<enum>I</enum><header>National Commission on Children and Disasters</header> <section id="ID32cd429e4d8f4c309409e7047338c5c6"><enum>101.</enum><header>Establishment of Commission</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There is established in the legislative branch the National Commission on Children and Disasters (in this title referred to as the <quote>Commission</quote>).</text> </section><section id="IDc45e160916ff4788807f478ad6980c65"><enum>102.</enum><header>Purposes of Commission</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The purposes of the Commission are to—</text> <paragraph id="ID93aefdad4533478884fcbd4a5158977e"><enum>(1)</enum><text>examine, assess, and report upon the facts and causes relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID80281d5897a94c0a8d60d4a4ec977a3c"><enum>(2)</enum><text>build upon the investigations of other entities and avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of other executive branch, congressional, or independent commissions, or nongovernmental entities, relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7e6a7e0c9c6b49f1a0d95abeff5487c9"><enum>(3)</enum><text>investigate and report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures that can be taken to address fully the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="ID7a082a532ff14b8294f28bf509bac037"><enum>103.</enum><header>Composition of Commission</header> <subsection id="ID4447a10425a04d908e94da5d72dba72a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Members</header><text>The Commission shall be composed of 10 members, of whom—</text> <paragraph id="ID9264105784904b91aaadf36bf3db7da4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>1 member shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve as the chairperson;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd48474a9a0464da09ace8c158dc3a736"><enum>(2)</enum><text>1 member, who is of a different political party than that of the member appointed under paragraph (1), shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve as Vice chairperson;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDf164aecb8bb14fe986ad8ca940ccc9ef"><enum>(3)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID02e3b083e0f441e78d43548c41aba3dc"><enum>(4)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID997e2cfef36642889b4c28be104195ed"><enum>(5)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDc43b5d0bb1144667b89cacd1c7e5ae73"><enum>(6)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID6347d7c11fe24cbca90668c7bd981ea8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Political party affiliation</header><text>Not more than 5 members of the Commission shall be from the same political party.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDe5334e0aee3944fc99b2320ae65286ab"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Governmental appointees</header><text>An individual appointed to the Commission may not be an elected official of the Federal Government or any State or local government.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID86562c7ac4c44b989f983a02f4587112"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Member expertise</header> <paragraph id="idE5C6FD8D646E4DDE90EF26C3EED5A339"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less than 1 member of the Commission shall have demonstrated expertise in—</text> <subparagraph id="IDdca74cb401a34d8c899a05b24ffb3130"><enum>(A)</enum><text>child health, including physical and mental health;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf2c6a5b8db4a42458d30ca77a38f7804"><enum>(B)</enum><text>child health services and delivery systems;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID06999e4e5fdf431a8a16fad9dbc2973f"><enum>(C)</enum><text>child care services and delivery systems;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDebf09ed24c434d76a7744e2ca973bfa5"><enum>(D)</enum><text>child welfare services and delivery systems;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf9f1e3f63f9540de8658fc59bbfc7b84"><enum>(E)</enum><text>primary education services;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID294acc8df07947d79a04029566f4dbf8"><enum>(F)</enum><text>housing services relevant to children and families;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDa4a259e5058a4c6c8b598497bb24d1f0"><enum>(G)</enum><text>transportation services relevant to children and families;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDc740518e0445439ead0bff26c7170b74"><enum>(H)</enum><text>juvenile justice systems and services relevant to children and families;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID0419e9b9531944c8afcde5fb0a11e1c0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>public finance mechanisms relevant to children and families; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDc807b6f9cc85457e8958c6d770a5acdf"><enum>(J)</enum><text>emergency mitigation, preparedness, recovery, and response activities relevant to children and families.