[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S128-S131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 3302. Mr. CONRAD (for himself and Mr. Gregg) proposed an amendment 
to amendment SA 3299 proposed by Mr. Baucus (for Mr. Reid) to the joint 
resolution H.J. Res. 45, Official Title Not Available; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. BIPARTISAN TASK FORCE FOR RESPONSIBLE FISCAL ACTION 
                   ACT OF 2010.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 
     2010''.
       (b) Establishment of Task Force.--Title III of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new section:


      ``establishment of task force for responsible fiscal action

       ``Sec. 316.  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the 
     Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action 
     established under subsection (b)(1).
       ``(2) Task force bill.--The term `Task Force bill' means a 
     bill consisting of the proposed legislative language of the 
     Task Force recommended under subsection (b)(3)(B) and 
     introduced under subsection (e)(1).
       ``(3) Fiscal imbalance.--The term `fiscal imbalance' means 
     the gap between the projected revenues and expenditures of 
     the Federal Government.
       ``(b) Establishment of Task Force.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the 
     legislative branch a task force to be known as the 
     `Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action'.
       ``(2) Purposes.--
       ``(A) Review.--The Task Force shall review the fiscal 
     imbalance of the Federal Government, including--
       ``(i) analyses of projected Federal expenditures;
       ``(ii) analyses of projected Federal revenues; and
       ``(iii) analyses of the current and long-term actuarial 
     financial condition of the Federal Government.
       ``(B) Identify factors.--The Task Force shall identify 
     factors that affect the long-term fiscal imbalance of the 
     Federal Government.
       ``(C) Analyze potential courses of action.--The Task Force 
     shall analyze potential courses of action to address factors 
     that affect the long-term fiscal imbalance of the Federal 
     Government.
       ``(D) Provide recommendations and legislative language.--
     The Task Force shall provide recommendations and legislative 
     language that will significantly improve the long-term fiscal 
     imbalance of the Federal Government, which--
       ``(i) may include recommendations addressing--

       ``(I) Federal expenditures;
       ``(II) Federal revenues; and
       ``(III) the current and long-term actuarial financial 
     condition of the Federal Government; and

       ``(ii) may not make recommendations modifying the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate.
       ``(3) Duties.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Task Force shall address the 
     Nation's long-term fiscal imbalances, consistent with the 
     purposes described in paragraph (2), and shall submit the 
     report and recommendations required under subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Report, recommendations, and legislative language.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not earlier than November 3, 2010, and 
     not later than November 9, 2010, the Task Force shall vote on 
     a report that contains--

       ``(I) a detailed statement of the findings, conclusions, 
     and recommendations of the Task Force;

[[Page S129]]

       ``(II) the assumptions, scenarios, and alternatives 
     considered in reaching such findings, conclusions, and 
     recommendations; and
       ``(III) proposed legislative language to carry out such 
     recommendations as described in paragraph (2)(D).

