Defence

Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2016

Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, to carry out a five-year pilot program under which the VA shall provide a service dog and veterinary health insurance to a veteran who: is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder rated at a severity level of 3 or 4 on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), has completed an evidence-based treatment and remains significantly symptomatic, served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, has not experienced satisfactory improvement in symptoms after being treated with evidence-based therapies. The VA shall enter into contracts with appropriate providers that are certified by Assistance Dogs International or a similar organization for the procurement of service dogs and training of such dogs and their recipients. The provision of a service dog shall be done in addition to other types of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and shall not replace established treatment modalities.

To expand the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to include members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the families of such members.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2016

This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to include members of the Armed Forces and their family members among individuals who are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

Expressing support for designation of the month of November as "U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Month", in celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of United States Navy aircraft carriers in defending the freedom of the United States, protecting the security of the Nation and its allies, responding to crisis and spurring technological innovation.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2016

Supports the designation of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Month in honor of the role aircraft carriers have held for almost 90 years serving the Nation's interests in times of war and peace. Pledges to celebrate aircraft carrier contributions and heritage in each district.

Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2016

Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act This bill establishes the Southeastern Oregon Withdrawal Area, comprising 2.065 million acres of specified federal land in Malheur County, Oregon, which shall be withdrawn from certain public land, mining, and mineral leasing laws. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall make grants for projects in Oregon to develop modern and efficient water systems. USDA shall establish an Agricultural Center for Excellence in the county. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended to make the rural firefighters and emergency medical service assistance program permanent and require grant amounts to fund the operating expenses of firefighters in rural areas. The Departments of Homeland Security, of Defense, and of the Interior shall establish programs for transferring surplus equipment that can be used in firefighting. Interior shall establish a program of strategic fuel breaks from which firefighters can operate safely to preserve critical sage grouse habitat and support the nearby ranching community. USDA shall make grants for infrastructure projects for drinking water and wastewater systems and for improvement of broadband or cellular service. The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall study rural air services and infrastructure for Ontario (Oregon) Municipal Airport. DOT shall: make a grant for the construction of an intermodal transfer facility in the county; furnish financial assistance for projects that would improve the downtown area of Ontario, surrounding communities, and local transportation; and make grants to the state to support Lake Owyhee Road Transportation Improvement Projects. The Department of Labor shall make grants for workforce training activities in the county.

Military Residency Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Military Residency Choice Act This bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to permit the spouse of a servicemember to elect to use the same residence as the servicemember for purposes of taxation and voting, regardless of the date on which the marriage of the spouse and the servicemember occurred.

Providing Leadership and Improving Veterans Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Providing Leadership and Improving Veterans Care Act This bill prohibits any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) senior executive employee whose responsibilities include participation in the rating, ranking, or selection process to fill VA medical center director positions from being paid a bonus unless the VA determines that no permanent VA medical center director position has been vacant for 18 consecutive months. Within 30 days after enactment of this bill and every 180 days thereafter, the VA shall report to Congress on the number and length of vacancies in VA medical center director positions.

Expanding Care for Female Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Expanding Care for Female Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a three-year pilot program to award grants to health care entities to lease, purchase, or build health care facilities for female patients in order to provide hospital care and medical services to female veterans enrolled in the VA's patient enrollment system. For purposes of providing such care and services, a facility leased, purchased, or built under the program shall be deemed to be: (1) a non-VA entity that may provide veterans hospital care and medical services as specified in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014; or (2) if the authority to carry out the program is terminated, an entity otherwise authorized to provide hospital care and medical services pursuant to an agreement entered into by the VA.

STOP OD Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Stem the Tide of Overdose Prevalence from Opiate Drugs Act of 2016 or as the STOP OD Act of 2016 This bill permits the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants: (1) to expand educational efforts to prevent abuse of opioids, which are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin; (2) to promote treatment of persons who abuse opioids; and (3) to promote understanding of addiction. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants to: (1) support first responders carrying and administering naloxone, which is a prescription drug used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose; (2) establish processes for referral to treatment for opioid abuse; and (3) reimburse for testing for fentanyl in opioid overdoses and reporting the results to the CDC. This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose a fee on persons convicted of drug offenses. Collected amounts are made available for the HHS grants in this bill. Specified agencies must submit to the Office of E-Government and Information Technology of the Office of Management and Budget an inventory of agency data centers and a strategy to consolidate and optimize the data centers. The bill revises reporting requirements for the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding data centers. DOD and the Director of National Intelligence may waive this bill's data center requirements for any national security system. The bill sets forth requirements for the Office of E-Government and Information Technology, including that the office must publish a goal for cost savings and optimization. The bill's provisions regarding data centers are repealed at the start of FY2021.

Justice for Servicemembers Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Justice for Servicemembers Act of 2016 This bill amends the Uniformed Services Employment Rights Act of 1994 to: (1) consider procedural protections or provisions under such Act concerning employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services to be a right or benefit subject to the protection of such Act, and (2) make any agreement to arbitrate a claim under such provisions unenforceable unless all parties consent to arbitration after a complaint on the specific claim has been filed in court or with the Merit Systems Protection Board and all parties knowingly and voluntarily consent to have that particular claim subjected to arbitration. Consent shall not be considered voluntary when a person is required to agree to arbitrate an action, complaint, or claim alleging a violation of such provisions as a condition of future or continued employment, advancement in employment, or receipt of any right or benefit of employment.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand burial benefits for veterans who die while receiving hospital care or medical services under the Veterans Choice Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay the actual burial and funeral costs (up to a specified limit) for veterans who die in an institution where they were receiving hospital care or medical services under the Veterans Choice Program.

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2018-FY2028 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans, including certain targeted community and economic development programs, unless they: are based on earned eligibility, are not need-based, are designed exclusively or primarily for veterans of military service, or offer universal or near universal eligibility to the working population and their dependents. The bill specifies federal cash assistance, medical, food, housing, energy, education training, child care, services, and community development programs deemed means-tested welfare spending, as well as federal programs that are not so deemed, including Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, unemployment insurance, Social Security retirement and survivor benefits, and military service veterans programs. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is amended to specify, as an additional purpose for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), promoting prosperous self-sufficiency, which means the ability of households to maintain an income above the poverty-level without services and benefits from the federal government. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under SNAP As a condition of receiving SNAP funds, a state agency shall operate a work activation program for adults with dependent children. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. A family with a child under age 6 shall be deemed to meet work participation requirements if any parent is engaged in work for at least 20 hours per week. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.

Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an 18-month pilot program in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) under which veterans use an Internet website to schedule and confirm appointments at VA medical facilities. The pilot program's duration may be extended and the number of VISNs may be increased.

Justice for Servicemembers Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Justice for Servicemembers Act of 2016 This bill amends the Uniformed Services Employment Rights Act of 1994 to: (1) consider procedural protections or provisions under such Act concerning employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services to be a right or benefit subject to the protection of such Act, and (2) make any agreement to arbitrate a claim under such provisions unenforceable unless all parties consent to arbitration after a complaint on the specific claim has been filed in court or with the Merit Systems Protection Board, and all parties knowingly and voluntarily consent to have that particular claim subjected to arbitration. Consent shall not be considered voluntary when a person is required to agree to arbitrate an action, complaint, or claim alleging a violation of such provisions as a condition of future or continued employment, advancement in employment, or receipt of any right or benefit of employment.

Muhammad Ali Voluntary Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Muhammad Ali Voluntary Service Act This bill repeals the Military Selective Service Act. No person may be denied a right, privilege, benefit, or employment position under federal law on the grounds that the person failed to present himself for and submit to registration under the Military Selective Service Act before its repeal by this bill.

