Taxation

VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2017 the work opportunity tax credit for hiring a qualified veteran (defined as an unemployed veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving food stamp assistance and who is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability), (2) revise tax credit eligibility requirements for documenting the status of veterans and their receipt of unemployment compensation, and (3) extend the payroll tax offset for such credit to certain for-profit employers. Directs the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to make annual reports on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this Act in increasing the employment of veterans. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay: (1) each U.S. possession (i.e., American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss to such possession due to this Act; and (2) each U.S. possession without such a tax system an amount estimated to equal the loss to such possession that would have occurred due to this Act if such a tax system had been in effect in that possession.

American Job Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

American Job Opportunity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the work opportunity tax credit permanent.

Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received under the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program and the Indian Health Professions Scholarships Program.

SAVINGS Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Save Access to a Valuable Investment Needed to Generate Savings Act of 2013 or the SAVINGS Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) allow individual taxpayers an option to purchase U.S. savings bonds in paper form with a portion or all of a tax refund during the period ending on December 31, 2018; or (2) implement an alternative option that allows for the gifting of U.S. savings bonds, serves the unbanked, and retains the ability to sign-up on the return of tax.

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2014. Appropriates amounts at a specified level for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2013 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of P.L. 113-6), except for section 735; the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division B of P.L. 113-6); the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2013 (division C of P.L. 113-6); the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2013 (division D of P.L. 113-6); the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division E of P.L. 113-6); and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (division F of P.L. 113-6). Requires the level to be the amounts appropriated in such appropriations Acts (including transfers and obligation limitations) except that such level shall be calculated: to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to any provision of division G of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6), including section 3004; and without regard to any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to the presidential sequestration order dated March 1, 2013. Requires if the total level provided is less than $1.058 trillion, an additional amount to be provided so that the total level equals such sum. Provides funding under this joint resolution through FY2014, unless otherwise provided for in such resolution or in the applicable appropriations Act. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including those for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such fiscal year. Requires for any discretionary account for which advance appropriations were provided for FY2014 or FY2015 in an appropriations Act for FY2013, in addition to amounts otherwise made available by this joint resolution, advance appropriations to be provided in the same amount for FY2015 or FY2016, respectively, with a comparable period of availability. Requires the head of each federal department and agency by March 1, 2014, to prepare and submit to the House committee with primary jurisdiction, a report that specifies the top legislative and policy priorities of the department or agency for FY2014 and includes proposals for legislation consistent with such priorities.

SelectUSA Authorization Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

SelectUSA Authorization Act of 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2018 for the SelectUSA Initiative (federal assistance aimed at increasing both foreign and domestic investment in U.S. business). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on Initiative activities during each such fiscal year by the following December 31st.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the nonbusiness energy property credit to include the insulation component of insulated siding.

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonbusiness energy tax credit for the insulation portion of any building cladding system (including vinyl siding with integral insulating material) that has a minimum thermal resistance of R-2.

Fairness for Lost Coverage Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Fairness for Lost Coverage Act of 2013 - Prohibits any of the 12 months beginning with the first month of an applicable individual's loss of health insurance coverage from being taken into account in applying the Internal Revenue Code requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage. Defines "applicable individual" as an individual who: (1) has coverage (whether as a principal or a dependent of another individual) under an employer-sponsored health plan or individual health insurance coverage for the last month of a plan year beginning during 2013, and (2) loses such coverage beginning with the first month of the subsequent plan year because of the plan's or coverage's termination and not because of any termination or change of the individual's employment, the individual's failure to pay premiums, or any other reasons within the individual's control.

Mortgage Choice Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

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

SCRA Enhancement and Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

SCRA Enhancement and Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to: extend the period during which a contract for the purchase of real or personal property or the lease or bailment of such property entered into by a member of the uniformed services (servicemember) may not be rescinded or terminated for a breach to one year after such member's period of military service; change the period during which an action to enforce a mortgage, trust deed, or other security against a servicemember is covered by a stay of proceedings or adjustment of obligation to the period in which such action is pending (instead of the period in which such action is filed); prohibit the accrual of a mortgage prepayment penalty incurred by a servicemember during military service; delay the expiration of a license issued by a state or local licensing authority to a servicemember, or a continuing education requirement to maintain such a license, to 180 days after such servicemember is no longer eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger special pay; expand protections against collection of taxes owned by a servicemember with respect to personal property or real property occupied for dwelling, professional, trade, business, or agricultural purposes; prohibit the denial of credit to a servicemember solely by reason of entitlement to protections under SCRA; expand due diligence requirements for determining whether an individual is a servicemember prior to taking a default judgment against such individual; extend the protections of SCRA to servicemembers who are personally liable as a guarantor or co-maker of a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage; permit the use of arbitration to settle a dispute under SCRA; authorize the Attorney General to issue a civil investigate demand for documents relating to an investigation under SCRA prior to initiating a civil action for violations of such Act; and double the amount of civil penalties for a first violation of SCRA and for subsequent violations.

