Housing

PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2011

PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011 - Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Agency (FHA) to direct the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to issue guidance providing that the levy of a PACE (property assessed clean energy) assessment and the creation of a PACE lien do not constitute a default on any loan secured by one of its uniform instruments, and do not trigger the exercise of remedies with respect to any provision of the instrument, if the PACE assessment and the PACE lien meet specified requirements. Lists as PACE improvements any qualified clean energy improvements, energy conservation and efficiency improvements, and water conservation and efficiency improvements. Prohibits the FHA Director, the Comptroller of the Currency, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and all federal agencies and entities chartered or otherwise established under federal law from discriminating in any manner against state or local governments implementing or participating in a PACE program, or against any property that is obligated to pay a PACE assessment or is subject to a PACE lien. Specifies requirements a PACE program, and any related PACE assessment and PACE lien, must meet to be entitled to the protections of this Act. Details obligations of property owners with respect to PACE assessments, and requires the local government to disclose to the participating property owner the costs and risk associated with participating in the PACE program. Prescribes requirements for: (1) non-residential properties; and (2) qualifying PACE improvements, qualifying contractors, and financing terms for residential properties. Limits the total amount of PACE assessments for a property to 10% of its estimated value. Requires the property owner to have equity in the property of at least 15%.

HARVEST Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2011

Helping Agriculture Receive Verifiable Employees Securely and Temporarily Act of 2011 or the HARVEST Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to redefine "H-2A worker" to include a nonimmigrant who: (1) is seeking to perform agricultural labor in the United States in a job for which U.S. workers are not available and willing to perform such service or labor, and (2) commutes each day across the U.S. border and returns to his or her foreign residence and place of abode at the end of each business day. Sets forth employer and employee association petition and attestation requirements. Requires H-2A employers to participate in the the E-Verify program. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct investigations and random audits of employer work sites; and (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide each H-2A worker with a single machine-readable, counterfeit-resistant document that authorizes the alien's U.S. entry, serves as an employment eligibility document, and has at least one biometric identifier. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) penalties; (2) working conditions, wages, transportation, and housing; (3) admissions and extensions of stay; and (4) worker replacement. Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to: (1) limit the conditions under which the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) may provide legal assistance for any alien or provide financial assistance to any person or entity that provides legal assistance for any alien, (2) require a good faith mediation attempt prior to bringing a civil action for damages on behalf of an H-2A worker, (3) require an H-2A employer to post LSC contact information in the dwelling and at the work site of each nonimmigrant employee in a language in which all employees can understand, and (4) require that the LSC pay a prevailing defendant's costs. Authorizes appropriations to adjudicate H-2A petitions.

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2011

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2011 - Establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium as a nonprofit, nonfederal entity to: (1) maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by state reinsurance funds, state residual insurance market entities, and state-sponsored providers of natural catastrophe insurance; (2) issue, on a conduit basis, securities and other financial instruments linked to catastrophe risks insured or reinsured through Consortium members; (3) coordinate reinsurance contracts; (4) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by certain private-market participants; and (5) establish a database to perform research and analysis that encourages standardization of the risk-linked securities market. Shields the federal government and the Consortium from liability for Consortium actions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by certain eligible state programs Provides separate limits on the total principal amount of such obligations for programs that cover earthquake peril and those that cover all other perils. Subjects the catastrophic debt guarantee to specified requirements. Directs the Secretary to make contracts for reinsurance coverage available for purchases only by eligible state programs. Sets pricing guidelines and limits aggregate potential federal liability. Establishes a Federal Natural Catastrophe Reinsurance Fund. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a grants program for eligible entities to develop, enhance, or maintain programs to prevent and mitigate losses from natural catastrophes. Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) risk-based insurance rate pricing; and (2) rates for state insurance, reinsurance, or residual market programs that fail to cover the expected value of all future associated costs.

David A. Montoya, of Texas, to be Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development, vice Kenneth M. Donohue, Sr., resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 18 July 2011

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2011

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2011 - Amends the National Housing Act to extend from July 31, 2011 to July 31, 2016, the exemption for critical access hospitals from the limit on patient days customarily assignable to specified categories of care under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Federal Housing Administration [FHA]) hospital mortgage insurance program.

Helping Homeless Heroes Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2011

Helping Homeless Heroes Act of 2011 - Allows grants made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for homeless veterans' comprehensive services programs (outreach, rehabilitation, vocational counseling, and transitional housing assistance) to be used for the construction of new facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from denying applications for such grants solely on the basis that the grant entity proposes to use funding from other private or public sources, as long as such entity demonstrates that a private nonprofit organization will provide project oversight and site control. Revises eligibility: (1) under the grant program for entities serving homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) for treatment and rehabilitation of homeless veterans who are not seriously mentally ill. Includes all individuals caring for minor dependents (current law applies only to women caring for minor dependents) within the definition of "homeless veterans with special needs." Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to end homelessness among veterans. Requires the plan to consider circumstances and requirements unique to veterans located in rural areas. Extends provisions concerning: (1) homeless veterans' health care to December 31, 2012; (2) centers for provision of comprehensive services and property transfers for housing assistance to December 31, 2014; and (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans to December 30, 2013.

National Youth Summer Jobs Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2011

National Youth Summer Jobs Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to award 5-year competitive grants to eligible local government units to provide summer employment, including job readiness activities, work experiences, and job placement, for out-of-school youths age 14 to 21 who are enrolled in a public or private secondary school or have received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent but are basic-skills deficient, unemployed, or underemployed. Allows eligible entities that operate existing youth summer jobs programs to use grants to expand their programs, in lieu of establishing new job placement programs, by providing job training and support services, including health and nutrition referral, housing referral, financial literacy, and instruction on basic daily living skills.

College LIFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2011

College Literacy in Finance and Economics Act of 2011 or College LIFE Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) to provide student borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan programs with financial literacy counseling within 45 days of their first receipt of such a loan and prior to the completion of their studies or when they leave school. Requires student borrowers to receive at least four hours of counseling on each occasion. Makes such counseling requirements inapplicable to borrowers of consolidation loans. Requires financial literacy counseling to include information on student financial aid, banking, budgeting and saving, credit and debt management, credit cards and products, investing, credit scores, housing, taxes, and responsible financial decision making. Directs the Secretary of Education to develop a curriculum that IHEs may use to fulfill this Act's requirements.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased flexibility in establishing rates for reimbursement of State homes by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for nursing home care provided to veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2011

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract or agreement with each state home to pay for nursing home care provided in the home to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. Requires such payment to be based on a methodology, developed by the Secretary in consultation with the home state, to adequately reimburse the state home for the care provided under such contract or agreement. (Current law requires payment at the lesser of the prevailing rate in the geographic area for non-VA nursing homes or the daily cost of care, both of which are determined by the Secretary.)