A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program of the Army.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) continues to train the next generation of military leaders, who are well equipped to defeat enemies of the United States; the Senate is encouraged by the quality of leaders that Army ROTC has and will continue to produce; and the Army ROTC produces more Army officers than any other source.

Maximizing Efficiency and Improving Access to Providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016

Maximizing Efficiency and Improving Access to Providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out an 18-month pilot program to increase the use of medical scribes to maximize the efficiency of physicians at VA medical facilities. A "medical scribe" is defined as a member of the medical team hired and trained to perform documentation in an electronic health record to maximize the productivity of a physician. The program shall be conducted at not fewer than five medical facilities: (1) that the VA determines have a high volume of patients; or (2) which are located in rural areas, at which there is a shortage of physicians, and each physician of which has a high caseload. To carry out such program, the VA shall enter into a contract with one or more appropriate nongovernmental entities that train and employ professional medical scribes who specialize in the collection of medical data and data entry into electronic health records. The VA shall collect data to determine the effectiveness of the program, including information on changes in the average wait times for veterans to receive care, the average number of patients that a physician is able to see, the average amount of time such a physician spends on documentation, physician satisfaction and retention scores, and patient satisfaction scores.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2016, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Labor to prioritize the provision of services to homeless veterans with dependent children in carrying out homeless veterans reintegration programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016

This bill directs the Department of Labor to give homeless veterans with dependent children service priority under homeless veterans reintegration programs.

A bill to provide for an Atomic Veterans Service Medal.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016

This bill directs the Department of Defense to design and produce an Atomic Veterans Service Medal to honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces who are radiation-exposed veterans. The Department may provide for issuance of the Medal to the next-of-kin of a deceased radiation-exposed veteran.

Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2016

Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that each VA physician is informed of the duty to report any covered activity committed by another physician that the physician witnesses or otherwise directly discovers to the applicable state licensing authority within five days. "Covered activity" means any activity occurring in a VA medical facility that consists of or causes the provision of impaired, incompetent, or unethical health care that requires direct reporting under the Code of Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association.

No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2016

No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop: a quality assurance document for carrying out the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), including at backup call centers; and a plan to ensure that each telephone call, text message, and other communications received by the VCL, including at backup call centers, is answered in a timely manner by a person, consistent with the guidance established by the American Association of Suicidology.

Special Global Partnership with India Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2016

Special Global Partnership with India Act of 2016 This bill directs the President to take specified actions to advance the U.S.-India relationship, which shall include: (1) strategic, commercial, and defense dialogues; (2) development of advanced technology programs, including cyber security cooperation; and (3) enhanced scientific and military cooperation. The Department of Defense may enter into pilot programs to enhance India's capabilities in: (1) border, maritime, and aviation security; (2) explosives detection; (3) humanitarian and disaster management; and (4) counterterrorism. The President, with prior congressional notice, may make India temporarily eligible for certain defense services and articles under the Arms Export Control Act. The President shall make India eligible for the strategic trade authorization exemption from having to obtain certain export control licensees. The President may provide assistance to India to promote: (1) economic growth, (2) public health, (3) infrastructure development, (4) urban energy infrastructure, (5) military education and training, (6) educational exchanges, (7) joint development initiatives in third countries, and (8) banking access. The bill expresses the sense of Congress regarding: (1) India's entry into the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation regional economic forum, (2) U.S.-India negotiations to finalize a bilateral investment treaty, and (3) India's full implementation of the Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Initiative.

Maurice (Mo) Bailey Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Grant Reauthorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2016

Maurice (Mo) Bailey Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Grant Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 to reauthorize through FY2017 a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2016

