Housing

Mortgage Choice Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2013

Mortgage Choice Act of 2013 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act with respect to requirements for disclosure to a consumer of points and fees information about a consumer credit transaction, secured by the consumer's principal dwelling, but which is not a residential mortgage transaction, a reverse mortgage transaction, or a transaction under an open end credit plan, when the total points and fees the consumer must pay at or before closing will exceed 8% of the total loan amount or $400, whichever is greater. (Such consumer credit transactions might include an equity credit line to which consumer purchases or leases may be charged.) Excludes from the computation of such points and fees any escrow for future payment of insurance. Modifies the criteria for exclusion from the computation of points and fees of certain reasonable charges elsewhere exempted from the computation of the finance charge in extensions of credit secured by an interest in real property. Excludes from points and fees any such reasonable charges even though a creditor receives compensation, but only in so far as the creditor or its affiliate retains the compensation as a result of their participation in an affiliated business arrangement. (An "affiliated business arrangement" is one in which: (1) a person who is in a position to refer business incident to or a part of a real estate settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan, or an associate of such person, has either an affiliate relationship with or a direct or beneficial ownership interest of more than 1% in a provider of settlement services; and (2) either of such persons directly or indirectly refers such business to that provider or affirmatively influences the provider's selection.) Revises the additional requirement that such a reasonable charge be paid to a third party unaffiliated with the creditor. Requires the charge to be: (1) a bona fide third party charge not retained by the mortgage originator, creditor, or an affiliate; or (2) a fee or premium for title examination, title insurance, or similar purposes. Modifies the conditions under which federal departments and agencies may exempt refinancings under a streamlined refinancing from an income verification requirement that, at the time a refinancing is consummated, the consumer has a reasonable ability to repay the loan and all applicable taxes, insurance, and assessments. Repeals the exception for bona fide third party charges not retained by the mortgage originator, creditor, or an affiliate from the requirement that total points and fees not exceed 3% of the total new loan amount. (Thus subjects such charges to the same 3% ceiling.)

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2013

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2014. Appropriates amounts for continuing projects or activities that were conducted in FY2013 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of P.L. 113-6); the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division B of P.L. 113-6); the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2013 (division C of P.L. 113-6); the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2013 (division D of P.L. 113-6); the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division E of P.L. 113-6); and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (division F of P.L. 113-6). Requires the rate for operations for each account to be calculated to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to: any provision of division G of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6); and the presidential sequestration order dated March 1, 2013, except as attributable to budget authority made available by: (1) the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013 (P.L. 112-175); or (2) the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-2). Bars the use of Department of Defense (DOD) appropriations or funds made available or authority granted in this joint resolution for: (1) the new production of items not funded for production in FY2013 or prior years; (2) the increase in production rates above those sustained with FY2013 funds; (3) the initiation, resumption, or continuation of specified projects, activities, or operations for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were not available during FY2013; or (4) the initiation of multi-year procurements utilizing advance procurement funding for economic order quantity procurement unless specifically appropriated later. Provides funding under this joint resolution until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in it, (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act for FY2014 without any provision for such project or activity, or (3) December 15, 2013. Declares that this joint resolution shall be implemented so that only the most limited funding action permitted shall be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities. Continues funding through December 15, 2013, at the FY2013 level, for entitlements and other mandatory payments whose budget authority was provided in FY2013 appropriations Acts, as well as for activities under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Authorizes amounts made available under this joint resolution for civilian personnel compensation and benefits in each department and agency to be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to avoid furloughs, consistent with the applicable FY2013 appropriations Act. Prohibits use of this authority until after the department or agency has taken all necessary actions to reduce or defer non-personnel-related administrative expenses. Continues designation of each amount incorporated by reference in this joint resolution that was previously designated by Congress for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism or for disaster relief, respectively. Applies to funds made available under this joint resolution for FY2014 certain requirements and prohibitions of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, namely: the requirement that the head of any executive branch department, agency, board, commission, or office funded by this or any other appropriations Act report annually to the Inspector General (IG) (or senior ethics official for any federal entity without an IG) regarding the costs and contracting procedures related to each conference held by any such entity during FY2014 for which the cost to the federal government was more than $100,000; the requirement that the head of any federal entity, within 15 days of any conference it held for which the cost was over $20,000, notify the IG or the senior ethics official of the date, location, and number of employees attending such conference; the prohibition against the use of federal grants or contracts by an executive branch agency to defray the costs of such a conference not directly and programmatically related to the purpose for which the grant or contract was awarded, such as a conference held in connection with planning, training, assessment, review, or other routine purposes related to a project funded by the grant or contract; and the prohibition against the use of federal funds for travel and conference activities that are not in compliance with OMB Memorandum M-12-12 dated May 11, 2012. Delays until 2015 the implementation of provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Public Health Service Act relating to: (1) basic health programs for low-income individuals not eligible for Medicaid, (2) the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP Exchange), and (3) limitations on cost-sharing under group health plans. Amends the Food for Peace Act to extend through December 15, 2013, authority for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Allows amounts made available for the "Department of Commerce--National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)--Procurement, Acquisition and Construction" to be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to maintain the planned launch schedules for the Joint Polar Satellite System and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite system. Continues through the earlier of December 15, 2013, or the enactment of an authorization of FY2014 appropriations for Department of Defense (DOD) military activities, the DOD Secretary's authority to provide logistic support, supplies, and services for foreign forces, including the national military forces of Uganda, participating in operations to mitigate and eliminate the threat posed by the Lord's Resistance Army. Delays until December 31, 2014, the implementation of PPACA and title I and subtitle B of title II of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, except for provisions of those Acts relating to the children's health insurance program under the Social Security Act, pre-existing conditions exclusions, and dependent care coverage for individuals up to 26 years of age. Extends through December 15, 2013, specified federal law relating to Appalachian regional development. Authorizes the District of Columbia to expend local funds for certain programs and activities. Provides funding for "The Judiciary--Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services--Defender Services" at a specified rate for operations. Continues through December 15, 2013, the requirement that the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) issue interim final regulations establishing risk-based performance standards for the security of chemical facilities. Continues through December 15, 2013, the authority of the United States Secret Service to use appropriated funds and proceeds from undercover investigative operations for specified purposes. Delays until 2015: (1) the employer mandate to provide health care coverage for employees under PPACA, and (2) PPACA reporting requirements for employers and insurance providers. Continues through December 15, 2013, the DHS Secretary's authority to carry out a pilot program for: (1) basic, applied, and advanced research and development projects for response to existing or emerging terrorist threats; and (2) defense prototype projects. Requires any amounts made available pursuant to this joint resolution for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of DHS for salaries and expenses and for Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of DHS for salaries and expenses to be obligated at a rate for necessary operations to respectively sustain: the staffing levels of CBP Officers, equivalent to the staffing levels achieved on September 30, 2013, and comply with specified requirements of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6); border security operations, including sustaining the operation of Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems; and the staffing levels of ICE agents, equivalent to the staffing levels achieved on September 30, 2013, and comply with specified requirements of P.L. 113-6. Requires the DHS Secretary to notify congressional appropriations committees on each use of such authority. Appropriates additional funding for FY2014 for wildland fire management programs of the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, to remain available until expended for urgent wildland fire suppression activities. Continues through December 15, 2013, the authority of the Forest Service to: enter into up to 28 contracts with private persons (of which Region One of the Forest Service shall have authority to enter into 9) to perform services to achieve land management goals for national forests that meet local and rural community needs; and apply the value of timber or other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of services received under a contract. Extends through December 15, 2013, activities authorized by part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) in the manner authorized for FY2013. Makes appropriations for such purpose. Excludes from this extension, however, activities otherwise authorized for: (1) the Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs in the Treasury; and (2) funding of certain TANF research, evaluations, national studies, and demonstrations. Applies to funds made available under this joint resolution for FY2014 certain authority granted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (CAA-2012) to: (1) collect and retain up to $2.499 million (currently, only retain up to $1.499 million) from fees collected for approval and certification of equipment, materials, and explosives for use in mines; and (2) use the funds for such activities. Applies to funds made available under this joint resolution for FY2014 the treatment of funds for low-income home energy assistance payments for FY2012 under the CAA-2012 which requires that all but a specified portion of such funds be allocated as though the total appropriation for such payments for FY2012 was less than $1.975 billion. Provides funding for "Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)--Administration for Children and Families--Refugee and Entrant Assistance" at a specified rate for operations. Allows obligation of such amounts up to a rate for operations necessary to maintain program operations at the FY2013 level to accommodate increased demand. Authorizes, during the period covered by this joint resolution, any unobligated amounts available in the "Nonrecurring expenses fund" established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to be transferred to the HHS Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for an additional amount for FY2014, to remain available until expended, for expenses necessary: to support advanced research and development pursuant to the Public Health Service Act, and other administrative expenses of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency; for procuring security countermeasures; or to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases, including activities such as the development and purchase of vaccine, antivirals, necessary medical supplies, diagnostics, and other surveillance tools. Allows products purchased with amounts made available by this joint resolution for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to be, at the discretion of the HHS Secretary, deposited in the Strategic National Stockpile. Provides funding for "Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)--Departmental Administration--General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration" at a specified rate for operations. Amends PPACA to extend the requirement for participation in an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange created by PPACA) to the President, Vice-President, executive branch political appointees, and employees of congressional committees and leadership offices of Congress (currently, this requirement applies to Members of Congress and congressional staff). Prohibits any government contribution to or subsidy for the health insurance coverage of such officials and employees. Continues through December 15, 2013, the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 to waive or alter certain project-based assistance requirements for owners of certain properties assisted under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, the National Housing Act, or section 8 (voucher program) of the United States Housing Act of 1937. (Makes such owners, under specified conditions, eligible for conversion of tenant-based vouchers to project-based vouchers.) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, until December 15, 2014, to issue obligations to pay principal and interest on obligations of the United States held by the public or by the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and Disability Insurance Trust Fund, in the event that the debt of the United States reaches the statutory limit. Prohibits the issuance of obligations to pay compensation for Members of Congress. Requires the Secretary to submit a weekly report to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on the principal and interest that is due or accrued and any obligations issued by the Secretary.

