<enum>I</enum><header>Deepwater Horizon claims resolution</header> <section id="ID055903d68f6a48ff95a05996ee43e43c"><enum>101.</enum><header>Findings and purpose</header> <subsection id="ID4eae581a77624280ae901c8157d75317"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Findings</header><text>Congress finds that—</text> <paragraph id="ID3f825eeb0be149a689072b9276e22e14"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident has caused major economic damage to the residents of the States bordering the Gulf of Mexico;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID429e239736a94f2bb0190603006505bc"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the limits on strict liability imposed by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) will be exceeded by the claims resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDa55deb58d06b4094ad77880eb4860800"><enum>(3)</enum><text>while the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) places no restrictions on liability for damages from the accident under State law, litigation of such cases may take decades, and consume in litigation expenses funds that could otherwise be used to quickly and efficiently compensate the citizens of the Gulf States for damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDdeef535aae574123a03d64fd1fc306cb"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text>The purpose of this title is to create a fair and efficient system for the payment of legitimate present and future claims for damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID1fe2931c080a4d078b5ce02a6ba1d362"><enum>102.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">In this title:</text> <paragraph id="IDd3a45efc3bd4406086046240bdc47528"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Administrator</header><text>The term <term>Administrator</term> means the Administrator of the Office.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id1D29DF6DF2014210930338C9D74355C8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advisory Committee</header><text>The term <term>Advisory Committee</term> means the Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation established under section 115(a).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd3e43128ca3e4a36bb6a113e2d0ea128"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Claim</header><text>The term <term>claim</term> means any claim, based on any theory, allegation, or cause of action, for damages presented in a civil action or bankruptcy proceeding, directly, indirectly, or derivatively arising out of, based on, or related to, in whole or in part, the effects of the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7dd75b091ab546cd8348964f34443577"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Claimant</header><text>The term <term>claimant</term> means a person or State who files a claim under section 123.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDf8026ae20bb44228b7384870aef22da9"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Civil action</header> <subparagraph id="id9688B588044948C1BA8082264FA8F435"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>civil action</term> means a civil action filed in Federal or State court, whether cognizable as a case at law, in equity, or in admiralty.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9936DF584E454E8CA73BCB0EAA1C70C2"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Exclusion</header><text>The term <term>civil action</term> does not include an action relating to any workers’ compensation law.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDa0f87a53e00649c0874806a3dfeedb0f"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Collateral source compensation</header><text>The term <term>collateral source compensation</term> means the compensation that a claimant received, or is entitled to receive, from a responsible party as a result of a final judgment, settlement, or other payment for damages that are the source of a claim under section 123, including payments made under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id96D40D96A04E42BCBDAC46ADE719A1E0"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Compensation program</header><text>The term <term>compensation program</term> means the compensation program established under this title.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID6dfb3eaa1b8d4e0ba4c6f4bed3965c12"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Damages</header><text>The term <term>damages</term> means damages specified in section 131(b), including the cost of assessing those damages.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb8fedf62419d4938b593f5f4e27acc60"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Deepwater Horizon incident</header><text>The term <term>Deepwater Horizon incident</term> means the blowout and explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that occurred on April 20, 2010, and resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id787A6B64CE4C451A90FC9C19FAD4E1CC"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Department</header><text>The term <term>Department</term> means the Department of the Interior.</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id0FDF8FCCE6B34F9C808E6856807DC813"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Fund</header><text>The term <term>Fund</term> means the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund established by section 9509 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb290306fc1ff4caf8892fd7569e37dec"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Law</header><text>The term <term>law</term> includes all law, judicial or administrative decisions, rules, regulations, or any other principle or action having the effect of law.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id814FED6473D04C6FB355CAA68471B2B7"><enum>(13)</enum><header>Office</header><text>The term <term>Office</term> means the Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation established under section 111.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb8e98b30aa7849e28a54fa85fb2ef052"><enum>(14)</enum><header>Parties</header><text>The term <term>parties</term> means, with respect to an individual claim, the claimant and the responsible party.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd9aa4f3b6d524943b0dd5303c267da90"><enum>(15)</enum><header>Person</header> <subparagraph id="id2CD688F673EB4822B4ABD617C8191832"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>person</term> means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, partnership, association, insurance company, reinsurance company, or corporation.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5fd4e58b75e7426493947b97301fd3b7"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Exclusions</header><text>The term <term>person</term> does not include—</text> <clause id="idC1AB76DE25404145A55EA8C08D0F3A9E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the United States;</text> </clause><clause id="idCC737E35EFEA4C14BA4BDB5C646AC8F1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a State; or</text> </clause><clause id="id7699855D92B84492B0B77E1BB7571B40"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>a political subdivision of a State.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID7cf527654a354e36acc88fb6e840ed95"><enum>(16)</enum><header>Responsible party</header><text>The term <term>responsible party</term> means a responsible party (as defined in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701)) for the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="idBE99AACEE0424170AC7C3494E0649933"><enum>(17)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of the Interior.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID921a1696e6214f61a7b463404052cdc1"><enum>(18)</enum><header>State</header><text>The term <term>State</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="IDFF879DE85E0E4FEC9C688D61E9026CDD"><enum>(A)</enum><text>each of the several States of the United States;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID32C27061274442F382CB1733506BBDE3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the District of Columbia;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3101047A4BF14895A4996D0E3B56607E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7162086E82BE4862A921D0568448B976"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Guam;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDC397CB348D70414D852ED0B69C50A495"><enum>(E)</enum><text>American Samoa;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDEC09872E97EB435AA63029F6A624BB53"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDA047B181B08F4BBB82D242D53C80EF1F"><enum>(G)</enum><text>the Federated States of Micronesia;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID6A5ECA5967DA43868BF48973945D5E95"><enum>(H)</enum><text>the Republic of the Marshall Islands;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDFEE3C0A255D341F193E516DB29CE0938"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Republic of Palau; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC4A3C144F18045C0A7AB89919A6D3CAB"><enum>(J)</enum><text>the United States Virgin Islands.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID53b6d1df180a4ebdbaf52aea0ef11751"><enum>(19)</enum><header>Successor in interest</header><text>The term <term>successor in interest</term> means any person that acquires assets, and substantially continues the business operations, of a responsible party, considering factors that include—</text> <subparagraph id="IDdcf13e4a43f94369bf17c23a22ef6079"><enum>(A)</enum><text>retention of the same facilities or location;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDa333062b062549caa6d7c81d774f249d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>retention of the same employees;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID783d6d3fa085471fb217ca39b5da8033"><enum>(C)</enum><text>maintaining the same job under the same working conditions;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDab3c5bf620ce411b84cc0e34f2852961"><enum>(D)</enum><text>retention of the same supervisory personnel;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbea995a495dc495f9f9ea4fcf8b148ca"><enum>(E)</enum><text>continuity of assets;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1ac534a0c4554ba7b2967a7ff21a65e2"><enum>(F)</enum><text>production of the same product or offer of the same service;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3ddd80dd1df44cc29ad3be8f50c5e143"><enum>(G)</enum><text>retention of the same name;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1fe453ce4c954540b7e22ee8fe08e234"><enum>(H)</enum><text>maintenance of the same customer base;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7036e8fa6cb94523a09f34b377cf14ec"><enum>(I)</enum><text>identity of stocks, stockholders, and directors between the asset seller and the purchaser; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9a761f015dfb4eaebf144807a6191066"><enum>(J)</enum><text>whether the successor holds itself out as continuation of previous enterprise, but expressly does not include whether the person actually knew of the liability of the responsible party under this title.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></section><subtitle id="idDE56EA04363C44328CB27A860B956235"><enum>A</enum><header>Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation</header> <section id="ID7c2c611be85e42bea925fc662420f590"><enum>111.</enum><header>Establishment of Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation</header> <subsection id="ID9ed9060ce0ab49488e000579d8a88526"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="ID3ca409b11b02412398d8d5328facd4df"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>There is established within the Department the Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation, which shall be headed by the Administrator.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID808b7f5b4dce41908f674ae643840dd2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text>The purpose of the Office shall be to provide timely, fair compensation, under the terms specified in this title, on a no-fault basis and in a nonadversarial manner, to persons and State or local governments that have incurred damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd39d9eb8ae7f4f36b24435d65a342908"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Termination of the Office</header><text>The Office shall terminate effective not later than 1 year following the date of certification by the Administrator that the Fund has neither paid a claim in the previous 1-year period nor has debt obligations remaining to pay.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDe5df68174b2240908baca0b995f33430"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Expenses</header><text>The Fund shall be available to the Secretary for expenditure, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, as necessary for any and all expenses associated with the Office, including—</text> <subparagraph id="IDd6abb9e1ea2f41019b4ad40268c2ea05"><enum>(A)</enum><text>personnel salaries and expenses, including retirement and similar benefits; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID2babdee9e1d54151a0c184eaef641419"><enum>(B)</enum><text>all administrative and legal expenses.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID60e8e69910dd46bdb38548de0d220526"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Appointment of Administrator</header> <paragraph id="ID9c56c955b42644688332d40f8892aef7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator of the Office shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id3F7E7F9196B54E9F8124A39A87677FBA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Term</header><text>The term of the Administrator shall be 5 years.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID1190ca2438d94998bf988d0855154f29"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The Administrator shall report directly to the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDc66585bc09614dd0a63e66597a2b2992"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Duties of Administrator</header> <paragraph id="ID522c7feba3764638a772717abbe93107"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator shall be responsible for—</text> <subparagraph id="IDa5c8e6ad544b46e3ac2bc09d4f3ac47f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>processing claims for compensation for damages to eligible claimants in accordance with the criteria and procedures established under subtitle B;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID0605464073a24dd2b8fe0edf938417b6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>appointing or contracting for the services of such personnel, making such expenditures, and taking any other actions as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Office, including entering into cooperative agreements with other Federal or State agencies and entering into contracts with nongovernmental entities;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDfd5197da50a0440ab5308a78cf16132f"><enum>(C)</enum><text>conducting such audits and additional oversight as necessary to assure the integrity of the compensation program;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID4ad1685b4fce4bc0bfc28e4b7127e851"><enum>(D)</enum><text>promulgating such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary to carry out this title;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDb7df15d04a1644749c9be6c4aae7a3bc"><enum>(E)</enum><text>making such expenditures as may be necessary in carrying out this title;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9150d4adf99349a79dc8cc0d29671731"><enum>(F)</enum><text>excluding evidence and disqualifying or debarring any attorney or other individual or entity who provide evidence in support of the application of the claimant for compensation if the Administrator determines that materially false, fraudulent, or fictitious statements or practices have been submitted or engaged in by the individual or entity; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7c38147d60754a88996abd28de101f84"><enum>(G)</enum><text>having all other powers incidental, necessary, or appropriate to carrying out the functions of the Office.