Housing

Disability Integration Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015

Disability Integration Act of 2015 This bill prohibits states or local governments that provide institutional placements for individuals with disabilities who need long-term assistance with daily living activities or health-related tasks, and prohibits insurance providers that fund such long-term services, from denying community-based services that would enable such individuals, as an alternative to institutionalization, to live in the community and lead an independent life. States, local governments, or insurance providers may not discriminate against such individuals in the provision of community-based services by: (1) imposing prohibited eligibility criteria, cost caps, waiting lists, or payment structures; (2) failing to provide a specific community-based service; or (3) requiring an individual to receive a service in a congregate or disability-specific setting. Community-based services must be offered to individuals with such disabilities prior to institutionalization. Institutionalized individuals must be notified regularly of community-based alternatives. States, local governments, and public insurance providers must assess: (1) transportation barriers that prevent individuals from receiving services in integrated settings, and (2) the availability of integrated employment opportunities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must issue regulations requiring states, local governments, or insurance providers to offer community-based long-term services as an alternative to institutional placement. State and local governments, in conjunction with housing agencies, must ensure sufficient availability of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing that is not a disability-specific residential setting or a setting where services are tied to tenancy. Such regulations must also require states and local governments to begin implementing a transition plan to achieve the requirements of this Act within 12 years after its enactment. For 10 years after issuance of the regulations, HHS must determine annually whether each state is complying with the transition plan. If a state is complying, HHS must increase by five percentage points the federal medical assistance percentage for a state requesting an increase for expenditures on home and community-based services furnished under the state Medicaid plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, or a waiver of such plan, that are identified as: (1) improvements to ensure accessibility or self-directed receipt of such services, (2) funding shifts from institutional settings to integrated community-based services, or (3) environmental modifications for housing targeted toward the lowest income individuals. The bill provides for DOJ enforcement and allows civil actions by individuals subjected to, or about to be subjected to, a violation of this Act.

Youth Exchange Support Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015

Youth Exchange Support Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $50 to $400 per month the amount of the charitable contribution tax deduction for taxpayers who provide housing and support to a student enrolled in an educational program. This increased amount is adjusted for inflation for taxable years beginning after 2016.

FEMA Help and Education for Local Partners Act (FEMA HELP Act)

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2015

FEMA Help and Education for Local Partners Act (FEMA HELP Act) This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish and convene a multi-agency federal disaster assistance team to work and coordinate with state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders to develop a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery by using a full range of federal program funding resources through collaboration among FEMA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Highway Administration, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Department of Defense, the Army Corps of Engineers, and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. FEMA shall: (1) ensure that each coordinating officer is trained in a range of applicable disaster recovery funding programs across the team members, and (2) establish and publish guidelines and criteria for making and communicating decisions regarding funding eligibility and requirements for disaster recovery personnel across the team members.

METH Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2015

Meth Exposure to the Home Disclosure Act or the METH Disclosure Act This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and any other federal agency with knowledge of methamphetamine-based hazards, to promulgate regulations meeting certain criteria for the disclosure of methamphetamine-based hazards in housing (other than newly constructed or never occupied housing) offered for sale or lease. "Methamphetamine-based hazard" means any condition that causes exposure to any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine that would result in adverse human health effects. HUD may carry out necessary investigations, and any U.S. district court within the jurisdiction of which one is carried out may issue orders for compliance with it. The bill prescribes civil money penalties for violations of this Act.

Military Family Stability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2015

Military Family Stability Act of 2015 This bill allows a member of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station and the member's spouse to elect jointly that the spouse may relocate to the new location at the time during the covered relocation period as the member and spouse jointly select. The following families shall be eligible: the spouse is employed, or enrolled in a degree-, certificate-, or license-granting program, at the beginning of the covered relocation period; the member and spouse have one or more children in school; the spouse or children are covered under the Exceptional Family Member Program; the member and spouse are caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness; or the member is undergoing a permanent change of station as an individual augmentee or other deployment arrangement. Families with other needs may receive exceptions granted by military commanders on a case-by-case basis. A member undergoing a permanent change of station who has one or more specified dependents and is no longer married to the individual who is or was the parent of such dependents at the beginning of the covered period of relocation may elect that such dependents relocate to the new location as follows: by the member alone if the former spouse is dead or has no custodial rights, or by the member and the former spouse jointly in all other circumstances. A member may not make: more than three elections; or any election unless the member's period of obligated service, or the time remaining under the member's enlistment contract, at the time of election is at least 24 months. The bill prescribes related housing and housing allowance requirements. Transportation allowances authorized for personal property of a member and spouse may be allocated as the member and spouse select. The Department of Defense shall establish a single application approval process for coverage under this Act which shall apply uniformly among the Armed Forces.

Credit Score Competition Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2015

Credit Score Competition Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) to use credit scores in purchasing residential mortgages only under certain conditions, including that the GSE has established and made publicly available a description of the process it will use to validate and approve credit scoring models. The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency may, by regulation, establish standards and criteria for any process used by a GSE to validate and approve credit scoring models pursuant to the Acts.