       ``(ii) Approval of report.--The report of the Task Force 
     submitted under clause (i) shall require the approval of not 
     fewer than 14 of the 18 members of the Task Force.
       ``(iii) Additional views.--A member of the Task Force who 
     gives notice of an intention to file supplemental, minority, 
     or additional views at the time of final Task Force approval 
     of the report under clause (ii), shall be entitled to not 
     less than 3 calendar days in which to file such views in 
     writing with the staff director of the Task Force. Such views 
     shall then be included in the Task Force report and printed 
     in the same volume, or part thereof, and their inclusion 
     shall be noted on the cover of the report. In the absence of 
     timely notice, the Task Force report may be printed and 
     transmitted immediately without such views.
       ``(iv) Transmission of report.--No later than November 15, 
     2010, the Task Force shall submit the Task Force bill and 
     final report to the President, the Vice President, the 
     Speaker of the House, and the Majority and Minority Leaders 
     of both Houses.
       ``(v) Report to be made public.--Upon the approval or 
     disapproval of the Task Force report pursuant to clause (ii), 
     the Task Force shall promptly make the full report, and a 
     record of the vote, available to the public.
       ``(4) Membership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed of 18 
     members designated pursuant to subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Designation.--Members of the Task Force shall be 
     designated as follows:
       ``(i) The President shall designate 2 members, one of whom 
     shall be the Secretary of the Treasury, and the other of whom 
     shall be an officer of the executive branch.
       ``(ii) The majority leader of the Senate shall designate 4 
     members from among Members of the Senate.
       ``(iii) The minority leader of the Senate shall designate 4 
     members from among Members of the Senate.
       ``(iv) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall 
     designate 4 members from among Members of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(v) The minority leader of the House of Representatives 
     shall designate 4 members from among Members of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(C) Co-chairs.--
       ``(i) In general.--There shall be 2 Co-Chairs of the Task 
     Force. The President, majority leader of the Senate, and 
     Speaker of the House shall designate one Co-Chair among the 
     members of the Task Force. The minority leader of the Senate 
     and minority leader of the House shall designate the second 
     Co-Chair among the members of the Task Force. The Co-Chairs 
     shall be appointed not later than 14 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section.
       ``(ii) Staff director.--The Co-Chairs, acting jointly, 
     shall hire the staff director of the Task Force.
       ``(D) Date.--Members of the Task Force shall be designated 
     by not later than 14 days after the date of enactment of this 
     section.
       ``(E) Period of designation.--Members shall be designated 
     for the life of the Task Force. Any vacancy in the Task Force 
     shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled not later 
     than 14 days after the date on which the vacancy occurs in 
     the same manner as the original designation.
       ``(F) Compensation.--Members of the Task Force shall serve 
     without any additional compensation for their work on the 
     Task Force. However, members may be allowed travel expenses, 
     including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
     sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code, while 
     away from their homes or regular places of business in 
     performance of services for the Task Force.
       ``(5) Administration.--
       ``(A) Authority to establish rules and regulations.--The 
     Co-Chairs, in consultation with the other members of the Task 
     Force, may establish rules and regulations for the conduct of 
     Task Force business, if such rules and regulations are not 
     inconsistent with this section or other applicable law.
       ``(B) Quorum.--Fourteen members of the Task Force shall 
     constitute a quorum for purposes of voting, meeting, and 
     holding hearings.
       ``(C) Voting.--
       ``(i) Proxy voting.--No proxy voting shall be allowed on 
     behalf of the members of the Task Force.
       ``(ii) Report, recommendations and legislative language.--

       ``(I) Dates.--The Task Force may not vote on any version of 
     the report, recommendations, or legislative language before 
     the timing provided for in paragraph (3)(B)(i).
       ``(II) Congressional budget office and joint committee on 
     taxation estimates.--The Congressional Budget Office and 
     Joint Committee on Taxation shall provide estimates of the 
     Task Force report and recommendations (as described in 
     subsection (b)(2)(D)) in accordance with section 308(a) and 
     201(f) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. The Task 
     Force may not vote on any version of the report, 
     recommendations, or legislative language unless a final 
     estimate is available for consideration by all the members at 
     least 72 hours prior to the vote.

       ``(D) Meetings.--
       ``(i) Initial meeting.--Not later than 45 days after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Task Force shall hold 
     its first meeting.
       ``(ii) Meetings.--The Task Force shall meet at the call of 
     the Co-Chairs or at least 10 of its members.
       ``(iii) Agenda.--An agenda shall be provided to the Task 
     Force members at least 1 week in advance of any meeting. Task 
     Force members who want to have items placed on the agenda for 
     consideration shall notify the staff director as early as 
     possible, but not less than 48 hours in advance of a 
     scheduled meeting.
       ``(E) Hearings.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (G), the Task 
     Force may, for the purpose of carrying out this section, hold 
     such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take 
     such testimony, receive such evidence, and administer such 
     oaths the Task Force considers advisable.
       ``(ii) Hearing procedures and responsibilities of co-
     chairs.--

       ``(I) Announcement.--The Task Force Co-Chairs shall make 
     public announcement of the date, place, time, and subject 
     matter of any hearing to be conducted at least 1 week in 
     advance of such hearing, unless the Co-Chairs determine that 
     there is good cause to begin such hearing at an earlier date.
       ``(II) Written statement.--A witness appearing before the 
     Task Force shall file a written statement of proposed 
     testimony at least 2 days prior to appearance, unless the 
     requirement is waived by the Co-Chairs, following their 
     determination that there is good cause for failure of 
     compliance.