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID2ae7b9c3e48f414a954615024c0a2d8e"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Certain enforcement</header> <subparagraph id="id2CC6C28CC803429785885AD80A0D586C"><enum>(A)</enum><header>False statements</header><text>For each infraction described in paragraph (1)(F), the Administrator may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 on any individual or entity found to have submitted or engaged in a materially false, fraudulent, or fictitious statement or practice under this title.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2B51474389DA426DA6036D55FD7C8140"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Other powers</header><text>The Administrator shall issue appropriate regulations to carry out paragraph (1)(G).</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID475a1b15d6ce43b3ab5d5748d4d748cc"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Audit and personnel review procedures</header><text>The Administrator shall establish audit and personnel review procedures for evaluating the accuracy of eligibility recommendations of agency and contract personnel.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID47292169d6874faa956a1074dbb32bf3"><enum>112.</enum><header>Claimant assistance</header> <subsection id="ID1c8c39ffb4b1431e8dd59cdb1c04ecec"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a comprehensive claimant assistance program—</text> <paragraph id="IDcf249e3f5b634ff1831f249b22f4f1bf"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to publicize and provide information to potential claimants about—</text> <subparagraph id="id4BAE2B4B68DB4A668B2FBCB980C786A4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the availability of benefits for eligible claimants under this title; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9DA14F61DBB84F38956B227020C8BE61"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the procedures for filing claims and for obtaining assistance in filing claims;</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDfd7778a2159c43539340e6626d0d4329"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to provide assistance to potential claimants in preparing and submitting claims, including assistance in obtaining the documentation necessary to support a claim;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd39d1fae0c2e46088cc188654e08d151"><enum>(3)</enum><text>to respond to inquiries from claimants and potential claimants;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID0f064f91955141ce82992aa84e66f52c"><enum>(4)</enum><text>to provide training with respect to the applicable procedures for the preparation and filing of claims to persons who provide assistance or representation to claimants, including nonprofit organizations and State and local government entities; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID4a48be2ce1c04a3eb3ca8e53e3df4dae"><enum>(5)</enum><text>to provide for the establishment of a Web site on which claimants may access all relevant forms and information.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID7b54378bfbf04f088b8bf81a1c4ab0d5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Resource centers</header> <paragraph id="id041B2C1E60F74A11A56738CFEA4B7063"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The claimant assistance program shall provide for the establishment of resource centers in areas in which there are determined to be large concentrations of potential claimants.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id92D49C045F6845C08C0CF3DAD137F51F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Location</header><text>The centers shall be located, to the maximum extent practicable, in facilities of the Department or other Federal agencies.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID78cd180ba48747c7a223f3cd1de09f15"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Attorney’s fees</header> <paragraph id="ID35720f1c3e8848d7bfb073e05aed7d12"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the representative of an individual may not receive, for services rendered in connection with the claim of an individual under this title, more than 5 percent of a final award made (whether by the Administrator initially or as a result of administrative review) on the claim.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID5ee070bda59c40a1b03df8133f8526d7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Penalty</header><text>Any representative of a claimant who violates this subsection shall be fined not more than the greater of—</text> <subparagraph id="IDefed1c84b1af41dd90da8a32f46eac3f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>$5,000; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf03719fc83cf4348b2970a0313c8ba78"><enum>(B)</enum><text>twice the amount received by the representative for services rendered in connection with each violation.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID20a5260f12f144ec802d630e87382c2b"><enum>113.</enum><header>Compensation program startup</header> <subsection id="ID48b8bae293ea4c02a3f3c56b9daf42cf"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Interim regulations</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue interim regulations and procedures for the processing of claims under this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDfa2b4fe6b46444abba0b5ce2680c1af0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Interim personnel</header> <paragraph id="id8CE1AFA24FDD496080DCCE35EF99E1C8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department may make available to the Administrator on a temporary basis such personnel and other resources as may be necessary to facilitate the expeditious startup of the compensation program.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="idE436C857CBCE40FD9710443ACED88C66"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contracts</header><text>The Administrator may contract with individuals or entities having relevant experience to assist in the expeditious startup of the compensation program.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDdcbf8fe024b3443c8b88ef2e1c9fd00e"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Extreme financial hardship claims</header><text>In the final regulations promulgated under section 111(c), the Administrator shall designate categories of claims to be handled on an expedited basis as a result of extreme financial hardship.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDe3e8e4aeabcf4d8b859b76be12665676"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Interim Administrator</header><text>Until an Administrator is appointed and confirmed under section 111(b), the responsibilities of the Administrator under this title shall be performed by the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department, who shall have all the authority conferred by this title on the Administrator and who shall be considered to be the Administrator for purposes of this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID4d94d984710e41ac9af6ed53a65c89c2"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Stay of claims; return to tort system</header> <paragraph id="ID9061649b5aba4627bd0e955dc9794484"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Stay of claims</header> <subparagraph id="IDb2ca2172823f46b19e9b16193d0d3298"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Pending actions</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any claim for damages pending in any Federal or State court for monetary damages related to the Deepwater Horizon incident as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to a stay.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDeee699c084a541fd9cb2dfe8a522fd46"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Future actions</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any claim for damages filed in any Federal or State court for monetary damages related to the Deepwater Horizon incident after the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to a stay 60 days after the date of the filing of the claim, unless the claimant has filed an election to pursue the claim for damages in the Federal or State court under paragraph (2).</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID68be246bfdb749b582a593fbbafb4c5f"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Claims</header><text>To be eligible for a claim, any person or State that has filed a timely claim seeking a judgment or order for monetary damages related to the Deepwater Horizon incident in any Federal or State court before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, shall file with the Administrator and serve on all defendants in the pending court action an election to pursue the claim for damages under this title or continue to pursue the claim in the Federal or State court—</text> <subparagraph id="ID3f051572044d469191cfaa991129eaad"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, if the claim was filed in a Federal or State court before the date of enactment of this Act; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbef63cb6d4524be28a369b1487f929d1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not later than 60 days after the date of the filing of the claim, if the claim is filed in a Federal or State court on or after the date of enactment of this Act.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID4b620845868b499d95a5819583bbd74e"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Stay</header><text>Until the claimant files an election under paragraph (2) to continue to pursue the claim in the Federal or State court, the stay under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDa30bb08f18f44c67b52b20fc4dd06706"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Effect of election</header> <subparagraph id="id24C63331E9BD4C879E828F1C5DE0E7F0"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any claimant that has elected to pursue a claim for damages in Federal or State court under paragraph (2) shall not be eligible for an award for those damages under section 131.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6C558EE399DF4D1F9368BCEE142375F4"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Stay of claim</header><text>Any claim seeking a judgment or order for monetary damages relating to the Deepwater Horizon incident in any Federal or State court filed by a claimant that has received a judgment for damages under this title for that claim shall be permanently stayed.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID6438df7f672440bfad72ec03b120de15"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Effect of operational or nonoperational fund</header> <subparagraph id="ID2e69e81f160547c0b2f2356673c9d2b5"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Reinstatement of claims</header><text>If, after 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator cannot certify to Congress that the Office is operational and paying claims at a reasonable rate, each person or State that has filed a claim stayed under this subsection may continue the claims of the person or State in the court in which the case was pending prior to the stay.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9135b928e08e4985a869555fe306c246"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Operational office</header><text>If the Administrator subsequently certifies to Congress that the Office has become operational and paying all valid claims at a reasonable rate, any claim in a civil action in Federal or State court that is not actually on trial before a jury that has been impaneled and presentation of evidence has commenced, but before deliberation, or before a judge and is at the presentation of evidence, may, at the option of the claimant, be considered a reinstated claim before the Administrator and the civil action before the Federal or State court shall be null and void.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID2ecf807bf3d04212b6d671f3cacf624a"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Nonoperational office</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, if the Administrator certifies to Congress that the Office cannot become operational and paying all valid claims at a reasonable rate, all claims that have a stay may be filed or reinstated.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID3d9bfcb810cf46daa282acf756beff60"><enum>114.</enum><header>Authority of Administrator</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">On any matter within the jurisdiction of the Administrator under this title, the Administrator may—</text> <paragraph id="IDe6942661cc1645d1a82938d035592212"><enum>(1)</enum><text>issue subpoenas for and compel the attendance of witnesses within a radius of 200 miles;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID78300c099dca4cf283d72729a7bfd7a4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>administer oaths;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7bad657f6ae444f68f824de1408cc729"><enum>(3)</enum><text>examine witnesses;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID73bc2cfc81524fe2ad2d9f296abd28b7"><enum>(4)</enum><text>require the production of books, papers, documents, and other potential evidence; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID604957ca0ea24c489519c7cdcf96cf1a"><enum>(5)</enum><text>request assistance from other Federal agencies with the performance of the duties of the Administrator under this title.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="IDd88f6a4e65b44b328bdd3b5cd50e0553"><enum>115.</enum><header>Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation</header> <subsection id="ID13013ad017a146cd97171946b12c2cc7"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header> <paragraph id="ID6bd7c30641de4b8f9ffeb7cb9f505c7c"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID8a1fd58a764e43f29b6e54c82a9094bd"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Composition and appointment</header> <subparagraph id="idBBC52798E8574FFEAC856B1213FBED3D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 24 members, appointed in accordance with this paragraph.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID988d1c9f23cb46a592ef52066ba6f6b9"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Legislative appointments</header> <clause id="id811D5E13701D41D688638E749F55BFEB"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint 4 members to the Advisory Committee.</text> </clause><clause id="id1FB38C58DF8C476FBCA621FBC9E833F1"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Representation</header><text>Of the 4 members appointed by each Member under clause (i)—</text> <subclause id="ID6d02e99309514396b477f94de9b67e14"><enum>(I)</enum><text>2 members shall represent the interests of claimants; and</text> </subclause><subclause id="ID355021bc1c9e43219988e9f8d389d768"><enum>(II)</enum><text>2 members shall represent the interests of responsible parties.</text> </subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbef6513c4de84786b8cf7740d6d6f5e2"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Appointments by Administrator</header><text>The Administrator shall appoint 8 members to the Advisory Committee, who shall be individuals with qualifications and expertise relevant to the compensation program, including experience or expertise in marine or coastal ecology, oil spill remediation, fisheries management, administering compensation programs, or audits.