SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Interest on Business Checking Act of
2001''.

SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO DEMAND DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS AT DEPOSITORY
              INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) Interest-Bearing Transaction Accounts Authorized.--
            (1) Federal reserve act.--Section 19(i) of the Federal
        Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371a) is amended by adding at the end
        the following: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of this
        section, a member bank may permit the owner of any deposit, any
        account which is a deposit, or any account on which interest or
        dividends are paid, to make not more than 24 transfers per
        month (or such greater number as the Board may determine by
        rule or order), for any purpose, to a demand deposit account of
        the owner in the same institution. With respect to an escrow
        account maintained in connection with a loan, a lender or
        servicer shall pay interest on such account only if such
        payments are required by contract between the lender or
        servicer and the borrower, or a specific statutory provision of
        the law of the State in which the security property is located
        requires the lender or servicer to make such payments. Nothing
        in this subsection shall be construed to prevent an account
        offered pursuant to this subsection from being considered a
        transaction account for purposes of this Act.''.
            (2) Home owners' loan act.--Section 5(b)(1) of the Home
        Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464 (b)(1)) is amended by adding
        at the end the following:
                    ``(G) Transfers.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any
                        other provision of this paragraph, a Federal
                        savings association may permit the owner of any
                        deposit or share, any account which is a
                        deposit or share, or any account on which
                        interest or dividends are paid, to make not
                        more than 24 transfers per month (or such
                        greater number as the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System may determine by rule or order under section
19(i) of the Federal Reserve Act to be permissible for member banks),
for any purpose, to a demand deposit account of the owner in the same
institution.
                            ``(ii) Escrow accounts.--With respect to an
                        escrow account maintained in connection with a
                        loan, a lender or servicer shall pay interest
                        on such account only if--
                                    ``(I) such payments are required by
                                contract between the lender or servicer
                                and the borrower; or
                                    ``(II) a specific statutory
                                provision of the law of the State in
                                which the security property is located
                                requires the lender or servicer to make
                                such payments.
                            ``(iii) Limitation.--Nothing in this
                        subsection shall be construed to prevent an
                        account offered pursuant to this subsection
                        from being considered a transaction account (as
                        defined in section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve
                        Act) for purposes of the Federal Reserve
                        Act.''.
            (3) Federal deposit insurance act.--Section 18(g) of the
        Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1828(g)) is amended by
        adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Transfers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
                provision of this subsection, an insured nonmember bank
                or insured State savings association may permit the
                owner of any deposit or share, any account which is a
                deposit or share, or any account on which interest or
                dividends are paid to make not more than 24 transfers
                per month (or such greater number as the Board of
                Governors of the Federal Reserve System may determine
                by rule or order under section 19(i) of the Federal
                Reserve Act to be permissible for member banks), for
                any purpose, to a demand deposit account of the owner
                in the same institution.
                    ``(B) Escrow accounts.--With respect to an escrow
                account maintained in connection with a loan, a lender
                or servicer shall pay interest on such account only
                if--
                            ``(i) such payments are required by
                        contract between the lender or servicer and the
                        borrower; or
                            ``(ii) a specific statutory provision of
                        the law of the State in which the security
                        property is located requires the lender or
                        servicer to make such payments.
                    ``(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall
                be construed to prevent an account offered pursuant to
                this subsection from being considered a transaction
                account (as defined in section 19(b) of the Federal
                Reserve Act) for purposes of the Federal Reserve
                Act.''.
    (b) Repeal of Prohibition on Payment of Interest on Demand
Deposits.--
            (1) Federal reserve act.--Section 19(i) of the Federal
        Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371a) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(i) [Repealed].''.
            (2) Home owners' loan act.--Section 5(b)(1) of the Home
        Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464(b)(1)) is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``savings
                association may not--'' and all that follows through
                ``(ii) permit any'' and inserting ``savings association
                may not permit any''; and
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (G).
            (3) Federal deposit insurance act.--Section 18(g) of the
        Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1828(g)) is amended to
        read as follows:
    ``(g) [Repealed].''.
            (4) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
        shall take effect at the end of the 2-year period beginning on
        the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 3. PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON RESERVES AT FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS.

    (a) In general.--Section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12
U.S.C. 461(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(12) Earnings on reserves.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Balances maintained at a Federal
                reserve bank by or on behalf of a depository
                institution to meet the reserve requirements of this
                subsection applicable with respect to such depository
                institution shall receive earnings to be paid by the
                Federal reserve bank at least once each calendar
                quarter at a rate or rates not to exceed the general
                level of short term interest rates.
                    ``(B) Regulations relating to payments and
                distribution.--The Board may prescribe regulations
                concerning--
                            ``(i) the payment of earnings in accordance
                        with this paragraph;
                            ``(ii) the distribution of such earnings to
                        the depository institutions which maintain
                        balances at such banks or on whose behalf such
                        balances are maintained; and
                            ``(iii) the responsibilities of depository
                        institutions, Federal home loan banks, and the
                        National Credit Union Administration Central
                        Liquidity Facility with respect to the
                        crediting and distribution of earnings
                        attributable to balances maintained, in
                        accordance with subsection (c)(1)(B), in a
                        Federal reserve bank by any such entity on
                        behalf of depository institutions which are not
                        member banks.''.
    (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 19(b) of federal reserve act.--Section 19(b)(4)
        of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)(4)) is amended--
                    (A) by striking subparagraph (C); and
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as
                subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.
            (2) Section 19(c) of federal reserve act.--Section
        19(c)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(c)(1)(A))
        is amended by striking ``subsection (b)(4)(C)'' and inserting
        ``subsection (b)''.

                                <greek-d>

Summary: Interest on Business Checking Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to: (1) provide that a depository institution may permit owners of interest or dividend paying accounts to make up to 24 transfers monthly for any purpose to their other demand deposits in the same institution. And (2) repeal the proscription against the payment of interest on demand deposits. Prescribes conditions for interest payments on escrow accounts. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require a Federal reserve bank to pay interest at least quarterly on any balance maintained by a depository institution at the reserve bank to meet its reserve requirements.

A bill to amend Federal banking law to permit the payment of interest on business checking accounts in certain circumstances, and for other purposes.