Preserving Consumers' Mortgage Origination Choices Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Preserving Consumer's Mortgage Origination Choices Act of 2011 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to provide that no provision of TILA shall be construed as prohibiting a mortgage broker from compensating a mortgage originator based on the principal amount of the loan, when compensation is paid directly or indirectly to the mortgage broker by the consumer in connection with such transaction. Authorizes a mortgage originator, when requested by a borrower as the originator is producing a mortgage, to forfeit or contribute toward bona fide third party expenses or origination fees up to 30% of earned compensation to avoid making a high-cost mortgage to a consumer, to make technical corrections, or for any other reason that results in a lower cost to the consumer than if such forfeiture or contribution did not take place.

To extend through fiscal year 2013 the increase in the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Declares that, for mortgages originated during FY2012 and FY2013, if the dollar amount limit on the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) for any size residence for any area is less than the limit in effect for 2008 under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, the maximum dollar amount limit on the principal obligation of such a mortgage shall be such maximum limit in effect for 2008 (in effect, an increase in the limit on the maximum original mortgage principal obligation from the FY2012 or FY2013 level to the 2008 level). Makes a similar declaration (and mortgage principal limit increase), for mortgages for which the mortgagee issues credit approval during FY2012 and FY2013, about the dollar amount limit on the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage that may be insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Cap the GSE Bailout Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Cap the GSE Bailout Act of 2011 - Limits the funds that may be provided to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or any Federal Home Loan Bank (government sponsored enterprises or GSEs) as part of the Amended and Restated Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement to the greater of: (1) $200 billion; or (2) $200 billion plus the cumulative total of deficiency amounts of the GSE for calendar quarters in calendar 2010, 2011, and 2012, less any surplus amount as of December 31, 2012.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the States should enact a temporary moratorium on residential mortgage foreclosures.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should declare a national residential mortgage foreclosure emergency and, through such declaration, encourage the states, by use of their police power, to enact a moratorium on residential mortgage foreclosures; and (2) the states should enact such a moratorium.

A resolution recognizing the heroic efforts of firefighters to contain numerous wildfires that have affected thousands of people throughout the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Recognizes the heroic efforts of firefighters to contain wildfires and protect lives, homes, natural resources, and rural economies throughout the United States. Encourages: (1) people and government officials to express appreciation to those serving in the firefighting services, (2) people and communities to be diligent in preventing and preparing for wildfires, and (3) people to keep in their thoughts those who have experienced loss as a result of wildfire.

RESPA Home Warranty Clarification Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

RESPA Home Warranty Clarification Act of 2011 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to state that no prohibited kickback or unearned fee incident to a real estate settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan shall be deemed to include, or be deemed to have included, homeowner warranties or similar residential service contracts for the repair or replacement of home system components or home appliances. Requires any person that pays another person not employed by the person for selling, advertising, marketing, or processing, or performing an inspection in connection with, a homeowner warranty or similar residential service contract for the repair or replacement of home system components or home appliances, to include a specified statement reflecting this Act in any such warranty or contract incident to a transaction involving the origination of a federally related mortgage loan.

Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Labor (Secretary), from January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2014, to provide for monthly payments, through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), of up to 12 months of retraining assistance, except as specified, to certain veterans from 35 to 60 years of age applying by October 1, 2013, who: (1) were last discharged from Armed Forces active duty service with an honorable discharge, (2) have been unemployed for a designated period of time, and (3) are ineligible for specified veterans' benefit educational assistance. Sets forth the maximum number of eligible veterans who may participate in the program and the permitted forms of education and training. Revises guidelines for stationing Transition Assistance Program personnel to require the Secretary to contract with a private entity or entities to provide specified counseling, employment, and training services. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of the Transportation (DOT) to require participation of all Armed Forces members eligible for employment assistance and other transitional services unless a documented urgent operational requirement prevents attendance. Modifies the demonstration project on credentialing for Armed Forces active duty service members transitioning to civilian employment by requiring the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training to: (1) select at least 5 but not more than 10 (currently, at least 10) military occupational specialties, and (2) enter a contract with an appropriate entity representing a coalition of state governors to identify credentialing, certification, and licensing requirements incorporating the necessary skills for such specialties. Establishes a new period, ending on September 30, 2014, for carrying out the demonstration project and limits funding to $180,000 each fiscal year from specified sources. Creates a three-year pilot program requiring the Secretary to make grants and enter contracts for veterans employment and training services with any of the ten states with the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Prohibits full-time disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives from performing non-veteran related duties and services beyond the scope of their specified duties. Revises the definition of "benefit," "benefit of employment," and "rights and benefits" under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Extends by five years certain automatically guaranteed loans to veterans purchasing stock or membership in a cooperative housing corporation entitling such veteran to occupy for dwelling purposes a single family residential unit in a development, project, or structure owned or leased by such corporation, in accordance with specified criteria. Extends: (1) various housing loan fees through specified closing periods on, after, or before October 1, 2021; (2) the temporary maximum home loan guaranty amount, as adjusted by the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, until December 31, 2014; and (3) appropriation authorizations for homeless veterans reintegration programs at existing levels through FY2016.

Housing Trust Fund Elimination Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Housing Trust Fund Elimination Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to abolish the HOPE Reserve Fund, Housing Trust Fund, and Capital Magnet Fund and make available any amounts in such funds to the Secretary of the Treasury for use in reducing the federal budget deficit. Repeals requirements that the Federal Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) make allocations for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund.

Market Transparency and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Market Transparency and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2011 - Directs the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to require the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises or GSEs) to identify to the Director all assets of value of the GSE and their functions, characteristics, and estimated value. Requires the Director then to: (1) determine which assets are critical, and which are not critical, to carrying out the GSE's mission; and (2) establish plans annually for the sale or other disposition of any non-mission critical assets.