       ``(F) Technical assistance.--Upon written request of the 
     Co-Chairs, a Federal agency shall provide technical 
     assistance to the Task Force in order for the Task Force to 
     carry out its duties.
       ``(G) Information.--
       ``(i) Resources.--

       ``(I) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1108 of title 
     31, United States Code, the Task Force shall have authority 
     to access assistance, materials, resources, statistical data, 
     and other information the Task Force determines to be 
     necessary to carry out its duties directly from an officer or 
     employee of any executive department, bureau, agency, board, 
     commission, office, independent establishment, or 
     instrumentality of the Government, including the Library of 
     Congress, the Chief Actuary of the Social Security 
     Administration, the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare 
     & Medicaid Services, the Congressional Budget Office, the 
     Department of the Treasury, the Department of Health and 
     Human Services, the Office of Management and Budget, the 
     Government Accountability Office, and the Joint Committee on 
     Taxation. Each agency or instrumentality shall, to the extent 
     permitted by law, furnish such information to the Task Force 
     upon written request of the Co-Chairs.
       ``(II) Copies supplied.--Copies of written requests and all 
     written or electronic responses provided under this clause 
     shall be provided to the staff director and shall be made 
     available for review by all members of the Task Force upon 
     request.

       ``(ii) Receipt, handling, storage, and dissemination of 
     information.--Information shall only be received, handled, 
     stored, and disseminated by members of the Task Force and its 
     staff consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, 
     and Executive orders.
       ``(iii) Limitation of access to tax information.--
     Information accessed under this subparagraph shall not 
     include tax data from the United States Internal Revenue 
     Service, the release of which would otherwise be in violation 
     of law.
       ``(H) Postal services.--The Task Force may use the United 
     States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions 
     as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
       ``(I) Assistance from federal agencies.--
       ``(i) General services administration.--Upon the request of 
     the Co-Chairs of the Task Force, the Administrator of General 
     Services shall provide to the Task Force, on a reimbursable 
     basis, the administrative support services necessary for the 
     Task Force to carry out its responsibilities under this 
     section. These administrative services may include human 
     resources management, budget, leasing, accounting, and 
     payroll services.
       ``(ii) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the 
     assistance prescribed in clause (i), departments and agencies 
     of the United States may provide to the Task Force such 
     services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support 
     services as they may determine advisable and as may be 
     authorized by law.
       ``(J) Contract authority.--The Task Force is authorized to 
     enter into contracts with Federal and State agencies, private 
     firms, institutions, and individuals for the conduct of 
     activity necessary to the discharge of its duties and 
     responsibilities. A contract, lease, or other legal agreement 
     entered into by the Task Force may not extend beyond the date 
     of the termination of the Task Force.
       ``(c) Staff of Task Force.--
       ``(1) Appointment and compensation of shared staff.--The 
     Co-Chairs may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff 
     director and such other personnel as may be necessary to 
     enable the Task Force to carry out its functions, without 
     regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
     governing appointments in the competitive service, but at 
     rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a 
     position at

[[Page S130]]

