SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Montgomery GI Bill Revitalization
Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. ENHANCED BENEFITS UNDER MONTGOMERY GI BILL FOR FOUR YEARS OF
              ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:
    ``SUBCHAPTER V--ENHANCED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
``Sec. 3041. Enhanced educational assistance entitlement
    ``(a) Entitlement.--An eligible individual is entitled to enhanced
educational assistance under this subchapter.
    ``(b) Eligible Individual Defined.--For purposes of this
subchapter, the term `eligible individual' means an individual who
meets the service requirement described in subsection (c) and whose
status after completion of such service is described in section
3011(a)(2) of this title. Such term does not include an individual
described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 3011(c) of this title.
    ``(c) Service Requirement.--(1) The service requirement referred to
in subsection (b) is as follows:
            ``(A) After September 30, 2003, the individual--
                    ``(i) first enters on active duty;
                    ``(ii) reenlists or extends an enlistment on active
                duty as a member of the Armed Forces; or
                    ``(iii) in the case of an officer, continues to
                serve on active duty after that date.
            ``(B) From the date of such entry, reenlistment, extension,
        or continuation, as the case may be, the individual--
                    ``(i) serves a continuous period of active duty of
                at least four years in the Armed Forces; or
                    ``(ii) serves on active duty in the Armed Forces
                and is discharged or released from active duty--
                            ``(I) as provided in subclause (I) of
                        section 3011(a)(1)(A)(ii) of this title;
                            ``(II) for the convenience of the
                        Government, after having completed not less
                        than 42 months of continuous active duty; or
                            ``(III) as provided in subclause (III) of
                        section 3011(a)(1)(A)(ii) of this title.
    ``(2) In determining service under paragraph (1), the following
rules apply:
            ``(A) Any period of service described in paragraph (2) or
        (3) of section 3011(d) of this title that applies to an
        eligible individual under this section shall not be considered
        a part of the individual's period of active duty.
            ``(B) A member described in paragraph (2) of section
        3011(f) of this title who serves the periods of active duty
        referred to in such paragraph shall be deemed to have served a
        continuous period of active duty the length of which is the
        aggregate length of the periods of active duty referred to in
        such paragraph.
            ``(C) Subsections (g) and (h) of section 3011 of this title
        apply with respect to an eligible individual under this section
        in the same manner as they apply to an individual under section
        3011 of this title.
    ``(d) Election of Basic Educational Assistance.--(1) An eligible
individual entitled to enhanced educational assistance under this
subchapter may elect (in a form and manner prescribed by the Secretary)
to receive basic educational assistance under subchapter II in lieu of
such enhanced educational assistance for an enrollment period. Such an
election shall be made not later than 30 days before the beginning of
the enrollment period.
    ``(2) An eligible individual may revoke an election made pursuant
to paragraph (1), but in no case may such revocation be made later than
30 days before the beginning of the enrollment period.
``Sec. 3042. Duration of enhanced educational assistance
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to section 3695 of this title and except
as provided in subsection (b), each individual entitled to enhanced
educational assistance under section 3041 of this title is entitled to
a monthly enhanced educational assistance allowance under this
subchapter for a period or periods not to exceed a total of 36 months
(or the equivalent thereof in part-time enhanced educational
assistance).
    ``(b) Special Rule for Certain Early Separations.--Subject to
section 3695 of this title, in the case of an individual described in
subclause (I) or (III) of section 3041(c)(1)(B)(ii) of this title who
does not serve a continuous period of active duty of at least four
years in the Armed Forces (as described in section 3041(c)(1)(B)(i) of
this title), the individual is entitled to one month of enhanced
educational assistance benefits under this subchapter (not to exceed a
total of 36 months (or the equivalent thereof in part-time enhanced
educational assistance)) for each month of continuous active duty
served by the individual beginning with the date on which the entry on
active duty, reenlistment, enlistment extension, or continuation
applicable to that individual under section 3041(c)(1)(A) of this title
begins.
``Sec. 3043. Payment of educational expenses
    ``(a) In General.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall pay to the educational institution providing a course under an
approved program of education to an eligible individual under this
subchapter who is enrolled in the course the actual cost of tuition and
fees otherwise payable by the individual.
    ``(2) Such cost may not exceed the amount charged to similarly
circumstanced nonveterans.
    ``(b) Stipend; Costs of Books and Supplies.--The Secretary shall
pay to each eligible individual under this subchapter who is pursuing
an approved program of education--
            ``(1) a stipend as provided in section 3044 of this title;
        and
            ``(2) in accordance with regulations prescribed by the
        Secretary, an amount equal to the average cost of books and
        supplies payable by individuals pursuing courses of education
        at educational institutions.
    ``(c) Exclusion From Income for Eligibility Determinations for
Federal Educational Loans.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
amounts payable by the Secretary under this subchapter with respect to
an eligible individual shall not be considered as income for purposes
of determining eligibility of such individual for education grants or
loans under any other provision of Federal law.
``Sec. 3044. Amount of stipend
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in section 3042 of this
title, the stipend under this subchapter shall be paid at a monthly
rate (as that rate may be increased pursuant to subsection (b)) as
follows:
            ``(1) At the monthly rate of $900 for an approved program
        of education pursued on a full-time basis.
            ``(2) At the monthly rate of $700 for an approved program
        of education pursued on a three-quarter-time basis.
            ``(3) At the monthly rate of $500 for an approved program
        of education pursued on a half-time basis.
            ``(4) At the monthly rate of $300 for an approved program
        of education pursued on less than a half-time basis.
    ``(b) Adjustment for Inflation.--With respect to any fiscal year
beginning after fiscal year 2004, the Secretary shall increase the rate
paid under subsection (a) for the previous fiscal year by the
percentage applicable under section 3015(h) of this title.
``Sec. 3045. Tutorial assistance
    ``An individual entitled to an enhanced educational assistance
allowance under this subchapter shall be entitled to benefits provided
an individual under section 3019 of this title, subject to the
conditions provided in such section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 3002 of such title is
amended by inserting at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(9) The term `enhanced educational assistance' means educational
assistance provided under subchapter V.''.
    (2) Section 3011 of such title is amended in subsection (f)(1) and
(g) by striking ``chapter'' each place it appears and inserting
``subchapter''.
    (3) Section 3018A(a) of such title is amended by striking
``education assistance under this chapter'' and inserting ``educational
assistance under this subchapter''.
    (4) Section 3018B of such title is amended by striking ``education
assistance under this chapter'' each place it appears and inserting
``educational assistance under this subchapter''.
    (5) Section 3018C of such title is amended by striking
``educational assistance under this chapter'' each place it appears and
inserting ``educational assistance under this subchapter''.
    (6) Section 3019 of such title is amended by striking ``chapter''
each place it appears and inserting ``subchapter''.
    (7) Section 3031 of such title is amended--
            (A) in subsection (f), by inserting ``or 3042 of this
        title'' after ``section 3013'' each place it appears; and
            (B) in subsection (h), by inserting ``or
        3031(c)(1)(B)(ii)(III)'' after ``section
        3011(a)(1)(A)(ii)(III)''.
    (8) Section 3032(e)(3) of such title is amended by inserting ``, or
section 3044(a)(1),'' after ``section 3015''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 30 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following
new items:

            ``SUBCHAPTER V--ENHANCED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

``3041. Enhanced educational assistance entitlement.
``3042. Duration of enhanced educational assistance.
``3043. Payment of educational expenses.
``3044. Amount of stipend.
``3045. Tutorial assistance.''.