Hire A Hero Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Hire A Hero Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow employers a work opportunity tax credit for hiring a member of the Ready Reserve or the National Guard, and (2) make such credit with respect to the hiring of qualified veterans and members of the Ready Reserve and National Guard permanent.

Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers will strengthen the national economy. Title I: Investing in America's Workforce - Investing in America's Workforce Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require state or local workforce investment systems to use youth activities funds allocated to a local area for programs that provide training, which may include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials aligned with in-demand occupations or industries in the local area involved. Authorizes the operator and employees of a one-stop center, in assisting individuals in selecting programs of training services, to give priority consideration to such programs. Adds to eligibility requirements for providers of training services and providers of youth activities for such programs. Requires programs of training services and youth activities programs that lead to a recognized postsecondary credential to meet quality criteria established by the state governor. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 and the Trade Act of 1974 to require the same priority consideration in the state and local plans for career and technical education programs as well as in tech prep programs and trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs. Title II: Research and Development Tax Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for increasing research activities, and (2) increase and make permanent the alternative simplified research tax credit. Title III: Comprehensive Tax Reform - Directs the Chair of the Joint Committee on Taxation to notify Congress of any introduced tax reform bill that contains proposals for: (1) a transition to a more globally competitive corporate tax code, (2) a reduction in the complexity of the tax code, and (3) the elimination of special interest loopholes in the tax code. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of such bill. Title IV: Federal Oil and Gas Resources - Subtitle A: Expanding Offshore Energy Development - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and natural gas leasing program to direct the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary in this title) to make lands available for leasing and to conduct lease sales that include: (1) at least 50% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS planning area considered to have the largest undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources, with an emphasis upon offering the most geologically prospective parts; and (2) any state subdivision of an OCS planning area whose state governor requests that the land be made available for leasing. Directs the Secretary to make available for leasing in each five-year oil and gas leasing program, OCS planning areas that are estimated to contain more than 2.5 billion barrels of oil or more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Directs the Secretary, when determining such planning areas, to use the document entitled "Minerals Management Service Assessment of Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Oil and Gas Resources of the Nation's Outer Continental Shelf, 2006." Requires the Secretary, when developing a five-year oil and gas leasing program that applies before 2027, to determine increased domestic strategic production goals. Subtitle B: Coastal Plain of Alaska - American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain; and (2) ensure the oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities on the Coastal Plain will result in no significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife, their habitat, subsistence resources, or the environment, including by requiring the application of the best commercially available technology for oil and gas exploration, development, and production to all exploration, development, and production operations under this subtitle in a manner that ensures the receipt of fair market value by the public for the mineral resources to be leased. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and against leasing or other development leading to such production. Authorizes the Secretary to designate as a Special Area up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Permits lease sales to be conducted through an Internet leasing program. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales, as well as lease terms and conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant Coastal Plain lands to the highest responsible qualified bidder in a lease sale upon the lessee's payment of a bonus. Sets forth: (1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities, and (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints. Requires the Secretary to prepare and update periodically a plan for the siting and construction of facilities for the exploration, development, production, and transportation of Coastal Plain oil and gas resources. Establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund as repository for 50% of the amount of bonus, rental, and royalty revenues from federal oil and gas leasing and operations authorized under this title. Title V: Energy Consumers Relief - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), before promulgating a final rule that regulates any aspect of the production, supply, distribution, or use of energy (or that provides for such regulation by state or local governments) and that is estimated by the Administrator or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to impose aggregate costs of more than $1 billion, to submit a report that contains: (1) an estimate of the total costs and benefits of the rule, (2) an estimate of the increases in energy prices that may result from implementation or enforcement of the rule, and (3) a detailed description of the employment effects that may result from implementation or enforcement of the rule. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE): (1) to prepare an independent analysis to determine whether such rule will cause any increase in energy prices for consumers, any impact on fuel diversity of the nation's electricity generation portfolio or on electric reliability, or any adverse effect on energy supply, distribution, or use; and (2) upon making such a determination, to determine whether the rule will cause significant adverse effects to the economy and publish such determination in the Federal Register. Prohibits the Administrator from promulgating any such final rule if the Secretary determines that such rule will cause significant adverse effects to the economy. Prohibits the Administrator from using the social cost of carbon in any cost-benefit analysis relating to an energy-related rule estimated to cost more than $1 billion unless and until a federal law is enacted authorizing such use. Title VI: Repeal of the Health Care Law and Health Care-Related Provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Repealing the Health Care Law Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores or revives provisions amended or repealed by such Act or such health care provisions. Title VII: Cooperative Governing of Individual Health Insurance Coverage - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this title. Title VIII: Renewal of Trade Promotion Authority - Amends the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002 to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and nontariff trade barriers: (1) on and after enactment of this Act and before July 1, 2018; or (2) on and after July 1, 2018, and before July 1, 2020, if certain congressional trade authorities procedures for implementing trade bills are extended for that period. Applies certain congressional and presidential trade authorities requirements to trade agreements that resulted from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act. Title IX: Reform of Export Control Policies - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Export Administration Act of 1979, as continued in effect by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, is obsolete and should be reformed and reauthorized. Title X: Efficient Use of Government Spectrum - Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within three years after enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012: (1) to reallocate electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 1755 to 1780 megahertz (currently, such frequencies are occupied by the Department of Defense [DOD] and other federal agencies) for commercial use; and (2) as part of the competitive bidding auctions required by such Act, to grant new initial licenses, subject to flexible-use service rules, for the use of such spectrum, paired with the spectrum between frequencies from 2155 to 2180 megahertz already designated for auction. Directs the proceeds attributable to the competitive bidding of the 1755 to 1780 megahertz range to be allocated in the same manner as other specified frequencies pursuant to such Act for uses including reimbursements to agencies for relocation and sharing costs, the building of the nationwide public safety broadband network, and deposits or reimbursements to the U.S. Treasury. Requires such spectrum to be relocated in a manner to ensure cooperation between federal and commercial entities under procedures in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, except for DOD-operated spectrum, which shall be relocated under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Directs federal entities operating a federal government station, within a specified period before commencement of competitive bidding, to identify stations that cannot be relocated without jeopardizing essential military capability. Requires the transition plans of federal entities identifying such essential spectrum to: (1) provide for non-federal users to share such stations, and (2) limit any necessary exclusion zones to the smallest possible zones. Directs the President to withdraw assignments upon relocation or to modify assignments to permit federal and non-federal use.

