[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4675-S4683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Johnson of South 
        Dakota, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Blumenthal):
  S. 3344. A bill to increase immunization rates; to the Committee on 
Finance.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined by Senators 
Durbin, Tim Johnson, Whitehouse, and Blumenthal in the introduction of 
the Immunization Improvements Act. This legislation builds on my 
longstanding work, including several provisions I authored in the 
Affordable Care Act, to improve vaccination rates and population-based 
immunity.
  Our introduction of this legislation is particularly timely given a 
recent report cited in yesterday's Wall Street Journal revealing the 
number of deaths globally as a result of the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009 
and 2010. The analysis found that the number of deaths from H1N1 to be 
15 times the original reports, up from 18,500 to 280,000 cases. In the 
United States, the estimates are more than triple the original cases, 
from 8,500 to nearly 30,000.
  Two provisions of the legislation we are introducing today are based 
on efforts underway in Rhode Island to improve vaccination rates 
against seasonal influenza and pneumonia. Specifically, it would 
authorize a five-state demonstration project that allows the state to 
purchase certain vaccines and distribute them free of charge to 
physicians for administration in seniors, who are at the highest risk 
of death from these preventable diseases. In addition to increasing 
vaccination rates, this model has limited the cost and administrative 
burden for providers and reduced the cost of vaccines to the Federal 
government.
  The legislation would also require hospitals and long-term care 
facilities to report on influenza vaccination rates of health care 
workers with direct patient contact, the population most likely to 
spread the flu to ill patients that may be too weak to fight it. In 
Rhode Island, simply requiring health care facilities to report on 
health care worker influenza vaccinations has resulted in improved 
rates.
  The Immunization Improvements Act would also update the allowable 
vaccine administration fees to providers

[[Page S4676]]

who vaccinate uninsured and underinsured children, as well as include a 
recommendation made by both the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission 
and the Government Accountability Office to shift vaccine coverage in 
Medicare from Part D to Part B.
  While there are many diseases and conditions that we have yet to 
prevent, there are those for which we already have vaccines. We must do 
more to ensure that these vaccines are available and accessed to 
protect the health of Americans.
  This legislation has been endorsed by Every Child By Two, the 
Immunization Action Coalition, Partnership for Prevention, the 
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National 
Association of County and City Health Officials, and Trust for 
America's Health. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see 
these provisions enacted.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. BOXER (for herself and Mr. Kerry):
  S. 3345. A bill to provide for research and education to improve 
screening, detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer; to the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce the Prostate 
Cancer Detection Research and Education Act. This important legislation 
addresses the urgent need for the development of new technologies to 
detect and diagnose prostate cancer, and for the education of our 
fathers, brothers, and sons about the dangers of this deadly disease.
  Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and is the 
second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men, with 240,000 new 
cases and 28,000 prostate cancer related deaths predicted in 2012.
  Unfortunately, current screening techniques for prostate cancer 
result in some false-negative reassurances and false-positive alarms. 
In addition, the prostate is one of the last organs in a human body 
where biopsies are performed blindly, which can miss cancer even when 
multiple samples are taken.
  Prostate Cancer Detection Research and Education Act brings together 
a Advisory Council of experts to evaluate the current science and 
outline a path forward to the ultimate goal--developing a reliable test 
or tests that can detect prostate cancer and diagnose how severe the 
cancer is.
  The Prostate Cancer Detection Research and Education Act will mirror 
the investment the Federal government made in advanced imaging 
technologies, which led to life-saving breakthroughs in detection, 
diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This bill directs the 
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, to use 
the plan developed by the Advisory Council to coordinate and intensify 
federal research to develop and validate an accurate test for prostate 
cancer.
  The Prostate Cancer Detection Research and Education Act would also 
create a national campaign conducted through HHS to increase awareness 
about the need for prostate cancer screening, and the development of 
better screening techniques. Since African American men are 56 percent 
more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men and 
nearly 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease, this campaign will 
work with the Offices of Minority Health at HHS and the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that this effort will reach 
the men most at risk from this disease.
  Government investment in coordinating research and education could be 
key to diagnosing prostate cancer earlier and more accurately. We need 
to strengthen our efforts to bring the tools doctors use to fight this 
disease into the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this effort, and cosponsoring this legislation.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Heller):
  S. 3346. A bill to provide for certain land conveyances in the State 
of Nevada, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I rise with my colleague Senator 
Heller to introduce the Las Vegas Valley Public Lands and Tule Springs 
Fossil Beds National Monument Act of 2012. This legislation will 
designate the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in southern 
Nevada, expand the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, set 
aside lands for the expansion of Nevada institutions of higher 
education, and make thousands of acres available for private 
development and job creation in the Las Vegas valley.
  I am proud to lead the introduction of this important bill, which has 
been years in the making. The hallmark component of this legislation is 
the establishment of the Tule Springs Fossil Bed National Monument. The 
proposed monument is supported by the cities of Las Vegas and North Las 
Vegas, Clark County, the Governor of Nevada, the State of Nevada's 
Division of State Parks, the National Parks Conservation Association, 
Protectors of Tule Springs, and thousands of Nevadans.
  By designating the Tule Springs area a national monument managed by 
the National Park Service, we will conserve, protect and enhance this 
unique and nationally important resource. Nevadans, tourists, 
scientists, and school children will visit the monument to enjoy its 
scientific, educational, scenic and recreational values for decades to 
come.
  The proposed monument is located in the northern part of the Las 
Vegas Valley, bounded by the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, the Red 
Rock National Conservation Area, and the Spring Mountain National 
Recreation Area. The Tule Springs area is recognized as having the 
largest assemblage of Ice Age fossils in the Southwest.
  Over 400 paleontological sites have been discovered, providing a 
record of human activity dating back 11,000 years ago. Scientists have 
uncovered fossils of the giant Columbian mammoth, ground sloths the 
size of small cars, the American lion, and camelops. These great 
prehistoric mammals called North Las Vegas home for thousands of years.
  Efforts to protect the paleontological treasures contained within the 
Las Vegas Wash began early last century. In 1933, the first fossil 
expedition in Tule Springs unearthed prehistoric bones that became 
known as ``Tule the Baby Mammoth.'' In 1962, scientists conducted the 
famous ``big dig,'' employing radiocarbon dating for the first time in 
the United States, which in turn dated Ice Age fossils from 23,800 to 
28,000 years old. Despite this significant concentration of important 
fossil resources in the proposed monument, only a fraction of the area 
has been studied. Many more prehistoric treasures will be found in the 
decades to come.
  The proposed Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is the 
product of many years of work. Recognizing the threats to the area from 
off-road vehicles, vandalism, and dumping, a coalition of 
environmentalists, tribes, academics, and retired Park Service 
employees formed in the mid-2000s to seek federal protection for Tule 
Springs.
  The Protectors of Tule Springs collected over 10,000 signatures, and 
local and national conservation groups launched a campaign to garner 
public support for adding the site to the National Parks System. In 
2010, a Park Service reconnaissance report commissioned at the request 
of members of the Nevada congressional delegation found the site 
suitable for inclusion in the Park System.
  The monument will also benefit the local economy. Proponents of the 
monument estimate that it will generate tens of millions of dollars for 
the regional economy within the early years of operation, bringing 
tourists and researchers from around the world to visit this one-of-a-
kind place to explore fascinating natural history.
  The stakeholder agreement to establish the proposed monument includes 
making a modest amount of public lands available for private 
development in the Las Vegas Valley, and the designation of two 640 
acre job creation zones for the cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas 
for master planned commercial development.
  Furthermore, the legislation makes land available for the future 
expansion of campuses within the Nevada System of Higher Education, 
while increasing the size of the Red Rock National Conservation Area. 
It conveys land to Clark County for flood control for the