A resolution designating September 2013 as "Campus Fire Safety Month".

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2013

Designates September 2013 as Campus Fire Safety Month. Encourages administrators of institutions of higher education and municipalities to: (1) provide fire safety educational programs to all college students; (2) evaluate the level of fire safety being provided in both on-campus and off-campus student housing; and (3) ensure fire-safe living environments through fire safety education, the installation of fire suppression and detection systems, and the development and enforcement of applicable codes.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014, and October 1, 2014, through February 28, 2015.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2013

Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees for FY2014 and for October 1, 2014-February 28, 2015: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Special Committee on Aging; (17) Select Committee on Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Authorizes establishment of a special reserve within funds for Inquiries and Investigations, to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit students who were homeless youths or homeless veterans to occupy low-income housing units.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to allow a student who is a homeless child or youth or a student who is a homeless veteran to occupy low-income housing units.

Improving Outcomes for Youth At Risk for Sex Trafficking Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Improving Outcomes for Youth At Risk for Sex Trafficking Act of 2013 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the state plan to demonstrate the state has developed policies and procedures for identifying and screening children whom the state has reasonable cause to believe are victims of sex trafficking or a specified severe form of trafficking in persons, or are at risk of being such victims. Requires the state authority or authorities designated by a state plan for foster care and adoption assistance to: (1) develop a reasonable and prudent parent standard for the child's participation in age or developmentally appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities; and (2) apply this standard to any foster family home or child care institution receiving title funds under IV part E. Limits to children age 16 or older the option, in an initial permanency hearing, of being placed in a planned permanent living arrangement other than a return to home, referral for termination of parental rights, or placement for adoption, with a fit and willing relative, or with a legal guardian. Prescribes documentation and determination requirements for such an option. Prescribes requirements of child support collected by the state for payment indirectly to a child (via a depository account) or directly to a foster youth age 18 or older. Requires the state case review system to require the state agency to appear before a court and verify that before a child is placed in child care institutions or other settings that are not a foster family home: (1) a family group decisionmaking meeting decided that such placement is in the child's best interests, and (2) efforts have been made to locate relatives or other potential guardians for the child but that those efforts have thus far been unsuccessful in locating an alternative placement. Revises requirements for foster family homes, authorizing a state to decrease the maximum number of children permitted in a home, and increase the number only if certain criteria are met. Specifies length of placement restrictions on federal foster care maintenance payments in the case of children under 13 or over age 13 placed in a setting other than a foster family home (congregate care placement). Amends SSA: (1) title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to repeal the grants; and (2) title IV part B (Child and Family Services) to redirect funds from such grants to child welfare services programs, including additional funds for exploitation prevention and normalcy. Specifies funding to support preserving intact families, including through residential family treatment programs, and post-permanency services as well as therapeutic services, family connection grants. Increases funding for state court improvement grants, and adds to the purposes of such grants protecting children from domestic sex trafficking and coordinating certain foster care and adoption services. Amends SSA title IV part E to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to treat as necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the state foster care plan (despite specified cost allocation requirements) certain state expenditures related to identifying and screening youth at risk of sex trafficking and the reasonable and prudent parent standard, among other things. Requires annual performance reports to Congress on outcome measures to include certain information on children in foster care placed in child care institutions or other settings that are not foster family homes. Gives children age 14 and older authority to participate in the development of their own case plans, in consultation with up to two members of the case planning team. Requires case review systems to make sure foster youths are not discharged from care without being provided with birth certificates, Social Security cards, and bank accounts. Modifies the state educational and training voucher program, under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, to eliminate the minimum eligibility age of 21 and increase the maximum age from 23 to 26, but limit the total time of participation to five years. Directs the Secretaries of HHS and of Education jointly to: (1) develop and administer an information clearing house on federal financial aid to youth in foster care, and (2) collect and make available information regarding best practices for providing housing assistance for youth who have aged out of foster care and for youth who are pregnant, parenting, victims of sex trafficking, or are at risk of being victims of sex trafficking. Allows monthly caseworker visits to occur electronically for foster youth age 18 or older. Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program for certain children in therapeutic foster care under which the state shall be authorized to divide the monthly assistance payments for such children and pay portions to the child's foster or adoptive parent or parents, or relative guardian, and the therapeutic foster program. Authorizes the President to make presidential awards to individuals contributing to excellence in the field of child welfare, including child welfare case workers, child welfare advocates, foster parents, and foster youth.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF HOUSING FINANCE REFORM

United States · United States Senate · 12 September 2013

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for the 113th Congress.

REDUCING WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE IN HOUSING PROGRAMS: INSPECTOR GENERAL PERSPECTIVES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 September 2013

Rebuilding Equity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Rebuilding Equity Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government sponsored enterprises or GSEs) to each establish a voluntary program for eligible borrowers under which the GSE shall pay $1,000 toward the closing costs associated with applying for and receiving the refinancing when the borrower agrees to refinance into a fully amoritizing loan with a term not longer than 20 years. Prohibits the amount of the closing costs that each GSE pays under the program during the 12 months following enactment of this Act from varying based on the term of the mortgage that the borrower agrees to refinance into. Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, for each of the next two 12-month periods, to: (1) adjust the amount of the portion of the closing costs that each GSE will pay in accordance with specified requirements. Makes eligible for the program borrowers: (1) who qualify for the Home Affordable Refinance Program carried out by the GSEs, (2) whose subject property has a loan-to-value ratio of at least 105%, and (3) who refinances from a loan with an original 30-year term to a loan with a term of 20 years or less.

Irene and Lee Tax Relief Storm Recovery Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Irene and Lee Tax Relief Storm Recovery Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increase in 2013, 2014, and 2015 of the amount of the low-income housing tax credit that may be allocated in states containing counties covered by the natural disaster declaration of the Secretary of Agriculture in 2011 due to damage from Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee.

NEW HOUSE Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

National Expansion of Working-families Housing Options Using Small Enterprises Act of 2013 or the NEW HOUSE Act of 2013 - Amends the State Small Business Credit Initiative Act of 2010 to allow states participating in the state small business credit initiative to provide funds to small businesses to be used: (1) to develop, acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, operate, or manage housing projects for low- or moderate-income households; (2) to cover any matching, non-federal contribution required in connection with any other federal grant or assistance program providing such housing; or (3) to purchase foreclosed properties and property being sold by a state or local government in order to provide such housing. Earmarks for such projects certain amounts unobligated as of the date of enactment of the Strengthening Economic Development Through Affordable Housing Act of 2013.