.--
            (1) In general.--Section 233(e) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
        433(e)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
        following new paragraphs:
    ``(2)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (4) or (5), the agreement
transmitted to the Congress pursuant to paragraph (1) may enter into
force according to its terms or upon the expiration of the period of 60
calendar days following the date of its transmittal to each House of
the Congress (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and days on which
either House of Congress is not in session), whichever is later.
    ``(B) Whenever a document setting forth an agreement entered into
under this section and the President's report in support of the
agreement is transmitted to the Congress pursuant to paragraph (1),
copies of such document shall be delivered to both Houses of Congress
on the same day and shall be delivered to the Clerk of the House of
Representatives if the House is not in session and to the Secretary of
the Senate if the Senate is not in session.
    ``(3)(A) Any document setting forth an agreement entered into under
this section and transmitted to each House of the Congress pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall set forth a determination of the Chief Actuary of
the Social Security Administration as to whether there is expected,
over the 75-year period following the date of the entry into force of
the agreement, a net reduction in any positive actuarial balance for
such period of the social security system established by this title (or
a net increase in any negative actuarial balance for such period for
such system) attributable to the operation of such agreement equal to
at least 0.005 percent of the present value of taxable payroll for such
period.
    ``(B) For purposes of this paragraph--
            ``(i) The term `actuarial balance' means, with respect to a
        period, the difference between the adjusted summarized income
        rate over such period and the adjusted summarized cost rate
        over such period.
            ``(ii) The term `taxable payroll' means, for a period, the
        total wages (as defined in section 209) to be paid, and self-
        employment income (as defined in section 211(b)) to be derived,
        during such period.
            ``(iii) The term `adjusted summarized income rate' means,
        over a period, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the sum
        of the trust fund balance at the beginning of the period plus
        the present value of the total income from taxes during such
        period, to the present value of the taxable payroll for such
        period.
            ``(iv) The term `adjusted summarized cost rate' means, over
        a period, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the sum of
        the present value of the cost during such period plus the
        present value of the targeted trust fund balance, to the
        present value of the taxable payroll for the years for such
        period.
            ``(v) The term `trust fund balance' means the combined
        balance of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust
        Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund
        (hereinafter in this subparagraph referred to as the `Trust
        Funds').
            ``(vi) The term `income from taxes' means, during a period,
        the amounts deposited in the Trust Funds as appropriations
        during the period based on taxes under chapters 2 and 21 and
        section 86 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
            ``(vii) The term `cost' means, during a period,
        disbursements from the Trust Funds during such period,
        including scheduled benefit payments, special monthly payments
        to certain uninsured persons who have 3 or more quarters of
        coverage (and whose payments are therefore not reimbursable
        from the general fund of the Treasury), administrative
        expenses, net transfers from the Trust Funds to the Railroad
        Retirement program under financial-interchange provisions, and
        payments for vocational rehabilitation services for disabled
        beneficiaries, and excluding special monthly payments to
        certain uninsured persons whose payments are reimbursable from
        the general fund of the Treasury, and transfers under the
        interfund borrowing provisions of section 201(l).
            ``(viii) The term `target trust fund balance' means the
        trust fund balance, as of the end of the 75-year period
        described in subparagraph (A), necessary to support an OASDI
        trust fund ratio (as defined in section 201(l)(3)(B)(iii)) of
        100 percent for the year following the last year of such
        period.
    ``(C) In making determinations under this paragraph, the Chief
Actuary shall employ the intermediate assumptions of the Board of
Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and
the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund in its most recent annual
report issued pursuant to section 201.
    ``(4) An agreement entered into under this section shall not enter
into force if there is enacted into law, during the period of 60
calendar days specified in paragraph (2)(A), a bill or joint resolution
disapproving such agreement.
    ``(5) In any case in which the determination of the Chief Actuary
described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) in connection with an
agreement entered into under this section is that, with respect to the
75-year period described in such subparagraph, there is expected a net
reduction, in the actuarial balance for such period of the social
security system established by this title, which--
            ``(A) is attributable to the operation of such agreement,
        and
            ``(B) is equal to at least 0.005 percent of the present
        value of taxable payroll for such period,
such agreement shall not enter into force unless, during the period of
60 calendar days specified in paragraph (2)(A), there is enacted into
law a bill or joint resolution approving such agreement.
    ``(6)(A) The provisions of this paragraph are enacted by the
Congress--
            ``(i) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House
        of Representatives and the Senate, respectively, and as such
        they are deemed a part of the rules of each House,
        respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure
        to be followed in that House in the case of disapproval
        resolutions and approval resolutions, and they supersede other
        rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith;
        and
            ``(ii) with full recognition of the constitutional right of
        either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the
        procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner and to
        the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.
    ``(B) During the period of 60 calendar days specified in paragraph
(2)(A), it shall be in order as a matter of highest privilege in each
House of the Congress to consider a bill or joint resolution described
in paragraph (4) or (5) providing solely for the disapproval or
approval of an agreement entered into under this section, if offered by
the majority leader or minority leader of such House (or a designee).
    ``(C) For purposes of consideration of a bill or joint resolution
described in paragraph (4) or (5) providing solely for approval or
disapproval of an agreement under this section, the agreement shall not
be subject to amendment after the transmittal to each House of the
Congress pursuant to paragraph (1).''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection
        shall apply with respect to agreements, establishing
        totalization arrangements pursuant to section 233 of the Social
        Security Act, which are transmitted to the Congress on or after
        the date of the enactment of this Act.
            (3) Special rule.--Notwithstanding subsection (e) of
        section 233 of the Social Security Act (as in effect prior to
        the amendments made by this section), any agreement entered
        into pursuant to such section 233, establishing totalization
        arrangements between the social security system established by
        title II of such Act and the social security system of another
        country, which--
                    (A) was signed by the Commissioner of Social
                Security in June 2004, and
                    (B) was transmitted to the Congress pursuant to
                such subsection (e) on or after September 1, 2007, and
                before the date of the enactment of this Act,
        shall be deemed not to have entered into force as of the date
        of the enactment of this Act and shall be deemed to enter into
        force after such date only as provided in section 233(e) of
        such Act (as amended by this section) as if such agreement had
        been transmitted to the Congress on the date on which the
        President transmits to the Congress on or after such date,
        pursuant to section 233(e)(1) of such Act (as amended by this
        section), a report in support of such agreement meeting the
        requirements of such section 233(e)(1) (as so amended).
    (c) Biennial Reports to the Congress Regarding Ongoing Operation of
Totalization Agreements.--
            (1) In general.--Section 233 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 433) is
        amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

                      ``Biennial Oversight Reports

    ``(f) The Commissioner of Social Security shall submit biennially
to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report evaluating the
operation, during the preceding 2-year period covered by the report, of
each agreement entered into pursuant to this section. Such report shall
include--
            ``(1) if the report is submitted during the 10-year period
        following the date on which the agreement enters into force,
        the change in benefit costs under the social security system
        established by this title which is attributable to the
        agreement, as estimated as of the date of the report, and the
        change in contributions under such system which is attributable
        to such agreement, as so estimated,
            ``(2) information relating to actual, or perceived
        potential, fraudulent receipt of benefits attributable to the
        operation of the agreement under the social security system
        established by this title,
            ``(3) information relating to perceived problems with the
        integrity of the other country's data and records used in
        determining eligibility for benefits or benefit amounts, and
            ``(4) if the report is submitted during the 10-year period
        following the date on which the agreement enters into force,
        information relating to demographic or other trends that may
        cause future deviations from the original estimates of costs to
        each social security system which are attributable to the
        agreement.''.
            (2) Initial report.--The Commissioner of Social Security
        shall submit the initial report pursuant to section 233(f) of
        the Social Security Act (added by this subsection) not later
        than December 31, 2008.

SEC. 203. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS REMOVED FROM THE
              UNITED STATES.