[[Page S4677]]

future Ivanpah Valley Airport, it expands the Metro Police Training 
Facility by 80 acres to enhance public safety and the facility's 
security, and allows the U.S. Forest Service to remedy mistaken 
trespass situations in the Spring Mountains area. Finally, it conveys 
1,200 acres to Clark County to establish an off-highway vehicle 
recreation park, and designates public lands surrounding the park as an 
off-highway vehicle recreation area to help keep riders off of 
sensitive lands and habitat.
  The Las Vegas Valley Lands and Fossil Beds National Monument Act is 
an ambitious piece of legislation, built on years of stakeholder input. 
It provides for balanced development and job creation within the Las 
Vegas Valley, while protecting vital natural and scientific resources 
that should be made more accessible for the public's enjoyment and 
education.
  By making long-term and forward-looking improvements to public land 
management and stewardship in the Las Vegas Valley, I believe we have 
crafted a bill that will serve the best interests of Nevadans.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important 
legislation through the legislative process.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3346

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Las Vegas 
     Valley Public Land and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 
     Monument Act of 2012''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.
Sec. 3. Transfer of land to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Sec. 4. Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to North Las 
              Vegas.
Sec. 5. Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to Las Vegas.
Sec. 6. Expansion of conveyance to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police 
              Department.
Sec. 7. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area withdrawal.
Sec. 8. Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 amendments.
Sec. 9. Conveyance of land to the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Sec. 10. Land conveyance for Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.
Sec. 11. Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area release.
Sec. 12. Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.

     SEC. 2. TULE SPRINGS FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) since 1933, the Upper Las Vegas Wash has been valued by 
     scientists because of the significant paleontological fossils 
     demonstrative of the Pleistocene Ice Age that are located in 
     the area;
       (2) in 2004, during the preparation of the Las Vegas Valley 
     Disposal Boundary Final Environmental Impact Statement, the 
     Bureau of Land Management identified sensitive biological, 
     cultural, and paleontological resources determined to be 
     worthy of more evaluation with respect to the protective 
     status of the resources;
       (3) the Upper Las Vegas Wash contains thousands of 
     Pleistocene mammal fossils of national importance, including 
     Columbian mammoth, ground sloth, American lion, camels, and 
     horse fossils;
       (4) in addition to Joshua trees and several species of 
     cacti, the Las Vegas buckwheat, Merriam's bearpoppy, Las 
     Vegas bearpoppy, and the halfring milkvetch are 4 unique and 
     imperiled plants that are supported in the harsh desert 
     environment of Tule Springs;
       (5) the area provides important habitat for threatened 
     desert tortoise, endemic poppy bees, kit foxes, burrowing 
     owls, phainopepla, and a variety of reptiles;
       (6) in 2010, a National Park Service reconnaissance survey 
     of the area determined that the area likely contains the 
     longest continuous section of Pleistocene strata in the 
     desert southwest, which span multiple important global 
     climate cooling and warming episodes;
       (7) the Upper Las Vegas Wash is significant to the culture 
     and history of the native and indigenous people of the area, 
     including the Southern Paiute Tribe;
       (8) despite the findings of the studies and recommendations 
     for further assessment of the resources for appropriate 
     methods of protection--
       (A) the area remains inadequately protected; and
       (B) many irreplaceable fossil specimens in the area have 
     been lost to vandalism or theft; and
       (9) designation of the Upper Las Vegas Wash site as a 
     National Monument would protect the unique fossil resources 
     of the area for present and future generations while allowing 
     for public education and continued scientific research 
     opportunities.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Tule Springs 
     Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory Council established by 
     subsection (f)(1).
       (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (3) Local government.--The term ``local government'' means 
     the City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, or the 
     County.
       (4) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means 
     the management plan for the Monument developed under 
     subsection (d)(3).
       (5) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated June 26, 2012.
       (6) Monument.--The term ``Monument'' means the Tule Springs 
     Fossil Beds National Monument established by subsection 
     (c)(1).
       (7) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning 
     given the term ``public lands'' in section 103 of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).
       (8) Qualified electric utility.--The term ``qualified 
     electric utility'' means any public or private utility 
     determined by the Secretary to be technically and financially 
     capable of developing the transmission line.
       (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (10) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
       (c) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--In order to conserve, protect, interpret, 
     and enhance for the benefit of present and future generations 
     the unique and nationally important paleontological, 
     scientific, educational, and recreational resources and 
     values of the land described in this subsection, there is 
     established in the State the Tule Springs Fossil Beds 
     National Monument.
       (2) Boundaries.--The Monument shall consist of 
     approximately 22,650 acres of public land in the County 
     within the boundaries generally depicted on the Map.
       (3) Map; legal description.--
       (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare an 
     official map and legal description of the boundaries of the 
     Monument.
       (B) Legal effect.--The map and legal description prepared 
     under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect 
     as if included in this section, except that the Secretary may 
     correct any clerical or typographical errors in the legal 
     description or the map.
       (C) Availability of map and legal description.--The map and 
     legal description prepared under subparagraph (A) shall be on 
     file and available for public inspection in the appropriate 
     offices of the Bureau of Land Management and the National 
     Park Service.
       (4) Minor boundary adjustments.--The Secretary may make 
     minor boundary adjustments to the Monument to include 
     additional public land adjacent to the Monument, if, after 
     the date of enactment of this Act--
       (A) additional paleontological resources are discovered on 
     the adjacent public land; and
       (B) a Federal agency, State agency, and local government 
     requests that the adjacent public land be included in the 
     Monument to promote the consistent management of resources.
       (5) Acquisition of land.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary 
     may acquire land or interests in land within or adjacent to 
     the boundaries of the Monument by donation, purchase with 
     donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or transfer from 
     another Federal agency.
       (B) Limitation.--Land or interests in land that are owned 
     by the State or a political subdivision of the State may be 
     acquired under subparagraph (A) only by donation or exchange.
       (6) Withdrawals.--Subject to valid existing rights and 
     subsection (e), any land within the Monument or any land or 
     interest in land that is acquired by the United States for 
     inclusion in the Monument after the date of enactment of this 
     Act is withdrawn from--
       (A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land 
     laws;
       (B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
       (C) operation of the mineral leasing laws, geothermal 
     leasing laws, and minerals materials laws.
       (7) Effect on overflights.--Nothing in this Act or the 
     management plan developed for the Monument restricts or 
     precludes--
       (A) overflights (including low-level military and law 
     enforcement overflights) over land in the Monument, including 
     military, law enforcement, commercial, and general aviation 
     overflights that can be seen or heard in the Monument; or
       (B) the designation or creation of new units of special use 
     airspace or the establishment of military flight training 
     routes over the Monument.
       (d) Administration.--
       (1) Transfer of administrative jurisdiction.--
     Administrative jurisdiction over the approximately 22,650 
     acres of public land depicted on the Map as ``Tule Springs 
     Fossil Bed National Monument'' is transferred from