SEC. 3. REPEAL OF PAY REDUCTION, ELECTION OF BENEFITS, AND HIGH SCHOOL
              GRADUATION REQUIREMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN BASIC
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

    (a) Repeal of Pay Reduction and Election of Benefits.--
            (1) Active duty program.--(A) Section 3011 of title 38,
        United States Code, is amended--
                    (i) by striking subsection (b); and
                    (ii) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (1)
                and redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
                (1) and (2), respectively.
            (B) Section 3012 of such title is amended--
                    (i) by striking subsection (c); and
                    (ii) in subsection (d), by striking paragraph (1)
                and redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
                (1) and (2), respectively.
            (2) Opportunities to withdraw election not to enroll.--(A)
        Section 3016(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking ``, and
        does not make an election under section 3011(c)(1) or section
        3012(d)(1)''.
            (B) Sections 3018A and 3018B of such title are each amended
        by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b), no reduction in the pay of an
individual under this section shall be made for months beginning after
September 30, 2003. Any obligation of such individual under subsection
(b) as of such date shall be deemed to be fully satisfied as of such
date.''.
            (C)(i) Section 3018C(e) of such title is amended--
                    (I) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
                    (II) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
                (3).
            (ii) Section 3018C of such title is amended by adding at
        the end the following new subsection:
    ``(f) Notwithstanding subsection (b), no reduction in the pay of an
individual under this section shall be made for months beginning after
September 30, 2003. Any obligation of such individual under subsection
(b) as of such date shall be deemed to be fully satisfied as of such
date.''.
            (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
        shall take effect on October 1, 2003, and apply to individuals
        whose initial obligated period of active duty under section
        3011 or 3012 of title 38, United States Code, as the case may
        be, begins on or after such date.
            (4) Termination of pay reductions in progress.--Any
        reduction in the basic pay of an individual referred to in
        subsection (b) of section 3011 of title 38, United States Code,
        by reason of such subsection, or of any individual referred to
        in subsection (c) of section 3012 of such title by reason of
        such subsection, shall cease commencing with months beginning
        after September 30, 2003, and any obligation of such individual
        under such subsections, as the case may be, as of such date
        shall be deemed to be fully satisfied as of such date.
    (b) Repeal of High School Graduation Requirement.--
            (1) Active duty.--(A) Section 3011(a) of title 38, United
        States Code, is amended--
                    (i) by striking paragraph (2); and
                    (ii) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
                (2).
            (B) Section 3012(a) of such title is amended--
                    (i) by striking paragraph (2); and
                    (ii) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
                (2).
            (2) Opportunities to withdraw election not to enroll.--(A)
        Section 3018(b) of such title is amended--
                    (i) by inserting ``and'' at the end of paragraph
                (3)(C);
                    (ii) by striking paragraph (4); and
                    (iii) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
                (4).
            (B)(i) Section 3018A(a) of such title is amended--
                    (I) by striking paragraph (2);
                    (II) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)
                as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
                    (III) in paragraphs (3) and (4), as so
                redesignated, by striking ``paragraph (3) of this
                subsection'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''.
            (ii) Section 3018A(c) of such title is amended by striking
        ``subsection (a)(3) of this section'' and inserting
        ``subsection (a)(2)''.
            (iii) Section 3018A(d)(1) of such title is amended by
        striking ``subsection (a)(4) of this subsection'' and inserting
        ``subsection (a)(3)''.
            (C)(i) Section 3018B(a)(1) of such title is amended--
                    (I) by striking subparagraph (B);
                    (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and
                (E) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively;
                and
                    (III) in subparagraphs (C) and (D), as so
                redesignated, by striking ``subparagraph (C) of this
                paragraph'' and inserting ``subparagraph (B)''.
            (D)(i) Section 3018B(a)(2) of such title is amended--
                    (I) by striking subparagraph (B);
                    (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and
                (E) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively;
                    (III) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, by
                striking ``paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection'' and
                inserting ``paragraph (1)(B)''; and
                    (IV) in subparagraphs (C) and (D), as so
                redesignated, by striking ``subparagraph (C)'' and
                inserting ``subparagraph (B)''.
            (ii) Section 3018B(c) of such title is amended by striking
        ``subsection (a)(1)(C) or (a)(2)(C) of this section'' and
        inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(B) or (a)(2)(B)''.
            (iii) Section 3018B(d)(1) of such title is amended by
        striking ``subsection (a)(1)(D) or (a)(2)(D) of this section''
        and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(C) or (a)(2)(C)''.
            (E)(i) Section 3018C(a) of such title is amended--
                    (I) by striking paragraph (3);
                    (II) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
                paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
                    (III) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by
                striking ``paragraph (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph
                (4)''.
            (ii) Section 3018C(b)(2) of such title is amended by
        striking ``subsection (a)(4)'' and inserting ``subsection
        (a)(3)''.
            (iii) Section 3018C(c)(1) of such title is amended by
        striking ``subsection (a)(5)'' and inserting ``subsection
        (a)(4)''.
            (iv) Section 3018C(e)(1) of such title is amended by
        striking ``elections made under subsection (a)(5)'' and
        inserting ``elections made under subsection (a)(4)''.
            (v) Section 3018C(e)(2) of such title is amended--
                    (I) by striking subparagraph (C); and
                    (II) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
                subparagraph (C).
            (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
        shall take effect on October 1, 2003, and shall apply with
        respect to individuals applying for basic educational
        assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, on
        or after such date.
    (c) Education Outreach Services to Members of the Armed Forces.--
            (1) In general.--Section 3034(e)(1) of title 38, United
        States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e)(1) Not later than one year after an individual initially
enters on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces, and at such
additional times as the Secretary determines appropriate, the Secretary
shall furnish the individual the information described in paragraph
(2).''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
        shall take effect on October 1, 2003, and shall apply to
        individuals whose initial obligated period of active duty under
        section 3011 or 3012 of title 38, United States Code, as the
        case may be, begins on or after such date.

Summary: Montgomery GI Bill Revitalization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 2003: (1) first enters on active duty, (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty. (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years. Or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government , or due to a reduction in force. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program. Provides: (1) a monthly stipend for approved programs of education. And (2) tutorial assistance. Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program. (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance. (3) the requirement that participants complete the requirements of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate prior to the end of their initial obligated period of service in order to be eligible to receive such assistance. And (4) provisions limiting an individual's opportunity to withdraw an election not to enroll in such assistance program.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill by establishing an enhanced educational assistance program and by repealing the requirement for reduction in pay for participation in the program, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Video Competition and Consumer
Choice Act of 1998''.

SEC. 2. CABLE PROGRAMMING SERVICES REGULATION.

      Section 623(c)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
543(c)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(4) Sunset of upper tier rate regulation.--
                    ``(A) Programming choice required.--The authority
                to regulate rates under this subsection shall not apply
                to cable programming services provided after March 31,
                1999, by a cable system unless the franchising
                authority for such cable system, after notice and
                opportunity for a public hearing at which the operator,
                subscribers, and other interested persons may appear
                and present evidence, certifies to the Commission that
                the cable operator of such system is not providing to
                subscribers an acceptable range of programming choices
                to the extent technically feasible and economically
                reasonable.
                    ``(B) Basis for certification.--Any franchising
                authority making such a certification shall include
                with the statement the factors upon which the
                franchising authority bases its determination. Such
                factors may include (but are not limited to) the
                factors described in paragraph (2) and any one or more
                of the following:
                            ``(i) delivery of the packages is
                        technically feasible based on the current and
                        expected capability of the system;
                            ``(ii) delivery of the packages is
                        economically reasonable based on the technical
                        requirements for delivery of the packages;
                            ``(iii) delivery of the packages can be
                        performed without jeopardizing security of
                        multichannel video programming and other
                        services offered over the system, or impeding
                        the legal rights of the system operator to
                        prevent theft of service;
                            ``(iv) any revenues received by the cable
                        operator and cable programming providers from
                        advertising, including the economic effect of
                        offering additional programming choices on
                        advertising revenues and subscriber rates;
                            ``(v) the packages permit subscribers to
                        subscribe to significantly less than the
                        majority of upper tier programing services
                        available; and
                            ``(vi) the packages are related to the
                        program category interests of groups as
                        demonstrated by polling, surveys, referenda,
                        statistics, or other comparable means based on
                        statistics from the franchising area.
                    ``(C) Commission review.--Upon receipt of a request
                for review from a cable operator, the Commission may
                review any certification submitted under subparagraph
                (A) and may rescind such certification if the
                Commission determines that the determination of the
                franchising authority is arbitrary and capricious.
                    ``(D) Duration.--A certification under subparagraph
                (A) is effective for one year, unless earlier withdrawn
                by the franchising authority or rescinded by the
                Commission.
                    ``(E) No effect on effective competition test.--
                Notwithstanding any certification under this paragraph,
                a cable system that is subject to effective
                competition, as determined under subsection (a)(2),
                shall not be subject to regulation under this
                subsection.''.