Early Childhood Education Professional Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Early Childhood Education Professional Improvement Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states to: provide scholarships that enable preschool teachers employed in an early childhood education program to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a closely related field; support preschool teachers employed in an early childhood education program to attain a credential, licensure, or endorsement that demonstrates competence in early childhood education if their bachelor's degree is not in that or a closely related field; increase the compensation of teachers who are making progress toward a degree in early childhood education or who have attained that degree; and provide ongoing professional development opportunities to preschool teachers and teacher assistants employed in an early childhood education program. Requires each state that desires a grant to include a description of its comprehensive early childhood professional development system in its application. Requires grant recipients to maintain their fiscal effort for the activities supported by the grant funds for a fiscal year at levels equal to or greater than their fiscal effort for such activities during the preceding fiscal year.

Innovation Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Innovation Protection Act - Establishes in the Treasury the United States Patent and Trademark Office Public Enterprise Fund (Public Enterprise Fund) to be used as a revolving fund by the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) without fiscal year limitation. Requires to be credited to or deposited in the Public Enterprise Fund: (1) appropriations for defraying the costs of USPTO activities; (2) fees collected under federal patent and trademark laws; and (3) any unobligated balances remaining in the Patent and Trademark Office Appropriation Account and in the Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund. (Thus, replaces the Patent and Trademark Office Appropriation Account, eliminates the Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund, and provides a source of permanent funding for the USPTO.) Requires fees collected by the Director to remain available to the Director until expended. Makes the Public Enterprise Fund available to cover: (1) ordinary and reasonable administrative, operating, and other expenses incurred by the Director for the continued operation of USPTO services, programs, activities, and duties relating to patents and trademarks; and (2) expenses incurred pursuant to obligations, representations, or other commitments of the USPTO. Requires the Director, on an annual basis, to: (1) report to Congress with operation and spending plans, including financial details and staff levels broken down by each major activity; (2) provide for an independent audit of USPTO financial statements; and (3) submit a budget to the President.