[[Page S4678]]

     the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to the Director 
     of the National Park Service.
       (2) Management.--The Secretary shall--
       (A) allow only such uses of the Monument that--
       (i) are consistent with this section; and
       (ii) the Secretary determines would further the purposes of 
     the Monument; and
       (B) manage the Monument--
       (i) in a manner that conserves, protects, interprets, and 
     enhances the resources and values of the Monument; and
       (ii) in accordance with--

       (I) this section;
       (II) the provisions of laws generally applicable to units 
     of the National Park System (including the National Park 
     Service Organic Act (16 U.S.C. l et seq.)); and
       (III) any other applicable laws.

       (3) Buffer zones.--The establishment of the Monument shall 
     not--
       (A) lead to the creation of express or implied protective 
     perimeters or buffer zones around or over the Monument;
       (B) preclude disposal of public land adjacent to the 
     boundaries of the Monument, if the disposal is consistent 
     with other applicable law;
       (C) preclude an activity on, or use of, private land 
     adjacent to the boundaries of the Monument, if the activity 
     or use is consistent with other applicable law; or
       (D) directly or indirectly subject an activity on, or use 
     of, private land, to additional regulation, if the activity 
     or use is consistent with other applicable law.
       (4) Air and water quality.--Nothing in this Act alters the 
     standards governing air or water quality outside the boundary 
     of the Monument.
       (5) Management plan.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a 
     management plan that provides for the long-term protection 
     and management of the Monument.
       (B) Components.--The management plan--
       (i) shall, consistent with this section and the purposes of 
     the Monument--

       (I) describe the resources at the Monument that are to be 
     protected;
       (II) describe the appropriate uses and management of the 
     Monument;
       (III) allow for continued scientific research at the 
     Monument; and
       (IV) include a travel management plan that may include 
     existing public transit; and

       (ii) may--

       (I) incorporate any appropriate decisions contained in an 
     existing management or activity plan for the land designated 
     as the Monument under subsection (c)(1); and
       (II) use information developed in any study of land within, 
     or adjacent to, the boundary of the Monument that was 
     conducted before the date of enactment of this Act.

       (C) Public process.--In preparing the management plan, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (i) consult with, and take into account the comments and 
     recommendations of, the Council;
       (ii) provide an opportunity for public involvement in the 
     preparation and review of the management plan, including 
     holding public meetings; and
       (iii) consider public comments received as part of the 
     public review and comment process of the management plan.
       (6) Interpretation, education, and scientific research.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for public 
     interpretation of, and education and scientific research on, 
     the paleontological resources of the Monument, with priority 
     given to exhibiting and curating the resources.
       (B) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may enter into 
     cooperative agreements with the State, political subdivisions 
     of the State, nonprofit organizations, and appropriate public 
     and private entities to carry out subparagraph (A).
       (e) Renewable Energy Transmission Facilities.--
       (1) In general.--On receipt of a complete application from 
     a qualified electric utility, the Secretary, in accordance 
     with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4321 et seq.), shall issue to the qualified electric utility 
     a 400-foot right-of-way for the construction and maintenance 
     of high-voltage transmission facilities depicted on the Map 
     as ``Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor''.
       (2) Requirements.--
       (A) In general.--The high-voltage transmission facilities 
     shall--
       (i) be used--

       (I) primarily, to the maximum extent practicable, for 
     renewable energy resources; and
       (II) to meet reliability standards set by the North 
     American Reliability Electric Corporation, the Western 
     Electricity Coordinating Council, or the public utilities 
     regulator of the State; and