American Clean Energy Investment Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2015

American Clean Energy Investment Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify tax provisions relating to energy. TITLE I--REDUCING CARBON POLLUTION AND CREATING JOBS BY TRANSITIONING TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOURCES This title makes permanent: (1) the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources, (2) the energy tax credit, and (3) the qualifying advanced energy project credit. The Department of the Treasury must provide grants to tax-exempt organizations for investment in specified energy property, including qualified fuel cell property, solar property, qualified small wind energy property, geothermal property, qualified microturbine property, combined heat and power system property, and geothermal heat pump property. The title expands the energy tax credit to allow a 30% credit for investment in offshore wind energy facilities. TITLE II--SAVING CONSUMERS AND BUSINESSES MONEY BY PROMOTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY This title makes permanent the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and updates the energy standard applicable to such buildings. Also made permanent are the tax credits for new energy efficient homes, for nonbusiness energy property, and for residential energy efficient property. TITLE III--HELPING AMERICANS MOVE BEYOND OIL This title: (1) eliminates the phaseout of the applicable percentage for the tax credit for investment in new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, (2) makes permanent the credit for two and three-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles, (3) increases the dollar limitation on the battery capacity for such vehicles from $5,000 to $7,500, and (4) makes the personal tax credit allowed for investment in such vehicles refundable. The title makes permanent: (1) the tax credit for investment in hybrid medium and heavy-duty trucks, and (2) the parity at $250 of the tax exclusion for employer-provided mass transit and parking benefits. The title extends through 2022: (1) the second generation biofuel producer credit, and (2) the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel, (3) the special depreciation allowance for second generation biofuel plant property, and (4) the tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property expenditures. New income and excise tax credits at $1.00 per gallon are allowed for the production of biodiesel and an increased credit is allowed for small biodiesel producers.

To amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to require voting members of the Financial Stability Oversight Council to testify before Congress at least twice each year when requested to do so or to otherwise permit certain Members of Congress to attend meetings of the Council whether or not such meetings are open to the public.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2015

This bill amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to: (1) require each voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council to testify at least twice each year before the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee if invited to do so; and (2) permit Members of Congress who serve on such committees to attend council meetings, regardless of whether such meetings are open to the public, if in any year a council member fails to testify at least twice before each such committee after being invited to do so.

Military Family Stability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2015

Military Family Stability Act of 2015 This bill allows a member of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station and the member's spouse to elect jointly that the spouse may relocate to the new location at the time during the covered relocation period as the member and spouse jointly select. The following families shall be eligible: the spouse is employed, or enrolled in a degree-, certificate-, or license-granting program, at the beginning of the covered relocation period; the member and spouse have one or more children in school; the spouse or children are covered under the Exceptional Family Member Program; the member and spouse are caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness; or the member is undergoing a permanent change of station as an individual augmentee or other deployment arrangement. Families with other needs may receive exceptions granted by military commanders on a case-by-case basis. A member undergoing a permanent change of station who has one or more specified dependents and is no longer married to the individual who is or was the parent of such dependents at the beginning of the covered period of relocation may elect that such dependents relocate to the new location as follows: by the member alone if the former spouse is dead or has no custodial rights, or by the member and the former spouse jointly in all other circumstances. A member may not make: more than three elections; or any election unless the member's period of obligated service, or the time remaining under the member's enlistment contract, at the time of election is at least 24 months. The bill prescribes related housing and housing allowance requirements. Transportation allowances authorized for personal property of a member and spouse may be allocated as the member and spouse select. The Department of Defense shall establish a single application approval process for coverage under this Act which shall apply uniformly among the Armed Forces.

Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2015

Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act of 2015 This bill establishes the Federal Tangible Property Management Reform Board to identify opportunities for the federal government to significantly reduce the inventory of tangible property it holds and reduce its costs. The Board shall terminate six years after enactment of this Act. Each federal agency shall submit to the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) current data of all federal civilian real properties and all federal physical property owned, leased, or controlled by such agency and recommendations regarding: (1) federal tangible properties (federal physical property and federal civilian real property exceeding $50,000 in value) that can be disposed of or outleased because it no longer meets the needs of the agency or that can be transferred, consolidated, or redeveloped to reduce the inventory, reduce operating costs, and create the highest return for the taxpayer; and (2) operational efficiencies that may be realized in the operation and maintenance of such properties. The OMB shall review agency recommendations, develop standards for reviewing such recommendations, and submit such standards and its recommendations to the Board. The Board shall: (1) identify at least five federal civilian real properties with a total fair market value of at least $500 million and at least five federal moveable physical properties with a total fair market value of not less than $100,000 that are not on the list of surplus or excess, which properties shall be treated as agency recommendations; (2) analyze the inventory of federal tangible property and the associated recommendations; (3) implement a system of accounting to evaluate the cost of and returns on such recommendations; and (4) report its conclusions and recommendations to the OMB. The OMB shall: (1) review and report on its approval, disapproval, or revision of the Board's recommendations; and (2) report information about the properties involved to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each agency shall: (1) carry out approved recommendations within six years, and (2) submit a report of excess to the GSA regarding the Board-identified properties for which recommendations have been approved. The GSA shall sell such properties for fair market value. HUD shall identify any suitable properties for use as a property benefitting the mission of assistance to the homeless for the purposes of further screening pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The Government Accountability Office shall annually review and report to Congress on agency implementation activities under this Act. The net proceeds of the disposition or lease of surplus tangible property or the transfer of surplus property to a federal agency for agency use shall be deposited into the tangible property account of the agency that had custody of the property at the time it was determined to be excess. Such proceeds may be expended only as authorized in annual appropriations Acts. Any net proceeds that are not expended shall be used for deficit reduction. The net proceeds of the disposition, lease, or transfer of excess personal property shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. The GSA shall publish a database of all federal tangible property under the custody and control of all federal agencies, with a national security exclusion. The bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to allow the use of surplus property to provide permanent housing with or without supportive services to assist the homeless.

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2015

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2015 This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to furnish to a consumer reporting agency information relating to the performance of a consumer in making payments: (1) under a lease agreement for a dwelling, including a lease in which HUD provides subsidized payments; or (2) pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. Information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications services may be furnished to a consumer reporting agency only to the extent that such information relates to payment by the consumer for such services or other terms of the provision of such services, including any deposit, discount, or conditions for interruption or termination of service. An energy utility firm may not report payment information to a consumer reporting agency with respect to an outstanding balance of a consumer as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of such plan. The bill amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to make provisions regarding civil liability to consumers of persons for willful or negligent noncompliance with requirements imposed by such Act on credit reporting agencies inapplicable to any violation of this Act.