Postal Reform Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Postal Reform Act of 2013 - Amends provisions of federal law relating to the funding of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) retirement and health care systems, operations, revenue, and governance. Title I: Postal Service Workforce - Modifies the pre-funding formula for the USPS retirement system using demographic data and revised economic assumptions regarding wage and salary growth. Allows USPS to use up to $6 billion of any funding surplus for repayment of its debt obligations. Restructures the pre-funding requirements for USPS retiree health benefits by replacing the current schedule of annual payments to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund with a schedule of annual installment payments that will liquidate pension liabilities by September 30, 2052, or within 15 years, whichever is later, as recomputed by June 30 of each year beginning in 2016. Reduces the pre-funding requirement for retiree health benefits to 80% of projected liability (currently, 100%). Authorizes USPS to negotiate: (1) coverage of new employees under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) defined benefit plan, and (2) establishment of a single Postal Service Health Benefits Program outside of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Sets forth the basic requirements for such health program, including that it provide coverage that is actuarially equivalent to the types of plans available under the FEHB Program. Permits the enrollment of USPS employees in Medicare without penalty. Requires any arbitration board deciding a contract dispute between USPS and labor organizations to render a decision not later than 45 days after the date of its appointment and to consider relevant factors such as the financial condition of USPS. Title II: Postal Service Operations - Requires USPS to: (1) maintain service standards for first-class mail and periodicals for two years after the enactment of this Act, and (2) develop and promote adequate and efficient postal services with respect to its market-dominant products. Prohibits USPS, during the two-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, from closing or consolidating any existing postal facility. Sets forth criteria for the closing or consolidation of postal facilities that requires the consideration of other alternatives and the effect of closure or consolidation on the community, businesses, and USPS employees. Authorizes USPS to establish a general, nationwide delivery schedule of five or fewer days per week to street addresses, beginning not less than one year after the enactment of this Act. Requires USPS to: (1) use the primary mode of mail delivery that is most cost-effective and in the best long-term interest of USPS; (2) convert door delivery to other delivery modes, including centralized delivery or curbside delivery; and (3) develop and promote adequate and efficient postal services with respect to its market-dominant products. Title III: Postal Service Revenue - Requires the Board of Governors of USPS to establish a system of classes and rates for market-dominant products. Requires USPS to provide services that are not postal services if the provision of such services: (1) uses the processing, transportation, delivery, retail network, or technology of USPS; (2) is consistent with the public interest; (3) would not create unfair competition with the private sector; and (4) has the potential to improve the net financial position of USPS. Authorizes the mailing of distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages in accordance with the laws of the state, territory, or district where the sender initiates the mailing and the addressee takes delivery. Title IV: Postal Service Governance - Revises provisions relating to the Board of Governors of USPS, including its membership, qualifications, compensation, and terms. Removes the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General from the Board of Governors. Establishes in USPS a Strategic Advisory Commission on Postal Service Solvency and Innovation as an independent commission to provide strategic guidance to the President, Congress, the USPS Board of Governors, and the Postmaster General on enhancing the long-term solvency of USPS and to foster innovative thinking to address the challenges facing USPS. Requires the Postmaster General to submit to the USPS Board of Governors a plan describing actions to achieve long-term solvency for USPS. Establishes in USPS the position of Chief Innovation Officer, to be appointed by the Postmaster General. Requires such Innovation Officer to have proven expertise and a record of accomplishment in areas such as: (1) the postal and shipping industry; (2) innovative product research and development; (3) brand marketing strategy; (4) new and emerging technologies, including communications technology; or (5) business process management. Requires the USPS to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategic plan for an area office and district office structure that will be efficient and cost effective, that will not substantially and adversely affect USPS operations, and that will reduce the total number of area and district offices. Title V: Federal Employees' Compensation Act - Workers' Compensation Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) to revise benefit payments for FECA enrollees. Reduces FECA benefits for totally disabled enrollees to 50% of their pre-disability pay upon the enrollee reaching full retirement age, as defined in the Social Security Act. Exempts any enrollee who: (1) has attained retirement age by the date of enactment of this Act, (2) is an individual who has an exempt disability condition, or (3) is a member of a household that meets eligibility requirements for the supplemental nutrition assistance programs (SNAP). Eliminates augmented compensation under FECA for dependents of postal employees who have a work-related injury. Exempts employees who are totally disabled and allows augmented compensation, for three years after the enactment of this title, for employees who are partially disabled. Allows injured workers to receive schedule compensation payments (i.e., specific payments for certain injuries) if their FECA benefits are reduced under the this Act. Revises requirements for vocational rehabilitation of injured workers (except workers who have attained retirement age) by: (1) requiring such workers to develop a comprehensive return to work plan and undergo vocational rehabilitation, (2) authorizing the Secretary of Labor to enter into an assisted reemployment agreement with public or private employers for hiring individuals eligible for wage-loss compensation for up to three years, and (3) extending vocational rehabilitation opportunities under FECA to partially disabled workers. Directs the Secretary to require employees who are receiving worker compensation benefits to report their earnings from employment or self-employment. Requires forfeiture of worker compensation for any period for which an employee fails to report or understates such earnings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a disability management review process for certifying and monitoring the disability status and injuries of employees receiving benefits, and (2) require employees receiving benefits to submit to physical examinations to assess the nature and extent of their disability. Requires the three-day waiting period for the commencement of FECA benefits to begin immediately after a work-related injury for all injured federal employees (currently, different waiting periods apply to USPS employees and other federal employees). Requires individuals who are eligible for compensation under FECA and under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), FERS, or another retirement system to elect which benefits to receive. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) use field nurses (registered nurses who assist in the medical management of disability claims and provide claimants with assistance in coordinating medical care) to coordinate medical services and vocational rehabilitation programs for injured employees, and (2) suspend compensation to employees who refuse to cooperate with a field nurse or who obstruct a field nurse in the performance of duties. Allows the federal government to recover continuation of pay (i.e., salary that is continued to be paid during the 45-day period between the beneficiary's injury and the start of FECA disability benefits) from third parties who are liable for the beneficiary's work-related injury. Directs the Secretary to establish an Integrity and Compliance Program (Program) and cooperate with other federal agencies to prevent, identify, and recover fraudulent and other improper payments for the FECA program. Establishes the FECA Integrity and Compliance Task Force to assist in implementing the Program. Grants the Secretary, the Postmaster General, and Inspectors General access to agency databases to improve compliance with requirements under the Program, including social security earnings information, the OPM retiree database, the Department of Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries Database, and the National Directory of New Hires. Requires the establishment of protocols for the secure transfer and storage of any information provided under the Program. Requires GAO to conduct periodic audits of the Program. Increases to $50,000 the benefit amount for a severe disfigurement of the face, head, or neck. Increases to $6,000 the maximum benefit amount for the reimbursement for funeral expenses for an employee who dies due to a work-related injury. Expands compensation provisions for the disability or death of a federal employee to include injuries sustained in an attack by a terrorist or terrorist organization, either known or unknown. Provides for continuation of pay for federal employees who sustain injuries in a zone of armed conflict. Title VI: Property Management and Expedited Disposal of Real Property - Federal Real Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2013 - Requires each federal agency to: (1) maintain adequate inventory controls and accountability systems for real property under its control; (2) develop current and future workforce projections to assess the need of the federal workforce regarding the use of real property; (3) continuously survey real property under the control of a federal agency to identify excess and underutilized property and other real property, including postal properties, suitable for colocation or consolidation with other agencies and facilities; (4) establish goals to reduce excess and underutilized federal property; (5) assess leased space to identify space that is not fully used or occupied; and (6) conduct an inventory and make an assessment of real property under the the control of the agency on an annual basis. Establishes a Federal Real Property Council to: (1) develop guidance and ensure implementation of an efficient and effective real property management strategy, (2) identify opportunities to better manage real property assets, and (3) reduce the costs of managing real property. Requires agencies with independent leasing authority to submit to the Council a list of all their leases, including operating leases. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish and maintain a single, comprehensive, and descriptive database of real property under the custody and control of all federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish a pilot program to dispose of any surplus property by sale, transfer, or other means of disposal. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on such pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to private nonprofit organizations to purchase real property to assist the homeless.

A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide assistance for condominiums and housing cooperatives damaged by a major disaster, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include a condominium or housing cooperative association as an "individual" or "household" for purposes of the provision of federal disaster assistance (thus authorizing assistance for condominiums and housing cooperatives damaged by a major disaster). Requires the President to determine the maximum amount of assistance that any such association may receive under such Act for a single disaster.

