[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 20, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H1979-H1994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS CERTAIN BILLS AND AGREE TO A
RESOLUTION
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 6 of House Resolution
330, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bills: H.R. 367, H.R.
370, H.R. 396, H.R. 397, H.R. 408, H.R. 490, H.R. 965, H.R. 1251, H.R.
1395, H.R. 1491, H.R. 1528, H.R. 1532, H.R. 1565, H.R. 1602, and H.R.
2523, and agree to H. Res. 124.
The Clerk read the title of the bills and the resolution.
The text of the bills and the resolution are as follows:
[[Page H1980]]
Homeland Security Acquisition Professional Career Program Act
H.R. 367
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Homeland Security
Acquisition Professional Career Program Act''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF THE ACQUISITION PROFESSIONAL CAREER
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 711. ACQUISITION PROFESSIONAL CAREER PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the
Department an acquisition professional career program to
develop a cadre of acquisition professionals within the
Department.
``(b) Administration.--The Under Secretary for Management
shall administer the acquisition professional career program
established pursuant to subsection (a).
``(c) Program Requirements.--The Under Secretary for
Management shall carry out the following with respect to the
acquisition professional career program.
``(1) Designate the occupational series, grades, and number
of acquisition positions throughout the Department to be
included in the program and manage centrally such positions.
``(2) Establish and publish on the Department's website
eligibility criteria for candidates to participate in the
program.
``(3) Carry out recruitment efforts to attract candidates--
``(A) from institutions of higher education, including such
institutions with established acquisition specialties and
courses of study, historically Black colleges and
universities, and Hispanic-serving institutions;
``(B) with diverse work experience outside of the Federal
Government; or
``(C) with military service.
``(4) Hire eligible candidates for designated positions
under the program.
``(5) Develop a structured program comprised of acquisition
training, on-the-job experience, Department-wide rotations,
mentorship, shadowing, and other career development
opportunities for program participants.
``(6) Provide, beyond required training established for
program participants, additional specialized acquisition
training, including small business contracting and innovative
acquisition techniques training.
``(d) Reports.--Not later than December 31, 2021, and
annually thereafter through 2027, the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the
acquisition professional career program. Each such report
shall include the following information:
``(1) The number of candidates approved for the program.
``(2) The number of candidates who commenced participation
in the program, including generalized information on such
candidates' backgrounds with respect to education and prior
work experience, but not including personally identifiable
information.
``(3) A breakdown of the number of participants hired under
the program by type of acquisition position.
``(4) A list of Department components and offices that
participated in the program and information regarding length
of time of each program participant in each rotation at such
components or offices.
``(5) Program attrition rates and post-program graduation
retention data, including information on how such data
compare to the prior year's data, as available.
``(6) The Department's recruiting efforts for the program.
``(7) The Department's efforts to promote retention of
program participants.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic-
serving institution' has the meaning given such term in
section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1101a).
``(2) Historically black colleges and universities.--The
term `historically Black colleges and universities' has the
meaning given the term `part B institution' in section 322(2)
of Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)).
``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given such
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 710 the
following new item:
``Sec. 711. Acquisition professional career program.''.
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical Corrections Act of 2021
H.R. 370
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Quadrennial Homeland
Security Review Technical Corrections Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND
SECURITY REVIEW.
(a) In General.--Section 707 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 347) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) representatives from appropriate advisory committees
established pursuant to section 871, including the Homeland
Security Advisory Council and the Homeland Security Science
and Technology Advisory Committee, or otherwise established,
including the Aviation Security Advisory Committee
established pursuant to section 44946 of title 49, United
States Code; and'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the semicolon at
the end the following: ``based on the risk assessment
required pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B)'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``, to the extent practicable,'' after
``describe''; and
(ii) by striking ``budget plan'' and inserting ``resources
required'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by inserting ``, to the extent practicable,'' after
``identify'';
(ii) by striking ``budget plan required to provide
sufficient resources to successfully'' and inserting
``resources required to''; and
(iii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
the following: ``, including any resources identified from
redundant, wasteful, or unnecessary capabilities or
capacities that may be redirected to better support other
existing capabilities or capacities, as the case may be;
and'';
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(E) by striking paragraph (6);
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``December 31 of the
year'' and inserting ``60 days after the date of the
submission of the President's budget for the fiscal year
after the fiscal year'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``description of the
threats to'' and inserting ``risk assessment of'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, as required
under subsection (b)(2)'' before the semicolon at the end;
(iii) in subparagraph (D)--
(I) by inserting ``to the extent practicable,'' before ``a
description''; and
(II) by striking ``budget plan'' and inserting ``resources
required'';
(iv) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) by inserting ``to the extent practicable,'' before ``a
discussion''; and
(II) by striking ``the status of'';
(v) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by inserting ``to the extent practicable,'' before ``a
discussion'';
(II) by striking ``the status of'';
(III) by inserting ``and risks'' before ``to national
homeland''; and
(IV) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end;
(vi) by striking subparagraph (H); and
(vii) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph
(H);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Documentation.--The Secretary shall retain and, upon
request, provide to Congress the following documentation
regarding each quadrennial homeland security review:
``(A) Records regarding the consultation carried out
pursuant to subsection (a)(3), including the following:
``(i) All written communications, including communications
sent out by the Secretary and feedback submitted to the
Secretary through technology, online communications tools,
in-person discussions, and the interagency process.
``(ii) Information on how feedback received by the
Secretary informed each such quadrennial homeland security
review.
``(B) Information regarding the risk assessment required
pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B), including the following:
``(i) The risk model utilized to generate such risk
assessment.
``(ii) Information, including data used in the risk model,
utilized to generate such risk assessment.
``(iii) Sources of information, including other risk
assessments, utilized to generate such risk assessment.
``(iv) Information on assumptions, weighing factors, and
subjective judgments utilized to generate such risk
assessment, together with information on the rationale or
basis thereof.'';
(4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(5) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection:
``(d) Review.--Not later than 90 days after the submission
of each report required under subsection (c)(1), the
Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate information
on the degree to which the findings and recommendations
developed in the quadrennial homeland security review that is
the subject
[[Page H1981]]
of such report were integrated into the acquisition strategy
and expenditure plans for the Department.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall
apply with respect to a quadrennial homeland security review
conducted after December 31, 2021.
Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act
H.R. 396
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transit Security Grant
Program Flexibility Act''.
SEC. 2. ALLOWABLE USES OF FUNDS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SECURITY ASSISTANCE GRANTS.
Subparagraph (A) of section 1406(b)(2) of the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C.
1135(b)(2); Public Law 110-53) is amended by inserting ``and
associated backfill'' after ``security training''.
SEC. 3. PERIODS OF PERFORMANCE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SECURITY ASSISTANCE GRANTS.
Section 1406 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/
11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C. 1135; Public Law 110-53)
is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (m) as subsection (n); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (l) the following new
subsection:
``(m) Periods of Performance.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
funds provided pursuant to a grant awarded under this section
for a use specified in subsection (b) shall remain available
for use by a grant recipient for a period of not fewer than
36 months.
``(2) Exception.--Funds provided pursuant to a grant
awarded under this section for a use specified in
subparagraph (M) or (N) of subsection (b)(1) shall remain
available for use by a grant recipient for a period of not
fewer than 55 months.''.
SEC. 4. GAO REVIEW.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a review of the public transportation
security assistance grant program under section 1406 of the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of
2007 (6 U.S.C. 1135; Public Law 110-53).
(b) Scope.--The review required under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(1) An assessment of the type of projects funded under the
public transportation security grant program referred to in
such paragraph.
(2) An assessment of the manner in which such projects
address threats to public transportation infrastructure.
(3) An assessment of the impact, if any, of this Act
(including the amendments made by this Act) on types of
projects funded under the public transportation security
assistance grant program.
(4) An assessment of the management and administration of
public transportation security assistance grant program funds
by grantees.
(5) Recommendations to improve the manner in which public
transportation security assistance grant program funds
address vulnerabilities in public transportation
infrastructure.
(6) Recommendations to improve the management and
administration of the public transportation security
assistance grant program.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and again not later than five years
after such date of enactment, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a
report on the review required under this section.
SEC. 5. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of
complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall
be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act,
submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the
Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of
Representatives, provided that such statement has been
submitted prior to the vote on passage.
CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2021
H.R. 397
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``CBRN Intelligence and
Information Sharing Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR
INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of title II of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 121 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 210G the following new section:
``SEC. 210H. CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR
INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING.
``(a) In General.--The Office of Intelligence and Analysis
of the Department of Homeland Security shall--
``(1) support homeland security-focused intelligence
analysis of terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans
to conduct attacks involving chemical, biological,
radiological, or nuclear materials against the United States,
including critical infrastructure;
``(2) support homeland security-focused intelligence
analysis of global infectious disease, public health, food,
agricultural, and veterinary issues;
``(3) support homeland security-focused risk analysis and
risk assessments of the homeland security hazards described
in paragraphs (1) and (2), including the transportation of
chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological materials, by
providing relevant quantitative and nonquantitative threat
information;
``(4) leverage existing and emerging homeland security
intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance early
detection, prevention, protection, response, and recovery
efforts with respect to a chemical, biological, radiological,
or nuclear attack;
``(5) share information and provide tailored analytical
support on such threats to State, local, Tribal, and
territorial authorities, and other Federal agencies, as well
as relevant national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders,
as appropriate; and
``(6) perform other responsibilities, as assigned by the
Secretary.
``(b) Coordination.--Where appropriate, the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis shall coordinate with other
relevant Department components, including the Countering
Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and the National
Biosurveillance Integration Center, agencies within the
intelligence community, including the National Counter
Proliferation Center, and other Federal, State, local,
Tribal, and territorial authorities, including officials from
high-threat urban areas, State and major urban area fusion
centers, and local public health departments, as appropriate,
and enable such entities to provide recommendations on
optimal information sharing mechanisms, including expeditious
sharing of classified information, and on how such entities
can provide information to the Department.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Intelligence community.--The term `intelligence
community' has the meaning given such term in section 3(4) of
the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)).
``(2) National biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders.--
The term `national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders'
means officials from Federal, State, local, Tribal, and
territorial authorities and individuals from the private
sector who are involved in efforts to prevent, protect
against, respond to, and recover from a biological attack or
other phenomena that may have serious health consequences for
the United States, including infectious disease outbreaks.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 201E the
following new item:
``Sec. 210H. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
intelligence and information sharing.''.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for each of
the following four years, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on
the following:
(A) The intelligence and information sharing activities
under section 210H of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (as
added by subsection (a) of this section) and of all relevant
entities within the Department of Homeland Security to
counter the threat from attacks using chemical, biological,
radiological, or nuclear materials.
(B) The Department's activities in accordance with relevant
intelligence strategies.
(2) Assessment of implementation.--The reports required
under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the progress of the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland
Security in implementing such section 210F.
(B) A description of the methods established to carry out
such assessment.
(3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate
congressional committees'' means the Committee on Homeland
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and
any committee of the House of Representatives or the Senate
having legislative jurisdiction under the rules of the House
of Representatives or Senate, respectively, over the matter
concerned.
SEC. 3. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ANALYZED BY THE
DEPARTMENT TO STATE, LOCAL, TRIBAL,
TERRITORIAL, AND PRIVATE ENTITIES WITH
RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO HOMELAND SECURITY.
Paragraph (6) of section 201(d) of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 121(d)) is amended by striking ``and to
agencies of State'' and all that follows through the period
at the end and inserting ``to State, local, tribal,
territorial, and private entities with such responsibilities,
and, as appropriate, to the public, in order to assist in
preventing, deterring, or responding to acts of terrorism
against the United States.''.
[[Page H1982]]
Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2021
H.R. 408
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Homeland
Security Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MENTOR-PROTEGE
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subtitle H of title VIII of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 890B. MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the
Department a mentor-protege program (in this section referred
to as the `Program') under which a mentor firm enters into an
agreement with a protege firm for the purpose of assisting
the protege firm to compete for prime contracts and
subcontracts of the Department.
``(b) Eligibility.--The Secretary shall establish criteria
for mentor firms and protege firms to be eligible to
participate in the Program, including a requirement that a
firm is not included on any list maintained by the Federal
Government of contractors that have been suspended or
debarred.