    (a) In General.--Section 202(n)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 402(n)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``, on the basis of
        his wages and self-employment income,'';
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and
        inserting ``, and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
            ``(D) no lump sum death payment shall be made to such
        individual after the Commissioner of Social Security is
        notified by the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland
        Security that such individual has been so removed.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to any individual with respect to whose removal from the United
States the Commissioner of Social Security receives notification from
the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security after the
twelfth month that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: New Employee Verification Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to require employers to verify employee identification and employment eligibility under the Electronic Employment Verification System (EEVS) or the Secure Employment Eligibility Verification System (SEEVS) . Permits employers subject to employee verification requirements to do so under EEVS or SEEVS. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) voluntary and expedited participation. (2) employer penalties for failure to participate in EEVS or SEEVS, (3) employer and employee information and document requirements, (4) employer liability protection, (5) attestation. And (6) consequences of EEVS determinations. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require a national identification card. Repeals the employment eligibility pilot programs under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Amends title II of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to establish EEVS utilizing information in the National Directory of New Hires. States that EEVS shall have the capacity to determine whether: (1) employer-submitted information is consistent with information maintained by the Commissioner with respect to US citizens and nationals and by the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to aliens. And (2) the individual is a citizen or national or is not an unauthorized alien. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) submission for confirmation of an individual's identification and employment eligibility and related EEVs determinations, (2) administrative and judicial review of employment disapproval, (3) EEVS implementation. And (4) data use by EEVS. Directs the Commissioner to establish SEEVS to provide, through government certified private entities, for verification of identity and employment eligibility respecting new employees Permits an employer to opt out of SEEVS after one year's participation. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) certification of entities. (2) database management, including limitations on accessibility and the use and storage of biometric data, (3) employer responsibilities, (4) employee protections. And (5) information security and confidentiality, including penalties for violations. Directs the Commissioner to establish the Employment Verification Advisory Council, which shall terminate five years after enactment of this Act. Amends INA to: (1) apply certain antidiscrimination provisions to EEVS and SEEVS, (2) increase civil money penalties for unfair employment practice violations. (3) increase civil money penalties for certain hiring, recruiting, and referral violations. And (4) increase criminal penalties for pattern or practice violations. Amends SSA to: (1) provide for disclosure to the Secretary of Homeland Security of certain National Directory of New Hires information about employees with the greatest number or percentage of mismatched social security information, (2) deny credit toward earnings benefits from unauthorized work, (3) revise totalization agreement provisions. And (4) prohibit survivor's lump sum death payments to individuals who have been removed from the United States under INA.

To amend the Social Security Act to prevent unauthorized earnings from being credited toward benefits under title II of such Act and to make improvements in provisions governing totalization agreements, to amend the Social Security Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act to prevent unauthorized employment, and to improve coordination of the provisions of such Acts, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Advancing Innovation and
Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum
Act'' or the ``AIRWAVES Act''.

SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that the United States should strive
to--
            (1) advance innovation with respect to, and investment in,
        wireless broadband Internet access;
            (2) promote the benefits of connecting all individuals in
        the United States to quality wireless broadband Internet
        access, including those individuals in rural communities; and
            (3) support comprehensive, technology-neutral spectrum
        policy that includes licensed, unlicensed, and shared use of
        spectrum bands.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act--
            (1) the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
                Transportation of the Senate;
                    (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
                House of Representatives; and
                    (C) any other congressional committee with
                jurisdiction over a matter;
            (2) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal
        Communications Commission;
            (3) the term ``eligible Federal entity'' means an entity
        described in section 113(g)(1) of the National
        Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
        Act (47 U.S.C. 923(g)(1));
            (4) the term ``eligible frequency'' means a frequency with
        respect to which the costs incurred by an eligible Federal
        entity in relocating from the frequency may be reimbursed from
        the Spectrum Relocation Fund;
            (5) the term ``Federal entity'' has the meaning given the
        term in section 113(l) of the National Telecommunications and
        Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(l));
            (6) the term ``NTIA'' means the National Telecommunications
        and Information Administration;
            (7) the term ``Spectrum Frontiers proceeding'' means the
        Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in
        the matter of Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile
        Radio Services, adopted by the Commission on July 14, 2016 (FCC
        16-89);
            (8) the term ``Spectrum Relocation Fund'' means the fund
        established under section 118 of the National
        Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
        Act (47 U.S.C. 928); and
            (9) the term ``system of competitive bidding'' means a
        system of competitive bidding conducted under section 309(j) of
        the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)).

SEC. 4. SPECTRUM FRONTIERS PROCEEDING.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall complete the rule making to which the Spectrum
Frontiers proceeding relates.

SEC. 5. EXPANDING ACCESS TO COMMERCIAL SPECTRUM.

    (a) FCC Responsibilities.--
            (1) In general.--The Commission, in consultation with the
        NTIA, shall--
                    (A) not later than December 31, 2018, complete a
                system of competitive bidding to grant priority access
                licenses for the use of 70 megahertz of spectrum in the
                frequencies between 3550 megahertz and 3650 megahertz;
                    (B) not later than December 31, 2018, complete a
                system of competitive bidding for the use of spectrum
                in frequencies between--
                            (i) 24250 megahertz and 24450 megahertz;
                            (ii) 24750 megahertz and 25250 megahertz;
                            (iii) 27500 megahertz and 28350 megahertz,
                        consistent with the spectrum sharing framework
                        adopted for that frequency band as part of the
                        Spectrum Frontiers proceeding;
                            (iv) 37600 megahertz and 38600 megahertz;
                            (v) 38600 megahertz and 40000 megahertz;
                        and
                            (vi) 47200 megahertz and 48200 megahertz;
                        and
                    (C) not later than December 31, 2020, complete a
                system of competitive bidding for the use of spectrum
                in frequencies between--
                            (i) 31800 megahertz and 33400 megahertz;
                            (ii) 42000 megahertz and 42500 megahertz;
                        and
                            (iii) 50400 megahertz and 52600 megahertz.
            (2) Requirements relating to 3550-3700 mhz band.--
        Consistent with the Commission's rules governing the Citizens
        Broadband Radio Service and the Report and Order and Second
        Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the matter of
        Amendment of the Commission's Rules with Regard to Commercial
        Operations in the 3550-3650 MHz Band, adopted by the Commission
        on April 17, 2015 (FCC 15-47)--
                    (A) 30 megahertz of spectrum in the frequencies
                between 3550 megahertz and 3650 megahertz shall be
                reserved for general authorized access use; and
                    (B) the frequencies between 3650 megahertz and 3700
                megahertz shall be reserved for grandfathered wireless
                broadband licensees and general authorized access
                users.
    (b) Identifying Frequencies Between 7125 Megahertz and 8400
Megahertz To Be Utilized for Unlicensed Purposes.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
        enactment of this Act, the NTIA, in consultation with the
        Commission, shall identify any frequency between 7125 megahertz
        and 8400 megahertz with respect to which there is the potential
        for unlicensed use without causing harmful interference with
        incumbents.
            (2) Rule making.--If the NTIA, in consultation with the
        Commission, makes an identification described in paragraph (1),
        the Commission shall consider initiating a rule making with
        respect to the unlicensed use described in that paragraph.
    (c) Report on Reallocation of Certain Incumbent Federal Stations.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than December 31, 2020, the
        NTIA, in consultation with the Director of the Office of
        Management and Budget, shall submit to the appropriate
        committees of Congress a report relating to the relocation of
        incumbent Federal stations authorized to use spectrum in the
        frequencies between 1300 megahertz and 1350 megahertz and
        between 1780 megahertz and 1830 megahertz in order to
        facilitate the reallocation of such spectrum from Federal to
        non-Federal use.
            (2) Timing.--The relocation described in paragraph (1) with
        respect to the frequencies between 1780 megahertz and 1830
        megahertz shall take place not earlier than 2023.
    (d) Amendments to the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015.--Section 1004
of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015 (47 U.S.C. 921 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``30 megahertz'' and
        inserting ``100 megahertz''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``July 1, 2024''
        and inserting ``July 1, 2023''.

SEC. 6. MODERNIZING MID-BAND SPECTRUM.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Spectrum identification.--Not later than December 31,
        2019, the Commission, in consultation with the NTIA, shall
        identify up to 500 megahertz of additional spectrum in the
        frequencies between 3700 megahertz and 4200 megahertz to make
        available for commercial licensed use.
            (2) Spectrum auction.--Not later than December 31, 2022,
        the Commission shall complete a system of competitive bidding
        for the use of spectrum identified under paragraph (1).
    (b) Rule Making on the Unlicensed Use of the Frequency Band Between
5925 Megahertz and 7125 Megahertz.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Commission, in consultation with the
NTIA, shall issue a notice of proposed rule making with respect to
creating opportunities for the unlicensed use of spectrum in the
frequencies between 5925 and 7125 megahertz without causing harmful
interference with any incumbents in that band.