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2015

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2015 This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to furnish to a consumer reporting agency information relating to the performance of a consumer in making payments: (1) under a lease agreement for a dwelling, including a lease in which HUD provides subsidized payments; or (2) pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. Information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications services may be furnished to a consumer reporting agency only to the extent that the information relates to payment by the consumer for such services or other terms of the provision of such services, including any deposit, discount, or conditions for interruption or termination of service. An energy utility firm may not report payment information to a consumer reporting agency with respect to an outstanding balance of a consumer as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of such plan.

Prompt Notification of Short Sales Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2015

Prompt Notification of Short Sales Act This bill requires each servicer of a home mortgage to provide in writing to a mortgagor of a residential mortgage loan specified prompt notifications and decisions regarding the mortgagor's written request for a short sale of the dwelling or residential real property subject to the mortgage, deed of trust, or other security interest securing the mortgage loan. An aggrieved individual may bring a civil action for equitable relief and a monetary award of $1,000 for any violation of this Act. This bill shall not apply to certain residential mortgages entered into before its enactment whose mortgage agreements explicitly provide a procedure or terms for a short sale approval.

Clean Energy Victory Bond Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2015

Clean Energy Victory Bond Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to issue, and promote the purchase of, Clean Energy Victory Bonds to pay for the energy-related tax benefits established or extended by this Act. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: extend through 2023 the tax credit for investment in solar energy property, geothermal heat pumps, fuel cell property, microturbine property, combined heat and power system property, and small wind energy property; allow an energy tax credit for investment in offshore wind facilities placed in service before January 1, 2022; extend through 2024 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements; extend through 2023 the placed-in-service requirement for wind facilities and other renewable energy facilities for purposes of the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources; extend through 2023 the tax credit for nonbusiness residential energy property; allow a new tax credit, through 2024, for home energy efficiency improvements that increase energy efficiency by at least 20%; extend through 2023 the tax credit for new energy efficient homes; and increase, and extend through 2023, the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a voluntary voucher program, through 2018, for the purchase of plug-in electric vehicles.

Public Housing Accountability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2015

Public Housing Accountability Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to add a requirement for periodic review of family income with respect to rental assistance for low-income families. Reviews of family income shall be made at any time the family income changes by an amount estimated to result in an increase of 10% or more in annual adjusted income (or such other amount as the Department of Housing and Urban Development may establish). A public housing agency (PHA) or owner may elect not to conduct such a review in the last three months of a period during which the family is certified eligible for rental assistance. The bill also revises the authorization for a PHA that owns or operates fewer than 250 units to lease a dwelling unit in a public housing project, on a month-to-month basis, to an over-income family if there are no eligible families applying to the PHA for housing assistance for that month. The PHA must give a 30-day notice-to-vacate, subject to a specified appeal procedure, to any family determined over-income because of an income review.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that homelessness in America should be eliminated.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Expresses the sense of Congress regarding: elimination of homelessness by 2020; expanded funding for the Section 8 rental housing voucher program; substantial additional funding to the National Housing Trust Fund; increased funding for job training and related programs; a federal "housing first" policy linking housing with supportive services for persons with special needs; and permanent housing connected to employment, transportation, and job training programs for American families and individuals.

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2015

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions related to financial aid and educational programs for children and youths who are homeless or in foster care. With respect to a student's independence for purposes of financial aid, a financial aid administrator must: (1) in the absence of conflicting information, accept a homelessness determination made by an authorized individual; and (2) make such a determination if the student cannot get documentation from a designated authority. A student who is determined to be independent on this basis shall generally be presumed to be independent for a subsequent award year at the same institution. The bill expands the duties of the Student Loan Ombudsman to include the review and resolution of complaints regarding such determinations. To be eligible for certain federal funds, an institution must meet specified requirements related to student housing, coordination, and notice of financial assistance eligibility with respect to children and youths who are homeless or in foster care. In approving applications for entities to carry out specified programs related to higher education, the Department of Education shall require an entity to make specified assurances with respect to the participation of children and youths who are homeless or in foster care. A federal work-study agreement must prioritize employment for such students. For purposes of income-based financial aid determinations, the bill excludes from income: (1) the value of specified vouchers for education and training, and (2) direct payments made through an extended foster care program. With respect to children or youths who are homeless or in foster care, a state may not charge a tuition rate that is higher than the in-state tuition rate.

Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2015

Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to subject a small public housing agency (PHA) to the same requirements as a PHA. A small PHA is a PHA for which the sum of the number of public housing dwelling units and the number of vouchers under Section 8 (tenant-based assistance) it administers is 550 or fewer. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall: carry out physical inspections of a small PHA public housing project at least once every three years, unless it is a troubled small PHA; determine the financial condition of a small PHA public housing program solely on the basis of the ratio of current assets to current liabilities; and determine management condition of a small PHA public housing program solely on the basis of the ratio of vacant unit months to eligible unit months. A small PHA administering Section 8 tenant-based assistance under the housing voucher program must make physical inspections of assisted units at least once every three years. HUD shall evaluate the management of a small PHA's voucher program solely on the basis of its lease-up rate or the budget utilization rate, which must be at least 90% to be acceptable. HUD shall designate a small PHA as a high-performing agency if it exceeds acceptability criteria. HUD may designate a small PHA as a troubled small PHA with respect to its public housing program or housing voucher program only if it meets certain negative criteria. HUD shall establish an appeals process for a small PHA to dispute a determination of deficiency. HUD and a troubled small PHA shall enter into a one-year corrective action agreement (renewable at HUD option) under which the small PHA must undertake actions to correct deficiencies. The bill prescribes and/or revises requirements to reduce the administrative burden on small PHAs with respect to: certain reports; community service; economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons; exemption of a small PHA administering not more than 400 public housing dwelling units, upon request, from any asset management requirement; exemption from environmental review for a development or modernization project with a total cost of not more than $100,000; and streamlined HUD procedures for such reviews. HUD shall carry out a demonstration project to examine how various methods of determining rent in public housing affect the administrative burden on small PHAs and public housing residents. The bill establishes rent-setting mechanisms for demonstration project participants based on: (1) a tiered system for initial rents for extremely low-income families, very low-income families, and low-income families; (2) a certain range of gross income percentages; or (3) the existing method for establishing rents. A small PHA may elect to be paid for its utility and waste management costs under a HUD assistance formula for a period, at its discretion, of up to 20 years based on its average annual consumption during the three-year period preceding the year in which the election is made. HUD shall develop and deploy all electronic information systems necessary to accommodate full consolidated reporting by PHAs electing to operate in consortia.