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID4c6be5430c0d47ef9e7e44cbee2e826d"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Duties</header><text>The Advisory Committee shall advise the Administrator on—</text> <paragraph id="IDc9647a2b68ba4a088ac807938e4a0e18"><enum>(1)</enum><text>claims filing and claims processing procedures;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID75ec1be9ae744ffbb783e307b43fc255"><enum>(2)</enum><text>claimant assistance programs;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID1f123a3476e949ffbec9567cc93f32f5"><enum>(3)</enum><text>audit procedures and programs to ensure the quality and integrity of the compensation program;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID0faac106838f4b7fa1c3eec579b44383"><enum>(4)</enum><text>analyses or research that should be conducted to evaluate past claims and to project future claims under the compensation program; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID40010cd5e85843d7a917c3e6ae4130d0"><enum>(5)</enum><text>such other matters related to the implementation of this title as the Administrator considers appropriate.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID52a92d4575674bcb9c3a4980e5d55d94"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Operation of Committee</header> <paragraph id="IDbf95e798ac7b44a88fe568ea326f2619"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Term</header><text>The term of a member of the Advisory Committee shall be 3 years.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7b15dd037dc6422592e9a28c2ef3ac80"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Chairperson and Vice Chairperson</header><text>The Administrator shall designate a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Committee from among the members appointed under subsection (a)(2)(C).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDa57a84edaf144e3d8b50145db9302307"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Meetings</header><text>The Advisory Committee shall meet—</text> <subparagraph id="id8EE90BC75B864B24801FA5343BDBB240"><enum>(A)</enum><text>at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of the members of the Advisory Committee; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4274C3E8897746278DFE123A145F83D1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>at least—</text> <clause id="id9B7C35EF3E6D4D00A36BD739DD0EA5C7"><enum>(i)</enum><text>4 times per year during the first 3 years of the compensation program; and</text> </clause><clause id="id4A5E94F076154CFDA4F5F5813E6180DF"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>2 times per year thereafter.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID7c3cb51b9b0244c5a2f68801d2cf601a"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Information</header> <subparagraph id="id68657F06B3454000880B7F4DCAE9DF0A"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator shall provide to the Advisory Committee such information as is necessary and appropriate for the Advisory Committee to carry out this section.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id74EAA5FBCDA4490181B17616913FC43A"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Other agencies</header> <clause id="idDE10C4E047CE45D1B81DFBA01ED05A62"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On request of the Advisory Committee, the Administrator may secure directly from any Federal, State, or local department or agency such information as may be necessary to enable the Advisory Committee to carry out this section.</text> </clause><clause id="id21EDE12281AB411B8B8A3824BA75A2C8"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Provision of information</header><text>On request of the Administrator, the head of the department or agency described in clause (i) shall furnish such information to the Advisory Committee.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID315fb8ca1e2346a4adf8d8046adb5650"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Administrative support</header><text>The Administrator shall provide the Advisory Committee with such administrative support as is reasonably necessary to enable the Advisory Committee to carry out this section.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDcb51fc7a1fbc48b787d758fa5985d1b1"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Expenses</header><text>A member of the Advisory Committee, other than a full-time Federal employee, while attending a meeting of the Advisory Committee or while otherwise serving at the request of the Administrator, and while serving away from the home or regular place of business of the member, shall be allowed travel and meal expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for individuals in the Federal Government serving without pay.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="idFC512D13FE074053883382622013C44B"><enum>B</enum><header>Deepwater Horizon compensation procedures</header> <section id="id1E5C5C438E344970903CCA78BBDB1DC5"><enum>121.</enum><header>Essential elements of eligible claim</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">To be eligible for an award under this title for damages, a claimant shall—</text> <paragraph id="IDccfa00d8b3164ccca6916465b26f921a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>file a claim in a timely manner in accordance with section 123; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID3a2885128ea348f196ef0ae8d60b1170"><enum>(2)</enum><text>prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the claimant has suffered damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="ID5638f3844c0f4caf9bc59fdf0edd9c6d"><enum>122.</enum><header>General rule concerning no-fault compensation</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">To be eligible for an award under this title for damages, a claimant shall not be required to demonstrate that the damages for which the claim is being made resulted from the negligence or other fault of any other person.</text> </section><section id="ID3e401adac1de429597c50dc6e88799cc"><enum>123.</enum><header>Filing of claims</header> <subsection id="ID19737d28dba44094b4b1a3aee8db309b"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Eligible claimants</header> <paragraph id="ID86b0c93018a14569bbf10e1371c9a3e9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any person or State that has suffered damage as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident may file a claim with the Office for an award with respect to the damage.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID5af9f3aafebb43baad80ef30714d1f80"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>A claim may not be filed by any person or State under this title for contribution or indemnity.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID4be60b56e37f4578a364ca2e90e07f77"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Statute of limitations</header><text>Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if a person or State fails to file a claim with the Office under this section during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which the person or State first discovered facts that would have led a reasonable person to conclude that damage had occurred, any claim relating to the damage, and any other claim related to that damage, shall be extinguished, and any recovery on the damage shall be prohibited.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID090f92fc884b41fda59a93fe52e8c5a8"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Future claims not precluded</header><text>Filing of a claim under subsection (a) shall not preclude the filing of additional claims for damages arising from the Deepwater Horizon incident that are manifest at a later date.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDbdb24f6bb7e94a12a5406e9e917824e5"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Required information</header><text>A claim filed under subsection (a) shall be in such form, and contain such information in such detail, as the Administrator shall by regulation prescribe.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID4a200345e68e40038485f8a8862dddbf"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Date of filing</header><text>A claim shall be considered to be filed on the date that the claimant mails the claim to the Office, as determined by postmark, or on the date that the claim is received by the Office, whichever is the earliest determinable date.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDa58837efe7324d1ba3738b3f2832cd7d"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Incomplete claims</header> <paragraph id="id9DC63195981345CE9863861593AD2962"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If a claim filed under subsection (a) is incomplete, the Administrator shall notify the claimant of the information necessary to complete the claim and inform the claimant of such services as may be available through the claimant assistance program established under section 112 to assist the claimant in completing the claim.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id471B915D0B2C4FBDB6DD3940377AAB29"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Time periods</header> <subparagraph id="id8BB84F4EA81F41E5B965D815F3886EB2"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any time period for the processing of the claim shall be suspended until such time as the claimant submits the information necessary to complete the claim.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id472A0BBEB5B441D7B7299D393451C44B"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text>If the information described in subparagraph (A) is not received during the 1-year period beginning on the date of the notification, the claim shall be dismissed.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID847711e3073243a7998c6c5cdc81ccf1"><enum>124.</enum><header>Eligibility determinations and claim awards</header> <subsection id="ID323db5212ac14608aeedd6153f924d88"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="IDa7cc0e92260e40a19336d2d7a3c5ed2c"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Review of claims</header><text>The Administrator shall, in accordance with this section, determine whether each claim filed satisfies the requirements for eligibility for an award under this title and, if so, the value of the award.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id5F26F972D4DF427892644DB9C45143E6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Factors</header><text>In making a determination under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider—</text> <subparagraph id="id7449D3D4FC054F1F8F6CC44955D989EF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the claim presented by the claimant;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7ED5237AA48C4CAA8EF2815DCD1A2A6B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the factual evidence submitted by the claimant in support of the claim; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idAB39BB33148C4FA3BFF3B1FDB8352963"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the results of such investigation as the Administrator may consider necessary to determine whether the claim satisfies the criteria for eligibility established by this title.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDa4d933df4b16412ca5900984b7c2596d"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Additional evidence</header> <subparagraph id="idA0FCB726F00C44AF8ECEE39C636EFFC8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator may request the submission of evidence in addition to the minimum requirements of section 123 if necessary to make a determination of eligibility for an award.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD7C68D3764ED47459CB16F2551C88EE8"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Cost</header><text>If the Administrator requests additional evidence under subparagraph (A), the cost of obtaining the additional evidence shall be borne by the Office.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID297111a923ca416dbc2e218b2156b6fd"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Proposed decisions</header> <paragraph id="idC1DF97292A414EBA87E63A09A359D29A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of the filing of a claim, the Administrator shall provide to the parties a proposed decision—</text> <subparagraph id="id23F77DEDBF36401BBA093CEDE22FE0F4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>accepting or rejecting the claim in whole or in part; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idDA198932756347799720FB7F6DC0D9E9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>specifying the amount of any proposed award.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id970F675F76354D47AC99CD04AB05BCCF"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Form</header><text>The proposed decision shall—</text> <subparagraph id="id6D4E08E33E3F4B069B0214FE23592BCF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be in writing;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id87FB61F0C9024533899FEF4DAF5365F8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>contain findings of fact and conclusions of law; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id24936235C7CC41C5A9447489C19437DA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>contain an explanation of the procedure for obtaining review of the proposed decision.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID864e2cd38c95434490d99f8dbfeac008"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Review of proposed decisions</header> <paragraph id="ID56d35d5399624c5294366d1a81f4ed87"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Right to hearing</header> <subparagraph id="IDe6e6bf78f4404a44992c1e7a6d92f95c"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any party not satisfied with a proposed decision of the Administrator under subsection (b) shall be entitled, on written request made not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the decision, to a hearing on the claim of the claimant before a representative of the Administrator.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD6D725239CDF468EBC9F0235A2E303B3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Testimony</header><text>At the hearing, the party shall be entitled to present oral evidence and written testimony in further support of the claim.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5ef6b81e82cc40138cc126c3aa1dbf97"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Conduct of hearing</header> <clause id="idD3221755428A4A01B45B93F72B847BD6"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The hearing shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be conducted at a time and place convenient for the claimant.</text> </clause><clause id="idFA21C21C11E34A119947C41E72DF18AF"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Administration</header><text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, in conducting the hearing, the representative of the Administrator shall conduct the hearing in a manner that best determines the rights of the parties and shall not be bound by—</text> <subclause id="idC65F652837DB4E2BAEFEC3EC1FB7D6D4"><enum>(I)</enum><text>common law or statutory rules of evidence;</text> </subclause><subclause id="idB4D11AC2E185472F8820DB5FB0F901FB"><enum>(II)</enum><text>technical or formal rules of procedure; or</text> </subclause><subclause id="idA818270734984503A7FF5E952A8752FC"><enum>(III)</enum><text>section 554 of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subclause></clause><clause id="id9CF8C46CB3AB4E2A95768B08D5B735B9"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Evidence</header><text>For purposes of clause (ii), the representative of the Administrator shall receive such relevant evidence as the claimant adduces and such other evidence as the representative determines necessary or useful in evaluating the claim.</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5106edafbb0645b6ba55f21e60c81491"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Request for subpoenas</header> <clause id="ID801242138c4f45a6a76ca51c7175c07a"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to clause (iv), a party may request a representative of the Administrator to issue a subpoena but the decision to grant or deny the request is within the discretion of the representative.