SEC. 3. PROGRAM ACCESS.

    (a) Amendments To Extend and Revise Program Access Requirements.--
Section 628 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 548) is
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``satellite cable
        programming and satellite broadcast programming'' and inserting
        ``multichannel video programming'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``cable operator, a satellite cable
                programming vendor in which a cable operator has an
                attributable interest, or a satellite broadcast
                programming vendor'' and inserting ``multichannel video
                programming distributor''; and
                    (B) by striking ``satellite cable programming or
                satellite broadcast programming'' and inserting
                multichannel video programming'';
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``Within 180 days after the date of
                enactment of this section, the Commission'' in
                paragraph (1) and inserting ``The Commission'';
                    (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
                following:
            ``(2) Minimum contents of regulations.--The regulations to
        be promulgated under this section shall--
                    ``(A) establish effective safeguards to prevent any
                multichannel video programming distributor from unduly
                or improperly influencing the decision of any
                multichannel video programming vendor to sell, or the
                prices, terms, and conditions of sale of, multichannel
                video programming to any other multichannel video
                programming distributor;
                    ``(B) prohibit discrimination by a multichannel
                video programming vendor in the prices, terms, and
                conditions of sale or delivery of such programming
                among or between cable systems, cable operators, or
                other multichannel video programming distributors, or
                their agents or buying groups; except that a
                multichannel video programming vendor shall not be
                prohibited from--
                            ``(i) imposing reasonable requirements for
                        creditworthiness, offering of service, and
                        financial stability and standards regarding
                        character and technical quality;
                            ``(ii) establishing different prices,
                        terms, and conditions to take into account
                        actual and reasonable differences in the cost
                        of creation, sale, delivery, or transmission of
                        multichannel video programming;
                            ``(iii) establishing different prices,
                        terms, and conditions which take into account
                        economies of scale, cost savings, or other
                        direct and legitimate economic benefits
                        reasonably attributable to the number of
                        subscribers served by the distributor; or
                            ``(iv) entering into an exclusive contract
                        that is permitted under subparagraph (D);
                    ``(C) prohibit practices, understandings,
                arrangements, and activities, including exclusive
                contracts for multichannel video programming between a
                multichannel video programming distributor and a
                multichannel video programming vendor, that prevent any
                multichannel video programming distributor from
                obtaining such programming for distribution to persons
                in areas not served by a cable operator;
                    ``(D) with respect to distribution to persons in
                areas served by a cable operator--
                            ``(i) prohibit exclusive contracts for
                        multichannel video programming between a cable
                        operator and a multichannel video programming
                        vendor in which a cable operator has an
                        attributable interest, unless the Commission
                        determines (in accordance with paragraph (4))
                        that such contract is in the public interest;
                            ``(ii) not prohibit exclusive contracts for
                        multichannel video programming between a
                        multichannel video programming distributor,
                        other than a cable operator, and a multichannel
                        video programming vendor, other than a
                        multichannel video programming vendor in which
                        a cable operator has an attributable interest,
                        unless the Commission determines (in accordance
                        with paragraph (4)) that such contract is
                        contrary to the public interest.''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``enactment of
                this section'' and inserting ``enactment of the Video
                Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998'';
            (4) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following
        new paragraph:
            ``(3) Other contracts.--No contract to grant exclusive
        distribution rights to any person with respect to multichannel
        video programming may be entered into on or after the date of
        enactment of the Video Competition and Consumer Choice Act of
        1998, except as permitted under subsection (c)(2)(D). No
        contract entered into after June 1, 1990, and before such date
        of enactment that grants such rights may continue in effect
        after 120 days after the date of enactment of the Video
        Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998.'';
            (5) in subsection (i), by adding at the end the following
        new paragraphs:
            ``(5) The term `multichannel video programming' means video
        programming which is transmitted by any means and which is
        primarily intended for the direct receipt by multichannel video
        programming distributors for retransmission to their
        subscribers.
            ``(6) The term `multichannel video programming vendor'
        means a person engaged in the production, creation, or
        wholesale distribution for sale of multichannel video
        programming.''.
            (6) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
    ``(j) Common Carriers.--Any provision that applies to a
multichannel video programming distributor or multichannel video
programming vendor under this section shall apply to a common carrier
or its affiliate that provides multichannel video programming.''.
    (b) Deadlines for Revised Regulations.--The Federal Communications
Commission shall prescribe such revisions to its regulations as may be
necessary to implement the amendments made by subsection (a) within 120
days after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. LIFELINE CABLE SERVICE TIER.

    Section 623(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 543(b))
is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading by inserting ``and Lifeline''
        after ``Basic''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(9) Lifeline service tier.--
                    ``(A) Contents.--Each cable operator of a cable
                system shall make available for sale to its subscribers
                a separately packaged lifeline service tier. Such
                lifeline service tier shall consist exclusively of the
                following:
                            ``(i) All signals carried in fulfillment of
                        the requirements of sections 614 and 615.
                            ``(ii) Any public, educational, and
                        governmental access programming required by the
                        franchise of the cable system to be provided to
                        subscribers.
                            ``(iii) Any signal of a local television
                        broadcast station that is provided by the cable
                        operator to any subscriber, except that a
                        digital television service signal shall not be
                        required to be carried as part of the lifeline
                        service tier pursuant to this clause (iii)
                        unless such carriage is required by regulations
                        prescribed by the Commission.
                    ``(B) Prohibition on additions.--A cable operator
                may not add additional video programming signals or
                services to the lifeline service tier.
                    ``(C) Rate regulation.--The Commission shall
                prescribe regulations concerning the rates for the
                lifeline service tier. Such regulations shall be
                designed to achieve the goals of--
                            ``(i) ensuring that rates for the lifeline
                        service tier are reasonable; and
                            ``(ii) promoting multichannel video
                        programming distribution competition.''.