Removing GSEs Charters During Receivership Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Removing GSEs Charters During Receivership Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to authorize the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as a receiver of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises or GSEs), to revoke the charters of such enterprises. Requires the FHFA to revoke the particular GSE's charter not later than the winbding up or termination of the limited-life regulated entity established with respect to such GSE Repeals the current prohibition against revocation, annulment, or termination of a GSE's charter by the receiver.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Taxpayer Payback Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Taxpayer Payback Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to prohibit a reduction in the rate of dividends paid on the Variable Liquidation Preference Senior Preferred Stock of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) purchased by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Secondary Market Facility for Residential Mortgages Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2011

Secondary Market Facility for Residential Mortgages Act of 2011 - Establishes a Secondary Market Facility for Residential Mortgages as an instrumentality of the federal government, subject to supervision by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Board, also established by this Act. Requires the Facility to purchase residential mortgages on single-family housing, as well as residential mortgages on multifamily housing, that are originated by approved sellers. Authorizes the Facility to issue mortgage-backed securities. Prohibits the Facility from engaging in mortgage origination. Requires the FHFA Board to limit the residential mortgages that may be purchased by the Facility to safe and sound mortgages within mortgage product types and classifications the FHFA Board has approved in advance. Directs the FHFA Board to require the Facility to obtain its approval before initially offering any product. Prohibits FHFA Board regulations from considering a mortgage on single-family housing safe and sound if the outstanding principal balance at the time of purchase by the Facility exceeds 80% of the sale price, unless the seller: (1) retains at least a 10% participation, (2) the aggregate outstanding principal balance does not exceed 90%, (3) the mortgage is financed in part through a shared equity arrangement involving independent private sector investors, and (4) certain other requirements are met. Prescribes requirements for: (1) conforming loan limits for single-family mortgages, (2) downpayments, (3) adjustable rate mortgages, (4) underwriting standards, (5) property valuation standards, and (6) standards for approval of sellers. Directs the FHFA Board to seek to ensure that the Facility's market share does not exceed approximately 50% of the mortgage originations in the United States. Requires the Board to require the Facility to establish and implement a correction plan if its market share ever exceeds 50%. Directs the FHA Board to establish risk-based capital requirements for the Facility. Requires the Facility to charge guarantee and reinsurance fees. Establishes in the Treasury a Reinsurance Fund for the Facility for the deposit of reinsurance fees. Requires any receipts and earnings of the Facility in excess of certain necessary amounts to be transferred into the General Fund of the Treasury to be used to reduce the federal budget deficit. Prohibits the Facility from owning mortgage assets in excess of $250 billion, adjusted annually for inflation. Makes mortgage assets owned by the Facility available for use to: (1) support multifamily housing and residential mortgages that cannot readily be securitized; (2) provide financing to support residential mortgage markets affected by economic downturns; and (3) modify delinquent mortgages purchased from pools of mortgages backing, or on which are based, mortgage-backed securities issued and guaranteed by the Facility. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a plan for the orderly and timely wind-down and termination of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Repeals the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to replace the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency with the FHFA Board, which shall govern the FHFA and supervise and regulate the Facility.

Transparency and Security in Mortgage Registration Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2011

Transparency and Security in Mortgage Registration Act of 2011 - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from purchasing, acquiring, newly lending on the security of, newly investing in securities consisting of, or otherwise newly dealing in any Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. (MERS) mortgage or mortgages. Prohibits the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) from newly guaranteeing the payment of principal of or interest on any trust certificate or other security based or backed by a trust or pool that contains, or purchase or acquire, any MERS mortgage. Directs Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae to require all their current MERS mortgages to be assigned to the proper servicer, holder, or creditor. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to study: (1) the impacts of the lack of electronic records and uniform standards found in local land title recordation systems currently used in the various states; (2) any progress states have made in developing electronic land title recordation systems containing uniform standards; (3) the current oversight role of the federal government in the transfer and recordation of land titles; and (4) the feasibility of creating a federal land title recordation system for property transfers that would maintain all previous records of the land-property without invalidating, interfering with, or preempting state real property law governing the transfer and perfection of land title.

GSE Legal Fee Reduction Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2011

GSE Legal Fee Reduction Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to establish requirements prescribing the procedures and terms for advancement of amounts by a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) for qualified indemnification payments for the benefit of any entity-affiliated party. (The GSEs the FHFA supervises are the Federal National Mortgage Association [Fannie Mae], the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Freddie Mac], the Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Office of Finance.) Requires the Director to require any GSE obligated to make such a payment to propose criteria for determining whether the liability or legal expenses for which such payment is to be made are reasonable. Requires prompt review and approval or disapproval of such proposed criteria. Requires the Director to require each GSE to adopt bylaws requiring any entity-affiliated party accused of fraud, moral turpitude, or breach of fiduciary duty to post collateral, security, bonding or other assurances of repayment. Requires the Director to prohibit a GSE from using any Treasury funds to satisfy any settlement, judgment, order, or penalty. Requires settlement costs to be satisfied out of the sale of GSE assets. Requires the Director to prohibit a GSE from entering into any consent decree or settlement of a claim, proceeding, or action involving an entity-affiliated party that will result in any qualified indemnification payments exceeding an aggregate of $1 million before 30 days after notice of the decree or settlement to specified congressional committees.