</text> </clause><clause id="id2F7832B092F246E2848B97C1EAC9ADBC"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Subpoenas</header><text>Subject to clause (iii), the representative may issue subpoenas for—</text> <subclause id="id23759945F81F4DBF8A0E9059B98FD116"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the attendance and testimony of witnesses; and</text> </subclause><subclause id="id1B671FD9D2FA4904B42DA004F2A48856"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the production of books, records, correspondence, papers, or other relevant documents.</text> </subclause></clause><clause id="idB565610A7C684E708B4D95AD4F5B3F6D"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Prerequisites</header><text>Subpoenas may be issued for documents under this subparagraph only if—</text> <subclause id="id65C74D26975E4D05B8932FADFB8769A5"><enum>(I)</enum><text>in the case of documents, the documents are relevant and cannot be obtained by other means; and</text> </subclause><subclause id="idFFE2743F1E52423A9B479314F873F76A"><enum>(II)</enum><text>in the case of witnesses, oral testimony is the best way to ascertain the facts.</text> </subclause></clause><clause id="ID2abc2102d0d64f398508367fafc7da38"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Request</header> <subclause id="id5F531BC1A3FF4B01AB765763D2158E85"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Hearing process</header><text>A party may request a subpoena under this subparagraph only as part of the hearing process.</text> </subclause><subclause id="id08778A7CDE5246FDAC79AF549F3EF45B"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Form</header><text>To request a subpoena, the requester shall—</text> <item id="IDde7e92b0d2fb4d1a985a16cf144383c3"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>submit the request in writing and send it to the representative as early as practicable, but not later than 30 days, after the date of the original hearing request; and</text> </item><item id="IDa19348c4f361432d8313705c427f03d8"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>explain why the testimony or evidence is directly relevant to the issues at hand, and a subpoena is the best method or opportunity to obtain the evidence because there are no other means by which the documents or testimony could have been obtained.</text> </item></subclause></clause><clause id="ID9a34fbdc6cac46ba83a2a61b8d836306"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Fees and mileage</header> <subclause id="id54F4AD81776F4A7DA9719F38D0850DE2"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any person required by a subpoena to attend as a witness shall be allowed and paid the same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States.</text> </subclause><subclause id="id886B75BCD6064175BE4B8890CB2851FF"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Fund</header><text>The fees and mileage shall be paid from the Fund.</text> </subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID8b583f10fae44fc99f30462fc2abf731"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Review of written record</header> <subparagraph id="id0EA6B3AEAFB447328837829C3A0B7519"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Instead of a hearing under paragraph (1), any party not satisfied with a proposed decision of the Administrator shall have the option, on written request made not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the decision, of obtaining a review of the written record by a representative of the Administrator.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0CF02786950B46A6B95C9D87230733F5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Opportunity to be heard</header><text>If a review is requested under subparagraph (A), the parties shall be afforded an opportunity to submit any written evidence or argument that the claimant believes relevant.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDb590ab663a784c14a17ed3d38beca898"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Final decisions</header> <paragraph id="ID47464cee85bf41eeb27409cf8f7ce036"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the period of time for requesting review of the proposed decision expires and no request has been filed, or if the parties waive any objections to the proposed decision, the Administrator shall issue a final decision.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id76D82D80DF614D729CC07D321B850E2A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Variance from proposed decision</header><text>If the decision materially differs from the proposed decision, the parties shall be entitled to review of the decision under subsection (c).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDfcade16c240442bdb25c9f80acc71fca"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Timing</header><text>If the parties request review of all or part of the proposed decision the Administrator shall issue a final decision on the claim not later than—</text> <subparagraph id="id90EF72BBB3D34259986EE807628F8C2E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>180 days after the date the request for review is received, if a party requests a hearing; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id713D36364E9E4819867A07B6761FD7C6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>90 days after the date the request for review is received, if the claimant requests review of the written record.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0671522FFE3547498A899C4E1CB2049D"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Content</header><text>The decision shall be in writing and contain findings of fact and conclusions of law.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID77fca57acad1477ea171cf1c3f18ced7"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Representation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A party may authorize an attorney or other individual to represent the party in any proceeding under this title.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="id87399AE660B544769CD9BE1B88C3687B"><enum>C</enum><header>Awards</header> <section id="ID0447a893111443239e1988581be36ea5"><enum>131.</enum><header>Amount</header> <subsection id="IDcb3ee26987d94ec6acd2ed4158f75e01"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A claimant that meets the requirements of section 121 shall be entitled to an award in an amount equal to the damages specified in subsection (b) sustained as a result of Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID6b41d9d074db44da9d22526e94e28c05"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Covered damages</header><text>For purposes of subsection (a), covered damages shall be 1 or more of the following types of damages (if applicable):</text> <paragraph id="IDf897204e86074359b9b505e76967cd08"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Real or personal property</header><text>Damages for injury to, or economic losses resulting from destruction of, real or personal property, which shall be recoverable by a claimant who owns or leases that property.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID03293998e5794e5691040d3e7b0a7349"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Subsistence use</header><text>Damages for loss of subsistence use of natural resources, which shall be recoverable by any claimant who so uses natural resources that have been injured, destroyed, or lost, without regard to the ownership or management of the resources.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDae0e0fa183a04e6ebc6750598224d32d"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Revenues</header><text>Damages equal to the net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees, or net profit shares due to the injury, destruction, or loss of real property, personal property, or natural resources, which shall be recoverable by a State or a political subdivision of a State.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb86f84aa425045eeb9fac1a65ba5ad08"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Profits and earning capacity</header><text>Damages equal to the loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to the injury, destruction, or loss of real property, personal property, or natural resources, which shall be recoverable by any claimant.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID98df8f1d821c4d1e8b11975e64710ba5"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Public services</header><text>Damages for net costs of providing increased or additional public services during or after removal activities, including protection from fire, safety, or health hazards, caused by a discharge of oil, which shall be recoverable by a State or a political subdivision of a State.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID111090f90ea8497c81e296088701cb24"><enum>132.</enum><header>Payment</header> <subsection id="ID3c3e617ab9584fc999bf804f6d77920a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Payments</header><text>Not later than 30 days after a final determination of an award under this title, a claimant that is entitled to an award under this title shall receive the amount of the award through payments from the responsible parties.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDa48d613888954b91b36b1a183c33fe5e"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Limitation on transferability</header><text>A claim filed under this title shall not be assignable or otherwise transferable under this title.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID89d6817eb1294edda30dcd2e81a8ce28"><enum>133.</enum><header>Setoffs for collateral source compensation and prior awards</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The amount of an award otherwise available to a claimant under this title shall be reduced by the amount of collateral source compensation.</text> </section><section id="ID6166f70d4ccd4c4fb46d7869ce00c32b"><enum>134.</enum><header>Subrogation</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Any person that pays compensation pursuant to this title to any claimant for damages shall be subrogated to all rights, claims, and causes of action the claimant has under any other law.</text> </section></subtitle><subtitle id="id977160C601504A7FAA47736DE738E122"><enum>D</enum><header>Judicial review</header> <section id="IDfee0a10723fb4311b473ea0341e51c1f"><enum>141.</enum><header>Judicial review of rules and regulations</header> <subsection id="ID7c42c0c0ef62431d9f0357756f34e275"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Exclusive jurisdiction</header><text>The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action to review rules or regulations promulgated by the Administrator under this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDc0db75f5514a4db38985c278803d762a"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Period for filing petition</header><text>A petition for review under this section shall be filed not later than 60 days after the date notice of the promulgation of the rules or regulations appears in the Federal Register.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID10f0f23583a8471db0ea79ebb7e00820"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Expedited procedures</header><text>The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shall provide for expedited procedures for reviews under this section.</text> </subsection></section><section id="IDd5c0276109c94ac9b7f3a48546510945"><enum>142.</enum><header>Judicial review of award decisions</header> <subsection id="ID2941cac97e354a1baa1444cb4fa948cc"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any claimant or responsible party adversely affected or aggrieved by a final decision of the Administrator awarding or denying compensation under this title may petition for judicial review of the decision.</text> </subsection><subsection id="idFF91963F3124441DB2F82B9906EA99FC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Period for filing petition</header><text>Any petition for review under this section shall be filed not later than 90 days after the date of issuance of a final decision of the Administrator.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID4d5d02be77f446e78a8f298933f47aea"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Exclusive jurisdiction</header><text>A petition for review may only be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant resides at the time of the issuance of the final order.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDc582c14bc9054256b2bcd6a6049680f0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Standard of review</header><text>The court shall uphold the decision of the Administrator unless the court determines, on review of the record as a whole, that the decision is not supported by substantial evidence, is contrary to law, or is not in accordance with procedure required by law.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID509c561c7a3844078790bb1086f61a90"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Expedited procedures</header><text>The United States Court of Appeals shall provide for expedited procedures for reviews under this section.</text> </subsection></section><section id="IDe5ef3ba2cb584523bec601317c5ab5cc"><enum>143.</enum><header>Other judicial challenges</header> <subsection id="ID0e694a00b0934b98bbb9d4d72b4f6216"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Exclusive jurisdiction</header><text>The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action for declaratory or injunctive relief challenging any provision of this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="id568058F6D8EC42129C64A0BAF0963AF8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Period for filing petitions</header><text>An action under this section shall be filed not later than the later of—</text> <paragraph id="id6476B97C13354282856D7571186F25BE"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act; or</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id4D16E550EF9249BB8AEA469D85566133"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the date that is 60 days after the final action by the Administrator or the Office giving rise to the action.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDbbf1864770cb4139a8177794ef8536e9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Direct appeal</header> <paragraph id="id11DB6CAD923A4D609193562F361942CA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A final decision in the action shall be reviewable on appeal directly to the Supreme Court.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id2311A2BFA1C7449DAAFF58405BA547FA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Administration</header><text>The appeal shall be taken by the filing of a notice of appeal not later than 30 days, and the filing of a jurisdictional statement not later than 60 days, after the date of the entry of the final decision.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID87d9dc70da064661b11575b3eef9c619"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Expedited procedures</header><text>It is the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia are urged to advance on the docket and otherwise expedite, to the maximum extent practicable, the disposition of an action covered by this section.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="id59DC03DEF6D44F708AAFDAFBAA5ECC1E"><enum>E</enum><header>Effect on other laws</header> <section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="IDd59a0fadceee4279a411d3b97c218fcd" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>151.</enum><header>Effect on other laws</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">This title shall supersede any Federal or State law to the extent that the law relates to any claim for damages compensated under this title.</text> </section></subtitle>