       (ii) employ best management practices identified as part of 
     the compliance of the Secretary with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to 
     limit impacts on the Monument, including impacts to the 
     viewshed.
       (B) Capacity.--The Secretary shall consult with the 
     qualified electric utility that is issued the right-of-way 
     under paragraph (1) and the public utilities regulator of the 
     State to seek to maximize the capacity of the high-voltage 
     transmission facilities.
       (3) Terms and conditions.--The issuance of a notice to 
     proceed on the construction of the high-voltage transmission 
     facilities within the right-of-way under paragraph (1) shall 
     be subject to terms and conditions that the Secretary (in 
     consultation with the qualified electric utility), as part of 
     the compliance of the Secretary with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
     determines appropriate to protect and conserve the resources 
     for which the Monument is managed.
       (4) Expiration of right-of-way.--The right-of-way issued 
     under paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is 15 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act if construction of 
     the high-voltage transmission facilities described in 
     paragraph (1) has not been initiated by that date, unless the 
     Secretary determines that it is in the public interest to 
     continue the right-of-way.
       (f) Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory 
     Council.--
       (1) Establishment.--To provide guidance for the management 
     of the Monument, there is established the Tule Springs Fossil 
     Beds National Monument Advisory Council.
       (2) Membership.--
       (A) Composition.--The Council shall consist of 13 members, 
     to be appointed by the Secretary, of whom--
       (i) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the 
     County Commission;
       (ii) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the 
     city council of Las Vegas, Nevada;
       (iii) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, 
     the city council of North Las Vegas, Nevada;
       (iv) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the 
     tribal council of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe;
       (v) 1 member shall be a representative of the conservation 
     community in southern Nevada;
       (vi) 1 member shall be a representative of, or be nominated 
     by, the Director of the Bureau of Land Management;
       (vii) 1 member shall be a representative of, or be 
     nominated by, the Director of the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service;
       (viii) 1 member shall be a representative of, or be 
     nominated by, the Director of the National Park Service;
       (ix) 1 member shall be a representative of Nellis Air Force 
     Base;
       (x) 1 member shall be nominated by the State;
       (xi) 1 member shall reside in the County and have a 
     background that reflects the purposes for which the Monument 
     was established; and
       (xii) 2 members shall reside in the County, both of whom 
     shall have experience in the field of paleontology, obtained 
     through higher education, experience, or both.
       (B) Initial appointment.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall appoint 
     the initial members of the Council in accordance with 
     subparagraph (A).
       (3) Duties of the council.--The Council shall advise the 
     Secretary with respect to--
       (A) the preparation and implementation of the management 
     plan; and
       (B) other issues related to the management of the Monument 
     (including budgetary matters).
       (4) Compensation.--Members of the Council shall receive no 
     compensation for serving on the Council.
       (5) Chairperson.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Council 
     shall elect a Chairperson from among the members of the 
     Council.
       (B) Limitation.--The Chairperson shall not be a member of a 
     Federal or State agency.
       (C) Term.--The term of the Chairperson shall be 3 years.
       (6) Term of members.--
       (A) In general.--The term of a member of the Council shall 
     be 3 years.
       (B) Successors.--Notwithstanding the expiration of a 3-year 
     term of a member of the Council, a member may continue to 
     serve on the Council until--
       (i) the member is reappointed by the Secretary; or
       (ii) a successor is appointed.
       (7) Vacancies.--
       (A) In general.--A vacancy on the Council shall be filled 
     in the same manner in which the original appointment was 
     made.
       (B) Appointment for remainder of term.--A member appointed 
     to fill a vacancy on the Council--
       (i) shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the 
     predecessor was appointed; and
       (ii) may be nominated for a subsequent term.
       (8) Termination.--Unless an extension is jointly 
     recommended by the Director of the National Park Service and 
     the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Council 
     shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section.

     SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF LAND TO RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL 
                   CONSERVATION AREA.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Conservation area.--The term ``Conservation Area'' 
     means the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     established by the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.).

[[Page S4679]]

       (2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated June 26, 2012.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (b) Transfer of Land to Conservation Area.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, subject to valid existing rights, and 
     notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of 
     sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary 
     shall add to, and administer as part of, the Conservation 
     Area, in accordance with the laws (including regulations) 
     applicable to the Conservation Area, the land described in 
     paragraph (2).
       (2) Description of land.--The land referred to in paragraph 
     (1) consists of approximately 1,530 acres of land managed by 
     the Bureau of Land Management described on the map as 
     ``Additions to Red Rock NCA''.
       (3) Management plan.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     on which the land is acquired, the Secretary shall update the 
     management plan for the Conservation Area to reflect the 
     management requirements of the acquired land.
       (4) Map and legal description.--
       (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal 
     description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section.
       (B) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (i) the map; or
       (ii) the legal description.
       (C) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.

     SEC. 4. CONVEYANCE OF BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND TO NORTH 
                   LAS VEGAS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated June 26, 2012.
       (2) North las vegas.--The term ``North Las Vegas'' means 
     the city of North Las Vegas, Nevada.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (b) Conveyance.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, subject to valid existing rights, and 
     notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of 
     sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary 
     shall convey to North Las Vegas, without consideration, all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the 
     land described in subsection (c).
       (c) Description of Land.--The land referred to in 
     subsection (b) consists of land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management described on the map as the ``North Las Vegas Job 
     Creation Zone''.
       (d) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal 
     description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section.
       (2) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (A) the map; or
       (B) the legal description.
       (3) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
       (e) Use of Land for Nonresidential Development.--
       (1) In general.--North Las Vegas may sell, lease, or 
     otherwise convey any portion of the land described in 
     subsection (c) for nonresidential development.
       (2) Method of sale.--The sale, lease, or conveyance of land 
     under paragraph (1) shall be carried out--
       (A) through a competitive bidding process; and
       (B) for not less than fair market value.
       (3) Disposition of proceeds.--The gross proceeds from the 
     sale, lease, or conveyance of land under paragraph (1) shall 
     be distributed in accordance with section 4(e) of the 
     Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public 
     Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2345; 116 Stat. 2007; 117 Stat. 1317; 
     118 Stat. 2414; 120 Stat. 3045).
       (f) Use of Land for Recreation or Other Public Purposes.--
       (1) In general.--North Las Vegas may retain a portion of 
     the land described in subsection (c) for public recreation or 
     other public purposes consistent with the Act of June 14, 
     1926 (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes 
     Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.) by providing written notice of 
     the election to the Secretary.
       (2) Revocation.--If North Las Vegas retains land for public 
     recreation or other public purposes under paragraph (1), 
     North Las Vegas may--
       (A) revoke that election; and
       (B) sell, lease, or convey the land in accordance with 
     subsection (e).
       (g) Administrative Costs.--The Secretary shall require 
     North Las Vegas to pay all survey costs and other 
     administrative costs necessary for the preparation and 
     completion of any patents for, and transfers of title to, the 
     land described in subsection (c).
       (h) Reversion.--
       (1) In general.--If any parcel of land described in 
     subsection (c) is not conveyed for nonresidential development 
     under this section or reserved for recreation or other public 
     purposes under subparagraph (f) by the date that is 30 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the parcel of land 
     shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the 
     United States.
       (2) Inconsistent use.--If North Las Vegas uses any parcel 
     of land described in subsection (c) in a manner that is 
     inconsistent with this section--
       (A) at the discretion of the Secretary, the parcel shall 
     revert to the United States; or
       (B) if the Secretary does not make an election under 
     subparagraph (A), North Las Vegas shall sell the parcel of 
     land in accordance with this section.