Family Unification, Preservation, and Modernization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2015

Family Unification, Preservation, and Modernization Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to the Family Unification Program (FUP) under which eligible youth aged 18-24 who left foster care at age 16 or older and who lack adequate housing may receive Housing Choice Vouchers (for section 8 tenant-based or project-based assistance) for a period of time. These Vouchers shall be available also for any such youth who will leave foster care within 90 days and who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The period of assistance for such youth shall be extended from 18 to 36 months, and may be extended beyond 36 months to accord with the length of the youth's contract of participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program helps Voucher program participants and public housing tenants obtain employment that will enable participating families to achieve economic independence. The bill prescribes requirements for applications for FUP allocations. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall provide guidance to public child welfare agencies and public housing agencies (PHAs) to improve system coordination and implementation of assistance. HUD may develop a program for incentive payments to PHAs that improve connections between FUP assistance recipients with FSS programs. Part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants for FY2017-FY2025 to eligible applicants to cover up to 75% of the costs of supportive services, including case management services, for at least 12 months to recipients of FUP housing assistance.

Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2015

Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various tax credits and deductions relating to energy and to repeal certain tax preferences for oil and gas activities. TITLE I--EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF ENERGY TAX PROVISIONS This title extends through 2016: the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property; the tax credit for new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles; the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; the tax credit for second generation biofuel production; the tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel and biodiesel mixtures; the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources; the tax credit for energy-efficient new homes; the special depreciation allowance for second generation biofuel plant property; the tax deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings; tax deferral rules for sales or dispositions of qualified electric facilities; and excise tax credits for alternative fuels and alternative fuel mixtures. The title also revises the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel fuels to allow an increased credit for small biodiesel producers. TITLE II--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS This title amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the energy tax credit to solar energy, fuel cell, microturbine, combined heat and power system, small wind energy, and thermal energy properties the construction of which begins before January 1, 2017; (2) modify capacity limitations for combined heat and power system property; (3) allow an energy tax credit for waste heat to power property; (4) define "qualified small wind energy property" for purposes of the energy tax credit; (5) allow renewable and alternative fuel projects to operate as publicly-traded partnerships; and (6) permit additional allocations of qualifying advanced energy project tax credits. TITLE III--ENDING OIL AND GAS TAX SUBSIDIES The title modifies or eliminates oil and gas tax subsidies by: increasing to seven years the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenditures; repealing after 2015 the tax credits for producing oil and gas from marginal wells and for enhanced oil recovery; repealing after 2015 the tax deduction for the intangible drilling and development costs of oil and gas wells; repealing percentage depletion for oil and gas wells and the tax deduction for tertiary injectants; repealing the exception to passive loss rules for interests in oil and gas properties; repealing the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities involving oil and gas; prohibiting the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting method for major integrated oil companies; and limiting the foreign tax credit for dual capacity taxpayers (i.e., taxpayers who are subject to a levy of a foreign country or U.S. possession and who receive specific economic benefits from such country or possession).

A bill to provide for rental assistance for homeless or at-risk Indian veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a rental assistance and supportive housing program, in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for the benefit of Indian veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and who are residing on or near Indian areas. 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 HUD funding criteria.

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions related to financial aid and educational programs for children and youths who are homeless or in foster care. With respect to a student's independence for purposes of financial aid, a financial aid administrator must: (1) in the absence of conflicting information, accept a homelessness determination made by an authorized individual; and (2) make such a determination if the student cannot get documentation from a designated authority. A student who is determined to be independent on this basis shall generally be presumed to be independent for a subsequent award year at the same institution. The bill expands the duties of the Student Loan Ombudsman to include the review and resolution of complaints regarding such determinations. To be eligible for certain federal funds, an institution must meet specified requirements related to student housing, coordination, and notice of financial assistance eligibility with respect to children and youths who are homeless or in foster care. In approving applications for entities to carry out specified programs related to higher education, the Department of Education shall require an entity to make specified assurances with respect to the participation of children and youths who are homeless or in foster care. A federal work-study agreement must prioritize employment for such students. For purposes of income-based financial aid determinations, the bill excludes from income: (1) the value of specified vouchers for education and training, and (2) direct payments made through an extended foster care program. With respect to children or youths who are homeless or in foster care, a state may not charge a tuition rate that is higher than the in-state tuition rate.

Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2015 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall provide mental health care to a veteran who: has a mental health issue resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other health condition incurred or aggravated on active duty; and lives in a rural or highly rural area. Such care may be provided by contracting with or providing payments to mental health care providers that are not VA-affiliated. Care shall be provided if: a VA-affiliated mental health care provider is not available at the nearest VA medical facility and in-person and telehealth VA mental health care services are not available, or travel to a regional VA medical center is impractical or severely detrimental to the veteran's health; and a VA-affiliated mental health care provider has recommended a complementary and alternative therapy to a veteran who is a member of an Indian tribe or a Native Hawaiian who requests a healing method that is part of his or her cultural tradition. The VA may: award grants to state veterans agencies, veterans service organizations, and tribal organizations to provide transportation to and from medical centers to veterans in rural and highly rural areas who would otherwise be eligible for payment of travel expenses by the VA; and carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility of providing a housing allowance to health care providers who become VA employees and accept assignment at rural or highly rural community-based outpatient clinics. The VA shall establish a program to train health care professionals for assignment at community-based outpatient clinics that predominantly serve veterans who live in rural and highly rural areas. The VA and the Department of Defense shall jointly establish a program to encourage members of the Armed Forces with a health care-related military occupational specialty to seek post-service employment with the Veterans Health Administration. The VA shall: periodically assess rural community-based outpatient clinics to determine whether their expansion and improvement are feasible or advisable, and report on the feasibility of establishing a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in each area in which the nearest such center or site is more than 300 miles away.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015 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 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 beginning with FY2015. 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.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015 This bill declares that, if a veteran is forced to discontinue a course as a result of an educational institution's permanent closure 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 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 school closures beginning with FY2015. 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.

Housing Our Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Housing Our Heroes Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin a three-year pilot grant program to assess the feasibility of awarding grants to eligible entities to purchase and renovate abandoned homes for homeless veterans. Eligible entities are: (1) veterans service agencies and organizations, (2) homeless organizations, and (3) other nongovernmental organizations. The Veterans Homelessness Grant Fund is established in the Treasury. The VA shall give grant priority to communities with the greatest need of homeless services, and may give grant priority to achieve geographic grant distribution.

Reduce Homelessness for Female Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Reduce Homelessness for Female Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract for a survey of a statistically valid sample of homeless female veterans which shall be made available to the public.

Strengthen Employment And Seasonal Opportunities Now (SEASON) Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

Strengthen Employment And Seasonal Opportunities Now (SEASON) Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide, effective as if enacted on January 1, 2015, that a returning H-2B visa alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who has already been counted toward the applicable numerical limitation during one of the three preceding fiscal years: (1) shall not again be counted toward such limitation during a fiscal year, but (2) shall be considered a returning worker. "Other temporary service or labor" for H-2B purposes means that an employer's need for labor will not exceed 1 year and is a seasonal (not to exceed 10 months), peak load, or intermittent need, unless it is a one-time occurrence not exceeding 3 years. An H-2B employer shall file an employee petition with the Department of Homeland Security. Additional filings with the Department of Labor are not required. H-2B employer requirements are set forth regarding: (1) petitions, (2) admissions and maximum stay in status, (3) housing, (4) enforcement, (5) transportation, (6) recruitment, (7) U.S. worker protections, and (8) wages. An H-2B worker shall not be entitled to: (1) tax credit assistance for a qualified health plan, and shall be subject to plan rules applicable to individuals not lawfully present in the United States; (2) the child tax credit; and (3) the earned income tax credit.

Expressing support for the efforts of the Republic of Turkey, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Lebanese Republic to provide housing, educational opportunities, health care, and other forms of humanitarian assistance to individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Syria.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2015

Commends the leadership of Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon in providing refuge and assistance to the people fleeing the conflict in Syria. Recognizes the strain that hosting such significant numbers of refugees can place on public services, particularly for education and health, and the need to mitigate the impact of these stresses on host communities. Expresses sympathy to the Syrian refugees and their families for the loss of life, displacement, and massive destruction caused by this regional conflict. Condemns the loss of innocent civilian life during the course of the conflict in Syria.

Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2015

Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2015 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare that, effective as if enacted on January 1, 2015, a returning H-2B visa alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who has already been counted toward the applicable numerical limitation shall: not again be counted toward that limitation in the current fiscal year, but shall be considered a returning worker; and shall be counted again toward the limitation if the alien departs the United States for a period longer than one year, or was not counted toward the limitation in any of the three most recent fiscal years. "Other temporary service or labor" for H-2B purposes means that an employer's labor need will last: (1) at most 1 year if peak load or intermittent, unless it is a one-time occurrence not to exceed 3 years; or (2) not to exceed 10 months if the employer's need is seasonal. An H-2B employer shall file an employee petition with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which shall have exclusive authority to issue rules and final determinations for the H-2B visa program. H-2B employer requirements are set forth regarding: (1) petitions, (2) admissions and maximum stay in status, (3) housing, (4) enforcement, (5) transportation, (6) recruitment, (7) U.S. worker protections, (8) wages, and (9) absconding workers. DHS shall consult with the Department of State to develop an electronic notification system to notify the latter within 48 hours after an H-2B petition's final approval.

Disaster Assistance Equity Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2015

Disaster Assistance Equity Act of 2015 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.

TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016

United States · United States Senate · 28 October 2015

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2015

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify the establishment of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The FLETC must be headed by a director who reports directly to the DHS Secretary. The bill sets forth functions of the director and training responsibilities of the FLETC. Additionally, it codifies existing contracting, purchasing, and spending authorities of the FLETC. Individuals who attend FLETC training must reside in FLETC housing, to the extent practicable.

