Housing

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for: the Employment and Training Administration, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Wage and Hour Division, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Departmental Management. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for: the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and the Office of the Secretary. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to the Department of Education for: Education for the Disadvantaged; Impact Aid; School Improvement Programs; Indian Education; Innovation and Improvement; Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; English Language Acquisition; Special Education; Rehabilitation Services; Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; Career, Technical, and Adult Education; Student Financial Assistance; Student Aid Administration; Higher Education; Howard University; the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; the Institute of Education Sciences; and Departmental Management. Provides appropriations to Related Agencies, including: the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the National Council on Disability, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Social Security Administration. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts. Conscience Protection Act of 2017 Amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion.

Prison Reform and Redemption Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Prison Reform and Redemption Act This bill directs the Department of Justice to develop the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System for use by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to assess prisoner recidivism risk; guide housing, grouping, and program assignments; and incentivize and reward participation in and completion of recidivism reduction programs and productive activities. It amends the federal criminal code to: require the BOP to implement the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System; establish prerelease custody procedures for prisoners who, among other things, earn time credits for successfully completing recidivism reduction programs or productive activities; prohibit, subject to specified exceptions, the use of restraints on federal prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery; and broaden the duties of probation and pretrial services officers to include court-directed supervision of sex offenders conditionally released from civil commitment. The BOP must: incorporate de-escalation techniques into its training programs; report on its ability to treat heroin and opioid abuse through medication-assisted treatment; establish pilot programs on youth mentorship and service to abandoned, rescued, or vulnerable animals; and designate a release preparation coordinator at each facility that houses prisoners. The bill prohibits monitoring the contents of an electronic communication between a prisoner at a BOP facility and the prisoner's attorney. It amends the Second Chance Act of 2007 to reauthorize through FY2022 and modify eligibility criteria for an elderly offender early release pilot program. Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2017 The bill amends the federal criminal code to require the BOP to allow federal correctional officers to securely store and carry concealed firearms on BOP premises outside the security perimeter of a prison.

Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2017 This bill (1) establishes Medicare payment incentives for hospitals that reduce readmissions; (2) provides for treatment, under Medicare, of individuals in health homes and medical homes; and (3) expands and otherwise revises coverage of telehealth services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

This bill provides that if a veteran or reservist is forced to discontinue a certain course or program as a result of a school closure or disapproval of a necessary course and did not receive credit or lost training time toward completion of the education program, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance payments shall not, for a specified period, be: charged against the individual's entitlement to educational assistance, or counted against the aggregate period for which such assistance may be provided. The bill, with an exception, applies to education courses and programs discontinued after January 1, 2015. The VA may continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in specified courses for up to 4 weeks in any 12-month period when schools are temporarily closed under an established policy based on a presidential executive order or due to an emergency. The VA shall, within five business days after receiving notice of a closure or intended closure, notify each affected individual of such closure and its effect on the individual's entitlement to educational assistance. The VA may also continue to pay a monthly housing stipend following a permanent school closure or disapproval of a course of study, but only until the earlier of: (1) the end of the term, quarter, or semester during which the school closure or disapproval occurred; and (2) 120 days after the closure or disapproval.

Senior Housing IRA Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Senior Housing Improvement and Retirement Accounts Act of 2017 or the Senior Housing IRA Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax treatment of gains from the sale or exchange of a principal residence, to: (1) allow a qualified individual to contribute the gains from the sale or exchange to a Roth Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) as a qualified rollover contribution which is exempt from contribution limits, and (2) increase the $250,000 limit on the exclusion from gross income for gains from the sale of a principal residence by the amount of the rollover contribution. The bill applies to individuals who: (1) have attained the age of 55 before the date of the sale or exchange, (2) have owned and used the property as a principal residence for at least 20 years, and (3) have not previously elected to treat a contribution to a Roth IRA as a qualified rollover contribution under the authority provided by this bill.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2017

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to DOT for: the Office of the Secretary, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the Maritime Administration, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Office of Inspector General. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to HUD for: Management and Administration, Program Office Salaries and Expenses, Public and Indian Housing, Community Planning and Development, Housing Programs, the Federal Housing Administration, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Policy Development and Research, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, the Information Technology Fund, and the Office of Inspector General. Provides appropriations to related agencies, including: the Access Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Office of Inspector General, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, the Surface Transportation Board, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

