SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Medication Error Prevention Act of
2002''.

SEC. 2. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROGRAM REGARDING MEDICATION ERRORS;
              DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
              PREVENTING MEDICATION ERRORS.

    Part B of title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 238
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section:

``SEC. 249. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROGRAM REGARDING MEDICATION ERRORS;
              DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
              PREVENTING MEDICATION ERRORS.

    ``(a) Privileged Legal Status of Reported Information.--If the
Secretary approves a program as meeting the criteria described in
subsection (b) to serve as the reporting program for purposes of this
section, any medication error information submitted to the reporting
program by a health care provider pursuant to an agreement under
paragraph (3) of such subsection is privileged for purposes of Federal
and State judicial proceedings in civil matters, and for purposes of
Federal and State administrative proceedings, including with respect to
discovery and subpoenas.
    ``(b) Criteria for Reporting Program.--With respect to the approval
by the Secretary of a reporting program for purposes of this section,
the criteria referred to in subsection (a) are as follows:
            ``(1) The reporting program is operated by The United
        States Pharmacopeial Convention, Incorporated (except that if
        such entity declines to operate a reporting program for
        purposes of this section, the Secretary may accept another
        nonprofit private entity for such purposes).
            ``(2) Under such program, health care providers voluntarily
        submit medication error information to the program, and the
        program uses the information for the purpose of developing and
        disseminating recommendations and information with respect to
        preventing such errors, including recommendations in the form
        of protocols, procedures, and best-practices information.
            ``(3) The use by the program of medication error
        information submitted to the program by a health care provider
        is governed by an agreement entered into by the program and the
        provider.
            ``(4) Such agreement includes the following policies
        (without regard to whether the following language is used in
        the agreement):
                    ``(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the reporting
                program reserves the right to disclose to third parties
                medication error information submitted by a health care
                provider if, in the judgment of the program, the
                information can be used for purposes of furthering
                research, education, standards setting, improvement in
                processes, product improvement, public health, or
                public safety.
                    ``(B) If such a disclosure is made, the extent of
                information disclosed will be limited to the
                information required to meet the purposes described in
                subparagraph (A).
    ``(c) Federal Disclosures.--Officers and employees of a Federal
agency may not disclose any medication error information that is
received by the agency from the reporting program pursuant to an
agreement between the agency and the program, except to the extent that
disclosure of the information is authorized by the agreement. The
preceding sentence applies notwithstanding any other provision of law.
    ``(d) Scope of Privilege.--With respect to Federal and State
judicial proceedings in civil matters, and Federal and State
administrative proceedings:
            ``(1) In the case of a health care provider:
                    ``(A) The privilege under subsection (a) protects
                all medication error information of the provider that
                is provided in a submission to the reporting program or
                is developed for purposes of such a submission, subject
                to subparagraph (B).
                    ``(B) The privilege does not protect medication
                error information in patient medical records of the
                provider, or other information that is in the custody
                of the provider and is developed or maintained by the
                provider separately from the process of developing
                medication error information for submission to the
                program.
            ``(2) In the case of the reporting program, the privilege
        protects all medication error information that is received by
        the program pursuant to agreements under subsection (b)(3).
            ``(3) In the case of other entities (whether public or
        private), the privilege protects all medication error
        information that is received by the entity from the reporting
        program pursuant to an agreement between the entity and the
        program, except to the extent that disclosure of the
        information is authorized by the agreement.
    ``(e) Rule of Construction.--The submission by a health care
provider of medication error information to the reporting program may
not be construed as waiving any privilege that, under Federal or State
constitutions or laws, may exist with respect to the information.
    ``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
            ``(1) The term `health care provider' means individuals and
        organizations that provide health services. Such term
        includes--
                    ``(A) physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other
                health professionals; and
                    ``(B) hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, long-term
                care facilities, intermediate care facilities,
                residential treatment centers, and other entities that
                provide health services.
            ``(2) The term `medication error' means any preventable
        event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or
        patient harm while the medication is in the control of the
        health care professional, patient, or consumer. Such events may
        be related to professional practice, health care products,
        procedures, and systems, including prescribing; order
        communication; product labeling, packaging, and nomenclature;
        compounding; dispensing; distribution; administration;
        education; monitoring; and use.
            ``(3) The term `medication error information' means
        information developed by or on behalf of a health care provider
        in connection with a medication error.
            ``(4) The term `reporting program' means the program
        approved under subsection (a).''.

Summary: Medication Error Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make medication error information privileged for Federal and State administrative and civil judicial proceedings if the information is voluntarily submitted by a health care provider to a program, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for the purpose of developing and disseminating recommendations and information regarding preventing such errors.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for voluntary reporting by health care providers of medication error information in order to assist appropriate public and nonprofit private entities in developing and disseminating recommendations and information with respect to preventing medication errors.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Great Lakes Water Protection Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON SEWAGE DUMPING INTO THE GREAT LAKES.

    Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (22 U.S.C.
1342) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(r) Prohibition on Sewage Dumping Into the Great Lakes.--
            ``(1) In general.--A publicly owned treatment works is
        prohibited from intentionally diverting waste streams to bypass
        any portion of a treatment facility at the treatment works if
        the diversion results in a discharge into the Great Lakes
        unless--
                    ``(A)(i) the bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss
                of life, personal injury, or severe property damage;
                    ``(ii) there is not a feasible alternative to the
                bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment
                facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or
                maintenance during normal periods of equipment
                downtime; and
                    ``(iii) the treatment works provides notice of the
                bypass in accordance with the requirements of this
                subsection; or
                    ``(B) the bypass does not cause effluent
                limitations to be exceeded, and the bypass is for
                essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of
                the treatment facility.
            ``(2) Limitation.--The requirement of paragraph (1)(A)(ii)
        is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have been
        installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to
        prevent the bypass and the bypass occurred during normal
        periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance.
            ``(3) Notice requirements.--A publicly owned treatment
        works shall provide to the Administrator (or to the State in
        the case of a State that has a permit program approved under
        this section)--
                    ``(A) prior notice of an anticipated bypass; and
                    ``(B) notice of an unanticipated bypass within 24
                hours following the time the treatment works first
                becomes aware of the bypass.
            ``(4) Follow-up notice requirements.--In the case of an
        unanticipated bypass for which a publicly owned treatment works
        provides notice under paragraph (3)(B), the treatment works
        shall provide to the Administrator (or to the State in the case
        of a State that has a permit program approved under this
        section), not later than 5 days following the date on which the
        treatment works first becomes aware of the bypass, a follow-up
        notice containing a description of--
                    ``(A) the cause of the bypass;
                    ``(B) the reason for the bypass
                    ``(C) the period of bypass, including the exact
                dates and times;
                    ``(D) if the bypass has not been corrected, the
                anticipated time the bypass is expected to continue;
                    ``(E) the volume of the discharge resulting from
                the bypass;
                    ``(F) any public access areas that may be impacted
                by the bypass; and
                    ``(G) steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate,
                and prevent reoccurrence of the bypass.
            ``(5) Public availability of notices.--A publicly owned
        treatment works providing a notice under this subsection, and
        the Administrator (or the State in the case of a State that has
        a permit program approved under this section) receiving such a
        notice, shall each post all such notices provided or received
        in a searchable database accessible on the Internet.
            ``(6) Sewage blending.--Bypasses prohibited by this section
        include bypasses resulting in discharges from a publicly owned
        treatment works that consist of effluent routed around
        treatment units and thereafter blended together with effluent
        from treatment units prior to discharge.
            ``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following
        definitions apply:
                    ``(A) Bypass.--The term `bypass' means an
                intentional diversion of waste streams to bypass any
                portion of a treatment facility which results in a
                discharge into the Great Lakes.
                    ``(B) Great lakes.--The term `Great Lakes' has the
                meaning given such term by section 118(a)(3).
                    ``(C) Treatment facility.--The term `treatment
                facility' includes all wastewater treatment units used
                by a publicly owned treatment works to meet secondary
                treatment standards or higher, as required to attain
                water quality standards, under any operating
                conditions.
                    ``(D) Treatment works.--The term `treatment works'
                has the meaning given that term in section 212.
            ``(8) Implementation.--The Administrator shall establish
        procedures to ensure that permits issued under this section (or
        under a State permit program approved under this section) to a
        publicly owned treatment works include requirements to
        implement this subsection.
            ``(9) Maximum civil penalty.--Notwithstanding any provision
        of section 309, the maximum civil penalty which shall be
        assessed for a violation of this subsection, or any permit
        limitation or condition implementing this subsection, shall be
        $100,000 per day for each day the violation occurs.
            ``(10) Effective date.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided by
                subparagraph (B), the requirements of this subsection
                shall become effective beginning January 1, 2026.
                    ``(B) Notice requirements.--The requirements of
                paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) shall become effective one
                year after the date of enactment of this subsection.''.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF GREAT LAKES CLEANUP FUND.