DATA Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Disaster Assistance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2013 or the DATA Act of 2013 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit to Congress a report that specifies: (1) the amount obligated by the federal government for disaster assistance, by each agency and program thereof, for each of the preceding 10 fiscal years; and (2) the amount projected to be obligated for disaster assistance by each agency and program for the fiscal year in which the report is submitted. Requires the Director to submit to Congress, in conjunction with the President's annual budget submission, a report that specifies: (1) the amount projected to be obligated in the upcoming fiscal year for disaster assistance by each federal agency and program, (2) the amount obligated during the most-recently concluded fiscal year for disaster assistance by each federal agency and program, and (3) any corrections to previous reports. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the House and Senate appropriations and budget committees every two years on: (1) an evaluation of federal disaster assistance spending, including the identification of areas of potential duplication, waste, fraud, or abuse; (2) recommendations on how federal agencies can improve transparency in, and better account for, disaster assistance spending to ensure that funds are spent in an effective and efficient manner; and (3) an evaluation of the effectiveness and equity of the current system of cost-sharing with respect to disaster assistance spending, including the system's effectiveness in reducing the federal cost of disaster assistance and promoting non-federal investment in disaster recovery, mitigation, and preparedness.

To amend the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act to provide a permanent appropriation of funds for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits for survivors of deceased military service members in event of any future period of lapsed appropriations.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Amends the Department of Defense Survivor Benefits Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (also known as the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act) to appropriate funds for fiscal years after FY2014 during any period of lapsed appropriations for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits for survivors of deceased servicemembers.

Obamacare Choice Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Obamacare Choice Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to delay until 2015 the requirement that individuals maintain minimal essential health care coverage.

Veterans' Independent Living Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Veterans' Independent Living Enhancement Act - Repeals provisions that: (1) prohibit the initiation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs providing independent living services and assistance for greater than 2,700 veterans in each fiscal year; and (2) require giving first priority under such programs to veterans for whom the reasonable feasibility of achieving a vocational goal is precluded solely as a result of disability.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an extension of the work opportunity tax credit for certain targeted groups.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the work opportunity tax credit for hiring certain employees who are described as members of a targeted group, including: (1) a qualified ex-felon, (2) a vocational rehabilitation referral, (3) a qualified summer youth employee, and (4) a qualified supplemental nutrition assistance program recipient.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an extension of the work opportunity tax credit for veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the work opportunity tax credit for qualified veterans (defined as veterans who are members of families receiving supplemental nutrition assistance or who are entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability and have been unemployed for a certain period of time).

REPAY Supplies Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Reimburse Educators who Pay for Academic Year Supplies Act of 2013 or the REPAY Supplies Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the deduction from gross income (above-the-line deduction) for the classroom-related expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2013

Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the U.S. Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam Conflict. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to a veteran who, although not a Jewish- or Hispanic-American veteran who was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross, was identified during a review of service records and regarding whom the Secretary of Defense submitted, before January 1, 2014, a recommendation that the President award the Medal of Honor to that veteran.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting Federal employees.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2013

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives, with respect to federal employees, that: Congress and the President should end the pay freeze and prevent any further cuts to pensions or benefits; employee contributions to their retirement system should not be increased; the annuity multiplier used to determine retirement benefits should not be decreased; the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity supplement should not be eliminated and employees who are eligible to retire should be able to do so; plans for Social Security reform should not include using a Chained Consumer Price Index, which would reduce federal annuities; the number of employees hired should not be arbitrarily limited; neither current nor future employees should be subject to automatic termination as a result of delinquent taxes; federal agencies should be allowed to determine the hiring strategies that best meet their needs, rather than operating under an arbitrary, across-the-board hiring policy; the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) should not be turned into a voucher program that shifts the costs of health insurance to employees and retirees; the tax increase on new employees that funds part of the extension of the unemployment insurance program administered by the Department of Labor should be repealed; the work that federal employees perform on behalf of the American people should be honored and respected; and Congress should recognize that efforts to reduce the compensation and support provided to federal employees undermine our government's ability to meet its obligations to its citizens and hurt federal agencies' ability to recruit and retain a high-quality workforce.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014