Improving the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Rate Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Improving the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Rate Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the the minimum low-income housing tax credit rate for new buildings that are not federally subsidized, and (2) establish a minimum 4% low-income housing tax rate for existing buildings that are not federally subsidized.

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2013 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) make competitive grants to state, tribal, and local governments to establish or maintain programs that provide protection or assistance to witnesses in court proceedings involving a homicide, a serious violent felony, a serious drug offense, gangs, or organized crime; (2) evaluate grant applicants based on specified criteria, including the prevalence of witness intimidation and the number of such crimes per capita in the applicant's jurisdiction; (3) provide technical assistance to applicants for establishing or maintaining such programs; and (4) develop and disseminate best practice models to assist such governments in addressing witness safety, short-term and permanent witness relocation, financial and housing assistance, and other necessary witness protection or assistance services. Urges such governments to use such models to evaluate, improve, and develop witness protection or witness assistance programs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain grants to assist nursing homes for veterans located on tribal lands.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Defines "state homes" to include homes established by federally recognized Indian tribes for veterans who, by reason of disability, are incapable of earning a living. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay those tribes for the hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, and medical care they provide to veterans in those homes. Makes those tribes eligible for grants from the Secretary for the construction of state homes.

Creating Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Creating Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt housing equity savings accounts to assist individual taxpayers under the age of 55 in paying the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a principal residence. Allows: (1) a deduction from gross income for cash contributions to such accounts for the lesser of $10,000 or the compensation includible in the taxpayer's gross income for a taxable year, (2) an exclusion from gross income of amounts distributed from such accounts that are used by an account beneficiary to purchase a principal residence or make payments to such beneficiary's individual retirement account (IRA), and (3) a tax-free rollover of account funds into an IRA if an account beneficiary reaches age 55 or has maintained an account for 20 years without purchasing a residence.

S. 235, THE ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM LAND TRANSFER ACT; S. 920, THE FOND DU LAC BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA NON-INTERCOURSE ACT OF 2013; AND S. 1352, THE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2013

United States · United States Senate · 31 July 2013

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2013

Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2013 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) make competitive grants to state, tribal, and local governments to establish or maintain programs that provide protection or assistance to witnesses in court proceedings involving a homicide, a serious violent felony, a serious drug offense, gangs, or organized crime; (2) evaluate grant applicants based on specified criteria, including the prevalence of witness intimidation and the number of such crimes per capita in the applicant's jurisdiction; (3) provide technical assistance to applicants for establishing or maintaining such programs; and (4) develop and disseminate best practice models to assist such governments in addressing witness safety, short-term and permanent witness relocation, financial and housing assistance, and other necessary witness protection or assistance services. Urges such governments to use such models to evaluate, improve, and develop witness protection or witness assistance programs.

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide assistance for condominiums and housing cooperatives damaged by a major disaster, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2013

Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include a condominium or housing cooperative association as an "individual" or "household" for purposes of the provision of federal disaster assistance (thus authorizing assistance for condominiums and housing cooperatives damaged by a major disaster). Requires the President to determine the maximum amount of assistance that any such association may receive under such Act for a single disaster.

Federal Real Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2013

Federal Real Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2013 - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government in managing real property by: (1) requiring federal agencies to maintain an up-to-date inventory of real property, (2) establishing a Federal Real Property Council to develop guidance on and ensure the implementation of strategies for better managing federal real property, and (3) authorizing a pilot program to expedite the disposal of surplus real property. Requires each federal agency to: (1) maintain adequate inventory controls and accountability systems for real property under its control, (2) develop current and future workforce projections to assess the need of the federal workforce regarding the use of real property, (3) continuously survey real property under its control to identify excess and underutilized property and other real property suitable for colocation or consolidation with other agencies and facilities, (4) establish goals to reduce excess and underutilized federal property, (5) assess leased space to identify space that is not fully used or occupied, and (6) conduct an inventory and make an assessment of real property under its control. Requires the Postmaster General to annually identify a list of postal properties with space available for use by federal agencies. Establishes a Federal Real Property Council to: (1) develop guidance and ensure implementation of an efficient and effective real property management strategy, (2) identify opportunities to better manage real property assets, and (3) reduce the costs of managing real property. Requires agencies with independent leasing authority to submit to the Council a list of all their leases, including operating leases. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish and maintain a single, comprehensive, and descriptive database of real property under the custody and control of all federal agencies Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish a pilot program to dispose of, by sale, transfer, or other means of disposal, any surplus property. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on such pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to private nonprofit organizations to purchase real property to assist the homeless.

HAVEN Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2013

Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2013 or HAVEN Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to award grants to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve veterans or low-income individuals. Requires such grants to be used to rehabilitate and modify the primary residence of disabled or low-income veterans (at a specified limited or no cost to such veterans). Limits grant amounts to $1 million per organization. Requires the Secretary to direct the oversight of grant fund use. Requires a minimum of 50% matching funds by participating organizations.

Federal Real Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2013

Federal Real Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2013 - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government in managing real property by: (1) requiring federal agencies to maintain an up-to-date inventory of real property, (2) establishing a Federal Real Property Council to develop guidance on and ensure the implementation of strategies for better managing federal real property, and (3) authorizing a pilot program to expedite the disposal of surplus real property. Requires each federal agency to: (1) maintain adequate inventory controls and accountability systems for real property under its control, (2) develop current and future workforce projections to assess the need of the federal workforce regarding the use of real property, (3) continuously survey real property under its control to identify excess and underutilized property and other real property suitable for colocation or consolidation with other agencies and facilities, (4) establish goals to reduce excess and underutilized federal property, (5) assess leased space to identify space that is not fully used or occupied, and (6) conduct an inventory and make an assessment of real property under its control on an annual basis. Establishes a Federal Real Property Council to: (1) develop guidance and ensure implementation of an efficient and effective real property management strategy, (2) identify opportunities to better manage real property assets, and (3) reduce the costs of managing real property. Requires agencies with independent leasing authority to submit to the Council a list of all their leases, including operating leases. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish and maintain a single, comprehensive, and descriptive database of real property under the custody and control of all federal agencies Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish a pilot program to dispose of, by sale, transfer, or other means of disposal, any surplus property. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on such pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to private nonprofit organizations to purchase real property to assist the homeless.

FHA Solvency Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2013

FHA Solvency Act of 2013 - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to mortgage insurance. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (who currently is merely authorized) to establish and collect annual premium payments in an amount between 0.55% and 2.0% (currently, not exceeding 1.5%) of the remaining insured principal balance. Directs the Secretary to review annually the amount of the annual and up-front premiums collected and the expected losses to the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to require a mortgagee to indemnify HUD for the loss if a mortgage executed by an approved or insured mortgagee contains such a material defect that the mortgage should not have been approved or endorsed for insurance, and a loan becomes delinquent within 36 months of such approval or endorsement leading to a default, or the Secretary pays a claim within 36 months after such approval or endorsement, regardless of whether the violation caused the mortgage default. Requires the Secretary to deposit any indemnified amounts collected in the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Revises requirements for review of mortgagee performance and specifications for application of the Secretary's authority to terminate approval of a mortgagee. Requires the Secretary to issue a single, uniform resource guide to inform lenders and servicers of the policies, processes, and procedures applicable to insured mortgages. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate and revise as necessary the underwriting standards for mortgages eligible to be insured, and (2) ensure that the Fund attains a capital ratio of at least 3% (currently 2%) within 10 years after the enactment of this Act and maintains it at all times thereafter. Requires specified corrective actions, including imposition of premium surcharges, when the Fund is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, within the Federal Housing Administration, a Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Risk Officer, appointed by the Secretary and responsible to the Federal Housing Commissioner for all matters relating to managing and mitigating risk to HUD mortgage insurance funds and ensuring the performance of insured mortgages. Amends the National Housing Act with respect to: (1) disclosure to the Secretary by an independent actuary of unforeseen events that occur after the annual independent actuarial study is completed but before it is submitted to Congress, and (2) the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for elderly homeowners program. Requires the Comptroller General to study the relevant information disclosed by the Secretary in conjunction with the release of the annual actuarial report. Directs the Secretary to issue and publish its final rule to implement a proposed rule for limiting seller contributions towards purchase-related expenses of a borrower without reducing the maximum insured amount of an insured mortgage.