SEC. 7. RURAL SET-ASIDE.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 309(j)(8) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)), the Commission shall
allocate 10 percent of the proceeds from each system of competitive
bidding conducted under this Act for the deployment of wireless
infrastructure in areas that the Commission has determined are
underserved or unserved with respect to wireless broadband Internet
access service.
    (b) Limitations.--No amounts allocated under subsection (a) may be
combined with amounts that are used to fund any other program that is
in existence on the date on which the allocation is made, including any
program established under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 254).

SEC. 8. SPECIAL RULES.

    With respect to any frequency band described in this Act (in this
section referred to as the ``covered band''), if the relocation of an
incumbent from the covered band to another equivalent frequency band is
not possible, and if the Commission determines that no mitigation
technology, alternative sharing approach, or incentives-based approach
would reliably prevent harmful interference to incumbents in the
covered band, the Commission--
            (1) shall provide notification of that determination to the
        appropriate committees of Congress and the NTIA; and
            (2) may not proceed with any action, including relocating
        incumbents from the covered band or permitting new entrants
        into the covered band, that may result in the dislodging or
        harming of any incumbent in the covered band until the
        Commission can ensure that any such action will neither cause
        harmful interference with nor unreasonably constrain an
        incumbent in the covered band.

SEC. 9. COMMISSION STUDY ON ENHANCING THE BENEFITS OF UNLICENSED
              SPECTRUM FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Commission shall conduct, and submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the results of, a study regarding
how unlicensed spectrum can be further utilized to assist in--
            (1) the provision of healthcare in rural areas;
            (2) distance learning; and
            (3) facilitating innovations in agriculture.
    (b) Recommendations.--The results of the study submitted under
subsection (a) shall include recommendations regarding--
            (1) overcoming barriers to the use of unlicensed spectrum
        for the purposes described in that subsection; and
            (2) how to further utilize unlicensed spectrum to meet the
        needs of rural communities with respect to broadband Internet
        access service.

SEC. 10. GAO STUDY ON SPECTRUM RELOCATION FUND ALLOCATIONS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress the results of, a study to
determine the efficiency with which amounts in the Spectrum Relocation
Fund are transferred to eligible Federal entities that willingly
relocate from eligible frequencies.

SEC. 11. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

    (a)  Frequency Ranges.--Any frequency range described in this Act
shall be construed as including the upper and lower frequency in the
frequency range.
    (b) Assessment of Electromagnetic Spectrum Reallocation.--Nothing
in this Act may be construed as affecting any requirement under section
156 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 921 note).

Summary: Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum Act or the AIRWAVES Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete auctionsnbsp, by December 31, 2020, that willnbsp. Grant priority access broadcast licenses for specified frequency spectrum bands. The FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are directed to identify frequenciesnbsp, innbsp, specified spectrumnbsp, bandsnbsp. That may be utilized for non-federal unlicensed use and commercial licensed use. The FCC must allocate 10 of proceeds from each of the spectrum band auctions specified in the billnbsp, tonbsp. Expand wireless infrastructure in rural areas that are underserved or unserved. The FCC shall conduct a study on how unlicensed frequency spectrum bandsnbsp. Can be utilized for: (1) the provision of healthcare in rural areas, (2) distance learning, and (3) facilitating innovations in agriculture.


SECTION 1. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds that--
            (1) an individual's ability to survive periods of severe
        heat is based, in part on income, age, and health risks;
            (2) such a connection is well established and is proven by
        recent tragic deaths in and around the City of Chicago and Cook
        County, Illinois; and
            (3) reports published by the Centers for Disease Control
        indicate that the absence of air conditioning is a major factor
        contributing to illness and death during periods of extreme
        heat, especially among the elderly.

SEC. 2. DECLARATION AND NOTIFICATION OF A HEAT EMERGENCY.

    Title 15, United States Code, is amended by adding the following
new section:
    ``Sec. 330. (a) The Director of the National Weather Service shall
notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services whenever any State,
county, municipality, or other jurisdiction is subject to a heat
emergency which threatens the health of its residents.
    ``(b) Such notification shall be delivered to the Secretary within
one hour of the declaration being determined.''.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF A POOL OF EMERGENCY FUNDS; EMERGENCY EXPANSION
              OF ENERGY ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY.

    (a) Establishment of an ``Emergency Cooling Fund''.--
            (1) Section 8621 of title 42, United States Code, is
        amended by adding at the end the following new section:
    ``(e) There is authorized a pool of monies that shall be added to
the appropriations, referred to in this section; such funds shall be
designated for the expressed purpose of providing assistance to low
income recipients and seniors for the duration of a declared heat
emergency.''.
            (2) Prior to authorization of the Fund referred to in (a)
        of this section, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
        shall research and report to Congress on the amount of funds
        needed to fully compensate public utilities for the delivery of
        energy necessary to sufficiently cool the residencies of a
        LIHEAP recipient in a manner that will alleviate the likelihood
        of heat-related illness and prevent the worsening of
        preexisting acute conditions.
            (3) The Secretary shall take into account the following
        when determining the amount of money necessary to fund the
        ``Emergency Cooling Fund''--
                    (A) the number of current LIHEAP recipients;
                    (B) the amount of energy needed to cool the homes
                of LIHEAP recipients; and
                    (C) the number of days in the previous calendar
                year in which the National Weather Service declared a
                heat emergency in areas served by LIHEAP.
            (4) The pool of monies established by Congress shall be no
        smaller than an amount equal to three times the amount referred
        to in the Secretary's report as being necessary to operate such
        a fund.
    (b) Eligibility of Seniors for Heat Related Assistance.--Section
8642(b)(2) of title 42, United States Code, is amended by adding the
following: ``or (C) households with senior residents who, because of
age and/or medical condition, may be susceptible to heat related
illness.''.

SEC. 4. USE OF ENERGY ASSISTANCE FUNDS DURING HEAT EMERGENCY.

    (a) Immediately upon receiving a notification of a heat emergency
declaration referred to in section 2 of this Act, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services shall direct the Governor of each State in
which the emergency was declared that a portion funds referred to in
section 8622 of title 42, United States Code, commonly known as
``LIHEAP'', as augmented by the funds referred to in section 3 of this
Act, shall be designated by the State for the express use of providing
energy to cool the residencies of current LIHEAP recipients, augmented
by section 3 of this Act, during heat emergencies.
    (b) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, within five
days of the passage of this Act, inform the Governors of the States
that compliance with this Act is mandated.
    (c) Within ten days of the passage of this Act, the Governors of
each State shall submit to the Secretary notification that provisions
have been made, in conjunction with public utilities responsible for
the delivery of electricity in the State, to provide for compensation
to eligible LIHEAP recipients under this Act and such provisions
shall--
            (1) provide for compensation to all LIHEAP recipients to
        cover the full and total amount necessary to operate not less
        than one appliance to cool the recipient's residence; and
            (2) such compensation shall be in effect during the period
        in which a heat emergency is in effect in the state, and for
        the twenty-four hour period immediately following and
        immediately proceeding the declaration of the heat emergency.
    (d) No funds referred to in this Act shall be available to any
State not submitting such notification to the Secretary within the
allotted time.
    (e) Enhancement of Federal Oversight of Compliance by the States.--
Section 8624(b) of title 42, United States Code, is amended by striking
the following language: ``The Secretary may not prescribe the manner in
which the States will comply with the provisions of the subsection.''