Summary: Video Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate cable television service rates inapplicable to services provided after March 31, 1999, by a cable system unless the franchising authority for such system, after notice and opportunity for a public hearing, certifies to the FCC that the cable operator of such system is not providing subscribers an acceptable range of programming choices to the extent technically feasible and economically reasonable. Outlines factors to be considered for such certification. Authorizes FCC review of such certifications. Makes such certifications effective for one year, unless earlier withdrawn or rescinded. Replaces references to satellite cable programming and satellite broadcast programming with multichannel video programming (MVP). Repeals a deadline for FCC regulations concerning the development of competition and diversity in MVP distribution. Outlines minimum requirements for such regulations, including prohibited actions by an MVP vendor with respect to the sale or delivery of such programming among cable systems, cable operators, and other MVP distributors. Prohibits entering into contracts to grant exclusive distribution rights to any person with respect to MVP after the date of enactment of this Act, except for certain exclusivity contracts granted by the FCC in the public interest. Prohibits any such contract already entered into before such date of enactment to continue after 120 days after such date. Defines MVP as video programming which is transmitted by any means and which is primarily intended for the direct receipt by MVP distributors for retransmission to their subscribers. Requires the revision of MVP regulations as necessitated by this Act within 120 days after enactment. Requires each cable operator of a cable system to make available for sale to its subscribers a separately packaged lifeline service tier consisting exclusively of: (1) FCC-required local commercial television and noncommercial educational television programming. (2) any public, educational, and governmental access programming required by the cable system franchise. And (3) any signal of a local television broadcast station provided by the cable operator to any subscriber . Prohibits a cable operator from adding additional video programming signals or services to the lifeline tier. Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations for lifeline tier rates.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2016''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) More than 730,000 radio amateurs in the United States
        are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in the
        amateur radio services.
            (2) Amateur radio, at no cost to taxpayers, provides a
        fertile ground for technical self-training in modern
        telecommunications, electronics technology, and emergency
        communications techniques and protocols.
            (3) There is a strong Federal interest in the effective
        performance of amateur stations established at the residences
        of licensees. Such stations have been shown to be frequently
        and increasingly precluded by unreasonable private land use
        restrictions, including restrictive covenants.
            (4) Federal Communications Commission regulations have for
        three decades prohibited the application to stations in the
        amateur service of State and local regulations that preclude or
        fail to reasonably accommodate amateur service communications,
        or that do not constitute the minimum practicable regulation to
        accomplish a legitimate State or local purpose. Commission
        policy has been and is to require States and localities to
        permit erection of a station antenna structure at heights and
        dimensions sufficient to accommodate amateur service
        communications.
            (5) The Commission has sought guidance and direction from
        Congress with respect to the application of the Commission's
        limited preemption policy regarding amateur service
        communications to private land use restrictions, including
        restrictive covenants.
            (6) There are aesthetic and common property considerations
        that are uniquely applicable to private land use regulations
        and the community associations obligated to enforce covenants,
        conditions, and restrictions in deed-restricted communities.
        These considerations are dissimilar to those applicable to
        State law and local ordinances regulating the same residential
        amateur radio facilities.
            (7) In recognition of these considerations, a separate
        Federal policy than exists at section 97.15(b) of title 47,
        Code of Federal Regulations, is warranted concerning amateur
        service communications in deed-restricted communities.
            (8) Community associations should fairly administer private
        land use regulations in the interest of their communities,
        while nevertheless permitting the installation and maintenance
        of effective outdoor amateur radio antennas. There exist
        antenna designs and installations that can be consistent with
        the aesthetics and physical characteristics of land and
        structures in community associations while accommodating
        communications in the amateur radio services.

SEC. 3. APPLICATION OF PRIVATE LAND USE RESTRICTIONS TO AMATEUR
              STATIONS.

    (a) Amendment of FCC Rules.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission
shall amend section 97.15 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, by
adding a new paragraph that prohibits the application to amateur
stations of any private land use restriction, including a restrictive
covenant, that--
            (1) on its face or as applied, precludes communications in
        an amateur radio service;
            (2) fails to permit a licensee in an amateur radio service
        to install and maintain an effective outdoor antenna on
        property under the exclusive use or control of the licensee; or
            (3) does not constitute the minimum practicable restriction
        on such communications to accomplish the lawful purposes of a
        community association seeking to enforce such restriction.
    (b) Additional Requirements.--In amending its rules as required by
subsection (a), the Commission shall--
            (1) require any licensee in an amateur radio service to
        notify and obtain prior approval from a community association
        concerning installation of an outdoor antenna;
            (2) permit a community association to prohibit installation
        of any antenna or antenna support structure by a licensee in an
        amateur radio service on common property not under the
        exclusive use or control of the licensee; and
            (3) subject to the standards specified in paragraphs (1)
        and (2) of subsection (a), permit a community association to
        establish reasonable written rules concerning height, location,
        size, and aesthetic impact of, and installation requirements
        for, outdoor antennas and support structures for the purpose of
        conducting communications in the amateur radio services.

SEC. 4. AFFIRMATION OF LIMITED PREEMPTION OF STATE AND LOCAL LAND USE
              REGULATION.

    The Federal Communications Commission may not change section
97.15(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, which shall remain
applicable to State and local land use regulation of amateur service
communications.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Community association.--The term ``community
        association'' means any non-profit mandatory membership
        organization composed of owners of real estate described in a
        declaration of covenants or created pursuant to a covenant or
        other applicable law with respect to which a person, by virtue
        of the person's ownership of or interest in a unit or parcel,
        is obligated to pay for a share of real estate taxes, insurance
        premiums, maintenance, improvement, services, or other expenses
        related to common elements, other units, or any other real
        estate other than the unit or parcel described in the
        declaration.
            (2) Terms defined in regulations.--The terms ``amateur
        radio services'', ``amateur service'', and ``amateur station''
        have the meanings given such terms in section 97.3 of title 47,
        Code of Federal Regulations.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 12, 2016.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.

Summary: This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 9, 2016. Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2016 This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to amend station antenna structure regulations to prohibit a private land use restriction from applying to amateur radio stations if the restriction: precludes communications in an amateur radio service, fails to permit a licensee of amateur radio service to install and maintain an effective outdoor antenna on property under its exclusive use or control, or is not the minimum practicable restriction to accomplish the lawful purposes of a community association seeking to enforce the restriction. Before installing an outdoor antenna, however, an amateur radio licensee must obtain a community association's prior approval. A community association may: (1) prohibit installations on common property not under the exclusive control of the licensee, and (2) establish installation rules for amateur radio antennas and support structures.

Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2016


SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2010 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY
              PROJECTS.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major
medical facility projects in fiscal year 2010, with each project to be
carried out in the amount specified for each project:
            (1) Construction (including acquisition of land) for the
        realignment of services and closure projects at the Department
        of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Livermore, California, in
        an amount not to exceed $55,430,000.
            (2) Construction of a Multi-Specialty Care Facility in
        Walla Walla, Washington, in an amount not to exceed $71,400,00.
            (3) Construction (including acquisition of land) for a new
        medical facility at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
        Center in Louisville, Kentucky, in an amount not to exceed
        $75,000,000.

SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 MAJOR MEDICAL
              FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major
medical facility projects in fiscal year 2010:
            (1) Replacement of the existing Department of Veterans
        Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, in an amount not to
        exceed $800,000,000.
            (2) Construction of Outpatient and Inpatient Improvements
        in Bay Pines, Florida, in an amount not to exceed $194,400,000.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2010 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY
              LEASES.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following
fiscal year 2010 major medical facility leases at the locations
specified, in an amount not to exceed the amount shown for that
location:
            (1) Anderson, South Carolina, Outpatient Clinic, in an
        amount not to exceed $4,774,000.
            (2) Atlanta, Georgia, Specialty Care Clinic, in an amount
        not to exceed $5,172,000.
            (3) Bakersfield, California, Community Based Outpatient
        Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $3,464,000.
            (4) Birmingham, Alabama, Annex Clinic and Parking Garage,
        in an amount not to exceed $6,279,000.
            (5) Butler, Pennsylvania, Health Care Center, in an amount
        not to exceed $16,482,000.
            (6) Charlotte, North Carolina, Health Care Center, in an
        amount not to exceed $30,457,000.
            (7) Fayetteville, North Carolina, Health Care Center, in an
        amount not to exceed $23,487,000.
            (8) Huntsville, Alabama, Outpatient Clinic Expansion, in an
        amount not to exceed $4,374,000.
            (9) Kansas City, Kansas, Community Based Outpatient Clinic,
        in an amount not to exceed $4,418,000.
            (10) Loma Linda, California, Health Care Center, in an
        amount not to exceed $31,154,000
            (11) McAllen, Texas, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to
        exceed $4,444,000.
            (12) Monterey, California, Health Care Center, in an amount
        not to exceed $11,628,000.
            (13) Montgomery, Alabama, Health Care Center, in an amount
        not to exceed $9,943,000.
            (14) Tallahassee, Florida, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount
        not to exceed $13,165,000.
            (15) Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Health Care Center, in
        an amount not to exceed $26,986,000.

SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Construction.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
fiscal year 2010 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the
Construction, Major Projects, account--
            (1) $201,830,000 for the projects authorized in section 1;
        and
            (2) $994,400,000 for the projects authorized in section 2.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations for Medical Facility Leases.--
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for fiscal year 2010 or the year in which funds are
appropriated for the Medical Facilities account $196,227,000 for the
leases authorized in section 3.
    (c) Limitation.--The projects authorized in sections 1 and 2 may
only be carried out using--
            (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2010 pursuant to the
        authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this
        section;
            (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
        fiscal year before fiscal year 2010 that remain available for
        obligation;
            (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
        fiscal year after fiscal year 2010 that remain available for
        obligation;
            (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
        for fiscal year 2010 for a category of activity not specific to
        a project;
            (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
        for a fiscal year before 2010 for a category of activity not
        specific to a project; and
            (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
        for a fiscal year after 2010 for a category of activity not
        specific to a project.

Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects (projects) in FY2010 in: (1) Livermore, California, (2) Walla Walla, Washington. And (3) Louisville, Kentucky. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects in FY2010, as previously authorized, for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in Denver, Colorado, and Bay Pines, Florida. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases (leases) in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Authorizes appropriations for projects and leases authorized under this Act.

A bill to authorize major medical facility projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Autoimmune Diseases Research
and Prevention Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds that--
            (1) The term ``autoimmune disease'' refers to a varied
        group of more than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that involve
        the human organ system, the nervous, gastrointestinal and
        endocrine systems, the skin and other connective tissues, eyes,
        and blood and blood vessels.
            (2) These diseases include, but are not limited to,
        Epstein-Barr virus, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma,
        multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's
        thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and vasculitis syndromes.
            (3) 50 million Americans are afflicted with some form of
        autoimmune disease.
            (4) 75 percent of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most
        frequently during but not limited to the childbearing years.
            (5) Taken together, autoimmune diseases represent the
        fourth largest cause of disability among women in the United
        States.
            (6) Female-to-male ratios in autoimmune diseases are
        dramatically skewed toward women, in some cases by ratios as
        high as 50 to 1.
            (7) Autoimmune diseases remain among the most poorly
        understood and poorly recognized of any category of illnesses;
        while science suggest they may have a genetric component, they
        can cluster in families as different illnesses.
            (8) To help women live longer, healthier lives, more
        research is needed to shed light on genetic as well as hormonal
        and environmental risk factors that contribute to the causes of
        these diseases, as well as providing early diagnosis and
        treatment.

SEC. 3. EXPANSION AND INTENSIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES REGARDING
              AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES ON WOMEN.

    Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:

``SEC. 399O. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES IN WOMEN.

    ``(a) Definition.--In this section, an `autoimmune disease' means
an illness in which the body's immune system becomes misdirected,
attacking the organs it was designed to protect. It includes, but is
not limited to, Epstein-Barr virus, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's
throiditis, Graves disease, and vasculitis syndromes.
    ``(b) In General.--The Director of the Office on Women's Health in
the Department of Health and Human Services shall expand, intensify,
and coordinate research and related activities of the Department with
respect to autoimmune diseases in women.
    ``(c) Coordination With Other Institutes.--The Director of the
Office on Women's Health shall coordinate activities under subsection
(b) with other similar activities conducted by the other
national research institutes and agencies of the National Institutes of
Health to the extent that such Institutes and agencies have
responsibilities that are related to autoimmune diseases in women.
    ``(d) Certain Programs.--In carrying out subsection (b), the
Director of the Office of Women's Health shall conduct or support
research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and develop
methods for preventing, autoimmune diseases in women. Activities under
such subsection shall include conducting and supporting the following:
            ``(1) Research to determine the prevalence of autoimmune
        diseases in women, including African American women and other
        women who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups.
            ``(2) Basic research concerning the etiology and causes of
        autoimmune diseases in women, including genetic, hormonal, and
        environmental factors.
            ``(3) Epidemiological studies to address the frequency and
        natural history of such diseases and the differences among men
        and women, and among racial and ethnic groups, with respect to
        such diseases.
            ``(4) The development of safe, efficient, and cost-
        effective diagnostic approaches to evaluating women with
        suspected autoimmune diseases.
            ``(5) Clinical research for the development and evaluation
        of new treatments for women, including rehabilitation.
            ``(6) Studies to gain a better understanding of methods of
        preventing autoimmune diseases in women.
            ``(7) Information and education programs for patients and
        health care providers on genetic, hormonal, and environmental
        risk factors associated with autoimmune diseases in women, and
        on the importance of the prevention or control of such risk
        factors and timely referral with appropriate diagnosis and
        treatment. Such programs shall include information and
        education on the prevalence and nature of autoimmune diseases
        in women, and on health-related behaviors that can improve
        certain risk factors.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as
may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2007. The
authorization of appropriations established in the preceding sentence
is in addition to any other authorization of appropriation that is
available for such purpose.''.

Summary: Women's Autoimmune Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Department with respect to autoimmune diseases in women. Requires such efforts to examine: (1) disease prevalence in women, (2) the etiology and causes of such diseases, (3) epidemiology and gender and ethnic differences, (4) diagnostic approaches, (5) new treatments, and (6) prevention and education programs.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for expanding, intensifying, and coordinating activities of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to autoimmune disease in women.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Sports Agent Responsibility and
Trust Act''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this Act, the following definitions apply:
            (1) Agency contract.--The term ``agency contract'' means an
        oral or written agreement in which a student athlete authorizes
        a person to negotiate or solicit on behalf of the student
        athlete a professional sports contract or an endorsement
        contract.
            (2) Athlete agent.--The term ``athlete agent'' means an
        individual who enters into an agency contract with a student
        athlete, or directly or indirectly recruits or solicits a
        student athlete to enter into an agency contract, and does not
        include a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or guardian of
        such student athlete, any legal counsel for purposes other than
        that of representative agency, or an individual acting solely
        on behalf of a professional sports team or professional sports
        organization.
            (3) Athletic director.--The term ``athletic director''
        means an individual responsible for administering the athletic
        program of an educational institution or, in the case that such
        program is administered separately, the athletic program for
        male students or the athletic program for female students, as
        appropriate.
            (4) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
        Trade Commission.
            (5) Endorsement contract.--The term ``endorsement
        contract'' means an agreement under which a student athlete is
        employed or receives consideration for the use by the other
        party of that individual's person, name, image, or likeness in
        the promotion of any product, service, or event.
            (6) Intercollegiate sport.--The term ``intercollegiate
        sport'' means a sport played at the collegiate level for which
        eligibility requirements for participation by a student athlete
        are established by a national association for the promotion or
        regulation of college athletics.
            (7) Professional sports contract.--The term ``professional
        sports contract'' means an agreement under which an individual
        is employed, or agrees to render services, as a player on a
        professional sports team, with a professional sports
        organization, or as a professional athlete.
            (8) State.--The term ``State'' includes a State of the
        United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
        United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular
        possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
            (9) Student athlete.--The term ``student athlete'' means an
        individual who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be
        eligible in the future to engage in, any intercollegiate sport.
        An individual who is permanently ineligible to participate in a
        particular intercollegiate sport is not a student athlete for
        purposes of that sport.

SEC. 3. REGULATION OF UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE ACTS AND PRACTICES IN
              CONNECTION WITH THE CONTACT BETWEEN AN ATHLETE AGENT AND
              A STUDENT ATHLETE.