Practical Energy Plan Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2011

Practical Energy Plan Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new tax credit for investment in a qualifying pioneer project. Defines a "qualifying pioneer project" as a project which captures carbon dioxide that is emitted in connection with power generation or industrial production, that is subject to an eligible enhanced oil recovery contract, and that is delivered for use by a qualified carbon dioxide trunkline that has a free flow capacity of not less than 7.5 million metric tons and extends not less than 300 miles. Allows business-related tax credits for: (1) pioneer project carbon dioxide production, and (2) deployment of carbon dioxide that is captured during a 10-year period and delivered by the taxpayer under an eligible enhanced oil recovery contract. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make annual projections of the present value of the expected increase in federal revenues from oil production using carbon dioxide from qualifying pioneer projects and to suspend such a project if costs exceed expected increases in revenues. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit: (1) a schedule for the issuance of final decisions on applications for permits to drill under an oil and gas lease under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act; (2) a report on critical safety system preparedness and oil spill response and containment preparedness prior to the issuance of each of the first 10 drilling permits for leases on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic coasts or a permit to drill in a new area off the coast of a state; and (3) the results of a study on oil and natural gas resources in the Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require that geological and geophysical exploration plans for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) include a third-party reviewed response plan that describes the means and timeline for containment and termination of an ongoing discharge of oil, (2) conduct specified offshore oil and gas lease sales, and (3) promulgate regulations providing for the issuance of seismic surveying cost credits for the provision of data from seismic surveying of the OCS and use of such credits for payment of bonus bids owed for oil and gas lease sales. Amends the Clean Air Act to exempt sources of pollution located offshore of Alaska from pollution control requirements for OCS activities. Revises the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards by requiring at least a 4% annual increase in the average fuel economy level beginning in model year 2017, unless the standards are technologically unachievable, cannot be achieved without materially reducing the overall safety of automobiles, or are not cost effective. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) prescribe separate standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles to achieve a combined fuel economy average of at least 34.1 miles per gallon for model year 2016 (currently 35 miles per gallon for model year 2020) for the total fleet of automobiles manufactured, and (2) determine the greatest achievable fuel efficiency improvement targets for rules pertaining to commercial medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and work trucks. Authorizes the Secretary to implement regulations for vehicle classes and components of such vehicles on an accelerated basis. Requires manufacturers to ensure that no less than 50% of light-duty vehicles manufactured in model years 2015-2017 (90% of such vehicles manufactured in 2018 and subsequent model years) are choice-enabling vehicles. Requires the Secretary to: (1) certify the maximum feasible levels of advanced alternative fuel blend possible; and (2) develop a model label for pumps dispensing advanced alternative fuels that allows consumers to evaluate the relative value, energy density, and expected vehicle performance of any particular advanced alternative fuel blend. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a fuel options standard credit trading program to allow manufacturers whose annual covered inventory exceeds the light-duty vehicle requirements to earn credits to be sold to manufacturers that are unable to achieve such requirements. Revises requirements concerning agency procurement of liquid transportation fuel, alternative or synthetic fuel, and energy efficient products. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to replace the incentive program for the production of cellulosic biofuels with one for the production of renewable fuels. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) update national model building energy codes at least every three years, and (2) establish targets for overall energy savings in buildings and minimum building efficiency standards. Establishes in DOE a Homes and Buildings Energy Retrofits Program that has an annual target energy efficiency retrofit rate of 5% for homes and 2% for commercial buildings. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to eligible entities (defined as public power districts, public utility districts, or specified electric cooperatives that borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or are paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service) for making loans to consumers for implementing energy efficient measures. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct federal agencies to ensure that new federal buildings are designed to enhance energy efficiency. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to: (1) prohibit agencies from entering into or renewing a lease of a commercial building unless there is clearly and publicly available information concerning the actual energy consumption of the building for each of the five most recent years, and (2) require each energy manager to implement energy- or water-saving measures that are life cycle cost-effective. Sets forth provisions concerning reducing the inventory of federal civilian real property. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to: (1) require the Secretary of Energy to carry out a grant program to pay the federal share of creating a revolving loan program for manufacturers to implement commercially available technologies or processes that significantly reduce system energy intensity; (2) include computer monitors and displays, personal computers, and cable, satellite, and fiber optic service set-top boxes as covered products under the energy conservation program for consumer products other than automobiles; and (3) require the Secretary to establish an energy conservation standard for each type or class of covered industrial equipment if certain conditions are met.

Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2011

Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a national energy security program to reduce oil consumption, by calendar 2030, by a quantity equal to or exceeding the quantity of oil imported from outside North America. Directs the President to develop a national oil independence plan to meet or exceed such goal. Establishes a National Energy Security Council to advise the President in meeting such goal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate joint regulations establishing fuel efficiency standards and greenhouse gas emissions limitations for certain automobiles and nonroad vehicles. Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program and a targeted electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop a national plan for plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment, and (2) establish a grants program to assist state and local governmental entities to prepare a community deployment plan. Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to acquire plug-in electric drive vehicles and related charging infrastructure for federal fleets. Establishes a plug-in electric drive vehicle private fleet upgrade program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to fund research, development, and demonstration projects in advanced batteries, plug-in electric drive vehicle components, and charging infrastructure, as well as in secondary use applications. Provides funds for Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy (ARPA-E) Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Research and Development Programs. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize for a 500-mile vehicle battery. Creates in the Treasury a 500-mile Battery Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study the supply of raw materials needed for the manufacture of plug-in electric drive vehicles, batteries, and supporting infrastructure. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for the Academy to identify the data that may be collected from plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require each electric utility to develop a plan for plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans for eligible entities to purchase qualified automotive batteries and for charging infrastructure. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish a Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the EPA Administrator to promulgate regulations to establish: (1) national transportation-related goals for reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) standardized models and methods for states, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and air quality agencies to address oil savings and emission reduction goals. Requires MPOs and states to develop surface transportation-related oil savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, including strategies to meet those targets. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to distribute funds to states and MPOs for investing in transportation greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $230, with a cost-of-living adjustment, the amount of qualified transportation and parking fringe (commuter) benefits excluded from an employee's gross income. Declares it is the goal of the United States to shift at least 10% of freight shipped by truck to rail or marine shipping by 2020. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a national freight transportation options plan; and (2) make grants to states for the capital costs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment for high priority rail corridor projects to reduce congestion in freight rail transportation. Requires the Comptroller General to study and reported to specified congressional committees on the benefits and costs of electrification of rail corridors. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for advanced biofuel facilities as well as grants in lieu of credits for advanced biofuel facility property. Includes algae-based biofuel in the definition of cellulosic biofuel. Extends: (1) the cellulosic biofuel producer credit, (2) the special allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property, (3) certain credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel, and (4) alcohol fuels tax credits. Allows a tax credit for qualified natural gas motor vehicles, and creates tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds. Allows an expensing deduction for manufacturing facilities producing vehicles fueled by compressed or liquefied natural gas. Directs the GSA Administrator to studymeans of increasing the number of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles in the federal fleet. Establishes in DOE the Energy Efficiency Improvement for Heating Oil, Propane, and Kerosene Program to fund state participation in programs operated by a national oilheat research alliance or the Propane Education and Research Council to implement cost-effective energy efficiency programs for homes and buildings that use home heating oil, propane, and kerosene. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a renewable biomass thermal energy loan program of grants to states to support financial assistance by qualified program delivery entities to replace with certain wood or wood-pellet fired boilers any thermal energy systems in commercial or multifamily residential buildings that use heating oil or another petroleum product.