HOUSING FINANCE REFORM--MAINTAINING ACCESS FOR SMALL LENDERS

United States · United States Senate · 20 July 2017

Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017

Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 This bill revises education and related benefits provided to veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors. The bill amends the Post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to: remove certain time restrictions on program use; increase assistance for reservists, guardsmen, dependents, and surviving spouses and dependents; provide full eligibility for Post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients and certain reservists and guardsmen; provide an extra academic years' worth of benefits for STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) degree candidates; establish a five-year pilot program for high technology courses; restore eligibility for service members whose school closes in the middle of a semester; authorize funding to improve claims processing; permit assistance to be used at certain institutions that are not institutions of higher education; and pro-rate the housing stipend for reservists called to active duty. The bill authorizes the Edith Nurse Rogers STEM Scholarship to help veterans complete STEM degrees. The Yellow Ribbon program is extended to Fry Scholarship recipients (surviving dependents of service members who died on active duty) and certain Purple Heart recipients. (The Yellow Ribbon program helps veterans pay for higher education tuition and fee costs not covered by the Post-9/11 program.) The bill: (1) extends the Advisory Committee on Education, (2) increases survivors' and dependents' educational assistance, and (3) extends funding for state educational program approving agencies. The bill provides statutory authority for the veterans success of campus program which provides veterans with on-campus educational and vocational counseling. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall: (1) make a new determination regarding each denied veteran's claim for disability compensation in connection with full-body exposure to mustard gas or Lewisite at specified locations during World War II, and (2) presume such exposure unless there is affirmative evidence otherwise.

Smoke Free Affordable Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017

Smoke Free Affordable Housing Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to require state allocation plans to include a preference for allocating dollar amounts of the credit to projects consisting only of buildings in which smoking is not permitted.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Provides appropriations to USDA for Agricultural Programs, including: the Office of the Secretary; Executive Operations; the Office of the Chief Information Officer; the Office of the Chief Financial Officer; the Office of Civil Rights; Agriculture Buildings and Facilities; Hazardous Materials Management; the Office of Inspector General; the Office of the General Counsel; the Office of Ethics; the Economic Research Service; the National Agricultural Statistics Service; the Agricultural Research Service; the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service; the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; and the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Provides appropriations to USDA for Farm Production and Conservation, including: the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund, and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Provides appropriations to USDA for Rural Development Programs, including: Rural Development Salaries and Expenses, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. Provides appropriations to USDA for the Food and Nutrition Service, including: Child Nutrition Programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program); the Commodity Assistance Program; and Nutrition Programs Administration. Provides appropriations to USDA for the Foreign Agricultural Service, including Food for Peace Title II Grants and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants. Provides appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration and the Farm Credit Administration. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017

Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing Act This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to specify that the following unwelcome conduct in or around a dwelling shall be considered sufficiently severe or pervasive as to constitute a discriminatory housing practice: (1) unwelcome touching of a sexual nature or groping; or (2) any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is intended to be coercive, threatening, or intimidating.

100 by '50 Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017

100 by '50 Act This bill calls for the United States to aggressively reduce carbon pollution as rapidly as practicable and achieve 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050. It provides financial support (e.g., grant programs and loans) for clean and renewable energy, including support for affordable zero-emission vehicle-based public transportation, solar energy, and energy efficiency retrofits in homes. The bill provides job training, unemployment compensation, health benefits, and pension and other benefits and services to adversely affected workers employed in the fossil fuel energy sector. The bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to create annual caps on fossil fuel electricity beginning in 2022 and ending in 2050 when it is phased out. The Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a grant program for energy storage and dispatchable energy technologies. The bill provides financial incentives (e.g., tax credits and grants) for clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency improvements, and energy storage. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to establish a zero-emission vehicle standard. In addition, it establishes: (1) a carbon fee to transition the commercial aviation, maritime transportation, and rail sectors away from fossil fuel usage; (2) grant programs for zero-emission vehicles; (3) a national highway decarbonization grant program; and (4) tax credits for electric vehicles, hybrid trucks, biofuels, and alternative fuels. DOE must also establish a zero-emission residential and commercial heating grant program. The bill: (1) terminates specified fossil fuel subsidies, and (2) creates a climate duty for carbon-intensive products imported from other countries. The Department of the Treasury must issue climate bonds. The proceeds of the bonds must be deposited in the Climate Fund, which may be used to carry out the bill.