Short title; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Acceptance of Offer on Liability and Expedited Claims at Mississippi Canyon 252 Act

. (b)

Table of contents

The table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

TITLE I—Deepwater Horizon claims resolution

Sec. 101. Findings and purpose.

Sec. 102. Definitions.

Subtitle A—Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation

Sec. 111. Establishment of Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation.

Sec. 112. Claimant assistance.

Sec. 113. Compensation program startup.

Sec. 114. Authority of Administrator.

Sec. 115. Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation.

Subtitle B—Deepwater Horizon compensation procedures

Sec. 121. Essential elements of eligible claim.

Sec. 122. General rule concerning no-fault compensation.

Sec. 123. Filing of claims.

Sec. 124. Eligibility determinations and claim awards.

Subtitle C—Awards

Sec. 131. Amount.

Sec. 132. Payment.

Sec. 133. Setoffs for collateral source compensation and prior awards.

Sec. 134. Subrogation.

Subtitle D—Judicial review

Sec. 141. Judicial review of rules and regulations.

Sec. 142. Judicial review of award decisions.

Sec. 143. Other judicial challenges.

Subtitle E—Effect on other laws

Sec. 151. Effect on other laws.

TITLE II—Liability

Sec. 201. Liability for Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

<enum>I</enum><header>Deepwater Horizon claims resolution</header> <section id="ID055903d68f6a48ff95a05996ee43e43c"><enum>101.</enum><header>Findings and purpose</header> <subsection id="ID4eae581a77624280ae901c8157d75317"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Findings</header><text>Congress finds that—</text> <paragraph id="ID3f825eeb0be149a689072b9276e22e14"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident has caused major economic damage to the residents of the States bordering the Gulf of Mexico;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID429e239736a94f2bb0190603006505bc"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the limits on strict liability imposed by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) will be exceeded by the claims resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDa55deb58d06b4094ad77880eb4860800"><enum>(3)</enum><text>while the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) places no restrictions on liability for damages from the accident under State law, litigation of such cases may take decades, and consume in litigation expenses funds that could otherwise be used to quickly and efficiently compensate the citizens of the Gulf States for damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDdeef535aae574123a03d64fd1fc306cb"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text>The purpose of this title is to create a fair and efficient system for the payment of legitimate present and future claims for damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID1fe2931c080a4d078b5ce02a6ba1d362"><enum>102.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">In this title:</text> <paragraph id="IDd3a45efc3bd4406086046240bdc47528"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Administrator</header><text>The term <term>Administrator</term> means the Administrator of the Office.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id1D29DF6DF2014210930338C9D74355C8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advisory Committee</header><text>The term <term>Advisory Committee</term> means the Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation established under section 115(a).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd3e43128ca3e4a36bb6a113e2d0ea128"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Claim</header><text>The term <term>claim</term> means any claim, based on any theory, allegation, or cause of action, for damages presented in a civil action or bankruptcy proceeding, directly, indirectly, or derivatively arising out of, based on, or related to, in whole or in part, the effects of the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7dd75b091ab546cd8348964f34443577"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Claimant</header><text>The term <term>claimant</term> means a person or State who files a claim under section 123.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDf8026ae20bb44228b7384870aef22da9"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Civil action</header> <subparagraph id="id9688B588044948C1BA8082264FA8F435"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>civil action</term> means a civil action filed in Federal or State court, whether cognizable as a case at law, in equity, or in admiralty.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9936DF584E454E8CA73BCB0EAA1C70C2"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Exclusion</header><text>The term <term>civil action</term> does not include an action relating to any workers’ compensation law.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDa0f87a53e00649c0874806a3dfeedb0f"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Collateral source compensation</header><text>The term <term>collateral source compensation</term> means the compensation that a claimant received, or is entitled to receive, from a responsible party as a result of a final judgment, settlement, or other payment for damages that are the source of a claim under section 123, including payments made under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id96D40D96A04E42BCBDAC46ADE719A1E0"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Compensation program</header><text>The term <term>compensation program</term> means the compensation program established under this title.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID6dfb3eaa1b8d4e0ba4c6f4bed3965c12"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Damages</header><text>The term <term>damages</term> means damages specified in section 131(b), including the cost of assessing those damages.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb8fedf62419d4938b593f5f4e27acc60"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Deepwater Horizon incident</header><text>The term <term>Deepwater Horizon incident</term> means the blowout and explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that occurred on April 20, 2010, and resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id787A6B64CE4C451A90FC9C19FAD4E1CC"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Department</header><text>The term <term>Department</term> means the Department of the Interior.</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id0FDF8FCCE6B34F9C808E6856807DC813"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Fund</header><text>The term <term>Fund</term> means the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund established by section 9509 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb290306fc1ff4caf8892fd7569e37dec"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Law</header><text>The term <term>law</term> includes all law, judicial or administrative decisions, rules, regulations, or any other principle or action having the effect of law.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id814FED6473D04C6FB355CAA68471B2B7"><enum>(13)</enum><header>Office</header><text>The term <term>Office</term> means the Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation established under section 111.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb8e98b30aa7849e28a54fa85fb2ef052"><enum>(14)</enum><header>Parties</header><text>The term <term>parties</term> means, with respect to an individual claim, the claimant and the responsible party.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd9aa4f3b6d524943b0dd5303c267da90"><enum>(15)</enum><header>Person</header> <subparagraph id="id2CD688F673EB4822B4ABD617C8191832"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>person</term> means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, partnership, association, insurance company, reinsurance company, or corporation.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5fd4e58b75e7426493947b97301fd3b7"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Exclusions</header><text>The term <term>person</term> does not include—</text> <clause id="idC1AB76DE25404145A55EA8C08D0F3A9E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the United States;</text> </clause><clause id="idCC737E35EFEA4C14BA4BDB5C646AC8F1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a State; or</text> </clause><clause id="id7699855D92B84492B0B77E1BB7571B40"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>a political subdivision of a State.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID7cf527654a354e36acc88fb6e840ed95"><enum>(16)</enum><header>Responsible party</header><text>The term <term>responsible party</term> means a responsible party (as defined in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701)) for the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="idBE99AACEE0424170AC7C3494E0649933"><enum>(17)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of the Interior.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID921a1696e6214f61a7b463404052cdc1"><enum>(18)</enum><header>State</header><text>The term <term>State</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="IDFF879DE85E0E4FEC9C688D61E9026CDD"><enum>(A)</enum><text>each of the several States of the United States;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID32C27061274442F382CB1733506BBDE3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the District of Columbia;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3101047A4BF14895A4996D0E3B56607E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7162086E82BE4862A921D0568448B976"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Guam;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDC397CB348D70414D852ED0B69C50A495"><enum>(E)</enum><text>American Samoa;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDEC09872E97EB435AA63029F6A624BB53"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDA047B181B08F4BBB82D242D53C80EF1F"><enum>(G)</enum><text>the Federated States of Micronesia;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID6A5ECA5967DA43868BF48973945D5E95"><enum>(H)</enum><text>the Republic of the Marshall Islands;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDFEE3C0A255D341F193E516DB29CE0938"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Republic of Palau; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC4A3C144F18045C0A7AB89919A6D3CAB"><enum>(J)</enum><text>the United States Virgin Islands.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID53b6d1df180a4ebdbaf52aea0ef11751"><enum>(19)</enum><header>Successor in interest</header><text>The term <term>successor in interest</term> means any person that acquires assets, and substantially continues the business operations, of a responsible party, considering factors that include—</text> <subparagraph id="IDdcf13e4a43f94369bf17c23a22ef6079"><enum>(A)</enum><text>retention of the same facilities or location;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDa333062b062549caa6d7c81d774f249d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>retention of the same employees;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID783d6d3fa085471fb217ca39b5da8033"><enum>(C)</enum><text>maintaining the same job under the same working conditions;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDab3c5bf620ce411b84cc0e34f2852961"><enum>(D)</enum><text>retention of the same supervisory personnel;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbea995a495dc495f9f9ea4fcf8b148ca"><enum>(E)</enum><text>continuity of assets;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1ac534a0c4554ba7b2967a7ff21a65e2"><enum>(F)</enum><text>production of the same product or offer of the same service;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3ddd80dd1df44cc29ad3be8f50c5e143"><enum>(G)</enum><text>retention of the same name;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1fe453ce4c954540b7e22ee8fe08e234"><enum>(H)</enum><text>maintenance of the same customer base;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7036e8fa6cb94523a09f34b377cf14ec"><enum>(I)</enum><text>identity of stocks, stockholders, and directors between the asset seller and the purchaser; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9a761f015dfb4eaebf144807a6191066"><enum>(J)</enum><text>whether the successor holds itself out as continuation of previous enterprise, but expressly does not include whether the person actually knew of the liability of the responsible party under this title.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></section><subtitle id="idDE56EA04363C44328CB27A860B956235"><enum>A</enum><header>Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation</header> <section id="ID7c2c611be85e42bea925fc662420f590"><enum>111.</enum><header>Establishment of Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation</header> <subsection id="ID9ed9060ce0ab49488e000579d8a88526"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="ID3ca409b11b02412398d8d5328facd4df"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>There is established within the Department the Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation, which shall be headed by the Administrator.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID808b7f5b4dce41908f674ae643840dd2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text>The purpose of the Office shall be to provide timely, fair compensation, under the terms specified in this title, on a no-fault basis and in a nonadversarial manner, to persons and State or local governments that have incurred damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd39d9eb8ae7f4f36b24435d65a342908"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Termination of the Office</header><text>The Office shall terminate effective not later than 1 year following the date of certification by the Administrator that the Fund has neither paid a claim in the previous 1-year period nor has debt obligations remaining to pay.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDe5df68174b2240908baca0b995f33430"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Expenses</header><text>The Fund shall be available to the Secretary for expenditure, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, as necessary for any and all expenses associated with the Office, including—</text> <subparagraph id="IDd6abb9e1ea2f41019b4ad40268c2ea05"><enum>(A)</enum><text>personnel salaries and expenses, including retirement and similar benefits; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID2babdee9e1d54151a0c184eaef641419"><enum>(B)</enum><text>all administrative and legal expenses.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID60e8e69910dd46bdb38548de0d220526"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Appointment of Administrator</header> <paragraph id="ID9c56c955b42644688332d40f8892aef7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator of the Office shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id3F7E7F9196B54E9F8124A39A87677FBA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Term</header><text>The term of the Administrator shall be 5 years.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID1190ca2438d94998bf988d0855154f29"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The Administrator shall report directly to the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDc66585bc09614dd0a63e66597a2b2992"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Duties of Administrator</header> <paragraph id="ID522c7feba3764638a772717abbe93107"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator shall be responsible for—</text> <subparagraph id="IDa5c8e6ad544b46e3ac2bc09d4f3ac47f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>processing claims for compensation for damages to eligible claimants in accordance with the criteria and procedures established under subtitle B;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID0605464073a24dd2b8fe0edf938417b6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>appointing or contracting for the services of such personnel, making such expenditures, and taking any other actions as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Office, including entering into cooperative agreements with other Federal or State agencies and entering into contracts with nongovernmental entities;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDfd5197da50a0440ab5308a78cf16132f"><enum>(C)</enum><text>conducting such audits and additional oversight as necessary to assure the integrity of the compensation program;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID4ad1685b4fce4bc0bfc28e4b7127e851"><enum>(D)</enum><text>promulgating such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary to carry out this title;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDb7df15d04a1644749c9be6c4aae7a3bc"><enum>(E)</enum><text>making such expenditures as may be necessary in carrying out this title;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9150d4adf99349a79dc8cc0d29671731"><enum>(F)</enum><text>excluding evidence and disqualifying or debarring any attorney or other individual or entity who provide evidence in support of the application of the claimant for compensation if the Administrator determines that materially false, fraudulent, or fictitious statements or practices have been submitted or engaged in by the individual or entity; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7c38147d60754a88996abd28de101f84"><enum>(G)</enum><text>having all other powers incidental, necessary, or appropriate to carrying out the functions of the Office.