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA816FF91784D45F393A7D8E61AEF8518"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Nongovernmental expertise</header><text>At least 1 member of the Commission shall be from a private nonprofit, private for-profit, or philanthropic entity with demonstrated expertise in addressing the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID2d6d000f11e5448da97ab0720ee12604"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Deadline for appointment</header><text>All members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID1fd92cd40b0a42b5bebbcb926d721564"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Initial meeting</header><text>The Commission shall meet and begin the operations of the Commission not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID0f36a09520a046758c3d0e3fbfa3c290"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Quorum; vacancies</header><text>After its initial meeting, the Commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson or a majority of the members of the Commission. Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting business. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.</text> </subsection></section><section id="IDbc8bcc9ca0c645d09c60405abb21e731"><enum>104.</enum><header>Functions of the Commission</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="IDda8cdb80d2b24b7e85300a31bc1d8d1f"><enum>(1)</enum><text>conduct an investigation that—</text> <subparagraph id="ID0baf0a92ad144e739b9939d2af095eb5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>examines and assesses relevant facts and causes relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID8d7265349c4e4115989b674a35c37aab"><enum>(B)</enum><text>includes relevant facts and causes relating to the needs of—</text> <clause id="IDa6aa96a371af470a8fef2d7350190afd"><enum>(i)</enum><text>child health, including physical and mental health;</text> </clause><clause id="ID95f3bc39a24e48a4a0235e7c294ed48b"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>child care;</text> </clause><clause id="IDfec9ac85ad3e4305a1d8ddba8e603124"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>child welfare;</text> </clause><clause id="ID6fbf0d8159c1466f946cf1de6b1a3a00"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>primary education;</text> </clause><clause id="ID109775493c3241c6a463a529fbd00bd7"><enum>(v)</enum><text>housing;</text> </clause><clause id="ID3b4db250e13e4583aceb78609c22855a"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>transportation;</text> </clause><clause id="IDa676eaa4e51448f9b5fb7f61425762a9"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>juvenile justice;</text> </clause><clause id="ID5080c95e220a4062a102d44d923bd84a"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>public finance mechanisms; and</text> </clause><clause id="ID63995badce8d49ccac32da7bb5fabdde"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>relevant activities in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idDC86BAB76B13414E81E6B8AE4E467C8F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>identify, review, and evaluate existing laws relevant to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID47d27755873c47ec8cd3545839c21344"><enum>(3)</enum><text>identify, review, and evaluate relevant past events regarding the mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, coordination, and service delivery policies of the Federal Government, and, where applicable, State and local governments and nongovernmental entities, relative to addressing fully the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID6d01f498b9cc4596a8114a68acd03e7e"><enum>(4)</enum><text>submit to the President and Congress such reports as required by this title containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures as the Commission shall determine appropriate, including proposing organization, planning, coordination, management, and financial policies, arrangements, procedures, rules, and regulations.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="ID31f643a0044d40eaaf05b5b2bbd2bdea"><enum>105.</enum><header>Powers of the Commission</header> <subsection id="IDa819acb011d34cdbbf45caaa387a2b32"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="IDee4b829700a44a3687f76682128bd16b"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Hearings and evidence</header><text>The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this title hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and administer such oaths as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDe82acd1bed1b4905aa72f2e496abf480"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Witness allowances and fees</header> <subparagraph id="IDbe7c25744bca49829e60a557ee7c4fa6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Section 1821 of title 28, United States Code, shall apply to a witness requested to appear at a hearing of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDb844f3a83f174558bbf038e2ded15f25"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Expenses</header><text>The per diem and mileage allowances for a witness shall be paid from funds available to pay the expenses of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDf4a00515678c4d86aec45cc99b850be6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Contracting</header><text>The Commission may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID10842e0869a74829bcab16397c9ffbeb"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Information from Federal agencies</header> <paragraph id="IDbb66fbd7648642508aba66e68676bdb4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission is authorized to secure directly from any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics for the purposes of this title. Each department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Commission, upon request made by the chairperson, the chairperson of any subcommittee created by the Commission, or any member designated by a majority of the Commission.