Project-Based Voucher Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2015

Project-Based Voucher Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to the requirement that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) require local governments or other HUD-approved entities to make inspections and rent determinations for leased dwelling units (other than public housing dwelling units) that are owned by a public housing agency (PHA) administering section 8 low-income (voucher) rental assistance. "Owned by a PHA," for these purposes, means the dwelling unit is in a project owned by: the PHA, an entity wholly controlled by the PHA, or a limited liability company or limited partnership in which the PHA (or an entity wholly controlled by it) holds a controlling interest in the managing member or general partner. A dwelling unit shall not be deemed to be owned by a PHA for these purposes, however, merely because the PHA holds: a fee interest as ground lessor in the property on which the unit is situated, a security interest under a mortgage or deed of trust on the unit, or a non-controlling interest in an entity which owns the unit or in the managing member or general partner of an entity which owns the unit. In an exception to the prohibition against attaching to a PHA project more than 20% of funding available for tenant-based assistance, a PHA may use up to an additional 10% to provide units that: house homeless individuals and families, house families with veterans, provide supportive housing to persons with disabilities or elderly persons, or are located in areas where vouchers are difficult to use. The bill revises the income-mixing requirement for such projects to add to the current assistance limitation of a maximum 25 dwelling units per project an alternative limitation of 25% of such dwelling units. Neither limitation shall apply to dwelling units exclusively made available to elderly families or to households eligible for certain supportive services. The term of a housing assistance payment contract may increase from 15 to 20 years. The bill also revises requirements for rent adjustments.

THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN AMERICA: 50 YEARS OF HUD AND ITS IMPACT ON FEDERAL HOUSING POLICY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 October 2015

To require the withdrawal and study of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's proposed rule on Federal Home Loan Bank membership, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2015

This bill directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency to withdraw its proposed rule entitled "Members of Federal Home Loan Banks" (September 12, 2014). The Government Accountability Office shall report to certain congressional committees on the impact of the rule upon the Federal Home Loan Bank System and financial intermediaries.

THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN AMERICA: FEDERAL HOUSING REFORMS THAT CREATE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 October 2015

Nursing Home Accountability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2015

Nursing Home Accountability Act of 2015 This bill amends the National Housing Act to condition a nursing home's eligibility for a Section 232 loan upon its quality rating. (A Section 232 loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration and may be used to finance or refinance the purchase, construction, or renovation of a nursing home or assisted living facility.) A nursing home becomes ineligible for a Section 232 loan if, for any period of 30 or more consecutive months, the home achieves two or fewer stars under the five-star quality rating system established pursuant to the Social Security Act for purposes of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. However, a nursing home's eligibility shall be renewed if the home subsequently maintains a rating of three or more stars for a period of at least 30 consecutive months. The bill does not affect existing mortgages.

Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2015

Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: authorize a public housing agency (PHA) to make section 8 low-income rental assistance (voucher) payments to a dwelling unit after an inspection reveals non-life-threatening conditions, but suspend the payments after 30 days if the conditions are not corrected; and prescribe further requirements for enforcement of housing quality standards. The bill also revises requirements to vary the frequency of otherwise annual reviews of family income for public housing and section 8 programs, depending on certain decreases or increases in annual adjusted income. A PHA may establish a payment standard under the section 8 program of up to 120% of the fair market rent as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability, without approval of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A PHA must charge monthly rent according to a specified formula to a family whose income has exceeded 120% of the area's median income for two years, or terminate the family's tenancy. The bill also prescribes limitations, prohibitions, and related requirements with respect to: a family's eligibility for assistance based on assets, units owned by PHAs, PHA project-based assistance, the establishment of fair market rent, denial of utility reimbursements, public housing Capital and Operating Funds, and expansion of the family unification program. The Housing Act of 1949 is amended to authorize HUD to delegate to certain preferred lenders its authority to approve and execute binding Rural Housing Service loan guarantees. HUD may establish a Multifamily Housing Revitalization Program to preserve and revitalize multifamily housing projects funded with certain loans to ensure that they have sufficient resources to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income residents and farm laborers. The National Housing Act is amended to require HUD to: streamline the project certification requirements applicable to mortgage insurance on condominium projects to make recertifications substantially less burdensome than certifications, and allow either the direct endorsement lender review and approval process or the HUD review and approval process when excepting a condominium property from the mortgage insurance requirement regarding the percentage of its floor space that may be used for nonresidential or commercial purposes. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to allow (in addition to a state, local government, or public housing agency) a private nonprofit organization to administer permanent housing rental assistance provided through the Continuum of Care Program. Requires HUD, at least once (currently, twice) during each fiscal year, to reallocate any housing assistance provided from the Emergency Solutions Grants Program that is unused or returned or that becomes available after minimum allocation requirements are met. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to transfer from the HUD Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs to the Office of the HUD Secretary a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans. Directs HUD and the VA to report annually to Congress about veterans homelessness and housing assistance. Fraud and abuse prevention requirements and measures of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 shall apply to the HUD Disaster Housing Assistance Program. The Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 (LIHPRHA) is amended to prescribe requirements for a property owner's annual distribution of surplus cash generated by the property which is subject to a plan of action or use agreement HUD may approve for extension of the low-income affordability restrictions on any eligible low-income housing. Neither LIHPRHA, nor any plan of action or use agreement implementing it, shall restrict an owner from obtaining a new loan or refinancing an existing loan secured by a low-income housing project, or from distributing the proceeds of such a loan. Such an owner, however, must comply with specified requirements. HUD shall establish a demonstration program for executing budget-neutral, performance-based agreements with appropriate entities in FY2016-FY2019 (for up to 12 years each) that result in cost reductions in projects for energy or water conservation improvements at up to 20,000 residential units in multifamily buildings participating in Section 8 project-based rental assistance programs, supportive housing for the elderly programs, or supportive housing for persons with disabilities programs. The Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 is amended, with respect to grants to national and regional organizations and consortia with experience in providing or facilitating self-help housing homeownership opportunities, to prohibit HUD from requiring any dwelling developed using such grant amounts to meet any energy efficiency standards other than those specified by the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. The United States Housing Act of 1937 is amended to direct HUD to designate data exchange standards to govern: necessary categories of information that state agencies operating related programs must exchange electronically with another state agency, and federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law.

To clarify that nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity can accept donated mortgage appraisals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2015

This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem mortgage appraisal services donated by a fee appraiser to an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions to be customary and reasonable.