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID2ae7b9c3e48f414a954615024c0a2d8e"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Certain enforcement</header> <subparagraph id="id2CC6C28CC803429785885AD80A0D586C"><enum>(A)</enum><header>False statements</header><text>For each infraction described in paragraph (1)(F), the Administrator may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 on any individual or entity found to have submitted or engaged in a materially false, fraudulent, or fictitious statement or practice under this title.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2B51474389DA426DA6036D55FD7C8140"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Other powers</header><text>The Administrator shall issue appropriate regulations to carry out paragraph (1)(G).</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID475a1b15d6ce43b3ab5d5748d4d748cc"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Audit and personnel review procedures</header><text>The Administrator shall establish audit and personnel review procedures for evaluating the accuracy of eligibility recommendations of agency and contract personnel.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID47292169d6874faa956a1074dbb32bf3"><enum>112.</enum><header>Claimant assistance</header> <subsection id="ID1c8c39ffb4b1431e8dd59cdb1c04ecec"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a comprehensive claimant assistance program—</text> <paragraph id="IDcf249e3f5b634ff1831f249b22f4f1bf"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to publicize and provide information to potential claimants about—</text> <subparagraph id="id4BAE2B4B68DB4A668B2FBCB980C786A4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the availability of benefits for eligible claimants under this title; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9DA14F61DBB84F38956B227020C8BE61"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the procedures for filing claims and for obtaining assistance in filing claims;</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDfd7778a2159c43539340e6626d0d4329"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to provide assistance to potential claimants in preparing and submitting claims, including assistance in obtaining the documentation necessary to support a claim;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDd39d1fae0c2e46088cc188654e08d151"><enum>(3)</enum><text>to respond to inquiries from claimants and potential claimants;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID0f064f91955141ce82992aa84e66f52c"><enum>(4)</enum><text>to provide training with respect to the applicable procedures for the preparation and filing of claims to persons who provide assistance or representation to claimants, including nonprofit organizations and State and local government entities; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID4a48be2ce1c04a3eb3ca8e53e3df4dae"><enum>(5)</enum><text>to provide for the establishment of a Web site on which claimants may access all relevant forms and information.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID7b54378bfbf04f088b8bf81a1c4ab0d5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Resource centers</header> <paragraph id="id041B2C1E60F74A11A56738CFEA4B7063"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The claimant assistance program shall provide for the establishment of resource centers in areas in which there are determined to be large concentrations of potential claimants.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id92D49C045F6845C08C0CF3DAD137F51F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Location</header><text>The centers shall be located, to the maximum extent practicable, in facilities of the Department or other Federal agencies.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID78cd180ba48747c7a223f3cd1de09f15"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Attorney’s fees</header> <paragraph id="ID35720f1c3e8848d7bfb073e05aed7d12"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the representative of an individual may not receive, for services rendered in connection with the claim of an individual under this title, more than 5 percent of a final award made (whether by the Administrator initially or as a result of administrative review) on the claim.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID5ee070bda59c40a1b03df8133f8526d7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Penalty</header><text>Any representative of a claimant who violates this subsection shall be fined not more than the greater of—</text> <subparagraph id="IDefed1c84b1af41dd90da8a32f46eac3f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>$5,000; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf03719fc83cf4348b2970a0313c8ba78"><enum>(B)</enum><text>twice the amount received by the representative for services rendered in connection with each violation.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID20a5260f12f144ec802d630e87382c2b"><enum>113.</enum><header>Compensation program startup</header> <subsection id="ID48b8bae293ea4c02a3f3c56b9daf42cf"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Interim regulations</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue interim regulations and procedures for the processing of claims under this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDfa2b4fe6b46444abba0b5ce2680c1af0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Interim personnel</header> <paragraph id="id8CE1AFA24FDD496080DCCE35EF99E1C8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department may make available to the Administrator on a temporary basis such personnel and other resources as may be necessary to facilitate the expeditious startup of the compensation program.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="idE436C857CBCE40FD9710443ACED88C66"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contracts</header><text>The Administrator may contract with individuals or entities having relevant experience to assist in the expeditious startup of the compensation program.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDdcbf8fe024b3443c8b88ef2e1c9fd00e"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Extreme financial hardship claims</header><text>In the final regulations promulgated under section 111(c), the Administrator shall designate categories of claims to be handled on an expedited basis as a result of extreme financial hardship.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDe3e8e4aeabcf4d8b859b76be12665676"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Interim Administrator</header><text>Until an Administrator is appointed and confirmed under section 111(b), the responsibilities of the Administrator under this title shall be performed by the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget of the Department, who shall have all the authority conferred by this title on the Administrator and who shall be considered to be the Administrator for purposes of this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID4d94d984710e41ac9af6ed53a65c89c2"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Stay of claims; return to tort system</header> <paragraph id="ID9061649b5aba4627bd0e955dc9794484"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Stay of claims</header> <subparagraph id="IDb2ca2172823f46b19e9b16193d0d3298"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Pending actions</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any claim for damages pending in any Federal or State court for monetary damages related to the Deepwater Horizon incident as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to a stay.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDeee699c084a541fd9cb2dfe8a522fd46"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Future actions</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any claim for damages filed in any Federal or State court for monetary damages related to the Deepwater Horizon incident after the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to a stay 60 days after the date of the filing of the claim, unless the claimant has filed an election to pursue the claim for damages in the Federal or State court under paragraph (2).</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID68be246bfdb749b582a593fbbafb4c5f"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Claims</header><text>To be eligible for a claim, any person or State that has filed a timely claim seeking a judgment or order for monetary damages related to the Deepwater Horizon incident in any Federal or State court before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, shall file with the Administrator and serve on all defendants in the pending court action an election to pursue the claim for damages under this title or continue to pursue the claim in the Federal or State court—</text> <subparagraph id="ID3f051572044d469191cfaa991129eaad"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, if the claim was filed in a Federal or State court before the date of enactment of this Act; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbef63cb6d4524be28a369b1487f929d1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not later than 60 days after the date of the filing of the claim, if the claim is filed in a Federal or State court on or after the date of enactment of this Act.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID4b620845868b499d95a5819583bbd74e"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Stay</header><text>Until the claimant files an election under paragraph (2) to continue to pursue the claim in the Federal or State court, the stay under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDa30bb08f18f44c67b52b20fc4dd06706"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Effect of election</header> <subparagraph id="id24C63331E9BD4C879E828F1C5DE0E7F0"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any claimant that has elected to pursue a claim for damages in Federal or State court under paragraph (2) shall not be eligible for an award for those damages under section 131.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6C558EE399DF4D1F9368BCEE142375F4"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Stay of claim</header><text>Any claim seeking a judgment or order for monetary damages relating to the Deepwater Horizon incident in any Federal or State court filed by a claimant that has received a judgment for damages under this title for that claim shall be permanently stayed.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID6438df7f672440bfad72ec03b120de15"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Effect of operational or nonoperational fund</header> <subparagraph id="ID2e69e81f160547c0b2f2356673c9d2b5"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Reinstatement of claims</header><text>If, after 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator cannot certify to Congress that the Office is operational and paying claims at a reasonable rate, each person or State that has filed a claim stayed under this subsection may continue the claims of the person or State in the court in which the case was pending prior to the stay.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9135b928e08e4985a869555fe306c246"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Operational office</header><text>If the Administrator subsequently certifies to Congress that the Office has become operational and paying all valid claims at a reasonable rate, any claim in a civil action in Federal or State court that is not actually on trial before a jury that has been impaneled and presentation of evidence has commenced, but before deliberation, or before a judge and is at the presentation of evidence, may, at the option of the claimant, be considered a reinstated claim before the Administrator and the civil action before the Federal or State court shall be null and void.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID2ecf807bf3d04212b6d671f3cacf624a"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Nonoperational office</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, if the Administrator certifies to Congress that the Office cannot become operational and paying all valid claims at a reasonable rate, all claims that have a stay may be filed or reinstated.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID3d9bfcb810cf46daa282acf756beff60"><enum>114.</enum><header>Authority of Administrator</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">On any matter within the jurisdiction of the Administrator under this title, the Administrator may—</text> <paragraph id="IDe6942661cc1645d1a82938d035592212"><enum>(1)</enum><text>issue subpoenas for and compel the attendance of witnesses within a radius of 200 miles;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID78300c099dca4cf283d72729a7bfd7a4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>administer oaths;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7bad657f6ae444f68f824de1408cc729"><enum>(3)</enum><text>examine witnesses;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID73bc2cfc81524fe2ad2d9f296abd28b7"><enum>(4)</enum><text>require the production of books, papers, documents, and other potential evidence; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID604957ca0ea24c489519c7cdcf96cf1a"><enum>(5)</enum><text>request assistance from other Federal agencies with the performance of the duties of the Administrator under this title.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="IDd88f6a4e65b44b328bdd3b5cd50e0553"><enum>115.</enum><header>Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation</header> <subsection id="ID13013ad017a146cd97171946b12c2cc7"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header> <paragraph id="ID6bd7c30641de4b8f9ffeb7cb9f505c7c"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID8a1fd58a764e43f29b6e54c82a9094bd"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Composition and appointment</header> <subparagraph id="idBBC52798E8574FFEAC856B1213FBED3D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 24 members, appointed in accordance with this paragraph.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID988d1c9f23cb46a592ef52066ba6f6b9"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Legislative appointments</header> <clause id="id811D5E13701D41D688638E749F55BFEB"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint 4 members to the Advisory Committee.</text> </clause><clause id="id1FB38C58DF8C476FBCA621FBC9E833F1"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Representation</header><text>Of the 4 members appointed by each Member under clause (i)—</text> <subclause id="ID6d02e99309514396b477f94de9b67e14"><enum>(I)</enum><text>2 members shall represent the interests of claimants; and</text> </subclause><subclause id="ID355021bc1c9e43219988e9f8d389d768"><enum>(II)</enum><text>2 members shall represent the interests of responsible parties.</text> </subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbef6513c4de84786b8cf7740d6d6f5e2"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Appointments by Administrator</header><text>The Administrator shall appoint 8 members to the Advisory Committee, who shall be individuals with qualifications and expertise relevant to the compensation program, including experience or expertise in marine or coastal ecology, oil spill remediation, fisheries management, administering compensation programs, or audits.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID4c6be5430c0d47ef9e7e44cbee2e826d"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Duties</header><text>The Advisory Committee shall advise the Administrator on—</text> <paragraph id="IDc9647a2b68ba4a088ac807938e4a0e18"><enum>(1)</enum><text>claims filing and claims processing procedures;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID75ec1be9ae744ffbb783e307b43fc255"><enum>(2)</enum><text>claimant assistance programs;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID1f123a3476e949ffbec9567cc93f32f5"><enum>(3)</enum><text>audit procedures and programs to ensure the quality and integrity of the compensation program;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID0faac106838f4b7fa1c3eec579b44383"><enum>(4)</enum><text>analyses or research that should be conducted to evaluate past claims and to project future claims under the compensation program; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID40010cd5e85843d7a917c3e6ae4130d0"><enum>(5)</enum><text>such other matters related to the implementation of this title as the Administrator considers appropriate.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID52a92d4575674bcb9c3a4980e5d55d94"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Operation of Committee</header> <paragraph id="IDbf95e798ac7b44a88fe568ea326f2619"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Term</header><text>The term of a member of the Advisory Committee shall be 3 years.