HOUSING FINANCE REFORM: ACCESS TO THE SECONDARY MARKET FOR SMALL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

United States · United States Senate · 28 June 2011

LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO REFORM THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 June 2011

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2011

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2012. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance; (4) active and reserve military personnel; (5) Working Capital Funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (12) overseas contingency operations; (13) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (14) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (15) base closure and realignment activities; and (16) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy, including education and training, military justice, and sexual assault prevention and response; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (5) DOD organization and management, including space, intelligence, and cybersecurity matters; (6) financial matters, including counter-drug activities and detainee matters; (7) civilian personnel matters; (8) matters relating to foreign nations, including assistance and training; (9) cooperative threat reduction; and (10) matters relating to military construction and military family housing. Revises and adds new offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) relating to rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct. Provides procedures for the judicial review of decisions concerning the correction of military personnel records. Consolidates and revises DOD travel and transportation authorities. Establishes: (1) the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund, and (2) the Global Security Contingency Fund. Requires a DOD plan to acquire capabilities to detect previously unknown cyber attacks. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for DOE national security programs. Authorizes the obligation and expenditure of amounts specified in funding tables for a DOD project, program, or activity authorized under this Act.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2011

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and each military department for fiscal years after 2011 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Extends or modifies certain prior-year construction projects. Rescinds specified prior-year military department construction funds. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2011 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2011 for: (1) military construction and land acquisition for chemical demilitarization; (2) National Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities; (3) base closure and realignment activities funded through the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005; and (4) overseas contingency operations military construction. Rescinds specified prior-year funds for such purposes. Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2014, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2015, whichever is later, with an exception. Provides that amounts authorized shall be available for programs, projects, and activities in the amounts specified in the funding table accompanying this Act.

Fulfilling U.S. Energy Leadership Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2011

Fulfilling U.S. Energy Leadership Act of 2011 - Sets forth energy production programs for: (1)advanced and plug-in vehicle deployment, (2) research and development (R&D) for advanced batteries and raw materials, (3) tax credits for advanced and fuel-efficient motor vehicles, (4) oil and gas development on the outer Continental Shelf (OCS), (5) alternative fuel deployment, (6) clean sources of electricity, (7) financing clean energy initiatives, and (8) rural energy savings. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to conduct an R&D and commercial application program for alternative fuel transportation technology. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary promulgate regulations governing reduced petroleum consumption by the federal fleet Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary to implement a national assessment and develop a national plan for plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment. Establishes a communities program for targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an R&D funding program for technologies supporting the development, manufacture, and deployment of plug-in electric drive vehicles and related charging infrastructure; (2) a clean energy standard that promotes the use of renewable and other low-carbon sources of electricity; and (3) the Next Step Energy Storage Research Center. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the supply of raw materials. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to require electric utilities to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles, including medium- and heavy-duty hybrid electric vehicles. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary to guarantee loans for specified automotive battery purchases that use advanced battery technology. Authorizes loan guarantees also for renewable fuel pipelines. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify criteria for consumer tax credits for advanced vehicles; (2) allow a tax credit for certain new fuel-efficient motor vehicles; (3) allow an idling reduction tax credit; (4) revise excise tax credits based on the price of crude oil; (4) modify the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit; (5) extend the tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel; (6) prescribe a special rule for systems installed on coal-fired electric generation units; (7) allow a tax credit for carbon sequestration from coal facilities; (8) modify the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration; (9) create a clean energy coal bond; (10) allow seven-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities; (11) allow a tax credit for advanced energy manufacturing; (12) modify and extend the tax credit for steel industry fuel; and (13) extend the tax credit for producing fuel from coke or coke gas. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to offer for leasing any moratorium area in the Gulf of Mexico more than 50 miles off the coastline. Prohibits the export of oil and natural gas produced on the OCS. Establishes the Alternative Fuel Trust Fund. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) instruct the Secretary of Energy to conduct a seismic inventory of oil and natural gas, and prepare a summary of marine resources on the OCS in the Atlantic Region, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Alaska Region; (2) authorize appropriations for bioenergy research and development, (3) set forth a large-scale carbon storage program, (4) authorize appropriations for nuclear energy workforce training, and (5) require a small modular reactor initiative. Amends the OCSLA to establish the Offshore Safety Bureau. Increases loan guarantees for nuclear power and other innovative sources. Establishes an interagency working group to promote a domestic manufacturing base for nuclear components and equipment. Establishes: (1) the Clean Energy Investment Fund, and (2) the Clean Energy Deployment Administration. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to instruct the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to eligible entities that agree to use such funds to make loans to qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing energy efficiency measures. Extends the tax deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings and the tax credits for energy-efficient homes (new and existing) and energy-efficient appliances.

Refugee Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011

Refugee Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim; and (2) permit, and set forth the requirements for, reopening a claim that was denied because of failure to file within one year. Revises the definition of terrorist activity for purposes of alien inadmissibility. Excludes activity committed under duress from such definition. Revises: (1) the definition of refugee, and (2) the criteria for granting asylum. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint counsel to represent an alien in a removal proceeding. Prohibits an alien from being removed during the 30-day petition for review period unless the alien indicates in writing that he or she wishes to be removed before the expiration of such period. Makes discretionary certain currently required detention provisions regarding arriving aliens who request asylum. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a secure alternatives to detention program, (2) establish specified conditions of detention, (3) file notice of immigration charges with the court and the individual within 48 hours of detention, and (4) establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of statements taken by DHS employees exercising expedited removal authority. Authorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to conduct a study to determine whether certain immigration officers are properly handling asylum and removal/detention authority with regard to aliens apprehended after entering the United States. Authorizes waiver of the continuous one-year presence requirement for permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying refugee/asylee who: (1) is or was employed by the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor for not more than one year overseas and worked on behalf of the U.S. government for such time, and (2) returns immediately to the United States upon such employment's conclusion. Exempts aliens under the age of 18 from certain restrictions on applying for asylum. Sets forth protections for: (1) refugees; (2) aliens interdicted at sea; and (2) stateless persons in the United States, including mechanisms for regularizing status. Authorizes the President to designate refugee groups. Permits applicants for refugee admission to simultaneously pursue other forms of admission. Authorizes the spouse or child of a refugee or asylee to bring his or her accompanying or following child into the United States as a refugee or asylee. States that if the President does not issue a refugee allocation determination before the beginning of a fiscal year the number of refugees that may be admitted in each quarter shall be 25% of the number of refugees admissible during the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of State to notify Congress regarding the amount of funds that will be provided in Reception and Placement Grants in the coming fiscal year. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, with respect to naturalization of an Afghan or Iraqi translator who is a lawful permanent resident, to count a period of absence from the United States working as a translator for the United States or a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan or Iraq towards the accumulation of the required U.S. physical presence. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's domestic refugee resettlement programs. Revises the refugee grant and contract assistance allocation formula. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Refugee and Asylee Resettlement (HHS) to: (1) report to Congress regarding states experiencing departures and arrivals due to secondary migration; and (2) expand the Office's data analysis, collection, and sharing activities to include data on mental and physical medical cases, housing needs, and refugee employment. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend the eligibility of certain aliens (including asylees and refugees) and victims of trafficking in persons for supplemental security income (SSI) assistance.