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Highlights: This bill provides FY2017 appropriations for the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. The bill includes both discretionary and mandatory funding. The HUD budget is primarily discretionary spending, and most of the DOT budget is mandatory spending, in the form of contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund. The bill increases overall discretionary spending for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies above FY2016 levels and includes increases for both DOT and HUD. The bill prohibits or restricts the use of funds for: enforcement of certain regulations regarding rest periods for commercial drivers, modifying regulations regarding safety fitness determinations for motor carriers, high speed rail in California, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, and Amtrak food and beverage services. The bill also includes provisions that: specify that federal laws and regulations regarding the hours of service for commercial drivers preempt state and local laws and regulations on the subject, and limit the penalty wages that must be paid to seamen when pay is withheld for certain voyages. Full Summary: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2017 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Provides FY2017 appropriations for the Department of Transportation (DOT). Provides appropriations for the Office of the Secretary, including: Salaries and Expenses; Research and Technology; National Infrastructure Investments (also known as TIGER grants); the National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau; Financial Management Capital; Cyber Security Initiatives; the Office of Civil Rights; Transportation Planning, Research, and Development; the Working Capital Fund; the Minority Business Resource Center Program; Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Outreach; and Payments to Air Carriers. (Sec. 101) Prohibits DOT from approving assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the modal administrations in this bill except for activities underway on the date of enactment, unless the reprogramming process has been completed. (Sec. 102) Permits DOT to use the Working Capital Fund to provide transit benefits to federal employees. (Sec. 103) Requires DOT to: (1) post on its website the schedule and agenda for all meetings of the Credit Council, and (2) require the council to record the decisions and actions of each meeting. Provides appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for: Operations; Facilities and Equipment; Research, Engineering, and Development; and Grants-In-Aid For Airports. Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for: new applicants for the second career training program, new unauthorized aviation user fees, or aeronautical charting and cartography activities through the Working Capital Fund. Permits funds received from specified public, private, and foreign sources for expenses incurred to be credited to the appropriation. (Sec. 110) Limits technical staff-years under the federally funded research and development center contract between the FAA and the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development. (Sec. 111) Prohibits the FAA from requiring airport sponsors to provide the agency without cost building construction, maintenance, utilities and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned buildings for air traffic control, air navigation, or weather reporting, subject to specified exceptions. (Sec. 112) Permits the FAA to reimburse amounts made available from certain fees to carry out the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which ensures that small communities have a minimum level of air service. (Sec. 113) Permits amounts collected by the FAA for providing technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities to be credited to the Operations account. (Sec. 114) Prohibits the FAA from paying Sunday premium pay except if an individual worked on a Sunday. (Sec. 115) Prohibits the FAA from using funds provided by this bill to purchase a store gift card or gift certificate using a government-issued credit card. (Sec. 116) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for retention bonuses for FAA employees without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for Administration of DOT. (Sec. 117) Requires the FAA, upon the request of an owner or operator, to block the display of the owner's or operator's aircraft registration number in the Aircraft Situational Display to Industry program. (Sec. 118) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to pay the salaries and expenses of more than nine political and presidential FAA appointees. (Sec. 119) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to increase fees for navigation products until the FAA provides Congress with a justification for all fees for aeronautical navigation products. (Sec. 119A) Requires the FAA to notify Congress prior to closing a regional operations center or reducing the services it provides. (Sec. 119B) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Provides funding from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for Administrative Expenses and Federal-Aid Highways. Rescinds specified balances of unused contract authority from the HTF. (Most of DOT's budget is mandatory budget authority rather than discretionary budget authority. The mandatory budget authority is primarily in the form of contract authority derived from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). Contract authority is the authority to obligate funds in advance of an appropriation Act. Spending from the HTF is determined both by authorization bills and appropriations bills. Authorization bills provide contract authority for highway programs, and appropriations bills include obligation limitations that determine how much of the contract authority may be used in a given year.) (Sec. 120) Specifies allocations and requirements for distributing obligation authority from the HTF among federal-aid highway programs. (Sec. 121) Credits funds received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics from the sale of data products to the Federal-Aid Highways account to reimburse the bureau for expenses. (Sec. 122) Requires DOT to: (1) provide an informal public notice and comment opportunity prior to waiving the Buy America requirement for federal-aid highway projects, and (2) report to Congress annually on waivers. (Sec. 123) Requires DOT to notify Congress prior to providing credit assistance under the Transportation Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program, which provides credit to finance surface transportation projects of national and regional significance. Provides funding from the HTF to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for: (1) Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs, and (2) Motor Carrier Safety Grants. (Sec. 130) Directs the FMCSA to require certain Mexican motor carriers to meet specified safety requirements when applying to operate beyond U.S. municipalities and commercial zones on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Sec. 131) Requires the FMCSA to provide written notice of violations of certain safety procedures and regulations that could require an expedited safety audit or compliance review or a written response demonstrating corrective action. (Sec. 132) Prohibits funds from being used to enforce certain hours-of-service rules for commercial drivers, including the requirements for: (1) two off-duty periods from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., (2) or the prohibition on using more than one restart during a consecutive 168-hour period. Requires the 34-hour restart rule in effect on December 26, 2011, to be restored. (Prior to 2013, commercial drivers were required to take at least 34 hours off duty after working for 60 hours in a seven-day period [or 70 hours in an eight-day period], which is known as the "34-hour restart requirement." FMCSA regulations that took effect in 2013 require the 34-hour off-duty period to cover two consecutive 1 a.m.-5 a.m. periods, and limit the drivers to one 34-hour "restart" in a 168-hour period.) (Sec. 133) Prohibits funds for Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs from being used for a wireless roadside inspection program until after DOT makes specified certifications to Congress. (Sec. 134) Specifies that federal laws and regulations related to hours of service for commercial drivers preempt state and local laws and regulations. Makes the preemption retroactive to the date of enactment of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (Sec. 135) Prohibits funds from being used to amend, revise or otherwise modify regulations for safety fitness determinations for motor carriers until the DOT Inspector General makes specified certifications. Provides appropriations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Operations and Research. Provides funding from the HTF to NHTSA for Operations and Research and Highway Traffic Safety Grants. (Sec. 140) Provides additional funding to NHTSA for travel and related expenses associated with state management reviews and core competency development training for highway safety staff. (Sec. 141) Exempts from the current fiscal year's obligation limitation for NHTSA programs any obligation authority that was made available in previous public laws. (Sec. 142) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to conduct or support the National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers or any similar survey of alcohol and drug use by drivers. (Sec. 143) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to mandate global positioning system tracking without fully considering privacy concerns. Provides appropriations to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for: Safety and Operations, Railroad Research and Development, the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program, Federal-State Partnership for State Of Good Repair Grants, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grants, Northeast Corridor Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), and National Network Grants to Amtrak. (Sec. 150) Limits overtime for Amtrak employees. Permits Amtrak to waive the limit for specific employees due to safety or operational efficiency reasons. Requires Amtrak to report to Congress on waivers granted and overtime payments incurred. Provides appropriations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for: Administrative Expenses, Technical Assistance and Training, Capital Investment Grants, and Grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Provides funding from the HTF to the FTA for Transit Formula Grants. (Sec. 160) Exempts previously made transit obligations from limitations on obligations. (Sec. 161) Permits FTA Fixed Guideway Capital Investment funds for projects specified in this bill or the accompanying report that are not obligated by September 30, 2021, to be used for other projects eligible to use the funds for the same purpose. (Sec. 162) Permits prior appropriations that remain available for expenditure to be transferred to the most recent appropriation heading. (Sec. 163) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to enter into a full funding grant agreement for a project with a New Starts share greater than 50%. (Sec. 164) Prohibits the use of funds for a new light or heavy rail project for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas if the project is constructed at a specified location in Houston, Texas unless the voters approve a ballot proposition specifying the location and the project meets specified criteria. Provides appropriations to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation for Operations and Maintenance. Provides appropriations for the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for: the Maritime Security Program, Operations and Training, Ship Disposal, and The Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account. (Sec. 170) Permits MARAD to furnish utilities and services and make repairs in connection with any lease, contract, or occupancy involving government property under the control of MARAD. Requires rental payments received pursuant to this provision to be credited to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. (Sec. 171) Prohibits DOT or MARAD from using funds provided by this bill for fee-for-service contracts for vessel disposal, scrapping, or recycling, unless there is no qualified domestic ship recycler that will pay any sum to purchase and scrap or recycle a vessel owned, operated or managed by MARAD or that is part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Provides appropriations to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for: Operational Expenses, Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline Safety, and Emergency Preparedness Grants. Provides appropriations to the Office of Inspector General. (Sec. 180) Permits DOT to use funds for maintenance and operation of aircraft, hire of passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, insurance for motor vehicles operating in foreign countries, and uniforms. (Sec. 181) Permits DOT to use funds provided by this bill for the employment of temporary or intermittent experts and consultants if the rates do not exceed the rate for an Executive Level IV. (Sec. 182) Prohibits: (1) funds provided by this bill from being used for more than 110 DOT presidential or political appointees, and (2) any of the appointees from being assigned on temporary detail outside of DOT. (Sec. 183) Prohibits recipients of funds provided by this bill from releasing certain personal information and photographs from a driver's license or motor vehicle record without the consent of the affected individual. Prohibits DOT from withholding funds if a state is not in compliance with this provision. (Sec. 184) Permits funds received by specified DOT agencies from states or other private or public sources for training expenses to be credited to specified agency accounts. (Sec. 185) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for certain loans, loan guarantees, lines of credit, or grants unless DOT notifies Congress prior to announcing competitively selected projects. Requires DOT to provide concurrent notification to Congress regarding any ''quick release'' of funds from the FHWA's Emergency Relief Program. (The program provides funding for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands which have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause.) (Sec. 186) Permits rebates, refunds, incentive payments, minor fees and other funds received by DOT from travel management centers, charge card programs, the subleasing of building space, and miscellaneous sources to be credited to DOT appropriations and allocated to elements of DOT using fair and equitable criteria. (Sec. 187) Permits DOT to use amounts recovered from improper payments to a third party contractor for expenses incurred in the recovery. (Sec. 188) Requires reprogramming action notifications to be transmitted to and approved or denied solely by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 189) Permits funds provided by this bill for modal administrations to be obligated to the Office of the Secretary for assessments or reimbursable agreements only if the funds provide a direct benefit to the applicable modal administration. (Sec. 190) Permits DOT to set uniform standards for developing and supporting agency transit passes and transit benefits. (Sec. 191) Prohibits the use of funds for any geographic, economic, or other hiring preference not otherwise authorized by law, unless certain requirements are met related to availability of local labor, displacement of existing employees, and delays in transportation plans. (Sec. 192) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for high speed rail in California or for the FRA to administer a grant agreement with the California High Speed Rail Authority that contains a tapered matching requirement. (A tapered match allows a project's federal share to vary from year to year as long as the final contribution of federal funds does not exceed the project's maximum authorized share.) (Sec. 193) Limits the penalty wages that must be paid when a vessel owner, operator, or an employer withholds pay for seamen on: (1) foreign and intercoastal voyages, and (2) coastwise voyages. (Sec. 194) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used in contravention of provisions of current law that permit Amtrak to provide food and beverage services on its trains only if revenues from the services each year at least equal the cost of providing the services. (Sec. 195) Makes a technical correction to statutory provisions regarding the treatment of a Bi-State Metropolitan Planning Organization as an urbanized area in California and Nevada. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2017 TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Provides FY2017 appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Provides appropriations for Management and Administration, including for Executive Offices and Administrative Support Offices. Provides appropriations for Program Office Salaries and Expenses, including: Public and Indian Housing, Community Planning and Development, Housing, Policy Development and Research, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. Permits HUD to transfer specified funds provided by this title for salaries and expenses to the Working Capital Fund to fund centralized activities. Provides appropriations for Public and Indian Housing Programs, including: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, the Housing Certificate Fund, the Public Housing Capital Fund, the Public Housing Operating Fund, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Native American Housing Block Grants, and the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account. Provides appropriations for Community Planning and Development, including: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, the Community Development Fund, the Community Development Loan Guarantees Program Account, the Home Investment Partnerships Program, the Self-Help and Assisted Home Ownership Opportunity Program, and Homeless Assistance Grants. Provides appropriations for Housing Programs, including: Project-Based Rental Assistance, Housing for the Elderly, Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Housing Counseling Assistance, Rental Housing Assistance, and Payment to the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund. Provides appropriations and establishes limits on loan commitments for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which includes: the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program Account, and the General and Special Risk Program Account. Provides appropriation and establishes limits on loan commitments for the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Provides appropriations to HUD for: Policy Development and Research, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, the Information Technology Fund, and the Office of Inspector General. (Sec. 201) Requires 50% of the funds that are recaptured from the refinancing of state projects under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 to be rescinded or, in the case of cash, remitted to the Treasury. Permits HUD to use up to 15% of the funds that are recaptured and not rescinded or remitted to the Treasury to provide project owners with incentives to refinance projects at lower interest rates. (Sec. 202) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to investigate or prosecute under the Fair Housing Act any lawful activities, including the filing or maintaining of a nonfrivolous legal action to achieve or prevent action by a government entity or a court. (Sec. 203) Requires HUD to make certain adjustments to the formula for distributing Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funds for certain jurisdictions in New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina. (Sec. 204) Requires any grant, cooperative agreement, or other assistance made pursuant to this title to be made on a competitive basis and in accordance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989. (Sec. 205) Permits specified funds to be used, without regard to limitations on administrative expenses, for: (1) legal services; and (2) payment for services and facilities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Ginnie Mae, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal Financing Bank, Federal Reserve banks, Federal Home Loan banks, and any bank insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act. (Sec. 206) Prohibits HUD appropriations from being used for any program, project, or activity in excess of amounts included in the budget estimates submitted to Congress, unless otherwise provided by this bill or through reprogramming. (Sec. 207) Permits HUD corporations and agencies subject to the Government Corporation Control Act to utilize funds and make contracts and commitments, without regard to fiscal year limitations and subject to specified restrictions, to implement the FY2017 budget. (Sec. 208) Requires HUD to provide quarterly reports to Congress regarding uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured, and excess funds for each program and activity. (Sec. 209) Requires the President's budget request and HUD's congressional budget justifications to use the same account structure included in this bill. (Sec. 210) Provides that a public housing agency (PHA) or other entity that administers federal housing assistance for the Housing Authority of the county of Los Angeles, California; and the states of Alaska, Iowa, and Mississippi is not required to include public housing residents or recipients of section 8 rental assistance (under the United States Housing Act of 1937) on the governing board. Requires each PHA or entity that does not include these individuals on its board to establish an advisory board of at least six residents of public housing or recipients of section 8 assistance to provide advice on issues related to public housing and section 8. (Sec. 211) Exempts Ginnie Mae from certain requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990. (Sec. 212) Permits HUD to authorize the transfer of project-based assistance, debt, and use restrictions associated with a multifamily housing project from obsolete or economically nonviable housing to housing that better meets the needs of the assisted tenants, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 213) Sets forth eligibility requirements for section 8 housing assistance vouchers. (Sec. 214) Requires Native American Housing Block Grant funds to be distributed to the same Native Alaskans that received funds in FY2005. (Sec. 215) Permits HUD to insure home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs or reverse mortgages) for elderly homeowners through FY2017, notwithstanding limitations on insurance authority included in the National Housing Act. (Sec. 216) Sets forth requirements for HUD to maintain section 8 assistance on multifamily housing that is held or owned by HUD. (Sec. 217) Permits Community Development Loan Guarantee funds to be used to guarantee notes or other obligations issued by any state on behalf of its non-entitlement communities. (Sec. 218) Permits certain PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer public housing units to be exempt from asset management requirements imposed by HUD in connection with the operating fund rule. (Sec. 219) Prohibits HUD from using public housing funds to impose any requirement or guideline relating to asset management that restricts or limits the use of capital funds for central office costs, up to the limits established in the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. (Sec. 220) Prohibits the designation of a HUD official or employee as an allotment holder unless the Chief Financial Officer has determined that the employee has: (1) implemented an adequate system of funds control, and (2) received training in funds control procedures and directives. (Sec. 221) Requires HUD to publish on the Internet all competitively awarded Notices of Funding Availability for FY2017. (Sec. 222) Sets forth limitations and reporting requirements for the payment of attorney fees in program-related litigation. (Sec. 223) Sets forth requirements for transferring and reprogramming funds within specified HUD Administrative Support Office and Program Office Salaries and Expenses accounts. (Sec. 224) Permits the Disaster Housing Assistance Programs administered by HUD to be considered HUD programs for the purpose of income verification and matching. (Sec. 225) Requires HUD to take specified actions against owners who are receiving rental subsidies and do not maintain safe properties. (Sec. 226) Limits compensation for PHA officials and employees. (Sec. 227) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for the HUD doctoral dissertation research grant program. (Sec. 228) Requires HUD to notify Congress prior to announcing the recipients of grant awards. (Sec. 229) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to require or enforce the Physical Needs Assessment (PNA). (Sec. 230) Prohibits the FHA, Ginnie Mae, or HUD from using funds provided by this bill to finance mortgages for properties that have been subject to eminent domain. (Sec. 231) Prohibits the use of funds made available by this bill to terminate the status of a unit of general local government as a metropolitan city with respect to community development grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. (Sec. 232) Permits Office of Policy Development and Research funds for research, evaluation, and statistical purposes that are unexpended at the completion of a contract, grant or cooperative agreement to be used for additional research, subject to reprogramming requirements. (Sec. 233) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to pay a bonus to an employee who is subject to administrative discipline, including suspension from work. (Sec. 234) Permits HUD to consolidate funds used to manage disaster recovery grants. (Sec. 235) Permits HUD to use funds provided by this bill for Homeless Assistance Grants to award one-year grants to transition from one Continuum of Care program component to another. (The program awards project sponsors or unified funding agencies competitive grants focused on addressing the long-term housing and services needs of homeless individuals and families.) (Sec. 236) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to enforce Executive Order 13690 (Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input) and the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard until HUD submits to Congress: (1) a list of HUD programs impacted, (2) an analysis of the costs and benefits, and (3) a detailed nationwide floodplain map. (Sec. 237) Rescinds specified unobligated balances from HUD accounts, including: (1) Management and Administration, and (2) Program Office Salaries and Expenses. TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES Provides FY2017 appropriations to: the Access Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, the Surface Transportation Board, and U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts. (Sec. 401) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to compensate or pay the expenses of non-federal parties intervening in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this bill. (Sec. 402) Prohibits transfers of funds to other appropriations or obligations beyond the current fiscal year, unless expressly permitted in this bill. (Sec. 403) Limits expenditures for consulting services to contracts where the expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection, unless otherwise provided by law. (Sec. 404) Prohibits the use of funds provided by this bill for employee training not specifically related to the performance of official duties. (Sec. 405) Specifies procedures, restrictions, and reporting requirements for the reprogramming of funds provided by this bill. (Sec. 406) Permits up to 50% of unobligated balances remaining at the end of FY2017 from appropriations for salaries and expenses to remain available through FY2018, subject to congressional approval and reprogramming guidelines. (Sec. 407) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for any project that seeks to use eminent domain unless eminent domain is employed only for a public use. (Sec. 408) Prohibits the transfer of funds provided by this bill to a department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. government unless the transfer is pursuant to an appropriations Act. (Sec. 409) Prohibits the use of funds provided by this bill to permanently replace an employee intent on returning to his or her previous occupation after completing military service. (Sec. 410) Requires expenditures of funds provided by this bill to comply with the Buy American Act. (Sec. 411) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being made available to any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the Buy American Act. (Sec. 412) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to purchase first class or premium airline travel in violation of specified federal travel regulations. (Sec. 413) Prohibits the use of funds provided by this bill to approve a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption application if the approval would contravene U.S. law or specified provisions of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement. (Sec. 414) Restricts the number of employees that agencies funded in this bill may send to international conferences. (Sec. 415) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to purchase new light-duty vehicles, except in accordance with Presidential Memorandum- Federal Fleet Performance, which establishes requirements for purchasing alternative fueled vehicles. (Sec. 416) Limits Surface Transportation Board fees for the filing of rate or practice complaints. (Sec. 417) Rescinds unobligated balances of funds provided to specified accounts by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. (Sec. 418) Establishes a spending reduction account for the amount by which spending proposed in this bill exceeds the subcommittee's allocation under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Specifies that the amount is $0. (Under the Rules of the House of Representatives, any savings included in the spending reduction account are not available for further appropriation during consideration of the bill.)

