) of such Act, as amended by this
section, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``The
Secretary may conduct surveys regarding the degree to which employers
comply with the requirements under this subsection and may conduct
annual compliance audits of employers of H-1B nonimmigrants. The
Secretary shall conduct annual compliance audits of not less than 1
percent of the employers of H-1B nonimmigrants during the applicable
calendar year. The Secretary shall conduct annual compliance audits of
each employer with more than 100 employees who work in the United
States if more than 15 percent of such employees are H-1B
nonimmigrants.''.
    (i) Penalties.--Section 212(n)(2)(C) of such Act, as amended by
this section, is further amended--
            (1) in clause (i)(I), by striking ``$1,000'' and inserting
        ``$2,000'';
            (2) in clause (ii)(I), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting
        ``$10,000''; and
            (3) in clause (vi)(III), by striking ``$1,000'' and
        inserting ``$2,000''.
    (j) Information Provided to H-1B Nonimmigrants Upon Visa
Issuance.--Section 212(n) of such Act, as amended by this section, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6)(A) Upon providing H-1B nonimmigrant status to an alien in the
United States, the office processing the petition for such status shall
provide the applicant with--
            ``(i) a brochure outlining the employer's obligations and
        the employee's rights under Federal law, including labor and
        wage protections; and
            ``(ii) the contact information for Federal agencies that
        can offer more information or assistance in clarifying employer
        obligations and workers' rights.
    ``(B) Upon issuing an H-1B nonimmigrant visa to an alien outside
the United States, the officer of the Department of State shall provide
the applicant with the items described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
subparagraph (A).''.

Summary: Skilled Worker Immigration and Fairness Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the annual H-1B visa cap an alien who has: (1) earned a master's or higher degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from an institution of higher education outside of the United States. Or (2) been awarded a medical specialty certification based on post-doctoral training and experience in the United States. Sets H-1B annual limits at: (1) 115,000 for FY2007. And (2) for each subsequent fiscal year, the greater of 115,000 or a market-based calculation. Exempts from numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants: (1) aliens who have earned advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math and have been working in their fields in the United States under a nonimmigrant visa in the three years prior to filing for adjustment, (2) recipients of national interest waivers. And (3) immediate relatives of employment-based immigrants. Permits an alien to file for adjustment of status whether or not an employment-based immigrant visa is immediately available if: (1) a petition on behalf of the alien has been approved. Or (2) adjudication of such petition is pending. Revises H-1B provisions with respect to: (1) application fraud and misrepresentation, (2) employer penalties, (3) Department of Labor investigations. (4) Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) information sharing, (5) information provided to an H-1B nonimmigrant upon visa issuance, (6) prohibiting H-1B-exclusive employment advertising. And (7) prohibiting an employer of fewer than 50 employees in the United States from having more than 50 H-1B nonimmigrant employees.

A bill to increase the allocation of visas for certain highly skilled workers and to reduce fraud and abuse in certain visa programs for aliens working temporarily in the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business, Family Farms, and
Constitutional Protection Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
            (1) The provision of the Departments of Veterans Affairs
        and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies
        Appropriations Act, 1999, that prohibits the use of Federal
        funds to implement the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations
        Framework Convention on Climate Change prior to its
        ratification should be extended and strengthened.
            (2) The Environmental Protection Agency claims that it has
        authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide as
        a ``pollutant'', although the Administrator of the
        Environmental Protection Agency has not yet proposed to
        regulate carbon dioxide under the Act.
            (3) When the Congress enacted and amended the Clean Air
        Act, it did not delegate to the Environmental Protection Agency
        authority to regulate carbon dioxide. Such regulation would
        constitute a usurpation of legislative power.
            (4) Furthermore, regulation of carbon dioxide would
        necessarily have the effect of implementing the Kyoto Protocol.
            (5) Since a speech by the President on October 22, 1997,
        the Administration has called for enactment of a program
        commonly known as ``credit for early action'' or ``early action
        crediting'' as part of its global climate change policy.
            (6) Early action crediting is fundamentally a strategy to
        prematurely implement the nonratified Kyoto Protocol and to
        build a pro-Kyoto business constituency.
            (7) Early action crediting would reward some big businesses
        for taking steps to comply with the Kyoto Protocol prior to its
        ratification.
            (8) Early action crediting would also encourage
        participating big businesses to support ratification, because
        participants would acquire costly paper assets that could be
        used as emission credits under a future regulatory system and
        that could be monetized if the Kyoto Protocol were ratified.
            (9) Early action crediting is not a truly voluntary
        program, because it would penalize non-participants by reducing
        the supply of emission credits available to them in the first
        Kyoto Protocol compliance period.
            (10) Early action crediting would increase compliance costs
        under the Kyoto Protocol for small businesses and family farms,
        which generally lack the technical expertise and discretionary
        capital required for participation in emissions reduction
        projects and lack the legal sophistication necessary to
        negotiate early action agreements with Federal agencies.
            (11) Early action crediting would lose even the pretense of
        being voluntary if it were administered by the Environmental
        Protection Agency or any other agency wielding powers of
        regulatory coercion.
            (12) Companies already may voluntarily record and report
        their actions to reduce greenhouse gases under section 1605 of
        the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13385). That section
        is administered by the Energy Information Administration, an
        agency with no regulatory authority or agenda.
            (13) Early action crediting is not needed to protect early
        big business emissions reducers from any extra costs under the
        Kyoto Protocol, because, as a practical political matter, the
        Kyoto Protocol will not be ratified and implementing
        legislation will not be adopted without the active support of
        the policy makers and big businesses advocating early action
        crediting.
            (14) The most effective way for members of the Congress to
        protect United States competitiveness, small businesses, and
        family farms from the regulatory excesses of a possible future
        climate treaty is to declare their unequivocal and unqualified
        opposition to the Kyoto Protocol.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are the following:
            (1) To safeguard the Senate's constitutional role in treaty
        making.
            (2) To prevent implementation of the Kyoto Protocol prior
        to its ratification.
            (3) To protect small businesses and family farms from
        incurring additional costs under a future climate change treaty
        or domestic program to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE KYOTO PROTOCOL.

