[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 18, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2482-H2520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS CERTAIN BILLS
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 5 of House Resolution
403, I move to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 144, H.R. 204, H.R. 210,
H.R. 240, H.R. 707, H.R. 711, H.R. 1157, H.R. 1447, H.R. 1510, H.R.
1711, H.R. 2027, H.R. 2167, H.R. 2441, H.R. 2494, H.R. 2533, H.R. 2655,
H.R. 2695, H.R. 2704, H.R. 2788, H.R. 2878, and H.R. 3008.
The Clerk read the title of the bills.
The text of the bills are as follows:
Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act
H.R. 144
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 ``Supporting Early-Career
Researchers Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Nation's universities and industrial research labs
are facing unprecedented budget pressure as part of the
COVID-19 health crisis, resulting in considerably fewer
openings for research and teaching positions.
(2) Emergency funding is needed to forestall the loss of
research talent likely to occur if early-career researchers
are forced to seek employment outside of research due to the
sharp economic decline caused by the COVID-19 health crisis.
(3) The future of America's defense will rely on advanced
technologies to maintain its military superiority over its
rivals, including China. These technologies will require new
levels of scientific and engineering aptitude and
understanding. Early career researchers will play a critical
role in the development of these technologies, and the loss
of an entire generation of researchers due to the COVID-19
pandemic will be detrimental to the United States national
security.
SEC. 3. EARLY-CAREER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation may establish a 2-year pilot program to award
grants to highly qualified early-career investigators to
carry out an independent research program at the qualified
institution of higher education chosen by such investigator,
to last for a period not greater than 2 years.
(b) Selection Process.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall select grantees under subsection (a)
from among citizens, nationals, and lawfully admitted
permanent resident aliens of the United States.
(c) Outreach.--The Director shall conduct program outreach
to recruit fellowship applicants--
(1) from all regions of the country;
(2) from historically underrepresented populations in the
fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
and
(3) who graduate from or intend to carry out research at a
variety of types of institutions of higher education,
including--
(A) Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
(B) Hispanic-Serving Institutions;
(C) Tribal Colleges and Universities; and
(D) institutions of higher education that are not among the
top 50 institutions in annual Federal funding for research.
(d) Special Consideration.--The Director shall give special
consideration to an application from an individual who
graduated from or is intending to carry out research at an
institution of the type listed in subsection (c)(3).
(e) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of
the second year of the pilot program, the Director shall
submit a report to Congress that includes--
(1) statistical summary data on fellowship awardees
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, age, years since
completion of doctoral degree, and institution type;
(2) an assessment, drawing on feedback from the research
community and other sources of information, of the
effectiveness of the pilot program for mitigating the loss of
research talent due to the pandemic; and
(3) if determined effective, a plan for permanent
implementation of the pilot program.
(f) Qualified Institution of Higher Education Defined.--The
term ``qualified institution of higher education'' has the
meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education
of Act of 1965, except that such term does not include an
institution described in subsection (a)(1)(C) of such
section.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Director of
the National Science Foundation $250,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2021 through 2022 to carry out the activities in
this Act.
STEM Opportunities Act
H.R. 204
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; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``STEM
Opportunities Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; findings.
Sec. 2. Purposes.
Sec. 3. Federal science agency policies for caregivers.
Sec. 4. Collection and reporting of data on Federal research grants.
Sec. 5. Policies for review of Federal research grants.
Sec. 6. Collection of data on demographics of faculty.
Sec. 7. Cultural and institutional barriers to expanding the academic
and Federal STEM workforce.
Sec. 8. Research and dissemination at the National Science Foundation.
Sec. 9. Research and related activities to expand STEM opportunities.
Sec. 10. Tribal Colleges and Universities Program.
Sec. 11. Report to Congress.
Sec. 12. Merit review.
Sec. 13. Determination of budgetary effects.
Sec. 14. Definitions.
(c) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Many reports over the past decade have found that it is
critical to our Nation's economic leadership and global
competitiveness that the United States educates and trains
more scientists and engineers.
(2) Research shows that women and minorities who are
interested in STEM careers are disproportionately lost at
nearly every educational transition and at every career
milestone.
(3) The National Center for Science and Engineering
Statistics at the National Science Foundation collects,
compiles, analyzes, and publishes data on the demographics of
STEM degrees and STEM jobs in the United States.
(4) Women now earn nearly 37 percent of all STEM bachelor's
degrees, but major variations persist among fields. In 2017,
women earned only 20 percent of all bachelor's degrees
awarded in engineering and 19 percent of bachelor's degrees
awarded in computer sciences. Based on Bureau of Labor
Statistics data, jobs in computing occupations are expected
to account for nearly 60 percent of the projected annual
growth of newly created STEM job openings from 2016 to 2026.
(5) In 2017, underrepresented minority groups comprised 39
percent of the college-age population of the United States,
but only 18 percent of students who earned bachelor's degrees
in STEM fields. The Higher Education Research Institute at
the University of California, Los Angeles, found that, while
freshmen from underrepresented minority groups express an
interest in pursuing a STEM undergraduate degree at the same
rate as all other freshmen, only 22.1 percent of Latino
students, 18.4 percent of African-American students, and 18.8
percent of Native American students studying in STEM fields
complete their degree within 5 years, compared to
approximately 33 percent of White students and 42 percent of
Asian students who complete their degree within 5 years.
(6) In some STEM fields, including the computer sciences,
women persist at about the same rate through doctorate
degrees. In other STEM fields, women persist through
doctorate degrees at a lower rate. In mathematics, women earn
just 26 percent of doctorate degrees compared with 42 percent
of undergraduate degrees. Overall, women earned 38 percent of
STEM doctorate degrees in 2016. The rate of minority students
earning STEM doctorate degrees in physics is 9 percent,
compared with 15 percent for bachelor's degree. Students from
underrepresented minority groups accounted for only 11.5
percent of STEM doctorate degrees awarded in 2016.
(7) The representation of women in STEM drops significantly
from the doctorate degree level to the faculty level.
Overall, women hold only 26 percent of all tenured and
tenure-track positions and 27 percent of full professor
positions in STEM fields in our Nation's universities and 4-
year colleges. Black and Hispanic faculty together hold about
6.8 percent of all tenured and tenure-track positions and 7.5
percent of full professor positions. Many of the numbers in
the
[[Page H2483]]
American Indian or Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific Islander categories for different faculty ranks
were too small for the National Science Foundation to report
publicly without potentially compromising confidential
information about the individuals being surveyed.