    (a) In General.--Title V of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) is amended by redesignating section 519 as
section 520 and inserting after section 518 the following:

``SEC. 519. ESTABLISHMENT OF GREAT LAKES CLEANUP FUND.

    ``(a) Creation of Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of
the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Great Lakes Cleanup
Fund' (in this section referred to as the `Fund').
    ``(b) Transfers to Fund.--Effective January 1, 2026, there are
authorized to be appropriated to the Fund amounts equivalent to the
penalties collected for violations of section 402(r).
    ``(c) Administration of Fund.--The Administrator shall administer
the Fund.
    ``(d) Use of Funds.--The Administrator shall make the amounts in
the Fund available to the Great Lakes States for programs and
activities for improving wastewater discharges into the Great Lakes,
including habitat protection and wetland restoration. The Administrator
shall allocate such amounts among the Great Lakes States based on the
proportional amount attributable to each Great Lakes State for
penalties collected for violations of section 402(r).
    ``(e) Priority.--In selecting programs and activities to be funded
using amounts made available under this section, a Great Lakes State
shall give priority consideration to programs and activities that
address violations of section 402(r) resulting in the collection of
penalties.
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `Great Lakes' and
`Great Lakes States' have the meanings given such terms in section
118(a)(3).''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment to State Revolving Fund Program.--Section
607 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 1387) is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``There is'';
        and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Treatment of Great Lakes Cleanup Fund.--For purposes of this
title, amounts made available from the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund under
section 519 shall be treated as funds authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this title and as funds made available under this title,
except that such funds shall be made available to the Great Lakes
States as provided in section 519.''.

Summary: Great Lakes Water Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) from intentionally diverting waste streams to bypass any portion of the treatment facility if the diversion results in a discharge into the Great Lakes unless: (1) the bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage, (2) there is no feasible alternative, and (3) the treatment works provides notice. Or (4) the bypass does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded and is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the treatment facility. Requires: (1) such notice to be provided to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to an anticipated bypass or within 24 hours of becoming aware of an unanticipated bypass. And (2) follow-up notice regarding the cause and duration of, volume of discharge resulting from, and public access areas affected by an unanticipated bypass. Includes among prohibited bypasses those resulting in discharges from a POTW that consist of effluent routed around treatment units and blended with effluent from treatment units prior to discharge. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures to ensure that permits issued to POTWs under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System include requirements to implement this Act. Provides a maximum civil penalty for violations. Establishes the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund from which amounts shall be provided for improving wastewater discharges.

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a deadline for restricting sewage dumping into the Great Lakes and to fund programs and activities for improving wastewater discharges into the Great Lakes.


SECTION 1. PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MICROENTERPRISES.

    Title I of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory
Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following new subtitle:

    ``Subtitle C--Microenterprise Technical Assistance and Capacity
                            Building Program

``SEC. 171. SHORT TITLE.

    ``This subtitle may be cited as the `Program for Investment in
Microentrepreneurs Act of 1999', also referred to as the `PRIME Act'.

``SEC. 172. DEFINITIONS.

    ``For purposes of this subtitle--
            ``(1) the term `Administrator' has the same meaning as in
        section 103;
            ``(2) the term `capacity building services' means services
        provided to an organization that is, or is in the process of
        becoming a microenterprise development organization or program,
        for the purpose of enhancing its ability to provide training
        and services to disadvantaged entrepreneurs;
            ``(3) the term `collaborative' means 2 or more nonprofit
        entities that agree to act jointly as a qualified organization
        under this subtitle;
            ``(4) the term `disadvantaged entrepreneur' means a
        microentrepreneur that is--
                    ``(A) a low-income person;
                    ``(B) a very low-income person; or
                    ``(C) an entrepreneur that lacks adequate access to
                capital or other resources essential for business
                success, or is economically disadvantaged, as
                determined by the Administrator;
            ``(5) the term `Fund' has the same meaning as in section
        103;
            ``(6) the term `Indian tribe' has the same meaning as in
        section 103;
            ``(7) the term `intermediary' means a private, nonprofit
        entity that seeks to serve microenterprise development
        organizations and programs as authorized under section 175;
            ``(8) the term `low-income person' has the same meaning as
        in section 103;
            ``(9) the term `microentrepreneur' means the owner or
        developer of a microenterprise;
            ``(10) the term `microenterprise' means a sole
        proprietorship, partnership, or corporation that--
                    ``(A) has fewer than 5 employees; and
                    ``(B) generally lacks access to conventional loans,
                equity, or other banking services;
            ``(11) the term `microenterprise development organization
        or program' means a nonprofit entity, or a program administered
        by such an entity, including community development corporations
        or other nonprofit development organizations and social service
        organizations, that provides services to disadvantaged
        entrepreneurs or prospective entrepreneurs;
            ``(12) the term `training and technical assistance' means
        services and support provided to disadvantaged entrepreneurs or
        prospective entrepreneurs, such as assistance for the purpose
        of enhancing business planning, marketing, management,
        financial management skills, and assistance for the purpose of
        accessing financial services; and
            ``(13) the term `very low-income person' means having an
        income, adjusted for family size, of not more than 150 percent
        of the poverty line (as defined in section 673(2) of the
        Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2),
        including any revision required by that section).

``SEC. 173. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.

    ``The Administrator shall establish a microenterprise technical
assistance and capacity building grant program to provide assistance
from the Fund in the form of grants to qualified organizations in
accordance with this subtitle.

``SEC. 174. USES OF ASSISTANCE.

    ``A qualified organization shall use grants made under this
subtitle--
            ``(1) to provide training and technical assistance to
        disadvantaged entrepreneurs;
            ``(2) to provide training and capacity building services to
        microenterprise development organizations and programs and
        groups of such organizations to assist such organizations and
        programs in developing microenterprise training and services;
            ``(3) to aid in researching and developing the best
        practices in the field of microenterprise and technical
        assistance programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs; and
            ``(4) for such other activities as the Administrator
        determines are consistent with the purposes of this subtitle.

``SEC. 175. QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIONS.