VEI Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016

This bill permits veterans to use Department of Veterans Affairs post-9/11 educational assistance for an accredited independent study program leading to a certificate that reflects completion of a course of study offered by at an educational institution that is not an institution of higher learning, such as an area career and technical education school providing postsecondary level education.

A resolution urging the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization and to increase pressure on the organization and its members to the fullest extent possible.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016

Expresses appreciation to the European Union (EU) for the progress made in countering Hizballah since the EU designated Hizballah's military wing as a terrorist organization. Supports cooperation between the United States and the EU in thwarting Hizballah's criminal and terrorist activities. Urges the EU to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization and increase pressure on the group, including through: better cross-border cooperation among EU members, issuing arrest warrants against Hizballah members and active supporters, freezing Hizballah's assets in Europe, and prohibiting fund raising activities in support of Hizballah.

The Arla Harrell Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016

Arla Harrell Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reconsider and make a new determination regarding each claim for disability compensation in connection with exposure to mustard gas or lewisite during active military, naval, or air service during World War II that was denied before this bill's enactment. The VA or the Department of Defense (DOD): (1) shall presume that a veteran experienced full-body exposure to mustard gas or lewisite unless proven otherwise; and (2) may not use information contained in the DOD and VA Chemical Biological Warfare Database or any list of known testing sites for mustard gas or lewisite maintained by the VA or DOD as the sole reason for determining that the veteran did not experience such exposure. The VA shall report to Congress every 90 days on reconsidered claims that were denied. The VA and DOD shall jointly establish a policy for processing future claims in connection with such exposure. The bill requires DOD, for purposes of determining whether a site should be added to the list of DOD sites where mustard gas or lewisite testing occurred, to: (1) investigate and assess sites where the Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered evidence of mustard gas or lewisite testing or where more than two veterans submitted claims in connection with exposure that were denied; and (2) report on experiments conducted by DOD during World War II to assess the effects of mustard gas and lewisite. The VA shall: (1) investigate and assess VA actions to reach out to individuals who had been exposed in such experiments, the disability compensation claims that were filed, and the percentage of such claims that were denied; and (2) submit a comprehensive list of each location where such an experiment was conducted.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 TITLE I--INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of: the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI); the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); the Department of Defense (DOD); the Defense Intelligence Agency; the National Security Agency (NSA); the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the U.S. Coast Guard; the Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account. Additional funds identified in a classified schedule for advanced research and development shall remain available until September 30, 2018. TITLE II--CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM This title authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. TITLE III--GENERAL INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS The ODNI may participate in fundraising events for nonprofit organizations that support: (1) surviving family members of deceased intelligence community employees; or (2) welfare, education, or recreation of intelligence community employees, former employees, or family members. The ODNI must submit a five-year investment strategy for outreach and recruiting efforts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that includes cybersecurity and computer literacy. Each element of the intelligence community may establish higher minimum rates of pay for positions that require STEM expertise. The ODNI must report annually regarding the intelligence community's engagements with the entertainment industry for theater productions, motion pictures, radio or television broadcasts, podcasts, webcasts, music, dance, books, or other published material. No element of the intelligence community may engage in such activities unless it submits a prior notice to Congress. Inspectors general in the intelligence community must prohibit former employees of their offices from being involved in matters that affect the interests of their element of the intelligence community for at least: (1) two years after the individual leaves a senior level position, or (2) one year after the individual leaves a position that is not a senior level position. The ODNI may not require employees of an inspector general office for an element of the intelligence community to rotate to a position in their element for which such office conducts audits, investigations, or reviews. Inspector general employees are exempt from a rotation that may impact their office's independence. The ODNI must notify Congress of presidential directives or policy guidance that impacts the intelligence community. Elements of the intelligence community must submit to Congress each memorandum of understanding regarding intelligence activities between the intelligence community and other federal entities. The ODNI and DHS must establish a program to provide assistance from the intelligence community to certain critical infrastructure to reduce the risk of harm caused by cyber attack where a cybersecurity incident could reasonably result in catastrophic regional or national effects on public health or safety, economic security, or national security. TITLE IV--MATTERS RELATING TO ELEMENTS OF THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY The Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive is redesignated as the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, with a director to be appointed by the President. The CIA may: (1) pay death benefits substantially similar to those authorized for Foreign Service members, and (2) adjust eligibility requirements for such benefits. The CIA inspector general may designate officers or employees as law enforcement officers for purposes of pay and retirement benefits if they are appointed to a position that investigates suspected criminal offenses. An individual may not serve simultaneously as the NSA Director and the commander of a unified combatant command. The FBI must submit a strategic workforce report to demonstrate progress in expanding initiatives to integrate information technology expertise in the investigative process. TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES The President must establish a committee to counter active measures by Russia to exert covert influence over peoples and governments. . Accredited diplomatic personnel of the Russian Federation in the United States may not be permitted to travel more than 50 miles from their diplomatic post in the United States in a calendar quarter unless the FBI certifies that all Russian Federation diplomatic personnel complied during the preceding calendar quarter with U.S. notification requirements for such travel. The ODNI must conduct a study to determine the feasibility of creating an intelligence sharing arrangement and database to provide foreign countries that were parties to the Treaty on Open Skies on February 22, 2016 (except for the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus), with aerial imagery of the territories of other parties to the treaty that is comparable, delivered more frequently, and in equal or higher resolution than imagery available through the database established under the treaty. The ODNI must report on: (1) the extent to which Russian flights under the Open Skies Treaty contribute to the Russian Federation's warfighting doctrine; (2) the Russian Federation's capability to exceed the imagery limits set forth in the treaty; and (3) the implications and reactions of state parties if the United States withdraws from the treaty and the information sharing architecture is replaced with another intelligence sharing arrangement. The ODNI and the CIA must submit reports regarding the relationships between the U.S. intelligence community and the intelligence entities of foreign countries, international organizations, nonstate actors, or substate actors. TITLE VI--PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES OVERSIGHT BOARD The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 is amended to require the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) to inform the ODNI, elements of the intelligence community, and the House and Senate intelligence committees about its activities. The scope of the PCLOB's review of executive branch actions, and its policy advice, is restricted to the privacy and civil liberties of U.S. persons, instead of privacy and civil liberties generally. TITLE VII--MATTERS RELATING TO UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA The ODNI must: (1) complete a declassification review of information on the past terrorist activities of each individual transferred or released from U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and (2) describe mitigation measures by countries to which such individuals have been transferred or released to monitor them and prevent them from carrying out terrorist activities. The bill prohibits the transfer or release to a foreign country of an individual detained at Guantanamo as of October 1, 2009, who is not a U.S. national or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and who is in or under DOD custody or control or otherwise detained at Guantanamo until after the ODNI certifies that: (1) an intelligence driven threat monitoring system has been established to mitigate the risk of such individuals reengaging in terrorist activity or posing a threat to U.S. persons or national security, and (2) the intelligence community has the capability to monitor all such individuals. TITLE VIII--REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS DOD may establish a Cyber Center for Education and Innovation Home of the National Cryptologic Museum. The federal criminal code is amended to: (1) add electronic communication transactional records as a category of information that the FBI may request by certifying to a wire or electronic communication service provider that the records are relevant to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities, and (2) prohibit the FBI from requesting the contents of an electronic communication through such process. The NSA Director must serve as the National Manager for National Security Directive 42, signed by the President on July 5, 1990, regarding the national policy for the security of national security telecommunications and information systems. Agencies are prohibited from continuing to operate or control such systems until they register their configurations with the National Manager and the National Manager acknowledges such registration. The National Manager may inspect national security systems and issue binding operational directives. The definition of "national security system" is revised to remove the current exclusion of routine administrative and business applications that contribute to the direct fulfillment of military and intelligence missions. Elements of the intelligence community must certify to the ODNI that all prospective joint facilities in a vicinity have been considered before they purchase, lease, or construct a new facility that is 20,000 square feet or larger. The ODNI must collaborate with DOD and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to update the strategy for an interagency review of policies for planning and acquiring national security satellite systems and architectures consistent with the National Space Policy issued on June 28, 2010. The ODNI must appoint a single official to harmonize the intelligence community's governance, operations, analysis, and collection activities related to space and counterspace. The NRO and the U.S. Strategic Command must submit a concept of operations for the Joint Interagency Combined Space Operations Center. The ODNI must propose a plan to monitor advances in life sciences and biotechnology. The ODNI must submit plans to implement declassification proposals produced in the course of producing the fundamental classification guidance review for FY2017 required by Executive Order 13526. At least every five years, federal agencies must complete a fundamental classification guidance review to: (1) ensure that their guidance reflects current circumstances, and (2) identify classified information that no longer requires protection and may be declassified.