    (a) Conduct Prohibited.--It is unlawful for an athlete agent to--
            (1) directly or indirectly recruit or solicit a student
        athlete to enter into an agency contract, by--
                    (A) giving any false or misleading information or
                making a false promise or representation; or
                    (B) providing anything of value to a student
                athlete or anyone associated with the student athlete
                before the student athlete enters into an agency
                contract including any consideration in the form of a
                loan, or acting in the capacity of a guarantor or co-
                guarantor for any debt;
            (2) enter into an agency contract with a student athlete
        without providing the student athlete with the disclosure
        document described in subsection (b); or
            (3) predate or postdate an agency contract.
    (b) Required Disclosure by Athlete Agents to Student Athletes.--
            (1) In general.--In conjunction with the entering into of
        an agency contract, an athlete agent shall provide to the
        student athlete, or, if the student athlete is under the age of
        18 to such student athlete's parent or legal guardian, a
        disclosure document that meets the requirements of this
        subsection. Such disclosure document is separate from and in
        addition to any disclosure which may be required under State
        law.
            (2) Signature of student athlete.--The disclosure document
        must be signed by the student athlete, or, if the student
        athlete is under the age of 18 by such student athlete's parent
        or legal guardian, prior to entering into the agency contract.
            (3) Required language.--The disclosure document must
        contain, in close proximity to the signature of the student
        athlete, or, if the student athlete is under the age of 18, the
        signature of such student athlete's parent or legal guardian, a
        conspicuous notice in boldface type stating: ``Warning to
        Student Athlete: If you agree orally or in writing to be
represented by an agent now or in the future you may lose your
eligibility to compete as a student athlete in your sport. Within 72
hours after entering into this contract or before the next athletic
event in which you are eligible to participate, whichever occurs first,
both you and the agent by whom you are agreeing to be represented must
notify the athletic director of the educational institution at which
you are enrolled, or other individual responsible for athletic programs
at such educational institution, that you have entered into an agency
contract.''.

SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT.

    (a) Unfair or Deceptive Act or Practice.--A violation of this Act
shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or
deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).
    (b) Actions by the Commission.--The Commission shall enforce this
Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same
jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and
provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.)
were incorporated into and made a part of this Act.

SEC. 5. ACTIONS BY STATES.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Civil actions.--In any case in which the attorney
        general of a State has reason to believe that an interest of
        the residents of that State has been or is threatened or
        adversely affected by the engagement of any athlete agent in a
        practice that violates section 3 of this Act, the State may
        bring a civil action on behalf of the residents of the State in
        a district court of the United States of appropriate
        jurisdiction to--
                    (A) enjoin that practice;
                    (B) enforce compliance with this Act; or
                    (C) obtain damage, restitution, or other
                compensation on behalf of residents of the State.
            (2) Notice.--
                    (A) In general.--Before filing an action under
                paragraph (1), the attorney general of the State
                involved shall provide to the Commission--
                            (i) written notice of that action; and
                            (ii) a copy of the complaint for that
                        action.
                    (B) Exemption.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
                with respect to the filing of an action by an attorney
                general of a State under this subsection, if the
                attorney general determines that it is not feasible to
                provide the notice described in that subparagraph
                before filing of the action. In such case, the attorney
                general of a State shall provide notice and a copy of
                the complaint to the Commission at the same time as the
                attorney general files the action.
    (b) Intervention.--
            (1) In general.--On receiving notice under subsection
        (a)(2), the Commission shall have the right to intervene in the
        action that is the subject of the notice.
            (2) Effect of intervention.--If the Commission intervenes
        in an action under subsection (a), it shall have the right--
                    (A) to be heard with respect to any matter that
                arises in that action; and
                    (B) to file a petition for appeal.
    (c) Construction.--For purposes of bringing any civil action under
subsection (a), nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent an
attorney general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on the
attorney general by the laws of that State to--
            (1) conduct investigations;
            (2) administer oaths or affirmations; or
            (3) compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of
        documentary and other evidence.
    (d) Actions by the Commission.--In any case in which an action is
instituted by or on behalf of the Commission for a violation of section
3, no State may, during the pendency of that action, institute an
action under subsection (a) against any defendant named in the
complaint in that action.
    (e) Venue.--Any action brought under subsection (a) may be brought
in the district court of the United States that meets applicable
requirements relating to venue under section 1391 of title 28, United
States Code.
    (f) Service of Process.--In an action brought under subsection (a),
process may be served in any district in which the defendant--
            (1) is an inhabitant; or
            (2) may be found.

SEC. 6. PROTECTION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

    (a) Notice Required.--Within 72 hours after entering into an agency
contract or before the next athletic event in which the student athlete
may participate, whichever occurs first, the athlete agent and the
student athlete shall each inform the athletic director of the
educational institution at which the student athlete is enrolled, or
other individual responsible for athletic programs at such educational
institution, that the student athlete has entered into an agency
contract, and the athlete agent shall provide the athletic director
with notice in writing of such a contract.
    (b) Civil Remedy.--
            (1) In general.--An educational institution has a right of
        action against an athlete agent for damages caused by a
        violation of this Act.
            (2) Damages.--Damages of an educational institution may
        include amd are limited to actual losses and expenses incurred
        because, as a result of the conduct of the athlete agent, the
        educational institution was injured by a violation of this Act
        or was penalized, disqualified, or suspended from participation
        in athletics by a national association for the promotion and
        regulation of athletics, by an athletic conference, or by
        reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken to mitigate
        actions likely to be imposed by such an association or
        conference.
            (3) Costs and attorneys fees.--In an action taken under
        this section, the court may award to the prevailing party costs
        and reasonable attorneys fees.
            (4) Effect on other rights, remedies and defenses.--This
        section does not restrict the rights, remedies, or defenses of
        any person under law or equity.

SEC. 7. LIMITATION.

    Nothing in the Act shall be construed to prohibit an individual
from seeking any remedies available under existing State law or equity.

SEC. 8. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that States should enact the Uniform
Athlete Agents Act of 2000 drafted by the National Conference of
Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, to protect student athletes and
the integrity of amateur sports from unscrupulous sports agents. In
particular, it is the sense of Congress that States should enact the
provisions relating to the registration of sports agents, the required
form of contract, the right of the student athlete to cancel an agency
contract, the disclosure requirements relating to record maintenance,
reporting, renewal, notice, warning, and security, and the provisions
for reciprocity among the States.

Summary: Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act - Prohibits an athlete agent from: (1) recruiting or soliciting a student athlete to enter into an agency contract by giving false or misleading information, making a false promise or representation, or providing anything of value to the athlete or anyone associated with the athlete before entering into such contract, including any consideration in the form of a loan, or acting as guarantor or co-guarantor for any debt. (2) entering into an agency contract with a student athlete without providing the required disclosure document. Or (3) predating or postdating an agency contract. Requires an athlete agent to provide to the athlete a separate disclosure document that includes notice that if the athlete agrees orally or in writing to be represented by an agent, he or she may lose eligibility to compete as a student athlete. Requires both the student athlete and the agent, within 72 hours or before the athlete's next athletic event, whichever occurs first, to notify the athletic director of the athlete's educational institution that the athlete has entered into an agency contract. Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes civil actions by State attorneys general and educational institutions. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should enact the Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2000 drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

A bill to designate certain conduct by sports agents relating to signing of contracts with student athletes as unfair and deceptive acts or practices to be regulated by the Federal Trade Commission.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans'
Compensation Rate Amendments of 2001''.
    (b) References to Title 38, United States Code.--Except as
otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or
repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a
section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be
made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 2. DISABILITY COMPENSATION.

    (a) Increase in Rates.--Section 1114 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$98'' in subsection (a) and inserting
    ``$103'';
        (2) by striking ``$188'' in subsection (b) and inserting
    ``$199'';
        (3) by striking ``$288'' in subsection (c) and inserting
    ``$306'';
        (4) by striking ``$413'' in subsection (d) and inserting
    ``$439'';
        (5) by striking ``$589'' in subsection (e) and inserting
    ``$625'';
        (6) by striking ``$743'' in subsection (f) and inserting
    ``$790'';
        (7) by striking ``$937'' in subsection (g) and inserting
    ``$995'';
        (8) by striking ``$1,087'' in subsection (h) and inserting
    ``$1,155'';
        (9) by striking ``$1,224'' in subsection (i) and inserting
    ``$1,299'';
        (10) by striking ``$2,036'' in subsection (j) and inserting
    ``$2,163'';
        (11) in subsection (k)--
            (A) by striking ``$76'' both places it appears and
        inserting ``$80''; and
            (B) by striking ``$2,533'' and ``$3,553'' and inserting
        ``$2,691'' and ``$3,775'', respectively;
        (12) by striking ``$2,533'' in subsection (l) and inserting
    ``$2,691'';
        (13) by striking ``$2,794'' in subsection (m) and inserting
    ``$2,969'';
        (14) by striking ``$3,179'' in subsection (n) and inserting
    ``$3,378'';
        (15) by striking ``$3,553'' each place it appears in
    subsections (o) and (p) and inserting ``$3,775'';
        (16) by striking ``$1,525'' and ``$2,271'' in subsection (r)
    and inserting ``$1,621'' and ``$2,413'', respectively; and
        (17) by striking ``$2,280'' in subsection (s) and inserting
    ``$2,422''.
    (b) Special Rule.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may authorize
administratively, consistent with the increases authorized by this
section, the rates of disability compensation payable to persons within
the purview of section 10 of Public Law 85-857 who are not in receipt
of compensation payable pursuant to chapter 11 of title 38, United
States Code.

SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR DEPENDENTS.

    Section 1115(1) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$117'' in clause (A) and inserting ``$124'';
        (2) by striking ``$201'' and ``$61'' in clause (B) and
    inserting ``$213'' and ``$64'', respectively;
        (3) by striking ``$80'' and ``$61'' in clause (C) and inserting
    ``$84'' and ``$64'', respectively;
        (4) by striking ``$95'' in clause (D) and inserting ``$100'';
        (5) by striking ``$222'' in clause (E) and inserting ``$234'';
    and
        (6) by striking ``$186'' in clause (F) and inserting ``$196''.

SEC. 4. CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS.

    Section 1162 is amended by striking ``$546'' and inserting
``$580''.

SEC. 5. DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES.

    (a) New Law Rates.--Section 1311(a) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$881'' in paragraph (1) and inserting
    ``$935''; and
        (2) by striking ``$191'' in paragraph (2) and inserting
    ``$202''.
    (b) Old Law Rates.--The table in section 1311(a)(3) is amended to
read as follows:

                                  Monthly                       Monthly
``Pay grade                          rate   Pay grade              rate
    E-1......................        $935       W-4........      $1,119
    E-2......................         935       O-1........         988
    E-3......................         935       O-2........       1,021
    E-4......................         935       O-3........       1,092
    E-5......................         935       O-4........       1,155
    E-6......................         935       O-5........       1,272
    E-7......................         967       O-6........       1,433
    E-8......................       1,021       O-7........       1,549
    E-9......................    1,066\1\       O-8........       1,699
    W-1......................         988       O-9........       1,818
    W-2......................       1,028       O-10.......    1,994\2\
    W-3......................       1,058

``\1\If the veteran served as Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior
  Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,
  Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of
  the Coast Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of
  this title, the surviving spouse's rate shall be $1,149.
``\2\If the veteran served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint
  Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval
  Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Commandant of the Marine
  Corps, or Commandant of the Coast Guard, at the applicable time
  designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse's rate
  shall be $2,139.''.

    (c) Additional DIC for Children.--Section 1311(b) is amended by
striking ``$222'' and inserting ``$234''.
    (d) Aid and Attendance Allowance.--Section 1311(c) is amended by
striking ``$222'' and inserting ``$234''.
    (e) Housebound Rate.--Section 1311(d) is amended by striking
``$107'' and inserting ``$112''.

SEC. 6. DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR CHILDREN.

    (a) DIC for Orphan Children.--Section 1313(a) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$373'' in paragraph (1) and inserting
    ``$397'';
        (2) by striking ``$538'' in paragraph (2) and inserting
    ``$571'';
        (3) by striking ``$699'' in paragraph (3) and inserting
    ``$742''; and
        (4) by striking ``$699'' and ``$136'' in paragraph (4) and
    inserting ``$742'' and ``$143'', respectively.
    (b) Supplemental DIC for Disabled Adult Children.--Section 1314 is
amended--
        (1) by striking ``$222'' in subsection (a) and inserting
    ``$234'';
        (2) by striking ``$373'' in subsection (b) and inserting
    ``$397''; and
        (3) by striking ``$188'' in subsection (c) and inserting
    ``$199''.

SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on December 1,
2001.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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

Summary: Veterans' Compensation Rate Amendments of 2001 - Increases, as of December 1, 2001, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and for children.

An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a cost-of-living adjustment in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of such veterans.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Communities Committed to College Tax
Credit Act of 2008''.

SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO A TRUST USED TO PROVIDE NEED-BASED
              COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS.

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

``SEC. 30D. CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRUST USED TO PROVIDE NEED-BASED COLLEGE
              SCHOLARSHIPS.

    ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In addition to any deduction allowable
under this title, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax
imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 50
percent of designated qualified college scholarship funding
contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
    ``(b) Designated Qualified College Scholarship Funding
Contribution.--For purposes of this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `designated qualified college
        scholarship funding contribution' means any charitable
        contribution (as defined in section 170(c))--
                    ``(A) which is paid in cash by the taxpayer to a
                qualified scholarship funding trust, and
                    ``(B) which is designated by the trust for purposes
                of this section.
            ``(2) Qualified scholarship funding trust.--The term
        `qualified scholarship funding trust' means a trust--
                    ``(A) which is established and maintained in the
                United States by an organization--
                            ``(i) described in section 501(c)(3) and
                        exempt from tax under section 501(a), and
                            ``(ii) organized primarily for educational
                        purposes,
                    ``(B) which is part of a plan of one or more local
                education agencies (as defined in section 9101 of the
                Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) of the
                State in which such trust is established and maintained
                to provide scholarships to children of such agencies,
                and
                    ``(C) the written governing instrument of which--
                            ``(i) requires that the income of the trust
                        be used exclusively to provide qualified
                        scholarships (as defined in section 117(b)) to
                        individuals who--
                                    ``(I) are candidates for a degree
                                at an institution of higher education
                                (within the meaning given such term by
                                section 101 of the Higher Education Act
                                of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), and
                                    ``(II) have demonstrated financial
                                need in accordance with section 471 of
                                such Act (20 U.S.C. 1087kk), and
                            ``(ii) requires that the assets of the
                        trust not be distributed for any purpose.
    ``(c) Limitations.--
            ``(1) In general.--There is a national qualified college
        scholarship funding contribution limitation of $1,000,000,000.
            ``(2) Allocation of limitation.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Such national limitation shall
                be allocated by the Secretary among the qualified
                scholarship funding trusts which have registered with
                the Secretary on or before the 180th day after the date
                of the enactment of this section. Each trust's share of
                such national limitation shall be the amount which
                bears the same ratio to such limitation as the number
                of school age children of such trust's sponsoring
                agencies bears to the aggregate number of school age
                children of the sponsoring agencies of all trusts which
                have so registered with the Secretary.
                    ``(B) School age children of sponsoring agencies.--
                For purposes of subparagraph (A), the number of school
                age children of a trust's sponsoring agencies is the
                number of children of the local education agencies
                referred to in subsection (b)(2)(B) who have attained
                age 5 but not age 18 for the most recent fiscal year
                ending before the date the allocations under this
                paragraph are made.
            ``(3) Designation subject to allocated limitation amount.--
        The amount of contributions made to a qualified scholarship
        funding trust which may be designated by such trust for
        purposes of this section shall not exceed the limitation amount
        allocated to such trust under paragraph (2).
            ``(4) Maximum allocation per trust.--The maximum qualified
        college scholarship funding contribution limitation which may
        be allocated to each trust is $200,000,000. An amount which may
        not be allocated to a trust by reason of the preceding sentence
        shall be allocated as provided in paragraph (2) among
        registered qualified scholarship funding trusts whose allocated
        limitation (without regard to this sentence) does not exceed
        $200,000,000.
    ``(d) Application With Other Credits.--The credit allowed under
subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if
any) of--
            ``(1) the regular tax liability (as defined in section
        26(b)) reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under
        subpart A and sections 27, 30, 30B, and 30C, over
            ``(2) the tentative minimum tax for the taxable year.
    ``(e) Application of Section.--This section shall apply only to
contributions made during the 3-year period beginning on the 180th day
after the date of the enactment of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 30D. Contributions to trust used to provide need-based college
                            scholarships.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to contributions made on or after the 180th day after the date of
the enactment of this Act in taxable years ending after such date.