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID7b15dd037dc6422592e9a28c2ef3ac80"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Chairperson and Vice Chairperson</header><text>The Administrator shall designate a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Committee from among the members appointed under subsection (a)(2)(C).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDa57a84edaf144e3d8b50145db9302307"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Meetings</header><text>The Advisory Committee shall meet—</text> <subparagraph id="id8EE90BC75B864B24801FA5343BDBB240"><enum>(A)</enum><text>at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of the members of the Advisory Committee; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4274C3E8897746278DFE123A145F83D1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>at least—</text> <clause id="id9B7C35EF3E6D4D00A36BD739DD0EA5C7"><enum>(i)</enum><text>4 times per year during the first 3 years of the compensation program; and</text> </clause><clause id="id4A5E94F076154CFDA4F5F5813E6180DF"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>2 times per year thereafter.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID7c3cb51b9b0244c5a2f68801d2cf601a"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Information</header> <subparagraph id="id68657F06B3454000880B7F4DCAE9DF0A"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator shall provide to the Advisory Committee such information as is necessary and appropriate for the Advisory Committee to carry out this section.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id74EAA5FBCDA4490181B17616913FC43A"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Other agencies</header> <clause id="idDE10C4E047CE45D1B81DFBA01ED05A62"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On request of the Advisory Committee, the Administrator may secure directly from any Federal, State, or local department or agency such information as may be necessary to enable the Advisory Committee to carry out this section.</text> </clause><clause id="id21EDE12281AB411B8B8A3824BA75A2C8"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Provision of information</header><text>On request of the Administrator, the head of the department or agency described in clause (i) shall furnish such information to the Advisory Committee.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID315fb8ca1e2346a4adf8d8046adb5650"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Administrative support</header><text>The Administrator shall provide the Advisory Committee with such administrative support as is reasonably necessary to enable the Advisory Committee to carry out this section.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDcb51fc7a1fbc48b787d758fa5985d1b1"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Expenses</header><text>A member of the Advisory Committee, other than a full-time Federal employee, while attending a meeting of the Advisory Committee or while otherwise serving at the request of the Administrator, and while serving away from the home or regular place of business of the member, shall be allowed travel and meal expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for individuals in the Federal Government serving without pay.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="idFC512D13FE074053883382622013C44B"><enum>B</enum><header>Deepwater Horizon compensation procedures</header> <section id="id1E5C5C438E344970903CCA78BBDB1DC5"><enum>121.</enum><header>Essential elements of eligible claim</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">To be eligible for an award under this title for damages, a claimant shall—</text> <paragraph id="IDccfa00d8b3164ccca6916465b26f921a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>file a claim in a timely manner in accordance with section 123; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID3a2885128ea348f196ef0ae8d60b1170"><enum>(2)</enum><text>prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the claimant has suffered damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="ID5638f3844c0f4caf9bc59fdf0edd9c6d"><enum>122.</enum><header>General rule concerning no-fault compensation</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">To be eligible for an award under this title for damages, a claimant shall not be required to demonstrate that the damages for which the claim is being made resulted from the negligence or other fault of any other person.</text> </section><section id="ID3e401adac1de429597c50dc6e88799cc"><enum>123.</enum><header>Filing of claims</header> <subsection id="ID19737d28dba44094b4b1a3aee8db309b"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Eligible claimants</header> <paragraph id="ID86b0c93018a14569bbf10e1371c9a3e9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any person or State that has suffered damage as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident may file a claim with the Office for an award with respect to the damage.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID5af9f3aafebb43baad80ef30714d1f80"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>A claim may not be filed by any person or State under this title for contribution or indemnity.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID4be60b56e37f4578a364ca2e90e07f77"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Statute of limitations</header><text>Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if a person or State fails to file a claim with the Office under this section during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which the person or State first discovered facts that would have led a reasonable person to conclude that damage had occurred, any claim relating to the damage, and any other claim related to that damage, shall be extinguished, and any recovery on the damage shall be prohibited.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID090f92fc884b41fda59a93fe52e8c5a8"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Future claims not precluded</header><text>Filing of a claim under subsection (a) shall not preclude the filing of additional claims for damages arising from the Deepwater Horizon incident that are manifest at a later date.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDbdb24f6bb7e94a12a5406e9e917824e5"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Required information</header><text>A claim filed under subsection (a) shall be in such form, and contain such information in such detail, as the Administrator shall by regulation prescribe.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID4a200345e68e40038485f8a8862dddbf"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Date of filing</header><text>A claim shall be considered to be filed on the date that the claimant mails the claim to the Office, as determined by postmark, or on the date that the claim is received by the Office, whichever is the earliest determinable date.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDa58837efe7324d1ba3738b3f2832cd7d"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Incomplete claims</header> <paragraph id="id9DC63195981345CE9863861593AD2962"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If a claim filed under subsection (a) is incomplete, the Administrator shall notify the claimant of the information necessary to complete the claim and inform the claimant of such services as may be available through the claimant assistance program established under section 112 to assist the claimant in completing the claim.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id471B915D0B2C4FBDB6DD3940377AAB29"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Time periods</header> <subparagraph id="id8BB84F4EA81F41E5B965D815F3886EB2"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any time period for the processing of the claim shall be suspended until such time as the claimant submits the information necessary to complete the claim.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id472A0BBEB5B441D7B7299D393451C44B"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text>If the information described in subparagraph (A) is not received during the 1-year period beginning on the date of the notification, the claim shall be dismissed.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID847711e3073243a7998c6c5cdc81ccf1"><enum>124.</enum><header>Eligibility determinations and claim awards</header> <subsection id="ID323db5212ac14608aeedd6153f924d88"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header> <paragraph id="IDa7cc0e92260e40a19336d2d7a3c5ed2c"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Review of claims</header><text>The Administrator shall, in accordance with this section, determine whether each claim filed satisfies the requirements for eligibility for an award under this title and, if so, the value of the award.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id5F26F972D4DF427892644DB9C45143E6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Factors</header><text>In making a determination under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider—</text> <subparagraph id="id7449D3D4FC054F1F8F6CC44955D989EF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the claim presented by the claimant;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7ED5237AA48C4CAA8EF2815DCD1A2A6B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the factual evidence submitted by the claimant in support of the claim; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idAB39BB33148C4FA3BFF3B1FDB8352963"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the results of such investigation as the Administrator may consider necessary to determine whether the claim satisfies the criteria for eligibility established by this title.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDa4d933df4b16412ca5900984b7c2596d"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Additional evidence</header> <subparagraph id="idA0FCB726F00C44AF8ECEE39C636EFFC8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator may request the submission of evidence in addition to the minimum requirements of section 123 if necessary to make a determination of eligibility for an award.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD7C68D3764ED47459CB16F2551C88EE8"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Cost</header><text>If the Administrator requests additional evidence under subparagraph (A), the cost of obtaining the additional evidence shall be borne by the Office.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID297111a923ca416dbc2e218b2156b6fd"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Proposed decisions</header> <paragraph id="idC1DF97292A414EBA87E63A09A359D29A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of the filing of a claim, the Administrator shall provide to the parties a proposed decision—</text> <subparagraph id="id23F77DEDBF36401BBA093CEDE22FE0F4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>accepting or rejecting the claim in whole or in part; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idDA198932756347799720FB7F6DC0D9E9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>specifying the amount of any proposed award.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id970F675F76354D47AC99CD04AB05BCCF"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Form</header><text>The proposed decision shall—</text> <subparagraph id="id6D4E08E33E3F4B069B0214FE23592BCF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be in writing;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id87FB61F0C9024533899FEF4DAF5365F8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>contain findings of fact and conclusions of law; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id24936235C7CC41C5A9447489C19437DA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>contain an explanation of the procedure for obtaining review of the proposed decision.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID864e2cd38c95434490d99f8dbfeac008"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Review of proposed decisions</header> <paragraph id="ID56d35d5399624c5294366d1a81f4ed87"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Right to hearing</header> <subparagraph id="IDe6e6bf78f4404a44992c1e7a6d92f95c"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any party not satisfied with a proposed decision of the Administrator under subsection (b) shall be entitled, on written request made not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the decision, to a hearing on the claim of the claimant before a representative of the Administrator.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD6D725239CDF468EBC9F0235A2E303B3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Testimony</header><text>At the hearing, the party shall be entitled to present oral evidence and written testimony in further support of the claim.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5ef6b81e82cc40138cc126c3aa1dbf97"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Conduct of hearing</header> <clause id="idD3221755428A4A01B45B93F72B847BD6"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The hearing shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be conducted at a time and place convenient for the claimant.</text> </clause><clause id="idFA21C21C11E34A119947C41E72DF18AF"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Administration</header><text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, in conducting the hearing, the representative of the Administrator shall conduct the hearing in a manner that best determines the rights of the parties and shall not be bound by—</text> <subclause id="idC65F652837DB4E2BAEFEC3EC1FB7D6D4"><enum>(I)</enum><text>common law or statutory rules of evidence;</text> </subclause><subclause id="idB4D11AC2E185472F8820DB5FB0F901FB"><enum>(II)</enum><text>technical or formal rules of procedure; or</text> </subclause><subclause id="idA818270734984503A7FF5E952A8752FC"><enum>(III)</enum><text>section 554 of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subclause></clause><clause id="id9CF8C46CB3AB4E2A95768B08D5B735B9"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Evidence</header><text>For purposes of clause (ii), the representative of the Administrator shall receive such relevant evidence as the claimant adduces and such other evidence as the representative determines necessary or useful in evaluating the claim.</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5106edafbb0645b6ba55f21e60c81491"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Request for subpoenas</header> <clause id="ID801242138c4f45a6a76ca51c7175c07a"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to clause (iv), a party may request a representative of the Administrator to issue a subpoena but the decision to grant or deny the request is within the discretion of the representative.</text> </clause><clause id="id2F7832B092F246E2848B97C1EAC9ADBC"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Subpoenas</header><text>Subject to clause (iii), the representative may issue subpoenas for—</text> <subclause id="id23759945F81F4DBF8A0E9059B98FD116"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the attendance and testimony of witnesses; and</text> </subclause><subclause id="id1B671FD9D2FA4904B42DA004F2A48856"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the production of books, records, correspondence, papers, or other relevant documents.</text> </subclause></clause><clause id="idB565610A7C684E708B4D95AD4F5B3F6D"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Prerequisites</header><text>Subpoenas may be issued for documents under this subparagraph only if—</text> <subclause id="id65C74D26975E4D05B8932FADFB8769A5"><enum>(I)</enum><text>in the case of documents, the documents are relevant and cannot be obtained by other means; and</text> </subclause><subclause id="idFFE2743F1E52423A9B479314F873F76A"><enum>(II)</enum><text>in the case of witnesses, oral testimony is the best way to ascertain the facts.</text> </subclause></clause><clause id="ID2abc2102d0d64f398508367fafc7da38"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Request</header> <subclause id="id5F531BC1A3FF4B01AB765763D2158E85"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Hearing process</header><text>A party may request a subpoena under this subparagraph only as part of the hearing process.</text> </subclause><subclause id="id08778A7CDE5246FDAC79AF549F3EF45B"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Form</header><text>To request a subpoena, the requester shall—</text> <item id="IDde7e92b0d2fb4d1a985a16cf144383c3"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>submit the request in writing and send it to the representative as early as practicable, but not later than 30 days, after the date of the original hearing request; and</text> </item><item id="IDa19348c4f361432d8313705c427f03d8"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>explain why the testimony or evidence is directly relevant to the issues at hand, and a subpoena is the best method or opportunity to obtain the evidence because there are no other means by which the documents or testimony could have been obtained.