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize Medicare coverage of home infusion therapy and home infusion drugs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement the Medicare home infusion therapy benefit in a manner that ensures that: (1) Medicare beneficiaries have timely and appropriate access to infusion therapy in their homes, and (2) there is rapid and seamless coordination between drug coverage under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and home infusion therapy services coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI).

Refugee Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011

Refugee Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim; and (2) permit, and set forth the requirements for, reopening a claim that was denied because of failure to file within one year. Revises the definition of terrorist activity for purposes of alien inadmissibility. Excludes activity committed under duress from such definition. Revises: (1) the definition of refugee, and (2) the criteria for granting asylum. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint counsel to represent an alien in a removal proceeding. Prohibits an alien from being removed during the 30-day petition for review period unless the alien indicates in writing that he or she wishes to be removed before the expiration of such period. Makes discretionary certain currently required detention provisions regarding arriving aliens who request asylum. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a secure alternatives to detention program, (2) establish specified conditions of detention, (3) file notice of immigration charges with the court and the individual within 48 hours of detention, and (4) establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of statements taken by DHS employees exercising expedited removal authority. Authorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to conduct a study to determine whether certain immigration officers are properly handling asylum and removal/detention authority with regard to aliens apprehended after entering the United States. Authorizes waiver of the continuous one-year presence requirement for permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying refugee/asylee who: (1) is or was employed by the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor for not more than one year overseas and worked on behalf of the U.S. government for such time, and (2) returns immediately to the United States upon such employment's conclusion. Exempts aliens under the age of 18 from certain restrictions on applying for asylum. Sets forth protections for: (1) refugees; (2) aliens interdicted at sea; and (2) stateless persons in the United States, including mechanisms for regularizing status. Authorizes the President to designate refugee groups. Permits applicants for refugee admission to simultaneously pursue other forms of admission. Authorizes the spouse or child of a refugee or asylee to bring his or her accompanying or following child into the United States as a refugee or asylee. States that if the President does not issue a refugee allocation determination before the beginning of a fiscal year the number of refugees that may be admitted in each quarter shall be 25% of the number of refugees admissible during the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of State to notify Congress regarding the amount of funds that will be provided in Reception and Placement Grants in the coming fiscal year. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, with respect to naturalization of an Afghan or Iraqi translator who is a lawful permanent resident, to count a period of absence from the United States working as a translator for the United States or a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan or Iraq towards the accumulation of the required U.S. physical presence. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's domestic refugee resettlement programs. Revises the refugee grant and contract assistance allocation formula. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Refugee and Asylee Resettlement (HHS) to: (1) report to Congress regarding states experiencing departures and arrivals due to secondary migration; and (2) expand the Office's data analysis, collection, and sharing activities to include data on mental and physical medical cases, housing needs, and refugee employment. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend the eligibility of certain aliens (including asylees and refugees) and victims of trafficking in persons for supplemental security income (SSI) assistance.

Home Inspection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011

Home Inspection Act of 2011 - Directs the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe regulations to prohibit any lender from making any federally related mortgage loan under which a home inspection is conducted in connection with settlement of the mortgage loan unless the inspection is conducted by a home inspector licensed, certified, approved, or otherwise regulated by the inspector's home state or the state in which the real property is located. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to direct the CFPB to include home inspection information in settlement forms.

CDBG Public Services Flexibility Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011

CDBG Public Services Flexibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to revise requirements for activities eligible for community development block grant (CDBG) assistance. Increases from 15% to 25% the limitation on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used to provide public services (e.g., those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs). (Currently, only the city and county of Los Angeles, California, and the city of Miami, Florida, are favored with the 25% limit on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used to provide public services.)

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize Medicare coverage of home infusion therapy and home infusion drugs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement the Medicare home infusion therapy benefit in a manner that ensures that: (1) Medicare beneficiaries have timely and appropriate access to infusion therapy in their homes, and (2) there is rapid and seamless coordination between drug coverage under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and home infusion therapy services coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI).

Shelter, Land, and Urban Management (SLUM) Assistance Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2011

Shelter, Land, and Urban Management (SLUM) Assistance Act of 2011 - Authorizes the President to furnish technical assistance and financial support to developing countries for affordable housing and urban development. Directs the President, through the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to develop a strategy to provide affordable housing and sustainable urban development in developing countries.

Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2011

Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2011 - Allows grants made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for homeless veterans' comprehensive services programs (outreach, rehabilitation, vocational counseling, and transitional housing assistance) to be used for the construction of new facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from denying applications for such grants solely on the basis that the grant entity proposes to use funding from other private or public sources, as long as such entity demonstrates that a private nonprofit organization will provide project oversight and site control. Revises eligibility: (1) under the grant program for entities serving homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) for treatment and rehabilitation of homeless veterans who are not seriously mentally ill. Requires, where it appears to the Secretary that the interest of the beneficiary would be served by payment of veterans' benefits to a fiduciary, that payment be made, subject to exceptions, to the person or entity caring for or having primary custody of the beneficiary or the beneficiary's estate, including a person or entity who has been named by the incompetent beneficiary under a durable power of attorney. Authorizes the Secretary to require any person, state, or local governmental entity appointed or recognized as a fiduciary for a VA beneficiary to provide authorization for the Secretary to obtain from any financial institution any financial record with respect to an account of the fiduciary or the beneficiary which contains an amount paid by the Secretary to the fiduciary for the benefit of the beneficiary when necessary: (1) for the administration of a VA program; or (2) in order to safeguard the beneficiary's benefits against neglect, misappropriation, misuse, embezzlement, or fraud. Modifies the definition of "fiduciary" to include state and local governmental entities and a person named as an agent under a durable power of attorney. Specifies the individuals authorized to sign veterans' benefits claims filed on behalf of a person who is under 18, mentally incompetent, or physically unable to sign. Amends provisions concerning: (1) a dependent child satisfying the occupancy requirements necessary for a veteran's housing loan when a veteran is in active duty status; (2) waiver of the loan fee for individuals with disability ratings issued during predischarge programs; (3) indexing levels of assistance for individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by family members; (4) presidential memorial certificate eligibility; and (5) initial review of claimants' new evidence by the Board of Veterans' Appeals or, upon request, the agency of original jurisdiction. Extends: (1) provisions concerning homeless veterans' health care, centers for provision of comprehensive services, and property transfers for housing assistance to December 31, 2014; (2) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans to December 30, 2013; (3) assistance to individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by family members to December 31, 2021; (4) authority for the Secretary to obtain information from the Secretary of the Treasury and Commissioner of Social Security to September 30, 2016, and use data provided by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to September 30, 2021; and (5) the VA regional office in the Republic of the Philippines to December 31, 2012.