Summary: Communities Committed to College Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 of any contribution to a tax-exempt scholarship funding trust established to provide scholarships for individuals with demonstrated financial need to attend institutions of higher education.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for contributions to a trust used to provide need-based college scholarships.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Master Teacher Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. MASTER TEACHER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
        agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 14101 of the
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
        8801).
            (2) Master teacher.--The term ``master teacher'' means a
        teacher who--
                    (A) is licensed or credentialed under State law;
                    (B) has been teaching for at least 5 years in a
                public or private school or institution of higher
                education;
                    (C) is selected upon application, is judged to be
                an excellent teacher, and is recommended by
                administrators and other teachers who are knowledgeable
                of the individual's performance;
                    (D) at the time of submission of such application,
                is teaching and based in a public school;
                    (E) assists other teachers in improving
                instructional strategies, improves the skills of other
                teachers, performs mentoring, develops curriculum, and
                offers other professional development; and
                    (F) enters into a contract with the local
                educational agency to continue to teach and serve as a
                master teacher for at least 5 additional years.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Education.
    (b) Establishment of Demonstration Project.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than July 1, 2002, the Secretary
        shall conduct a demonstration project under which the Secretary
        shall award competitive grants to local educational agencies to
        increase teacher salaries and employee benefits for teachers
        who enter into contracts with the local educational agencies to
        serve as master teachers.
            (2) Requirements.--In awarding grants under the
        demonstration project, the Secretary shall--
                    (A) ensure that grants are awarded under the
                demonstration project to a diversity of local
                educational agencies in terms of size of school
                district, location of school district, ethnic and
                economic composition of students, and experience of
                teachers; and
                    (B) give priority to local educational agencies in
                school districts that have schools with a high
                proportion of economically disadvantaged students.
    (c) Applications.--In order to receive a grant under the
demonstration project, a local educational agency shall submit an
application to the Secretary that contains--
            (1) an assurance that funds received under the grant will
        be used in accordance with this section; and
            (2) a detailed description of how the local educational
        agency will use the grant funds to pay the salaries and
        employee benefits for positions designated by the local
        educational agency as master teacher positions.
    (d) Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may not award a grant to a
local educational agency under the demonstration project unless the
local educational agency agrees that, with respect to costs to be
incurred by the agency in carrying out activities for which the grant
was awarded, the agency shall provide (directly, through the State, or
through a combination thereof) in non-Federal contributions an amount
equal to the amount of the grant awarded to the agency.
    (e) Study and Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than July 1, 2005, the Secretary
        shall conduct a study and transmit a report to Congress
        analyzing the results of the demonstration project conducted
        under this section.
            (2) Contents of report.--The report shall include--
                    (A) an analysis of the results of the project on--
                            (i) the recruitment and retention of
                        experienced teachers;
                            (ii) the effect of master teachers on
                        teaching by less experienced teachers;
                            (iii) the impact of mentoring new teachers
                        by master teachers; and
                            (iv) the impact of master teachers on
                        student achievement; and
                    (B) recommendations regarding--
                            (i) continuing or terminating the
                        demonstration project; and
                            (ii) establishing a grant program to expand
                        the project to additional local educational
                        agencies and school districts.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $100,000,000, for the period of
fiscal years 2002 through 2006.

Summary: Master Teacher Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a demonstration project to increase teacher salaries and employee benefits for teachers who contract with local educational agencies (LEAs) to serve as master teachers. Gives priority to LEAs in school districts that have schools with a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students.

A bill to establish a demonstration project to increase teacher salaries and employee benefits for teachers who enter into contracts with local educational agencies to serve as master teachers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Homeland Security,
Intelligence, and Essential Law Enforcement Departments Act of 2011''
or the ``SHIELD Act of 2011''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The United States Armed Forces represent the finest
        fighting force in the world.
            (2) An interruption in compensation could affect morale and
        cause hardship which would threaten United States security and
        the safety of our troops.
            (3) It is a vital national interest that the United States
        Armed Forces, including reserve components, can operate with
        the assurance that they will continue to receive pay and
        allowances for their service if a funding gap occurs.
            (4) Federal law enforcement officers are highly trained and
        dedicated men and women, committed to protecting liberty,
        public safety, and the security of our Nation from both foreign
        and domestic threats.
            (5) They have no equal in the private sector, and perform a
        role that is both unique and vital to the continuing operation
        of the Federal Government and commerce during times of crisis.
            (6) Each and every day, Federal law enforcement officers
        are engaged around the clock in activities that include, but
        are not limited to, dignitary protection, criminal
        investigation, homeland security, border security, intelligence
        gathering, and fighting waste, fraud and abuse.
            (7) These critical Government functions cannot be
        interrupted due to an absence of Congressional appropriations
        or during periods of a Government shutdown, nor can we expect
        that the threats posed by violent criminals, terrorists and
        America's enemies will lessen during such periods of fiscal
        uncertainty.

SEC. 3. PRIORITY PAYMENTS IF THE DEBT CEILING IS REACHED FOR DEFENSE
              AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.

    In the event that the total public debt reaches the public debt
limit, as established under section 3101 of title 31, United States
Code, the following payments on obligations incurred by the Government
of the United States shall be made:
            (1) The pay and allowances of members of the Army, Navy,
        Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including reserve
        components thereof, who perform active service.
            (2) The pay and allowances of critical law enforcement
        officers who are employed by Federal agencies.

SEC. 4. EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS OF FUNDS FOR DEFENSE AND FEDERAL LAW
              ENFORCEMENT DURING A FUNDING GAP.

    (a) Appropriation of Funds for Military Pay and Allowances.--During
a period of lapsed appropriations for the Armed Forces, the Secretary
of the Treasury shall make available to the Secretary of Defense (and
the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard), out
of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, such amounts as the Secretary of Defense (and the
Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard)
determines to be necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances
(without interruption) to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine
Corps, and Coast Guard, including reserve components thereof, who
perform active service during the period of lapsed appropriations.
    (b) Appropriation of Funds for Federal Law Enforcement Officer Pay
and Allowances.--During a period of lapsed appropriations for a federal
agency that employs critical law enforcement officers, the Secretary of
the Treasury shall make available to the head of such agency, out of
any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, such amounts as the heads of such agencies determine to
be necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances (without
interruption) to such critical law enforcement officers during the
period of lapsed appropriations.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Critical law enforcement officer.--The term ``critical
        law enforcement officer'' means an employee--
                    (A) who has statutory authority to make arrests or
                apprehensions;
                    (B) who is authorized by the agency of the employee
                to carry firearms; and
                    (C) whose duties include performing emergency work
                involving the safety of human life or the protection of
                property.
            (2) Period of lapsed appropriations.--The term ``period of
        lapsed appropriations'' means any period during which
        appropriations are not available due to the absence of the
        timely enactment of any Act or joint resolution (including any
        Act or joint resolution making continuing appropriations)
        appropriating funds for the payment of the pay and allowances.
            (3) Total public debt.--The term ``total public debt'' has
        the meaning given such term in section 3130 of title 31, United
        States Code.

Summary: Strengthening Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Essential Law Enforcement Departments Act of 2011 or SHIELD Act of 2011 - Requires, in the event that the US public debt limit is reached, priority payment of the pay and allowances of: (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserves, who perform active service. And (2) critical law enforcement officers employed by federal agencies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a period of lapsed appropriations for the Armed Forces or federal agencies employing critical law enforcement officers, to make available necessary amounts to continue such pay and allowances.

To prioritize the payment of pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces and Federal law enforcement officers in the event the debt ceiling is reached or there is a funding gap.