(8) The representation of women is especially low at our
Nation's top research universities. Even in the biological
sciences, in which women now earn more than 50 percent of the
doctorates and passed the 25 percent level 37 years ago,
women make up only 25 percent of the full professors at the
approximately 100 most research-intensive universities in the
United States. In the physical sciences and mathematics,
women make up only 11 percent of full professors, in computer
sciences only 10 percent, and across engineering fields only
7 percent. The data suggest that approximately 6 percent of
all tenure-track STEM faculty members at the most research-
intensive universities are from underrepresented minority
groups, but in some fields the numbers are too small to
report publicly.
(9) By 2050, underrepresented minorities will comprise 52
percent of the college-age population of the United States.
If the percentage of female students and students from
underrepresented minority groups earning bachelor's degrees
in STEM fields does not significantly increase, the United
States will face an acute shortfall in the overall number of
students who earn degrees in STEM fields just as United
States companies are increasingly seeking students with those
skills. With this impending shortfall, the United States will
almost certainly lose its competitive edge in the 21st
century global economy.
(10) According to a 2014 Association for Women in Science
survey of over 4,000 scientists across the globe, 70 percent
of whom were men, STEM researchers face significant
challenges in work-life integration. Researchers in the
United States were among the most likely to experience a
conflict between work and their personal life at least
weekly. One-third of researchers surveyed said that ensuring
good work-life integration has negatively impacted their
careers, and, of researchers intending to leave their current
job within the next year, 9 percent indicated it was because
they were unable to balance work and life demands.
(11) Female students and students from underrepresented
minority groups at institutions of higher education who see
few others ``like themselves'' among faculty and student
populations often do not experience the social integration
that is necessary for success in all disciplines, including
STEM.
(12) One in five children in the United States attend
school in a rural community. The data shows that rural
students are at a disadvantage with respect to STEM
readiness. Among STEM-interested students, 17 percent of
students in rural high schools and 18 percent of students in
town-located high schools meet the ACT STEM Benchmark,
compared with 33 percent of students in suburban high schools
and 27 percent of students in urban high schools.
(13) A substantial body of evidence establishes that most
people hold implicit biases. Decades of cognitive psychology
research reveal that most people carry prejudices of which
they are unaware but that nonetheless play a large role in
evaluations of people and their work. Unintentional biases
and outmoded institutional structures are hindering the
access and advancement of women, minorities, and other groups
historically underrepresented in STEM.
(14) Workshops held to educate faculty about unintentional
biases have demonstrated success in raising awareness of such
biases.
(15) In 2012, the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (in this
Act referred to as ``NASA'') completed a report that--
(A) is specifically designed to help NASA grant recipients
identify why the dearth of women in STEM fields continues and
to ensure that it is not due to discrimination; and
(B) provides guidance that is usable by all institutions of
higher education receiving significant Federal research
funding on how to conduct meaningful self-evaluations of
campus culture and policies.
(16) The Federal Government provides 55 percent of research
funding at institutions of higher education and, through its
grant-making policies, has had significant influence on
institution of higher education policies, including policies
related to institutional culture and structure.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) To ensure that Federal science agencies and
institutions of higher education receiving Federal research
and development funding are fully engaging the entire talent
pool of the United States.
(2) To promote research on, and increase understanding of,
the participation and trajectories of women, minorities, and
other groups historically underrepresented in STEM studies
and careers, including persons with disabilities, older
learners, veterans, and rural, poor, and tribal populations,
at institutions of higher education and Federal science
agencies, including Federal laboratories.
(3) To raise awareness within Federal science agencies,
including Federal laboratories, and institutions of higher
education about cultural and institutional barriers limiting
the recruitment, retention, promotion, and other indicators
of participation and achievement of women, minorities, and
other groups historically underrepresented in academic and
Government STEM research careers at all levels.
(4) To identify, disseminate, and implement best practices
at Federal science agencies, including Federal laboratories,
and at institutions of higher education to remove or reduce
cultural and institutional barriers limiting the recruitment,
retention, and success of women, minorities, and other groups
historically underrepresented in academic and Government STEM
research careers.
(5) To provide grants to institutions of higher education
to recruit, retain, and advance STEM faculty members from
underrepresented minority groups and to implement or expand
reforms in undergraduate STEM education in order to increase
the number of students from underrepresented minority groups
receiving degrees in these fields.
SEC. 3. FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY POLICIES FOR CAREGIVERS.
(a) OSTP Guidance.--Not later than 6 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Director, in consultation with
relevant agencies, shall provide guidance to each Federal
science agency to establish policies that--
(1) apply to all--
(A) research awards granted by such agency; and
(B) principal investigators of such research and their
trainees, including postdoctoral researchers and graduate
students, who have caregiving responsibilities, including
care for a newborn or newly adopted child and care for an
immediate family member who is sick or disabled; and
(2) provide--
(A) flexibility in timing for the initiation of approved
research awards granted by such agency;
(B) no-cost extensions of such research awards;
(C) grant supplements, as appropriate, to research awards
for research technicians or equivalent positions to sustain
research activities conducted under such awards; and
(D) any other appropriate accommodations at the discretion
of the director of each such agency.
(b) Uniformity of Guidance.--In providing guidance under
subsection (a), the Director shall encourage uniformity and
consistency in the policies established pursuant to such
guidance across all Federal science agencies.
(c) Establishment of Policies.--Consistent with the
guidance under subsection (a), Federal science agencies
shall--
(1) maintain or develop and implement policies for
individuals described in paragraph (1)(B) of such subsection;
and
(2) broadly disseminate such policies to current and
potential grantees.
(d) Data on Usage.--Federal science agencies shall--
(1) collect data on the usage of the policies under
subsection (c), by gender, at both institutions of higher
education and Federal laboratories; and
(2) report such data on an annual basis to the Director in
such form as required by the Director.
SEC. 4. COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF DATA ON FEDERAL RESEARCH
GRANTS.
(a) Collection of Data.--
(1) In general.--Each Federal science agency shall collect,
as practicable, with respect to all applications for merit-
reviewed research and development grants to institutions of
higher education and Federal laboratories supported by that
agency, the standardized record-level annual information on
demographics, primary field, award type, institution type,
review rating, budget request, funding outcome, and awarded
budget.
(2) Uniformity and standardization.--The Director, in
consultation with the Director of the National Science
Foundation, shall establish a policy to ensure uniformity and
standardization of the data collection required under
paragraph (1).