SEC. 5. EXPEDITED DISTRIBUTION OF AIR CONDITIONING UNITS AND OTHER
              EQUIPMENT.

    (a) The Administrator of the General Services Administration shall
receive notification of any declaration of a heat emergency as
referenced in section 2 of this Act.
    (b) Such notification shall cause the Administrator to initiate
procedures to locate any equipment, fixtures, and appliances--
including, but not limited to, air conditioners and fans--that are
currently available through the Federal Supply Service or any other
entity overseeing surplus Federal property.
    (c) The Administrator shall initiate expedited procedures to
distribute such property to representatives of States and
municipalities affected by the heat emergency, and to social service
agencies and individuals located in those areas.

Summary: Amends Federal law to require the Director of the National Weather Service to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services of a heat emergency. Establishes an Emergency Cooling Fund to provide assistance to low-income families and senior citizens during a declared heat emergency. Makes senior citizens eligible for heat related assistance. Provides for the use of energy assistance funds during a heat emergency. Directs that the Administrator of the General Services Administration shall: (1) be notified of any declared heat emergency. And (2) expedite distribution of air conditioning units and other cooling equipment to affected localities.

To amend title 42, United States Code and title 15, United States Code to establish provisions to assist low income families and seniors in the event of severe heat emergencies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Cure and Understanding through
Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2008'' or the ``La Cura Act of 2008''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds as follows:
            (1) The incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease
        increase with age. Alzheimer's disease is currently the seventh
        leading cause of death of all ages in the United States (and
        the fifth leading cause of death for people over 65 years of
        age), with 5.2 million individuals in the United States living
        with Alzheimer's disease. Currently, one of each eight
        individuals in the United States over age 65 has Alzheimer's
        disease. Every 71 seconds, an individual in the United States
        develops Alzheimer's disease, and by 2050, every 33 seconds an
        individual in the United States will develop this disease. By
        2050, the number of individuals in the United States age 65 and
        over with Alzheimer's disease will range from 11 million to 16
        million individuals. It is projected that by 2050, more than 60
        percent of individuals in the United States with Alzheimer's
        disease will be age 85 or older.
            (2) The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia
        seems to be higher among individuals with fewer years of
        education. Individuals with fewer than 12 years of education
        have a 15 percent greater risk of developing dementia than
        individuals with 12 to 15 years of education and a 35 percent
        greater risk of developing dementia than individuals with more
        than 15 years of education.
            (3) Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the
        Nation and by 2050, will have a life expectancy of 87 years,
        longer than any other ethnic or racial group. The Hispanic
        community in the United States is projected to experience a
        six-fold increase in Alzheimer's disease (from fewer than
        200,000 to as many as 1.3 million) by 2050.
            (4) Hispanics may be at a greater risk of developing
        dementia than other ethnic or racial groups: Hispanics' 64-
        percent higher incidence of diabetes than non-Hispanic white
        Americans is of particular concern in light of new findings
        that diabetes is the one vascular risk factor that, in the
        absence of stroke, is related to an increased risk of
        Alzheimer's disease.
            (5) Research on disparities in Alzheimer's risk factors
        between Hispanic and other ethnic and racial groups is only
        beginning to sort out complex differences: for example, even in
        the absence of the APOE-e4 allele, the one known genetic risk
        factor for late onset Alzheimer's, Caribbean Hispanics have a
        cumulative risk for Alzheimer's twice that of non-Hispanic
        whites.
            (6) The shortage of bilingual health professionals,
        combined with the large population of monolingual Spanish-
        speaking seniors, make adequate testing and diagnosis of
        Alzheimer's among elderly Hispanics difficult and may lead to
        cultural biases in cognitive testing. Moreover, inadequate
        translation of diagnostic tools can lead to improper diagnoses,
        and there may be poor understanding of recommended treatment
        and self-care even among those who are properly diagnosed.
            (7) Hispanics are far more likely to be uninsured than any
        other ethnic group: the Bureau of the Census reports that 34.1
        percent of the Hispanic population in the United States is
        uninsured, compared to 10.8 percent for non-Hispanic whites and
        15.3 percent for all United States residents.
            (8) Lack of access to health care and a strong cultural
        commitment to caring for one's elders within the family are
        among the factors that make Hispanics with dementia less likely
        than non-Hispanics to see a physician and use related services
        provided by formal health professionals: delays in diagnosis
        and lack of early and consistent treatment can lead to higher
        levels of impairment and increased stress on family caregivers.
            (9) Hispanic elders are second most likely, after Asian
        Americans, to live with their families rather than in long term
        care facilities. More research is needed to better understand
        the effects of differing care settings on family caregivers and
        Alzheimer's patients.
            (10) Alzheimer's disease costs the United States $148
        billion each year in direct and indirect costs to business, the
        Medicare program, and the Medicaid program (not including
        private health insurance costs).

SEC. 3. NIH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

    Subpart 5 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285e et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following
new section:

``SEC. 445J. NIH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

    ``(a) Research Activities.--In conducting research relating to
Alzheimer's disease, the Director of the National Institutes of Health
shall ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to
Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by--
            ``(1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in
        Hispanic subgroups;
            ``(2) allocating resources to the National Institute on
        Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic
        centers involved in Alzheimer's disease research to increase
        participation of Hispanics and other under represented ethnic
        groups in research and clinical trials in sufficient numbers to
        draw valid conclusions; and
            ``(3) conducting social, behavioral, and health services
        research--
                    ``(A) to understand more fully the underlying
                reasons that Hispanic individuals delay diagnosis and
                underutilize services;
                    ``(B) to identify culturally and linguistically
                appropriate approaches for addressing such delays and
                underutilization; and
                    ``(C) to identify approaches for providing, and
                improving the quality of, culturally competent care.
    ``(b) Education Activities.--The Director of the National
Institutes of Health shall expand and intensify efforts of the National
Institutes of Health--
            ``(1) to educate communities about the importance of
        research relating to Alzheimer's disease; and
            ``(2) to respond effectively to cultural concerns about
        participation in such research, especially with respect to
        sensitive matters like the collection of brain tissue and
        genetic information.''.

SEC. 4. INCREASED FUNDING FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE DEMONSTRATION GRANTS.

    Section 398B(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280c-
5(e)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and such'' and inserting ``such''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end ``,
        $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be
        necessary for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2013''.

SEC. 5. CDC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION.

    Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243
et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 317S the following:

``SEC. 317T. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

    ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are the following:
            ``(1) To reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease through
        reduction of vascular risk factors.
            ``(2) To encourage early recognition and diagnosis of
        dementia.
            ``(3) To train public health personnel to recognize,
        assess, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer's disease in ways that
        are culturally appropriate and supportive of families.
    ``(b) Education and Outreach.--To achieve the purposes of this
section, the Secretary, acting through the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, shall conduct an aggressive, evidence-based education
and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction
with respect to Alzheimer's disease. In conducting the outreach
program, the Secretary shall consult with State Health Departments and
may consult with other appropriate entities, including the Alzheimer's
Association.
    ``(c) Emphasis.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall
give particular emphasis to education and outreach in Hispanic
populations.''.