Travel Trailer Residents' Health Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2011

Travel Trailer Residents' Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS Secretary) to: (1) establish and maintain a health registry for individuals exposed to formaldehyde in temporary housing units provided by the government when displaced by a major disaster that occurred between August 29, 2005, and December 31, 2009; (2) include in the registry information the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) determines is necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of such exposure; (3) develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry; and (4) periodically notify such individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with exposure. Directs the DHS Secretary to contract with the HHS Secretary to provide health examinations, consultations, and mental health counseling free of charge to each eligible individual. Requires the HHS Secretary to contract with an independent scientific organization to report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of actions taken to collect and maintain information on the health consequences of such exposure, (2) recommendations to improve such collection and maintenance, and (3) the most effective and prudent means of addressing medical needs of eligible individuals. Requires: (1) such health consultation and mental health counseling to provide to each eligible individual information on examination results and on developments, and (2) the Secretary to commence an epidemiological study of the immediate and long-term effects of such exposure sufficient to further understand the medical needs of eligible individuals.

FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC & FHA: TAXPAYER EXPOSURE IN THE HOUSING MARKETS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 June 2011

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2011

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission Act - Establishes the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission to investigate and make recommendations to Congress regarding certain decisions of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (enterprises) that led to financial instability and federal conservatorship. Requires the Commission to analyze specified topics, including: (1) the role of the enterprises in expanding homeownership and in helping housing market recovery; (2) enterprise involvement in the development of faulty risk standards, accounting practices, and the creation and proliferation of the securitized mortgage instrument, and how such instrument affected the solvency of such enterprises; (3) the role of the respective boards of directors in voting for the policies relating to risk assessments, subprime mortgages, and the international securitization of mortgages; and (4) compensation, stock options, and financial benefits that accrued to executive officers and members of the boards of directors. Requires the enterprises and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to grant the Commission access to requested records and information.

Military Families Affordable Homes Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2011

Military Families Affordable Homes Act of 2011 - Amends the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 to extend through 2014 the exclusion of the basic military housing allowance from the income test for residential rental projects financed by tax-exempt housing bonds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend such exclusion to military personnel at any military installation or facility (currently, limited to certain qualified military installations).

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2011

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Appropriates funds for FY2012 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) the Veterans Health Administration; (8) the National Cemetery Administration; (9) the Office of Inspector General; (10) construction for major and minor projects; and (11) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) DOD cemeterial expenses; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of benefits and assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans affected by natural or other disasters, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), notwithstanding existing limitations on the assistance available to disabled veterans eligible for specially adapted housing grants, to award grants to veterans whose homes were previously adapted with such assistance if the adapted home used and occupied by the veteran was destroyed or substantially damaged in a natural or other disaster. Requires any such awarded post-disaster adapted housing grant to be available to acquire a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the veteran's disability along with the land for such housing. Permits the Secretary to: (1) extend up to an additional two months the subsistence allowances of veterans displaced by such disasters while satisfactorily following a program of employment services prescribed in a vocational rehabilitation program for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) provide or assist in providing a second automobile or other specified conveyance to eligible disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces if an automobile or other conveyance previously purchased with assistance was destroyed by such a disaster through no fault of the individual and without compensation by a property insurer; and (3) in determining whether certain real estate housing loans are secured by a first lien, disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien created by a duly recorded covenant running with the realty in favor of a public entity that has provided or will provide assistance in response to a major disaster as determined by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

REAL Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Renewable Energy Access Through Leasing Act of 2011 or the REAL Act of 2011- Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make loan guarantees for the financing of renewable energy systems leased for residential use. Prohibits the Secretary from insuring a loan unless the renewable energy system owner certifies that the systems financed will be leased only to homeowners that grant easements to install, maintain, use and otherwise access the system that include the right to sell electricity produced during the life of the renewable energy system to a wholesale or retail electrical power grid. Requires a renewable energy system lease to specify that it can be assumed by new homeowners. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that a discount given under this Act does not adversely affect the homeowner's mortgage requirements; and (2) fix and collect premiums for insurance of loans under this Act that shall be paid for by the renewable energy system owner and that shall be adequate to cover the expenses and probable losses of administering the program. Prohibits the Secretary from assessing any other fee, premium, or charge in connection with such loan insurance. Establishes the Renewable Energy Lease Insurance Fund, into which the Secretary shall deposit any such premiums. Requires the Secretary to ensure that multifamily housing units are eligible for programs established by this Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to insure and make commitments to insure new loans under this Act ten years after its enactment.