(3) Record-level data.--
(A) Requirement.--Beginning not later than 2 years after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis
thereafter, each Federal science agency shall submit to the
Director of the National Science Foundation record-level data
collected under paragraph (1) in the form required by such
Director.
(B) Previous data.--As part of the first submission under
subparagraph (A), each Federal science agency, to the extent
practicable, shall also submit comparable record-level data
for the 5 years preceding the date of such submission.
(b) Reporting of Data.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall publish statistical summary data, as
practicable, collected under this section, disaggregated and
cross-tabulated by race, ethnicity, gender, and years since
completion of doctoral degree, including in conjunction with
the National Science Foundation's report required by section
37 of the Science and Technology Equal Opportunities Act (42
U.S.C. 1885d; Public Law 96-516).
SEC. 5. POLICIES FOR REVIEW OF FEDERAL RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Each Federal science agency shall
implement the policy recommendations with respect to reducing
the impact of implicit bias at Federal science agencies and
grantee institutions as developed by the Office of Science
and Technology
[[Page H2484]]
Policy in the 2016 report entitled ``Reducing the Impact of
Bias in the STEM Workforce'' and any subsequent updates.
(b) Pilot Activity.--In consultation with the National
Science Foundation and consistent with policy recommendations
referenced in subsection (a), each Federal science agency
shall implement a 2-year pilot orientation activity for
program officers and members of standing review committees to
educate reviewers on research related to, and minimize the
effects of, implicit bias in the review of extramural and
intramural Federal research grants.
(c) Establishment of Policies.--Drawing upon lessons
learned from the pilot activity under subsection (b), each
Federal science agency shall maintain or develop and
implement evidence-based policies and practices to minimize
the effects of implicit bias in the review of extramural and
intramural Federal research grants.
(d) Assessment of Policies.--Federal science agencies shall
regularly assess, and amend as necessary, the policies and
practices implemented pursuant to subsection (c) to ensure
effective measures are in place to minimize the effects of
implicit bias in the review of extramural and intramural
Federal research grants.
SEC. 6. COLLECTION OF DATA ON DEMOGRAPHICS OF FACULTY.
(a) Collection of Data.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, and at least every 5 years thereafter,
the Director of the National Science Foundation shall carry
out a survey to collect data from grantees on the
demographics of STEM faculty, by broad fields of STEM, at
different types of institutions of higher education.
(2) Considerations.--To the extent practicable, the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall consider,
by gender, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, and years
since completion of doctoral degree--
(A) the number and percentage of faculty;
(B) the number and percentage of faculty at each rank;
(C) the number and percentage of faculty who are in
nontenure-track positions, including teaching and research;
(D) the number and percentage of faculty who are reviewed
for promotion, including tenure, and the percentage of that
number who are promoted, including being awarded tenure;
(E) faculty years in rank;
(F) the number and percentage of faculty to leave tenure-
track positions;
(G) the number and percentage of faculty hired, by rank;
and
(H) the number and percentage of faculty in leadership
positions.
(b) Existing Surveys.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation, may, in modifying or expanding existing Federal
surveys of higher education (as necessary)--
(1) take into account the considerations under subsection
(a)(2) by collaborating with statistical centers at other
Federal agencies; or
(2) award a grant or contract to an institution of higher
education or other nonprofit organization to take such
considerations into account.
(c) Reporting Data.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall publish statistical summary data collected
under this section, including as part of the National Science
Foundation's report required by section 37 of the Science and
Technology Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885d; Public
Law 96-516).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $3,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 through
2024 to develop and carry out the initial survey required
under subsection (a).
SEC. 7. CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS TO EXPANDING THE
ACADEMIC AND FEDERAL STEM WORKFORCE.
(a) Best Practices at Institutions of Higher Education and
Federal Laboratories.--
(1) Development of guidance.--Not later than 12 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director, in
consultation with the interagency working group on inclusion
in STEM, shall develop written guidance for institutions of
higher education and Federal laboratories on the best
practices for--
(A) conducting periodic climate surveys of STEM departments
and divisions, with a particular focus on identifying any
cultural or institutional barriers to the recruitment,
retention, or advancement of women, racial and ethnic
minorities, and other groups historically underrepresented in
STEM studies and careers; and
(B) providing educational opportunities, including
workshops as described in subsection (b), for STEM faculty,
research personnel, and administrators to learn about current
research on implicit bias in recruitment, evaluation, and
promotion of undergraduate and graduate students and research
personnel.
(2) Existing guidance.--In developing the guidance under
paragraph (1), the Director shall utilize guidance already
developed by Federal science agencies.
(3) Dissemination of guidance.--Federal science agencies
shall broadly disseminate the guidance developed under
paragraph (1) to institutions of higher education that
receive Federal research funding and Federal laboratories.
(4) Establishment of policies.--Consistent with the
guidance developed under paragraph (1)--
(A) the Director of the National Science Foundation shall
develop a policy that--
(i) applies to, at a minimum, doctoral degree granting
institutions that receive Federal research funding; and
(ii) requires each such institution, not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, to report to the
Director of the National Science Foundation on activities and
policies developed and implemented based on the guidance
developed under paragraph (1); and
(B) each Federal science agency with a Federal laboratory
shall maintain or develop and implement practices and
policies for the purposes described in paragraph (1) for such
laboratory.
(b) Workshops To Address Cultural Barriers to Expanding the
Academic and Federal STEM Workforce.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director, in consultation with the
interagency working group on inclusion in STEM, shall
recommend a uniform policy for Federal science agencies to
carry out a program of workshops that educate STEM department
chairs at institutions of higher education, senior managers
at Federal laboratories, and other federally funded
researchers about methods that minimize the effects of
implicit bias in the career advancement, including hiring,
tenure, promotion, and selection for any honor based in part
on the recipient's research record, of academic and Federal
STEM researchers.
(2) Interagency coordination.--The Director shall, to the
extent practicable, ensure that workshops supported under
this subsection are coordinated across Federal science
agencies and jointly supported as appropriate.
(3) Minimizing costs.--To the extent practicable, workshops
shall be held in conjunction with national or regional STEM
disciplinary meetings to minimize costs associated with
participant travel.
(4) Priority fields for academic participants.--In
considering the participation of STEM department chairs and
other academic researchers, the Director shall prioritize
workshops for the broad fields of STEM in which the national
rate of representation of women among tenured or tenure-track
faculty or nonfaculty researchers at doctorate-granting
institutions of higher education is less than 25 percent,
according to the most recent data available from the National
Center for Science and Engineering Statistics.