Prioritize Housing for Homeless Veterans Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017

Prioritize Housing for Homeless Veterans Act of 201 7 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in making certain Veterans Affairs-Supported Housing program funds available among public-housing agencies (PHAs) for rental voucher assistance for homeless veterans who have chronic mental illnesses or chronic substance-use disorders, to: (1) consider, together with current factors, the extent of availability in the areas served by PHAs of housing that is affordable to low-income families; and (2) give priority to metropolitan areas having an efficiency fair-market rent that has increased by more than 10% over the most recent five-year period for which such information is available.

Frank Adelmann Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017

Frank Adelmann Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit equal to 75% of the gain from the sale or exchange of real property to a qualified manufactured home community cooperative or corporation if: (1) the property is acquired for use as a manufactured home community, (2) the seller (or any related person) owned the property for at least two years before the sale or exchange, and (3) the property is transferred subject to a binding covenant that the property will be used as a manufactured home community for at least 50 years. A "qualified manufactured home community cooperative or corporation" is a cooperative or a nonprofit corporation established pursuant to the laws of the state in which the property is located. The bill specifies membership and governance requirements for the communities owned by the cooperative or nonprofit corporation. The bill also imposes a tax on buyers who violate the covenant to use the property for manufactured housing for at least 50 years.

Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017

Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit equal to 75% of the gain from the sale or exchange of real property to a qualified manufactured home community cooperative or corporation if: (1) the property is acquired for use as a manufactured home community, (2) the seller (or any related person) owned the property for the entire two-year period before the sale or exchange, and (3) the property is transferred subject to a binding covenant that the property will be used as a manufactured home community for at least 50 years. A "qualified manufactured home community cooperative or corporation" is a cooperative or a nonprofit corporation established pursuant to the laws of the state in which the property is located. The bill specifies membership and governance requirements for the communities owned by the cooperative or nonprofit corporation. The bill also imposes a tax on buyers who violate the covenant to use the property for manufactured housing for at least 50 years.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2017

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Provides appropriations to USDA for Agricultural Programs, including: the Office of the Secretary; Executive Operations; the Office of the Chief Information Officer; the Office of the Chief Financial Officer; the Office of Civil Rights; Hazardous Materials Management; the Office of Inspector General; the Office of the General Counsel; the Office of Ethics; the Economic Research Service; the National Agricultural Statistics Service; the Agricultural Research Service; the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service; the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; and the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Provides appropriations to USDA for Farm Production and Conservation Programs, including: the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund, and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Provides appropriations to USDA for Rural Development Programs, including: Rural Development Salaries and Expenses, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, the Rural Utilities Service, and the Rural Economic Infrastructure Account. Provides appropriations to USDA for the Food and Nutrition Service, including: Child Nutrition Programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program); the Commodity Assistance Program; and Nutrition Programs Administration. Provides appropriations to USDA for the Foreign Agricultural Service, including Food for Peace Title II Grants and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants. Provides appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 13 July 2017

Securing Access to Affordable Mortgages Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Securing Access to Affordable Mortgages Act This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to exempt from property appraisal requirements a mortgage loan of $250,000 or less if it appears on the loan creditor's balance sheet for at least three years. The bill exempts mortgage lenders and others involved in real estate transactions from incurring penalties for failing to report appraiser misconduct.

Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 This bill revises education and related benefits provided to veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors. The bill amends the Post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to: remove certain time restrictions on program use; increase assistance for reservists, guardsmen, dependents, and surviving spouses and dependents; provide full eligibility for Post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients and certain reservists and guardsmen; provide an extra academic years' worth of benefits for STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) degree candidates; establish a five-year pilot program for high technology courses; restore eligibility for service members whose school closes in the middle of a semester; authorize funding to improve claims processing; permit assistance to be used at certain institutions that are not institutions of higher education; and pro-rate the housing stipend for reservists called to active duty. The bill authorizes the Edith Nurse Rogers STEM Scholarship to help veterans complete STEM degrees. The Yellow Ribbon program is extended to Fry Scholarship recipients (surviving dependents of service members who died on active duty) and certain Purple Heart recipients. (The Yellow Ribbon program helps veterans pay for higher education tuition and fee costs not covered by the Post-9/11 program.) The bill: (1) extends the Advisory Committee on Education, (2) increases survivors' and dependents' educational assistance, and (3) extends funding for state educational program approving agencies.