    (a) In General.--Federal funds may not be used to propose or issue
rules, regulations, decrees, or orders or used to propose or issue
rules, regulations, decrees, or orders or for programs designed to
implement, or in preparation for implementing, the Kyoto Protocol to
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change before the
date on which the Senate gives its advice and consent to ratification
of the Kyoto Protocol.
    (b) No Federal Authority To Regulate Carbon Dioxide Emissions.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal Agency has
authority to promulgate regulations to limit emissions of carbon
dioxide unless a law is enacted after the date of enactment of this Act
that specifically grants such authority.
    (c) Restriction on Use of Funds for Regulatory Credits.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Federal funds may not be
used to advocate, develop, or implement a program providing regulatory
credits for early voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions, before
the date on which the Senate gives its advice and consent to
ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

Summary: Small Business, Family Farms, and Constitutional Protection Act - Prohibits the use of Federal funds to propose or issue rules, regulations, decrees, or orders or for programs to implement the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change before the date on which the Senate gives its advice and consent to Protocol ratification. Provides that no Federal agency has authority to promulgate regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions unless a law is enacted after this Act's enactment that specifically grants such authority. Prohibits the use of Federal funds to advocate, develop, or implement a program providing regulatory credits for early voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions before the date on which the Senate gives its advice and consent to Protocol ratification.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Security and Liberty Preservation
Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the
        continuing threat of further attacks, are an assault on the
        safety and security of all Americans.
            (2) The threat of further acts of terrorism has
        necessitated an expansion of the authority of government to
        conduct surveillance and collect data.
            (3) While recognizing the need for additional security
        measures, Americans remain deeply committed to the individual
        dignity, liberty, and privacy rooted in United States history
        and protected by the Constitution of the United States.
            (4) Different investigative technologies and methods can
        achieve the same security goals in ways that have substantially
        different impacts on individual rights.
            (5) The government should conduct investigations and
        surveillance in a manner that fully addresses law enforcement
        and national security needs in the manner that best preserves
        the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals
        within the United States.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established the Commission on
Enhancing Security and Preserving Freedom (in this Act referred to as
the ``Commission'').
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 17
        members of whom--
                    (A) five shall be representatives of the Federal
                Government, including--
                            (i) the Attorney General, or the Attorney
                        General's designee;
                            (ii) the Secretary of the Treasury, or the
                        Secretary's designee;
                            (iii) the Secretary of Commerce, or the
                        Secretary's designee;
                            (iv) the Director of Central Intelligence,
                        or the Director's designee; and
                            (v) the Director of Homeland Security, or
                        the Director's designee;
                    (B) four shall be appointed by the Majority Leader
                of the Senate;
                    (C) two shall be appointed by the Minority Leader
                of the Senate;
                    (D) four shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
                House of Representatives; and
                    (E) two shall be appointed by the Minority Leader
                of the House of Representatives.
            (2) Limitation on designees.--An individual may not be
        designated for membership on the Commission under paragraph
        (1)(A) unless the individual holds a position in the United
        States Government by appointment of the President, by and with
        the advice and consent of the Senate.
            (3) Appointments by congressional leadership.--
                    (A) Requirements.--Of the individuals appointed
                under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph (1)--
                            (i) at least one shall be an officer or
                        employee of a State law enforcement agency; and
                            (ii) at least one shall be an officer or
                        employee of a local law enforcement agency.
                    (B) Limitation.--No individual may be appointed
                under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph (1) if
                the individual is an officer or employee of the Federal
                Government or an active member of the uniformed
                services.
                    (C) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress
                that in making appointments to the Commission under
                subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph (1) the
                Members of Congress referred to in such subparagraphs
                should seek to appoint individuals with varying
                viewpoints on and areas of expertise in the matters to
                be covered by the Commission, including individuals
                from the technology industry, non-profit entities, and
                academia.
    (c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members of the Commission
shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the
Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same
manner as the original appointment.
    (d) Security Clearances.--
            (1) In general.--Each individual appointed to the
        Commission under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of subsection
        (d)(1) shall possess a security clearance appropriate for the
        work of the Commission under this Act.
            (2) Failure to secure clearance.--
                    (A) Initial appointments.--If an individual
                initially appointed under subparagraphs (B) through (E)
                of subsection (d)(1) without a security clearance does
                not secure a security clearance by the commencement of
                the work of the Commission, the appointment shall be
                deemed vacant.
                    (B) Appointments to vacancies.--If an individual
                appointed to a vacancy in a position under
subparagraphs (B) through (E) of subsection (d)(1) without a security
clearance does not secure a security clearance within a reasonable
period (as determined by the Commission), the appointment shall be
deemed vacant.
            (3) Processing of clearances.--The Attorney General shall
        seek to ensure the timely processing of any applications for
        security clearances for purposes of this subsection.
    (e) Chairman.--The Commission shall select a Chairman from among
its members.
    (f) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which nine members of the Commission have been appointed, the
Commission shall hold its first meeting.
    (g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairman.
    (h) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.

SEC. 4. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Investigation.--The Commission shall conduct a thorough
investigation of the following:
            (1) Standards for using, selecting, and operating
        investigative and surveillance technologies to meet law
        enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best
        preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of
        individuals within the United States.
            (2) The advisability of establishing within the Government
        one or more entities or procedures to ensure that the
        Government uses investigative and surveillance technologies to
        meet law enforcement and national security needs in the manner
        that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy
        of individuals within the United States.
    (b) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
        the initial meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall
        submit to the President and Congress a report which shall
        contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of
        the Commission, together with its recommendations for such
        legislation and administrative actions as it considers
        appropriate.
            (2) Form of report.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
        be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
        annex.
    (c) Investigative and Surveillance Technologies Defined.--In this
section, the term ``investigative and surveillance technologies'' means
technologies that may be used by the Federal Government, and by State
and local governments, to monitor and collect information about
individuals in the absence of reasonable, articulable suspicion of
criminal activity, including--
            (1) Internet surveillance technologies;
            (2) data mining technologies;
            (3) surveillance camera technologies;
            (4) x-ray body scan technologies;
            (5) biometric technologies; and
            (6) other technologies identified by the Commission for
        purposes of this Act.