(5) Organizations eligible to carry out workshops.--A
Federal science agency may carry out the program of workshops
under this subsection by making grants to organizations made
eligible by the Federal science agency and any of the
following organizations:
(A) Nonprofit scientific and professional societies and
organizations that represent one or more STEM disciplines.
(B) Nonprofit organizations that have the primary mission
of advancing the participation of women, minorities, or other
groups historically underrepresented in STEM.
(6) Characteristics of workshops.--The workshops shall have
the following characteristics:
(A) Invitees to workshops shall include at least--
(i) the chairs of departments in the relevant STEM
discipline or disciplines from doctoral degree granting
institutions that receive Federal research funding; and
(ii) in the case of Federal laboratories, individuals with
personnel management responsibilities comparable to those of
an institution of higher education department chair.
(B) Activities at the workshops shall include research
presentations and interactive discussions or other activities
that increase the awareness of the existence of implicit bias
in recruitment, hiring, tenure review, promotion, and other
forms of formal recognition of individual achievement for
faculty and other federally funded STEM researchers and shall
provide strategies to overcome such bias.
(C) Research presentations and other workshop programs, as
appropriate, shall include a discussion of the unique
challenges faced by different underrepresented groups,
including minority women, minority men, persons from rural
and underserved areas, persons with disabilities, gender and
sexual minority individuals, and first generation graduates
in research.
(D) Workshop programs shall include information on best
practices for mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and
postdoctoral women, minorities, and other students from
groups historically underrepresented in STEM.
(7) Data on workshops.--Any proposal for funding by an
organization seeking to carry out a workshop under this
subsection shall include a description of how such
organization will--
(A) collect data on the rates of attendance by invitees in
workshops, including information on the home institution and
department of attendees, and the rank of faculty attendees;
(B) conduct attitudinal surveys on workshop attendees
before and after the workshops; and
(C) collect follow-up data on any relevant institutional
policy or practice changes reported by attendees not later
than 1 year after attendance in such a workshop.
[[Page H2485]]
(8) Report to nsf.--Organizations receiving funding to
carry out workshops under this subsection shall report the
data required in paragraph (7) to the Director of the
National Science Foundation in such form as required by such
Director.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 4 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Science Foundation shall submit a report to Congress that
includes--
(1) a summary and analysis of the types and frequency of
activities and policies developed and carried out under
subsection (a) based on the reports submitted under paragraph
(4) of such subsection; and
(2) a description and evaluation of the status and
effectiveness of the program of workshops required under
subsection (b), including a summary of any data reported
under paragraph (8) of such subsection.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $1,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 through
2026 to carry out this section.
SEC. 8. RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION AT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE
FOUNDATION.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall award research grants and carry out
dissemination activities consistent with the purposes of this
Act, including--
(1) research grants to analyze the record-level data
collected under section 4 and section 6, consistent with
policies to ensure the privacy of individuals identifiable by
such data;
(2) research grants to study best practices for work-life
accommodation;
(3) research grants to study the impact of policies and
practices that are implemented under this Act or that are
otherwise consistent with the purposes of this Act;
(4) collaboration with other Federal science agencies and
professional associations to exchange best practices,
harmonize work-life accommodation policies and practices, and
overcome common barriers to work-life accommodation; and
(5) collaboration with institutions of higher education in
order to clarify and catalyze the adoption of a coherent and
consistent set of work-life accommodation policies and
practices.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $5,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 through
2026 to carry out this section.
SEC. 9. RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES TO EXPAND STEM
OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) National Science Foundation Support for Increasing
Diversity Among Stem Faculty at Institutions of Higher
Education.--Section 305 of the American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 1862s-5) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(g) and (h), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Support for Increasing Diversity Among STEM Faculty
at Institutions of Higher Education.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall
award grants to institutions of higher education (or
consortia thereof) for the development and assessment of
innovative reform efforts designed to increase the
recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals from
underrepresented minority groups in academic STEM careers.
``(2) Merit review; competition.--Grants shall be awarded
under this subsection on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis.
``(3) Use of funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this subsection may include--
``(A) institutional assessment activities, such as data
analyses and policy review, in order to identify and address
specific issues in the recruitment, retention, and
advancement of faculty members from underrepresented minority
groups;
``(B) implementation of institution-wide improvements in
workload distribution, such that faculty members from
underrepresented minority groups are not disadvantaged in the
amount of time available to focus on research, publishing
papers, and engaging in other activities required to achieve
tenure status and run a productive research program;
``(C) development and implementation of training courses
for administrators and search committee members to ensure
that candidates from underrepresented minority groups are not
subject to implicit biases in the search and hiring process;
``(D) development and hosting of intra- or inter-
institutional workshops to propagate best practices in
recruiting, retaining, and advancing faculty members from
underrepresented minority groups;
``(E) professional development opportunities for faculty
members from underrepresented minority groups;
``(F) activities aimed at making undergraduate STEM
students from underrepresented minority groups aware of
opportunities for academic careers in STEM fields;
``(G) activities to identify and engage exceptional
graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from
underrepresented minority groups at various stages of their
studies and to encourage them to enter academic careers; and
``(H) other activities consistent with paragraph (1), as
determined by the Director of the Foundation.
``(4) Selection process.--
``(A) Application.--An institution of higher education (or
a consortium of such institutions) seeking funding under this
subsection shall submit an application to the Director of the
Foundation at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information and assurances as such Director may require. The
application shall include, at a minimum, a description of--
``(i) the reform effort that is being proposed for
implementation by the institution of higher education;
``(ii) any available evidence of specific difficulties in
the recruitment, retention, and advancement of faculty
members from underrepresented minority groups in STEM
academic careers within the institution of higher education
submitting an application, and how the proposed reform effort
would address such issues;
``(iii) how the institution of higher education submitting
an application plans to sustain the proposed reform effort
beyond the duration of the grant; and
``(iv) how the success and effectiveness of the proposed
reform effort will be evaluated and assessed in order to
contribute to the national knowledge base about models for
catalyzing institutional change.
``(B) Review of applications.--In selecting grant
recipients under this subsection, the Director of the
Foundation shall consider, at a minimum--
``(i) the likelihood of success in undertaking the proposed
reform effort at the institution of higher education
submitting the application, including the extent to which the
administrators of the institution are committed to making the
proposed reform effort a priority;
``(ii) the degree to which the proposed reform effort will
contribute to change in institutional culture and policy such
that greater value is placed on the recruitment, retention,
and advancement of faculty members from underrepresented
minority groups;
``(iii) the likelihood that the institution of higher
education will sustain or expand the proposed reform effort
beyond the period of the grant; and
``(iv) the degree to which evaluation and assessment plans
are included in the design of the proposed reform effort.