``(c) Program Application and Approval.--
``(1) Application.--The Secretary, acting through the
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of the
Department, shall establish a process for submission of an
application jointly by a mentor firm and the protege firm
selected by the mentor firm. The application shall include
each of the following:
``(A) A description of the assistance to be provided by the
mentor firm, including, to the extent available, the number
and a brief description of each anticipated subcontract to be
awarded to the protege firm.
``(B) A schedule with milestones for achieving the
assistance to be provided over the period of participation in
the Program.
``(C) An estimate of the costs to be incurred by the mentor
firm for providing assistance under the Program.
``(D) Attestations that Program participants will submit to
the Secretary reports at times specified by the Secretary to
assist the Secretary in evaluating the protege firm's
developmental progress.
``(E) Attestations that Program participants will inform
the Secretary in the event of a change in eligibility or
voluntary withdrawal from the Program.
``(2) Approval.--Not later than 60 days after receipt of an
application pursuant to paragraph (1), the head of the Office
of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization shall notify
applicants of approval or, in the case of disapproval, the
process for resubmitting an application for reconsideration.
``(3) Rescission.--The head of the Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization may rescind the approval
of an application under this subsection if it determines that
such action is in the best interest of the Department.
``(d) Program Duration.--A mentor firm and protege firm
approved under subsection (c) shall enter into an agreement
to participate in the Program for a period of not less than
36 months.
``(e) Program Benefits.--A mentor firm and protege firm
that enter into an agreement under subsection (d) may receive
the following Program benefits:
``(1) With respect to an award of a contract that requires
a subcontracting plan, a mentor firm may receive evaluation
credit for participating in the Program.
``(2) With respect to an award of a contract that requires
a subcontracting plan, a mentor firm may receive credit for a
protege firm performing as a first tier subcontractor or a
subcontractor at any tier in an amount equal to the total
dollar value of any subcontracts awarded to such protege
firm.
``(3) A protege firm may receive technical, managerial,
financial, or any other mutually agreed upon benefit from a
mentor firm, including a subcontract award.
``(f) Reporting.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the head
of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Small Business and
Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland
Security and the Committee on Small Business of the House of
Representatives a report that--
``(1) identifies each agreement between a mentor firm and a
protege firm entered into under this section, including the
number of protege firm participants that are--
``(A) small business concerns;
``(B) small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans;
``(C) small business concerns owned and controlled by
service-disabled veterans;
``(D) qualified HUBZone small business concerns;
``(E) small business concerns owned and controlled by
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals;
``(F) small business concerns owned and controlled by
women;
``(G) historically Black colleges and universities; and
``(H) minority institutions of higher education;
``(2) describes the type of assistance provided by mentor
firms to protege firms;
``(3) identifies contracts within the Department in which a
mentor firm serving as the prime contractor provided
subcontracts to a protege firm under the Program; and
``(4) assesses the degree to which there has been--
``(A) an increase in the technical capabilities of protege
firms; and
``(B) an increase in the quantity and estimated value of
prime contract and subcontract awards to protege firms for
the period covered by the report.
``(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to limit, diminish, impair, or otherwise affect the
authority of the Department to participate in any program
carried out by or requiring approval of the Small Business
Administration or adopt or follow any regulation or policy
that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration
may promulgate, except that, to the extent that any provision
of this section (including subsection (h)) conflicts with any
other provision of law, regulation, or policy, this section
shall control.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Historically black college or university.--The term
`historically Black college or university' means any of the
historically Black colleges and universities referred to in
section 2323 of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on
March 1, 2018.
``(2) Mentor firm.--The term `mentor firm' means a for-
profit business concern that is not a small business concern
that--
``(A) has the ability to assist and commits to assisting a
protege to compete for Federal prime contracts and
subcontracts; and
``(B) satisfies any other requirements imposed by the
Secretary.
``(3) Minority institution of higher education.--The term
`minority institution of higher education' means an
institution of higher education with a student body that
reflects the composition specified in section 312(b) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058(b)).
``(4) Protege firm.--The term `protege firm' means a small
business concern, a historically Black college or university,
or a minority institution of higher education that--
``(A) is eligible to enter into a prime contract or
subcontract with the Department; and
``(B) satisfies any other requirements imposed by the
Secretary.
``(5) Small business act definitions.--The terms `small
business concern', `small business concern owned and
controlled by veterans', `small business concern owned and
controlled by service-disabled veterans', `qualified HUBZone
small business concern', `and small business concern owned
and controlled by women' have the meanings given such terms,
respectively, under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 632). The term `small business concern owned and
controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals' has the meaning given such term in section
8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
637(d)(3)(C)).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 890A the
following new item:
``Sec. 890B. Mentor-protege program.''.
Department of Homeland Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and
Engagement Act of 2021
H.R. 490
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Homeland
Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of
2021'' or the ``DHS MORALE Act''.
SEC. 2. CHIEF HUMAN CAPITAL OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES.
Section 704 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
344) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``, including with respect to leader
development and employee engagement,'' after ``policies'';
(ii) by striking ``and in line'' and inserting ``, in
line''; and
(iii) by inserting ``and informed by best practices within
the Federal government and the private sector,'' after
``priorities,'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``develop performance
measures to provide a basis for monitoring and evaluating''
and inserting ``use performance measures to evaluate, on an
ongoing basis,'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``that, to the extent
practicable, are informed by employee feedback'' after
``policies'';
(D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``including leader
development and employee engagement programs,'' before ``in
coordination'';
(E) in paragraph (5), by inserting before the semicolon at
the end the following: ``that is informed by an assessment,
carried out by the Chief Human Capital Officer, of the
learning and developmental needs of employees in supervisory
and non-supervisory roles across the Department and
appropriate workforce planning initiatives'';
(F) by redesignating paragraphs (9) and (10) as paragraphs
(13) and (14), respectively; and
(G) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new
paragraphs:
``(9) maintain a catalogue of available employee
development opportunities, including
[[Page H1983]]
the Homeland Security Rotation Program pursuant to section
844, departmental leadership development programs,
interagency development programs, and other rotational
programs;
``(10) ensure that employee discipline and adverse action
programs comply with the requirements of all pertinent laws,
rules, regulations, and Federal guidance, and ensure due
process for employees;
``(11) analyze each Department or Government-wide Federal
workforce satisfaction or morale survey not later than 90
days after the date of the publication of each such survey
and submit to the Secretary such analysis, including, as
appropriate, recommendations to improve workforce
satisfaction or morale within the Department;
``(12) review and approve all component employee engagement
action plans to ensure such plans include initiatives
responsive to the root cause of employee engagement
challenges, as well as outcome-based performance measures and
targets to track the progress of such initiatives;'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection:
``(d) Chief Learning and Engagement Officer.--The Chief
Human Capital Officer may designate an employee of the
Department to serve as a Chief Learning and Engagement
Officer to assist the Chief Human Capital Officer in carrying
out this section.''; and
(4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as
paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraphs:
``(2) information on employee development opportunities
catalogued pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b) and
any available data on participation rates, attrition rates,
and impacts on retention and employee satisfaction;
``(3) information on the progress of Department-wide
strategic workforce planning efforts as determined under
paragraph (2) of subsection (b);
``(4) information on the activities of the steering
committee established pursuant to section 711(a), including
the number of meetings, types of materials developed and
distributed, and recommendations made to the Secretary;''.
SEC. 3. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE AND ACTION
PLAN.
(a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 711. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT.
``(a) Steering Committee.--Not later than 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall establish an employee engagement steering committee,
including representatives from operational components,
headquarters, and field personnel, including supervisory and
non-supervisory personnel, and employee labor organizations
that represent Department employees, and chaired by the Under
Secretary for Management, to carry out the following
activities:
``(1) Identify factors that have a negative impact on
employee engagement, morale, and communications within the
Department, such as perceptions about limitations on career
progression, mobility, or development opportunities,
collected through employee feedback platforms, including
through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other
communications, as appropriate.
``(2) Identify, develop, and distribute initiatives and
best practices to improve employee engagement, morale, and
communications within the Department, including through
annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other
communications, as appropriate.
``(3) Monitor efforts of each component to address employee
engagement, morale, and communications based on employee
feedback provided through annual employee surveys,
questionnaires, and other communications, as appropriate.
``(4) Advise the Secretary on efforts to improve employee
engagement, morale, and communications within specific
components and across the Department.
``(5) Conduct regular meetings and report, not less than
once per quarter, to the Under Secretary for Management, the
head of each component, and the Secretary on Department-wide
efforts to improve employee engagement, morale, and
communications.
``(b) Action Plan; Reporting.--The Secretary, acting
through the Chief Human Capital Officer, shall--
``(1) not later than 120 days after the date of the
establishment of the employee engagement steering committee
under subsection (a), issue a Department-wide employee
engagement action plan, reflecting input from the steering
committee and employee feedback provided through annual
employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications in
accordance with paragraph (1) of such subsection, to execute
strategies to improve employee engagement, morale, and
communications within the Department; and
``(2) require the head of each component to--
``(A) develop and implement a component-specific employee
engagement plan to advance the action plan required under
paragraph (1) that includes performance measures and
objectives, is informed by employee feedback provided through
annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other
communications, as appropriate, and sets forth how employees
and, where applicable, their labor representatives are to be
integrated in developing programs and initiatives;
``(B) monitor progress on implementation of such action
plan; and
``(C) provide to the Chief Human Capital Officer and the
steering committee quarterly reports on actions planned and
progress made under this paragraph.
``(c) Termination.--This section shall terminate on the
date that is five years after the date of the enactment of
this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 710 the
following new item:
``Sec. 711. Employee engagement.''.
(c) Submissions to Congress.--
(1) Department-wide employee engagement action plan.--The
Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Chief
Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security,
shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate the
Department-wide employee engagement action plan required
under subsection (b)(1) of section 711 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (as added by subsection (a) of this
section) not later than 30 days after the issuance of such
plan under such subsection (b)(1).
(2) Component-specific employee engagement plans.--Each
head of a component of the Department of Homeland Security
shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate the
component-specific employee engagement plan of each such
component required under subsection (b)(2) of section 711 of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 not later than 30 days
after the issuance of each such plan under such subsection
(b)(2).
SEC. 4. ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARD PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), as amended by section 3 of this
Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``SEC. 712. ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARD PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may establish an annual
employee award program to recognize Department employees or
groups of employees for significant contributions to the
achievement of the Department's goals and missions. If such a
program is established, the Secretary shall--
``(1) establish within such program categories of awards,
each with specific criteria, that emphasizes honoring
employees who are at the non-supervisory level;
``(2) publicize within the Department how any employee or
group of employees may be nominated for an award;
``(3) establish an internal review board comprised of
representatives from Department components, headquarters, and
field personnel to submit to the Secretary award
recommendations regarding specific employees or groups of
employees;
``(4) select recipients from the pool of nominees submitted
by the internal review board under paragraph (3) and convene
a ceremony at which employees or groups of employees receive
such awards from the Secretary; and
``(5) publicize such program within the Department.
``(b) Internal Review Board.--The internal review board
described in subsection (a)(3) shall, when carrying out its
function under such subsection, consult with representatives
from operational components and headquarters, including
supervisory and non-supervisory personnel, and employee labor
organizations that represent Department employees.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to authorize additional funds to carry out the
requirements of this section or to require the Secretary to
provide monetary bonuses to recipients of an award under this
section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by
section 3 of this Act, is further amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 711 the following new item:
``Sec. 712. Annual employee award program.''.
SEC. 5. INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall investigate whether the application in
the Department of Homeland Security of discipline and adverse
actions are administered in an equitable and consistent
manner that results in the same or substantially similar
disciplinary outcomes across the Department for misconduct by
a non-supervisory or supervisor employee who engaged in the
same or substantially similar misconduct.
(b) Consultation.--In carrying out the investigation
described in subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the
United States shall consult with the Under Secretary for
Management of the Department of Homeland Security and the
employee engagement steering committee established pursuant
to subsection (b)(1) of section 711 of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (as added by section 3(a) of this Act).
[[Page H1984]]
(c) Action by Under Secretary for Management.--Upon
completion of the investigation described in subsection (a),
the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of
Homeland Security shall review the findings and
recommendations of such investigation and implement a plan,
in consultation with the employee engagement steering
committee established pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of
section 711 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, to correct
any relevant deficiencies identified by the Comptroller
General of the United States in such investigation. The Under
Secretary for Management shall direct the employee engagement
steering committee to review such plan to inform committee
activities and action plans authorized under such section
711.