Section 3 Modernization and Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2015

Section 3 Modernization and Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to revise the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program for economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons. Public and Indian housing agencies that receive HUD development assistance, operating assistance, or modernization grants provided under the program (recipients) must report annually to HUD on their compliance with employment and contracting requirements and on the performance of their contractors and subcontractors. HUD must develop and implement policies and procedures for imposing a series of administrative sanctions, graduated in severity, on recipients and their contractors and subcontractors for noncompliance with this Act or the program's requirements. The HUD rental assistance program is exempted from requirements that: opportunities for training and employment in connection with a housing rehabilitation, housing construction, or other public construction project be given to low- and very low-income persons residing within the metropolitan area (or nonmetropolitan county) in which the project is located; and contracts awarded for work in connection with such projects be given to businesses providing economic opportunities for such persons in those areas in which the assistance is expended. HUD shall require that public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of multifamily properties assisted under the rental assistance program, and their contractors and subcontractors, make their best efforts to give low- and very low-income persons all the training and employment opportunities generated by or in such properties, including opportunities: (1) not involving property construction or rehabilitation; and (2) generated by assistance provided under the program. HUD must also require that such PHAs and owners award work contracts in connection with these properties to businesses that provide economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons.

Military Family Stability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2015

Military Family Stability Act of 2015 This bill allows a member of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station and the member's spouse to jointly elect that the spouse may relocate to the new location at the time during the covered relocation period as the member and spouse jointly select. The following families are eligible: the spouse is employed, or enrolled in a degree, certificate or license-granting program, at the beginning of the covered relocation period; the member and spouse have one or more children in school; the spouse or children are covered under the Exceptional Family Member Program; the member and spouse are caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness; or the member is undergoing a permanent change of station as an individual augmentee or other deployment arrangement. Families with other needs may receive exceptions granted by military commanders on a case-by-case basis. A member undergoing a permanent change of station who has one or more specified dependents and is no longer married to the individual who is or was the parent of such dependents at the beginning of the covered period of relocation may elect that such dependents relocate to the new location as follows: by the member alone if the former spouse is dead or has no custodial rights, or by the member and the former spouse jointly in all other circumstances. Housing provisions are as follows: if a member's spouse relocates first the member shall be assigned to quarters or other U.S. housing facilities as a bachelor until the date of the member's permanent change of station; if a member's spouse and dependents reside in U.S. housing at the beginning of the covered relocation period, the spouse and dependents may continue to reside in such housing throughout the covered period of relocation regardless of the date of the member's permanent change of station; and if a member's spouse and dependents are eligible to reside in U.S. housing following the member's permanent change of station, the spouse and dependents may commence residing in such housing at any time during the covered relocation period regardless of the date of the member's permanent change of station. In the case of a member undergoing a permanent change of station who is paid basic housing allowance at the "with dependents" rate at the beginning of the covered relocation period, the member shall be paid at such rate for months beginning during the covered relocation period regardless of the date on which the member's spouse and dependents relocate or the member is assigned to bachelor's quarters or facilities. The geographic location of the dependents shall govern in determining the portion of basic housing allowance payable to a member with respect to the member's dependents. A member shall be provided with housing reimbursement if quarters are not available for the member's assignment until the date on which the member and the member's spouse reside in the same geographic area after the permanent change of station. Transportation allowances authorized for personal property of a member and spouse may be allocated as the member and spouse select. The Department of Defense shall establish a single application approval process for coverage under this Act which shall apply uniformly among the Armed Forces.

An Act Making Appropriations for National Security and for Other Purposes, 2016

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2015

An Act Making Appropriations for National Security and for Other Purposes, 2016 Provides FY2016 appropriations for the Department of Defense, energy and water development, the Department of Homeland Security, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities, including: Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Revolving and Management Funds; Other Department of Defense Programs; Related Agencies; and Overseas Contingency Operations. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for civil works projects and to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. Provides appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for Energy Programs, including: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Nuclear Energy, Fossil Energy Research and Development, Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup, and Science. Provides appropriations to DOE for: the Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. Provides appropriations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other independent agencies. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security. Provides appropriations for Departmental Management and Operations for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management, the Office of the Under Secretary for Management, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Analysis and Operations, and the Office of Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Security, Enforcement, and Investigations for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Secret Service. Provides appropriations for Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for the National Protection and Programs Directorate, the Office of Health Affairs, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Provides appropriations for Research, Development, Training, and Services for the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Science and Technology, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to DOD for Military Construction for the Army; Navy and Marine Corps; Air Force; Defense-Wide agencies and activities (other than military departments); the Army and Air National Guard; and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves. Provides appropriations to DOD for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program. Provides appropriations to DOD for Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and Defense-Wide agencies and activities (other than military departments). Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Provides appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental Administration. Provides appropriations for 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. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to the Department of State for Administration of Foreign Affairs, International Organizations, International Commissions, Related Agencies and Programs, and Other Commissions. Provides appropriations for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Provides appropriations for Bilateral Economic Assistance, International Security Assistance, Multilateral Assistance, Export and Investment Assistance, and Overseas Contingency Operations. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

An Act Making Appropriations to Improve the Nation's Infrastructure and for Other Purposes, 2016

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2015

An Act Making Appropriations to Improve the Nation's Infrastructure and for Other Purposes, 2016 Provides FY2016 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several independent and related agencies. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to USDA for Agricultural Programs, including: the Office of the Secretary; 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; the Food Safety and Inspection Service; the Farm Service Agency; the Risk Management Agency; the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Provides appropriations to USDA for Conservation Programs and Rural Development Programs. 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 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. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for: Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, the Regulatory Program, the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, Expenses, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and to the Bureau of Reclamation. Provides appropriations to DOE for Energy Programs, including Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Nuclear Energy, Fossil Energy Research and Development, Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup, and Science. Provides appropriations to DOE for: the Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. Provides appropriations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other independent agencies. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides FY2016 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2016 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, the Office of Inspector General, and the Surface Transportation Board. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 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 several 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, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