United States · United States Senate · 21 October 2013

Security Before Access Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2013

Security Before Access Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, with respect to patient navigator services, to require recipients of grants for the development and operation of demonstration programs to implement procedures developed under this Act to protect the privacy of personally identifiable information (PII). Requires procedures specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to include at least those that: require for access to PII relating to an individual the express written consent of that individual; condition access by a certified application counselor, health insurance navigator, or non-navigator assistance personnel upon a criminal background and fingerprint check; and require the meeting of educational and licensure requirements that are identical or comparable to those currently applicable to health insurance agents and brokers within the state in which they seek to assist consumers. Prohibits a grant recipient from collecting PII until the Comptroller General (GAO) certifies to Congress that HHS and any other relevant federal agencies have implemented all appropriate and necessary actions to safeguard the information of individuals seeking enrollment in a health plan through a health insurance Exchange and to protect them from fraud and abuse. Provides procedures for development of guidance concerning liability, determinations of liable parties, and determinations of whether entities described in this Act are required to obtain professional liability coverage. Imposes criminal penalties for unauthorized access, including under the Internal Revenue Code in cases involving consumer tax return information. Requires the Secretary to permanently disqualify an individual with a criminal background or otherwise in violation of this Act from any further involvement in consumer assistance activities required under the patient navigator provisions or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Allows the disqualification and rescission of federal and Exchange-generated funds from the entity that employs or contracts with such an individual. Relieves consumers from responsibility for failure to meet a requirement under PPACA for obtaining qualified health insurance coverage through an Exchange unless the Secretary has demonstrated with reasonable certainty that effective and comprehensive PII protection is in place prior to any consumer disclosure for health insurance enrollment purposes.

Disaster Savings Accounts Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2013

Disaster Savings Accounts Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish tax-exempt disaster savings accounts to pay the expenses of homeowners for equipment and materials for mitigating the effects of a natural disaster, (2) allow a deduction from gross income (above-the-line deduction) up to $5,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) in a taxable year for cash contributions to such accounts, and (3) set forth tax rules for account distributions and failure to report on disaster savings accounts.

Making continuing appropriations for fossil energy research and development of the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2013

Makes appropriations, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2014, and for other purposes, such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate for operations as provided for FY2013 under the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (division B of P.L. 112-74), for continuing projects or activities (including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees) that are not otherwise specifically provided for in this joint resolution, that were conducted in FY2013, and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available by such Act under the heading "Fossil Energy Research and Development." Requires the rate of operations to be calculated to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to: (1) the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6), and (2) the presidential sequestration order dated March 1, 2013, except as attributable to budget authority made available by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-2). Makes appropriations and funds made available and authority granted under this joint resolution available until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) enactment into law of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution, (2) enactment into law of the applicable appropriations Act for FY2014 without any provision for such project or activity, or (3) September 30, 2014. Requires implementation of this joint resolution so that only the most limited funding action be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities. Authorizes amounts made available for civilian personnel compensation and benefits to be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to avoid furloughs, consistent with the applicable appropriations Act for FY2013, except that such authority shall not be used until after the agency has taken all necessary actions to reduce or defer non-personnel-related administrative expenses.

Making continuing appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2013

Makes appropriations, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2014, and for other purposes, such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate for operations as provided for FY2013 under the Science Appropriations Act, 2013 (division B of P.L. 113-6), for continuing projects or activities (including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees) that are not otherwise specifically provided for in this joint resolution, that were conducted in FY2013, and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available by such Act under the heading "National Aeronautics and Space Administration." Requires the rate of operations to be calculated to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to: (1) the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6), and (2) the presidential sequestration order dated March 1, 2013, except as attributable to budget authority made available by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-2). Makes appropriations and funds made available and authority granted under this joint resolution available until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) enactment into law of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution, (2) enactment into law of the applicable appropriations Act for FY2014 without any provision for such project or activity, or (3) September 30, 2014. Requires implementation of this joint resolution so that only the most limited funding action be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities. Authorizes amounts made available for civilian personnel compensation and benefits to be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to avoid furloughs, consistent with the applicable appropriations Act for FY2013, except that such authority shall not be used until after the agency has taken all necessary actions to reduce or defer non-personnel-related administrative expenses.

A bill to permit the District of Columbia to obligate and expend local funds in accordance with the local budget adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia during any period of fiscal year 2014 in which no Federal law appropriating such local funds is in effect, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2013

Authorizes the District of Columbia, during any period of FY2014 in which no Act of Congress is in effect to approve the obligation or expenditure of local funds by the District government, to obligate and expend local funds for programs and activities at the rate set forth under "District of Columbia Funds--Summary of Expenses" as included in the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-127), as modified as of the date of the enactment of this Act, except that the obligation or expenditure of such local funds for a program or activity remains subject to any terms and conditions imposed pursuant to the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6).