SEC. 6. IMPACTS OF SHUTDOWN.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall report to
the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate regarding the direct and
indirect impacts of the lapse in appropriations between
December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019, on--
(1) Department of Homeland Security human resources
operations;
(2) the Department's ability to meet hiring benchmarks; and
(3) retention, attrition, and morale of Department
personnel.
Young African Leaders Initiative Act of 2021
H.R. 965
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Young African Leaders
Initiative Act of 2021'' or ``YALI Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Young African Leaders Initiative, launched in 2010,
is a signature effort to invest in the next generation of
African leaders;
(2) Africa is a continent of strategic importance and it is
vital for the United States to support strong and enduring
partnerships with the next generation of African leaders; and
(3) the United States Government should prioritize
investments to build the capacity of emerging young African
leaders in sub-Saharan Africa, including through efforts to
enhance leadership skills, encourage entrepreneurship,
strengthen public administration and the role of civil
society, and connect young African leaders continentally and
globally across the private, civic, and public sectors.
SEC. 3. YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--There is established in the Department of
State the Young African Leaders Initiative (``YALI'')
program.
(b) Purpose.--The YALI program shall seek to build the
capacity of young African leaders in sub-Saharan Africa in
the areas of business, civic engagement, or public
administration, including through efforts to--
(1) support young African leaders by offering professional
development, training, and networking opportunities,
particularly in the areas of leadership, innovation, civic
engagement, elections, human rights, entrepreneurship, good
governance, and public administration; and
(2) provide increased economic and technical assistance to
young African leaders to promote economic growth and
strengthen ties between United States and African businesses.
(c) Fellowships.--The YALI program shall award fellowships
under the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African
Leaders program to young African leaders ages 18 to 35 who
have demonstrated strong capabilities in entrepreneurship,
innovation, public service, and leadership, and who have had
a positive impact in their communities, organizations, or
institutions.
(d) Regional Leadership Centers.--The YALI program shall
seek to establish regional leadership centers in sub-Saharan
Africa to offer training to young African leaders ages 18 to
35 who have demonstrated strong capabilities in
entrepreneurship, innovation, public service and leadership,
and who have had a positive impact in their communities,
organizations, or institutions.
(e) Activities.--
(1) United states-based activities.--The Secretary of
State, in coordination with the Administrator for the United
States Agency for International Development and the heads of
other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall
oversee all United States-based activities carried out under
the YALI program, including the following:
(A) The participation of Mandela Washington fellows in a
six-week Leadership Institute at a United States university
or college in business, civic engagement, or public
management, including academic sessions, site visits,
professional networking opportunities, leadership training,
community service, and organized cultural activities.
(B) The participation by Mandela Washington fellows in an
annual Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, to provide such
Fellows the opportunity to meet with United States leaders
from the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
(2) Africa-based activities.--The Secretary of State, in
coordination with the Administrator for the United States
Agency for International Development and the heads of other
relevant Federal departments and agencies, should continue to
support YALI programs in sub-Saharan Africa, including the
following:
(A) Access to continued leadership training and other
professional development opportunities for Mandela Washington
Fellowship for Young African Leaders alumni upon their return
to their home countries, including online courses, technical
assistance, and access to funding.
(B) Training for young African leaders at regional
leadership centers established in accordance with subsection
(d), and through online and in-person courses offered by such
centers.
(C) Opportunities for networking and engagement with--
(i) other alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for
Young African Leaders;
(ii) alumni of programs at regional leadership centers
established in accordance with subsection (d); and
(iii) United States and like-minded diplomatic missions,
business leaders, and others as appropriate.
(3) Implementation.--To carry out this subsection, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of
the United States Agency for International Development and
the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies
shall seek to partner with the private sector to pursue
public-private partnerships, leverage private sector
expertise, expand networking opportunities, and identify
funding opportunities as well as fellowship and employment
opportunities for participants in the YALI program.
(f) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in
coordination with the Administrator of the United States
Agency for International Development and the heads of other
relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a plan for
implementing the YALI program, including the following:
(1) A description of clearly defined program goals,
targets, and planned outcomes for each year and for the
duration of implementation of the program.
(2) A strategy to monitor and evaluate the program and
progress made toward achieving such goals, targets, and
planned outcomes.
(3) A strategy to ensure the program is promoting United
States foreign policy goals in Africa, including ensuring
that the program is clearly branded and paired with robust
public diplomacy efforts.
(g) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 years,
the Secretary of State, in coordination with the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees and publish in a publicly accessible, internet-
based form, a report on the following:
(1) The progress made toward achieving the goals, targets,
and planned outcomes described in subsection (f)(1),
including an overview of the program implemented in the
previous year and an estimated number of beneficiaries.
(2) An assessment of how the YALI program is contributing
to and promoting United States-Africa relations, particularly
in areas of increased private sector investment, trade
promotion, support to civil society, improved public
administration, and fostering entrepreneurship and youth
empowerment.
(3) Recommendations for improvements or changes to the
program and implementation plan, if any, that would improve
their effectiveness during subsequent years of implementation
of the program.
(h) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this
section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate.
(i) Sunset.--The requirements of this section shall
terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021
H.R. 1251
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 ``Cyber
Diplomacy Act of 2021''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. United states international cyberspace policy.
Sec. 5. Department of state responsibilities.
Sec. 6. International cyberspace executive arrangements.
Sec. 7. International strategy for cyberspace.
Sec. 8. Annual country reports on human rights practices.
Sec. 9. Gao report on cyber diplomacy.
Sec. 10. Sense of congress on cybersecurity sanctions against north
korea and cybersecurity legislation in vietnam.
[[Page H1985]]
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The stated goal of the United States International
Strategy for Cyberspace, launched on May 16, 2011, is to
``work internationally to promote an open, interoperable,
secure, and reliable information and communications
infrastructure that supports international trade and
commerce, strengthens international security, and fosters
free expression and innovation . . . in which norms of
responsible behavior guide states' actions, sustain
partnerships, and support the rule of law in cyberspace''.
(2) In its June 24, 2013, report, the Group of Governmental
Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and
Telecommunications in the Context of International Security
(referred to in this section as ``GGE''), established by the
United Nations General Assembly, concluded that ``State
sovereignty and the international norms and principles that
flow from it apply to States' conduct of [information and
communications technology] ICT-related activities and to
their jurisdiction over ICT infrastructure with their
territory''.
(3) In January 2015, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan proposed a troubling international
code of conduct for information security, which could be used
as a pretext for restricting political dissent, and includes
``curbing the dissemination of information that incites
terrorism, separatism or extremism or that inflames hatred on
ethnic, racial or religious grounds''.
(4) In its July 22, 2015, consensus report, GGE found that
``norms of responsible State behavior can reduce risks to
international peace, security and stability''.
(5) On September 25, 2015, the United States and China
announced a commitment that neither country's government
``will conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled theft of
intellectual property, including trade secrets or other
confidential business information, with the intent of
providing competitive advantages to companies or commercial
sectors''.
(6) At the Antalya Summit on November 15 and 16, 2015, the
Group of 20 Leaders' communique--
(A) affirmed the applicability of international law to
state behavior in cyberspace;
(B) called on states to refrain from cyber-enabled theft of
intellectual property for commercial gain; and
(C) endorsed the view that all states should abide by norms
of responsible behavior.
(7) The March 2016 Department of State International
Cyberspace Policy Strategy noted that ``the Department of
State anticipates a continued increase and expansion of our
cyber-focused diplomatic efforts for the foreseeable
future''.
(8) On December 1, 2016, the Commission on Enhancing
National Cybersecurity, which was established within the
Department of Commerce by Executive Order 13718 (81 Fed. Reg.
7441), recommended that ``the President should appoint an
Ambassador for Cybersecurity to lead U.S. engagement with the
international community on cybersecurity strategies,
standards, and practices''.
(9) On April 11, 2017, the 2017 Group of 7 Declaration on
Responsible States Behavior in Cyberspace--
(A) recognized ``the urgent necessity of increased
international cooperation to promote security and stability
in cyberspace'';
(B) expressed commitment to ``promoting a strategic
framework for conflict prevention, cooperation and stability
in cyberspace, consisting of the recognition of the
applicability of existing international law to State behavior
in cyberspace, the promotion of voluntary, non-binding norms
of responsible State behavior during peacetime, and the
development and the implementation of practical cyber
confidence building measures (CBMs) between States''; and
(C) reaffirmed that ``the same rights that people have
offline must also be protected online''.
(10) In testimony before the Select Committee on
Intelligence of the Senate on May 11, 2017, Director of
National Intelligence Daniel R. Coats identified six cyber
threat actors, including--
(A) Russia, for ``efforts to influence the 2016 U.S.
election'';
(B) China, for ``actively targeting the U.S. Government,
its allies, and U.S. companies for cyber espionage'';
(C) Iran, for ``leverag[ing] cyber espionage, propaganda,
and attacks to support its security priorities, influence
events and foreign perceptions, and counter threats'';
(D) North Korea, for ``previously conduct[ing] cyber-
attacks against U.S. commercial entities--specifically, Sony
Pictures Entertainment in 2014'';
(E) terrorists, who ``use the Internet to organize,
recruit, spread propaganda, raise funds, collect
intelligence, inspire action by followers, and coordinate
operations''; and
(F) criminals, who ``are also developing and using
sophisticated cyber tools for a variety of purposes including
theft, extortion, and facilitation of other criminal
activities''.
(11) On May 11, 2017, President Donald J. Trump issued
Executive Order 13800 (82 Fed. Reg. 22391), entitled
``Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and
Infrastructure'', which--
(A) designates the Secretary of State to lead an
interagency effort to develop an engagement strategy for
international cooperation in cybersecurity; and
(B) notes that ``the United States is especially dependent
on a globally secure and resilient internet and must work
with allies and other partners toward maintaining . . . the
policy of the executive branch to promote an open,
interoperable, reliable, and secure internet that fosters
efficiency, innovation, communication, and economic
prosperity, while respecting privacy and guarding against
disruption, fraud, and theft''.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
(2) Information and communications technology; ict.--The
terms ``information and communications technology'' and
``ICT'' include hardware, software, and other products or
services primarily intended to fulfill or enable the function
of information processing and communication by electronic
means, including transmission and display, including via the
Internet.
(3) Executive agency.--The term ``Executive agency'' has
the meaning given the term in section 105 of title 5, United
States Code.
SEC. 4. UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL CYBERSPACE POLICY.
(a) In General.--It is the policy of the United States to
work internationally to promote an open, interoperable,
reliable, unfettered, and secure Internet governed by the
multi-stakeholder model, which--
(1) promotes human rights, democracy, and rule of law,
including freedom of expression, innovation, communication,
and economic prosperity; and
(2) respects privacy and guards against deception, fraud,
and theft.
(b) Implementation.--In implementing the policy described
in subsection (a), the President, in consultation with
outside actors, including private sector companies,
nongovernmental organizations, security researchers, and
other relevant stakeholders, in the conduct of bilateral and
multilateral relations, shall pursue the following
objectives:
(1) Clarifying the applicability of international laws and
norms to the use of ICT.
(2) Reducing and limiting the risk of escalation and
retaliation in cyberspace, damage to critical infrastructure,
and other malicious cyber activity that impairs the use and
operation of critical infrastructure that provides services
to the public.
(3) Cooperating with like-minded democratic countries that
share common values and cyberspace policies with the United
States, including respect for human rights, democracy, and
the rule of law, to advance such values and policies
internationally.
(4) Encouraging the responsible development of new,
innovative technologies and ICT products that strengthen a
secure Internet architecture that is accessible to all.
(5) Securing and implementing commitments on responsible
country behavior in cyberspace based upon accepted norms,
including the following:
(A) Countries should not conduct, or knowingly support,
cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, including trade
secrets or other confidential business information, with the
intent of providing competitive advantages to companies or
commercial sectors.
(B) Countries should take all appropriate and reasonable
efforts to keep their territories clear of intentionally
wrongful acts using ICTs in violation of international
commitments.
(C) Countries should not conduct or knowingly support ICT
activity that, contrary to international law, intentionally
damages or otherwise impairs the use and operation of
critical infrastructure providing services to the public, and
should take appropriate measures to protect their critical
infrastructure from ICT threats.
(D) Countries should not conduct or knowingly support
malicious international activity that, contrary to
international law, harms the information systems of
authorized emergency response teams (also known as ``computer
emergency response teams'' or ``cybersecurity incident
response teams'') of another country or authorize emergency
response teams to engage in malicious international activity.