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID255cb3fd27d54a0d92034e1d07af9ee0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Receipt, handling, storage, and dissemination</header><text>Information shall only be received, handled, stored, and disseminated by members of the Commission and its staff consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive orders.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDb7343a8748ba4690be7988b96415bc53"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Assistance from Federal agencies</header> <paragraph id="ID5d8b57dd95a24e84b40adc0f21227a35"><enum>(1)</enum><header>General services administration</header><text>The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis administrative support and other services for the performance of the Commission’s functions.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDc3e259dceab1444db96fffcf3a7febe7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Other departments and agencies</header><text>In addition to the assistance provided for under paragraph (1), departments and agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission such services as they may determine advisable and as may be authorized by law.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID8a08b51fc3744a53abb8a3a6c1c46616"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Postal services</header><text>The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies of the United States.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID6a8b454fd7714b4ead5033fec1e54c06"><enum>106.</enum><header>Staff of Commission</header> <subsection id="IDb7a7aa1982ee4eca8fc17b056761aaa6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="IDd16c3099df8848068782890dcb17762c"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Appointment and compensation</header><text>The chairperson of the Commission, in consultation with the vice chairperson, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions, in accordance with the provisions of title 5, United States Code, except that no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID97fdb9a379034399ba31ac798aecb9e7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Personnel as Federal employees</header> <subparagraph id="ID9da1535e8b604285b391921899dafb87"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App) shall apply to the staff director and any personnel of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID98461d3070004ec3a0080e9d942e27d9"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Members of Commission</header><text>Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed to apply to members of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDae434e2c3cec474b8814ba6300829e29"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Detailees</header><text>Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges or his or her regular employment without interruption.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID5b3b857b47ef4baf8b594892357ad4c9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Consultant services</header><text>The Commission is authorized to procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID5ab48963730b4195a17431f7dfa843ee"><enum>107.</enum><header>Compensation and travel expenses</header> <subsection id="IDb6f7f79b5e784d57b33d72e52ed6fc41"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Compensation</header><text>Each member of the Commission may be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the Commission.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID54ffd2c2ac6343fd8fd8322e72a4098b"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Travel expenses</header><text>While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID3f9c4fe088b243a3a135b315cede17fd"><enum>108.</enum><header>Reports of the Commission; termination</header> <subsection id="ID11ca3fe7b6504ee1a217a2ee625611ef"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Interim reports</header><text>The Commission may submit to the President and Congress interim reports containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID09d5aa9bd7304cf2b488f2f989ac2237"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Final report</header><text>Not later than 16 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a final report containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID917d250479fd440ba849f55a773fa7eb"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Termination</header> <paragraph id="ID4dbf69ef89e242639646c52b880ca6c3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission, and all the authorities of this title, shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the final report is submitted under subsection (b).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID5a94bf3dab3a4513bee2710a4d748c88"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Administrative activities before termination</header><text>The Commission may use the 60-day period referred to in paragraph (1) for the purpose of concluding its activities, including providing testimony to committees of Congress concerning its reports and disseminating its final report.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID00219719ae4146efb37241063514300b"><enum>109.</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009.</text> </section>