Summary: Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2008 or La Cura Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by: (1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups. (2) allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic centers involved in such research to increase participation of Hispanics and other underrepresented ethnic groups in research and clinical trials in sufficient numbers to draw valid conclusions. And (3) conducting social, behavioral, and health services research to understand the underlying reasons why Hispanic individuals delay diagnosis and underutilize services, to identify culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches to address such delays and underutilization, and to identify approaches for providing, and improving the quality of, culturally competent care. Requires the Director to expand and intensify NIH efforts to educate communities about the importance of research relating to Alzheimer's disease and to respond effectively to cultural concerns about participation in such research. Authorizes appropriations for a program of grants to states to carry out demonstration programs related to Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct an aggressive, evidence-based education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease, particularly to Hispanic populations.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure sufficient resources and increase efforts for research at the National Institutes of Health relating to Alzheimer's disease, to authorize an education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease (with particular emphasis on education and outreach in Hispanic populations), and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Airline Consumer Protection Act of
2017''.

SEC. 2. INTERLINING.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule requiring an air
carrier to seek, in the event of a delay exceeding 3 hours,
cancellation, or misconnection as a result of circumstances or an event
within an air carrier's control, as determined by the Secretary of
Transportation, alternative transportation for displaced passengers,
including aboard another air carrier capable of transporting the
passenger to his or her originally scheduled destination, and to
accept, for a reasonable fee, the passengers of another air carrier who
have been displaced by circumstances or an event within that air
carriers control, as determined by the Secretary of Transportation, or
if the passenger has been involuntarily denied boarding due to a lack
of available seats.

SEC. 3. GAO STUDY.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing
a review of the following:
            (1) The commonalities and differences of computer network
        architecture used by air carriers operating under part 121 of
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Analysis of operationally critical functions, including
        consideration of passenger-facing functions such as reservation
        and notification systems, aircraft dispatch functions and how
        information regarding such functions and systems is transmitted
        to outstations, maintenance monitoring and planning systems,
        and crew scheduling systems.
            (3) The impact of consolidated systems and software that
        handle multiple critical functions.
            (4) The most common causes of airline computer network
        disruptions.
            (5) Industry best practices to prevent, and mitigate the
        impacts of, network disruptions.

SEC. 4. COMPUTER NETWORK RESILIENCY.

    (a) In General.--Any schedule change resulting from a computer
network disruption, security breach, or other inoperability, may be
considered an event within an air carrier's control as determined by
the Secretary of Transportation.
    (b) Computer Network Resiliency Working Group.--The Secretary of
Transportation shall work closely with the airline industry computer
network resiliency working group established under section 5 to improve
computer networks for air carriers.
    (c) Final Rule.--Not later than 1 year after the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall publish a final rule that
requires an air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, to submit to the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration a plan detailing, at a minimum--
            (1) the maintenance of computer network systems used to
        perform functions critical to the normal operation of the
        carrier;
            (2) the carrier's plan for restoring full functionality of
        such systems in the event of a service disruption;
            (3) the carrier's backup systems; and
            (4) the level of service and amenities offered to
        passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled as a result
        of a computer network disruption and how the air carrier will
        comply with the plan requirements of section 6.
    (d) Plan Details.--Not later than 1 year after the establishment of
the airline industry computer network resiliency working group under
section 5, the contingency plan referred to in subsection (c) shall be
submitted to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Notwithstanding section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly
known as the Freedom of Information Act), such plan may not disclose to
the public any plan specifics. The air carrier shall make available a
general outline of the plan to the public.

SEC. 5. AIRLINE INDUSTRY COMPUTER NETWORK RESILIENCY WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish
the airline industry computer network resiliency working group
(referred to in this section as ``the working group'') to serve as
subject matter experts to the Secretary to foster collaboration and
facilitate improvements in the resilience of computer networks used by
air carriers in carrying out functions critical to the maintenance of
regularly scheduled air transportation service, and in the recovery of
operations in the event of network disruptions.
    (b) Objectives.--Objectives of the working group shall include
efforts--
            (1) to promote communication and coordination regarding
        computer network architecture across the airline industry;
            (2) to promote engagement between industry and government
        stakeholders regarding the development of guidelines and best
        practices;
            (3) to review past disruptions and lessons learned; and
            (4) to serve as the liaison between industry and government
        representatives on research and development and emerging
        technologies that enhance computer network resiliency.
    (c) Membership.--Membership on the working group shall include
representatives who have responsibility for computer networks and their
maintenance, including--
            (1) at a minimum, Government representatives of the Federal
        Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland
        Security; and
            (2) voluntary participation of representatives from the
        airline industry and their contractors and suppliers.
    (d) Meetings.--The working group shall meet not less than twice
each year and may convene for additional meetings as needed. The group
shall meet for a period of not less than 2 years.
    (e) Report.--The working group shall submit a report to the
Secretary of Transportation that establishes voluntary guidelines for
the resiliency of airline computer networks that handle operationally
critical functions, best practices, and the conditions under which the
working group may need to periodically meet or reconvene.

SEC. 6. IMPROVED ACCOMMODATION OF DISPLACED PASSENGERS.

    Not later than 1 year after the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Transportation shall modify part 259 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations to include the following:
            (1) Adoption of plan.--Each covered carrier shall adopt a
        contingency plan for lengthy terminal delays for its scheduled
        flights at each large hub airport, medium hub airport, small
        hub airport and non-hub airport in the United States at which
        it operates or markets such air transportation service and
        shall adhere to its plan's terms.
            (2) Contents of plan.--Each contingency plan for any delay,
        cancellation, or misconnection, affecting a passenger who has
        been involuntarily denied boarding as a result of circumstances
        or an event within an air carrier's control, as determined by
        the Administration of the Federal Aviation Administration
        (except in the case in which the flight crew determines that a
        passenger poses a danger to the safety of the flight), shall
        include, at a minimum, the following:
                    (A) Essential needs.--An air carrier shall ensure
                that essential needs, including food, water, restroom
                facilities, and assistance in the case of a medical
                emergency are met. If the only available seating on the
                carrier's next flight to the passenger's destination is
                a higher class of service than purchased, the carrier
                shall transport the passenger on the flight at no
                additional cost.
                    (B) Meal voucher.--In the case of a delay exceeding
                4 hours, the air carrier shall provide a meal voucher
                or, if at the request of the passenger, cash equivalent
                to the value of a meal voucher. An air carrier shall
                not be liable to reimburse the passenger for expenses
                related to meals if the passenger did not accepted such
                compensation when offered.
                    (C) Lodging, transportation, and other vouchers.--
                            (i) In general.--In the case of a delay,
                        cancellation, or misconnection as a result of
                        circumstances or an event within an air
                        carrier's control, as determined by the
                        Secretary of Transportation, of which any
                        portion exceeding 2 hours occurs between the
                        period of time between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.,
                        local time, of the following day, and with no
                        guarantee of reaccommodation aboard another
                        flight to the passenger's destination within
                        the following 2 hours after the initial 2-hour
                        delay, an air carrier shall provide the
                        passenger with lodging, transportation to and
                        from the airport to the place of lodging, and
                        meal expenses. At the request of the passenger,
                        the carrier shall alternatively compensate such
                        passenger with the cash equivalent to the value
                        of the lodging, meals, and transportation, or a
                        voucher of equivalent value for future travel
                        on the carrier.
                            (ii) Lodging unavailable.--If lodging is
                        unavailable, an carrier shall compensate a
                        passenger with the cash equivalent to the value
                        of the lodging, meals, and transportation, or,
                        at the request of the passenger, a voucher of
                        equivalent value for future travel on the
                        carrier.
                            (iii) Proximity to residence.--The
                        provisions of clauses (i) and (ii) shall not
                        apply to a passenger whose permanent residence
                        is 60 miles or less from the airport where such
                        delay, cancellation, or misconnection occurred.
                            (iv) Failure to accept initial
                        compensation.--An air carrier shall not be
                        liable to reimburse the passenger for expenses
                        related to meals if the passenger did not
                        accept such compensation when offered.