Do No Harm Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Do No Harm Act This bill makes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) inapplicable to federal laws (or implementations of laws) that: protect against discrimination or the promotion of equal opportunity, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, Executive Order 11246 (concerning equal employment opportunity), the Violence Against Women Act, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) rules entitled "Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity"; require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for, any health care item or service. Under current law, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. The bill makes RFRA inapplicable to: (1) terms requiring goods, services, functions, or activities to be performed or provided to beneficiaries of government contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or awards; or (2) denials of a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. To assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.

Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 201 8 Provides FY2018 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. Excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills. Provides appropriations to DOD for: Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. Provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including: the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug-Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account. Provides appropriations for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations to DOD. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Disaster Assistance Equity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Disaster Assistance Equity Act of 2017 This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to modify the definition of "private nonprofit facility" to include any facilities (including roads, bridges, sewer systems, and other critical community infrastructure) owned or operated by a common interest community that provide essential services of a governmental nature. The bill also defines additional terms under such Act, including "condominium" and "housing cooperative." "Common interest community" is defined as: (1) any nonprofit mandatory membership organization comprised of owners of real estate (other than a condominium or housing cooperative) described in a declaration or created pursuant to a covenant or other applicable law with respect to which a person, by virtue of the person's ownership of a unit, is obligated to pay for a share of real estate taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance or improvement of, or services or other expenses related to, common elements, other units, or any other real estate other than the unit described in the declaration; and (2) a condominium project that is comprised entirely of detached single family units or that is comprised of four or more multi-unit housing structures and that owns or operates facilities that provide essential services of a governmental nature. The bill amends such Act to provide that for purposes of the provision of federal disaster assistance with respect to residential elements that are the legal responsibility of an association for a condominium or housing cooperative, the terms "individual" or "household" include the association. The President must determine the maximum amount of assistance that any such association may receive under such Act for a single disaster.

Supporting Future Educators Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Supporting Future Educators Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish the Strengthen-Our-Schools Grant Program, which shall award competitive, renewable five-year grants to local education agencies to fund: teaching residency programs, including distance-learning facilities or infrastructure, mentor teacher incentives, resident salaries, and resident tuition; additional credit requirements for a teacher to become licensed in a second subject area or earn an additional qualification that meets a specific need of the school; additional credit requirements needed to qualify teachers to teach dual or concurrent enrollment programs; and housing supplements or special housing programs to support prospective teachers in high-need districts. Not less than 10% of available grant funds shall be directed to programs that address teacher shortages in rural school districts. ED must create a national database of qualified mentor teachers who can provide student-teacher supervision to participants in teacher preparation programs.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations for Military Construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies. Provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for Military Construction for: the Army; the Navy and Marine Corps; the Air Force; Defense-wide agencies and activities; the Army and Air National Guard; and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves. Provides appropriations to DOD for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program. Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Provides appropriations to DOD for Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities. Provides appropriations to DOD for the Family Housing Improvement Fund and the Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund. Provides appropriations to the VA for: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental Administration. Provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including: the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Cemeterial Expenses of the Army, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Provide appropriations to DOD for Overseas Contingency Operations Military Construction projects of: the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Public Housing Capital Repair Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2017

Public Housing Capital Repair Fund Act This bill reauthorizes the Public Housing Capital Fund Program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 through FY2020. The Department of Housing and Urban Development shall: (1) provide grants to public housing agencies (PHAs) for capital repairs that reduce health hazards in dwelling units, including mold hazards and lead-based paint hazards; and (2) make such grants to address the unmet capital needs of large, mid-size, and small PHAs.

PUPPERS Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2017

Preventing Unkind and Painful Procedures and Experiments on Respected Species Act of 2017 or the PUPPERS Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs, in carrying out research within the Veterans Health Administration, from purchasing, breeding, transporting, housing, feeding, maintaining, disposing of, or experimenting on dogs as part of the conduct of any study that causes significant pain or distress.