TRICARE Expedited Evaluation and Treatment for Prenatal Surgery Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016

TRICARE Expedited Evaluation and Treatment for Prenatal Surgery Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Defense to implement processes and procedures to ensure that a covered TRICARE program beneficiary whose pregnancy is complicated with a fetal anomaly or suspected of being so complicated receives, at the beneficiary's discretion, expedited evaluation and treatment from a perinatal or pediatric specialist capable of providing surgical management and intervention in utero.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to include guidance documents in the congressional review process of agency rulemaking.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2016

This bill requires guidance documents of federal agencies to be considered rules that are subject to the congressional review process, which Congress can use to overturn certain agency actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. "Guidance document" is defined as a statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, issued by a federal agency that sets forth: (1) a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue; or (2) an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue. Significant guidance documents are subject to review as major rules, which delays their effective date and requires the Government Accountability Office to review the agency's compliance with the regulatory process. A "significant guidance document" is a guidance document disseminated to regulated entities or the general public that may reasonably be anticipated to: (1) lead to an annual effect of at least $100 million or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, employment, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency, or otherwise interfere, with an action taken or planned by another federal agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of any entitlement, grant, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of recipients; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates. A guidance document is not considered to be significant if it: (1) concerns regulations issued in accordance with administrative procedures for rules required by statute to be made on record after opportunity for an agency hearing; (2) pertains to a U.S. military or foreign affairs function other than procurement regulations and regulations involving the import or export of non-defense articles and services; (3) concerns regulations that are limited to the organization, management, or personnel matters of a federal agency; or (4) belongs to a category of guidance documents exempted by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Thomas Atkin, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Eric Rosenbach, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 26 May 2016

Daniel P. Feehan, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Frederick Vollrath, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 26 May 2016

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act and the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 to repeal a condition on the extension of disaster loan assistance to a small business concern that has suffered, or that is likely to suffer, substantial economic injury as the result of an essential employee's being ordered to active military duty during a period of military conflict. The condition "during a period of military conflict" is repealed to permit the extension of disaster assistance to a small business concern in such a circumstance even when the active duty is not during a period of military conflict. The same condition is removed from requirements for deferred repayment of principal and interest due on a direct loan to a qualified borrower who is an eligible armed forces reservist and who: received a direct loan, including a disaster loan, from the Small Business Administration (SBA) before being ordered to active duty; or is an essential employee ordered to active duty from a small business concern that received a direct loan, including a disaster loan, from the SBA. The SBA shall to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with specified public and private entities for outreach programs for the spouses of veterans and members of a reserve component of the armed forces. In making such grants the SBA shall establish a National Guard and Reserve Deployment Support and Business Training Program to give training, counseling and other assistance to support members of a reserve component of the armed forces and their spouses.

Securing our Agriculture and Food Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Securing our Agriculture and Food Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs to carry out a program to coordinate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts related to defending the food, agriculture, and veterinary systems against terrorism and other high-consequence events that pose a high risk to homeland security. Such program shall include: (1) providing oversight and integration of DHS activities related to veterinary public health, food defense, and agricultural security; and (2) leading DHS policy initiatives relating to food, animal, and agricultural incidents and to overall domestic preparedness for, and collective response to, agricultural terrorism.

Seniors' Security Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Seniors Security Act of 2016 This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require the computation of cost-of-living adjustments to use the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E). The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish the CPI-E for each calendar month. The CPI-E shall also be used for cost-of-living adjustments for federal civilian employee annuities and for the retired and retainer pay of members of the armed forces. SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) is amended to prohibit any increases in Medicare part B premiums for calendar years beginning with 2017 to the extent they would exceed 30% of the difference between the amount of benefits payable to an individual for that December and the amount of benefits payable for that November (both amounts determined before the deduction of a premium). This change shall allow premium increases of up to 30% of that difference.

To prohibit the transfer of any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

This bill prohibits U.S. agency funds from being used until the earlier of the enactment date of an Act authorizing FY2017 appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) or January 1, 2017, for the transfer or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions or to any foreign country or entity of an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "Individual detained at Guantanamo" means an individual located at Guantanamo as of October 1, 2009, who: (1) is not a U.S. national or a member of the Armed Forces, and (2) is in the custody or under the control of DOD or otherwise detained at Guantanamo.

VA Transparency Enhancement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

VA Transparency Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill requires the director of each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility to report quarterly to the VA on: the number of patients who contracted an infection as result of surgery at such medical facility, including a brief summary of each case; and the number of, and reasons for, scheduled surgeries that were cancelled or transferred to another facility and the subsequent number of days that each patient had to wait for surgery. The VA shall submit such reports and a summary of such reports to Congress and publish them on its website.