     SEC. 5. CONVEYANCE OF BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND TO LAS 
                   VEGAS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Las vegas.--The term ``Las Vegas'' means the city of 
     Las Vegas, Nevada.
       (2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated June 26, 2012.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (b) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, subject to valid existing rights, and 
     notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of 
     sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary 
     shall convey to Las Vegas, without consideration, all right, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to the land 
     described in subsection (c).
       (c) Description of Land.--The land referred to in 
     subsection (b) consists of land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management described on the map as ``Las Vegas Job Creation 
     Zone''.
       (d) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal 
     description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section.
       (2) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (A) the map; or
       (B) the legal description.
       (3) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
       (e) Use of Land.--
       (1) In general.--Las Vegas may sell, lease, or otherwise 
     convey any portion of the land described in subsection (c) 
     for nonresidential development.
       (2) Method of sale.--The sale, lease, or conveyance of land 
     under paragraph (1) shall be carried out, after consultation 
     with the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe--
       (A) through a competitive bidding process; and
       (B) for not less than fair market value.
       (3) Disposition of proceeds.--The gross proceeds from the 
     sale, lease, or conveyance of land under paragraph (1) shall 
     be distributed in accordance with section 4(e) of the 
     Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public 
     Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2345; 116 Stat. 2007; 117 Stat. 1317; 
     118 Stat. 2414; 120 Stat. 3045).
       (f) Use of Land for Recreation or Other Public Purposes.--
       (1) In general.--Las Vegas may retain a portion of the land 
     described in subsection (c) for public recreation or other 
     public purposes consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 
     (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes 
     Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.) by providing written notice of 
     the election to the Secretary.
       (2) Revocation.--If Las Vegas retains land for public 
     recreation or other public purposes under paragraph (1), Las 
     Vegas may--
       (A) revoke that election; and
       (B) sell, lease, or convey the land in accordance with 
     subsection (e).
       (g) Administrative Costs.--The Secretary shall require Las 
     Vegas to pay all survey costs and other administrative costs 
     necessary for the preparation and completion of any patents 
     for, and transfers of title to, the land described in 
     subsection (c).
       (h) Reversion.--
       (1) In general.--If any parcel of land described in 
     subsection (c) is not conveyed for nonresidential development 
     under this section or reserved for recreation or other public 
     purposes under subsection (f) by the date that is 30 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the parcel of land 
     shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the 
     United States.
       (2) Inconsistent use.--If Las Vegas uses any parcel of land 
     described in subsection (c) in a manner that is inconsistent 
     with this section--
       (A) at the discretion of the Secretary, the parcel shall 
     revert to the United States; or
       (B) if the Secretary does not make an election under 
     subparagraph (A), Las Vegas shall sell the parcel of land in 
     accordance with this section.

     SEC. 6. EXPANSION OF CONVEYANCE TO LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN 
                   POLICE DEPARTMENT.

       Section 703 of the Clark County Conservation of Public Land 
     and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-282; 116 
     Stat. 2013) is amended by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``and the parcel of land identified as 
     `Conveyance to Las Vegas for Police Shooting Range Access' on 
     the map entitled `North Las Vegas Valley Overview', and dated 
     June 26, 2012, for the development of an access road and 
     parking facilities''.

[[Page S4680]]

     SEC. 7. SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA WITHDRAWAL.

       Section 8 of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 460hhh-6) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``for lands described'' 
     and inserting ``as provided''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Exceptions.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), W\1/2\ E 
     \1/2\ and W \1/2\ sec. 27, T. 23 S., R. 58 E., Mt. Diablo 
     Meridian is not subject to withdrawal under that subsection.
       ``(2) Effect of entry under public land laws.--
     Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the 
     following are not subject to withdrawal under that paragraph:
       ``(A) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that 
     qualifies for conveyance under Public Law 97-465 (commonly 
     known as the ``Small Tracts Act'') (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.), 
     which, notwithstanding section 7 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 
     521i), may be conveyed under that Act.
       ``(B) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that the 
     Secretary determines to be appropriate for conveyance by 
     exchange for non-Federal land within the Recreation Area 
     under authorities generally providing for the exchange of 
     National Forest System land.''.

     SEC. 8. SOUTHERN NEVADA PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1998 
                   AMENDMENTS.

       Section 4 of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act 
     of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2344; 116 Stat. 2007) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking 
     ``dated October 1, 2002'' and inserting ``dated June 26, 
     2012''; and
       (2) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), subject to paragraphs 
     (1) through (3), Clark County may convey to a unit of local 
     government or regional governmental entity, without 
     consideration, land located within the Airport Environs 
     Overlay District (as of the date of enactment of [this 
     paragraph]) if the land is used for a public purpose 
     consistent with uses allowed under the Act of June 14, 1926 
     (commonly known as the `Recreation and Public Purposes Act') 
     (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), provided that if the conveyed land 
     is used for a purpose other than a public purpose, paragraph 
     (4) would apply to the conveyance.''.

     SEC. 9. CONVEYANCE OF LAND TO THE NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER 
                   EDUCATION.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Board of regents.--The term ``Board of Regents'' means 
     the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher 
     Education.
       (2) Campuses.--The term ``Campuses'' means the Great Basin 
     College, College of Southern Nevada, and University of Las 
     Vegas, Nevada, campuses.
       (3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means each of 
     the 3 parcels of Bureau of Land Management land identified on 
     the maps as ``Parcel to be Conveyed'', of which--
       (A) approximately 40 acres is to be conveyed for the 
     College of Southern Nevada;
       (B) approximately 2,085 acres is to be conveyed for the 
     University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and
       (C) approximately 285 acres is to be conveyed for the Great 
     Basin College.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
       (6) System.--The term ``System'' means the Nevada System of 
     Higher Education.
       (b) Conveyances of Federal Land to the System.--
       (1) Conveyances.--
       (A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 202 of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) and 
     section 1(c) of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as 
     the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 
     869(c)) and subject to all valid existing rights, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (i) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, convey to the System, without consideration, all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to--

       (I) the Federal land identified on the map entitled ``Great 
     Basin College Land Conveyance'' and dated June 26, 2012, for 
     the Great Basin College; and
       (II) the Federal land identified on the map entitled 
     ``College of Southern Nevada Land Conveyance'' and dated June 
     26, 2012, for the College of Southern Nevada, subject to the 
     requirement that, as a precondition of the conveyance, the 
     Board of Regents shall, by mutual assent, enter into a 
     binding development agreement with the City of Las Vegas 
     that--