Honoring All Veterans Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2011

Honoring All Veterans Act of 2011 - Increases, from 2,700 to 3,000 each fiscal year, the maximum number of participants in independent living and assistance programs for veterans with serious employment handicaps from certain service-connected disabilities and with respect to whom a vocational goal currently is not reasonably feasible. Authorizes veterans, during the one-year period after discharge or separation from service in the Armed Forces, to participate in the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), under specified conditions, to fund offices of veterans affairs at eligible institutions of higher learning for veterans' certification, outreach, recruitment, and special education programs. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy to: (1) provide technical assistance to employers and entities in the workforce development system to help veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder obtain and retain employment; (2) receive referrals from specified reserve components, business organizations, and federal agencies; (3) conduct outreach through regional offices of the Department of Labor; and (4) establish an interagency working group with representatives of federal agencies with such programs. Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) to make permanent (currently, set to expire on December 31, 2012) specified extended protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and foreclosures under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. (The HERA extended from 90 days to 9 months the period for staying proceedings, adjusting obligations, and prohibiting sales, foreclosures, and seizures of property.) Revises provisions concerning payments for providing services for homeless veterans to direct the VA Secretary to annually adjust the rate of such payment to reflect anticipated changes in the cost of furnishing services and to take into account the cost of providing services in a particular geographic area. Directs the VA Secretary to make such payments quarterly, while requiring quarterly statements from recipients on amounts expended. Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a mental health care referral monitoring and reviewing mechanism for individuals identified as having a potential mental health condition during a DOD post deployment health assessment, and (2) develop a systemwide monitoring mechanism to address issues arising out of facilities and offices involved in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. Requires the rehabilitation plans for veterans or Armed Forces members receiving VA rehabilitative hospital care or medical services for a traumatic brain injury to include independent living programs for certain veterans and specified employment support services. Sets forth provisions authorizing: (1) professional and family counseling, training, and mental health services to immediate family of deployed Armed Forces members; (2) graduates of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Care Sciences to perform civilian service with VA community-based outpatient clinics and centers for readjustment counseling and related veterans' mental health services; and (3) disclosing information, subject to exceptions, about a veteran or a veteran's dependant to state controlled substance monitoring programs to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medicines. Specifies the circumstances under which a document shall be treated as a motion for reconsideration when a person adversely affected by a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, who has not filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims within a specified period, files a document with the Board or the agency of original jurisdiction expressing disagreement with such decision. Authorizes the Comptroller General and the DOD and VA Inspectors General to form an independent board to review the process by which Armed Forces members transition from the DOD to the VA for the receipt of benefits and services. Increases to $31,305 the combined annual rate of pension for two married veterans meeting specified disability and service or age and service requirements when both such veterans need regular aid and attendance.

FHA Reform Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2011

FHA Reform Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to require specified mortgagees to indemnify HUD for payment of a mortgage insurance claim if the mortgage was not originated or underwritten in accordance with HUD requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to require a mortgagee to indemnify HUD for loss regardless of when an insurance claim is paid if fraud or misrepresentation was involved in connection with the mortgage origination or underwriting. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate approval of a mortgagee to originate or underwrite single family mortgages if the mortgagee's rate of early defaults and claims is excessive. Establishes within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs responsible for all matters relating to managing and mitigating the risk to HUD mortgage insurance funds and for ensuring the performance of HUD-insured mortgages. Abolishes the position of the FHA chief risk officer. Directs the Secretary to review and identify to Congress any mortgagees with a significant or rapid increase in early defaults and claims with respect to all mortgages they have originated on housing located in any particular geographic area or areas. Directs the Secretary to require mortgagees of HUD-insured single-family or multifamily housing to notify HUD if they terminate or discontinue mortgage purchases from another mortgagee based upon any determination, evidence, or report of fraud or material misrepresentation in connection with the origination of such mortgages. Prescribes conditions compelling the Secretary to review and reduce certain cash investment requirements (down payment requirements) binding upon mortgages or mortgagors. Revises eligibility requirements for mortgage insurance, including insurance for a home equity conversion mortgage (reverse mortgage) for elderly homeowners. Revises requirements for early mortgage default and foreclosure information collected by the Secretary for mortgage lender analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse servicers of certain HUD-insured residential mortgages for the costs of obtaining the services of specified independent third parties, including a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, to make in-person contact, at no charge, with mortgagors whose payments are 60 or more days past due, solely to provide specified information. Directs the Secretary, in providing reimbursements, to give priority to independent third parties serving mortgagors in areas experiencing a mortgage foreclosure rate and unemployment rate higher than the national average. Revises maximum mortgage amount limits for multifamily housing that includes elevator-type structures with sound standards of construction and design. Directs the Secretary to provide refunds of unearned premium charges paid at the time of insurance for mortgage insurance to or on behalf of mortgagors under certain mortgages on one-to-four family dwellings.

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2011

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2012, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2013-FY2016. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2012-FY2016 with respect to: (1) federal revenues, (2) new budget authority, (3) budget outlays, (4) deficits, (5) public debt, and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for the Social Security Administration (SSA), including the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2012-FY2016. Authorizes certain deficit-reduction reserve funds for legislation for: (1) the sale of unused or vacant federal properties, (2) the sale of excess federal lands, (3) repeal of the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws, (4) the reduction of the federal vehicles fleet, and (5) the sale of financial assets purchased through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded, except by a supermajority waiver. Specifies such discretionary spending limits in the Senate for FY2012-FY2016. Authorizes adjustments to the discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for adjustments to support ongoing overseas deployments and other activities. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would require advanced appropriations, except by a supermajority waiver. Sets forth requirements for the treatment of emergency legislation. Allows the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to adjust the estimate of budgetary effects of legislation that: (1) amends or supersedes the system for updating physician payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, (2) amends the Estate and Gift Tax under the Internal Revenue Code, (3) extends the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief for individuals, and (4) extends middle-class tax cuts under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA). Permits the Chairman to make such adjustments only for points of order in specified legislation relating to: (1) pay-as-you-go, and (2) long- and short-term deficits. Requires Senate committees to: (1) review programs and tax expenditures in their jurisdiction to identify waste, fraud, and abuse or duplication, and to increase the use of performance data to inform committee work; (2) review the matters for congressional consideration identified on the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) High Risk list report; and (3) make recommendations to the Senate Budget Committee to improve governmental performance in their annual views and estimates reports. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying the conference report on any budget resolution in the Senate to include in its committee allocations to the Senate Committee on Appropriations amounts for the discretionary administrative expenses of the SSA and of the Postal Service. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Senate Committees on: (1) Foreign Relations; (2) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (3) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Energy [ sic ]; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and (6) Finance. Declares the policy of Congress on attainment of Social Security and Medicare solvency. Requires the Chairman to reduce committee allocations, aggregates, and other appropriate levels by the amount unobligated or unspent within 36 months after such funds are made available pursuant to any adjustments made under this resolution.

TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

United States · United States Senate · 17 May 2011

Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2011

Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2011 - Increases the amount of assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for permanent and total service-disabled veterans who are temporarily residing in housing owned by a family member from: (1) $14,000 to $28,000, in the case of the acquisition of housing with special features; and (2) $2,000 to $5,000, in the case of adaptations to a current residence. Directs the Secretary to adjust such amounts annually based on the residential home cost-of-construction index. Removes a provision that prohibits providing such assistance after December 31, 2011. Expands the eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance provided by the Secretary for veterans with certain vision impairments. Removes certain limitations on the aggregate amount of assistance available for adapting and acquiring such housing for individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member.