(E) Countries should respond to appropriate requests for
assistance to mitigate malicious ICT activity emanating from
their territory and aimed at the critical infrastructure of
another country.
(F) Countries should not restrict cross-border data flows
or require local storage or processing of data.
(G) Countries should protect the exercise of human rights
and fundamental freedoms on the Internet and commit to the
principle that the human rights that people have offline
should also be protected online.
(6) Advancing, encouraging, and supporting the development
and adoption of internationally recognized technical
standards and best practices.
SEC. 5. DEPARTMENT OF STATE RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 1 of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new
subsection:
``(g) Bureau of International Cyberspace Policy.--
[[Page H1986]]
``(1) In general.--There is established, within the
Department of State, a Bureau of International Cyberspace
Policy (referred to in this subsection as the `Bureau'). The
head of the Bureau shall have the rank and status of
ambassador and shall be appointed by the President, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate.
``(2) Duties.--
``(A) In general.--The head of the Bureau shall perform
such duties and exercise such powers as the Secretary of
State shall prescribe, including implementing the policy of
the United States described in section 4 of the Cyber
Diplomacy Act of 2021.
``(B) Duties described.--The principal duties and
responsibilities of the head of the Bureau shall be--
``(i) to serve as the principal cyberspace policy official
within the senior management of the Department of State and
as the advisor to the Secretary of State for cyberspace
issues;
``(ii) to lead the Department of State's diplomatic
cyberspace efforts, including efforts relating to
international cybersecurity, Internet access, Internet
freedom, digital economy, cybercrime, deterrence and
international responses to cyber threats, and other issues
that the Secretary assigns to the Bureau;
``(iii) to coordinate cyberspace policy and other relevant
functions within the Department of State and with other
components of the United States Government, including through
the Cyberspace Policy Coordinating Committee described in
paragraph (6), and by convening other coordinating meetings
with appropriate officials from the Department and other
components of the United States Government on a regular
basis;
``(iv) to promote an open, interoperable, reliable,
unfettered, and secure information and communications
technology infrastructure globally;
``(v) to represent the Secretary of State in interagency
efforts to develop and advance the policy described in
section 4 of the Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021;
``(vi) to act as a liaison to civil society, the private
sector, academia, and other public and private entities on
relevant international cyberspace issues;
``(vii) to lead United States Government efforts to
establish a global deterrence framework for malicious cyber
activity;
``(viii) to develop and execute adversary-specific
strategies to influence adversary decisionmaking through the
imposition of costs and deterrence strategies, in
coordination with other relevant Executive agencies;
``(ix) to advise the Secretary and coordinate with foreign
governments on external responses to national security-level
cyber incidents, including coordination on diplomatic
response efforts to support allies threatened by malicious
cyber activity, in conjunction with members of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization and other like-minded countries;
``(x) to promote the adoption of national processes and
programs that enable threat detection, prevention, and
response to malicious cyber activity emanating from the
territory of a foreign country, including as such activity
relates to the United States' European allies, as
appropriate;
``(xi) to promote the building of foreign capacity relating
to cyberspace policy priorities;
``(xii) to promote the maintenance of an open and
interoperable Internet governed by the multistakeholder
model, instead of by centralized government control;
``(xiii) to promote an international regulatory environment
for technology investments and the Internet that benefits
United States economic and national security interests;
``(xiv) to promote cross-border flow of data and combat
international initiatives seeking to impose unreasonable
requirements on United States businesses;
``(xv) to promote international policies to protect the
integrity of United States and international
telecommunications infrastructure from foreign-based, cyber-
enabled threats;
``(xvi) to lead engagement, in coordination with Executive
agencies, with foreign governments on relevant international
cyberspace and digital economy issues as described in the
Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021;
``(xvii) to promote international policies to secure radio
frequency spectrum for United States businesses and national
security needs;
``(xviii) to promote and protect the exercise of human
rights, including freedom of speech and religion, through the
Internet;
``(xix) to promote international initiatives to strengthen
civilian and private sector resiliency to threats in
cyberspace;
``(xx) to build capacity of United States diplomatic
officials to engage on cyberspace issues;
``(xxi) to encourage the development and adoption by
foreign countries of internationally recognized standards,
policies, and best practices;
``(xxii) to consult, as appropriate, with other Executive
agencies with related functions vested in such Executive
agencies by law; and
``(xxiii) to conduct such other matters as the Secretary of
State may assign.
``(3) Qualifications.--The head of the Bureau should be an
individual of demonstrated competency in the fields of--
``(A) cybersecurity and other relevant cyberspace issues;
and
``(B) international diplomacy.
``(4) Organizational placement.--During the 1-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of the Cyber Diplomacy
Act of 2021, the head of the Bureau shall report to the Under
Secretary for Political Affairs or to an official holding a
higher position in the Department of State than the Under
Secretary for Political Affairs. After the conclusion of such
period, the head of the Bureau may report to a different
Under Secretary or to an official holding a higher position
than Under Secretary if, not less than 15 days prior to any
change in such reporting structure, the Secretary of State
consults with and provides to the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives the following:
``(A) A notification that the Secretary has, with respect
to the reporting structure of the Bureau, consulted with and
solicited feedback from--
``(i) other relevant Federal entities with a role in
international aspects of cyber policy; and
``(ii) the elements of the Department of State with
responsibility over aspects of cyber policy, including the
elements reporting to--
``(I) the Under Secretary for Political Affairs;
``(II) the Under Secretary for Civilian Security,
Democracy, and Human Rights;
``(III) the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy,
and the Environment;
``(IV) the Under Secretary for Arms Control and
International Security Affairs; and
``(V) the Under Secretary for Management.
``(B) A description of the new reporting structure for the
head of the Bureau, as well as a description of the data and
evidence used to justify such new structure.
``(C) A plan describing how the new reporting structure
will better enable the head of the Bureau to carry out the
responsibilities specified in paragraph (2), including the
security, economic, and human rights aspects of cyber
diplomacy.
``(5) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed to preclude the head of the Bureau from being
designated as an Assistant Secretary, if such an Assistant
Secretary position does not increase the number of Assistant
Secretary positions at the Department above the number
authorized under subsection (c)(1).
``(6) Coordination.--
``(A) Cyberspace policy coordinating committee.--In
conjunction with establishing the Bureau pursuant to this
subsection, there is established a senior-level Cyberspace
Policy Coordinating Committee to ensure that cyberspace
issues receive broad senior level-attention and coordination
across the Department of State and provide ongoing oversight
of such issues. The Cyberspace Policy Coordinating Committee
shall be chaired by the head of the Bureau or an official of
the Department of State holding a higher position, and
operate on an ongoing basis, meeting not less frequently than
quarterly. Committee members shall include appropriate
officials at the Assistant Secretary level or higher from--
``(i) the Under Secretariat for Political Affairs;
``(ii) the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security,
Democracy, and Human Rights;
``(iii) the Under Secretariat for Economic Growth, Energy
and the Environment;
``(iv) the Under Secretariat for Arms Control and
International Security;
``(v) the Under Secretariat for Management; and
``(vi) other senior level Department participants, as
appropriate.
``(B) Other meetings.--The head of the Bureau shall convene
other coordinating meetings with appropriate officials from
the Department of State and other components of the United
States Government to ensure regular coordination and
collaboration on crosscutting cyber policy issues.
``(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Bureau of International Cyberspace Policy established
under section 1(g) of the State Department Basic Authorities
Act of 1956, as added by subsection (a), should have a
diverse workforce composed of qualified individuals,
including such individuals from traditionally under-
represented groups.
``(c) United Nations.--The Permanent Representative of the
United States to the United Nations should use the voice,
vote, and influence of the United States to oppose any
measure that is inconsistent with the policy described in
section 4.''.
SEC. 6. INTERNATIONAL CYBERSPACE EXECUTIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
(a) In General.--The President is encouraged to enter into
executive arrangements with foreign governments that support
the policy described in section 4.
(b) Transmission to Congress.--Section 112b of title 1,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``International
Relations'' and inserting ``Foreign Affairs'';
(2) in subsection (e)(2)(B), by adding at the end the
following new clause:
``(iii) A bilateral or multilateral cyberspace
agreement.'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
(4) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new
subsection:
[[Page H1987]]
``(f) With respect to any bilateral or multilateral
cyberspace agreement under subsection (e)(2)(B)(iii) and the
information required to be transmitted to Congress under
subsection (a), or with respect to any arrangement that seeks
to secure commitments on responsible country behavior in
cyberspace consistent with section 4(b)(5) of the Cyber
Diplomacy Act of 2021, the Secretary of State shall provide
an explanation of such arrangement, including--
``(1) the purpose of such arrangement;
``(2) how such arrangement is consistent with the policy
described in section 4 of such Act; and
``(3) how such arrangement will be implemented.''.
(c) Status Report.--During the 5-year period immediately
following the transmittal to Congress of an agreement
described in clause (iii) of section 112b(e)(2)(B) of title
1, United States Code, as added by subsection (b)(2), or
until such agreement has been discontinued, if discontinued
within 5 years, the President shall--
(1) notify the appropriate congressional committees if
another country fails to adhere to significant commitments
contained in such agreement; and
(2) describe the steps that the United States has taken or
plans to take to ensure that all such commitments are
fulfilled.
(d) Existing Executive Arrangements.--Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State shall brief the appropriate congressional
committees regarding any executive bilateral or multilateral
cyberspace arrangement in effect before the date of enactment
of this Act, including--
(1) the arrangement announced between the United States and
Japan on April 25, 2014;
(2) the arrangement announced between the United States and
the United Kingdom on January 16, 2015;
(3) the arrangement announced between the United States and
China on September 25, 2015;
(4) the arrangement announced between the United States and
Korea on October 16, 2015;
(5) the arrangement announced between the United States and
Australia on January 19, 2016;
(6) the arrangement announced between the United States and
India on June 7, 2016;
(7) the arrangement announced between the United States and
Argentina on April 27, 2017;
(8) the arrangement announced between the United States and
Kenya on June 22, 2017;
(9) the arrangement announced between the United States and
Israel on June 26, 2017;
(10) the arrangement announced between the United States
and France on February 9, 2018;
(11) the arrangement announced between the United States
and Brazil on May 14, 2018; and
(12) any other similar bilateral or multilateral
arrangement announced before such date of enactment.
SEC. 7. INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY FOR CYBERSPACE.
(a) Strategy Required.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the President, acting
through the Secretary of State, and in coordination with the
heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies,
shall develop a strategy relating to United States engagement
with foreign governments on international norms with respect
to responsible state behavior in cyberspace.
(b) Elements.--The strategy required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) A review of actions and activities undertaken to
support the policy described in section 4.
(2) A plan of action to guide the diplomacy of the
Department of State with regard to foreign countries,
including--
(A) conducting bilateral and multilateral activities to--
(i) develop norms of responsible country behavior in
cyberspace consistent with the objectives specified in
section 4(b)(5); and
(ii) share best practices and advance proposals to
strengthen civilian and private sector resiliency to threats
and access to opportunities in cyberspace; and
(B) reviewing the status of existing efforts in relevant
multilateral fora, as appropriate, to obtain commitments on
international norms in cyberspace.
(3) A review of alternative concepts with regard to
international norms in cyberspace offered by foreign
countries.
(4) A detailed description of new and evolving threats in
cyberspace from foreign adversaries, state-sponsored actors,
and private actors to--
(A) United States national security;
(B) Federal and private sector cyberspace infrastructure of
the United States;
(C) intellectual property in the United States; and
(D) the privacy and security of citizens of the United
States.
(5) A review of policy tools available to the President to
deter and de-escalate tensions with foreign countries, state-
sponsored actors, and private actors regarding threats in
cyberspace, the degree to which such tools have been used,
and whether such tools have been effective deterrents.
(6) A review of resources required to conduct activities to
build responsible norms of international cyber behavior.
(7) A plan of action, developed in consultation with
relevant Federal departments and agencies as the President
may direct, to guide the diplomacy of the Department of State
with regard to inclusion of cyber issues in mutual defense
agreements.
(c) Form of Strategy.--
(1) Public availability.--The strategy required under
subsection (a) shall be available to the public in
unclassified form, including through publication in the
Federal Register.
(2) Classified annex.--The strategy required under
subsection (a) may include a classified annex, consistent
with United States national security interests, if the
Secretary of State determines that such annex is appropriate.