       (aa) provides for the orderly development of the Federal 
     land to be conveyed under this subclause; and
       (bb) complies with State law; and
       (ii) not later than 180 days after the receipt of 
     certification of acceptable remediation of environmental 
     conditions existing on the parcel to be conveyed for the 
     University of Nevada, Las Vegas, convey to the System, 
     without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the 
     United States in and to the Federal land identified on the 
     map entitled ``North Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated 
     June 26, 2012 for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, if the 
     area identified as ``Potential Utility Schedule'' on the map 
     is reserved for use for a potential future 400-foot utility 
     corridor of certain rights-of-way for transportation and 
     public utilities.
       (B) Phases.--The Secretary may phase the conveyance of the 
     Federal land under subparagraph (A)(ii) as remediation is 
     completed.
       (2) Conditions.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of the conveyance under 
     paragraph (1)(A), the Board of Regents shall agree in 
     writing--
       (i) to pay any administrative costs associated with the 
     conveyance, including the costs of any environmental, 
     wildlife, cultural, or historical resources studies;
       (ii) to use the Federal land conveyed for educational and 
     recreational purposes;
       (iii) to release and indemnify the United States from any 
     claims or liabilities that may arise from uses carried out on 
     the Federal land on or before the date of enactment of this 
     Act by the United States or any person; and
       (iv) to assist the Bureau of Land Management in providing 
     information to the students of the System and the citizens of 
     the State on--

       (I) public land (including the management of public land) 
     in the Nation; and
       (II) the role of the Bureau of Land Management in managing, 
     preserving, and protecting the public land in the State.

       (B) Agreement with nellis air force base.--
       (i) In general.--The Federal land conveyed to the System 
     under [paragraph (1)(A)(ii)] shall be used in accordance with 
     the agreement entitled the ``Cooperative Interlocal Agreement 
     between the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher 
     Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 
     and the 99th Air Base Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada'' 
     and dated June 19, 2009.
       (ii) Modifications.--Any modifications to the agreement 
     described in clause (i) or any related master plan shall 
     require the mutual assent of the parties to the agreement.
       (iii) Limitation.--In no case shall the use of the Federal 
     land conveyed under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) compromise the 
     national security mission or avigation rights of Nellis Air 
     Force Base.
       (3) Use of federal land.--
       (A) In general.--The System may use the Federal land 
     conveyed under paragraph (1)(A) for--
       (i) any purpose relating to the establishment, operation, 
     growth, and maintenance of the System; and
       (ii) any uses relating to the purposes, including 
     residential and commercial development that would generally 
     be associated with an institution of higher education.
       (B) Other entities.--The System may--
       (i) consistent with Federal and State law, lease, or 
     otherwise provide property or space at, the Campuses, with or 
     without consideration, to religious, public interest, 
     community, or other groups for services and events that are 
     of interest to the System or to any community located in 
     southern Nevada;
       (ii) allow any other communities in southern Nevada to use 
     facilities of the Campuses for educational and recreational 
     programs of the community; and
       (iii) in conjunction with the city of Las Vegas, North Las 
     Vegas, or Pahrump or Clark or Nye County plan, finance 
     (including through the provision of cost-share assistance), 
     construct, and operate facilities for the city of Las Vegas, 
     North Las Vegas, or Pahrump or Clark or Nye County on the 
     Federal land conveyed for educational or recreational 
     purposes consistent with this subsection.
       (4) Reversion.--
       (A) In general.--If the Federal land or any portion of the 
     Federal land conveyed under paragraph (1)(A) ceases to be 
     used for the System, the Federal land, or any portion of the 
     Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, 
     revert to the United States.
       (B) University of nevada, las vegas.--If the System fails 
     to complete the first building or show progression toward 
     development of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on 
     the applicable parcels of Federal land by the date that is 50 
     years after the date of receipt of certification of 
     acceptable remediation of environmental conditions, the 
     parcels of the Federal land described in subsection (a)(3)(B) 
     shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the 
     United States.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section.

     SEC. 10. LAND CONVEYANCE FOR SOUTHERN NEVADA SUPPLEMENTAL 
                   AIRPORT.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Land 
     Conveyance for Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport'' and 
     dated June 26, 2012.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (b) Land Conveyance.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date 
     described in paragraph (2), subject to valid existing rights, 
     and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of 
     sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary 
     shall convey to the County, without consideration, all right, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to the land 
     described in subsection (c).
       (2) Date on which conveyance may be made.--The Secretary 
     shall not make the conveyance described in paragraph (1) 
     until the later of the date on which the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration has--

[[Page S4681]]

       (A) approved an airport layout plan for an airport to be 
     located in the Ivanpah Valley; and
       (B) with respect to the construction and operation of an 
     airport on the site conveyed to the County pursuant to 
     section 2(a) of the Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands 
     Transfer Act (Public Law 106-362; 114 Stat. 1404), issued a 
     record of decision after the preparation of an environmental 
     impact statement or similar analysis required under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.).
       (3) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the 
     public land to be conveyed under paragraph (1) is withdrawn 
     from--
       (A) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
       (B) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing 
     laws.
       (4) Use.--The public land conveyed under paragraph (1) 
     shall be used for the development of flood mitigation 
     infrastructure for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.
       (c) Description of Land.--The land referred to in 
     subsection (b) consists of the approximately 2,320 acres of 
     land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and described 
     on the map as the ``Conveyance Area''.
       (d) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare an 
     official legal description and map of the parcel to be 
     conveyed under this section.
       (2) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (A) the map; or
       (B) the legal description.
       (3) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.

     SEC. 11. SUNRISE MOUNTAIN INSTANT STUDY AREA RELEASE.

       (a) Finding.--Congress finds that for the purposes of 
     section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
     1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782), the public land in Clark County, 
     Nevada, administered by the Bureau of Land Management in the 
     Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area has been adequately 
     studied for wilderness designation.
       (b) Release.--Any public land described in subsection (a) 
     that is not designated as wilderness--
       (1) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S. C. 1782(c)); 
     and
       (2) shall be managed in accordance with land management 
     plans adopted under section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712).
       (c) Post Release Land Use Approvals.--Recognizing that the 
     area released under subsection (b) presents unique 
     opportunities for the granting of additional rights-of-way, 
     including for high voltage transmission facilities, the 
     Secretary of the Interior may accommodate multiple applicants 
     within a particular right-of-way.