    ``For purposes of eligibility for assistance under this subtitle, a
qualified organization shall be--
            ``(1) a nonprofit microenterprise development organization
        or program (or a group or collaborative thereof) that has a
        demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise services to
        disadvantaged entrepreneurs;
            ``(2) an intermediary;
            ``(3) a microenterprise development organization or program
        that is accountable to a local community, working in
        conjunction with a State or local government or Indian tribe;
        or
            ``(4) an Indian tribe acting on its own, if the Indian
        tribe can certify that no private organization or program
        referred to in this paragraph exists within its jurisdiction.

``SEC. 176. ALLOCATION OF ASSISTANCE; SUBGRANTS.

    ``(a) Allocation of Assistance.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall allocate
        assistance from the Fund under this subtitle to ensure that--
                    ``(A) activities described in section 174(1) are
                funded using not less than 75 percent of amounts made
                available for such assistance; and
                    ``(B) activities described in section 174(2) are
                funded using not less than 15 percent of amounts made
                available for such assistance.
            ``(2) Limit on individual assistance.--No single
        organization or entity may receive more than 10 percent of the
        total funds appropriated under this subtitle in a single fiscal
        year.
    ``(b) Targeted Assistance.--The Administrator shall ensure that not
less than 50 percent of the grants made under this subtitle are used to
benefit very low-income persons, including those residing on Indian
reservations.
    ``(c) Subgrants Authorized.--
            ``(1) In general.--A qualified organization receiving
        assistance under this subtitle may provide grants using that
        assistance to qualified small and emerging microenterprise
        organizations and programs, subject to such rules and
        regulations as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.
            ``(2) Limit on administrative expenses.--Not more than 7.5
        percent of assistance received by a qualified organization
        under this subtitle may be used for administrative expenses in
        connection with the making of subgrants under paragraph (1).
    ``(d) Diversity.--In making grants under this subtitle, the
Administrator shall ensure that grant recipients include both large and
small microenterprise organizations, serving urban, rural, and Indian
tribal communities and racially and ethnically diverse populations.

``SEC. 177. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS.

    ``(a) In General.--Financial assistance under this subtitle shall
be matched with funds from sources other than the Federal Government on
the basis of not less than 50 percent of each dollar provided by the
Fund.
    ``(b) Sources of Matching Funds.--Fees, grants, gifts, funds from
loan sources, and in-kind resources of a grant recipient from public or
private sources may be used to comply with the matching requirement in
subsection (a).
    ``(c) Exception.--
            ``(1) In general.--In the case of an applicant for
        assistance under this subtitle with severe constraints on
        available sources of matching funds, the Administrator may
        reduce or eliminate the matching requirements of subsection
        (a).
            ``(2) Limitation.--Not more than 10 percent of the total
        funds made available from the Fund in any fiscal year to carry
        out this subtitle may be excepted from the matching
        requirements of subsection (a), as authorized by paragraph (1)
        of this subsection.

``SEC. 178. APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE.

    ``An application for assistance under this subtitle shall be
submitted in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the
Fund shall establish.

``SEC. 179. RECORDKEEPING.

    ``The requirements of section 115 shall apply to a qualified
organization receiving assistance from the Fund under this subtitle as
if it were a community development financial institution receiving
assistance from the Fund under subtitle A.

``SEC. 180. AUTHORIZATION.

    ``In addition to funds otherwise authorized to be appropriated to
the Fund to carry out this title, there are authorized to be
appropriated to the Fund to carry out this subtitle--
            ``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2000;
            ``(2) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
            ``(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
            ``(4) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.

``SEC. 181. IMPLEMENTATION.

    ``The Administrator shall, by regulation, establish such
requirements as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle.''.

SEC. 2. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

    Section 121(a)(2)(A) of the Riegle Community Development and
Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4718(a)(2)(A)) is
amended--
            (1) by striking ``$5,550,000'' and inserting
        ``$6,100,000''; and
            (2) in the first sentence, by inserting before the period
        ``, including costs and expenses associated with carrying out
        subtitle C''.

SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

    Section 104(d) of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory
Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4703(d)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by striking ``15'' and inserting ``17'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (G)--
                            (i) by striking ``9'' and inserting ``11'';
                            (ii) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v)
                        as clauses (v) and (vi), respectively; and
                            (iii) by inserting after clause (iii) the
                        following:
                            ``(iv) 2 individuals who have expertise in
                        microenterprises and microenterprise
                        development;''; and
            (2) in paragraph (4), in the first sentence, by inserting
        before the period ``and subtitle C''.

Summary: Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to add to title I a new subtitle C, which may be cited as the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1999 . Directs the Administrator of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (Administrator) to establish a microenterprise technical assistance and capacity building program to provide Fund grants to qualified nonprofit organizations to: (1) provide training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs. (2) provide training and capacity building services to help microenterprise development organizations and programs develop microenterprise training and services. And (3) aid in researching and developing the best practices in the field of microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Prohibits the use of grant amounts to make loans of any kind. Sets forth an allocation formula for such assistance and for grants benefitting very low-income persons, including those residing on Indian reservations. Authorizes a qualified organization to provide subgrants to small and emerging microenterprise entities. Instructs the Administrator to employ selection criteria that provide positive consideration to applications by qualified organizations participating in the Microloan program established under the Small Business Act. Mandates matching funds from non-Federal sources. Requires the Administrator to report to certain congressional committees on the enterprise technical assistance and capacity building program, including an evaluation of its effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to: (1) submit regulations to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) for review and comment. And (2) enter into a memorandum of understanding with the SBA Administrator providing that the program under this Act and the Microloan program under the Small Business Act will be implemented in conjunction and coordination with one another. Prohibits the Fund Administrator from making any grant under this Act before reaching accord on such memorandum of understanding.

PRIME Act


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose
Prevention Act of 2016'' or the ``STOP Act of 2016''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO UNITED STATES MAIL SECURITY.