``(C) Grant distribution.--The Director of the Foundation
shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that grants awarded
under this section are made to a variety of types of
institutions of higher education.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
$8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.
(b) National Science Foundation Support for Broadening
Participation in Undergraduate STEM Education.--Section 305
of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C.
1862s-5), as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by
inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Support for Broadening Participation in Undergraduate
STEM Education.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall
award grants to institutions of higher education (or a
consortium of such institutions) to implement or expand
research-based reforms in undergraduate STEM education for
the purpose of recruiting and retaining students from
minority groups who are underrepresented in STEM fields.
``(2) Merit review; competition.--Grants shall be awarded
under this subsection on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis.
``(3) Use of funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this subsection may include--
``(A) implementation or expansion of innovative, research-
based approaches to broaden participation of underrepresented
minority groups in STEM fields;
``(B) implementation or expansion of bridge, cohort,
tutoring, or mentoring programs, including those involving
community colleges and technical schools, designed to enhance
the recruitment and retention of students from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM fields;
``(C) implementation or expansion of outreach programs
linking institutions of higher education and K-12 school
systems in order to heighten awareness among pre-college
students from underrepresented minority groups of
opportunities in college-level STEM fields and STEM careers;
``(D) implementation or expansion of faculty development
programs focused on improving retention of undergraduate STEM
students from underrepresented minority groups;
``(E) implementation or expansion of mechanisms designed to
recognize and reward faculty members who demonstrate a
commitment to increasing the participation of students from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM fields;
``(F) expansion of successful reforms aimed at increasing
the number of STEM students from underrepresented minority
groups beyond a single course or group of courses to achieve
reform within an entire academic unit, or expansion of
successful reform efforts beyond a single academic unit or
field to other STEM academic units or fields within an
institution of higher education;
``(G) expansion of opportunities for students from
underrepresented minority groups to conduct STEM research in
industry, at Federal labs, and at international research
institutions or research sites;
``(H) provision of stipends for students from
underrepresented minority groups participating in research;
[[Page H2486]]
``(I) development of research collaborations between
research-intensive universities and primarily undergraduate
minority-serving institutions;
``(J) support for graduate students and postdoctoral
fellows from underrepresented minority groups to participate
in instructional or assessment activities at primarily
undergraduate institutions, including primarily undergraduate
minority-serving institutions and 2-year institutions of
higher education; and
``(K) other activities consistent with paragraph (1), as
determined by the Director of the Foundation.
``(4) Selection process.--
``(A) Application.--An institution of higher education (or
a consortia thereof) seeking a grant under this subsection
shall submit an application to the Director of the Foundation
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
and assurances as such Director may require. The application
shall include, at a minimum--
``(i) a description of the proposed reform effort;
``(ii) a description of the research findings that will
serve as the basis for the proposed reform effort or, in the
case of applications that propose an expansion of a
previously implemented reform, a description of the
previously implemented reform effort, including data about
the recruitment, retention, and academic achievement of
students from underrepresented minority groups;
``(iii) evidence of an institutional commitment to, and
support for, the proposed reform effort, including a long-
term commitment to implement successful strategies from the
current reform beyond the academic unit or units included in
the grant proposal;
``(iv) a description of existing or planned institutional
policies and practices regarding faculty hiring, promotion,
tenure, and teaching assignment that reward faculty
contributions to improving the education of students from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM; and
``(v) how the success and effectiveness of the proposed
reform effort will be evaluated and assessed in order to
contribute to the national knowledge base about models for
catalyzing institutional change.
``(B) Review of applications.--In selecting grant
recipients under this subsection, the Director of the
Foundation shall consider, at a minimum--
``(i) the likelihood of success of the proposed reform
effort at the institution submitting the application,
including the extent to which the faculty, staff, and
administrators of the institution are committed to making the
proposed institutional reform a priority of the participating
academic unit or units;
``(ii) the degree to which the proposed reform effort will
contribute to change in institutional culture and policy such
that greater value is placed on faculty engagement in the
retention of students from underrepresented minority groups;
``(iii) the likelihood that the institution will sustain or
expand the proposed reform effort beyond the period of the
grant; and
``(iv) the degree to which evaluation and assessment plans
are included in the design of the proposed reform effort.
``(C) Grant distribution.--The Director of the Foundation
shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that grants awarded
under this subsection are made to a variety of types of
institutions of higher education, including 2-year and
minority-serving institutions of higher education.
``(5) Education research.--
``(A) In general.--All grants made under this subsection
shall include an education research component that will
support the design and implementation of a system for data
collection and evaluation of proposed reform efforts in order
to build the knowledge base on promising models for
increasing recruitment and retention of students from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM education at the
undergraduate level across a diverse set of institutions.
``(B) Dissemination.--The Director of the Foundation shall
coordinate with relevant Federal agencies in disseminating
the results of the research under this paragraph to ensure
that best practices in broadening participation in STEM
education at the undergraduate level are made readily
available to all institutions of higher education, other
Federal agencies that support STEM programs, non-Federal
funders of STEM education, and the general public.
``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.
SEC. 10. TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM.
(a) Grants To Broaden Tribal College and University Student
Participation in Computer Science.--Section 525 of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
1862p-13) is amended by inserting after subsection (c) the
following:
``(d) Grants To Broaden Tribal College and University
Student Participation in Computer Science.--
``(1) In general.--The Director, as part of the program
authorized under this section, shall award grants on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis to eligible entities to
increase the participation of tribal populations in computer
science and computational thinking education programs to
enable students to develop skills and competencies in coding,
problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and
collaboration.
``(2) Purpose.--Grants awarded under this subsection shall
support--
``(A) research and development needed to bring computer
science and computational thinking courses and degrees to
tribal colleges and universities;
``(B) research and development of instructional materials
needed to integrate computer science and computational
thinking into programs that are culturally relevant to
students attending tribal colleges and universities;
``(C) research, development and evaluation of distance
education for computer science and computational thinking
courses and degree programs for students attending tribal
colleges and universities; and
``(D) other activities consistent with the activities
described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b), as
determined by the Director.
``(3) Partnerships.--A tribal college or university seeking
a grant under this subsection, or a consortia thereof, may
partner with an institution of higher education or nonprofit
organization with demonstrated expertise in academic program
development.