American Energy Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2015

American Energy Innovation Act This bill encourages and establishes requirements concerning: energy efficiency in the electricity grid, the manufacturing sector, certain vehicles and trucks, buildings, homes, and the federal government; protection of the bulk-power system from cybersecurity threats; the security and resiliency of the energy network and applications, including electric, natural gas, and oil exploration, transmission, and delivery; the modernization of energy infrastructure at the federal and state level; the development or deployment of alternative energies; and water conservation measures. The bill establishes: (1) a nonbinding goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2% per year on average through 2025, and (2) a federal energy efficiency resource standard for retail electricity and natural gas suppliers. The bill repeals royalty relief for leases in the Outer Continental Shelf with respect to the production of oil or gas from deep water production or ultra deep wells in shallow waters. The Department of Interior must: (1) prevent venting and flaring of gases in oil and natural gas production operations on federal land, and (2) promote the capture of beneficial use or reinjection of gas in those operations. Interior must establish an annual production incentive fee with respect to public land that is subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring. The bill reauthorizes through FY2020 the Department of Energy's: (1) Weatherization Assistance Program, (2) State Energy Program, (3) basic research, and (4) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. The bill also revises and reauthorizes the Water Desalination Act of 1996. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide tax incentives for producing clean energy and for reducing energy use in homes or commercial buildings, (2) extend through 2017 energy-related tax credits, (3) subject oil derived from tar sands to an excise tax, and (4) repeal certain oil and gas tax subsidies for major integrated oil companies. The bill: (1) establishes the National Park Service Centennial Fund, and (2) permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund.

A bill to clarify that nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity may accept donated mortgage appraisals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2015

This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem mortgage appraisal services donated by a fee appraiser to an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions to be customary and reasonable.

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 This bill extends specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE Extends through FY2016: authority for collection of copaypayments for hospital care and nursing home care, authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers, authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care, authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans, authority for Department of Defense (DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, and authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service. Extends through December 31, 2016, the requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. Extends through FY2017 authority for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund. TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS Extends through FY2016: specified housing loan provisions and definitions, including the calculation of net value of real property at time of foreclosure; and authority relating to vendee loans. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority: for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, and to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits at VA facilities to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS Extends through FY2016 authority: for homeless veterans reintegration programs; for the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans; to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; for the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; and to provide referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY Extends through FY2016 authority: for monthly assistance allowances under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events; for operation of the VA regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines; for appropriations for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces; for temporary eligibility expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating; the requirement for an annual report on the DOD-VA Interagency Program Office; and the current multipliers used in calculating the fees the VA is authorized to pay to educational institutions and apprenticeship providers for reports regarding each eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or training programs and the interruption or termination of their participation in such programs. Extends through December 31, 2016: authority for transportation of individuals to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, or care; the requirement to provide annual reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error; authority for Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans; authority to enter into agreement with the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides; and authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians. Funding authority is modified to provide for constructing a new bed tower at the VA medical center in Tampa, Florida, in lieu of providing bed tower upgrades at such medical center. The VA may carry out the following major medical facility projects (with each project not to exceed specified amounts): construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California. TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN DENVER Increases the amount authorized for the replacement of the existing VA Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. It is the sense of Congress that the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2016 authorizes the VA to transfer discretionary unobligated balances appropriated for FY2015 and discretionary advance appropriations for FY2016 to fund such increase. In the case of any super construction project, the VA shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-VA federal entity to provide full project management services for the super construction project, including management over the project design, acquisition, construction, and contract changes. Such agreement shall provide for reimbursement to the federal entity for project management service costs. TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS Various technical and clerical amendments are made.

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 This bill extends specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE Extends through FY2016: authority for collection of copaypayments for hospital care and nursing home care, authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers, authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care, authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans, authority for Department of Defense (DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, and authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service. Extends through December 31, 2016, the requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. Extends through FY2017 authority for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund. TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS Extends through FY2016: specified housing loan provisions and definitions, including the calculation of net value of real property at time of foreclosure; and authority relating to vendee loans. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority: for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, and to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits at VA facilities to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS Extends through FY2016 authority: for homeless veterans reintegration programs; for the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans; to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; for the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; and to provide referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY Extends through FY2016 authority: for monthly assistance allowances under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events; for operation of the VA regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines; for appropriations for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces; for temporary eligibility expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating; the requirement for an annual report on the DOD-VA Interagency Program Office; and the current multipliers used in calculating the fees the VA is authorized to pay to educational institutions and apprenticeship providers for reports regarding each eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or training programs and the interruption or termination of their participation in such programs. Extends through December 31, 2016: authority for transportation of individuals to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, or care; the requirement to provide annual reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error; authority for Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans; authority to enter into agreement with the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides; and authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians. Funding authority is modified to provide for constructing a new bed tower at the VA medical center in Tampa, Florida, in lieu of providing bed tower upgrades at such medical center. The VA may carry out the following major medical facility projects (with each project not to exceed specified amounts): construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California. TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS Various technical and clerical amendments are made.

Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2015 This bill extends through FY2016 authority for the following Department of Veterans Affairs programs: homeless veterans reintegration programs; the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness; treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; housing assistance for homeless veterans; financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; and the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

Corrosive Drywall Remediation Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Corrosive Drywall Remediation Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer a tax credit for the cost of repairing damage to a personal residence or household appliance due to corrosive drywall. The bill amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to allow community development grants under such Act to pay for activities necessary to remove or remedy the use of corrosive drywall installed in housing during construction or rehabilitation that occurred between 2001 and 2009.