SEC. 5. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Hearings.--
            (1) In general.--The Commission or, at its direction, any
        subcommittee or member of the Commission, may, for the purpose
        of carrying out this Act--
                    (A) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times
                and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence,
                administer such oaths; and
                    (B) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the
                attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the
                production of such books, records, correspondence,
                memoranda, papers, documents, tapes, and materials,
        as the Commission or such subcommittee or member considers
        advisable.
            (2) Public meetings.--To the maximum extent practicable,
        the meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public.
            (3) Closed meetings.--
                    (A) In general.--Meetings of the Commission may be
                closed to the public under section 10(d) of the Federal
                Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) or other
                applicable law.
                    (B) Additional authority.--In addition to the
                authority under subparagraph (A), paragraphs (1) and
                (3) of section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee
                Act shall not apply to any portion of a Commission
                meeting if the President determines that such portion
                or portions of that meeting is likely to disclose
                matters that could endanger national security. If the
                President makes such determination, the requirements
                relating to a determination under section 10(d) of that
                Act shall apply.
            (4) Public summary of closed proceedings.--Whenever
        practicable, the Commission shall maintain and make available
        for public inspection an unclassified summary of any classified
        information considered by the Commission and of any classified
        meeting or proceeding conducted by the Commission.
    (b) Issuance and Enforcement of Subpoenas.--
            (1) Issuance.--Subpoenas issued under subsection (a) shall
        bear the signature of the Chairman of the Commission and shall
        be served by any person or class of persons designated by the
        Chairman for that purpose.
            (2) Enforcement.--In the case of contumacy or failure to
        obey a subpoena issued under subsection (a), the United States
        district court for the judicial district in which the
        subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found may issue
        an order requiring such person to appear at any designated
        place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence.
        Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by
        the court as a contempt of court.
    (c) Witness Allowances and Fees.--Section 1821 of title 28, United
States Code, shall apply to witnesses requested or subpoenaed to appear
at any hearing of the Commission. The per diem and mileage allowances
for witnesses shall be paid from funds available to pay the expenses of
the Commission.
    (d) Procedures.--The Commission may adopt procedures for the work
of the Commission under this Act. Any portion of such procedures
relating to the treatment of confidential or classified information
shall not go into effect until jointly approved by the Attorney General
and the Director of Central Intelligence.
    (e) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the
Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. Upon request of
the Chairman of the Commission, the head of such department or agency
shall furnish such information to the Commission.
    (f) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
    (g) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.

SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

    (a) Compensation of Members.--Members of the Commission shall serve
without compensation for their service as members of the Commission.
All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the
United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that
received for their services as officers or employees of the United
States.
    (b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes
or regular places of business in the performance of services for the
Commission.
    (c) Staff.--
            (1) In general.--The Chairman of the Commission may,
        without regard to the civil service laws and regulations,
        appoint and terminate an executive director and such other
        additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the
        Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an
        executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the
        Commission.
            (2) Compensation.--The Chairman of the Commission may fix
        the compensation of the executive director and other personnel
        without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53
        of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of
        positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate
        of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not
        exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule
        under section 5316 of such title.
            (3) Security clearances.--The executive director and any
        other personnel of the Commission shall possess security
        clearances appropriate for the work of the Commission.
    (d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government
employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service
status or privilege.
    (e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The
Chairman of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates
for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of such title.

SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

    The Commission shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the
Commission submits its report under section 4(b).

SEC. 8. FUNDING.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for each of fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005 such sums as
may be necessary for the Commission to carry out this Act in such
fiscal year.
    (b) Transfer of Funds.--If no funds are appropriated to the
Commission by the end of the session of Congress ending in a fiscal
year specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce shall, from
amounts appropriated or otherwise available to the Secretary for such
fiscal year, transfer to the Commission an amount necessary to permit
the Commission to carry out this Act in such fiscal year.
    (c) Availability.--Any amounts appropriated to the Commission under
subsection (a), or transferred to the Commission under subsection (b),
shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.

Summary: Security and Liberty Preservation Act - Establishes the Commission on Enhancing Security and Preserving Freedom to conduct a thorough investigation of: (1) standards for using, selecting, and operating investigative and surveillance technologies to meet law enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals within the United States. And (2) the advisability of establishing Government entities or procedures to ensure that the Government complies with such standards.