SEC. 7. AIRCRAFT FLIGHTS WITHOUT FUNCTIONING LAVATORIES.

    (a) Limitation on Certain Aircraft Flights.--Chapter 417 of title
49, United States Code is amended by adding the following:
``Sec. 41725. Limitation on aircraft flights without functioning
              lavatories
    ``Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations to ensure that a
passenger who has purchased a ticket in scheduled passenger interstate
or intrastate air transportation or in an aircraft in nonscheduled
passenger interstate or intrastate air transportation, shall not pay
any associated fee to select an alternative flight if it is determined
before departure that the lavatory is not functioning.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by adding at the end of the following:

``41725. Limitation on aircraft flights without functioning
                            lavatories''.

Summary: Airline Consumer Protection Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a final rule to require an air carrier to: seek, for a delay exceeding three hours, a cancellation, or a misconnection as a result of circumstances within the air carrier's control, alternative transportation for a displaced passenger. And accept, for a reasonable fee, a displaced passenger from another air carrier or a passenger involuntarily denied boarding due to a lack of available seats. The Government Accountability Office shall submit a report that reviews airline computer network functions. Any air carrier schedule change resulting from a computer network disruption, security breach, or other inoperability may be considered an event within a carrier's control. DOT shall: publish a final rule to require an air carrier to submit to the Federal Aviation Administration a plan for restoring full functionality of its computer network systems in the event of a service disruption, establish an airline industry computer network resiliency working group. Modify federal regulations to require each air carrier to adopt a contingency plan for any delay, cancellation, or misconnection affecting a passenger. And issue regulations to ensure that a ticketed passenger shall not pay a fee to select an alternative flight if the aircraft's lavatory is not functioning.

Airline Consumer Protection Act of 2017


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans
Act of 2013''.

SEC. 2. RESTORATIVE DENTAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS.

    Section 1710(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the second sentence--
                    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
                clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and
                    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
            (2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)'';
            (3) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
        following:
    ``(2) The Secretary''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(3) In addition to the dental services, treatment, and appliances
authorized to be furnished by paragraph (2), the Secretary may furnish
dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore
functioning in a veteran that is lost as a result of any services or
treatment furnished under this subsection.''.

SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM ON EXPANSION OF FURNISHING OF DENTAL CARE TO ALL
              ENROLLED VETERANS.

    (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and
advisability of furnishing dental care to veterans enrolled in the
system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United
States Code, who are not eligible for dental services and treatment,
and related dental appliances, under current authorities.
    (b) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be carried
out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the
commencement of the pilot program.
    (c) Locations.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
        program at not fewer than 16 locations as follows:
                    (A) Four Department of Veterans Affairs medical
                centers with an established dental clinic.
                    (B) Four Department medical centers with a current
                contract for the furnishing of dental care.
                    (C) Four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
                with space available for the furnishing of services and
                treatment under the pilot program.
                    (D) Four facilities selected from among Federally
                Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Indian Health
                Service facilities with established dental clinics, of
                which--
                            (i) at least one facility shall be such an
                        Indian Health Service facility; and
                            (ii) any Indian Health Service facility so
                        selected shall be selected in consultation with
                        the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
            (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot
        program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and
        advisability of selecting locations in each of the following:
                    (A) Rural areas.
                    (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an
                active duty military installation.
                    (C) Areas representing different geographic
                locations, such as census tracts established by the
                Bureau of Census.
    (d) Scope of Services.--The dental services and treatment furnished
to veterans under the pilot program shall be consistent with the dental
services and treatment furnished by the Secretary to veterans with
service-connected disabilities rated 100 percent disabling under the
laws administered by the Secretary.
    (e) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a veteran in the
pilot program shall be at the election of the veteran.
    (f) Limitation on Amount of Services.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the
        total amount the Secretary may expend furnishing dental
        services and treatment to any veteran participating in the
        pilot program during any one-year period may not exceed such
        amount as the Secretary determines appropriate. The amount so
        determined may not be less than $1,000.
            (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall make the
        determination under paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in consultation with the Director of the Indian
                Health Service; and
                    (B) in consultation with the Director of the
                Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services if one or
                more Federally Qualified Health Centers is selected as
                a location for the pilot program under subsection
                (c)(1)(D).
            (3) Services in excess of limitation amount.--The total
        amount expended by the Secretary in furnishing dental services
        and treatment to a particular veteran participating in the
        pilot program during a one-year period may exceed the amount
        determined under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines,
        before furnishing such services and treatment, based on an
        examination of the veteran by a dentist participating in the
        pilot program that the furnishing of such services and
        treatment is necessary. Any determination under this paragraph
        shall be made on a case-by-case basis.
    (g) Copayments.--The Secretary may collect copayments for dental
services and treatment furnished under the pilot program in accordance
with authorities on the collection of copayments for medical care of
veterans under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code.
    (h) Program Administration.--
            (1) Notice to covered veterans on pilot program.--In
        carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall inform all
        veterans eligible to participate in the pilot program of the
        services and treatment available under the pilot program.
            (2) Contracts.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
        Secretary may enter into contracts with appropriate entities
        for the provision of dental services and treatment under the
        pilot program. Each such contract shall specify performance
        standards and metrics and processes for ensuring compliance of
        the contractor concerned with such performance standards.
    (i) Reports.--
            (1) Preliminary reports.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than each of one year
                and three years after the date of the commencement of
                the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the
                Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
                Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
                Representatives a report on the pilot program.
                    (B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A)
                shall include the following:
                            (i) A description of the implementation and
                        operation of the pilot program.
                            (ii) The number of veterans receiving
                        services and treatment under the pilot program,
                        and a description of the dental services and
                        treatment furnished to such veterans.
                            (iii) An analysis of the costs and benefits
                        of the pilot program, including a comparison of
                        costs and benefits by location type.
                            (iv) The current findings and conclusions
                        of the Secretary with respect to the pilot
                        program.
                            (v) Such recommendations for the
                        continuation or expansion of the pilot program
                        as the Secretary considers appropriate.
            (2) Final report.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
                completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall
                submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
                Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
                House of Representatives a report on the pilot program.
                    (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A)
                shall include the following:
                            (i) The findings and conclusions of the
                        Secretary with respect to the pilot program.
                            (ii) Such recommendations for the
                        continuation or expansion of the pilot program
                        as the Secretary considers appropriate.

SEC. 4. PROGRAM ON EDUCATION TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH IN VETERANS.

    (a) Program Required.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
        carry out a program of education to promote dental health for
        veterans who are enrolled in the system of patient enrollment
        of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of
        title 38, United States Code.
            (2) Construction.--Nothing in the program shall be deemed
        to alter or revise the eligibility of any veteran for dental
        care under the laws administered by the Secretary.
    (b) Elements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall provide
education for veterans on the following:
            (1) The association between dental health and overall
        health and well-being.
            (2) Proper techniques for dental care.
            (3) Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring dental issues,
        including caries.
            (4) Treatment options for commonly occurring dental issues.
            (5) Options for obtaining access to dental care, including
        information on eligibility for dental care through the
        Department and on purchasing private dental insurance.
            (6) Options for obtaining low or no-cost dental care,
        including through dental schools and Federally Qualified Health
        Centers.
            (7) Such other matters relating to dental health as the
        Secretary considers appropriate.
    (c) Delivery of Educational Materials.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide educational
        materials to veterans under the program required by subsection
        (a) through a variety of mechanisms, including the following:
                    (A) The availability and distribution of print
                materials at Department facilities, including medical
                centers, clinics, Vet Centers, and readjustment
                counseling centers.
                    (B) The availability and distribution of materials
                over the Internet, including through webinars and My
                HealtheVet.
                    (C) Presentations of information, including both
                small group and large group presentations.
            (2) Selection of mechanisms.--In selecting mechanisms for
        purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall select
        mechanisms designed to maximize the number of veterans who
        receive education under the program.