PRINCIPLES OF HOUSING FINANCE REFORM

United States · United States Senate · 29 June 2017

Public Housing Tenant Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Public Housing Tenant Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2017 Public Housing One-for-One Replacement and Tenant Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 regarding: (1) demolition, disposition, or both pursuant to conversion of any public housing unit; and (2) the taking of public housing units through the use of eminent domain. The bill exempts from specified requirements for demolition and disposition of public housing, public housing projects removed from a public housing agency (PHA) inventory under the program for conversion of demolished or distressed public housing dwelling units to tenant-based assistance. Real property containing dwelling units in public housing is excluded from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal regulations or any substantially similar regulations with respect to: certain real estate; and implementing HUD requirements for demolition or disposition of public housing projects, and conversion of public housing to tenant-based assistance. Public Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation Act of 2017 The public housing Capital and Operating Funds are reauthorized. HUD may guarantee notes or other obligations issued by PHAs to finance: (1) the rehabilitation of PHA public housing; (2) the modernization of such housing through energy efficiency improvements; or (3) the construction, rehabilitation, purchase, or conversion of public housing units to replace any demolished, disposed of, or converted. Requirements are specified for PHAs that utilize housing tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code for rental housing units. The bill eliminates a specified limitation on the use of amounts from the Capital Fund or Operation Fund by a PHA to construct new public housing units. Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2017 HUD must make competitive grants to local governments, PHAs, or nonprofit entities owning a major housing project to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty and severely distressed housing. Together We Care Act of 2017 HUD shall establish a competitive grant pilot program for eligible entities to train public housing residents as home health aides and as providers of home-based health services for residents of public housing or federally-assisted rental housing who are elderly, disabled, or both.

Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency to jointly establish and implement a pilot demonstration program to provide, to eligible applicants with federal student loan debt, assistance in purchasing eligible properties. Specifically, the program may provide for: (1) discounts on the appraised value of eligible properties, (2) flexibility in certain underwriting standards, (3) the development of new mortgage products specifically targeted to eligible applicants, (4) the development of a program that uses actuarial information to determine how the repayment of federal student loans may be integrated into a mortgage repayment schedule to allow eligible applicants to accumulate home equity, and (5) other appropriate assistance. An "eligible property" is a property: (1) that is designed as a dwelling for occupancy by one to four families; (2) that is safe and habitable; (3) the occupancy of which will promote community revitalization; and (4) that is owned by HUD, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

Supporting the protection of the name Harlem.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Supports: (1) the protection of the name Harlem, (2) imposing limitations on the ability to change the name of a neighborhood based on economic gain, and (3) the inclusion of community input and consideration of community residents in any decision to change the name of the Harlem neighborhood in New York City. Declares that a single entity should not have jurisdiction to change the name of a neighborhood and encourages a formal and public vote as a requirement for any such change. Expresses hope that GPS manufacturers will recognize Harlem as an official destination for travelers.

Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act of 2017 This bill declares that, if a veteran is forced to discontinue a course as a result of a a permanent school closure and did not receive credit, could not transfer credit, or lost training time toward completion of the education program, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance payments shall not, for a specified period of time, be: charged against the individual's entitlement to educational assistance, or counted against the aggregate period for which such assistance may be provided. The bill applies to courses and programs of education discontinued in FY2015 or a following fiscal year. The VA may continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in specified courses for up to 4 weeks in any 12-month period when schools are temporarily closed under an established policy based on an executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation. The VA may also continue to pay a monthly housing stipend following a permanent school closure, but only until the earlier of: (1) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester during which the school closure occurred; and (2) the date that is four months after the school closure.

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill extends through FY2022 the Department of Labor's: (1) homeless veterans reintegration programs, and (2) homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration grant program. Currently, the homeless veterans reintegration programs provide job training, counseling, and placement services to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force. The bill expands eligibility for the programs to include: (1) veterans participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing Program, (2) Native American veterans receiving assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996, (3) veterans who are transitioning from being incarcerated, and (4) veterans participating in the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.

Expressing support for the designation of June 21 as National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to promote children's health and gun safety.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2017

Expresses support for the designation of National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to encourage parents to begin asking the question, "Is there an unlocked gun in your house?" before their child visits other homes.

EMPOWERS Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2017

Economic Mobility, Prosperity, and Opportunity with Waivers that Enable Reforms for States Act of 2017 or the EMPOWERS Act of 2017 This bill establishes the Interagency Board for Empowering Low-Income Families and allows a governor to apply to the board for a four-year waiver from certain federal assistance program requirements. Specifically, under such a waiver, the governor's state may consolidate, replace, or alter eligibility requirements for two or more specified federal assistance programs related to nutrition, housing, income, foster care and adoption, and other social and community services. The board must evaluate waiver applications on the basis of whether a proposed project promotes employment, family stability, and financial literacy and savings with respect to program participants. Specified provisions are excluded from waiver authority. The bill specifies waiver application requirements, deadlines and processes for review of applications, and limitations on project funding.