A bill to establish a commission to evaluate investigative and surveillance technologies to meet law enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals within the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Taxpayer Protection Act of 1997''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE INDEPENDENT OFFICE OF THE TAXPAYER
              ADVOCATE.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 7802(d) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to Office of Taxpayer Advocate) is
amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) Establishment.--
                    ``(A) In general.--There is established in the
                Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the
                `Office of the Taxpayer Advocate'.
                    ``(B) National taxpayer advocate.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Office of the
                        Taxpayer Advocate shall be under the
                        supervision and direction of an official to be
                        known as the `National Taxpayer Advocate'. The
                        National Taxpayer Advocate shall report
                        directly to the Commissioner of Internal
                        Revenue and shall be entitled to compensation
                        at the same rate as the highest level official
                        reporting directly to the Commissioner of the
                        Internal Revenue Service.
                            ``(ii) Appointment.--The National Taxpayer
                        Advocate shall be appointed by the President,
                        by and with the advice and consent of the
                        Senate, from among individuals with a
                        background in customer service, as well as tax
                        law. No officer or employee of the Internal
                        Revenue Service may be appointed to such
                        position in order to ensure an independent
                        position to represent taxpayers' interests.''.
    (b) Annual Reports and Additional Responsibilities.--Section
7802(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to functions
of office) is amended by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
                    ``(B) Annual reports.--
                            ``(i) Objectives.--Not later than June 30
                        of each calendar year, the National Taxpayer
                        Advocate shall report to the Committee on Ways
                        and Means of the House of Representatives and
                        the Committee on Finance of the Senate on the
                        objectives of the Office of the Taxpayer
                        Advocate for the fiscal year beginning in such
                        calendar year. Any such report shall contain
                        full and substantive analysis, in addition to
                        statistical information.
                            ``(ii) Activities.--Not later than December
                        31 of each calendar year, the National Taxpayer
                        Advocate shall report to the Committee on Ways
                        and Means of the House of Representatives and
                        the Committee on Finance of the Senate on the
                        activities of the Office of the Taxpayer
                        Advocate during the fiscal year ending during
                        such calendar year. Any such report shall
                        contain full and substantive analysis, in
                        addition to statistical information, and
                        shall--
                                    ``(I) identify the initiatives the
                                Office of the Taxpayer Advocate has
                                taken on improving taxpayer services
                                and Internal Revenue Service
                                responsiveness,
                                    ``(II) contain recommendations
                                received from individuals with the
                                authority to issue Taxpayer Assistance
                                Orders under section 7811,
                                    ``(III) contain a summary of at
                                least 20 of the most serious problems
                                encountered by taxpayers, including a
                                description of the nature of such
                                problems,
                                    ``(IV) contain an inventory of the
                                items described in subclauses (I),
                                (II), and (III) for which action has
                                been taken and the result of such
                                action,
                                    ``(V) contain an inventory of the
                                items described in subclauses (I),
                                (II), and (III) for which action
                                remains to be completed and the period
                                during which each item has remained on
                                such inventory,
                                    ``(VI) contain an inventory of the
                                items described in subclauses (I),
                                (II), and (III) for which no action has
                                been taken, the period during which
                                each item has remained on such
                                inventory, the reasons for the
                                inaction, and identify any Internal
                                Revenue Service official who is
                                responsible for such inaction,
                                    ``(VII) identify any Taxpayer
                                Assistance Order which was not honored
                                by the Internal Revenue Service in a
                                timely manner, as specified under
                                section 7811(b),
                                    ``(VIII) contain recommendations
                                for such administrative and legislative
                                action as may be appropriate to resolve
                                problems encountered by taxpayers,
                                    ``(IX) identify areas of the tax
                                law that impose significant compliance
                                burdens on taxpayers or the Internal
                                Revenue Service, including specific
                                recommendations for remedying these
                                problems,
                                    ``(X) identify the 10 most
                                litigated issues for each category of
                                taxpayers, including recommendations
                                for mitigating such disputes, and
                                    ``(XI) include such other
                                information as the National Taxpayer
                                Advocate may deem advisable.
                            ``(iii) Report to be submitted directly.--
                        Each report required under this subparagraph
                        shall be provided directly to the Committees
                        described in clauses (i) and (ii) without any
                        prior review or comment from the Commissioner,
                        the Secretary of the Treasury, any other
                        officer or employee of the Department of the
                        Treasury, or the Office of Management and
                        Budget.
                    ``(C) Other responsibilities.--The National
                Taxpayer Advocate shall--
                            ``(i) monitor the coverage and geographic
                        allocation of local taxpayer advocates,
                            ``(ii) develop guidance to be distributed
                        to all Internal Revenue Service officers and
                        employees outlining the criteria for referral
                        of taxpayer inquiries to local taxpayer
                        advocates,
                            ``(iii) ensure that the local telephone
                        number for the local taxpayer advocate in each
                        Internal Revenue Service district is published
                        and available to taxpayers, and
                            ``(iv) in conjunction with the
                        Commissioner, develop career paths for local
                        taxpayer advocates choosing to make a career in
                        the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate.''.
    (c) National Oversight of Local Offices.--Section 7802(d)(2) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to functions of office), as
amended by subsection (b), is amended by adding at the end the
following:
                    ``(D) Personnel actions.--
                            ``(i) Heads of local offices.--The National
                        Taxpayer Advocate shall have the responsibility
                        to--
                                    ``(I) appoint and dismiss the local
                                taxpayer advocate heading the office of
                                the taxpayer advocate at each Internal
                                Revenue Service district office and
                                service center, and
                                    ``(II) evaluate and take personnel
                                actions with respect to any employee of
                                an office of the taxpayer advocate
                                described in subclause (I).
                            ``(ii) Consultation.--The National Taxpayer
                        Advocate may consult with the head of any
                        Internal Revenue Service district office or
                        service center in carrying out the National
                        Taxpayer Advocate's responsibilities under this
                        subparagraph.''.
    (d) Operation of Local Offices.--Section 7802(d) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Operation of local offices.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Each local taxpayer advocate--
                            ``(i) shall report directly to the National
                        Taxpayer Advocate,
                            ``(ii) may consult with the head of the
                        Internal Revenue Service district office
or service center which the local taxpayer advocate serves regarding
the daily operation of the office of the taxpayer advocate,
                            ``(iii) shall, at the initial meeting with
                        any taxpayer seeking the assistance of the
                        office of the taxpayer advocate, notify such
                        taxpayer that the office operates independently
                        of any Internal Revenue Service district office
                        or service center and reports directly to
                        Congress through the National Taxpayer
                        Advocate, and
                            ``(iv) shall, at the taxpayer advocate's
                        discretion, not disclose to the Internal
                        Revenue Service contact with, or information
                        provided by, such taxpayer.
                    ``(B) Maintenance of independent communications.--
                Each local office of the taxpayer advocate shall
                maintain separate phone, facsimile, and other
                electronic communication access, and a separate post
                office address from the Internal Revenue Service
                district office or service center which it serves.''.
    (e) Notice of Right To Contact Office Included in Notice of
Deficiency.--Section 6212(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to notice of deficiency) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``Such notice shall include a notice to the taxpayer of the
taxpayer's right to contact a local office of the taxpayer advocate and
the location and phone number of the nearest office.''.
    (f) Expansion of Authority To Issue Taxpayer Assistance Orders.--
Section 7811(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
taxpayer assistance orders) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Upon application'' and inserting the
        following:
            ``(1) In general.--Upon application'',
            (2) by moving the text 2 ems to the right, and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(2) Determination of hardship.--For purposes of
        determining whether a taxpayer is suffering or about to suffer
        a significant hardship, the National Taxpayer Advocate should
        consider--
                    ``(A) whether the Internal Revenue Service employee
                to which such order would issue is following applicable
                published administrative guidance, including the
                Internal Revenue Manual,
                    ``(B) whether there is an immediate threat of
                adverse action,
                    ``(C) whether there has been a delay of more than
                30 days in resolving taxpayer account problems, and
                    ``(D) the prospect that the taxpayer will have to
                pay significant professional fees for
                representation.''.
    (g) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) The following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
        of 1986 are each amended by striking ``Taxpayer Advocate'' each
        place it appears and inserting ``National Taxpayer Advocate'':
                    (A) Section 6323(j)(1)(D) (relating to withdrawal
                of notice in certain circumstances).
                    (B) Section 6343(d)(2)(D) (relating to return of
                property in certain cases).
                    (C) Section 7802(d)(3) (relating to
                responsibilities of Commissioner).
                    (D) Section 7811(a)(1) (relating to authority to
                issue), as amended by subsection (f).
                    (E) Section 7811(b)(2)(D) (relating to terms of a
                Taxpayer Assistance Order).
                    (F) Section 7811(c) (relating to authority to
                modify or rescind).
                    (G) Section 7811(d)(2) (relating to suspension of
                running of period of limitation).
                    (H) Section 7811(e) (relating to independent action
                of Taxpayer Advocate).
                    (I) Section 7811(f) (relating to Taxpayer
                Advocate).
            (2) Section 7811(d)(1) of such Code (relating to suspension
        of running of period of limitation) is amended by striking
        ``Taxpayer Advocate's'' and inserting ``National Taxpayer
        Advocate's''.
            (3) The headings of subsections (e) and (f) of section 7802
        of such Code are each amended by striking ``Taxpayer Advocate''
        and inserting ``National Taxpayer Advocate''.
            (4) The heading of section 7802 of such Code is amended by
        striking ``taxpayer advocate'' and inserting ``national
        taxpayer advocate''.
    (h) Transition Rules Relating to Appointment of National Taxpayer
Advocate.--
            (1) Initial appointment.--The President shall nominate for
        appointment the initial National Taxpayer Advocate to serve as
        head of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate established under
        section 7208(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as
        amended by this section) not later than 120 days after the date
        of the enactment of this Act.
            (2) Interim role of current taxpayer advocate.--Until an
        individual has taken office under section 7208(a) of such Code
        (as so amended), the Taxpayer Advocate shall assume the
        additional powers and duties of the National Taxpayer Advocate
        under the amendments made by this section.
    (i) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Taxpayer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Places such office under the direction of the National Taxpayer Advocate, who shall be appointed by the President. Revises provisions concerning reporting and responsibilities of the Office, including directing the National Taxpayer Advocate to appoint local taxpayer advocates who shall report directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. Requires each local taxpayer advocate office to maintain separate phone, facsimile, and other communication access, and a separate post office address from its IRS district office or service center. Revises provisions concerning the authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders.