     level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       ``(2) Additional staff for task force members.--Each member 
     of the Task Force may appoint up to 2 additional dedicated 
     staff and fix the compensation of such dedicated personnel 
     without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States 
     Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, but 
     at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying 
     a position at level III of the Executive Schedule under 
     section 5314 of title 5, United States Code. Dedicated staff 
     shall report to each appointing member.
       ``(3) Personnel as federal employees.--
       ``(A) In general.--The staff director and any personnel of 
     the Task Force who are employees shall be employees under 
     section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes of 
     chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90 of that title.
       ``(B) Members of task force.--Subparagraph (A) shall not be 
     construed to apply to members of the Task Force.
       ``(4) Outside consultants.--No outside consultants or other 
     personnel, either by contract, detail, volunteer, or through 
     a remunerative agreement, may be hired without the approval 
     of the Co-Chairs.
       ``(5) Detailees.--With the approval of the Co-Chairs any 
     Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Task Force 
     with or without reimbursement from the Task Force, and such 
     detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of 
     his or her regular employment without interruption. 
     Reimbursable amounts may include the fair value of equipment 
     and supplies used by the detailee in support of the Task 
     Force's activities. For the purpose of this paragraph, 
     Federal Government employees shall include employees of the 
     legislative branch.
       ``(6) Consultant services.--The Co-Chairs of the Task Force 
     are authorized to procure the services of experts and 
     consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, 
     United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate 
     paid a person occupying a position at level III of the 
     Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       ``(7) Temporary and intermittent services.--The Co-Chairs 
     of the Task Force may procure temporary and intermittent 
     services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States 
     Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily 
     equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for 
     level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of 
     such title.
       ``(8) Volunteer services.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the provisions of 
     section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Co-Chairs 
     of the Task Force are authorized to accept and utilize the 
     services of volunteers serving without compensation. The Task 
     Force may reimburse such volunteers for local travel and 
     office supplies, and for other travel expenses, including per 
     diem in lieu of substance, as authorized by section 5703 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       ``(B) Employee status.--A person providing volunteer 
     services to the Task Force shall be considered an employee of 
     the Federal Government in the performance of those services 
     for the purposes of Chapter 81 of title 5, United States 
     Code, relating to compensation for work-related injuries, 
     chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort 
     claims and chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, 
     relating to conflicts of interests.
       ``(C) Ethical guidelines for staff.--In the absence of 
     statutorily defined coverage, the staff, including staff 
     director, shall follow the ethical rules and guidelines of 
     the Senate. Staff coming from the private sector or outside 
     public government may petition the Co-Chairs for a waiver 
     from provisions of Senate Ethics rules.
       ``(9) Advisory panel.--The Task Force may establish an 
     advisory panel consisting of volunteers with knowledge and 
     expertise relevant to the Task Force's purpose. Membership of 
     the Advisory Panel, and the scope of the Panel's activities, 
     shall be decided by the Co-Chairs in consultation with the 
     other members of the Task Force.
       ``(d) Termination.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Task Force shall terminate on the 
     date that is 90 days after the Task Force submits the report 
     required under paragraph (b)(3)(B).
       ``(2) Concluding activities.--The Task Force may use the 
     90-day period referred to in paragraph (1) for the purpose of 
     concluding its activities, including providing testimony to 
     committees of Congress concerning its report and 
     disseminating the final report.
       ``(e) Expedited Consideration of Task Force 
     Recommendations.--
       ``(1) Introduction.--
       ``(A) Reconvening.--
       ``(i) In the house of representatives.--Upon receipt of a 
     report under subsection (b)(3)(B), the Speaker, if the House 
     would otherwise be adjourned, shall notify the Members of the 
     House that, pursuant to this section, the House shall convene 
     not later than November 23, 2010.
       ``(ii) In the senate.--

       ``(I) Convening.--Upon receipt of a report under subsection 
     (b)(3)(B), if the Senate has adjourned or recessed for more 
     than 2 days, the majority leader of the Senate, after 
     consultation with the minority leader of the Senate, shall 
     notify the Members of the Senate that, pursuant to this 
     section, the Senate shall convene not later than November 23, 
     2010.
       ``(II) Adjourning.--No concurrent resolution adjourning the 
     Senate for more than 3 days shall be in order until the 
     Senate votes on passage of the Task Force bill under 
     paragraph (2)(B)(iv).