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Addressing the Disaster Needs of Children Act of 2007

<enum>I</enum><header>National Commission on Children and Disasters</header> <section id="ID32cd429e4d8f4c309409e7047338c5c6"><enum>101.</enum><header>Establishment of Commission</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There is established in the legislative branch the National Commission on Children and Disasters (in this title referred to as the <quote>Commission</quote>).</text> </section><section id="IDc45e160916ff4788807f478ad6980c65"><enum>102.</enum><header>Purposes of Commission</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The purposes of the Commission are to—</text> <paragraph id="ID93aefdad4533478884fcbd4a5158977e"><enum>(1)</enum><text>examine, assess, and report upon the facts and causes relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID80281d5897a94c0a8d60d4a4ec977a3c"><enum>(2)</enum><text>build upon the investigations of other entities and avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of other executive branch, congressional, or independent commissions, or nongovernmental entities, relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7e6a7e0c9c6b49f1a0d95abeff5487c9"><enum>(3)</enum><text>investigate and report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures that can be taken to address fully the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="ID7a082a532ff14b8294f28bf509bac037"><enum>103.</enum><header>Composition of Commission</header> <subsection id="ID4447a10425a04d908e94da5d72dba72a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Members</header><text>The Commission shall be composed of 10 members, of whom—</text> <paragraph id="ID9264105784904b91aaadf36bf3db7da4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>1 member shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve as the chairperson;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd48474a9a0464da09ace8c158dc3a736"><enum>(2)</enum><text>1 member, who is of a different political party than that of the member appointed under paragraph (1), shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve as Vice chairperson;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDf164aecb8bb14fe986ad8ca940ccc9ef"><enum>(3)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID02e3b083e0f441e78d43548c41aba3dc"><enum>(4)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID997e2cfef36642889b4c28be104195ed"><enum>(5)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDc43b5d0bb1144667b89cacd1c7e5ae73"><enum>(6)</enum><text>2 members shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID6347d7c11fe24cbca90668c7bd981ea8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Political party affiliation</header><text>Not more than 5 members of the Commission shall be from the same political party.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDe5334e0aee3944fc99b2320ae65286ab"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Governmental appointees</header><text>An individual appointed to the Commission may not be an elected official of the Federal Government or any State or local government.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID86562c7ac4c44b989f983a02f4587112"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Member expertise</header> <paragraph id="idE5C6FD8D646E4DDE90EF26C3EED5A339"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less than 1 member of the Commission shall have demonstrated expertise in—</text> <subparagraph id="IDdca74cb401a34d8c899a05b24ffb3130"><enum>(A)</enum><text>child health, including physical and mental health;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf2c6a5b8db4a42458d30ca77a38f7804"><enum>(B)</enum><text>child health services and delivery systems;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID06999e4e5fdf431a8a16fad9dbc2973f"><enum>(C)</enum><text>child care services and delivery systems;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDebf09ed24c434d76a7744e2ca973bfa5"><enum>(D)</enum><text>child welfare services and delivery systems;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf9f1e3f63f9540de8658fc59bbfc7b84"><enum>(E)</enum><text>primary education services;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID294acc8df07947d79a04029566f4dbf8"><enum>(F)</enum><text>housing services relevant to children and families;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDa4a259e5058a4c6c8b598497bb24d1f0"><enum>(G)</enum><text>transportation services relevant to children and families;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDc740518e0445439ead0bff26c7170b74"><enum>(H)</enum><text>juvenile justice systems and services relevant to children and families;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID0419e9b9531944c8afcde5fb0a11e1c0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>public finance mechanisms relevant to children and families; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDc807b6f9cc85457e8958c6d770a5acdf"><enum>(J)</enum><text>emergency mitigation, preparedness, recovery, and response activities relevant to children and families.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA816FF91784D45F393A7D8E61AEF8518"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Nongovernmental expertise</header><text>At least 1 member of the Commission shall be from a private nonprofit, private for-profit, or philanthropic entity with demonstrated expertise in addressing the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID2d6d000f11e5448da97ab0720ee12604"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Deadline for appointment</header><text>All members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID1fd92cd40b0a42b5bebbcb926d721564"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Initial meeting</header><text>The Commission shall meet and begin the operations of the Commission not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID0f36a09520a046758c3d0e3fbfa3c290"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Quorum; vacancies</header><text>After its initial meeting, the Commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson or a majority of the members of the Commission. Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting business. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.</text> </subsection></section><section id="IDbc8bcc9ca0c645d09c60405abb21e731"><enum>104.