Evan's Law

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2017

Evan's Law This bill requires the military department concerned to ensure that any window of a military family housing unit the bottom sill of which is within 36 inches of the floor is equipped with fall prevention devices that protect against unintentional falls by young children and that comply with applicable International Building Code (IBC) standards. Each department must brief the House Committee on Armed Services on the implementation of such requirement and include in the briefing: (1) a plan to retrofit existing military family housing units to meet such requirement; (2) the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of expanding such requirement to apply to windows with higher sills, modifying such requirement to require windows to be equipped with additional fall prevention devices that meet specified criteria, or extending such requirement to private housing leased or otherwise used by military families; and (3) the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of other potential methods to protect against unintentional window falls by young children in military family housing units.

Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat a pre-apprenticeship program as a program of apprenticeship, for purposes of providing educational assistance: (1) if such pre-apprenticeship program is recognized under or compliant with relevant state standards for a postsecondary pre-apprenticeship program, or (2) in the case of a program for which a state does not require any such standards, if the curriculum of the pre-apprenticeship program is approved by a sponsor who certifies that the program will prepare an individual with skills and competencies needed to enroll in a registered apprenticeship program and the pre-apprenticeship program maintains conduct and attendance policies in accordance with such sponsor. A covered individual enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program must receive the same amount and kind of educational assistance the individual would receive if the individual were enrolled in a program of apprenticeship, with an exception of specified housing assistance if the individual is not paid as part of such pre-apprenticeship program.

Foreclosure Fairness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

Foreclosure Fairness Act of 2017 This bill prohibits a court, in the case of any federally related mortgage loan, from entering a deficiency judgment requiring the mortgagor to pay any remaining balance on the mortgage loan after a foreclosure sale of the mortgaged property.

National Homeowners Bill of Rights Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

National Homeowners Bill of Rights Act of 2017 This bill requires servicers of federally related mortgage loans to (1) establish for each borrower's account a single electronic record accessible throughout the servicer and available to all relevant staff; (2) maintain a website where borrowers may check their estimated net present value; and (3) provide free interpretation services to borrowers. The bill also (1) establishes a loan-modification process to reduce the payments of eligible borrowers, (2) directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to appoint a Mortgage Servicer Ombudsman, and (3) establishes certain limits on foreclosure sales.

Keeping Families Home Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

Keeping Families Home Act of 2017 This bill directs certain mortgage servicers to establish deed-for-lease programs that allow eligible mortgagors, in lieu of foreclosure agreements, to remain in their homes as renters.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations for Military Construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies. Provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for Military Construction for: the Army; the Navy and Marine Corps; the Air Force; Defense-wide agencies and activities; the Army and Air National Guard; and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves. Provides appropriations to DOD for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program. Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Provides appropriations to DOD for Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities. Provides appropriations to DOD for the Family Housing Improvement Fund and the Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund. Provides appropriations to the VA for: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental Administration. Provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including: the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Cemeterial Expenses of the Army, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Provide appropriations to DOD for Overseas Contingency Operations Military Construction projects of: the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to replace provisions that established the Public Lands Corps with provisions establishing the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) to: engage youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to conserve, rebuild, and enhance the natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets of the United States; increase public access to, and use of, public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources, while spurring economic development and outdoor recreation and addressing backlogged maintenance on public land; conserve, restore, and enhance such resources by carrying out high-quality, cost-effective projects; ensure that the activities and expertise of corpsmembers will be accessible to any public, nonprofit, or tribal entity responsible for the stewardship of land and water in coordination with the land or water owner; place youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance U.S. natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets in a cost-effective manner without undue duplication or overlap of federal agency activities or programs; and channel widespread interest among youth and veterans in serving in such positions to help conserve, restore, and enhance public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and to develop the next generation of outdoor stewards, entrepreneurs, recreationists, and sportsmen. The 21CSC shall be implemented jointly by the participating entities, which shall include the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Labor, Energy, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Education, and Housing and Urban Development. Such entities shall: (1) establish a process for an organization to become a 21CSC organization, and (2) support 21CSC projects. A 21CSC organization shall provide to each youth or veteran corpsmember a wage, stipend, living allowance, and/or an educational credit, as well as skills development, credentials, and education, for participation in a 21CSC project that involves: specified conservation and restoration projects; the support, development, and enhancement of outdoor recreation or urban green space; service that is primarily indoors with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures; or a project on private land or water having a direct or recognized public or environmental benefit or the funding of which originated from a governmental entity. The bill sets forth provisions governing 21CSC conservation centers and program support, the provision of resource assistants, and Corpsmember eligibility for a noncompetitive hiring status and national service educational awards. A participating entity may offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with a tribal agency or a 21CSC organization to establish and administer the Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, which shall carry out 21CSC projects on tribal land or water.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to replace provisions that established the Public Lands Corps with provisions establishing the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) to: engage youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to conserve, rebuild, and enhance the natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets of the United States; increase public access to, and use of, public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources, while spurring economic development and outdoor recreation and addressing backlogged maintenance on public land; conserve, restore, and enhance such resources by carrying out high-quality, cost-effective projects; ensure that the activities and expertise of corpsmembers will be accessible to any public, nonprofit, or tribal entity responsible for the stewardship of land and water in coordination with the land or water owner; place youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance U.S. natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets in a cost-effective manner without undue duplication or overlap of federal agency activities or programs; and channel widespread interest among youth and veterans in serving in such positions to help conserve, restore, and enhance public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and to develop the next generation of outdoor stewards, entrepreneurs, recreationists, and sportsmen. The 21CSC shall be implemented jointly by the participating entities, which shall include the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Labor, Energy, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Education, and Housing and Urban Development. Such entities shall: (1) establish a process for an organization to become a 21CSC organization, and (2) support 21CSC projects. A 21CSC organization shall provide to each youth or veteran corpsmember a wage, stipend, living allowance, and/or an educational credit, as well as skills development, credentials, and education, for participation in a 21CSC project that involves: specified conservation and restoration projects; the support, development, and enhancement of outdoor recreation or urban green space; service that is primarily indoors with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures; or a project on private land or water having a direct or recognized public or environmental benefit or the funding of which originated from a governmental entity. The bill sets forth provisions governing 21CSC conservation centers and program support, the provision of resource assistants, and Corpsmember eligibility for a noncompetitive hiring status and national service educational awards. A participating entity may offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with a tribal agency or a 21CSC organization to establish and administer the Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, which shall carry out 21CSC projects on tribal land or water.