       ``(B) Introduction of task force bill.--The proposed 
     legislative language contained in the report submitted 
     pursuant to subsection (b)(3)(B), upon receipt by the 
     Congress, shall be introduced not later than November 23, 
     2010, in the Senate and in the House of Representatives by 
     the majority leader of each House of Congress, for himself, 
     the minority leader of each House of Congress, for himself, 
     or any member of the House designated by the majority leader 
     or minority leader. If the Task Force bill is not introduced 
     in accordance with the preceding sentence in either House of 
     Congress, then any Member of that House may introduce the 
     Task Force bill on any day thereafter. Upon introduction, the 
     Task Force bill shall be referred to the appropriate 
     committees under subparagraph (C).
       ``(C) Committee consideration.--A Task Force bill 
     introduced in either House of Congress shall be jointly 
     referred to the committee or committees of jurisdiction and 
     the Committee on the Budget of that House, which committees 
     shall report the bill without any revision and with a 
     favorable recommendation, an unfavorable recommendation, or 
     without recommendation, not later than 7 calendar days after 
     the date of introduction of the bill in that House, or the 
     first day thereafter on which that House is in session. If 
     any committee fails to report the bill within that period, 
     that committee shall be automatically discharged from 
     consideration of the bill, and the bill shall be placed on 
     the appropriate calendar.
       ``(2) Expedited procedures.--
       ``(A) Fast track consideration in house of 
     representatives.--
       ``(i) Proceeding to consideration.--It shall be in order, 
     not later than 2 days of session after the date on which a 
     Task Force bill is reported or discharged from all committees 
     to which it was referred, for the majority leader of the 
     House of Representatives or the majority leader's designee, 
     to move to proceed to the consideration of the Task Force 
     bill. It shall also be in order for any Member of the House 
     of Representatives to move to proceed to the consideration of 
     the Task Force bill at any time after the conclusion of such 
     2-day period. All points of order against the motion are 
     waived. Such a motion shall not be in order after the House 
     has disposed of a motion to proceed on the Task Force bill. 
     The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the 
     motion to its adoption without intervening motion. The motion 
     shall not be debatable. A motion to reconsider the vote by 
     which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order.
       ``(ii) Consideration.--The Task Force bill shall be 
     considered as read. All points of order against the Task 
     Force bill and against its consideration are waived. The 
     previous question shall be considered as ordered on the Task 
     Force bill to its passage without intervening motion except 
     100 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the 
     proponent and an opponent, and any motion to limit debate. A 
     motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the Task Force 
     bill shall not be in order.
       ``(iii) Appeals.--Appeals from decisions of the chair 
     relating to the application of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives to the procedure relating to a Task Force 
     bill shall be decided without debate.
       ``(iv) Application of house rules.--Except to the extent 
     specifically provided in paragraph (2)(A), consideration of a 
     Task Force bill shall be governed by the Rules of the House 
     of Representatives. It shall not be in order in the House of 
     Representatives to consider any Task Force bill introduced 
     pursuant to the provisions of this subsection under a 
     suspension of the rules pursuant to Clause 1 of House Rule 
     XV, or under a special rule reported by the House Committee 
     on Rules.
       ``(v) No amendments.--No amendment to the Task Force bill 
     shall be in order in the House of Representatives.
       ``(vi) Vote on passage.--Immediately following the 
     conclusion of consideration of the Task Force bill, the vote 
     on passage of the Task Force bill shall occur without any 
     intervening action or motion, requiring an affirmative vote 
     of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. If the 
     Task Force bill is passed, the Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives shall cause the bill to be transmitted to the 
     Senate before the close of the next day of session of the 
     House. The vote on passage shall occur not later than 
     December 23, 2010.
       ``(vii) Vote.--The House Committee on Rules may not report 
     a rule or order that would have the effect of causing the 
     Task Force bill to be approved by a vote of less than three-
     fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn.
       ``(B) Fast track consideration in senate.--
       ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding Rule XXII of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order, not later than 
     2 days of session after the date on which a Task Force bill 
     is reported or discharged from all committees to which it was 
     referred, for the majority leader of the Senate or the 
     majority leader's designee to move to proceed to the 
     consideration of the Task Force bill. It shall also be in 
     order for any Member of the Senate to move to proceed to the 
     consideration of the

[[Page S131]]