</enum><header>Functions of the Commission</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="IDda8cdb80d2b24b7e85300a31bc1d8d1f"><enum>(1)</enum><text>conduct an investigation that—</text> <subparagraph id="ID0baf0a92ad144e739b9939d2af095eb5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>examines and assesses relevant facts and causes relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID8d7265349c4e4115989b674a35c37aab"><enum>(B)</enum><text>includes relevant facts and causes relating to the needs of—</text> <clause id="IDa6aa96a371af470a8fef2d7350190afd"><enum>(i)</enum><text>child health, including physical and mental health;</text> </clause><clause id="ID95f3bc39a24e48a4a0235e7c294ed48b"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>child care;</text> </clause><clause id="IDfec9ac85ad3e4305a1d8ddba8e603124"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>child welfare;</text> </clause><clause id="ID6fbf0d8159c1466f946cf1de6b1a3a00"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>primary education;</text> </clause><clause id="ID109775493c3241c6a463a529fbd00bd7"><enum>(v)</enum><text>housing;</text> </clause><clause id="ID3b4db250e13e4583aceb78609c22855a"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>transportation;</text> </clause><clause id="IDa676eaa4e51448f9b5fb7f61425762a9"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>juvenile justice;</text> </clause><clause id="ID5080c95e220a4062a102d44d923bd84a"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>public finance mechanisms; and</text> </clause><clause id="ID63995badce8d49ccac32da7bb5fabdde"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>relevant activities in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idDC86BAB76B13414E81E6B8AE4E467C8F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>identify, review, and evaluate existing laws relevant to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID47d27755873c47ec8cd3545839c21344"><enum>(3)</enum><text>identify, review, and evaluate relevant past events regarding the mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, coordination, and service delivery policies of the Federal Government, and, where applicable, State and local governments and nongovernmental entities, relative to addressing fully the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID6d01f498b9cc4596a8114a68acd03e7e"><enum>(4)</enum><text>submit to the President and Congress such reports as required by this title containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures as the Commission shall determine appropriate, including proposing organization, planning, coordination, management, and financial policies, arrangements, procedures, rules, and regulations.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="ID31f643a0044d40eaaf05b5b2bbd2bdea"><enum>105.</enum><header>Powers of the Commission</header> <subsection id="IDa819acb011d34cdbbf45caaa387a2b32"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="IDee4b829700a44a3687f76682128bd16b"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Hearings and evidence</header><text>The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this title hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and administer such oaths as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDe82acd1bed1b4905aa72f2e496abf480"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Witness allowances and fees</header> <subparagraph id="IDbe7c25744bca49829e60a557ee7c4fa6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Section 1821 of title 28, United States Code, shall apply to a witness requested to appear at a hearing of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDb844f3a83f174558bbf038e2ded15f25"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Expenses</header><text>The per diem and mileage allowances for a witness shall be paid from funds available to pay the expenses of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDf4a00515678c4d86aec45cc99b850be6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Contracting</header><text>The Commission may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID10842e0869a74829bcab16397c9ffbeb"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Information from Federal agencies</header> <paragraph id="IDbb66fbd7648642508aba66e68676bdb4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission is authorized to secure directly from any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics for the purposes of this title. Each department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Commission, upon request made by the chairperson, the chairperson of any subcommittee created by the Commission, or any member designated by a majority of the Commission.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID255cb3fd27d54a0d92034e1d07af9ee0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Receipt, handling, storage, and dissemination</header><text>Information shall only be received, handled, stored, and disseminated by members of the Commission and its staff consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive orders.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDb7343a8748ba4690be7988b96415bc53"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Assistance from Federal agencies</header> <paragraph id="ID5d8b57dd95a24e84b40adc0f21227a35"><enum>(1)</enum><header>General services administration</header><text>The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis administrative support and other services for the performance of the Commission’s functions.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDc3e259dceab1444db96fffcf3a7febe7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Other departments and agencies</header><text>In addition to the assistance provided for under paragraph (1), departments and agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission such services as they may determine advisable and as may be authorized by law.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID8a08b51fc3744a53abb8a3a6c1c46616"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Postal services</header><text>The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies of the United States.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID6a8b454fd7714b4ead5033fec1e54c06"><enum>106.</enum><header>Staff of Commission</header> <subsection id="IDb7a7aa1982ee4eca8fc17b056761aaa6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="IDd16c3099df8848068782890dcb17762c"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Appointment and compensation</header><text>The chairperson of the Commission, in consultation with the vice chairperson, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions, in accordance with the provisions of title 5, United States Code, except that no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID97fdb9a379034399ba31ac798aecb9e7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Personnel as Federal employees</header> <subparagraph id="ID9da1535e8b604285b391921899dafb87"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App) shall apply to the staff director and any personnel of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID98461d3070004ec3a0080e9d942e27d9"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Members of Commission</header><text>Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed to apply to members of the Commission.