(d) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the completion
of the strategy required under subsection (a), the Secretary
of State shall brief the appropriate congressional committees
on the strategy, including any material contained in a
classified annex.
(e) Updates.--The strategy required under subsection (a)
shall be updated--
(1) not later than 90 days after any material change to
United States policy described in such strategy; and
(2) not later than one year after the inauguration of each
new President.
SEC. 8. ANNUAL COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES.
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended--
(1) in section 116 (22 U.S.C. 2151n), by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(h)(1) The report required under subsection (d) shall
include an assessment of freedom of expression with respect
to electronic information in each foreign country, which
information shall include the following:
``(A) An assessment of the extent to which government
authorities in the country inappropriately attempt to filter,
censor, or otherwise block or remove nonviolent expression of
political or religious opinion or belief through the
Internet, including electronic mail, and a description of the
means by which such authorities attempt to inappropriately
block or remove such expression.
``(B) An assessment of the extent to which government
authorities in the country have persecuted or otherwise
punished, arbitrarily and without due process, an individual
or group for the nonviolent expression of political,
religious, or ideological opinion or belief through the
Internet, including electronic mail.
``(C) An assessment of the extent to which government
authorities in the country have sought, inappropriately and
with malicious intent, to collect, request, obtain, or
disclose without due process personally identifiable
information of a person in connection with that person's
nonviolent expression of political, religious, or ideological
opinion or belief, including expression that would be
protected by the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, adopted at New York December 16, 1966, and
entered into force March 23, 1976, as interpreted by the
United States.
``(D) An assessment of the extent to which wire
communications and electronic communications are monitored
without due process and in contravention to United States
policy with respect to the principles of privacy, human
rights, democracy, and rule of law.
``(2) In compiling data and making assessments under
paragraph (1), United States diplomatic personnel should
consult with relevant entities, including human rights
organizations, the private sector, the governments of like-
minded countries, technology and Internet companies, and
other appropriate nongovernmental organizations or entities.
``(3) In this subsection--
``(A) the term `electronic communication' has the meaning
given the term in section 2510 of title 18, United States
Code;
``(B) the term `Internet' has the meaning given the term in
section 231(e)(3) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 231(e)(3));
``(C) the term `personally identifiable information' means
data in a form that identifies a particular person; and
``(D) the term `wire communication' has the meaning given
the term in section 2510 of title 18, United States Code.'';
and
(2) in section 502B (22 U.S.C. 2304)--
(A) by redesignating the second subsection (i) (relating to
child marriage) as subjection (j); and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k)(1) The report required under subsection (b) shall
include an assessment of freedom of expression with respect
to electronic information in each foreign country, which
information shall include the following:
``(A) An assessment of the extent to which government
authorities in the country inappropriately attempt to filter,
censor, or otherwise block or remove nonviolent expression of
political or religious opinion or belief through the
Internet, including electronic mail, and a description of the
means by which such authorities attempt to inappropriately
block or remove such expression.
``(B) An assessment of the extent to which government
authorities in the country have persecuted or otherwise
punished, arbitrarily and without due process, an individual
or group for the nonviolent expression of political,
religious, or ideological opinion or belief through the
Internet, including electronic mail.
``(C) An assessment of the extent to which government
authorities in the country have
[[Page H1988]]
sought, inappropriately and with malicious intent, to
collect, request, obtain, or disclose without due process
personally identifiable information of a person in connection
with that person's nonviolent expression of political,
religious, or ideological opinion or belief, including
expression that would be protected by the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted at New York
December 16, 1966, and entered into force March 23, 1976, as
interpreted by the United States.
``(D) An assessment of the extent to which wire
communications and electronic communications are monitored
without due process and in contravention to United States
policy with respect to the principles of privacy, human
rights, democracy, and rule of law.
``(2) In compiling data and making assessments under
paragraph (1), United States diplomatic personnel should
consult with relevant entities, including human rights
organizations, the private sector, the governments of like-
minded countries, technology and Internet companies, and
other appropriate nongovernmental organizations or entities.
``(3) In this subsection--
``(A) the term `electronic communication' has the meaning
given the term in section 2510 of title 18, United States
Code;
``(B) the term `Internet' has the meaning given the term in
section 231(e)(3) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 231(e)(3));
``(C) the term `personally identifiable information' means
data in a form that identifies a particular person; and
``(D) the term `wire communication' has the meaning given
the term in section 2510 of title 18, United States Code.''.
SEC. 9. GAO REPORT ON CYBER DIPLOMACY.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
submit a report and provide a briefing to the appropriate
congressional committees that includes--
(1) an assessment of the extent to which United States
diplomatic processes and other efforts with foreign
countries, including through multilateral fora, bilateral
engagements, and negotiated cyberspace agreements, advance
the full range of United States interests in cyberspace,
including the policy described in section 4;
(2) an assessment of the Department of State's
organizational structure and approach to managing its
diplomatic efforts to advance the full range of United States
interests in cyberspace, including a review of--
(A) the establishment of a Bureau in the Department of
State to lead the Department's international cyber mission;
(B) the current or proposed diplomatic mission, structure,
staffing, funding, and activities of the Bureau;
(C) how the establishment of the Bureau has impacted or is
likely to impact the structure and organization of the
Department; and
(D) what challenges, if any, the Department has faced or
will face in establishing such Bureau; and
(3) any other matters determined relevant by the
Comptroller General.
SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON CYBERSECURITY SANCTIONS AGAINST
NORTH KOREA AND CYBERSECURITY LEGISLATION IN
VIETNAM.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the President should designate all entities that
knowingly engage in significant activities undermining
cybersecurity through the use of computer networks or systems
against foreign persons, governments, or other entities on
behalf of the Government of North Korea, consistent with
section 209(b) of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy
Enhancement Act of 2016 (22 U.S.C. 9229(b));
(2) the cybersecurity law approved by the National Assembly
of Vietnam on June 12, 2018--
(A) may not be consistent with international trade
standards; and
(B) may endanger the privacy of citizens of Vietnam; and
(3) the Government of Vietnam should work with the United
States and other countries to ensure that such law meets all
relevant international standards.
Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2021
H.R. 1395
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Housing Financial Literacy
Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. DISCOUNT ON MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUM PAYMENTS FOR
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS WHO COMPLETE FINANCIAL
LITERACY HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAMS.
The second sentence of subparagraph (A) of section
203(c)(2) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
1709(c)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) by inserting before the comma the following: ``and such
program is completed before the mortgagor has signed an
application for a mortgage to be insured under this title or
a sales agreement''; and
(2) by striking ``not exceed 2.75 percent of the amount of
the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage''
and inserting ``be 25 basis points lower than the premium
payment amount established by the Secretary under the first
sentence of this subparagraph''.
Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act
H.R. 1491
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fair Debt Collection
Practices for Servicemembers Act''.
SEC. 2. ENHANCED PROTECTION AGAINST DEBT COLLECTOR HARASSMENT
OF SERVICEMEMBERS.
(a) Communication in Connection With Debt Collection.--
Section 805 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15
U.S.C. 1692c) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Communications Concerning Servicemember Debts.--
``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `covered
member' means--
``(A) a covered member or a dependent as defined in section
987(i) of title 10, United States Code; and
``(B)(i) an individual who was separated, discharged, or
released from duty described in such section 987(i)(1), but
only during the 365-day period beginning on the date of
separation, discharge, or release; or
``(ii) a person, with respect to an individual described in
clause (i), described in subparagraph (A), (D), (E), or (I)
of section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code.
``(2) Prohibitions.--A debt collector may not, in
connection with the collection of any debt of a covered
member--
``(A) threaten to have the covered member reduced in rank;
``(B) threaten to have the covered member's security
clearance revoked; or
``(C) threaten to have the covered member prosecuted under
chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code
of Military Justice).''.
(b) Unfair Practices.--Section 808 of the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692f) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(9) The representation to any covered member (as defined
under section 805(e)(1)) that failure to cooperate with a
debt collector will result in--
``(A) a reduction in rank of the covered member;
``(B) a revocation of the covered member's security
clearance; or
``(C) prosecution under chapter 47 of title 10, United
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).''.
SEC. 3. GAO STUDY.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct
a study and submit a report to Congress on the impact of this
Act on--
(1) the timely delivery of information to a covered member
(as defined in section 805(e) of the Fair Debt Collection
Practices Act, as added by this Act);
(2) military readiness; and
(3) national security, including the extent to which
covered members with security clearances would be impacted by
uncollected debt.
SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of
complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall
be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act,
submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the
Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such
statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act
H.R. 1528
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Transparent
Standards for Corporate Insiders Act''.
SEC. 2. SEC STUDY.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Securities and Exchange Commission
shall carry out a study of whether Rule 10b5-1 (17 CFR
240.10b5-1) should be amended to--
(A) limit the ability of issuers and issuer insiders to
adopt a plan described under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A)(3) of
Rule 10b5-1 (``trading plan'') to a time when the issuer or
issuer insider is permitted to buy or sell securities during
issuer-adopted trading windows;
(B) limit the ability of issuers and issuer insiders to
adopt multiple trading plans;
(C) establish a mandatory delay between the adoption of a
trading plan and the execution of the first trade pursuant to
such a plan and, if so and depending on the Commission's
findings with respect to subparagraph (A)--
(i) whether any such delay should be the same for trading
plans adopted during an issuer-adopted trading window as
opposed to outside of such a window; and
(ii) whether any exceptions to such a delay are
appropriate;
(D) limit the frequency that issuers and issuer insiders
may modify or cancel trading plans;
(E) require issuers and issuer insiders to file with the
Commission trading plan adoptions, amendments, terminations
and transactions; or
(F) require boards of issuers that have adopted a trading
plan to--
[[Page H1989]]
(i) adopt policies covering trading plan practices;
(ii) periodically monitor trading plan transactions; and
(iii) ensure that issuer policies discuss trading plan use
in the context of guidelines or requirements on equity
hedging, holding, and ownership.
(2) Additional considerations.--In carrying out the study
required under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider--
(A) how any such amendments may clarify and enhance
existing prohibitions against insider trading;
(B) the impact any such amendments may have on the ability
of issuers to attract persons to become an issuer insider;
(C) the impact any such amendments may have on capital
formation;
(D) the impact any such amendments may have on an issuer's
willingness to operate as a public company; and
(E) any other consideration that the Commission considers
necessary and appropriate for the protection of investors.
(b) Report.--Not later than the end of the 1-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall issue a report to the Committee on Financial
Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate containing
all findings and determinations made in carrying out the
study required under section (a).
(c) Rulemaking.--After the completion of the study required
under subsection (a), the Commission shall, subject to public
notice and comment, revise Rule 10b5-1 consistent with the
results of such study.
Improving FHA Support for Small-Dollar Mortgages Act of 2021
H.R. 1532
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Improving FHA Support for
Small-Dollar Mortgages Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. REVIEW OF FHA SMALL-DOLLAR MORTGAGE PRACTICES.
(a) Congressional Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) affordable homeownership opportunities are being
hindered due to the lack of financing available for home
purchases under $70,000;
(2) according to the Urban Institute, small-dollar mortgage
loan applications in 2017 were denied by lenders at double
the rate of denial for large mortgage loans, and this
difference in denial rates cannot be fully explained by
differences in the applicants' credit profiles;
(3) according to data compiled by Attom Data solutions,
small-dollar mortgage originations have decreased 38 percent
since 2009, while there has been a 65-percent increase in
origination of mortgages for more than $150,000;
(4) the FHA's mission is to serve creditworthy borrowers
who are underserved and, according to the Urban Institute,
the FHA serves 24 percent of the overall market, but only 19
percent of the small-dollar mortgage market; and
(5) the causes behind these variations are not fully
understood, but merit study that could assist in furthering
the Department of Housing and Urban Development's mission,
including meeting the housing needs of borrowers the program
is designed to serve and reducing barriers to homeownership,
while protecting the solvency of the Mutual Mortgage
Insurance Fund.
(b) Review.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
shall conduct a review of its FHA single-family mortgage
insurance policies, practices, and products to identify any
barriers or impediments to supporting, facilitating, and
making available mortgage insurance for mortgages having an
original principal obligation of $70,000 or less. Not later
than the expiration of the 12-month period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit
a report to the Congress describing the findings of such
review and the actions that the Secretary will take, without
adversely affecting the solvency of the Mutual Mortgage
Insurance Fund, to remove such barriers and impediments to
providing mortgage insurance for such mortgages.