``(4) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Director shall consult and cooperate with the programs and
policies of other relevant Federal agencies to avoid
duplication with and enhance the effectiveness of the program
under this subsection.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the
Foundation $2,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 through
2026 to carry out this subsection.''.
(b) Evaluation.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall evaluate the grant program authorized under
section 525 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-13), as amended.
(2) Requirements.--In conducting the evaluation under
paragraph (1), the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall, as practicable--
(A) use a common set of benchmarks and assessment tools to
identify best practices and materials developed or
demonstrated by the research conducted pursuant to grants
programs under section 525 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-13);
(B) include an assessment of the effectiveness of such
grant programs in expanding access to high quality STEM
education, research, and outreach at tribal colleges and
universities, as applicable;
(C) assess the number of students who participated in such
grant programs; and
(D) assess the percentage of students participating in such
grant programs who successfully complete their education
programs.
(3) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on
which the evaluation under paragraph (1) is completed, the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall submit to
Congress and make available to the public, a report on the
results of the evaluation, including any recommendations for
legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of
the grant program authorized under section 525 of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, as amended by
subsection (a).
SEC. 11. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Director shall submit a report to Congress that
includes--
(1) a description and evaluation of the status and usage of
policies implemented pursuant to section 3 at all Federal
science agencies, including any recommendations for revising
or expanding such policies;
(2) with respect to efforts to minimize the effects of
implicit bias in the review of extramural and intramural
Federal research grants under section 5--
(A) what steps all Federal science agencies have taken to
implement policies and practices to minimize such effects;
(B) a description of any significant updates to the
policies for review of Federal research grants required under
such section; and
(C) any evidence of the impact of such policies on the
review or awarding of Federal research grants; and
(3) a description and evaluation of the status of
institution of higher education and Federal laboratory
policies and practices required under section 7(a), including
any recommendations for revising or expanding such policies.
SEC. 12. MERIT REVIEW.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as altering any
intellectual or broader impacts criteria at Federal science
agencies for evaluating grant applications.
SEC. 13. 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.
SEC. 14. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory''
has the meaning given such
[[Page H2487]]
term in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703).
(3) Federal science agency.--The term ``Federal science
agency'' means any Federal agency with an annual extramural
research expenditure of over $100,000,000.
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given
such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) Interagency working group on inclusion in stem.--The
term ``interagency working group on inclusion in STEM'' means
the interagency working group established by section 308 of
the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C.
6626).
(6) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics, including computer science.
Rural STEM Education Research Act
H.R. 210
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 ``Rural STEM Education
Research Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the
rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector,
resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills
shortage.
(2) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United
States will need one million additional STEM professionals
than it is on track to produce in the coming decade.
(3) Many STEM occupations offer higher wages, more
opportunities for advancement, and a higher degree of job
security than non-STEM jobs.
(4) The 60,000,000 individuals in the United States who
live in rural settings are significantly under-represented in
STEM.
(5) According to the National Center for Education
Statistics, nine million students in the United States--
nearly 20 percent of the total K-12 population--attend rural
schools, and for reasons ranging from teacher quality to
shortages of resources, these students often have fewer
opportunities for high-quality STEM learning than their peers
in the Nation's urban and suburban schools.
(6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet
underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact
workforce development and regional innovation, including
agriculture.
(7) The study of agriculture, food, and natural resources
involves biology, engineering, physics, chemistry, math,
geology, computer science, and other scientific fields.
(8) Employment in computer and information technology
occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to
2029. To help meet this demand, it is important rural
students have the opportunity to acquire computing skills
through exposure to computer science learning in grades Pre-K
through 12 and in informal learning settings.
(9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States
use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare,
and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in
the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband.
Rural areas are hardest hit, with over 26 percent of
individuals in rural areas in the United States lacking
access to high-speed broadband compared to 1.7 percent of
individuals in urban areas in the United States.
SEC. 3. NIST ENGAGEMENT WITH RURAL COMMUNITIES.
(a) MEP Outreach.--Section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``community colleges and
area career and technical education schools'' and inserting
the following: ``secondary schools (as defined in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and
technical education schools, including those in underserved
and rural communities,''; and
(B) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by striking ``and local colleges'' and inserting the
following: ``local high schools and local colleges, including
those in underserved and rural communities,''; and
(ii) by inserting ``or other applied learning
opportunities'' after ``apprenticeships''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``, community
colleges, and area career and technical education schools,''
and inserting the following: ``and local high schools,
community colleges, and area career and technical education
schools, including those in underserved and rural
communities,''.
(b) Rural Connectivity Prize Competition.--
(1) Prize competition.--Pursuant to section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3719), the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under
Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology (referred
to in this subsection as the ``Secretary''), shall, subject
to appropriations, carry out a program to award prizes
competitively to stimulate research and development of
creative technologies in order to deploy affordable and
reliable broadband connectivity to underserved rural
communities.
(2) Plan for deployment in rural communities.--Each
proposal submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include a
plan for deployment of the technology that is the subject of
such proposal in an underserved rural community.
(3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total
of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize
competition.
(4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which
a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report
that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition.
(5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of
relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
SEC. 4. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP.
Title I of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15
U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 103. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP.
``(a) In General.--The Director shall establish a broadband
research and development working group to address national
research challenges and opportunities for improving broadband
access and adoption across the United States.
``(b) Activities.--The working group shall identify and
coordinate key research priorities for addressing broadband
access and adoption, including--
``(1) promising research areas;
``(2) requirements for data collection and sharing;
``(3) opportunities for better alignment and coordination
across Federal agencies and external stakeholders; and
``(4) input on the development of new Federal policies and
programs to enhance data collection and research.
``(c) Coordination.--The working group shall coordinate, as
appropriate, with the Rural Broadband Integration Working
Group established under section 6214 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334) and the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture of the Department of
Agriculture.
``(d) Report.--The working group shall report to Congress
on their activities as part of the annual report submitted
under section 101(a)(2)(D).
``(e) Sunset.--The authority to carry out this section
shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of
enactment of the Rural STEM Education Act.''.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES EVALUATION.