Taxpayer Protection Act of 1997


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Protect Children from Video Game Sex
and Violence Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The video game industry has grown into a $10 billion
        market for game software publishing, wholesaling, and
        retailing.
            (2) The use and observation of video games that contain
        sexual or violent content can be harmful to minors and
        reasonable restrictions will significantly decrease the number
        of minors using these games.
            (3) On July 26, 2000, six of the Nation's most respected
        public health groups, including the American Medical
        Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American
        Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Child
        and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that viewing entertainment
        violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes,
        behaviors, and values, particularly in children.
            (4) The ratings and content descriptors of video and
        computer games issued by the entertainment industry reflect the
        notion that certain video and computer games are suitable only
        for adults due to graphic depictions of sex or violence.
            (5) In December 2001, a study by the Federal Trade
        Commission showed that retailers allowed 78 percent of
        unaccompanied minors, ages 13 to 16, to purchase games rated as
        ``Mature'' by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
            (6) The sale of video games and computer games
        substantially affects interstate commerce because they are sold
        in interstate commerce on a nationwide basis.
            (7) The Nation has a compelling interest in preventing
        minors from purchasing video and computer games that are only
        suitable for adults due to graphic depictions of sex or
        violence.
            (8) There is a need to enact narrowly tailored legislation
        to restrict the sale and use of video games that contain sexual
        or violent content that is intended for adults only, and that
        such legislation not restrict adults' access to these games.

SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON SALE OR RENTAL OF ADULT VIDEO GAMES TO MINORS.

    (a) In General.--Part 1 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new chapter:

 ``CHAPTER 124--PROHIBITION ON SALE OR RENTAL OF ADULT VIDEO GAMES TO
                                 MINORS

``Sec. 2731. Definitions
    ``As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply:
            ``(1) The term `graphic violence' means the visual
        depiction of serious injury to human beings, actual or virtual,
        including aggravated assault, decapitation, dismemberment, or
        death.
            ``(2) The term `content harmful to minors' means video game
        content that predominantly appeals to minors' morbid interest
        in violence or minors' prurient interest in sex, is patently
        offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a
        whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors, and
        lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific
        value for minors, and contains--
                    ``(A) graphic violence;
                    ``(B) sexual violence; or
                    ``(C) strong sexual content.
            ``(3) The term `minor' means a person age 17 and younger.
            ``(4) The term `nudity' means the visual depiction, actual
        or virtual, of the human male or female genitals, pubic area or
        buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, of a female
        breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any part of
        the nipple or of any portion of the breast below the nipple, or
        the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid
        state.
            ``(5) The term `sexual conduct' means acts, actual or
        virtual, of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or physical
        contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic
        area, buttocks or, if such person be a female, a breast.
            ``(6) The term `strong sexual content' means the visual
        depiction, actual or virtual, of human nudity or explicit human
        sexual behavior, including acts of masturbation, deviate sexual
        conduct, sexual intercourse, or fondling of genitals.
            ``(7) The term `sexual violence' means the visual
        depiction, actual or virtual, of rape or other sexual assault.
            ``(8) The term `video game' means any copy of an electronic
        game that may be played using a portable electronic device or
        with a hand-held gaming device using a television or computer.
``Sec. 2732. Prohibition on sale or rental of adult video games to
              minors
    ``Whoever sells at retail or rents, or attempts to sell at retail
or rent, to a minor any video game that depicts nudity, sexual conduct,
or other content harmful to minors, shall be fined under this chapter.
``Sec. 2733. Penalties
    ``(a) First Violation.--Whoever knowingly violates section 2732
shall be fined not more than $1,000.
    ``(b) Second Violation.--Whoever knowingly violates section 2732,
having previously been fined under subsection (a), shall be fined not
less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000.
    ``(c) Subsequent Violations.--Whoever knowingly violates section
2732, having previously been fined under subsection (b), shall be fined
not less than $5,000.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of chapters at the beginning of
part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following new item:

``124. Prohibition on sale or rental of adult video games to    2731''.
                            minors.