</text> </item></subclause></clause><clause id="ID9a34fbdc6cac46ba83a2a61b8d836306"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Fees and mileage</header> <subclause id="id54F4AD81776F4A7DA9719F38D0850DE2"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any person required by a subpoena to attend as a witness shall be allowed and paid the same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States.</text> </subclause><subclause id="id886B75BCD6064175BE4B8890CB2851FF"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Fund</header><text>The fees and mileage shall be paid from the Fund.</text> </subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID8b583f10fae44fc99f30462fc2abf731"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Review of written record</header> <subparagraph id="id0EA6B3AEAFB447328837829C3A0B7519"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Instead of a hearing under paragraph (1), any party not satisfied with a proposed decision of the Administrator shall have the option, on written request made not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the decision, of obtaining a review of the written record by a representative of the Administrator.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0CF02786950B46A6B95C9D87230733F5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Opportunity to be heard</header><text>If a review is requested under subparagraph (A), the parties shall be afforded an opportunity to submit any written evidence or argument that the claimant believes relevant.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDb590ab663a784c14a17ed3d38beca898"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Final decisions</header> <paragraph id="ID47464cee85bf41eeb27409cf8f7ce036"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the period of time for requesting review of the proposed decision expires and no request has been filed, or if the parties waive any objections to the proposed decision, the Administrator shall issue a final decision.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id76D82D80DF614D729CC07D321B850E2A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Variance from proposed decision</header><text>If the decision materially differs from the proposed decision, the parties shall be entitled to review of the decision under subsection (c).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDfcade16c240442bdb25c9f80acc71fca"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Timing</header><text>If the parties request review of all or part of the proposed decision the Administrator shall issue a final decision on the claim not later than—</text> <subparagraph id="id90EF72BBB3D34259986EE807628F8C2E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>180 days after the date the request for review is received, if a party requests a hearing; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id713D36364E9E4819867A07B6761FD7C6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>90 days after the date the request for review is received, if the claimant requests review of the written record.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0671522FFE3547498A899C4E1CB2049D"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Content</header><text>The decision shall be in writing and contain findings of fact and conclusions of law.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID77fca57acad1477ea171cf1c3f18ced7"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Representation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A party may authorize an attorney or other individual to represent the party in any proceeding under this title.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="id87399AE660B544769CD9BE1B88C3687B"><enum>C</enum><header>Awards</header> <section id="ID0447a893111443239e1988581be36ea5"><enum>131.</enum><header>Amount</header> <subsection id="IDcb3ee26987d94ec6acd2ed4158f75e01"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A claimant that meets the requirements of section 121 shall be entitled to an award in an amount equal to the damages specified in subsection (b) sustained as a result of Deepwater Horizon incident.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID6b41d9d074db44da9d22526e94e28c05"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Covered damages</header><text>For purposes of subsection (a), covered damages shall be 1 or more of the following types of damages (if applicable):</text> <paragraph id="IDf897204e86074359b9b505e76967cd08"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Real or personal property</header><text>Damages for injury to, or economic losses resulting from destruction of, real or personal property, which shall be recoverable by a claimant who owns or leases that property.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID03293998e5794e5691040d3e7b0a7349"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Subsistence use</header><text>Damages for loss of subsistence use of natural resources, which shall be recoverable by any claimant who so uses natural resources that have been injured, destroyed, or lost, without regard to the ownership or management of the resources.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDae0e0fa183a04e6ebc6750598224d32d"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Revenues</header><text>Damages equal to the net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees, or net profit shares due to the injury, destruction, or loss of real property, personal property, or natural resources, which shall be recoverable by a State or a political subdivision of a State.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDb86f84aa425045eeb9fac1a65ba5ad08"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Profits and earning capacity</header><text>Damages equal to the loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to the injury, destruction, or loss of real property, personal property, or natural resources, which shall be recoverable by any claimant.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID98df8f1d821c4d1e8b11975e64710ba5"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Public services</header><text>Damages for net costs of providing increased or additional public services during or after removal activities, including protection from fire, safety, or health hazards, caused by a discharge of oil, which shall be recoverable by a State or a political subdivision of a State.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID111090f90ea8497c81e296088701cb24"><enum>132.</enum><header>Payment</header> <subsection id="ID3c3e617ab9584fc999bf804f6d77920a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Payments</header><text>Not later than 30 days after a final determination of an award under this title, a claimant that is entitled to an award under this title shall receive the amount of the award through payments from the responsible parties.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDa48d613888954b91b36b1a183c33fe5e"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Limitation on transferability</header><text>A claim filed under this title shall not be assignable or otherwise transferable under this title.</text> </subsection></section><section id="ID89d6817eb1294edda30dcd2e81a8ce28"><enum>133.</enum><header>Setoffs for collateral source compensation and prior awards</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The amount of an award otherwise available to a claimant under this title shall be reduced by the amount of collateral source compensation.</text> </section><section id="ID6166f70d4ccd4c4fb46d7869ce00c32b"><enum>134.</enum><header>Subrogation</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Any person that pays compensation pursuant to this title to any claimant for damages shall be subrogated to all rights, claims, and causes of action the claimant has under any other law.</text> </section></subtitle><subtitle id="id977160C601504A7FAA47736DE738E122"><enum>D</enum><header>Judicial review</header> <section id="IDfee0a10723fb4311b473ea0341e51c1f"><enum>141.</enum><header>Judicial review of rules and regulations</header> <subsection id="ID7c42c0c0ef62431d9f0357756f34e275"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Exclusive jurisdiction</header><text>The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action to review rules or regulations promulgated by the Administrator under this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDc0db75f5514a4db38985c278803d762a"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Period for filing petition</header><text>A petition for review under this section shall be filed not later than 60 days after the date notice of the promulgation of the rules or regulations appears in the Federal Register.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID10f0f23583a8471db0ea79ebb7e00820"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Expedited procedures</header><text>The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shall provide for expedited procedures for reviews under this section.</text> </subsection></section><section id="IDd5c0276109c94ac9b7f3a48546510945"><enum>142.</enum><header>Judicial review of award decisions</header> <subsection id="ID2941cac97e354a1baa1444cb4fa948cc"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any claimant or responsible party adversely affected or aggrieved by a final decision of the Administrator awarding or denying compensation under this title may petition for judicial review of the decision.</text> </subsection><subsection id="idFF91963F3124441DB2F82B9906EA99FC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Period for filing petition</header><text>Any petition for review under this section shall be filed not later than 90 days after the date of issuance of a final decision of the Administrator.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID4d5d02be77f446e78a8f298933f47aea"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Exclusive jurisdiction</header><text>A petition for review may only be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant resides at the time of the issuance of the final order.</text> </subsection><subsection id="IDc582c14bc9054256b2bcd6a6049680f0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Standard of review</header><text>The court shall uphold the decision of the Administrator unless the court determines, on review of the record as a whole, that the decision is not supported by substantial evidence, is contrary to law, or is not in accordance with procedure required by law.</text> </subsection><subsection id="ID509c561c7a3844078790bb1086f61a90"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Expedited procedures</header><text>The United States Court of Appeals shall provide for expedited procedures for reviews under this section.</text> </subsection></section><section id="IDe5ef3ba2cb584523bec601317c5ab5cc"><enum>143.</enum><header>Other judicial challenges</header> <subsection id="ID0e694a00b0934b98bbb9d4d72b4f6216"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Exclusive jurisdiction</header><text>The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action for declaratory or injunctive relief challenging any provision of this title.</text> </subsection><subsection id="id568058F6D8EC42129C64A0BAF0963AF8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Period for filing petitions</header><text>An action under this section shall be filed not later than the later of—</text> <paragraph id="id6476B97C13354282856D7571186F25BE"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act; or</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id4D16E550EF9249BB8AEA469D85566133"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the date that is 60 days after the final action by the Administrator or the Office giving rise to the action.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDbbf1864770cb4139a8177794ef8536e9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Direct appeal</header> <paragraph id="id11DB6CAD923A4D609193562F361942CA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A final decision in the action shall be reviewable on appeal directly to the Supreme Court.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id2311A2BFA1C7449DAAFF58405BA547FA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Administration</header><text>The appeal shall be taken by the filing of a notice of appeal not later than 30 days, and the filing of a jurisdictional statement not later than 60 days, after the date of the entry of the final decision.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID87d9dc70da064661b11575b3eef9c619"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Expedited procedures</header><text>It is the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia are urged to advance on the docket and otherwise expedite, to the maximum extent practicable, the disposition of an action covered by this section.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="id59DC03DEF6D44F708AAFDAFBAA5ECC1E"><enum>E</enum><header>Effect on other laws</header> <section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="IDd59a0fadceee4279a411d3b97c218fcd" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>151.</enum><header>Effect on other laws</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">This title shall supersede any Federal or State law to the extent that the law relates to any claim for damages compensated under this title.</text> </section></subtitle><enum>II</enum><header>Liability</header> <section id="idFE84E2C89D91456091C5AA090F52F700"><enum>201.</enum><header>Liability for Deepwater Horizon oil spill</header> <subsection id="id6902545C8D084C89B1E1988F2622ED48"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Congress finds that—</text> <paragraph id="idE8037DB5FFAC41CE8F4D1985EE06A294"><enum>(1)</enum><text>executives of British Petroleum Exploration & Production, Incorporated (referred to in this section as <term>BP</term>) testified before Congress in May 2010 that BP would pay all legitimate claims relating to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill that exceed existing applicable economic liability limitations;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="ID088941e105fb403ebe863d56ff3341f0"><enum>(2)</enum><text>a letter from the Group Chief Executive of BP to the Secretaries of Homeland Security and the Interior dated May 16, 2010, evidences an offer of BP to modify the oil and gas leasing contract involved in the Deepwater Horizon incident to incorporate new terms of liability by stating that BP is <quote>prepared to pay above $75 million</quote> on <quote>all legitimate claims</quote> relating to that explosion and oil spill;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id7817A9DB21A549D08E298D1D416B7081"><enum>(3)</enum><text>that offer is acceptable to Congress and to the Secretary of the Interior;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDac5840095bb3455ea2d2b526e39d60e1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>all documented legitimate claims pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) for economic damages relating to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill should be paid by BP without limit on liability;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="IDdac639a9420f4600b04fdd1965197fa0"><enum>(5)</enum><text>BP should provide to the Federal Government any claims relating to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill that BP fails to pay; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="id33592E0990C542F291C5B78D618749ED"><enum>(6)</enum><text>if the Federal Government finds pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) that such claims are legitimate under that Act, the claims should be returned to BP for immediate payment.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDcf6615e25b3940bc8168f610f562ae1a"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Directive to Secretary of the Interior</header> <paragraph id="id9C324A25D15F4F3FBB4F801EDC6882B7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this section as the <quote>Secretary</quote>) shall—</text> <subparagraph id="id54C1751E0A49420B86202CDF53A55646"><enum>(A)</enum><text>accept the new terms of liability offered by BP in the letter described in subsection (a)(2); and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7B548593001C4BE7901103D00DF4D29C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider the oil and gas leasing contract involved in the Deepwater Horizon incident as being amended to reflect those new terms.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9D36C66F8B13475AB04DAD61BFED4C16"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Payment of claims</header> <subparagraph id="idB2FF5F928A1A4BB784EDAEA1EE381E06"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>As an inherent condition of the amended lease described in paragraph (1), BP shall present to the Secretary each claim relating to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill that BP fails to pay.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="id259A3B3FDCA447F7A310DF506C3FE3BB"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Finding of legitimacy</header><text>As a further inherent condition of the amended lease, if the Secretary finds a claim described in subparagraph (A) to be legitimate for payment by BP, the claim shall be returned to BP for immediate payment.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section>