Rebuilding Equity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2013

Rebuilding Equity Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government sponsored enterprises or GSEs) to each establish a voluntary program for eligible borrowers under which the GSE shall pay $1,000 toward the closing costs associated with applying for and receiving the refinancing when the borrower agrees to refinance into a fully amoritizing loan with a term not longer than 20 years. Prohibits the amount of the closing costs that each GSE pays under the program during the 12 months following enactment of this Act from varying based on the term of the mortgage that the borrower agrees to refinance into. Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, for each of the next two 12-month periods, to: (1) adjust the amount of the portion of the closing costs that each GSE will pay in accordance with specified requirements. Makes eligible for the program borrowers: (1) who qualify for the Home Affordable Refinance Program carried out by the GSEs, (2) whose subject property has a loan-to-value ratio of at least 105%, and (3) who refinances from a loan with an original 30-year term to a loan with a term of 20 years or less.

Rebuilding American Homeownership Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2013

Rebuilding American Homeownership Act of 2013 - Requires the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (Government sponsored enterprises or GSEs) to establish a program to provide for the refinancing of eligible mortgages. Authorizes a GSE to purchase, guarantee, service, sell, lend on the security of, refinance, or otherwise deal in eligible mortgages in carrying out such program. Defines eligible mortgage as an existing first mortgage: (1) made for purchase of, or refinancing of another first mortgage, on a 1- to 4-family owner-occupied dwelling; (2) with a current loan-to-value ratio between 80% and 140%; (3) originated on or before May 31, 2009; and (4) not owned or guaranteed by a GSE. Requires the mortgagor to be a current borrower. Excludes from eligibility any mortgage insured or guaranteed by any program of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires that an eligible mortgage with existing credit coverage, in order to participate in the refinancing program, must continue to maintain or otherwise transfer such coverage to the new mortgage. Sets the maximum term of the new mortgage at 30 years, and the maximum original principal obligation at the legal limit for conventional mortgages a GSE may purchase or guarantee. Requires each GSE to charge a fee for any guarantee of the new mortgage.

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2013

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2013 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (Act) to allow Indian housing block grant recipients to use income that is realized from program income without restriction. Applies tribal prevailing wage laws to the administration of all federal funding for projects funded in part under that Act. Deems compliance with the environmental review requirements of the Indian housing block grant projects to satisfy any other federal environmental review requirements imposed on agencies involved in the projects. Reauthorizes appropriations for the block grants through FY2018. Makes an exception to the requirement that housing assisted under the Act remain affordable for the useful life of the property if: (1) a family or household member subsequently takes over ownership of a unit, or (2) certain limited improvements are made to a privately owned unit. Allows rental housing made available to a current tenant for conversion to a homebuyer or lease-purchase unit to be purchased by the tenant if the unit is made available for occupancy by a low-income family at the time of initial occupancy. Applies lease termination notification requirements to any project or program funded in part under the Act. Repeals a program allowing Indian tribes to use a portion of the block grants for housing activities wholly self-determined by the Indian tribe. Prohibits affordable housing that is developed, acquired, or assisted under the block grant program from exceeding by more than 20% the total development cost maximum cost for all housing assisted under an affordable housing activity, without the approval of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary to implement a rental assistance and supportive housing demonstration program, in conjunction with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), for the benefit of Indian veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and who are residing on or near Indian lands. Amends the Act to clarify that the 50-year limit on the lease of trust or Indian restricted lands for housing purposes does not affect any authority to lease those lands that is conferred pursuant to any other law in effect before, on, or after the enactment of that limit. Reauthorizes appropriations, through FY2018, for the provision of training and technical assistance to Indian housing authorities and tribally designated housing entities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to give a preference in the allocation of low-income tax credits to projects which are located in Indian areas and for which the entity applying for the credit is: (1) an Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity, (2) wholly owned or controlled by an Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity, or (3) a subrecipient of funding under the Act. Amends the Act to treat a tribally designated housing entity as a community-based development organization for purposes of the Indian Community Development Block Grant program. Repeals the provision of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008 that prohibits the use of funds under that Act for the benefit of the Cherokee Nation unless the Temporary Order and Temporary Injunction issued on May 14, 2007, by the District Court of the Cherokee Nation remains in effect or there is a settlement agreement which ends litigation among the adverse parties. Reauthorizes the Native Hawaiian Homeownership Act through FY2018. Allows all funds provided under a grant made pursuant to this Act to be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements under any other federal or nonfederal program.

American Jobs Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2013

American Jobs Act of 2013 - Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in such project are produced in the United States (Buy American). Waives such prohibition in cases where: (1) the prohibition would be inconsistent with the public interest; (2) iron, steel, and the relevant manufactured goods are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality; or (3) inclusion of iron, steel, and manufactured goods produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on federally-assisted projects to be paid wages at the locally prevailing rates (Davis-Bacon Act). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) restore the making work pay tax credit in 2014, and (2) extend the additional allowance for depreciation (bonus depreciation) for 3 years. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase from $2 million to $5 million through FY2014 the limit on the guarantee for contract surety bonds and on the liability for bonds obtained by fraud or misrepresentation. Directs the Secretaries of Education and the Interior (for schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education) to reserve through FY2014 appropriated amounts to provide educational assistance to outlying areas based on their respective needs. Provides for allocations to states and local educational entities for early childhood learning programs in FY2014-FY2015 at specified levels. Directs the Attorney General to carry out a competitive grant program pursuant to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 for the hiring, rehiring, or retention of career law enforcement officers. Makes appropriations to the Community Oriented Policing Stabilization Fund to carry out such program and provides for a transfer to a First Responder Stabilization Fund, from which the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) shall make competitive grants for hiring additional firefighters pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention Control Act of 1974. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to states to modernize, renovate, or repair early learning or elementary or secondary education facilities and existing facilities at community colleges. Makes specified funds available to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for: (1) grants-in-aid for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects under the airport improvement program (AIP); (2) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Next Generation air traffic control system advancements; (3) highway and bridge restoration, repair, and construction projects and for passenger and freight rail transportation and port infrastructure projects; (4) grants for high-speed rail projects, capital investment grants for intercity passenger rail service, and grants to reduce congestion on intercity rail passenger transportation; (5) capital grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); (6) transit capital assistance grants; (7) capital projects for existing fixed guideway system modernization, replacement and repair of buses and bus-related equipment, and construction of bus-related facilities; and (8) discretionary capital investment grants for surface transportation infrastructure. Building and Upgrading Infrastructure for Long-Term Development Act - Establishes the American Infrastructure Financing Authority (AIFA) as a wholly-owned government corporation to make direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate transportation, water, or energy infrastructure projects. Requires infrastructure projects assisted under this Act to have costs that are reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $100 million ($25 million for rural infrastructure projects). Sets forth special requirements for infrastructure projects in rural areas. Requires the AIFA Chief Lending Officer to establish: (1) an Office of Rural Assistance to provide technical assistance in the development and financing of rural infrastructure projects, and (2) a Center for Excellence to provide such assistance to public sector borrowers in the development and financing of infrastructure projects. Establishes an Office of Special Inspector General to audit and investigate the business activities of AIFA. Makes private projects for which no public benefit is created ineligible for financial assistance. Sets forth terms for loans or loan guarantees for infrastructure projects. Requires the Chief Executive Officer of AIFA to establish and collect fees sufficient to cover all or a portion of AIFA administrative costs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2014 the exemption from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain tax-exempt private activity bonds. Appropriates funds for assistance to eligible entities, including state and local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, businesses, or eligible consortia, for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties and for stabilization of affected neighborhoods (Project Rebuild). Allows the use of funds to: (1) establish financing mechanisms for the purchase and redevelopment of such properties; (2) purchase and rehabilitate such properties; (3) establish and operate land banks for them; (4) demolish blighted structures (except public housing); and (5) redevelop abandoned, foreclosed, demolished, or vacant properties. Requires each state to receive at least $20 million of formula funds, all of which shall be used with respect to low and moderate-income individuals and families. Requires each state and local government grantee to establish procedures to create preferences for development of affordable rental housing. Allows a grantee to use up to 10% of a grant to create jobs by establishing and operating a program to maintain eligible neighborhood properties. Supporting Unemployed Workers Act of 2013 - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to extend the emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) program until January 1, 2016. Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend through December 31, 2015, requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to extend through December 31, 2015, the temporary increase in extended unemployment benefits for employees with 10 or more years of service and for employees with less than 10 years of service. Permits the use of pre-existing appropriated funds under such Act to cover the cost of additional extended unemployment benefits and the cost of current benefits. Establishes the Reemployment NOW program to facilitate the reemployment of individuals receiving emergency unemployment compensation (EUC claimants). Requires a state to submit for approval by the Secretary of Labor a plan meeting certain minimum requirements in order to be eligible for an allotment of federal funds under such program. Authorizes a state to use its allotted funds to: (1) establish a Bridge to Work program to provide EUC claimants with short-term work experience placements with eligible employers; (2) provide a wage insurance program to pay, for up to two years, an EUC claimant who obtains reemployment up to 50% of the difference between the wages received at the time of work separation and the wages received for reemployment; and (3) provide a program of enhanced reemployment services to EUC claimants, including unemployed individuals who have exhausted their EUC rights. Provides for federal financing of state short-time compensation programs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) award grants to states that enact such programs; (2) develop model legislative language for use by states in developing, enacting, and implementing such programs; and (3) report to Congress and the President on the implementation of such programs. Allows an increased work opportunity tax credit for long-term unemployed individuals (individuals who are unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation for six months or more). Pathways Back to Work Act of 2013 - Establishes programs to subsidize employment for unemployed, low-income adults, to provide summer and year-round employment opportunities to low-income youth, and for work-based training. Provides for an initial appropriation of $5 billion, with funds available for obligation by the Secretary of Labor until December 31, 2014, and for expenditure by grantees and subgrantees until September 30, 2015. Subjects activities funded under this Act to federal labor standards and nondiscrimination protections. Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2013 - Makes it an unlawful practice for certain employers to: (1) publish a job advertisement or announcement that includes provisions indicating that an individual's status as unemployed disqualifies the individual for employment or that the employer will not consider or hire an individual for employment based on such status, (2) fail or refuse to consider or hire an individual because of such status, or (3) direct or request that an employment agency take an individual's status into account to disqualify an applicant for consideration for employment or when screening or referring employees. Makes it an unlawful practice for an employment agency to commit similar acts, including to: (1) screen, or fail or refuse to consider or refer, an individual for employment because of the individual's unemployed status; or (2) limit, segregate, or classify any such individual in any manner that would limit access to job information or consideration, screening, or referral for jobs. Makes it unlawful for any employer or employment agency to: (1) interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any right provided under this Act; or (2) fail or refuse to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against an employee because such individual opposed any practice made unlawful by this Act or asserted any right under it. Prescribes enforcement authorities and legal remedies for violations of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for offsets against decreases in revenue by: (1) limiting tax deductions and other tax exclusions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($250,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return), (2) treating income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income for income tax purposes, and (3) treating all general aviation aircraft (including corporate jets) as seven-year property for depreciation purposes. Repeals, after 2013, certain tax expenditures for the oil and gas industry, including: (1) the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells; (2) the tax deduction for tertiary injectant expenditures; (3) percentage depletion for oil and gas wells; (4) the tax deduction for income from activities relating to oil, natural gas, or any primary product thereof; (5) the exemption from limitations on passive activity losses; and (6) the tax credits for enhanced oil recovery and for producing oil and gas from marginal wells. Increases from two to seven years the period for amortizing geological and geophysical expenditures. Denies the foreign tax credit for amounts paid or accrued by a dual capacity taxpayer to a foreign country or U.S. possession. Defines "dual capacity taxpayer" as a person who is subject to a levy of a foreign country or U.S. possession and who receives a specific economic benefit from such country or possession. Sets forth a special rule for the treatment of taxes paid on foreign oil and gas income for purposes of the foreign tax credit. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm--Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011, to repeal its budget goal enforcement requirements (sequestration mandate).

SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2013

Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) repeal sustainable growth rate (SGR) methodology from the determination of annual conversion factors in the formula for payment for physicians' services; and (2) prescribe an update to the single conversion factor for 2014 through 2018, as well as 2019 all subsequent years, of 0.5%. Requires the update for a year beginning with 2019 to be adjusted by the applicable determined quality adjustment for any eligible professional who does not have a payment arrangement (eligible professional quality update incentive program). Prescribes requirements for core measure sets as well as quality measures for them. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) an eligible professional quality update incentive program meeting specified criteria, and (2) one or more methods to assess an eligible professional's performance with respect to quality measures and clinical practice improvement activities. Amends SSA title XVIII part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to require payment for covered professional services furnished by an eligible professional under a specified Alternative Payment Model (APM) to be made under Medicare in accordance with the payment arrangement under such model. Directs the Secretary to establish a process to implement eligible APMs. Sets forth requirements for: (1) expanding uses of Medicare data by qualified entities; (2) promoting care coordination and Medicare homes; (3) soliciting recommendations on non-acute episodes of care definitions; and (4) establishing a physician reporting system to improve the accuracy of relative values, such as data relating to service volume and time.

FHA Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2013

FHA Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2013 - Amends the National Housing Act to extend from five to 10 years the pilot program to establish for mortgagees an automated process for providing alternative credit rating information on mortgagors and prospective mortgagors under mortgages on 1- to 4-family residences who have insufficient credit histories for determining their creditworthiness.

FHA In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2013

FHA In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a pilot program to use authority under the National Housing Act to pay insurance benefits to compensate a mortgagee for any costs of taking loss mitigation actions providing an alternative to foreclosure of a mortgage in default or facing imminent default. Requires the Secretary to make payments to a qualified entity or entities to compensate for their costs of making in-person contact with mortgagors whose payments under covered mortgages are more than 60 days past due.

CREATING A HOUSING FINANCE SYSTEM BUILT TO LAST: ENSURING ACCESS FOR COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS

United States · United States Senate · 23 July 2013

Housing Assistance Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2013

Housing Assistance Efficiency Act - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to allow (in addition to a state, local government, or public housing agency) a private nonprofit organization to administer permanent housing rental assistance provided through the Continuum of Care Program under the Act. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), at least once (currently, twice) during each fiscal year, to reallocate any housing assistance provided from the Emergency Solutions Grants Program that is unused or returned or that becomes available after the minimum allocation requirements under the Act.

Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2013

Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners Act of 2013 - GSE Bailout Elimination and Taxpayer Protection Act - Directs the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), five years after enactment of this Act, to appoint FHFA as receiver of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government sponsored enterprises or (GSEs) under the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, to carry out mandatory receivership (thus terminating the current conservatorship for such GSEs). Repeals the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charters effective five years after enactment of this Act. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to prescribe specified requirements, limitations, and prohibitions on GSE activities until their charters are repealed and authorities terminated. FHA Reform and Modernization Act of 2013 - Establishes the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as a wholly owned government corporation to: (1) provide residential mortgage insurance and other credit enhancement and related activities; (2) supplement private sector activity by serving hard-to-serve markets, developing new mortgage products, and filling gaps in the provision and delivery of mortgage credit; and (3) deliver housing mortgage insurance and credit enhancement and provide other services in a non-discriminatory manner. Prescribes FHA requirements concerning: (1) budget and business plans; (2) examinations, reports, and cost estimates; (3) the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and capital ratios, reserves, and restoration plans; (4) borrower suspension, ineligibility, and foreclosure; (5) mortgage repurchase; (6) mortgagee indemnification; (7) eminent domain; and (8) residual income. Transfers to FHA, at the end of a five-year transition period, the functions of, authority provided to, and the responsibilities of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and HUD personnel. Amends the National Housing Act to repeal the home equity conversion mortgage (reverse mortgage) program and mortgage insurance for hospitals. National Mortgage Market Utility Act of 2013 - Requires the Director of FHFA to provide for the organization, incorporation, examination, operation, and regulation of a not-for-profit national mortgage market Utility to: (1) enhance efficiency, liquidity, and security in the secondary market for residual mortgages; (2) establish standards for originating and servicing eligible collateral and for issuers and trustees of qualified securities, which would be exempt from the Securities Act of 1933; and (3) operate a common securitization platform that could be available to issues of residential mortgage-backed securities. Prohibits the Utility from: (1) originating, servicing, insuring, or guaranteeing any residential mortgage or other associated financial instrument; or (2) guaranteeing timely payment of principal or interest on any mortgage-related security. Requires the Director to: (1) issue a charter for the Utility; and (2) oversee the transfer to the Utility of the securitization infrastructure announced by the FHFA on October 4, 2012, and as developed by an enterprise or the enterprises in conservatorship (the Platform). Sets forth standards for qualified securities. Directs the utility to organize and operate a national mortgage data repository. United States Covered Bond Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a covered bond regulatory oversight program for the evaluation and maintenance of programs of eligible issuers under which, on the security of a single cover pool, one or more series of covered bonds may be issued. Defines covered bonds as any recourse debt obligation of an eligible issuer that: (1) has an original term to maturity of not less than one year, (2) is secured by a perfected security interest in or other perfected lien on a cover pool owned directly or indirectly by the obligation's issuer, (3) is issued under a covered bond program approved by the applicable covered bond regulator, (4) is identified in a register of covered bonds maintained by the Secretary, and (5) is not a deposit subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Amends the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984 to authorize any person, trust, corporation, partnership, association, business trust, or business entity created under federal or state law to purchase, hold, and invest in covered bonds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the tax treatment of estates created under covered bond programs and certain transfers under covered bond programs. Imposes a tax on certain estates created under covered bond programs. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Comptroller of the Currency to study the impact of the Regulatory Capital Rules finalized by the Board on July 2, 2013 (pursuant to the Third Basel Accord on capital adequacy, stress testing, and market liquidity risk, or Basel III). Prohibits the Board, the FDIC, and the Comptroller of the Currency, in implementing the Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio amendments, from requiring, as a condition for status as a high quality liquid asset, that residential mortgage-backed securities be collateralized only by (or be collateralized by a certain percentage of) full recourse mortgage loans. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to modify the items, compensation, and charges included in points and fees with respect to a high-cost mortgage. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to exclude from hedge funds and private equity funds certain issuers of asset-backed securities. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to exemptions from specified prohibitions relating to interstate commerce and the mails for transactions by any person other than an issuer, underwriter, or dealer or transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. Prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from conditioning the availability of such exemptions upon an issuer's undertaking to provide to investors, in connection with initial offers or sales or on an ongoing basis after an initial offer or sale, the same or substantially similar information as would be required in a transaction to which such prohibitions apply. (Thus suspends Regulation AB II rulemaking.) Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal the requirement that federal banking agencies and the SEC jointly prescribe credit risk regulations for securitizers to retain an economic interest in a portion of the credit risk for any asset the securitizer, through the issuance of an asset-backed security, transfers, sells, or conveys to a third party. Amends the Truth in Lending Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, the Truth in Lending Act, and the Dodd-Frank Act to make exemptions from specified requirements, or repeal related requirements, for certain residential mortgages, particularly those serving as collateral for a qualified security. Amends the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 with respect to: (1) timeliness of examination reports, (2) examination standards, (3) establishment of an Office of Examination Ombudsman, and (4) the right to appeal before an independent administrative law judge. Common Sense Economic Recovery Act of 2013 - Cites circumstances under which, for purposes of determining capital requirements or measuring an insured depository institution's capital, such an institution may treat a non-accrual loan as an accrual loan. (Non-accrual [also known as non-performing or doubtful] loans are those on which interest is overdue and full collection of principal is uncertain, and so interest, if it has not been paid in over 90 days, cannot be credited to the bank's revenue account until it has actually been received.)

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2397) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2610) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2013

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2397) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2610) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.

A LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL TO PROTECT AMERICAN TAXPAYERS AND HOMEOWNERS BY CREATING A SUSTAINABLE HOUSING FINANCE SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 July 2013

Housing Assistance Eligibility Verification Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2013

Housing Assistance Eligibility Verification Act of 2013 - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to furnish to the Secretary of Health and Human Service (HHS) information in the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) and other USDA sources for comparison with information in the National Directory of New Hires, in order to obtain information in the Directory with respect to individuals (including tenants) who are applying for or participating in any housing program under the Housing Act that extends financial assistance, through the Farmers Home Administration, to owners of farms and other real estate, among other such parties. Requires USDA to seek information, and make information disclosures, only to the extent necessary to verify an individual's employment and income. Requires the Secretary of HHS to: (1) compare information in the National Directory with information provided by USDA about such individuals; and (2) disclose to USDA, in turn, National Directory information about them. Authorizes USDA to use the information resulting from a data match to: (1) verify the employment and income of such individuals; and (2) analyze such information after the removal of personal identifiers. Sets forth rules for the types of disclosures permitted and conditions on disclosure. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply to farm housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949 the requirement that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the Treasury disclose return information on earned, retirement, and unearned income to federal, state, and local agencies administering certain programs under the Social Security Act, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, or veterans programs, or certain housing assistance programs.

Defending American Taxpayers From Abusive Government Takings Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2013

Defending American Taxpayers From Abusive Government Takings Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, the National Housing Act, and the Housing Act of 1949, respectively, to prohibit the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from purchasing, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) from insuring, and the Department of Agriculture from newly guaranteeing, making, or insuring any mortgage secured by a structure or dwelling unit located in a county in which the state, including an agency or local government, has used the power of eminent domain to take a residential mortgage.

Lake Hill Administrative Site Affordable Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2013

Lake Hill Administrative Site Affordable Housing Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), upon receiving an offer from Summit County, Colorado, in which the county agrees to be responsible for the costs specified below, to convey to the county all interest of the United States in the approximately 40 acres of National Forest System land in the county identified as the Lake Hill Administrative Site. Makes Summit County responsible for the processing and transaction costs related to such direct sale of such Site.

American Public Housing Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2013

American Public Housing Act of 2013 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt from reduction, under any sequestration ordered by the President, the following Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) accounts: Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account, Native American Housing Block Grants, Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, Project-Based Rental Assistance, Public Housing Capital Fund, Public Housing Operating Fund, and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance.

Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2013

Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013 - Prohibits employment practices that discriminate based on an individual's military service and amends the Fair Housing Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination against members of the uniformed services. Declares that it shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail to hire, to discharge, or to otherwise discriminate against individuals because of their military service. Prohibits employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and job training programs from engaging in specified practices that adversely affect an applicant or employee because of such service. Exempts certain hiring and employment practices from being considered unlawful if the occupancy of the position is subject to national security requirements that an individual does not fulfill. Permits an employer to apply different standards of compensation or terms of employement pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system, a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production or to employees who work in different locations, or a professionally developed ability test. Declares that an unlawful employment practice based on disparate impact is established only if: (1) the complaining party demonstrates that a respondent uses a particular employment practice that causes a disparate impact on the basis of military service and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the challenged practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity, or (2) the complaining party makes a demonstration with respect to an alternative employment practice and the respondent refuses to adopt such practice. Prohibits business necessity from being used as a defense against a claim of intentional discrimination. Declares that an unlawful employment practice is established when the complaining party demonstrates that military service was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated such practice. Grants enforcement powers, remedies, and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Attorney General (DOJ), and persons alleging such discrimination. Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit housing discrimination against a member of the uniformed services with respect to: (1) the sale or rental of housing, (2) residential real estate-related transactions, and (3) the provision of brokerage services. Prohibits religious organizations engaging in housing transactions from giving preferences to persons of the same religion in cases where membership in such religion is restricted to persons who are not members of the uniformed services. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to impose a fine, imprisonment, or both on persons who violate prohibitions on housing discrimination under such Act against members of the uniformed services.

Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2013

Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013 - Prohibits employment practices that discriminate based on an individual's military service and amends the Fair Housing Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination against members of the uniformed services. Declares that it shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail to hire, to discharge, or to otherwise discriminate against individuals because of their military service. Prohibits employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and job training programs from engaging in specified practices that adversely affect an applicant or employee because of such service. Exempts certain hiring and employment practices from being considered unlawful if the occupancy of the position is subject to national security requirements that an individual does not fulfill. Permits an employer to apply different standards of compensation or terms of employement pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system, a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production or to employees who work in different locations, or a professionally developed ability test. Declares that an unlawful employment practice based on disparate impact is established only if: (1) the complaining party demonstrates that a respondent uses a particular employment practice that causes a disparate impact on the basis of military service and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the challenged practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity, or (2) the complaining party makes a demonstration with respect to an alternative employment practice and the respondent refuses to adopt such practice. Prohibits business necessity from being used as a defense against a claim of intentional discrimination. Declares that an unlawful employment practice is established when the complaining party demonstrates that military service was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated such practice. Grants enforcement powers, remedies, and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Attorney General (DOJ), and persons alleging such discrimination. Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit housing discrimination against a member of the uniformed services with respect to: (1) the sale or rental of housing, (2) residential real estate-related transactions, and (3) the provision of brokerage services. Prohibits religious organizations engaging in housing transactions from giving preferences to persons of the same religion in cases where membership in such religion is restricted to persons who are not members of the uniformed services. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to impose a fine, imprisonment, or both on persons who violate prohibitions on housing discrimination under such Act against members of the uniformed services.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2013

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 - Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2014 - Makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2014 - Makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes appropriations for FY2014 to: (1) the Access Board, (2) the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), (3) the Office of Inspector General for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), (4) the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and (6) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

To amend the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to clarify how the Act applies to condominiums.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2013

Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to exempt from certain registration and disclosure requirements the sale or lease of a condominium unit not already exempt from coverage under such Act.

JUSTICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2013

Justice for the Unprotected against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act or the JUSTICE Act - Requires the Attorney General to direct the Bureau of Prisons to allow community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices and engage in sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Expresses the sense of Congress that states should permit the legal distribution of sexual barrier protection devices in state correctional facilities to reduce the prevalence and spread of STIs in those facilities. Amends the Social Security Act to require the automatic enrollment or reinstatement of enrollment of an eligible individual in a state's Medicaid plan (with the individual's affirmative consent) upon such individual's release from incarceration. Defines an "eligible individual" as an inmate who was enrolled before being incarcerated or who is diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus. Provides for a one-year increase in federal matching payments to states that agree to provide for such enrollment. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual survey of all federal and state correctional facilities and immigration detention facilities regarding: (1) STI prevention education and training offered to inmates and staff; (2) inmate access to sexual barrier protection devices; (3) the incidence of sexual violence committed by inmates and staff; (4) required inmate participation in counseling, treatment, and supportive services related to STIs; (5) facility testing of inmates for STIs; (6) pre-release referral to STI-related services; and (7) Medicaid reinstatement assistance upon release. Requires the Attorney General to develop and implement a five-year strategy that includes specified components to reduce the prevalence and spread of STIs in federal and state correctional facilities. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to include as a homeless person for purposes of eligibility for housing assistance under such Act an individual who: (1) is being released from any prison or other correctional facility, and (2) has been diagnosed with any STI.

Right to Rent Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2013

Right to Rent Act of 2013 - Grants eligible mortgagors subject to foreclosure proceedings the right to continue to occupy foreclosed properties subject to the payment of fair market rent for a period of five years that begins upon the commencement of occupancy of such property. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) monitor compliance with this Act, (2) provide assistance to eligible mortgagors in exercising their rights under this Act, and (3) conduct outreach activities to inform eligible mortgagors of this Act.

Katherine M. O'Regan, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Raphael William Bostic.

United States · United States Senate · 27 June 2013

Omnibus Territories Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2013

Omnibus Territories Act of 2013 - Conveys to the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) submerged lands surrounding such Islands and extending three geographical miles outward from their coastlines. Includes the CNMI among the islands where the President may establish naval defensive sea areas and airspace reservations when necessary for national defense. Amends the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to add 2013 and 2015 as years in which there shall be no increase in the minimum wage applicable to the CNMI. Revises the treatment of supplemental fees imposed for employment of nonimmigrant workers paid into the Treasury of the CNMI government for the purpose of funding ongoing vocational educational curricula and program development by CNMI educational entities to: (1) require such government to provide to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) a plan for the expenditure of funds, a projection of the effectiveness of the expenditures in job placement of U.S. workers, and a report on changes in employment of U.S. workers attributable to prior year expenditures; and (2) require a biennial report by the Secretary on the effectiveness of meeting the goals set out in the CNMI's annual plan for the expenditure of funds. Revises the procedure for classification of aliens in the CNMI as long-term investors. Extends through December 31, 2019, a system for allocating and determining the number, terms, and conditions of permits issued to prospective employers for nonimmigrant workers performing work during the transition period (the period for administration of a transition program to regulate immigration to the CNMI) who would not otherwise be eligible for admission under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to: (1) develop an energy action plan addressing the energy needs of each of the insular areas (American Samoa, the CNMI, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) and Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau); and (2) assist each of the insular areas and Freely Associated States in implementing such plan. Requires such plan to include: (1) recommendations to reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fossil fuels, to develop indigenous, nonfossil fuel energy sources, and to improve performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency; (2) a schedule for implementation of such recommendations and identification and prioritization of specific projects; (3) a financial and engineering plan for implementing and sustaining projects; and (4) benchmarks for measuring progress toward implementation. Requires the Board of Elections of the Virgin Islands, as part of the next regularly scheduled, islands-wide election, to hold a referendum to seek the approval of the people of the Virgin Islands regarding whether the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands shall be established as a part of the executive branch of such government. Requires the governor of the Virgin Islands to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with the advice and consent of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, from a list required by this Act. Provides a process for appointment of an Acting CFO. Sets forth the CFO's duties. Establishes the Virgin Islands Chief Financial Officer Search Commission to recommend at least three candidates for the CFO position. Terminates the Commission upon the nomination and confirmation of the CFO. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress an evaluation of whether the annual estimates or forecasts of revenue and expenditure of American Samoa, the CNMI, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are reasonable and make recommendations for improving the process for developing estimates or forecasts. Makes households located in the Virgin Islands with household income up to 300% of the poverty level eligible for assistance under the low-income home energy assistance program. Establishes the Castle Nugent National Historic Site on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System in order to preserve, protect, and interpret a Caribbean cultural landscape spanning over 300 years of agricultural use, significant archaeological resources, an extensive barrier coral reef system, and other outstanding natural features. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands within the boundary of the Historic Site to the University of the Virgin Islands for the purpose of continuing the University's operations for breeding Senepol cattle. Establishes the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Designates St. Croix United for Community, Culture, Environment, and Economic Development (SUCCEED) Inc., as the local coordinating entity for the Area. Requires SUCCEED Inc. to submit a management plan that provides for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the Area. Recognizes the suffering and the loyalty of the residents of Guam during the Japanese occupation of Guam in World War II. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Fund for the payment of claims submitted by compensable Guam victims and survivors of compensable Guam decedents. Directs the Secretary to make specified payments to: (1) living Guam residents who were raped, injured, interned, or subjected to forced labor or marches, or internment resulting from, or incident to, such occupation and subsequent liberation; and (2) survivors of compensable residents who died in war (such payments to be made after payments have been made to surviving Guam residents). Directs the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to specify injuries that would constitute a severe personal injury or a personal injury and adjudicate claims and determine payment eligibility. Requires claims to be filed within one year after the Commission publishes notice of the filing period in the Federal Register and in the Guam media. Allows local matching required of an affected jurisdiction (i.e., American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI, or the state of Hawaii) for federal programs to be paid in cash or in-kind services provided by the jurisdiction pursuant to the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (concerning the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands) and the Palau Compact of Free Association Act. Excepts programs of competitive grants. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, with respect to housing assistance for the benefit of an alien lawfully resident in the United States, to provide that within Guam a citizen or national of the United States shall be entitled to a preference or priority in receiving financial assistance before any such alien who is otherwise eligible for such assistance. Requires the Comptroller General to study the use of benefit-to-cost ratio formulas by departments and agencies for purposes of evaluating projects in American Samoa, assessing in particular its remote locations, transportation costs, airport traffic control towers, and water resources development projects. Requires departments and agencies, in the case of grants to American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the CNMI, to waive any requirement for local matching funds (including in-kind contributions) that the area would otherwise be required to provide, including waiver of an entire matching requirement for a grant requiring matching funds of $500,000 or less. Exempts vessels from the fishery endorsement requirement that they be rebuilt in the United States if they off load in American Samoa and were rebuilt outside of the United States before January 1, 2011. Amends the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to require GAO to include in reports assessing the impact of minimum wage increases applicable to American Samoa and the CNMI an analysis of the economic effects on employees and employers of the differentials in minimum wage rates among industries and classifications in American Samoa, including the potential effects of eliminating such differentials prior to the time when such rates are scheduled to equal the minimum wage set forth in the Fair Labor Standards Act. American Samoa Citizenship Plebiscite Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to direct the American Samoa Election Office to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether persons born in American Samoa desire U.S. citizenship. Expands marine turtle conservation assistance under the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 to include the United States and its territories.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2013

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 - Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2014 - Makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2014 - Makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes appropriations for FY2014 to: (1) the Access Board, (2) the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), (3) the Office of Inspector General for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), (4) the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and (6) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.