Summary: Protect Children from Video Game Sex and Violence Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale or rental to a minor of a video game that depicts nudity, sexual conduct, or other content harmful to minors.

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the sale or rental of adult video games to minors.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Health
Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Authorization of fiscal year 2012 major medical facility
          projects.
Sec. 3. Modification of authorization for certain major medical facility
          construction projects previously authorized.
Sec. 4. Authorization of fiscal year 2012 major medical facility leases.
Sec. 5. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 6. Modification of requirements relating to congressional approval
          of certain medical facility acquisitions.
Sec. 7. Limitation on authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use
          bid savings on major construction projects to expand purpose
          of major medical facility projects.
Sec. 8. Name of Department of Veterans Affairs telehealth clinic, Craig,
          Colorado.
Sec. 9. George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
          Center.
Sec. 10. Extension of certain expiring authorities.
Sec. 11. Authorization of appropriations for comprehensive service
          programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 12. Reauthorization of appropriations for financial assistance for
          supportive services for very low-income veteran families in
          permanent housing.
Sec. 13. Extension of grant program for homeless veterans with special
          needs.
Sec. 14. Extension of specially adapted housing assistance for
          individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a family
          member.
Sec. 15. Extension of funding fees.
Sec. 16. Notice and verification of the use of income information from
          other agencies.
Sec. 17. Termination or reduction of certain benefits and services based
          on income information obtained from other agencies.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2012 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY
PROJECTS.
    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major
medical facility projects in fiscal year 2012, with each project to be
carried out in the amount specified for each project:
        (1) Construction of seismic corrections for Building 100 at the
    Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Seattle,
    Washington, in an amount not to exceed $51,800,000.
        (2) Construction of seismic corrections and renovation of
    various buildings to include Building 209 for housing facilities
    for homeless veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
    Center in West Los Angeles, California, in an amount not to exceed
    $35,500,000.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN MAJOR MEDICAL
FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED.
    (a) Modification of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2007 Major Medical
Facility Project at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in
Fayetteville, Arkansas.--Section 803(3) of the Veterans Benefits,
Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-
461) is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``and a parking garage'' after ``clinical
    addition''; and
        (2) by striking ``$56,163,000'' and inserting ``$90,600,000''.
    (b) Modification of Extension of Authorization for Major Medical
Facility Construction Project in Orlando, Florida, Previously
Authorized in Connection With Capital Asset Realignment Initiative.--
Section 802(11) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information
Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461), as amended by section
702(b)(4) of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements
Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-387; 122 Stat. 4137), is amended by
inserting ``, including a Simulation, Learning, Education, and Research
Network Center,'' after ``Florida, area''.
    (c) Increase in Amount of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2008 Major
Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center in Palo Alto, California.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
carry out the major medical facility project at the Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, for which
amounts were appropriated under chapter 3 of title I of the
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 122 Stat.
2326) under the heading ``construction, major projects'' under the
heading ``DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS'' in an amount not to exceed
$716,600,000.
    (d) Increase in Amount of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2009 Major
Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.--Section 701(3) of the Veterans' Mental
Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-387; 122
Stat. 4137) is amended by striking ``$225,900,000'' and inserting
``$277,000,000''.
    (e) Increase in Amount of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2007 Major
Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, St. Louis, Missouri.--Section 803(5) of the Veterans Benefits,
Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-
461) is amended by striking ``$69,053,000'' and inserting
``$346,300,000''.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2012 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY
LEASES.
    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following
fiscal year 2012 major medical facility leases at the locations
specified, in an amount not to exceed the amount shown for that
location:
        (1) Columbus, Georgia, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, in an
    amount not to exceed $5,335,000.
        (2) Fort Wayne, Indiana, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to
    exceed $2,845,000.
        (3) Mobile, Alabama, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to
    exceed $6,565,000.
        (4) Rochester, New York, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to
    exceed $9,232,000.
        (5) Salem, Oregon, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, in an
    amount not to exceed $2,549,000.
        (6) San Jose, California, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not
    to exceed $9,546,000.
        (7) South Bend, Indiana, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to
    exceed $6,731,000.
        (8) Springfield, Missouri, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic,
    in an amount not to exceed $6,489,000.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
    (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Construction.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
fiscal year 2012 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the
Construction, Major Projects, account $87,300,000 for the projects
authorized in section 2.
    (b) Modification of Authorization for Certain Major Medical
Facility Construction Projects Previously Authorized.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
fiscal year 2012 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the
Construction, Major Projects, account $850,070,000 for the projects
authorized in section 3.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations for Medical Facility Leases.--
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for fiscal year 2012 or the year in which funds are
appropriated for the Medical Facilities account $49,292,000 for the
leases authorized in section 4.
    (d) Limitation.--The projects authorized in sections 2, 3, and 4
may only be carried out using--
        (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2012 pursuant to the
    authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this section;
        (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
    fiscal year before fiscal year 2012 that remain available for
    obligation;
        (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
    fiscal year after fiscal year 2012 that remain available for
    obligation;
        (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
    fiscal year 2012 for a category of activity not specific to a
    project;
        (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a
    fiscal year before 2012 for a category of activity not specific to
    a project; and
        (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a
    fiscal year after 2012 for a category of activity not specific to a
    project.
SEC. 6. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL
OF CERTAIN MEDICAL FACILITY ACQUISITIONS.
    Section 8104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)--
            (A) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``detailed description'' and inserting
            ``detailed estimate of the total costs'';
                (ii) by striking ``a description of the consideration''
            and inserting ``a detailed report of the consideration'';
            and
                (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``Such
            detailed estimate shall include an identification of each
            of the following:
            ``(A) Total construction costs.