    (a) Importer of Record.--
            (1) In general.--Subparagraph (B) of section 484(a)(2) of
        the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(B)) is amended to
        read as follows:
            ``(B)(i) When an entry of merchandise is made under this
        section, the required documentation or information shall be
        filed or electronically transmitted--
                    ``(I) by the owner or purchaser of the merchandise;
                    ``(II) when appropriately designated by the owner,
                purchaser, or consignee of the merchandise, by a person
                holding a valid license under section 641; or
                    ``(III) in the case of non-letter class mail, by
                the Postmaster General or a designee of the Postmaster
                General, which may include a person holding a valid
                license under section 641.
            ``(ii) When a consignee declares on entry that he or she is
        the owner or purchaser of merchandise, U.S. Customs and Border
        Protection may, without liability, accept the declaration.
            ``(iii) For the purposes of this Act, the importer of
        record must be one of the parties who is eligible to file the
        documentation or information required by this section.
            ``(iv) In this subparagraph, the term `non-letter class
        mail' means any product of the United States Postal Service or
        a Universal Postal Union designated operator that is provided
        pursuant to--
                    ``(I) the Universal Postal Union's Parcel Post
                Regulations and Final Protocol; or
                    ``(II) the Universal Postal Union's Letter Post
                Regulations and Final Protocol, except `small letters'
                as defined in Article RL 124(1), as such regulations
                were in effect on the date of the enactment of the
                Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of
                2016.''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
        shall take effect on the date that is six months after the date
        of the enactment of this Act.
    (b) Informal Entries.--Section 498 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19
U.S.C. 1498) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Regulations Related to Informal Customs Entries.--
            ``(1) Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
        law, not later than six months after the date of the enactment
        of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of
        2016, the Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to
        require the Postmaster General or designee of the Postmaster
        General, which may include a person holding a valid license
        under section 641, to file informal customs entries for all
        non-letter class mail that meets the informal entry
        requirements of this section and subpart C of part 143 of title
        19, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(2) Non-letter class mail.--In this subsection, the term
        `non-letter class mail' has the meaning given that term in
        section 484(a)(2)(B)(iv).''.
    (c) De Minimis Shipments.--
            (1) Reduction or modification of exemption.--Section 321 of
        the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1321) is amended by adding at
        the end the following:
    ``(c) The Postmaster General or a designee of the Postmaster
General, which may include a person holding a valid license under
section 641, shall be designated as the importer of record for non-
letter class mail (as that term is defined in section 484(a)(2)(B)(iv))
that is subject to the regulations issued pursuant to subsection (a) or
(b).''.
            (2) Regulations.--Not later than six months after the date
        of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury
        shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by
        paragraph (1).
    (d) Customs Fees.--
            (1) In general.--Paragraph (6) of section 13031(a) of the
        Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (19
        U.S.C. 58c(a)(6)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(6)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for each
        item of dutiable mail for which a document is prepared by a
        customs officer, $5.
            ``(B) For the arrival of each item of any non-letter class
        mail (as that term is defined in clause (iv) of section
        484(a)(2)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C.
        1484(a)(2)(B))), $1.''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
        shall take effect on the date that is six months after the date
        of the enactment of this Act.
    (e) Mandatory Advanced Electronic Information for Non-Letter Class
Mail.--
            (1) In general.--Subparagraph (K) of section 343(a)(3) of
        the Trade Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-210; 19 U.S.C. 2071 note)
        is amended to read as follows:
                    ``(K) The Secretary shall require the Postmaster
                General to provide the information required in
                paragraphs (1) and (2) to U.S. Customs and Border
                Protection for any non-letter class mail (as that term
                is defined in clause (iv) of section 484(a)(2)(B) of
                the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(B)))
                imported into the United States.''.
            (2) Regulations.--Not later than six months after the date
        of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury
        shall issue regulations to carry out subparagraph (K) of
        section 343(a)(3) of the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by
        paragraph (1).
    (f) Limitation on International Postal Arrangements.--The Secretary
of State may not conclude any international postal arrangement pursuant
to the authority set out in section 407 of title 39, United States
Code, that is inconsistent with this Act or any amendment made by this
Act.

Summary: Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of 2016 or the STOP Act of 2016 This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make the Postmaster General or Postmaster General designee, including a person holding a valid customs broker's license, the importer of record for non-letter class mail imported into the United States. The term quot, non-letter class mailquot. Means any product of the US Postal Service or a Universal Postal Union designated operator that is provided pursuant to: the Universal Postal Union's Parcel Post Regulations and Final Protocol. Or the Universal Postal Union's Letter Post Regulations and Final Protocol, except small letters, as in effect upon enactment of this bill. The bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to impose a duty of $1 on each item of non-letter class mail imported into the United States. The bill amends the Trade Act of 2002 to direct the Department of the Treasury to require the Postmaster General to provide for the advanced electronic transmission to the US Customs and Border Protection of certain information on non-letter class mail imported into the United States.

STOP Act of 2016


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Tick-Borne Disease Research
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES.

    Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following new part:

          ``PART W--LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES

``SEC. 399OO. RESEARCH.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct or support
epidemiological, basic, translational, and clinical research regarding
Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
    ``(b) Biennial Reports.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
biennial report under section 403 includes information on actions
undertaken by the National Institutes of Health to carry out subsection
(a) with respect to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases,
including an assessment of the progress made in improving the outcomes
of Lyme disease and such other tick-borne diseases.

``SEC. 399OO-1. WORKING GROUP.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a permanent
working group, to be known as the Interagency Lyme and Tick-Borne
Disease Working Group (in this section and section 399OO-2 referred to
as the `Working Group'), to review all efforts within the Department of
Health and Human Services concerning Lyme disease and other tick-borne
diseases to ensure interagency coordination, minimize overlap, and
examine research priorities.
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Working Group shall--
            ``(1) not later than 24 months after the date of enactment
        of this part, and every 24 months thereafter, develop or update
        a summary of--
                    ``(A) ongoing Lyme disease and other tick-borne
                disease research related to causes, prevention,
                treatment, surveillance, diagnosis, diagnostics,
                duration of illness, intervention, and access to
                services and supports for individuals with Lyme disease
                or other tick-borne diseases;
                    ``(B) advances made pursuant to such research;
                    ``(C) the engagement of the Department of Health
                and Human Services with persons that participate at the
                public meetings required by paragraph (5); and
                    ``(D) the comments received by the Working Group at
                such public meetings and the Secretary's response to
                such comments;
            ``(2) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints
        is represented in each such summary;
            ``(3) monitor Federal activities with respect to Lyme
        disease and other tick-borne diseases;
            ``(4) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding any
        appropriate changes to such activities; and
            ``(5) ensure public input by holding annual public meetings
        that address scientific advances, research questions,
        surveillance activities, and emerging strains in species of
        pathogenic organisms.
    ``(c) Membership.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Working Group shall be composed of a
        total of 14 members as follows:
                    ``(A) Federal members.--Seven Federal members,
                consisting of one or more representatives of each of--
                            ``(i) the Office of the Assistant Secretary
                        for Health;
                            ``(ii) the Food and Drug Administration;
                            ``(iii) the Centers for Disease Control and
                        Prevention;
                            ``(iv) the National Institutes of Health;
                        and
                            ``(v) such other agencies and offices of
                        the Department of Health and Human Services as
                        the Secretary determines appropriate.
                    ``(B) Non-federal public members.--Seven non-
                Federal public members, consisting of representatives
                of the following categories:
                            ``(i) Physicians and other medical
                        providers with experience in diagnosing and
                        treating Lyme disease and other tick-borne
                        diseases.
                            ``(ii) Scientists or researchers with
                        expertise.
                            ``(iii) Patients and their family members.
                            ``(iv) Nonprofit organizations that
                        advocate for patients with respect to Lyme
                        disease and other tick-borne diseases.
                            ``(v) Other individuals whose expertise is
                        determined by the Secretary to be beneficial to
                        the functioning of the Working Group.
            ``(2) Appointment.--The members of the Working Group shall
        be appointed by the Secretary, except that of the non-Federal
        public members under paragraph (1)(B)--
                    ``(A) one shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
                House of Representatives; and
                    ``(B) one shall be appointed by the Majority Leader
                of the Senate.
            ``(3) Diversity of scientific perspectives.--In making
        appointments under paragraph (2), the Secretary, the Speaker of
        the House of Representatives, and the Majority Leader of the
        Senate shall ensure that the non-Federal public members of the
        Working Group represent a diversity of scientific perspectives.
            ``(4) Terms.--The non-Federal public members of the Working
        Group shall each be appointed to serve a 4-year term and may be
        reappointed at the end of such term.
    ``(d) Meetings.--The Working Group shall meet as often as
necessary, as determined by the Secretary, but not less than twice each
year.
    ``(e) Applicability of FACA.--The Working Group shall be treated as
an advisory committee subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
    ``(f) Reporting.--Not later than 24 months after the date of
enactment of this part, and every 24 months thereafter, the Working
Group--
            ``(1) shall submit a report on its activities, including an
        up-to-date summary under subsection (b)(1) and any
        recommendations under subsection (b)(4), to the Secretary, the
        Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
        Representatives, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor
        and Pensions of the Senate;
            ``(2) shall make each such report publicly available on the
        website of the Department of Health and Human Services; and
            ``(3) shall allow any member of the Working Group to
        include in any such report minority views.

