II Calendar No. 723 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1633 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES August 6, 2009 Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mr. Bond) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations December 21, 2010 Reported by Mr. Kerry, with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2009.
2.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards
(a)
In general
Not later than January 1, 2010, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall establish a program called the APEC Business Travel Program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards (ABTC) to eligible United States citizen business leaders and senior United States Government officials actively engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business. (b)
Integration with existing travel programs
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall integrate application procedures for and issuance of ABTC with other appropriate international registered traveler programs of the Department of Homeland Security, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. (c)
Cooperation with private entities
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall work in conjunction with appropriate private sector entities to ensure that applicants for ABTC satisfy ABTC requirements. The Secretary of Homeland Security may utilize such entities to enroll and issue ABTC to qualified applicants. (d)
Fee
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Homeland Security may impose a fee for the issuance of ABTC, and may modify such fee from time to time as the Secretary determines appropriate. (2)
Limitation
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the total amount of any fees imposed under paragraph (1) in any fiscal year does not exceed the costs associated with carrying out this section in such fiscal year. (3)
Crediting to appropriate account
Fees collected under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the appropriate account of the Department of Homeland Security and are authorized to remain available until expended.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2010.
2.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, is authorized to establish a program within 12 months from the date of the enactment of this Act, to be known as the APEC Business Travel Program, under which the Secretary may issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards (in this Act referred to as ABT Cards) to eligible United States citizens, including business leaders and United States Government officials actively engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business. To be eligible for an ABT Card issued under this section, an individual must first be approved in one of the international trusted traveler programs described in subsection (b). (b)
Integration with existing travel programs
The Secretary of Homeland Security may integrate application procedures for, and issuance of, ABT Cards with other appropriate international trusted traveler programs of the Department of Homeland Security, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. (c)
Cooperation with private entities
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security may consult with appropriate private sector entities. (d)
Regulations
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to implement the APEC Business Travel Program. (e)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security such sums as may be necessary to establish the APEC Business Travel Program. (f)
Fee
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Homeland Security may prescribe and collect a fee for the issuance of ABT Cards, and may modify such fee from time to time as the Secretary determines appropriate. (2)
Limitation
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the total amount of any fees imposed under paragraph (1) in any fiscal year does not exceed the costs associated with carrying out this section in such fiscal year. (3)
Account for collections
There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States an APEC Business Travel Program Account, into which the fees collected under paragraph (1) shall be deposited as offsetting receipts. (4)
Use of the funds in the account
The funds in the APEC Business Travel Program Account may be credited to the appropriate account of the Department of Homeland Security for expenses incurred in carrying out this section. Such funds shall remain available until expended. (g)
Termination of program
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, may cease issuance of the ABT Cards if the Secretary deems it in the interest of the United States to do so.
December 21, 2010 Reported with an amendment