            ``(B) Activation costs.
            ``(C) Special purpose alterations (lump-sum payment) costs.
            ``(D) Number of personnel.
            ``(E) Total costs of ancillary services, equipment, and all
        other items.'';
            (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating
        paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (2) through (6),
        respectively;
            (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking ``a
        five-year period and a ten-year period'' and inserting ``a
        five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year
        period'';
            (D) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by inserting
        before the period at the end the following: ``, including
        information on projected changes in workload and utilization
        over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year
        period'';
            (E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated--
                (i) by striking ``Current and projected'' and inserting
            ``Projected''; and
                (ii) by inserting before the period at the end the
            following: ``(including and identifying both recurring and
            non-recurring costs (including activation costs and total
            costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other
            items)) over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a
            twenty-year period''; and
            (F) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated--
                (i) by striking ``a description of each alternative to
            construction of the facility that was considered.'' and
            inserting ``each of the following:''; and
                (ii) by adding at the end the following new
            subparagraphs:
            ``(A) A detailed estimate of the total costs (including
        total construction costs, activation costs, special purpose
        alterations (lump-sum payment) costs, number of personnel and
        total costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other
        items) for each alternative to construction of the facility
        that was considered.
            ``(B) A comparison of total costs to total benefits for
        each such alternative.
            ``(C) An explanation of why the preferred alternative is
        the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals
        and the most cost-effective alternative.''; and
        (2) in subsection (d)--
            (A) by striking ``major medical facility project'' each
        place it appears and inserting ``major construction project'';
        and
            (B) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``major medical
            facility projects'' and inserting ``major construction
            projects''; and
                (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``major medical
            facility'' and inserting ``major construction project''.
SEC. 7. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO USE
BID SAVINGS ON MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO EXPAND PURPOSE OF MAJOR
MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS.
    Section 8104(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by
section 6, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
    ``(C) The Secretary may not obligate an amount under subparagraph
(A) to expand the purpose of a major construction project except
pursuant to a provision of law enacted after the date on which the
Secretary submits to the committees described in subparagraph (B)
notice of the following:
        ``(i) The major construction project that is the source of the
    bid savings.
        ``(ii) The major construction project for which the Secretary
    intends to expand the purpose.
        ``(iii) A description of such expansion of purpose.
        ``(iv) The amounts the Secretary intends to obligate to expand
    the purpose.''.
SEC. 8. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TELEHEALTH CLINIC,
CRAIG, COLORADO.
    (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs telehealth
clinic in Craig, Colorado, shall after the date of the enactment of
this Act be known and designated as the ``Major William Edward Adams
Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States to the clinic
referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to
the ``Major William Edward Adams Department of Veterans Affairs
Clinic''.
SEC. 9. GEORGE H. O'BRIEN, JR., DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL
CENTER.
    (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center
located in Big Spring, Texas, shall after the date of the enactment of
this Act be known and designated as the ``George H. O'Brien, Jr.,
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States to the Department
of Veterans Affairs medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall
be considered to be a reference to the ``George H. O'Brien, Jr.,
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''.
  SEC. 10. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.
    (a) Recovery Audits for Certain Contracts.--Section 1703(d)(4) of
title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30,
2013'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
    (b) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs.--Section
2021(e)(1)(F) of such title is amended by striking ``2011'' and
inserting ``2012''.
    (c) Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seriously Mentally Ill and
Homeless Veterans.--Section 2031(b) of such title is amended by
striking ``December 31, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2012''.
    (d) Additional Services for Seriously Mentally Ill and Homeless
Veterans.--Section 2033(d) of such title is amended by striking
``December 31, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2012''.
    (e) Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans.--Section 2041(c) of
such title is amended by striking ``December 31, 2011'' and inserting
``December 31, 2012''.
    (f) Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.--Section 2066(d) of
such title is amended by striking ``December 30, 2011'' and inserting
``December 31, 2012''.
    (g) Authority To Transfer Real Property.--Section 8118(a)(5) of
such title is amended by striking ``the date that is seven years after
the date of the enactment of this section'' and inserting ``December
31, 2018''.
  SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE
      PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.
    Section 2013 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``subchapter'' and all that follows through the
    period at the end and inserting the following: ``subchapter amounts
    as follows:''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
        ``(1) $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.
        ``(2) $175,100,000 for fiscal year 2010.
        ``(3) $217,700,000 for fiscal year 2011.
        ``(4) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
        ``(5) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each subsequent
    fiscal year.''.
  SEC. 12. REAUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
      FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN
      PERMANENT HOUSING.
    (a) In General.--Subsection (e) of section 2044 is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new
    subparagraph:
        ``(D) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''; and
        (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2011'' and inserting
    ``2012''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--Paragraph (1) of such subsection is
further amended by striking ``carry out subsection (a), (b), and (c)''
and inserting ``carry out subsections (a), (b), and (c)''.
  SEC. 13. EXTENSION OF GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS WITH
      SPECIAL NEEDS.
    Section 2061(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2012''.
  SEC. 14. EXTENSION OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR
      INDIVIDUALS RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A FAMILY
      MEMBER.
    Section 2102A(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2012''.
  SEC. 15. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FEES.
    Section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``October 1, 2011'' each place it occurs and inserting
``November 18, 2011''.
  SEC. 16. NOTICE AND VERIFICATION OF THE USE OF INCOME INFORMATION
      FROM OTHER AGENCIES.
    Section 5317(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``November 18, 2011''.
  SEC. 17. TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BENEFITS AND SERVICES
      BASED ON INCOME INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OTHER AGENCIES.
    (a) Title 38.--Section 5317A(d) of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``November 18,
2011''.
    (b) Social Security Act.--Section 453(j)(11)(G) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(11)(G)) is amended by striking
``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``November 18, 2011''.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and
                                               President of the Senate.