National Senior Investor Initiative Act of 2021
H.R. 1565
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Senior Investor
Initiative Act of 2021'' or the ``Senior Security Act of
2021''.
SEC. 2. SENIOR INVESTOR TASKFORCE.
Section 4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.
78d) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Senior Investor Taskforce.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
Commission the Senior Investor Taskforce (in this subsection
referred to as the `Taskforce').
``(2) Director of the taskforce.--The head of the Taskforce
shall be the Director, who shall--
``(A) report directly to the Chairman; and
``(B) be appointed by the Chairman, in consultation with
the Commission, from among individuals--
``(i) currently employed by the Commission or from outside
of the Commission; and
``(ii) having experience in advocating for the interests of
senior investors.
``(3) Staffing.--The Chairman shall ensure that--
``(A) the Taskforce is staffed sufficiently to carry out
fully the requirements of this subsection; and
``(B) such staff shall include individuals from the
Division of Enforcement, Office of Compliance Inspections and
Examinations, and Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
``(4) No compensation for members of taskforce.--All
members of the Taskforce appointed under paragraph (2) or (3)
shall serve without compensation in addition to that received
for their services as officers or employees of the United
States.
``(5) Minimizing duplication of efforts.--In organizing and
staffing the Taskforce, the Chairman shall take such actions
as may be necessary to minimize the duplication of efforts
within the divisions and offices described under paragraph
(3)(B) and any other divisions, offices, or taskforces of the
Commission.
``(6) Functions of the taskforce.--The Taskforce shall--
``(A) identify challenges that senior investors encounter,
including problems associated with financial exploitation and
cognitive decline;
``(B) identify areas in which senior investors would
benefit from changes in the regulations of the Commission or
the rules of self-regulatory organizations;
``(C) coordinate, as appropriate, with other offices within
the Commission, other taskforces that may be established
within the Commission, self-regulatory organizations, and the
Elder Justice Coordinating Council; and
``(D) consult, as appropriate, with State securities and
law enforcement authorities, State insurance regulators, and
other Federal agencies.
``(7) Report.--The Taskforce, in coordination, as
appropriate, with the Office of the Investor Advocate and
self-regulatory organizations, and in consultation, as
appropriate, with State securities and law enforcement
authorities, State insurance regulators, and Federal
agencies, shall issue a report every 2 years to the Committee
on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Special
Committee on Aging of the Senate and the Committee on
Financial Services of the House of Representatives, the first
of which shall not be issued until after the report described
in section 3 of the National Senior Investor Initiative Act
of 2021 has been issued and considered by the Taskforce,
containing--
``(A) appropriate statistical information and full and
substantive analysis;
``(B) a summary of recent trends and innovations that have
impacted the investment landscape for senior investors;
``(C) a summary of regulatory initiatives that have
concentrated on senior investors and industry practices
related to senior investors;
``(D) key observations, best practices, and areas needing
improvement, involving senior investors identified during
examinations, enforcement actions, and investor education
outreach;
``(E) a summary of the most serious issues encountered by
senior investors, including issues involving financial
products and services;
``(F) an analysis with regard to existing policies and
procedures of brokers, dealers, investment advisers, and
other market participants related to senior investors and
senior investor-related topics and whether these policies and
procedures need to be further developed or refined;
``(G) recommendations for such changes to the regulations,
guidance, and orders of the Commission and self-regulatory
organizations and such legislative actions as may be
appropriate to resolve problems encountered by senior
investors; and
``(H) any other information, as determined appropriate by
the Director of the Taskforce.
``(8) Request for reports.--The Taskforce shall make any
report issued under paragraph (7) available to a Member of
Congress who requests such a report.
``(9) Sunset.--The Taskforce shall terminate after the end
of the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this subsection.
``(10) Senior investor defined.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `senior investor' means an investor over
the age of 65.
``(11) Use of existing funds.--The Commission shall use
existing funds to carry out this subsection.''.
SEC. 3. GAO STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to Congress and the Senior Investor
Taskforce the results of a study of financial exploitation of
senior citizens.
(b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a)
shall include information with respect to--
(1) economic costs of the financial exploitation of senior
citizens--
(A) associated with losses by victims that were incurred as
a result of the financial exploitation of senior citizens;
(B) incurred by State and Federal agencies, law enforcement
and investigatory agencies, public benefit programs, public
health programs, and other public programs as a result
[[Page H1990]]
of the financial exploitation of senior citizens;
(C) incurred by the private sector as a result of the
financial exploitation of senior citizens; and
(D) any other relevant costs that--
(i) result from the financial exploitation of senior
citizens; and
(ii) the Comptroller General determines are necessary and
appropriate to include in order to provide Congress and the
public with a full and accurate understanding of the economic
costs resulting from the financial exploitation of senior
citizens in the United States;
(2) frequency of senior financial exploitation and
correlated or contributing factors--
(A) information about percentage of senior citizens
financially exploited each year; and
(B) information about factors contributing to increased
risk of exploitation, including such factors as race, social
isolation, income, net worth, religion, region, occupation,
education, home-ownership, illness, and loss of spouse; and
(3) policy responses and reporting of senior financial
exploitation--
(A) the degree to which financial exploitation of senior
citizens unreported to authorities;
(B) the reasons that financial exploitation may be
unreported to authorities;
(C) to the extent that suspected elder financial
exploitation is currently being reported--
(i) information regarding which Federal, State, and local
agencies are receiving reports, including adult protective
services, law enforcement, industry, regulators, and
professional licensing boards;
(ii) information regarding what information is being
collected by such agencies; and
(iii) information regarding the actions that are taken by
such agencies upon receipt of the report and any limits on
the agencies' ability to prevent exploitation, such as
jurisdictional limits, a lack of expertise, resource
challenges, or limiting criteria with regard to the types of
victims they are permitted to serve;
(D) an analysis of gaps that may exist in empowering
Federal, State, and local agencies to prevent senior
exploitation or respond effectively to suspected senior
financial exploitation; and
(E) an analysis of the legal hurdles that prevent Federal,
State, and local agencies from effectively partnering with
each other and private professionals to effectively respond
to senior financial exploitation.
(c) Senior Citizen Defined.--For purposes of this section,
the term ``senior citizen'' means an individual over the age
of 65.
Eliminate Barriers to Innovation Act of 2021
H.R. 1602
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Eliminate Barriers to
Innovation Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. WORKING GROUP TO SUPPORT INNOVATION WITH RESPECT TO
DIGITAL ASSETS.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this section, the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall
jointly establish a working group (to be known as the ``SEC
and CFTC Working Group on Digital Assets'') to carry out the
report required under subsection (c)(1).
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Working Group shall be composed of
members appointed in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Appointment of members.--
(A) Representatives of commissions.--The Securities and
Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission shall each appoint an equal number of employees of
each such Commission to serve as members of the Working
Group.
(B) Representatives of nongovernmental stakeholders.--
(i) Appointment.--The Securities and Exchange Commission
and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall each
appoint an equal number of nongovernmental representatives to
serve as members of the Working Group, except that such
number of members may not be greater than or equal to the
number of members appointed under subparagraph (A).
(ii) Required members.--The members of the Working Group
appointed under clause (i) shall include at least one
representative from each of the following:
(I) Financial technology companies that provide products or
services involving digital assets.
(II) Financial firms under the jurisdiction of the
Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission.
(III) Institutions or organizations engaged in academic
research or advocacy relating to digital asset use.
(IV) Small businesses engaged in financial technology.
(V) Investor protection organizations.
(VI) Institutions and organizations that support investment
in historically-underserved businesses.
(C) No compensation for members of the working group.--
(i) Federal employee members.--All members of the Working
Group appointed under subparagraph (A) shall serve without
compensation in addition to that received for their services
as officers or employees of the United States.
(ii) Non-federal members.--All members of the Working Group
appointed under subparagraph (B) shall serve without
compensation.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Working Group shall submit
to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission, and the relevant committees a
report that contains--
(A) an analysis of--
(i) the legal and regulatory framework and related
developments in the United States relating to digital assets,
including--
(I) the impact that lack of clarity in such framework has
on primary and secondary markets in digital assets; and
(II) how the domestic legal and regulatory regimes relating
to digital assets impact the competitive position of the
United States; and
(ii) developments in other countries related to digital
assets and identification of how these developments impact
the competitive position of the United States; and
(B) recommendations--
(i) for the creation, maintenance, and improvement of
primary and secondary markets in digital assets, including
for improving the fairness, orderliness, integrity,
efficiency, transparency, availability, and efficacy of such
markets;
(ii) for standards concerning custody, private key
management, cybersecurity, and business continuity relating
to digital asset intermediaries; and
(iii) for best practices to--
(I) reduce fraud and manipulation of digital assets in
cash, leveraged, and derivatives markets;
(II) improve investor protections for participants in such
markets; and
(III) assist in compliance with anti-money laundering and
countering the financing of terrorism obligations under the
Bank Secrecy Act.
(2) Report limited to sec and cftc authorities.--The
analysis and recommendations provided under subparagraphs (A)
and (B) of paragraph (1) may only relate to the laws,
regulations, and related matters that are under the primary
jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
(d) Nonapplicability of FACA.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Working
Group.
(e) Termination.--
(1) In general.--The Working Group shall terminate on the
date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
section, except that the Chairman of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the Chairman of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission may, jointly, extend the Working Group for
a longer period, not to exceed one year.
(2) Second report in the case of extension.--In the case of
an extension of the Working Group under paragraph (1), the
Working Group shall, not later than the last day of such
extension, submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the relevant
committees a report that contains an update to the analysis
and recommendations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B)
of subsection (c)(1).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Bank secrecy act.--The term ``Bank Secrecy Act''
means--
(A) section 21 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12
U.S.C. 1829b);
(B) chapter 2 of title I of Public Law 91-508 (12 U.S.C.
1951 et seq.); and
(C) subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 31, United States
Code.
(2) Historically-underserved businesses.--The term
``historically-underserved businesses'' means women-owned
businesses, minority-owned businesses, and rural businesses.
(3) Relevant committees.--The term ``relevant committees''
means--
(A) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of
Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of
the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate.
(4) Working group.--The term ``Working Group'' means the
working group established under subsection (a).
Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act
H.R. 2523
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Training in High-demand
Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act'' or the ``THRIVE
Act''.
SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO COVID-19 VETERAN RAPID RETRAINING
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 8006 of the American Rescue Plan
Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (3) of subsection (c) and
inserting the following new paragraph (3):
``(3) Determination of high-demand occupations.--
[[Page H1991]]
``(A) Initial implementation.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary shall use the list of high-demand
occupations prepared in conjunction with the Secretary of
Labor.
``(B) Modifications.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
add and remove occupations from the list under subparagraph
(A) as the Secretary determines appropriate.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``(other than such a program pursued solely through distance
learning on a half-time basis or less)'' after ``a covered
program of education under the retraining assistance program
under this section''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``less than a half-
time basis'' and inserting ``a half-time basis or less'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), and (h) as
subsections (k), (l), and (m), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new
subsections:
``(f) Employee Assistance.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall
contact each veteran who pursues a covered program of
education under this section--
``(1) not later than 30 days after the date on which the
veteran begins the program of education to notify the veteran
of the availability of employment placement services upon
completion of the program; and
``(2) not later than 14 days after the date on which the
veteran completes, or terminates participation in, such
program to facilitate the provision of employment placement
services to such veteran.
``(g) Nonprofit Organization.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
seek to enter into a memorandum of understanding with one or
more qualified nonprofit organizations for the purpose of
facilitating the employment of veterans who participate in
the retraining assistance program under this section.
``(2) Qualified nonprofit organization.--For purposes of
this subsection, a qualified nonprofit organization is a
nonprofit organization that--
``(A) is an association of businesses; and
``(B) has at least two years of experience providing job
placement services for veterans.
``(h) Follow up Outreach.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, shall
contact each veteran who completes a covered program of
education under the retraining assistance program under this
section 30, 60, 90, and 180 days after the veteran completes
such program of education to ask the veteran about the
experience of the veteran in the retraining assistance
program and the veteran's employment status.
``(i) Quarterly Reports.--Not later than the date that is
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and
quarterly thereafter, the Secretary of Labor shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report containing the following
information about veterans who participate in the retraining
assistance program under this section:
``(1) The percentage of such veterans who found employment
before the end of the second calendar quarter after exiting
the program.