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDae434e2c3cec474b8814ba6300829e29"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Detailees</header><text>Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges or his or her regular employment without interruption.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID5b3b857b47ef4baf8b594892357ad4c9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Consultant services</header><text>The Commission is authorized to procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID5ab48963730b4195a17431f7dfa843ee"><enum>107.</enum><header>Compensation and travel expenses</header> <subsection id="IDb6f7f79b5e784d57b33d72e52ed6fc41"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Compensation</header><text>Each member of the Commission may be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the Commission.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID54ffd2c2ac6343fd8fd8322e72a4098b"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Travel expenses</header><text>While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID3f9c4fe088b243a3a135b315cede17fd"><enum>108.</enum><header>Reports of the Commission; termination</header> <subsection id="ID11ca3fe7b6504ee1a217a2ee625611ef"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Interim reports</header><text>The Commission may submit to the President and Congress interim reports containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID09d5aa9bd7304cf2b488f2f989ac2237"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Final report</header><text>Not later than 16 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a final report containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for measures as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID917d250479fd440ba849f55a773fa7eb"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Termination</header> <paragraph id="ID4dbf69ef89e242639646c52b880ca6c3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission, and all the authorities of this title, shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the final report is submitted under subsection (b).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID5a94bf3dab3a4513bee2710a4d748c88"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Administrative activities before termination</header><text>The Commission may use the 60-day period referred to in paragraph (1) for the purpose of concluding its activities, including providing testimony to committees of Congress concerning its reports and disseminating its final report.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID00219719ae4146efb37241063514300b"><enum>109.</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009.</text> </section><enum>II</enum><header>National Resource Center on Children and Disasters</header> <section id="ID10dc151652024cf390f814472f9e13a4"><enum>201.</enum><header>Establishment of Resource Center</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this title referred to as the <quote>Secretary</quote>) shall establish a National Resource Center on Children and Disasters (in this title referred to as the <quote>Center</quote>).</text> </section><section id="IDac210ca6b9914807bc37d8b58a9cf414"><enum>202.</enum><header>Purpose of the Center</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Center shall provide resource information to Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, as well as to other nongovernmental entities, on issues relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </section><section id="ID9dfd2c716b6d4368ace4fa8ceac6dd7b"><enum>203.</enum><header>Functions of the Center</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Center shall—</text> <paragraph id="IDcc24f4a16efa4b5ea7b1b20abf0e1cde"><enum>(1)</enum><text>establish a clearinghouse to collect, maintain, disseminate, and, where appropriate, develop information, networks, and resources on issues relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies, including child health, child care, child welfare, primary education, housing, transportation, juvenile justice, public finance mechanisms, and relevant activities in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID8877f99fd09b4e5ea0d7523f0bb215d6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>develop and maintain a website and related systems for disseminating information on issues described in paragraph (1).</text> </paragraph></section><section id="IDd80a00db9e2147f89cd411c25e764c5f"><enum>204.</enum><header>Collaboration and coordination</header> <subsection id="IDdabcb7e389bb493786de813806cce85c"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Collaboration</header><text>In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall collaborate with any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Government responsible for policies, arrangements, procedures, rules, and regulations relevant to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID3499195286a4422892797dff9f6febac"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Memorandum of understanding</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Attorney General, to collaborate where appropriate on the functions described in section 203.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID638176c849384bc0b3e5dabdf1f2f637"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text>In carrying out this title, the Secretary shall consult with—</text> <paragraph id="ID4b9f5384b1c84b1c8ee87ddbd9489498"><enum>(1)</enum><text>State and local agencies;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDc832aabcfc2541f7991bedbf607f053d"><enum>(2)</enum><text>national and local organizations with demonstrated expertise in working to address the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID574612dbe6cf497ca684216fe98311ad"><enum>(3)</enum><text>national organizations with demonstrated specialty expertise in areas such as child health, child care, child welfare, primary education, public housing, transportation, juvenile justice, public finance mechanisms, and relevant activities in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID34757acd2ddd4169a11ccd4eae77f58b"><enum>(4)</enum><text>qualified professionals who possess the specialized knowledge, skills, experience, and relevant attributes related to addressing the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="IDe6975b4f296646b3ba12f5824c88f948"><enum>205.</enum><header>Authority to enter into contracts</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Center to discharge its duties under this title.</text> </section><section id="ID9fad7baddd1042e689c230f672c6f534"><enum>206.</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009.</text> </section>