Summary: Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011 - Authorizes, within specified amounts, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain FY2012 major medical facility construction projects (projects) at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in Seattle, Washington and West Los Angeles, California. Modifies authorizations for certain previously authorized projects in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Orlando, Florida area, Palo Alto, California, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis, Missouri. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out FY2012 major medical facility leases (leases) at specified outpatient and community-based outpatient clinics in Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, New York, and Oregon. Authorizes appropriations for such projects and leases. Provides project and lease funding limitations. Directs the Secretary to include in the prospectus required to be submitted to Congress with a request for funding of a major medical facility project or lease: (1) a detailed estimate of the total costs of the medical facility including the number of personnel and itemized costs for construction, activation, special purpose alteration, ancillary services, and equipment. And (2) data concerning demographics, workload, utilization, and operating costs over a 5-, 10-, and 20-year period. Requires further, in the case of a proposed new or replacement facility, a detailed: (1) report of the consideration given to acquiring an existing facility by lease or purchase and to the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense (DOD), and (2) total cost estimate and a cost-benefit comparison for each considered alternative to construction of the facility and an explanation of why the preferred alternative is the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals. Prohibits the Secretary from using bid savings on a major construction project to expand the purpose of such a project until after submitting specified information to the congressional veterans committees, including the major project that is the source of the bid savings and the major project for which the Secretary intends to expand the purpose. Designates the VA telehealth clinic in Craig, Colorado, as the Major William Edward Adams Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. Designates the VA medical center in Big Spring, Texas, as the George H. O'Brien, Jr. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Extends through 2012 specified authority for: (1) treatment, rehabilitation, and additional services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, (2) housing assistance for homeless veterans, and (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Extends through FY2012 the authority of the Secretary of Labor to conduct homeless veterans reintegration programs. Extends through 2018 the authority for transfers of real property under the Secretary's jurisdiction or control. Extends to September 30, 2020, the recovery audit program for certain fee basis and other medical services contracts concerning non-VA care and services for veterans and beneficiaries. Increases authorized amounts for the VA comprehensive service programs for FY2012. Provides a reduced amount for FY2013 and thereafter. Increases and extends through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the VA program of financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families residing in permanent housing. Extends through: (1) FY2012 a VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) the end of 2012 specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to: (1) charge a loan fee for certain subsequent housing loans made to veterans, and (2) verify veterans' income information from the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security. Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to verify veterans' income information through the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) before terminating or reducing certain benefits and services. Makes a conforming amendment to part D of title IV of the Social Security Act authorizing the release of such information by the HHS Secretary.

To authorize certain Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility projects and leases, to extend certain expiring provisions of law, and to modify certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Merchant Marine of World War II
Congressional Gold Medal Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory
        in World War II and the restoration of peacetime across the
        European and Pacific theaters.
            (2) The United States Merchant Marine was integral in
        providing the link between domestic production and the fighting
        forces overseas, providing combat equipment, fuel, food,
        commodities, and raw materials to troops stationed overseas.
            (3) Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King acknowledged the
        indispensability of the Merchant Marine to the victory in a
        1945 letter stating that without their support, ``the Navy
        could not have accomplished its mission''.
            (4) President and former Supreme Commander of the Allied
        Forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower, acknowledged that ``through the
        prompt delivery of supplies and equipment to our armed forces
        overseas, and of cargoes representing economic and military aid
        to friendly nations, the American Merchant Marine has
        effectively helped to strengthen the forces of freedom
        throughout the world''.
            (5) Military missions and war planning were contingent upon
        the availability of resources and that the United States
        Merchant Marine played a vital role in this regard, ensuring
        the efficient and reliable transoceanic transport of military
        equipment as well as both military and civilian personnel.
            (6) The United States Merchant Marine provided for the
        successful transport of resources and personnel despite
        consistent and ongoing exposure to enemy combatants from both
        the air and the sea, such as enemy bomber squadrons,
        submarines, and mines.
            (7) The efforts of the United States Merchant Marine were
        not without sacrifices as they bore a higher per capita
        casualty rate than any other branch of the military during the
        war.
            (8) The United States Merchant Marine proved to be an
        instrumental asset on untold occasions, participating in every
        landing operation by the United States Marine Corps from
        Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima as well as providing, for instance, the
        bulk tonnage of material necessary for the invasion of Normandy
        which ``would not have been possible without the Merchant
        Marine'', as a 1944 New York Times article observed.
            (9) In also assessing their performance, General Dwight D.
        Eisenhower stated, ``every man in this Allied command is quick
        to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage, and
        fortitude of the officers and men of the Merchant Marine. We
        count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty as
        we do our own; they have never failed us''.
            (10) During a September 1944 speech, President Franklin D.
        Roosevelt stated, the Merchant Marine has ``delivered the goods
        when and where needed in every theater of operations and across
        every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult, and dangerous
        transportation job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will
        be greater public understanding of our merchant fleet's record
        during this war.''.
            (11) The feats and accomplishments of the Merchant Marine
        are deserving of broader public recognition.
            (12) The United States will be forever grateful and
        indebted to the U.S. Merchant Marine for their effective,
        reliable, and courageous transport of goods and resources in
        enemy territory throughout theaters of every variety in World
        War II; that these goods and resources saved thousands of lives
        and enabled the Allied Powers to claim victory in World War II.
            (13) The Congressional Gold Medal will be an appropriate
        way to shed further light on the service of the Merchant Marine
        in World War II and the instrumental role they played in
        winning World War II.

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

    (a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold
medal of appropriate design to the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War
II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World
War II.
    (b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award referred to
in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter referred to
as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with suitable
emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
    (c) American Merchant Marine Museum.--
            (1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in
        honor of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the gold medal shall be
        given to the American Merchant Marine Museum, where it will be
        available for display as appropriate and available for
        research.

SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

    Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the
Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal
struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the
medals, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.

SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS.

    (a) National Medals.--Medals struck pursuant to this Act are
national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States
Code.
    (b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be
considered to be numismatic items.

            Passed the House of Representatives November 30, 2016.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.

Summary: Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal to the US Merchant Marine of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World War II. Following its award the medal shall be given to the American Merchant Marine Museum where it will be available for display and research.