``(2) The percentage of such veterans who found employment
before the end of the fourth calendar quarter after exiting
the program.
``(3) The median earnings of all such veterans for the
second quarter after exiting the program.
``(4) The percentage of such veterans who attain a
recognized postsecondary credential during the 12-month
period after exiting the program.
``(j) Comptroller General Report.--Not later than 180 days
after the termination of the retraining assistance program
under subsection (l), the Comptroller General shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report on the outcomes and effectiveness
of the program.'';
(5) in subsection (l), as so redesignated, by striking ``No
retraining assistance may be paid under this section after
the date that is 21 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act'' and inserting ``No retraining assistance may be
paid under this section for a covered program of education
that begins on or after December 11, 2022'';
(6) in subsection (m), as so redesignated, by striking the
period at the end and inserting the following: ``, which
shall be carried out as if such section were authorized for
the payment of readjustment and rehabilitation benefits to or
on behalf of veterans under chapters 30, 31, and 41 of title
38, United States Code. Not more than $386,000,000 may be
obligated or expended to carry out this section.''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(n) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered public health emergency' means the
declaration--
``(A) of a public health emergency, based on an outbreak of
COVID-19 by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under
section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d); or
``(B) of a domestic emergency, based on an outbreak of
COVID-19 by the President, the Secretary of Homeland
Security, or State, or local authority.
``(2) The term `veteran' means--
``(A) a person who served in the active military, naval, or
air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom
under conditions other than dishonorable; or
``(B) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces
who performs active service for a period of 30 days or longer
by reason of the covered public health emergency.
``(3) The term `active service' has the meaning given such
term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply as if included in the enactment of the American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
SEC. 3. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS ABOUT POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Additional Information To Be Provided.--Subsection (c)
of section 3698 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(C)--
(A) in clause (xi), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (xii), by striking the period and inserting a
semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(xiii) whether the institution is listed on the College
Navigator website as affiliated with a religion and, if so,
which religious denomination;
``(xiv) whether the Secretary of Education or other head of
a department or agency of the Federal Government has
determined that the institution is a minority serving
institution and, if so, which one or more types of minority
serving institutions; and
``(xv) whether the institution is gender specific.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``To the extent practicable, the Secretary
shall ensure that such information is provided in a
searchable format.''.
(b) Definition.--Subsection (f) of such section is amended
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(3) The term `College Navigator website' has the meaning
given that term in section 132 of the Higher Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1015a).
``(4) The term `minority serving institution' means any of
the following:
``(A) A part B institution, as such term is defined in
section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1061(2)).
``(B) A Hispanic-serving institution, as such term is
defined in section 502(a)(5) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
1101a(5)).
``(C) A Tribal College or University, as such term is
defined in section 316(b)(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
1059c(b)(3)).
``(D) A predominantly Black institution, as such term is
defined in section 318(b)(6) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
1059e(b)(6)).
``(E) A Native American-serving, nontribal institution, as
such term is defined in section 319(b)(2) of such Act (20
U.S.C. 1059f(b)(6)).
``(F) An Alaska Native-serving institution or Native
Hawaiian-serving institution, as such terms are defined in
section 317(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)).
``(G) An Asian American and Native American Pacific
Islander-serving institution, as such term is defined in
section 320(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059g(b)).''.
(c) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to the information provided under section
3698 of title 38, United States Code, beginning on the date
that is two years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 4. DELAY OF EFFECTIVE DATE FOR LIMITATION ON COLOCATION
AND ADMINISTRATION OF STATE APPROVING AGENCIES.
Section 1024 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D.
Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020
(Public Law 116-315) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1024. LIMITATION ON COLOCATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF
STATE APPROVING AGENCIES.
``(a) In General.--Section 3671 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
`` `(c) The Secretary may not recognize a State department
or agency as the State approving agency for a State for
purposes of this chapter if such department or agency is
administered at, or colocated with, a university or
university system that offers courses or programs of
education that are subject to approval under this chapter by
the State approving agency for that State.'.
``(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act.''.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICABILITY OF TREATMENT OF
CERTAIN FOR-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Clarification.--Section 1022(c) of the Johnny Isakson
and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits
Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315) is amended by
inserting ``, or the conversion of a for-profit educational
institution to a public educational institution,'' after
``nonprofit educational institution''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply as if included in the enactment of the Johnny
Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and
Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315).
[[Page H1992]]
SEC. 6. CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS PARTICIPATING IN THE EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Subsection (f) of section 3679 of title 38, United States
Code, as added by section 1018 of the Johnny Isakson and
David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits
Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315), is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(E), by inserting ``, to the maximum
extent practicable,'' after ``including'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement
to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising,
recruiting or admissions services,'' after ``educational
institution'';
(B) in paragraph (A)(ii), by striking ``1-month'' and
inserting ``one-month''; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following new subparagraph (B):
``(B) Provides a commission, bonus, or other incentive
payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing
enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities
engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or
in making decisions regarding the award of student financial
assistance.'';
(3) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking clause (ii) and
inserting the following new clauses:
``(ii) Suspending the approval of the courses and programs
of education offered by the educational institution by
disapproving new enrollments of eligible veterans and
eligible persons in each course or program of education
offered by that educational institution.
``(iii) Revoking the approval of the courses and programs
of education offered by the educational institution by
disapproving all enrollments of eligible veterans and
eligible persons in each course or program of education
offered by that educational institution''; and
(4) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``1-academic-year
period'' and inserting ``one-academic-year period''.
SEC. 7. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Title 38.--Title 38, United States Code, is amended as
follows:
(1) The second section 1164, as added by section 5501 the
Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care
and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315), is
redesignated as section 1166 and transferred so as to appear
after section 1165 (and the table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 11 of such title is conformed
accordingly).
(2) Subsection (l) of section 3313, as added by section
1010 of such Act (as effective on August 1, 2021), is amended
to read as follows:
``(l) Verification of Enrollment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require--
``(A) each educational institution to submit to the
Secretary verification of each individual who is enrolled in
a course or program of education at the educational
institution and is receiving educational assistance under
this chapter--
``(i) not later than such time as the Secretary determines
reasonable after the date on which the individual is
enrolled; and
``(ii) not later than such time as the Secretary determines
reasonable after the last date on which a student is able to
withdraw from the course or program of education without
penalty; and
``(B) each individual who is enrolled in a course or
program of education and is receiving educational assistance
under this chapter to submit to the Secretary verification of
such enrollment for each month during which the individual is
so enrolled and receiving such educational assistance.
``(2) Form of verification.--Verification under this
subsection shall be in an electronic form prescribed by the
Secretary.
``(3) Failure to submit verification.--If an individual
fails to submit the verification required under paragraph
(1)(B) for two consecutive months, the Secretary may not make
a monthly housing stipend payment to the individual under
this section until the individual submits such
verification.''.
(3) Section 3673A, as added by section 1013 of such Act, is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``searchable''; and
(B) in subsection (c), by inserting ``searchable'' before
``database''.
(4) The subsection (f) of section 3679, as added by section
1017 of such Act, is redesignated as paragraph (3) of
subsection (a) of such section 3679 and is transferred so as
to appear after paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(5) Section 3696(g)(4)(A)(iii)(III), as amended by section
1020 of such Act, is amended by striking ``paragraph (3)(B)
of this subsection'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''.
(b) Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health
Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.--The Johnny
Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and
Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315) is
amended as follows:
(1) In section 1013(a)(1), by inserting ``of title 38''
after ``of chapter 36''.
(2) In section 2205(c)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Effective Date'' and
inserting ``Applicability''; and
(B) by striking ``the date that is two years after the date
of the enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``the date of
the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to
grants applications submitted on or after the date that is
two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.''
(3) In section 4101(b), by striking ``subchapter'' and
inserting ``chapter''.
(4) In section 5501--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``of such title'' and
inserting ``of title 38, United States Code''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``section 1164'' each
place it appears and inserting ``section 1166''.
SEC. 8. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of
complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall
be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act,
submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the
Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such
statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
Supporting People of Belarus and Their Democratic Aspirations and
Condemning Election Rigging and Subsequent Violent Crackdowns on
Peaceful Protesters
H. Res. 124
Whereas the Republic of Belarus held a presidential
election on August 9, 2020, that was neither free nor fair;
Whereas the presidential election took place without
appropriate observation from local independent groups and
international delegations;
Whereas since the presidential election, Belarusians have
demonstrated their strong desire and commitment to a
democratic future by organizing peaceful protests in Minsk
and across the country;
Whereas Belarusian civil society, led by Sviatlana
Tsikhanouskaya, has called for the resignation of Alyaksandr
Lukashenka, the peaceful transition of power, the
organization of new, free, and fair elections and the release
of all political prisoners;
Whereas Belarusian opposition leaders have faced
intimidation, harassment, and detention, including direct
threats leading to the forced exile of Sviatlana
Tsikhanouskaya in Lithuania as well as the kidnapping and
imprisonment of Maria Kalesnikava and other opposition
leaders;
Whereas in the months since the election, Belarusian
authorities have arbitrarily detained and brutally assaulted
tens of thousands of peaceful protesters, journalists, and
opposition figures, of which hundreds remain in detention;
Whereas human rights groups have documented hundreds of
horrific accounts of torture, including sexual violence and
rape, along with other instances ill-treatment and excessive
force used against detainees arrested for peaceful protest;
Whereas on August 13 and 14, 2020, relatives of detainees
held in the infamous ``Akrestsina'' detention facility in
Minsk recorded the sounds of ``incessant beatings which were
clearly audible in the street, and numerous voices screaming
out in agony with some begging for mercy'';
Whereas thousands of Belarusians have fled to neighboring
countries seeking political asylum;
Whereas independent journalists and the free media have
faced intimidation, violence, mass arrests and prosecution,
with many foreign journalists being stripped of their
accreditation;
Whereas Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsovatwo, two
journalists who work for Belsat, an independent Polish-based
satellite television station aimed at Belarus, have each been
sentenced to two years in prison simply for reporting live
from a rally in Minsk in November 2020;
Whereas Ihar Losik, a popular Belarusian blogger on