(a) Study.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an
agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which
the National Academy agrees to conduct an evaluation and
assessment that--
(1) evaluates the quality and quantity of current Federal
programming and research directed at examining STEM education
for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce
development in rural areas;
(2) assesses the impact of the scarcity of broadband
connectivity in rural communities has on STEM and technical
literacy for students in grades Pre-K through 12 in rural
areas;
(3) assesses the core research and data needed to
understand the challenges rural areas are facing in providing
quality STEM education and workforce development; and
(4) makes recommendations for action at the Federal, State,
and local levels for improving STEM education for students in
grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce development in rural
areas.
(b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under
subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of
Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on
the study conducted under such subsection, including the
National Academy's findings and recommendations.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section
$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
SEC. 6. GAO REVIEW.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study on the engagement of rural populations in
Federal STEM programs and submit to Congress a report that
includes--
(1) an assessment of how Federal STEM education programs
are serving rural populations;
(2) a description of initiatives carried out by Federal
agencies that are targeted at supporting STEM education in
rural areas;
(3) an assessment of what is known about the impact and
effectiveness of Federal investments in STEM education
programs that are targeted to rural areas; and
(4) an assessment of challenges that state and Federal STEM
education programs face in reaching rural population centers.
SEC. 7. CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH EPSCOR.
Section 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
[[Page H2488]]
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to
provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development
programming to students, and teachers; and''.
SEC. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH
ACTIVITIES.
(a) Preparing Rural STEM Educators.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a
merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher
education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium
thereof) for research and development to advance innovative
approaches to support and sustain high-quality STEM teaching
in rural schools.
(2) Use of funds.--
(A) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be
used for the research and development activities referred to
in paragraph (1), which may include--
(i) engaging rural educators of students in grades Pre-K
through 12 in professional learning opportunities to enhance
STEM knowledge, including computer science, and develop best
practices;
(ii) supporting research on effective STEM teaching
practices in rural settings, including the use of rubrics and
mastery-based grading practices to assess student performance
when employing the transdisciplinary teaching approach for
STEM disciplines;
(iii) designing and developing pre-service and in-service
training resources to assist such rural educators in adopting
transdisciplinary teaching practices across STEM courses;
(iv) coordinating with local partners to adapt STEM
teaching practices to leverage local natural and community
assets in order to support in-place learning in rural areas;
(v) providing hands-on training and research opportunities
for rural educators described in clause (i) at Federal
Laboratories, institutions of higher education, or in
industry;
(vi) developing training and best practices for educators
who teach multiple grade levels within a STEM discipline;
(vii) designing and implementing professional development
courses and experiences, including mentoring, for rural
educators described in clause (i) that combine face-to-face
and online experiences; and
(viii) any other activity the Director determines will
accomplish the goals of this subsection.
(B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a
pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will
provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research
experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades
Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of
cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local
industry.
(b) Broadening Participation of Rural Students in STEM.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a
merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher
education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium
thereof) for--
(A) research and development of programming to identify the
barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM
education; and
(B) development of innovative solutions to improve the
participation and advancement of rural students in grades
Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies.
(2) Use of funds.--
(A) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be
used for the research and development activities referred to
in paragraph (1), which may include--
(i) developing partnerships with community colleges to
offer advanced STEM course work, including computer science,
to rural high school students;
(ii) supporting research on effective STEM practices in
rural settings;
(iii) implementing a school-wide STEM approach;
(iv) improving the National Science Foundation's Advanced
Technology Education program's coordination and engagement
with rural communities;
(v) collaborating with existing community partners and
networks, such as the cooperative research and extension
services of the Department of Agriculture and youth serving
organizations like 4-H, after school STEM programs, and
summer STEM programs, to leverage community resources and
develop place-based programming;
(vi) connecting rural school districts and institutions of
higher education, to improve precollegiate STEM education and
engagement;
(vii) supporting partnerships that offer hands-on inquiry-
based science activities, including coding, and access to lab
resources for students studying STEM in grades Pre-K through
12 in a rural area;
(viii) evaluating the role of broadband connectivity and
its associated impact on the STEM and technology literacy of
rural students;
(ix) building capacity to support extracurricular STEM
programs in rural schools, including mentor-led engagement
programs, STEM programs held during nonschool hours, STEM
networks, makerspaces, coding activities, and competitions;
and
(x) any other activity the Director determines will
accomplish the goals of this subsection.
(c) Application.--An applicant seeking a grant under
subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Director may require. The application may include the
following:
(1) A description of the target population to be served by
the research activity or activities for which such grant is
sought.
(2) A description of the process for recruitment and
selection of students, educators, or schools from rural areas
to participate in such activity or activities.
(3) A description of how such activity or activities may
inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of
rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies.
(4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership
or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or
more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained
partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from
the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial.
(d) Partnerships.--In awarding grants under subsection (a)
or (b), the Director shall--
(1) encourage applicants which, for the purpose of the
activity or activities funded through the grant, include or
partner with a nonprofit organization or an institution of
higher education (or a consortium thereof) that has extensive
experience and expertise in increasing the participation of
rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM;
(2) encourage applicants which, for the purpose of the
activity or activities funded through the grant, include or
partner with a consortium of rural schools or rural school
districts; and
(3) encourage applications which, for the purpose of the
activity or activities funded through the grant, include
commitments from school principals and administrators to
making reforms and activities proposed by the applicant a
priority.
(e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under
subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that
includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the
impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant
under this section shall include results from these
evaluative activities in annual and final projects.
(f) Accountability and Dissemination.--
(1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the
portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b).
Such evaluation shall--
(A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the
results of research conducted under such grants and identify
best practices; and
(B) to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of
research resulting from the activity or activities funded
through such grants with the findings of other research on
rural student's pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM.
(2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after
the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the
Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available
to the public a report that includes--
(A) the results of the evaluation; and
(B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative
action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants
awarded under this section.
(g) Report by Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science
and Engineering.--
(1) In general.--As part of the first report required by
section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal
Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e)) transmitted to
Congress after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering
shall include--
(A) a description of past and present policies and
activities of the Foundation to encourage full participation
of students in rural communities in science, mathematics,
engineering, and computer science fields; and
(B) an assessment of trends in participation of rural
students in grades Pre-K through 12 in Foundation activities,
and an assessment of the policies and activities of the
Foundation, along with proposals for new strategies or the
broadening of existing successful strategies towards
facilitating the goals of this Act.
(2) Technical correction.--
(A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by
striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of
the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''.
(B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act
(Public Law 114-329).