``SEC. 399OO-2. STRATEGIC PLAN.

    ``Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this
section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to
the Congress a strategic plan, informed by the most recent summary
under section 399OO-1(b)(1), for the conduct and support of Lyme
disease and tick-borne disease research, including--
            ``(1) proposed budgetary requirements;
            ``(2) a plan for improving outcomes of Lyme disease and
        other tick-borne diseases, including progress related to
        chronic or persistent symptoms and chronic or persistent
        infection and co-infections;
            ``(3) a plan for improving diagnosis, treatment, and
        prevention;
            ``(4) appropriate benchmarks to measure progress on
        achieving the improvements described in paragraphs (2) and (3);
        and
            ``(5) a plan to disseminate each summary under section
        399OO-1(b)(1) and other relevant information developed by the
        Working Group to the public, including health care providers,
        public health departments, and other relevant medical
        groups.''.

SEC. 3. NO ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
this Act and the amendment made by this Act, and this Act and such
amendment shall be

 carried out using amounts otherwise available for such purpose.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 9, 2014.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.

Summary: Tick-Borne Disease Research Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct or support epidemiological, basic, translational, and clinical research regarding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Working Group to review all HHS efforts concerning tick-borne diseases to ensure interagency coordination and examine research priorities. Requires the Working Group to: (1) provide a summary of tick-borne disease research, advances, and scientific viewpoints every two years, (2) make recommendations to HHS regarding tick-borne disease activities. And (3) hold annual public meetings. Requires HHS to submit a strategic plan for tick-borne disease research within three years of enactment and every five years thereafter that includes: (1) budgetary requirements. (2) benchmarks for improving tick-borne disease diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and prevention. And (3) a plan to disseminate Working Group summaries and other relevant information on tick-borne disease to health professionals and the public.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Veterans Affairs
Health Professionals Education Debt Reduction Act''.

SEC. 2. PROGRAM OF ASSISTANCE IN THE PAYMENT OF EDUCATION DEBTS
              INCURRED BY CERTAIN VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
              EMPLOYEES.

    (a) Program.--(1) Chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:

           ``SUBCHAPTER VI--EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM

``Sec. 7661. Authority for program
    ``(a) The Secretary may carry out an education debt reduction
program under this subchapter. The program shall be known as the
Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program
(hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the `Education Debt
Reduction Program'). The purpose of the program is to assist personnel
serving in health-care positions in the Veterans Health Administration
in reducing the amount of debt incurred by such personnel in completing
educational programs that qualify such personnel for such service.
    ``(b) Such assistance shall be in addition to the assistance
available to individuals under the Educational Assistance Program
established under this chapter.
``Sec. 7662. Eligibility; application
    ``(a) An individual eligible to participate in the Education Debt
Reduction Program is any individual (other than a physician or
dentist)--
            ``(1) who is serving in a position in the Veterans Health
        Administration under an appointment under section 7402(b) of
        this title; and
            ``(2) who owes--
                    ``(A) any amount of principal or interest under a
                loan the proceeds of which were used by or on behalf of
                the individual to pay costs relating to a course of
                education or training at a qualifying educational
                institution which course led to a degree that qualified
                the individual for a position referred to in paragraph
                (1); or
                    ``(B) any amount of principal or interest under a
                loan the proceeds of which are being used by or on
                behalf of the individual to pay costs relating to a
                course of education or training at a qualifying
                educational institution which course leads to a degree
                that qualifies the individual for such a position.
    ``(b) Any eligible individual seeking to participate in the
Education Debt Reduction Program shall submit an application to the
Secretary relating to such participation.
``Sec. 7663. Preference for assistance
    ``In selecting individuals for assistance under the Education Debt
Reduction Program, the Secretary shall give preference to the
following:
            ``(1) Individuals who have completed or are engaged in, as
        the case may be, a two-year or four-year course of education or
        training at an undergraduate institution leading to a degree
        that qualified or qualifies, as the case may be, the
        individuals for a position referred to in section 7662(a)(1) of
        this title.
            ``(2) Individuals who serve in the Veterans Health
        Administration--
                    ``(A) in areas in which the recruitment or
                retention of an adequate supply of qualified health-
                care personnel is difficult (as determined by the
                Secretary); or
                    ``(B) in positions for which the recruitment or
                retention of such a supply of such personnel is
                difficult (as so determined).
``Sec. 7664. Amount of assistance
    ``(a) Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may pay to an
individual selected to receive assistance under the Education Debt
Reduction Program an amount not to exceed $4,000 (adjusted in
accordance with section 7631 of this title) for each full year served
by the individual in a position in the Veterans Health Administration
under section 7402(b) of this title (other than a position referred to
in paragraph (1) or (2) of such section) after the date of such
individual's selection.
    ``(b)(1) An individual may receive assistance under the Education
Debt Reduction Program only to assist the individual in paying amounts
(including principal and interest) owed by the individual under a loan
referred to in section 7662(a)(2) of this title.
    ``(2) An individual may receive assistance under the Education Debt
Reduction Program for a year if--
            ``(A) the individual serves for the full year in a position
        referred to in subsection (a); and
            ``(B) maintains an acceptable level of performance during
        such service.
    ``(3) The total amount of assistance received by an individual
under the Education Debt Reduction Program may not exceed $12,000
(adjusted in accordance with section 7631 of this title).''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following:

           ``SUBCHAPTER VI--EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM

``7661. Authority for program.
``7662. Eligibility; application.
``7663. Preference for assistance.
``7664. Amount of assistance.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 7631 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking out ``and the maximum
        Selected Reserve member stipend amount'' and inserting in lieu
        thereof ``the maximum Selected Reserve stipend amount, and the
        education debt reduction amount and limitation''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
                (5); and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following
                new paragraph (4):
            ``(4) The term `education debt reduction amount and
        limitation' means the maximum amount of assistance, and the
        limitation applicable to such assistance, for a person
        receiving assistance under subchapter VI of this chapter, as
        specified in section 7663 of this title and as previously
        adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this subsection.''.
    (c) Regulations.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe
regulations necessary to carry out the Education Debt Reduction Program
established under subchapter VI of chapter 76 of title 38, United
States Code (as added by subsection (a)). The Secretary shall prescribe
such regulations not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
    (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on the effectiveness of the Education Debt Reduction Program and the
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program
established under subchapter II of chapter 76 of title 38, United
States Code, in assisting the Secretary in the recruitment and
retention of qualified health-care professionals for positions in the
Veterans Health Administration.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There is authorized to be
appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 1994 through 1998 to carry out the Education Debt
Reduction Program.
    (2) No funds may be used to provide assistance under the program
unless expressly provided for in an appropriation Act.
    (f) Exemption from Limitation.--Section 523(b) of the Veterans
Health Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585; 38 U.S.C. 7601 note) shall
not apply to the Education Debt Reduction Program.

Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Education Debt Reduction Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program to assist Department health-care personnel serving in the Veterans Health Administration in reducing the amount of debt incurred in completing educational programs that qualify such personnel for such service. Makes eligible for such Program any individual other than a physician or dentist serving in a Department health care position and having an outstanding health education loan from a qualified educational institution. Provides certain assistance preferences. Limits the assistance to $4,000 for each full year served in a Department health-care position, up to a $12,000 maximum. Authorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 1994 through 1998.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``A Better Chance to Learn Act of
1993''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

    It is the purpose of this Act to encourage and assist local school
districts and communities to develop, expand, or operate innovative
home-based parent and early childhood education programs in an effort
to--
            (1) empower parents to be the primary educators of their
        children;
            (2) provide children with school-readiness skills;
            (3) develop positive attitudes toward education on the part
        of parents and children; and
            (4) enhance the role of parents in the transition of their
        children from preschool to kindergarten.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this Act:
            (1) Community-based organizations.--The term ``community-
        based organizations'' means private nonprofit organizations
        that are located within a community and that are not affiliated
        with any specific religion.
            (2) Developmentally appropriate.--The term
        ``developmentally appropriate'' as applied to a home-based
        program implemented by parents means those activities for the
        general population of 3- to 5-year-old children that are
        meaningful to parents and that will result in successful
        parent-child interactions.
            (3) Home-based.--The term ``home-based'' means that the
        program provides parent and early childhood education services
        in the private residence of the child receiving such services.
            (4) Limited or unsuccessful formal schooling.--The term
        ``limited or unsuccessful formal schooling'' means the--
                    (A) completion of high school with low achievement
                during enrollment;
                    (B) noncompletion of high school with low
                achievement during enrollment; or
                    (C) lack of a general education degree.
            (5) Local educational agencies.--The term ``local
        educational agencies'' has the meaning given to the term
        ``local educational agency'' by section 1471(12) of the
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
        2891).
            (6) Near poor families.--The term ``near poor families''
        means families that have an income that is approximately 130
        percent of the poverty line (as defined by the Office of
        Management and Budget, and revised annually in accordance with
        section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42
        U.S.C. 9902(2)).
            (7) Parent education.--The term ``parent education''
        includes parent support activities, the provision of resource
        materials on child development and parent and child learning
        activities, private and group educational guidance, individual
        and group learning experiences for the parent and child, and
        other activities that enable the parent to improve learning in
        the home.
            (8) Working poor families.--The term ``working poor
        families'' means families that--
                    (A) have family members--
                            (i) who are working; or
                            (ii) who were looking for work during at
                        least the last 6 months of the year prior to
                        the year in which a grantee determines such
                        families' eligibility for services under this
                        Act; and
                    (B) earn an income not in excess of 150 percent of
                the poverty line as described in paragraph (5).
            (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Education.

SEC. 4. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants to
local educational agencies and community-based organizations to pay the
Federal share of the cost of the activities described in section 5.
    (b) Grant Allocations.--The Secretary shall award--
            (1) 50 percent of the total grants awarded under this
        section to applicants that are establishing new home-based
        parent and early childhood education programs; and
            (2) 50 percent of the total grants awarded under this
        section to applicants that are operating or expanding existing
        home-based parent and early childhood education programs.
    (c) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to an applicant that describes in an application
submitted under section 6 that such applicant's program targets--
            (1) working poor families or near poor families that do not
        qualify for assistance under the early childhood programs under
        the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) or chapter 1 of
        title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
        (20 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.);
            (2) families that qualify for assistance under the Federal
        programs described in paragraph (1), but that are not served by
        such programs; or
            (3) parents who have limited or unsuccessful formal
        schooling.

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.

    A grantee may use funds received under this Act for establishing,
operating or expanding home-based parent and early childhood education
programs.

SEC. 6. ELIGIBILITY.

    To be eligible for a grant under this Act, an entity, as described
in section 4(a), shall prepare and submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such
information as the Secretary may reasonably require.

SEC. 7. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

    A grantee under this Act shall conduct a home-based parent and
early childhood education program that--
            (1) enhances parents' awareness of their strengths and
        potential as the primary educators of their children;
            (2) provides support, training and developmentally
        appropriate educational materials that are necessary for
        parents to implement a school-readiness, home instruction
        program for their children;
            (3) conducts group meetings with parents to provide support
        activities related to parenting skills and other topics of
        interest to participating parents; and
            (4) to the maximum extent possible, provides opportunities
        for field trips to local sites of educational and cultural
        benefit.

SEC. 8. ELIGIBLE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS.

    (a) In General.--To be eligible to participate in a parent and
early childhood service program conducted under this Act, an individual
shall be a parent with one or more children who are age 3, 4, or 5.
    (b) Special Rules.--
            (1) Participation.--No school system or parents shall be
        required to participate in programs funded under this Act.
            (2) Program actions.--A program receiving grant funds under
        this Act may not take action that infringes on the right of
        parents to direct the education of their children.

SEC. 9. PAYMENTS AND FEDERAL SHARE.

    (a) Federal Share.--The Federal share described in section 4(a)
shall be 80 percent.
    (b) Non-Federal Share.--
            (1) In general.--A grantee under this Act shall make
        available non-Federal contributions toward the cost of carrying
        out the program established, operated, or expanded with amounts
        received under the grant in an amount equal to at least 20
        percent of the amount of funds provided under the grant.
            (2) In kind contributions.--The non-Federal contributions
        described in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in kind fairly
        evaluated, including planned equipment or services.

SEC. 10. SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.

    Funds appropriated pursuant to the authority of this Act shall be
used to supplement and not supplant other local public funds expended
to provide services for individuals eligible to participate in a
program under this Act.

SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the fiscal years 1995 through 1998.

Summary: A Better Chance to Learn Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies and community-based organizations to pay 80 percent of the cost of home-based parent and early childhood education programs. Allocates one-half of such grants to new programs and one-half to existing programs. Gives priority to programs that target: (1) early childhood program assistance under the Head Start Act or chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. (2) families that qualify for such assistance, but are not served by such programs. Or (3) parents who have limited or unsuccessful formal schooling. Makes an individual eligible to participate if he or she is a parent with one or more children age three, four, or five. Sets forth application and other program requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

Better Chance to Learn Act of 1993


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Flood-Affected States Assistance Act
of 1993''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    For purposes of this Act:
            (1) Designated.--The term ``designated'' means--
                    (A) with respect to a State or a political
                subdivision of a State, that the President declared,
                between April 1, 1993, and August 1, 1993, that a major
                disaster or emergency exists under the Robert T.
                Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
                (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) in the State or political
                subdivision as a result of the widespread flooding in
                the Midwest in 1993; and
                    (B) with respect to an individual or a family, that
                the individual or family resides in a designated State
                or a designated political subdivision of a State
                described in subparagraph (A).
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Health and Human Services.
            (3) State agency.--The term ``State agency'' means--
                    (A) with respect to part A of title IV of the
                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the State
                agency that administers or supervises the
                administration of the State's plan approved under
                section 402 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 602);
                    (B) with respect to part F of title IV of such Act
                (42 U.S.C. 681 et seq.), the State agency that
                administers or supervises the administration of the
                State's plan approved under section 402 of such Act (42
                U.S.C. 602); and
                    (C) with respect to title XIX of such Act (42
                U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), the State agency that administers
                or supervises the administration of the State's plan
                approved under section 1902 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
                1396a).

SEC. 3. ENHANCED FEDERAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PERCENTAGE FOR SERVICES
              FURNISHED TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

    Notwithstanding section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1396d(b)) or any other provision of law, with respect to amounts
expended by a State as medical assistance under title XIX of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) for services furnished during the 2-year
period beginning July 1, 1993, to any designated individual, the
Federal medical assistance percentage for such State shall be 83
percent.

SEC. 4. DISREGARD OF CERTAIN DONATED ITEMS AND TEMPORARY FINANCIAL
              ASSISTANCE WHEN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS
              UNDER THE AFDC AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an amount equal to the
amount of, or value of, a donation or temporary financial assistance
(including cash and in-kind services) provided by the Federal
Government, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a private
person to a designated individual or designated family as disaster
assistance (including assistance provided pursuant to the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121
et seq.)) as a result of the widespread flooding in the Midwest in 1993
shall be excluded from a determination of income or resources made by a
State agency pursuant to a State plan under part A of title IV of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or under title XIX of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).