     Task Force bill at any time after the conclusion of such 2-
     day period. A motion to proceed is in order even though a 
     previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to. All 
     points of order against the motion to proceed to the Task 
     Force bill are waived. The motion to proceed is not 
     debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone. 
     A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed 
     to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to 
     proceed to the consideration of the Task Force bill is agreed 
     to, the Task Force bill shall remain the unfinished business 
     until disposed of.
       ``(ii) Debate.--All points of order against the Task Force 
     bill and against consideration of the Task Force bill are 
     waived. Consideration of the Task Force bill and of all 
     debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith shall 
     not exceed a total of 100 hours. Debate shall be divided 
     equally between the Majority and Minority Leaders or their 
     designees. A motion further to limit debate on the Task Force 
     bill is in order, shall require an affirmative vote of three-
     fifths of the Members duly chosen and sworn, and is not 
     debatable. Any debatable motion or appeal is debatable for 
     not to exceed 1 hour, to be divided equally between those 
     favoring and those opposing the motion or appeal. All time 
     used for consideration of the Task Force bill, including time 
     used for quorum calls and voting, shall be counted against 
     the total 100 hours of consideration.
       ``(iii) No amendments.--An amendment to the Task Force 
     bill, or a motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the 
     consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the 
     Task Force bill, is not in order.
       ``(iv) Vote on passage.--The vote on passage shall occur 
     immediately following the conclusion of the debate on a Task 
     Force bill, and a single quorum call at the conclusion of the 
     debate if requested. Passage shall require an affirmative 
     vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. 
     The vote on passage shall occur not later than December 23, 
     2010.
       ``(v) Adjournment.--If, by December 23, 2010, either House 
     has failed to adopt a motion to proceed to the Task Force 
     bill, paragraph (1)(A)(ii)(II) shall not apply.
       ``(vi) Rulings of the chair on procedure.--Appeals from the 
     decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the 
     rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure 
     relating to a Task Force bill shall be decided without 
     debate.
       ``(C) Rules to coordinate action with other house.--
       ``(i) Referral.--If, before the passage by 1 House of a 
     Task Force bill of that House, that House receives from the 
     other House a Task Force bill, then the Task Force bill of 
     the other House shall not be referred to a committee and 
     shall immediately be placed on the calendar.
       ``(ii) Procedure.--If the Senate receives the Task Force 
     bill passed by the House of Representatives before the Senate 
     has voted on passage of the Task Force bill--

       ``(I) the procedure in the Senate shall be the same as if 
     no Task Force bill had been received from House of 
     Representatives; and
       ``(II) the vote on passage in the Senate shall be on the 
     Task Force bill of the House of Representatives.

       ``(iii) Treatment of task force bill of other house.--If 1 
     House fails to introduce or consider a Task Force bill under 
     this section, the Task Force bill of the other House shall be 
     entitled to expedited floor procedures under this section.
       ``(iv) Treatment of companion measures in the senate.--If 
     following passage of the Task Force bill in the Senate, the 
     Senate then receives the Task Force bill from the House of 
     Representatives, the House-passed Task Force bill shall not 
     be debatable. The vote on passage of the Task Force bill in 
     the Senate shall be considered to be the vote on passage of 
     the Task Force bill received from the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(v) Vetoes.--If the President vetoes the Task Force bill, 
     debate on a veto message in the Senate under this section 
     shall be 1 hour equally divided between the majority and 
     minority leaders or their designees.
       ``(3) Suspension.--No motion to suspend the application of 
     this subsection shall be in order in the Senate or in the 
     House of Representatives.''.
       (c) Funding.--From the amounts appropriated or made 
     available and remaining unobligated under Division A (other 
     than under title X of Division A) of the American Recovery 
     and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. Law 111-5), there is 
     rescinded pro rata an aggregate amount equal to $9,000,000, 
     which amount shall be made available without need for further 
     appropriation to the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible 
     Fiscal Action to carry out the purposes of the Bipartisan 
     Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action, and which shall 
     remain available through fiscal year 2011. Not later than 14 
     days after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall 
     administer the rescission and make available such amount to 
     the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action.

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