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

All hazards

The term all hazards has the meaning given the term hazard under section 602(a)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5195a), and includes natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. (2)

Child; children

The terms child and children mean an individual or individuals, respectively, who have not attained 18 years of age. (3)

Emergency

The term emergency has the meaning given such term under section 102(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(1)). (4)

Major disaster

The term major disaster has the meaning given such term under section 102(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(2)).

Establishment of Commission

There is established a commission to be known as the National Commission on Children and Disasters (referred to in this Act as the Commission).

Purposes of Commission

The purposes of the Commission are to— (1)conduct a comprehensive study to examine and assess the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; (2)build upon the evaluations of other entities and avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of other commissions, Federal, State, and local governments, or nongovernmental entities, relating to the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; and (3)submit a report to the President and Congress on specific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to address the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies.

Composition of Commission

(a)

Members

The Commission shall be composed of 10 members, of whom— (1)1 member shall be appointed by the President; (2)1 member, who is of a different political party than that of the member appointed under paragraph (1), shall be appointed by the President; (3)2 members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; (4)2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; (5)2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and (6)2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (b)

Chairperson, vice-chairperson, and meetings

Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission are appointed under subsection (a), such members shall meet to elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among such members and shall determine a schedule of Commission meetings. (c)

Governmental appointees

An individual appointed to the Commission may not be an official or employee of the Federal Government. (d)

Commission representation

The Commission shall include at least one— (1)representative from private nonprofit entities with demonstrated expertise in addressing the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; and (2)State emergency manager or local emergency manager. (e)

Qualifications

Members appointed under subsection (a) may include— (1)individuals involved with providing services to children, including health, education, housing, and other social services; (2)individuals with experience in emergency management, including coordination of resources and services among State and local governments, the Federal Government, and nongovernmental entities; (3)individuals with philanthropic experience focused on the needs of children in all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; (4)individuals with experience in providing donated goods and services, including personnel services, to meet the needs of children and families as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; and (5)individuals who have conducted academic research related to addressing the needs of children in all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies. (f)

Initial meeting

The Commission shall meet and begin the operations of the Commission not later than 120 days after the appointment of members of the Commission. (g)

Quorum and vacancy

(1)

Quorum

A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. (2)

Vacancy

Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

Duties of Commission

The Commission shall— (1)conduct pursuant to section 4(2) a comprehensive study that examines and assesses the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies, including specific findings relating to— (A)child physical health, mental health, and trauma; (B)child care in all settings; (C)child welfare; (D)elementary and secondary education; (E)sheltering, temporary housing, and affordable housing; (F)transportation; (G)juvenile justice; (H)evacuation; and (I)relevant activities in emergency management; (2)identify, review, and evaluate existing laws, regulations, policies, and programs relevant to the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; (3)identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from past disasters and emergencies relative to addressing the needs of children; and (4)submit a report to the President and Congress on the Commission’s specific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to address the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies, including specific recommendations on the need for planning and establishing a national resource center on children and disasters, coordination of resources and services, administrative actions, policies, regulations, and legislative changes as the Commission considers appropriate.

Powers of Commission

(a)

Hearings

The Commission may hold such hearings, meet and act at such times and places, and receive such evidence as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission. (b)

Information from Federal agencies

(1)

In general

The Commission may access, to the extent authorized by law, from any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Federal Government such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. (2)

Provision of information

On written request of the Chairperson of the Commission, each department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, provide the requested information to the Commission. (3)

Receipt, handling, storage, and dissemination

Information shall only be received, handled, stored, and disseminated by members of the Commission and its staff consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive orders. (c)

Assistance from Federal agencies

(1)

General services administration

On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, administrative support and other assistance necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties. (2)

Other departments and agencies

In addition to the assistance provided for under paragraph (1), departments and agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission such assistance as they may determine advisable and as authorized by law. (d)

Contracting

The Commission may enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act. (e)

Donations

The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of donations of services or property. (f)

Postal services

The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as a department or agency of the United States.

Staff of Commission

(a)

In general

The Chairperson of the Commission, in consultation with the Vice Chairperson, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions, in accordance with the provisions of title 5, United States Code, except that no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. (b)

Staff of Federal agencies

Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Federal Government may detail, without reimbursement, any of its personnel to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. Any detail of an employee shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (c)

Consultant services

The Commission is authorized to procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.

Travel expenses

Each member of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

10.

Federal Advisory Committee Act applicability

The provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall apply to the Commission, including the staff of the Commission.

11.

Reports of Commission; termination

(a)

Interim report

The Commission shall, not later than 1 year after the date of its first meeting, submit to the President and Congress an interim report containing specific findings, conclusions, and recommendations required under this Act as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members. (b)

Other reports and information

(1)

Reports

The Commission may issue additional reports as the Commission determines necessary. (2)

Information

The Commission may hold public hearings to collect information and shall make such information available for use by the public. (c)

Final report

The Commission shall, not later than 2 years after the date of its first meeting, submit to the President and Congress a final report containing specific findings, conclusions, and recommendations required under this Act as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members. (d)

Termination

(1)

In general

The Commission, and all the authorities of this Act, shall terminate 180 days after the date on which the final report is submitted under subsection (b). (2)

Records

Not later than the date of termination of the Commission under paragraph (1), all records and papers of the Commission shall be delivered to the Archivist of the United States for deposit in the National Archives.

12.

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

13.

Rule of construction

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to confer on the Commission purposes and duties that are the responsibility of the Congress.

Amend the title so as to read: A bill to establish a National Commission on Children and Disasters, and for other purposes..

November 15, 2007

Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the title