Veteran Prescription Continuity Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Veteran Prescription Continuity Act This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish an individual who is transitioning from Department of Defense (DOD)- to VA-furnished medical treatment any pharmaceutical agent not included in the joint uniform formulary if a DOD health care provider determines that the pharmaceutical agent is critical for the transition. The VA shall furnish an individual with such pharmaceutical agent: (1) beginning when the individual enrolls in the VA health care system, and (2) ending when a DOD health care provider determines that the individual does not require the pharmaceutical agent.

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2018-FY2028 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans, including certain targeted community and economic development programs, unless they: are based on earned eligibility, are not need-based, are designed exclusively or primarily for veterans of military service, or offer universal or near universal eligibility to the working population and their dependents. The bill specifies federal cash assistance, medical, food, housing, energy, education training, child care, services, and community development programs deemed means-tested welfare spending, as well as federal programs that are not so deemed, including Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, unemployment insurance, Social Security retirement and survivor benefits, and military service veterans programs. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is amended to specify, as an additional purpose for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), promoting prosperous self-sufficiency, which means the ability of households to maintain an income above the poverty-level without services and benefits from the federal government. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under SNAP As a condition of receiving SNAP funds, a state agency shall operate a work activation program for adults with dependent children. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. A family with a child under age 6 shall be deemed to meet work participation requirements if any parent is engaged in work for at least 20 hours per week. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Corporal David Dunnels White of the United States Army for his capture of Confederate Major General George Washington Custis Lee at the Battle of Sailor's Creek, Virginia, during the Civil War.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Corporal David Dunnels White of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, for his capture of Confederate Major General George Washington Custis Lee at the Battle of Sailor's Creek, Virginia, on April 6, 1865.

Bolster Accountability to Drive Government Efficiency and Reform Washington Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Bolster Accountability to Drive Government Efficiency and Reform Washington Act of 2016 This bill establishes a Federal Real Property Reform Board to reduce the federal government's civilian real property inventory and operating costs by identifying federal land and buildings to dispose of, consolidate, redevelop, or operate more efficiently. A Federal Property Council must ensure implementation of property management strategies. The General Services Administration must establish a database of federal real property. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must submit to the Department Housing and Urban Development information about federal land or buildings that may be suitable for assistance to the homeless. Whistleblower protections are extended to employees of federal personal services contractors. Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act The OMB must publish a federal government program inventory that identifies authorizing statutes, performance assessments, finances, and beneficiaries for each federal government program for which there is more than $1 million in annual budget authority. Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act The bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to: (1) pay state or local governments for transcribing and transmitting death records to the SSA; and (2) provide cooperative arrangements with federal or state agencies for the use of SSA information regarding deceased individuals by agencies administering federally funded benefits, including carrying out tax administration or debt collection or investigating crimes. The bill amends the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 to require the OMB to issue guidance to improve death record data matching among federal, state, and local governments. The SSA must submit a plan to improve the accuracy and completeness of its death data. Fraud Reduction and Data Analytics Act of 2016 The OMB must establish: (1) guidelines for federal agencies to establish financial and administrative controls to detect fraud and prevent improper payments, and (2) a working group to submit a plan for a federal interagency library of data analytics to facilitate fraud prevention and recovery. Getting Results through Enhanced Accountability and Transparency Act of 2016 The Government Accountability Office's (GAO's) annual report on its routine investigations to identify duplicative programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives must aggregate separately GAO estimates of related costs for instances of actual and potential unnecessary duplication and other potential cost savings and revenue collection. Chief operating officers, agencies' systemic operations reviews, and performance plans must consider improvements to coordination within and among agencies. The OMB's: (1) federal government performance plan must address management challenges concerning unnecessary duplication; and (2) priority goals for the government must include mission support for financial, human capital, information technology, procurement, and real estate management. Performance improvement officers must advise agencies on performance evaluation and risk management. The Performance Improvement Council must work to: (1) resolve government-wide issues relating to coordination and unnecessary duplication; (2) facilitate exchanges of performance improvement practices with states, local governments, and other nonfederal stakeholders; and (3) coordinate with interagency mission support councils. Administrative Leave Act of 2016 Agencies are: (1) prohibited from placing an employee in administrative leave for more than five consecutive days, and (2) required to record administrative leave separately from other types of leave. In lieu of administrative leave, agencies may place an employee in investigative or notice leave if the employee is under investigation or the target of an adverse action and if the continued presence of the employee in the workplace may pose a threat or cause loss of, or damage to, government property. An agency must consider other options, including reassigning the employee, allowing the employee to telework or take available leave, or treating the employee as absent without leave. Agencies may grant leave to employees who cannot report to work due to an act of God, a terrorist attack, or another condition that prevents them from safely traveling to or performing work at an approved location. Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016 The Inspector General Act of 1978 is amended to establish procedures for: (1) the President to place inspectors general in a paid or unpaid nonduty status if their presence may pose a threat to others, result in damage to federal property, or jeopardize government interests; (2) inspectors general to subpoena the attendance and testimony of federal government contractors and grantees; (3) inspectors general to be exempt from procedures that require agreements between agencies for computerized comparisons of automated federal records systems; (4) the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) to mediate disputes involving multiple federal agencies; and (5) the CIGIE's Integrity Committee to consider allegations of wrongdoing against a Special Counsel or Deputy Special Counsel. The Attorney General or the Secretaries of Defense, the Treasury, Homeland Security, or Energy may prohibit inspectors general from accessing certain sensitive or national security information. Inspector General Mandates Reporting Act of 2016 The CIGIE must recommend modifications or repeals of inspectors general reporting requirements. GAO Mandates Revision Act of 2016 The bill eliminates or modifies various GAO reporting requirements. GAO Access and Oversight Act of 2016 The GAO may obtain federal agency records required to discharge its audit, evaluation, and investigative duties, including through bringing civil actions to require an agency to produce a record. Agency statements on actions taken or planned in response to GAO recommendations must be submitted to Congress and the GAO. Stop Wasteful Federal Bonuses Act of 2016 The bill prohibits a federal agency from awarding a bonus to any employee for five years after the end of a fiscal year in which the agency makes an adverse finding that the employee's conduct violated: (1) an agency policy for which the employee may be removed or suspended for at least 14 days, or (2) a law for which the employee may be imprisoned for more than one year. An agency must order an employee to repay a bonus awarded in any year in which such a finding is made. Eliminating Government-funded Oil-painting Act or the EGO Act The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for an official portrait of a federal officer or employee, including the President, the Vice President, or a Member of Congress. Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2016 The bill allows former Presidents a lifetime annual annuity of $200,000 and an additional annual monetary allowance of $200,000, with annual cost-of-living increases, and reduces such allowance by the amount by which the former President's adjusted gross income in a taxable year exceeds $400,000. The annuity and allowance shall not be payable for any period during which a former President holds an appointive or elective federal position that pays more than a nominal rate. The annuity of a surviving spouse of a former President is increased to $100,000. Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies Act of 2016 or the MEGABYTE Act of 2016 The OMB must require the chief information officer of each executive agency to develop a comprehensive software licensing policy for software inventories, tracking, costs, management training, and life-cycle phases. Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2016 Federal contracting officers soliciting civilian contract offers for the design and construction of public buildings, facilities, or works must use two-phase selection procedures when a project has a value of $750,000 or greater. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council must amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to prohibit, as part of the two-phase selection procedure for awarding contracts for construction and design services, the use of a reverse auction, which is defined as a real-time auction conducted through an electronic medium among at least two offerors who compete by submitting bids with the ability to submit revised lower bids before the auction closes. Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2016 The bill directs federal agencies to give priority to a request for a transfer submitted by an employee if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if it determines the personnel action was a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) an employee in probationary status who seeks corrective action. Federal employees with authority over personnel actions are prohibited from accessing the medical records of another employee or applicant in retaliation for protected disclosures or exercise of whistleblower rights. The bill establishes a process for the suspension or removal of federal supervisors who commit certain prohibited personnel actions against whistleblowers. Supervisors must be trained to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistleblower protections. Agencies must refer employee suicides to the OSC if the employee made certain whistleblower disclosuresand a personnel action was taken against the employee. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must submit a plan to prevent unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees. Office of Special Counsel Reauthorization Act of 2016 The bill amends the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 to reauthorize the OSC through FY2021. The bill extends to 45 days the period for the OSC to determine whether information it receives from an employee or applicant discloses: (1) a violation of a law, rule, or regulation; or (2) gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety. The OSC may petition the MSPB to order corrective action if an agency's investigation was in retaliation for certain employee disclosures or protected activities, even if no personnel action is taken. The MSPB may review appeals from a determination that an employee or applicant is ineligible for a sensitive position if the sensitive position does not require a security clearance or access to classified information. Whistleblower protections must be incorporated into: (1) supervisory employee job requirements, and (2) performance appraisals in the Senior Executive Service. The OSC must provide for inspectors general from other agencies to receive and investigate allegations of OSC wrongdoings.