Telegram, went on a hunger strike for 6 weeks to protest the
politically-motivated charges that he helped organize riots
after the fraudulent presidential election;
Whereas member states of the Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), of which the United States and
Belarus are members, invoked paragraph 12 of the 1991 Moscow
Document of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the OSCE
(Moscow Mechanism) to establish a mission of experts to
review allegations of human rights violations;
Whereas the OSCE Rapporteur's Report under the Moscow
Mechanism on Alleged Human Rights Violations related to the
presidential elections of August 9, 2020, in Belarus,
published November 5, 2020, concluded that there was
``overwhelming evidence that the presidential elections of 9
August 2020 [had] been falsified and that massive and
systematic human rights violations [had] been committed by
the Belarusian security forces in response to peaceful
demonstrations and protests'';
Whereas women have played a leading role in peaceful
demonstrations across the country, protesting the police
brutality and mass detentions by wearing red and white,
carrying flowers, and forming ``solidarity chains'';
Whereas the information technology (IT) industry in Belarus
has played a prominent role in the democratic movement by
demanding an end to violent oppression, as well as creating
safe platforms for demonstrators to communicate and track
people who have been detained or went missing during mass
detentions;
[[Page H1993]]
Whereas Belarusian authorities have continually disrupted
internet channels in an attempt to limit communication among
demonstrators and targeted lead technology companies and
their employees advocating for democracy;
Whereas Belarusian state-owned television channels have
encouraged violence against peaceful demonstrators;
Whereas a recent survey of IT specialists found that 15
percent of IT specialists working in Belarus have already
relocated to neighboring countries, and over 40 percent of IT
specialists no longer want to work in Belarus, resulting in a
devastating loss of talent for Belarus, possibly permanently
damaging the Belarusian technology industry along with the
Belarusian economy;
Whereas hundreds of former law enforcement officers in
Belarus who have defected in defiance of illegal orders to
commit human rights violations and cover up crimes against
civilians and those who have assisted law enforcement
officers in defecting have faced harassment, financial
penalties, arrest, detention, and other punitive measures;
Whereas several peaceful demonstrators have died as a
result of police violence, including 31-year-old Roman
Bondrenko who was violently beaten by plainclothes police
officers and, as a result, suffered head injuries that
resulted in his death;
Whereas Belarusian universities continue to expel students
and dismiss educators and researchers for participating in
peaceful protests;
Whereas child protective services have threatened multiple
civic activists with termination of parental rights for
bringing minor children to peaceful protests;
Whereas factory workers at state-owned enterprises have
been continuously harassed for trying to organize independent
trade unions and have been forced to sign political letters
opposing sanctions by the European Union under threat of
termination of their employment;
Whereas a transatlantic community of legislators has
emerged in support of uplifting the democratic aspirations of
the Belarusian people;
Whereas international advocacy, including by co-host
Latvia, succeeded in preventing the illegitimate Government
of Belarus from hosting the 2021 Ice Hockey World
Championship;
Whereas the United States, the European Union, the United
Kingdom, and Canada have enacted sanctions and other punitive
measures against dozens of individuals and entities found
responsible for the perpetration of violence against peaceful
demonstrators, opposition members, and journalists, among
others;
Whereas Alyaksandr Lukashenka continues to undermine the
sovereignty and independence of Belarus through efforts to
integrate Belarus into a so-called ``Union States'' under the
control of Russia;
Whereas the House of Representatives passed the Belarus
Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020 with
unanimous consent, sending a clear message of overwhelming,
bipartisan support for the democratic movement in Belarus;
Whereas the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and
Sovereignty Act of 2020 was signed into law via the fiscal
year 2021 omnibus spending bill, expanding the President's
authority to impose sanctions related to Belarus, including
on Russian individuals who have undermined Belarus'
sovereignty, as well as authorizing increased assistance to
counter internet censorship and surveillance technology,
support women advocating for freedom and human rights, and
support political refugees fleeing the crackdown in Belarus,
among other things; and
Whereas the Belarusian opposition, led by Sviatlana
Tsikhanouskaya, organized a Day of Solidary on February 7,
2020, where countries, cities, and political and elected
leaders, as well as everyday citizens around the world
demonstrated their support for the six months of historic
peaceful protests since the fraudulent presidential election
that took place on August 9, 2020: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) finds that the August 9, 2020, presidential election in
Belarus was neither free nor fair and, therefore, does not
recognize the government-announced results or Alyaksandr
Lukashenka as the legitimate President of Belarus;
(2) calls for new free and fair elections under
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
observation;
(3) affirms that the people of Belarus have the right to
determine the future of Belarus without unwelcome
intervention from the Russian Federation or any outside
actors in violation of Belarusian independence and
sovereignty;
(4) condemns the human rights violations committed by
Belarusian authorities, including against peaceful
demonstrators, civil society activists, opposition leaders,
students, educators, employees at state-owned enterprises,
medical personnel, and journalists, and calls for such
authorities to halt any further acts of violence against
civilians;
(5) calls for the immediate release of all political
prisoners and those unlawfully detained in connection with
the peaceful demonstrations including independent journalists
and family members of United States citizens;
(6) recognizes the sacrifices and bravery of the Belarusian
people and the incredible organization by Belarusian women to
peacefully demand a free and fair democratic process while
enduring the state-sponsored violence that followed the
August 9, 2020, election;
(7) calls on Alyaksandr Lukashenka and Belarusian
authorities to engage in an open and constructive dialogue
with the opposition members and other stakeholders to bring
about a peaceful transition of power;
(8) calls for the protection of civil society actors and
members of the opposition against arbitrary arrest and
violence while conducting peaceful discussions relating to
the peaceful transition of power in Belarus;
(9) recognizes the Coordination Council established by
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as a legitimate institution to
participate in a dialogue on a peaceful transition of power;
(10) urges continued cooperation among the United States
and its transatlantic allies and partners to explore avenues
in support of the democratic movement in Belarus;
(11) calls for further targeted sanctions coordinated
between the United States, the European Union, the United
Kingdom, Canada, and other allies and partners against
Belarusian authorities who committed human rights violations
and engaged in activities that resulted in the falsification
of the August 9, 2020, election results;
(12) encourages when considering, in coordination with
transatlantic partners, the sanctioning of Belarusian state-
owned companies that have directly violated the rights of
their workers as a result of their participation in or in
connection to the ongoing democratic movement in Belarus that
the Administration take into consideration the potential
implications of making these companies more vulnerable to
takeovers by Russian or Chinese state-owned companies;
(13) calls on the transatlantic community to review and
consider reassessing any financial assistance that supports
the Lukashenka regime, including participation in state debt
issuances or procurement contracts;
(14) supports increasing funds available for foreign
assistance to Belarusian civil society groups as well as
legal assistance for activists and independent journalists,
among others, as called for in the Belarus Democracy, Human
Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020;
(15) urges the President to provide the United States
Agency for Global Media with a surge capacity (as such term
is defined in section 316 of the United States International
Broadcasting Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6216)) for programs and
activities in Belarus, including to protect the brave
independent journalists reporting from within Belarus as
called for in the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and
Sovereignty Act of 2020;
(16) calls for an international investigation into the
human rights abuses committed during and after the August 9,
2020, presidential election; and
(17) continues to support the aspirations of the people of
Belarus for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and
reaffirms that the fulfillment of such aspirations is
critical to ensuring the continued strength of Belarusian
sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Craig). Pursuant to section 6 of House
Resolution 330, the ordering of the yeas and nays on postponed motions
to suspend the rules with respect to such measures is vacated to the
end that all such motions are considered as withdrawn.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Hoyer) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bills and the
resolution.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 355,
nays 69, not voting 5, as follows:
[Roll No. 125]
YEAS--355
Adams
Aderholt
Aguilar
Allred
Amodei
Auchincloss
Axne
Bacon
Baird
Balderson
Barr
Barragan
Bass
Beatty
Bentz
Bera
Bergman
Beyer
Bice (OK)
Bilirakis
Bishop (GA)
Blumenauer
Blunt Rochester
Bonamici
Bost
Bourdeaux
Bowman
Boyle, Brendan F.
Brady
Brown
Brownley
Buchanan
Bucshon
Burgess
Bustos
Butterfield
Calvert
Carbajal
Cardenas
Carl
Carson
Cartwright
Case
Casten
Castor (FL)
Castro (TX)
Cawthorn
Chabot
Cheney
Chu
Cicilline
Clark (MA)
Clarke (NY)
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Cole
Comer
Connolly
Cooper
Correa
Costa
Courtney
Craig
Crawford
Crenshaw
Crist
Crow
Cuellar
Curtis
Davids (KS)
Davis, Danny K.
Davis, Rodney
Dean
DeFazio
DeGette
DeLauro
DelBene
Delgado
Demings
DeSaulnier
DesJarlais
[[Page H1994]]
Deutch
Diaz-Balart
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle, Michael F.
Dunn
Emmer
Escobar
Eshoo
Espaillat
Evans
Feenstra
Ferguson
Fischbach
Fitzgerald
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fletcher
Fortenberry
Foster
Foxx
Frankel, Lois
Gallagher
Gallego
Garamendi
Garbarino
Garcia (CA)
Garcia (IL)
Garcia (TX)
Gimenez
Golden
Gomez
Gonzales, Tony
Gonzalez (OH)
Gonzalez, Vicente
Gottheimer
Graves (LA)
Graves (MO)
Green, Al (TX)
Grijalva
Grothman
Guthrie
Hagedorn
Harder (CA)
Harshbarger
Hartzler
Hayes
Herrera Beutler
Higgins (LA)
Higgins (NY)
Hill
Himes
Hollingsworth
Horsford
Houlahan
Hoyer
Hudson
Huffman
Issa
Jackson Lee
Jacobs (CA)
Jacobs (NY)
Jayapal
Jeffries
Johnson (GA)
Johnson (OH)
Johnson (SD)
Johnson (TX)
Jones
Joyce (OH)
Joyce (PA)
Kahele
Kaptur
Katko
Keating
Keller
Kelly (IL)
Kelly (PA)
Khanna
Kildee
Kilmer
Kim (CA)
Kim (NJ)
Kind
Kinzinger
Kirkpatrick
Krishnamoorthi
Kuster
Kustoff
LaHood
LaMalfa
Lamb
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Latta
LaTurner
Lawrence
Lawson (FL)
Lee (CA)
Lee (NV)
Leger Fernandez
Lesko
Letlow
Levin (CA)
Levin (MI)
Lieu
Lofgren
Long
Lowenthal
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Luria
Mace
Malinowski
Malliotakis
Maloney, Carolyn B.
Maloney, Sean
Manning
Matsui
McBath
McCarthy
McCaul
McClain
McCollum
McEachin
McGovern
McHenry
McKinley
McNerney
Meeks
Meijer
Meng
Meuser
Mfume
Miller (WV)
Miller-Meeks
Moolenaar
Moore (UT)
Moore (WI)
Morelle
Moulton
Mrvan
Mullin
Murphy (FL)
Murphy (NC)
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Neguse
Nehls
Newhouse
Newman
Norcross
Nunes
O'Halleran
Obernolte
Ocasio-Cortez
Owens
Palazzo
Pallone
Panetta
Pappas
Pascrell
Payne
Pence
Perlmutter
Peters
Pfluger
Phillips
Pingree
Pocan
Porter
Pressley
Price (NC)
Quigley
Raskin
Reed
Reschenthaler
Rice (NY)
Rice (SC)
Rodgers (WA)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Ross
Roybal-Allard
Ruiz
Ruppersberger
Rush
Rutherford
Ryan
Salazar
Sanchez
Sarbanes
Scalise
Scanlon
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schrader
Schrier
Schweikert
Scott (VA)
Scott, David
Sewell
Sherman
Sherrill
Simpson
Sires
Slotkin
Smith (MO)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (WA)
Smucker
Soto
Spanberger
Spartz
Speier
Stanton
Stauber
Steel
Stefanik
Steil
Stevens
Stewart
Stivers
Strickland
Suozzi
Swalwell
Takano
Taylor
Tenney
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thompson (PA)
Timmons
Titus
Tlaib
Tonko
Torres (CA)
Torres (NY)
Trahan
Trone
Turner
Underwood
Upton
Valadao
Van Drew
Van Duyne
Vargas
Veasey
Vela
Velazquez
Wagner
Walberg
Walorski
Waltz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson Coleman
Welch
Wenstrup
Westerman
Wexton
Wild
Williams (GA)
Wilson (FL)
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Womack
Yarmuth
Young
Zeldin
NAYS--69
Allen
Armstrong
Arrington
Babin
Banks
Biggs
Bishop (NC)
Boebert
Brooks
Budd
Burchett
Bush
Cammack
Carter (GA)
Carter (TX)
Cline
Cloud
Davidson
Donalds
Duncan
Estes
Fallon
Franklin, C. Scott
Fulcher
Gaetz
Gohmert
Good (VA)
Gooden (TX)
Gosar
Granger
Green (TN)
Greene (GA)
Griffith
Guest
Harris
Hern
Herrell
Hice (GA)
Hinson
Huizenga
Jackson
Johnson (LA)
Jordan
Kelly (MS)
Lamborn
Loudermilk
Mann
Massie
Mast
McClintock
Miller (IL)
Mooney
Moore (AL)
Norman
Omar
Palmer
Perry
Posey
Rose
Rosendale
Rouzer
Roy
Scott, Austin
Sessions
Steube
Tiffany
Weber (TX)
Webster (FL)
Williams (TX)
NOT VOTING--5
Buck
Clyde
Gibbs
Lynch
Smith (NE)
{time} 1808
Mr. BURGESS changed his vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended,
the bills were passed, and the resolution was agreed to.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, a motion to reconsider is
laid on the table.
Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I object.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objection is heard.
members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress
Allred (Wexton)
Barragan (Beyer)
Cardenas (Gallego)
Costa (Correa)
Crenshaw (Fallon)
Donalds (Cammack)
Grijalva (Garcia (IL))
Kirkpatrick (Stanton)
Langevin (Lynch)
Lawson (FL) (Evans)
Leger Fernandez (Jacobs (CA))
Lieu (Beyer)
Lowenthal (Beyer)
Meng (Clark (MA))
Mfume (Connolly)
Moulton (Perlmutter)
Napolitano (Correa)
Omar (Bush)
Palazzo (Fleischmann)
Payne (Pallone)
Porter (Wexton)
Rush (Underwood)
Sewell (DelBene)
Stefanik (Katko)
Trahan (Lynch)
Watson Coleman (Pallone)
Welch (McGovern)
Wilson (FL) (Hayes)
Wilson (SC) (Timmons)
____________________