     SEC. 12. NELLIS DUNES OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION AREA.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of North Las 
     Vegas, Nevada.
       (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (3) Economic support area.--The term ``Economic Support 
     Area'' means the land identified on the map as the ``Economic 
     Support Area''.
       (4) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the 
     approximately 1,211 acres of Federal land in the County, as 
     depicted on the map.
       (5) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Nellis 
     Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area'' and dated June 
     26, 2012.
       (6) Nellis dunes recreation area.--The term ``Nellis Dunes 
     Recreation Area'' means the Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle 
     Recreation Area identified on the map as ``Nellis Dunes OHV 
     Recreation Area''.
       (7) Net proceeds.--The term ``net proceeds'' means the 
     amount that is equal to the difference between--
       (A) the amount of gross revenues received by the County 
     from any activities at the Economic Support Area; and
       (B) the total amount expended by the County for capital 
     improvements to each of the Economic Support Area and the 
     Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, provided that the capital 
     improvements shall not exceed 80 percent of the total gross 
     proceeds.
       (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (9) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
       (b) Conveyance of Federal Land to Clark County, Nevada.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the 
     County, subject to valid existing rights, without 
     consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United 
     States in and to the parcels of Federal land.
       (2) Use of federal land.--
       (A) In general.--The parcels of Federal land conveyed under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (i) shall be used by the County--

       (I) to provide a suitable location for the establishment of 
     a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park in the County;
       (II) to provide the public with opportunities for off-road 
     vehicle recreation, including a location for races, 
     competitive events, training and other commercial services 
     that directly support a centralized off-road vehicle 
     recreation area and County park; and
       (III) to provide a designated area and facilities that 
     would discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in 
     areas that have been identified by the Federal Government, 
     State government, or County government as containing 
     environmentally sensitive land; and

       (ii) shall not be disposed of by the County.
       (B) Reversion.--If the County ceases to use any parcel of 
     the Federal land for the purposes described in subparagraph 
     (A)(i) or subparagraph (C)--
       (i) title to the parcel shall revert to the United States, 
     at the option of the United States; and
       (ii) the County shall be responsible for any reclamation 
     necessary to revert the parcel to the United States.
       (C) Renewable and solar energy.--The Federal land conveyed 
     to the County under paragraph (1) and the land conveyed to 
     the County under section 1(c) of Public Law 107-350 (116 
     Stat. 2975) may be used for the incidental purpose of 
     generating renewable energy and solar energy for use by the 
     Clark County Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Park, the 
     shooting park authorized under Public Law 107-350 (116 Stat. 
     2975), and the County.
       (D) Consultation with the secretary of the air force.--
       (i) Restriction.--Any project authorized under subparagraph 
     (C) shall not interfere with the national security mission of 
     Nellis Air Force Base (or any military operation).
       (ii) Condition.--Before the construction of any proposed 
     project under subparagraph (C), the project proponent shall 
     consult with the Secretary of Defense (or a designee).
       (E) Future conveyances.--Any future conveyance of Federal 
     land for addition to the Clark County Off Highway Vehicle 
     Park or the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area shall be subject 
     to--
       (i) the binding interlocal agreement under paragraph 
     (3)(B); and
       (ii) the aviation easement requirements under paragraph 
     (6).
       (F) Management plan.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of the Air Force and the County, may develop a 
     special management plan for the Federal land--
       (i) to enhance public safety and safe off-highway vehicle 
     recreation use in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area;
       (ii) to ensure compatible development with the mission 
     requirements of the Nellis Air Force Base; and
       (iii) to avoid and mitigate known public health risks 
     associated with off-highway vehicle use in the Nellis Dunes 
     Recreation Area.
       (3) Economic support area.--
       (A) Designation.--There is designated the Economic Support 
     Area.
       (B) Interlocal agreement.--
       (i) In general.--Before the Economic Support Area may be 
     developed, the City and County shall enter into an interlocal 
     agreement regarding the development of the Economic Support 
     Area.
       (ii) Limitation of agreement.--In no case shall the 
     interlocal agreement under this subparagraph compromise or 
     interfere with the aviation rights provided under paragraph 
     (6) and subsection (c)(4).
       (C) Use of proceeds.--Of the net proceeds from the 
     development of the Economic Support Area, the County shall--
       (i) annually deposit 50 percent in a special account in the 
     Treasury, to be used by the Secretary for the development, 
     maintenance, operations, and environmental restoration and 
     mitigation of the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area; and
       (ii) retain 50 percent, to be used by the County--

       (I) to pay for capital improvements [that are not covered 
     by subsection (a)(6)(B)]; and
       (II) to maintain and operate the park established under 
     paragraph (2)(A)(i)(I).

       (4) Agreement with nellis air force base.--
       (A) In general.--Before the Federal land may be conveyed to 
     the County under paragraph (1), the Clark County Board of 
     Commissioners, the Bureau of Land Management, and Nellis Air 
     Force Base shall enter into an interlocal agreement for the 
     Federal land and the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area--
       (i) to enhance safe off-highway recreation use; and
       (ii) to ensure that development of the Federal land is 
     consistent with the long-term mission requirements of Nellis 
     Air Force Base.
       (B) Limitation.--The use of the Federal land conveyed under 
     paragraph (1) shall not compromise the national security 
     mission or aviation rights of Nellis Air Force Base.
       (5) Additional terms and conditions.--With respect to the 
     conveyance of Federal land under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     may require such additional terms and conditions as the 
     Secretary considers to be appropriate to protect the 
     interests of the United States.
       (6) Aviation easement.--
       (A) In general.--Each deed entered into for the conveyance 
     of the Federal land shall contain a perpetual aviation 
     easement reserving to the United States all rights necessary 
     to preserve free and unobstructed overflight in and through 
     the airspace above, over, and across the surface of the 
     Federal land for the passage of aircraft owned or operated by 
     any Federal agency or other Federal entity.
       (B) Requirements.--Each easement described in subparagraph 
     (A) shall include such terms and conditions as the Secretary 
     of the Air Force determines to be necessary to comply with 
     subparagraph (A).