SEC. 5. INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Federal Payment.--Notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 411
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5178), for the 2-year period beginning April 1, 1993, the
Federal share of any grant made under such section to a designated
individual or a designated family shall be equal to 100 percent of the
actual cost incurred.
    (b) Administrative Cost Limit Waived.--For the 2-year period
beginning on April 1, 1993, the 5 percent limitation applicable to
administrative expenses under subsection (d) of section 411 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5178) shall not apply in the case of any grant made to a
designated individual or a designated family.

SEC. 6. EXTENSION OF SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR CERTAIN AFDC AND JOBS
              PROGRAM REPORTS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to any
designated State, each report relating to the State plan that the State
agency is required to file with the Secretary under parts A and F of
title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. and 681 et
seq.) not later than September 30, 1993, shall not be required to be
filed until December 31, 1993.

SEC. 7. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN STATE QUALITY CONTROL
              FUNCTIONS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period
beginning on September 1, 1993, and ending on February 28, 1994, for
each designated State--
            (1) the State agency of the State shall not be required to
        carry out quality control requirements under section 408 of the
        Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608) and section 1903(u) of such
        Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(u));
            (2) the error rate for the State determined under
        subsection (d) of section 408 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 608) shall
        be deemed to be zero; and
            (3) the ratio of the State's erroneous excess payments for
        medical assistance to the State's total expenditures for
        medical assistance under the State plan approved under title
        XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) determined under
        subsection (u) of section 1903 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b)
        shall be deemed to be zero.

SEC. 8. COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CHILD SUPPORT DATA
              PROCESSING AND INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS.

    Notwithstanding section 454(16) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 654(16)) or any other provision of law, a designated State shall
be deemed to be in compliance with any requirements under part D of
title IV of such Act (42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.) relating to the State's
statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system
for purposes of payments under section 455(a)(1)(B) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 655(a)(1)(B)) until December 1, 1993.

SEC. 9. ENHANCED FEDERAL MATCH FOR CERTAIN NEW ELIGIBLES.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for
the 2-year period beginning on July 1, 1993, the Federal share of the
expenses incurred by any designated State under a program described in
subsection (b) shall be 100 percent of such expenses attributable to
any unanticipated newly eligible individuals (as defined in subsection
(c)).
    (b) Programs Described.--For purposes of subsection (a), a program
described in this subsection is a State program operated in accordance
with a State plan approved under part A, D, or E of title IV of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 651 et seq., or 670 et
seq.), or title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
    (c) Definition.--For purposes of subsection (a), the term
``unanticipated newly eligible individuals'' means individuals who
became eligible for a program described in subsection (b) on or after
July 1, 1993, and who are in excess of the number of individuals
anticipated by the Secretary to become eligible for such program during
the period referred to in subsection (a) based on the rate of increase
in eligible individuals for such program before the widespread flooding
in the Midwest in 1993.

SEC. 10. ENHANCED FEDERAL MATCH FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING SPECIAL NEEDS
              UNDER THE AFDC PROGRAM.

    Notwithstanding section 403(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 603(a)) or any other provision of law, during the 2-year period
beginning on July 1, 1993, the Federal share of the expenses incurred
by any designated State providing transitional housing special needs
under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) to any designated individual or designated family shall be 100
percent.

SEC. 11. ENHANCED FEDERAL MATCH FOR JOBS PROGRAM.

    Notwithstanding section 403(l) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 603(l)) or any other provision of law, during the 2-year period
beginning on July 1, 1993, the Federal share of the expenses incurred
by a State with respect to a designated individual who participates in
the jobs program under part F of the title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 681 et seq.) shall be 100 percent.

SEC. 12. ENHANCED FEDERAL MATCH FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FURNISHED TO
              FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN.

    Notwithstanding section 403(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 603(a)(5)) or any other provision of law, during the 2-year
period beginning on July 1, 1993, the Federal share of the expenses
incurred by a State with respect to a designated individual or a
designated family receiving emergency assistance to families with
children (without regard to the 30-day limitation for receipt of such
aid in any 12-month period under section 406(e)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 606(e)(1))) shall be 100 percent.

SEC. 13. ENHANCED FEDERAL MATCH FOR CERTAIN OPTIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES.

    Notwithstanding section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1396d(b)) or any other provision of law, with respect to
services covered under the State plan of any designated State under
title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) at the option of such
State which are furnished to a designated individual and paid for by a
county of such State in accordance with State law, the Federal medical
assistance percentage during the 2-year period beginning July 1, 1993,
shall be 100 percent.

SEC. 14. PERMANENT ENHANCED FEDERAL MATCH UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL AND
              FAMILY GRANT PROGRAMS FOR STATES FREQUENTLY DECLARED TO
              BE DISASTER AREAS.

    Section 411(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5178(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Federal share'' and
        inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal
        share'';
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``The Federal share'' and
        inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal
        share''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(3) Enhanced federal share under certain circumstances.--
        If the President has declared a major disaster to exist under
        this Act in more than one-third of the counties in a State in 2
        of the previous 5 calendar years, the Federal share of a grant
        to an individual or a family under this section shall be equal
        to 100 percent of the actual cost incurred.''.

Summary: Flood-Affected States Assistance Act of 1993 - Provides for an enhanced Federal medical assistance match for services furnished under Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA)) to individuals residing in major disaster areas resulting from the widespread flooding in the Midwest in 1993 . Disregards certain donated items and temporary financial assistance when determining eligibility for benefits under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Medicaid programs. Provides for a greater Federal share of grants to individuals and families residing in Midwest flood areas. Waives certain administrative costs involved in such grants. Extends the submission deadline for certain AFDC and JOBS program reports. Suspends temporarily certain State quality control functions. Deems States in Midwest flood areas to be in compliance with requirements under SSA title IV part D relating to child support data processing and information retrieval systems. Provides for an enhanced Federal match for: (1) individuals in Midwest flood areas who are newly eligible for Medicaid or certain State welfare programs. (2) the transitional housing special needs of such individuals under AFDC. (3) emergency assistance furnished to families in Midwest flood areas with children, (4) JOBS program participants in Midwest flood areas. And (5) certain optional Medicaid services furnished to individuals in Midwest flood areas. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide for a permanent enhanced Federal match under the individual and family grant program for States frequently declared to be disaster areas.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Employment and
Education Enhancement Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

            (1) The authorizations of most programs providing Federal
        aid to elementary and secondary education, and support for
        educational research, statistics, and assessment activities,
        including programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education
        Act of 1965 (ESEA), the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (Goals
        2000), the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination,
        and Improvement Act of 1994 (ERDDIA), and the National
        Education Statistics Act of 1994 (NESA), expired during the
        106th Congress.
            (2) The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary
        Education Act of 1965 is likely to occur during the 107th
        Congress.
            (3) The programs authorized under the Elementary and
        Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Goals 2000: Educate
        America Act, the Educational Research, Development,
        Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994, and the National
        Education Statistics Act of 1994, constitute the majority of
        Federal grants for elementary and secondary education.
            (4) The business community, and small businesses in
        particular, have an important stake in the education of our
        Nation's youth.
            (5) One of the most fundamental needs that any growing
        business will ever face is the need for employees with basic
        skills.
            (6) Concerns have been expressed by the small business
        community that students are not graduating with adequate basic
        skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and science that allow
        the students to succeed in today's workplace or become the
        entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
            (7) A 1999 American Management Association survey on
        workplace testing found that--
                    (A) approximately 36 percent of employees tested
                for basic skills (reading, writing and mathematics)
                were found to be deficient;
                    (B) small businesses had deficiency rates well
                above the national average; and
                    (C) 60 percent of American Management Association
                member companies reported that the availability of
                skilled manpower was scarce, and 67 percent believe
                that the shortages will continue.
            (8) A 1999 National Federation of Independent Business
        report found that 18 percent of the members reported finding
        qualified labor is the most important problem facing their
        business.
            (9) A 1999 poll of the United States Chambers of Commerce
        found that 83 percent of the members reported the ability (or
        lack thereof) to get qualified workers is among the members'
        biggest concerns, and 53 percent of the members said education
        is the single most pressing public policy issue for the
        members.
            (10) The growth of high-skilled jobs is outpacing growth in
        all other fields.
            (11) Small business is the driving force behind our
        Nation's economy.

SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) locally-driven initiatives to improve education are
        crucial;
            (2) the views of small business should be taken into
        account in the debate over education;
            (3) in order to create jobs, our Nation must encourage
        small business expansion and foster small business
        entrepreneurship and job creation, and education initiatives
        are key to this effort;
            (4) the Department of Education should facilitate the
        sharing of ideas and best practices at the State and local
        level, particularly with respect to partnerships between small
        businesses and school systems; and
            (5) when and where Department of Education approval of a
        program or proposal is required, the Department of Education
        should expedite approval of such programs or proposals.

SEC. 4. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND SHARING.

    The Secretary of Education shall disseminate information and
facilitate the sharing of information designed to assist small
businesses in working with school systems to improve the education
system through publication of guidance materials, best practices,
checklists, and other formats on the World Wide Web, in Department of
Education publications and articles, in letters, through links to other
related World Wide Web sites, through public service announcements, and
through other means at the Department's disposal.

SEC. 5. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CLEARINGHOUSE FOR INFORMATION.

    The Secretary of Education shall establish a centralized database
of materials to act as a clearinghouse for information on successful
initiatives and best practices regarding the involvement of small
businesses in education. The clearinghouse shall receive, collect,
process, assemble, and disseminate reliable information, including
innovative, successful activities with a proven track record at the
State and local level.

SEC. 6. OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATION.

    Title II of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C.
3411 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 220. OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATION.

    ``(a) There shall be in the Department an Office of Small Business
Education (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Office'), to
be administered by the Director of Small Business Education. The
Director of Small Business Education shall report directly to the
Secretary and shall perform such additional functions as the Secretary
may prescribe.
    ``(b) The Director of Small Business Education, through the Office,
shall--
            ``(1) review the needs of small businesses and the
        contributions the small business community may make with
        respect to efforts to improve education;
            ``(2) promote efforts to address the needs of small
        businesses though education programs;
            ``(3) work to remove impediments to partnerships between
        school systems and small businesses; and
            ``(4) propose solutions to education-related problems
        facing small businesses.''.

SEC. 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Small Business
Education shall provide technical assistance to small businesses, small
business organizations, school systems, and communities working
cooperatively to improve education outcomes.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for fiscal year 2001 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

SEC. 8. TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY EXPENSES.

    (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 45E. SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY CREDIT.

    ``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of a
small business, the small business education opportunity credit
determined under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal
to 15 percent of qualified education opportunity credit expenses paid
or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
    ``(b) Qualified Education Opportunity Expenses.--For purposes of
this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified education
        opportunity expenses' means an amount paid or incurred in
        connection with an eligible work study program, including--
                    ``(A) administrative expenses of the taxpayer, and
                    ``(B) remuneration paid to participants in such
                program for services performed by such participant.
            ``(2) Eligible work study program.--The term `eligible work
        study program' means a written program--
                    ``(A) approved by the appropriate State educational
                agency, and
                    ``(B) involving a partnership with a secondary
                school to provide work study and internship
                opportunities for eligible individuals.
            ``(3) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual'
        means an individual who is--
                    ``(A) a full-time student in a secondary school, or
                    ``(B) a full-time teacher in a secondary school.
            ``(4) Exceptions.--Such term does not include--
                    ``(A) expenses for which any other Federal or State
                credit or payment is made, or
                    ``(B) expenses paid or incurred for a professional
                conference or for an orientation program.
    ``(c) Definitions; Special Rules.--
            ``(1) Secondary school.--For purposes of this section, the
        term `secondary school' has the meaning given such term by
        section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801), as in effect on the date of enactment of
        this section.
            ``(2) Special rules.--Rules similar to the rules of
        subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 52 shall apply for
        purposes of this section.
            ``(3) Aggregation rules.--All persons treated as a single
        employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or
        subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as one
        person for purposes of subsection (a).
    ``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction or credit shall be
allowed under this chapter (other than a credit under this section) for
any amount taken into account in determining the credit under this
section.''.
    (b) Limitation on Carryback.--Section 39(d) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to transition rules) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
            ``(10) No carryback of small business education opportunity
        credit before effective date.--No portion of the unused
        business credit for any taxable year which is attributable to
        the small business education opportunity credit determined
        under section 45E may be carried to a taxable year ending
        before the date of the enactment of section 45E.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 38(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to general business credit) is amended by
striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (12), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (13) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(14) the small business education opportunity credit
        determined under section 45E(a).''.
    (d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 45D the
following new item:

                              ``Sec. 45E. Small business education
                                        opportunity credit.''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000.

SEC. 9. STUDY AND REPORT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall conduct a study
and submit to Congress a report regarding the challenges facing small
businesses in obtaining workers with adequate skills.
    (b) Contents.--The report shall include the following:
            (1) Information on the shortage, if any, of workers with
        adequate skills in the small business sector.
            (2) An assessment of the impact on small business of the
        shortage, if any.
            (3) The costs to small businesses associated with the
        shortage, if any.
            (4) The recommendations of the Secretary, if any, on how to
        address the challenges facing small businesses due to the
        shortage, if any, of workers with adequate skills.

Summary: Small Business Employment and Education Enhancement Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress regarding: (1) locally-driven initiatives to improve education, (2) consideration of the views of small business concerning education. (3) education initiatives as key to fostering small business expansion, entrepreneurship, and job creation. (4) Department of Education facilitation of the sharing of ideas and best practices at State and local levels, particularly with respect to partnerships between small businesses and school systems. And (5) the expediting of the Department's approval of programs or proposals. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) disseminate information and facilitate the sharing of information designed to assist small businesses in working with school systems to improve the education system through specified means, including the Internet World Wide Web. (2) establish a centralized database of materials to act as a clearinghouse for information on successful initiatives and best practices regarding the involvement of small businesses in education. And (3) study and report to Congress on the challenges facing small businesses in obtaining workers with adequate skills. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Office of Small Business Education, administered by a Director, to: (1) review the needs of small businesses and the contributions the small business community may make with respect to efforts to improve education. (2) promote efforts to address the needs of small businesses though education programs. (3) work to remove impediments to partnerships between school systems and small businesses. And (4) propose solutions to education-related problems facing small businesses. Requires the Director to provide technical assistance to small businesses, small business organizations, school systems, and communities working cooperatively to improve education outcomes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a small business education opportunity tax credit for qualified education opportunity expenses.

A bill to enhance Department of Education efforts to facilitate the involvement of small business owners in State and local initiatives to improve education.