VOLT Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Veteran Opportunities on Local Transportation Act of 2016 or the VOLT Act of 2016 This bill authorizes a recipient of public transportation assistance to advertise and award a construction contract that includes requirements for employing veterans residing in or adjacent to any of the areas in which work is to be performed if: the project's estimated cost exceeds $10 million; there is no requirement to hire an individual who does not have relevant craft or trade work skills, unless the individual is subject to an apprenticeship or other training program; and the requirements do not compromise the project's quality, unreasonably delay its completion, or unreasonably increase its cost.

U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation and Nonproliferation Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation and Nonproliferation Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Energy to notify Congress within five days after receiving an application to transfer nuclear technology to China. A request for authorization to transfer U.S.-origin technology from China, or with the significant participation of Chinese persons not located in the United States, to a country other than the United States or China, shall be: (1) subject to authorization requirements specified in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (2) denied unless the applicant demonstrates significant participation by U.S. persons in the transfer, significant U.S. content involved in the transfer in the case of nuclear reactors and components, and timely reimbursement for grants or loans provided by the U.S. government to entities involved in the technology's development. The bill states that it is U.S. policy to: oppose China's provision of assistance in the construction of any additional nuclear reactors in Pakistan, and assist Pakistan in acquiring and developing sufficient electrical power through means other than nuclear power. The President shall determine if China has: violated the U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement; re-transferred U.S. nuclear items without U.S. permission; stolen or diverted U.S. nuclear items to military use; failed to prevent transfer of proliferation-sensitive items pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act; or failed to enforce sanctions against North Korea. The President shall, if such violations occur, suspend nuclear cooperation with China until a corrective plan of action is implemented. It is the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage countries in East Asia to forgo new spent fuel reprocessing activities. The President shall not agree to the reprocessing, recycling, or other alteration of nuclear material at any individual facility to which International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards are not applied, unless, for each proposed facility at which such activity will take place, the President certifies that the nuclear material will be adequately safeguarded and available for inspection.

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2016 This bill deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to be active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA shall, in determining eligibility under this Act, take into account any relevant service documentation, including documentation other than the Missouri List (the list of all discharged and deceased veterans from the 20th century).

Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act This bill includes National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, among those days on which the flag should especially be displayed.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides FY2017 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. Excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills. Provides appropriations to DOD for: Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. Provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including: the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug-Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account. Provides appropriations for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations to DOD. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

A bill to prohibit the transfer of any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

This bill prohibits U.S. agency funds from being used until the earlier of the enactment date of an Act authorizing FY2017 appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) or January 1, 2017, for the transfer or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions or to any foreign country or entity of an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "Individual detained at Guantanamo" means an individual located at Guantanamo as of October 1, 2009, who: (1) is not a U.S. national or a member of the Armed Forces, and (2) is in the custody or under the control of DOD or otherwise detained at Guantanamo.

DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of a drug containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to an individual under age 18 unless the individual has a prescription or is actively enrolled in the military. Civil monetary penalties that escalate upon repeated violation are imposed. To possess or receive unfinished DXM, a person must be registered with the Department of Health and Human Services as a producer of a drug or medical device or otherwise allowed to engage in the practice of pharmacy, pharmaceutical production, or manufacture or distribution of drug ingredients. Unfinished DXM may be distributed only to these authorized persons. Common carriers distributing unfinished DXM between authorized persons are exempted. Civil monetary penalties are imposed for possession and distribution violations.

A resolution urging the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to comply with constitutional limits on presidential terms and fulfill its constitutional mandate for a democratic transition of power in 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Condemns: (1) actions by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to subvert the Constitution of the DRC and undermine democracy, (2) the failure of such government to take timely necessary measures to organize free and fair national elections, and (3) violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by its security forces. Reaffirms support for democracy and good-governance in sub-Saharan Africa that are free from political repression and human rights abuses. Calls on President Kabila's government to: (1) publicly and unequivocally commit to complete a peaceful transfer of presidential power upon the expiration of his mandate on December 19, 2016, and (2) adhere to the DRC Constitution and relinquish power at the end of his term. Calls on the President of the United States: (1) in coordination with regional and international partners and the United Nations, to impose targeted sanctions on those DRC officials responsible for violence and human rights violations and undermining democratic processes or institutions; and (2) to consider lifting sanctions when specified conditions apply, including that a free and fair presidential election has been held in the DRC and a new President has been sworn into office. Calls on the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to review all U.S. assistance to the DRC to ensure that such assistance is not being used to support President Kabila's efforts to remain in power. Calls on the Department of State and USAID to: (1) continue providing financial and technical assistance to support the organizing of free, fair, and peaceful national elections and the inclusion and civic education of youth, women, and rural populations; and (2) ensure the continuance of U.S. assistance delivered through nongovernmental organizations.

U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation and Nonproliferation Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation and Nonproliferation Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to notify Congress within five days after receiving an application to transfer nuclear technology to China. The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 is amended to require: DOE authorization for the transfer of any U.S.-origin technology that may be used to develop or produce special nuclear material, regardless of the nationality of the technology's ownership or its location outside the United States; and DOE to define items covered by U.S.-origin technology. A request for authorization to transfer U.S.-origin technology from China, or with the significant participation of Chinese persons not located in the United States, to a country other than the United States or China, shall be denied unless the applicant demonstrates: significant participation by U.S. persons in the transfer, significant U.S. content involved in the transfer in the case of nuclear reactors and components, and timely and adequate reimbursement for grants or loans provided by the U.S. government to entities involved in the technology's development. The bill states that it is U.S. policy to: oppose China's provision of assistance in the construction of any additional nuclear reactors in Pakistan, and assist Pakistan in acquiring and developing sufficient electrical power through means other than nuclear power. The President shall determine if China has: violated the U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement; re-transferred U.S. nuclear items without U.S. permission; stolen or diverted U.S. nuclear items to military use; failed to prevent transfer of proliferation-sensitive items pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act; or failed to enforce sanctions against North Korea. The President shall, upon such a determination, submit a corrective action plan within 60 days to address such activity and mitigate any U.S. security damage. Additionally, the President may at any time impose any lawful measures to address such activity, including the suspension of cooperation with China under the agreement. It is the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage countries in East Asia to forgo new spent fuel reprocessing activities. The President shall not agree to the reprocessing, recycling, or other alteration of nuclear material at any individual facility to which International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards are not applied unless, for each proposed facility at which such activity will take place, the President certifies that the nuclear material will be adequately safeguarded and available for inspection.