[[Page S4682]]

       (c) Designation of the Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway 
     Vehicle Recreation Area.--
       (1) In general.--The approximately 10,000 acres of land 
     identified as ``Nellis Dunes'' in the Bureau of Land 
     Management Resource Management Plan shall be known and 
     designated as the ``Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle 
     Recreation Area''.
       (2) Management plan.--The Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management may develop a special management plan for the 
     Nellis Dunes Recreation Area to enhance the safe use of off-
     highway vehicles for recreational purposes.
       (3) Exclusion from national landscape conservation 
     system.--The Nellis Dunes Recreation Area shall not be 
     considered a unit of the National Landscape Conservation 
     System.
       (4) Aviation rights.--The aviation rights described in 
     subsection (b)(6) shall apply to the Nellis Dunes Recreation 
     Area.
       (d) Withdrawal and Reservation of Land for Nellis Air Force 
     Base.--
       (1) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights and 
     except as otherwise provided in this subsection--
       (A) the Federal land and interests in the Federal land 
     identified on the map as ``Land to be withdrawn for Nellis 
     Air Force Base'' are withdrawn from all forms of 
     appropriation under the general land laws, including the 
     mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal leasing laws; and
       (B) jurisdiction over the land and interest in land 
     withdrawn and reserved by this subsection is transferred to 
     the Secretary of the Air Force.
       (2) Reservation.--The land withdrawn under paragraph (1) is 
     reserved for use by the Secretary of the Air Force for--
       (A) the enlargement and protection of Nellis Air Force 
     Base; or
       (B) other defense-related purposes consistent with the 
     purposes of this subsection.
       (3) Changes in use.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall 
     consult with the Secretary before using the land withdrawn 
     and reserved by this subsection for any purpose other than 
     the purposes described in subsection (b)(2).
       (4) Easement.--The United States reserves--
       (A) a right of flight for the passage of aircraft in the 
     airspace above the surface of the Federal land conveyed to 
     the County; and
       (B) the right to cause in the airspace any noise, 
     vibration, smoke, or other effects that may be inherent in 
     the operation of aircraft landing at, or taking off from, 
     Nellis Air Force Base.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN:
  S. 3348. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the 
multifamily transitional housing loan program of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record as follows:

                                S. 3348

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. AUTHORITY FOR PAYMENT BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS OF GUARANTEES FOR LOANS GUARANTEED BY 
                   SECRETARY FOR MULTIFAMILY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING 
                   PROJECTS.

       Section 2053 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new 
     subsection (a):
       ``(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
     Secretary may, for any loan guaranteed under this subchapter, 
     pay the guarantee, in part or in full, if the loan is not in 
     default. Such guarantee payment may include amounts necessary 
     to extinguish the loan and pay all prepayment premiums and 
     transaction costs.
       ``(2) The Secretary may forgive, waive, release, or 
     discharge a borrower's liability to the Secretary with 
     respect to a loan or a guarantee for the loan for any loss 
     resulting from a payment made under paragraph (1).
       ``(3) The amount resulting from a decision of the Secretary 
     to forgive, waive, release, or discharge any repayment 
     obligation owed by the borrower to the Secretary with respect 
     to a loan guaranteed by the Secretary under this subchapter 
     for a multifamily transitional housing project--
       ``(A) shall not be included in the borrower's gross income;
       ``(B) shall be treated as an amount not derived from a 
     Federal grant for purposes of subsection (d)(5)(A) of section 
     42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
       ``(C) shall not otherwise reduce the borrower's depreciable 
     basis or eligible basis (for purposes of such section 42) of 
     such housing project.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. REED:
  S. 3349. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, and the United 
States Housing Act of 1937 to enhance and expand the assistance 
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development to homeless veterans and veterans at risk 
of homelessness, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, 
Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I introduce the Zero Tolerance for 
Veteran Homelessness Act. This bill enhances and expands the assistance 
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development to homeless veterans and veterans at risk 
of becoming homeless.
  It is one of our Nation's great tragedies that on any given night, 
according to estimates by the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 
67,000 veterans are homeless. The Department further estimates that 
about 145,000 veterans experience homelessness each year and that 
nearly 1/5th of all homeless people in the United States are veterans. 
These numbers are expected to climb as our service members who have 
fought in Iraq and Afghanistan return home to face tough economic 
conditions.
  Indeed, some veterans return from deployments to discover that the 
skills they have honed in their military service can be difficult to 
transfer to jobs in the private sector. Others struggle with physical 
or mental wounds of war. Still others return to communities that lack 
safe, affordable housing.
  Our veterans have made great sacrifices to serve our country, and it 
is especially important to honor our commitment to them. The Department 
of Veterans Affairs is certainly a part of that commitment, providing 
benefits, medical care, support, and a sense of community to homeless 
veterans. However, a number of other federal agencies provide service 
to veterans, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
and this legislation builds on that existing infrastructure.
  Many programs through HUD and the VA are already helping homeless 
veterans with transitional housing, health care and rehabilitation 
services, and employment assistance. However, a more comprehensive and 
coordinated approach would strengthen these programs and help prevent 
more at-risk veterans from becoming homeless.
  First, this legislation would make it easier for non-profits to apply 
for capital grants through the VA's grants and per diem program to 
build transitional housing and other facilities for veterans. This 
would streamline the process for non-profit organizations to be able to 
use financing from other sources to break ground on new housing 
construction. This is particularly important in the current economy, 
when non-profits are stretched and have to be more creative than ever 
to fund new capital projects.
  Second, the Zero Tolerance for Veterans Homelessness Act would create 
a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs within HUD. The Special 
Assistant would ensure that veterans have access to HUD's existing 
programs and work to remove any barriers. The Special Assistant would 
also serve as a liaison between HUD and the VA, helping to connect and 
coordinate the services the two departments provide.
  Additionally, this legislation recognizes the need to measure 
progress of efforts to combat homelessness. The bill would require the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to analyze existing programs and develop 
a comprehensive plan with recommendations on how to end homelessness 
among veterans. Establishing a plan with appropriate benchmarks will 
enable the VA to more easily track progress towards this important 
goal.
  Only by working together, across the federal government and in 
partnership with non-profits and local housing authorities, will we be 
able to comprehensively help homeless veterans and reach those in 
danger of becoming homeless. We owe it to our veterans to ensure that 
they and their families have safe, affordable places to live and to 
provide the services and benefits they have earned. The nation's brave 
veterans deserve nothing less.
  I am pleased that provisions from this bill, which follows on 
legislation I introduced last Congress, have been included in 
comprehensive legislation that is moving through the Veterans

[[Page S4683]]

Affairs Committee. I hope my colleagues will join in supporting these 
important efforts.

                          ____________________