THE WAY FORWARD FROM GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND DEBT-CEILING CONFRONTATION TOWARD LONG-TERM FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

United States · United States Senate · 11 October 2013

Relating to consideration of the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2642) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes, providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 378) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to the Secretary of Agriculture's administration of tariff-rate quotas for raw and refined sugar, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 379) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to crop insurance.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2013

Sets forth the rule for consideration of: H.Res. 378 (Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 [Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013] relating to the Secretary of Agriculture's administration of tariff-rate quotas for raw and refined sugar), and H.Res. 379 (Expresses the sense of the House regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to crop insurance).

Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2013

Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 2013 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to require that for each fiscal year, beginning with FY2015, discretionary new budget authority for the Indian Health Services and Indian Health Facilities accounts of the Indian Health Service includes advance discretionary new budget authority for the following fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to include in documents submitted to Congress in support of the President's budget for each of those fiscal years detailed estimates of the funds needed for such accounts for the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted. Requires the President's budget to include information on estimates of those advanced appropriations.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should refrain from conditioning the resolution of fiscal and budgetary disputes on the taking of action relating to non-germane legislative matters.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2013

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should refrain from conditioning the resolution of fiscal and budgetary disputes on the taking of action relating to non-germane legislative matters, including the repeal or modification of a duly enacted law.

To prohibit United States voluntary contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations or any United Nations agency.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2013

Prohibits funds made available to any federal agency for FY2014 and subsequent fiscal years from being used to make U.S. voluntary contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations or any U.N. agency.

Making appropriations for the salaries and related expenses of certain Federal employees during a lapse in funding authority for fiscal year 2014, to establish a bicameral working group on deficit reduction and economic growth, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2013

Excepted Employees' Pay Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 - Makes appropriations for FY2014 to pay the salaries and related expenses of federal employees excepted from provisions of the Antideficiency Act (prohibiting any expenditure or obligation that exceeds an amount available in an appropriation or other fund) who work during the period beginning October 1, 2013, and ending December 15, 2013. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report to the congressional Appropriations Committees specifying the use of funds made available to the executive branch by this joint resolution. Expresses the sense of Congress that this joint resolution may be referred to as the Federal Worker Pay Fairness Act. Deficit Reduction and Economic Growth Working Group Act of 2013 - Establishes the Bicameral Working Group on Deficit Reduction and Economic Growth to recommend to the House of Representatives and Senate overall levels of discretionary spending, including for FY2014, changes in the statutory limit on the public debt, and reforms in direct spending programs. Prohibits the Working Group from reporting any recommendation that does not receive the support of a majority of its members.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) making appropriations for the salaries and related expenses of certain Federal employees during a lapse in funding authority for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3273) to establish a bicameral working group on deficit reduction and economic growth, and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 90) making continuing appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2013

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) making appropriations for the salaries and related expenses of certain Federal employees during a lapse in funding authority for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3273) to establish a bicameral working group on deficit reduction and economic growth, and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 90) making continuing appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal year 2014.

District of Columbia Incentives for Business and Individual Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2013

District of Columbia Incentives for Business and Individual Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia, to: (1) reauthorize provisions for designating a District of Columbia Enterprise Zone and extend the deadline for such designation until December 31, 2015; (2) reauthorize the issuance authority for District of Columbia tax-exempt economic development bonds and extend until December 31, 2015, the deadline for issuing such bonds; (3) extend through 2015 the period for acquiring DC Zone assets (i.e., DC Zone business stock, partnership interests, and business property) eligible for an exemption from capital gains tax and through 2020 the period during which gain from the sale of such assets shall qualify for such exemption; and (4) extend through December 31, 2015, the deadline for purchasing a residence in the District of Columbia to qualify for the first-time District of Columbia homebuyers tax credit.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 365-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 330-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 300-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 270-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 240-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 210-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 180-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 150-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 90-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 60-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for the National Debt - Makes the public debt limit inapplicable for a 30-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Fiscal Sanity Act for Appropriations

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2013

Fiscal Sanity Act for Appropriations - Makes appropriations for 365 days for: (1) each project or activity for which budget authority was provided in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6) in an amount equal to the authority provided in such Act, as reduced pursuant to the presidential sequestration order dated March 1, 2013, to remain available for a comparable period of availability; and (2) entitlements and other mandatory payments whose budget authority was provided in appropriations Acts for FY2013, and for activities under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, in such amounts as may be necessary to maintain program levels as they existed on September 30, 2013.