SEC. 5. INFORMATION ON DENTAL SERVICES FOR INCLUSION IN ELECTRONIC
              MEDICAL RECORDS UNDER DENTAL INSURANCE PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
expand the dental insurance pilot program established by section 17.169
of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish a mechanism by
which private sector dental care providers may forward to the
Department of Veterans Affairs information on dental care furnished to
individuals under the pilot program for inclusion in the electronic
medical records of the Department with respect to such individuals.
    (b) Construction With Current Pilot Program Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
        to revise eligibility for participation in, or the locations
        of, the pilot program referred to in subsection (a).
            (2) Duration.--The Secretary may continue the pilot program
        for two years in addition to the duration otherwise provided
        for the pilot program in section 17.169 of title 38, Code of
        Federal Regulations, if the Secretary determines that the
        continuation is needed to assess the mechanism required by
        subsection (a).
            (3) Voluntary participation in mechanism.--The
        participation in the mechanism required by subsection (a) of an
        individual otherwise participating in the pilot program shall
        be at the election of the individual.
    (c) Inclusion of Information on Mechanism in Reports.--Each report
to Congress on the pilot program after the date of the commencement of
the mechanism required by subsection (a) shall include information on
the mechanism, including a current assessment of the feasibility and
advisability of using the mechanism to include information on dental
care furnished to individuals in the electronic medical records of the
Department with respect to such individuals.

Summary: Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish additional dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran that is lost due to VA services or treatment furnished to such veteran. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a three-year pilot program for furnishing dental care to veterans not otherwise eligible for dental services and treatment under current VA programs, (2) carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans, and (3) enable private sector dental care providers to submit information on dental care provided to veterans under the pilot program for inclusion in VA electronic medical records.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Home Health Care Planning
Improvement Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVING CARE PLANNING FOR MEDICARE HOME HEALTH SERVICES.

    (a) In General.--Section 1814(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395f(a)(2)), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), is
amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(as those terms are defined in section
        1861(aa)(5))'' after ``clinical nurse specialist''; and
            (2) by inserting ``, or in the case of services described
        in subparagraph (C), a physician, or a nurse practitioner or
        clinical nurse specialist who is working in collaboration with
        a physician in accordance with State law, or a certified nurse-
        midwife (as defined in section 1861(gg)) as authorized by State
        law, or a physician assistant (as defined in section
        1861(aa)(5)) under the supervision of a physician'' after
        ``collaboration with a physician''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1814(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)) is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``, a nurse
        practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse-
        midwife, or a physician assistant (as the case may be)'' after
        ``physician'' each place it appears;
            (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``or clinical nurse
        specialist'' and inserting ``clinical nurse specialist,
        certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant'';
            (C) in the third sentence--
                    (i) by striking ``physician certification'' and
                inserting ``certification'';
                    (ii) by inserting ``(or on January 1, 2008, in the
                case of regulations to implement the amendments made by
                section 2 of the Home Health Care Planning Improvement
                Act of 2007)'' after ``1981''; and
                    (iii) by striking ``a physician who'' and inserting
                ``a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse
                specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or physician
                assistant who''; and
            (D) in the fourth sentence, by inserting ``, nurse
        practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-
        midwife, or physician assistant'' after ``physician''.
    (2) Section 1835(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395n(a))
is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (2)--
                    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                inserting ``or, in the case of services described in
                subparagraph (A), a physician, or a nurse practitioner
                or clinical nurse specialist (as those terms are
                defined in 1861(aa)(5)) who is working in collaboration
                with a physician in accordance with State law, or a
                certified nurse-midwife (as defined in section
                1861(gg)) as authorized by State law, or a physician
                assistant (as defined in section 1861(aa)(5)) under the
                supervision of a physician'' after ``a physician''; and
                    (ii) in each of clauses (ii) and (iii) of
                subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, a nurse practitioner,
                a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse-midwife,
                or a physician assistant (as the case may be)'' after
                ``physician'';
            (B) in the third sentence, by inserting ``, nurse
        practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-
        midwife, or physician assistant (as the case may be)'' after
        physician;
            (C) in the fourth sentence--
                    (i) by striking ``physician certification'' and
                inserting ``certification'';
                    (ii) by inserting ``(or on January 1, 2008, in the
                case of regulations to implement the amendments made by
                section 2 of the Home Health Care Planning Improvement
                Act of 2007)'' after ``1981''; and
                    (iii) by striking ``a physician who'' and inserting
                ``a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse
                specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or physician
                assistant who''; and
            (D) in the fifth sentence, by inserting ``, nurse
        practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-
        midwife, or physician assistant'' after ``physician''.
    (3) Section 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is
amended--
            (A) in subsection (m)--
                    (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                            (I) by inserting ``a nurse practitioner or
                        a clinical nurse specialist (as those terms are
                        defined in subsection (aa)(5)), a certified
                        nurse-midwife (as defined in section 1861(gg)),
                        or a physician assistant (as defined in
                        subsection (aa)(5))'' after ``physician'' the
                        first place it appears; and
                            (II) by inserting ``a nurse practitioner, a
                        clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse-
                        midwife, or a physician assistant'' after
                        ``physician'' the second place it appears; and
                    (ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``a nurse
                practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified
                nurse-midwife, or a physician assistant'' after
                ``physician''; and
            (B) in subsection (o)(2)--
                    (i) by inserting ``, nurse practitioners or
                clinical nurse specialists (as those terms are defined
                in subsection (aa)(5)), certified nurse-midwives (as
                defined in section 1861(gg)), or physician assistants
                (as defined in subsection (aa)(5))'' after
                ``physicians''; and
                    (ii) by inserting ``, nurse practitioner, clinical
                nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, physician
                assistant,'' after ``physician''.
    (4) Section 1895 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff) is
amended--
            (A) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``, the nurse
        practitioner or clinical nurse specialist (as those terms are
        defined in section 1861(aa)(5)), the certified nurse-midwife
        (as defined in section 1861(gg)), or the physician assistant
        (as defined in section 1861(aa)(5)),'' after ``physician''; and
            (B) in subsection (e)--
                    (i) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``, a nurse
                practitioner or clinical nurse specialist (as those
                terms are defined in section 1861(aa)(5)), a certified
                nurse-midwife (as defined in section 1861(gg)), or a
                physician assistant (as defined in section
                1861(aa)(5))'' after ``physician''; and
                    (ii) in paragraph (2)--
                            (I) in the heading, by striking ``Physician
                        certification'' and inserting ``Rule of
                        construction regarding requirement for
                        certification''; and
                            (II) by striking ``physician''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2008.

Summary: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise conditions of and limitations on payment for home health care services. Allows payment for home health services to Medicare beneficiaries by: (1) a nurse practitioner. (2) a clinical nurse specialist working in collaboration with a physician in accordance with state law, (3) a certified nurse-midwife, or (4) a physician assistant under a physician's supervision.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure more timely access to home health services for Medicare beneficiaries under the Medicare program.