Anna Maria Farias, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Gustavo Velasquez Aguilar, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 20 June 2017

To amend the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to provide a temporary license for loan originators transitioning between employers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2017

This bill amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to temporarily allow loan originators that meet specified requirements to continue to originate loans after moving: (1) from one state to another, or (2) from a depository institution to a non-depository institution.

To amend the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to provide investment authority to support rural infrastructure development, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2017

This bill amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize Federal Home Loan Banks to make investments related to rural infrastructure development. Federal Home Loan Banks may purchase investment-grade securities from nonmember lenders that are organized as cooperatives, have received financing from the Federal Financing Bank, and have experience providing loans to cooperatives eligible to receive loans from the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service.

Housing Opportunity Mortgage Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Housing Opportunity Mortgage Expansion Act This bill amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to continue Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) membership for captive insurance companies that became members prior to publication of the proposed (now final) Federal Housing Finance Agency rule ending their FHLB membership. (A captive insurance company underwrites insurance for its parent company and does not provide insurance to the public.) The parent company must support residential mortgage activities.

Family Self-Sufficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Family Self-Sufficiency Act This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise the Family-Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, an employment and savings incentive program for families that reside in public housing or have housing vouchers. Specifically, the bill: combines existing, separately operated FSS programs into a single program; extends program eligibility to tenants of certain privately owned properties subsidized with project-based rental assistance; revises program requirements related to eligibility, supportive services, and escrow deposits; and otherwise modifies the FSS program.

Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use at least 5% of the amounts made available for rental assistance under the low-income housing assistance program to carry out a rental assistance and supported housing program, in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs, for the benefit of Indian veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and residing in or near an Indian area. Rental assistance shall be: (1) made available to recipients eligible for housing assistance block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996; and (2) awarded based on need, administrative capacity, and any other funding criteria established by HUD.

National Flood Insurance Program Policyholder Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

National Flood Insurance Program Policyholder Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to limit the flood insurance premium for a residential property having four or fewer residences to no more than $10,000 a year, subject to adjustments for future inflation. In determining premium rates, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall offer a rate reduction if policyholders implement specified flood damage mitigation methods. Mitigation techniques that qualify for a rate reduction include methods that can be utilized on a block or neighborhood scale, and the elevation of mechanical systems. FEMA shall conduct a study of the feasibility of providing coverage for individual units in cooperative housing projects.

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2018-FY2028 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.