(h) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the
Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program
effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities,
consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and
policies of other relevant Federal agencies.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Director--
(1) $8,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection
(a) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026; and
(2) $12,000,000 to carry out the activities under
subsection (b) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
[[Page H2489]]
SEC. 9. RESEARCHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONLINE EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Director shall, subject to
appropriations, award competitive grants to institutions of
higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium
thereof, which may include a private sector partner) to
conduct research on online STEM education courses for rural
communities.
(b) Research Areas.--The research areas eligible for
funding under this subsection shall include--
(1) evaluating the learning and achievement of rural
students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM subjects;
(2) understanding how computer-based and online
professional development courses and mentor experiences can
be integrated to meet the needs of educators of rural
students in grades Pre-K through 12;
(3) combining computer-based and online STEM education and
training with apprenticeships, mentoring, or other applied
learning arrangements;
(4) leveraging online programs to supplement STEM studies
for rural students that need physical and academic
accommodation; and
(5) any other activity the Director determines will
accomplish the goals of this subsection.
(c) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under this
section shall include an evaluation plan that includes the
use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and
efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this
section shall include results from these evaluative
activities in annual and final projects.
(d) Accountability and Dissemination.--
(1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the
portfolio of grants awarded under this section. Such
evaluation shall--
(A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the
results of research conducted under such grants and identify
best practices; and
(B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from
activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under
this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and
degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant
to other research on serving rural students and communities.
(2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after
the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the
Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available
to the public a report that includes--
(A) the results of the evaluation; and
(B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative
action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants
awarded under this section.
(e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the
Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program
effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities,
consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and
policies of other relevant Federal agencies.
SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation established under section 2
of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C.
1861).
(2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory''
has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3703).
(3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National
Science Foundation established under section 2 of the
National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given
such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' has the meaning given the term
in section 2 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note).
(6) STEM education.--The term ``STEM education'' has the
meaning given the term in section 2 of the STEM Education Act
of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note).
Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Act
H.R. 240
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 ``Homeless Veterans with
Children Reintegration Act''.
SEC. 2. PRIORITY UNDER HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION
PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS WITH DEPENDENTS.
(a) Priority for Homeless Veterans With Dependent
Children.--Subsection (a) of section 2021 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``Subject to'' and inserting ``(1) Subject
to'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as
subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) In conducting programs under this section, the
Secretary shall prioritize the provision of services to
homeless veterans with dependents.''.
(b) Additional Reporting Requirements.--Subsection (d) of
such section is amended--
(1) by striking ``the report an evaluation of services''
and all that follows and inserting ``each such report--'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(1) an evaluation of services furnished to veterans under
this section and an analysis of the information collected
under subsection (b);
``(2) an analysis of any gaps in access to shelter, safety,
and services for homeless veterans with dependent children;
and
``(3) recommendations for improving any gaps identified
under paragraph (2).''.
Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act
H.R. 707
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 ``Ghost Army Congressional
Gold Medal Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, comprised of the
23d Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops,
the 603d Engineer Camouflage Battalion, the 406th Combat
Engineer Company, the 3132d Signal Service Company and the
Signal Company, Special, 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and
the 3133d Signal Service Company were top-secret units of the
United States Army that served in Europe during World War II.
(2) The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, was actively
engaged in battlefield operations from June of 1944 through
March of 1945. The 3133d Signal Service Company was engaged
in operations in Italy in 1945.
(3) The deceptive activities of these units were integral
to several Allied victories across Europe and reduced
American casualties.
(4) In evaluating the performance of these units after the
War, a U.S. Army analysis found that ``Rarely, if ever, has
there been a group of such a few men which had so great an
influence on the outcome of a major military campaign.''.
(5) Many Ghost Army soldiers were citizen-soldiers
recruited from art schools, advertising agencies,
communications companies, and other creative and technical
professions.
(6) The first four members of the 23d Headquarters, Special
Troops, landed on D-Day and two became casualties while
creating false beach landing sites.
(7) The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, secret deception
operations commenced in France on June 14, 1944, when Task
Force Mason, a 17-man detachment of the 23d led by First
Lieutenant Bernard Mason, landed at Omaha Beach. Task Force
Mason conducted Operation ELEPHANT between 1 and 4 July,
1944, to draw enemy fire and protect the 980th Field
Artillery Battalion (VIII Corps) as part of the Normandy
Campaign.
(8) Operation ELEPHANT was a prelude to 21 full-scale
tactical deceptions completed by the 23d Headquarters,
Special Troops.
(9) Often operating on or near the front lines, the 23d
Headquarters, Special Troops, used inflatable tanks,
artillery, airplanes and other vehicles, advanced engineered
soundtracks, and skillfully crafted radio trickery to create
the illusion of sizable American forces where there were none
and to draw the enemy away from Allied troops.
(10) The 3132d and the 3133d Signal Service Companies,
activated in Pine Camp (now Fort Drum), New York, at the Army
Experimental Station in March 1944, were the only two active
duty ``sonic deception'' ground combat units in World War II.
(11) Soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops,
impersonated other, larger Army units by sewing counterfeit
patches onto their uniforms, painting false markings on their
vehicles, and creating phony headquarters staffed by fake
generals, all in an effort to feed false information to Axis
spies.
(12) During the Battle of the Bulge, the 23d Headquarters,
Special Troops, created counterfeit radio traffic to mask the
efforts of General George Patton's Third Army as it mobilized
to break through to the 101st Airborne and elements of 10th
Armored Division in the besieged Belgian town of Bastogne.
(13) In its final mission, Operation VIERSEN, in March
1945, the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, conducted a
tactical deception that drew German units down the Rhine
River and away from the Ninth Army, allowing the Ninth Army
to cross the Rhine into Germany. On this mission, the 1,100
men of the Ghost Army, with the assistance of other units,
impersonated forty thousand men, or two complete divisions of
American forces, by using fabricated radio networks,
soundtracks of construction work and artillery fire, and more
than 600 inflatable vehicles. According to a military
intelligence officer of the 79th Infantry, ``There is no
doubt that Operation VIERSEN materially assisted in deceiving
the enemy with regard to the real dispositions and intentions
of this Army.''.
(14) Three soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special
Troops, gave their lives and dozens were injured in carrying
out their mission.
(15) In April 1945, the 3133d Signal Service Company
conducted Operation CRAFTSMAN in support of Operation SECOND
WIND, the successful allied effort to break through the
German defensive position to the north of Florence, Italy,
known as the Gothic Line. Along with an attached platoon of
British engineers, who were inflatable decoy specialists, the
3133d Signal Service Company used sonic deception to
misrepresent troop locations along this defensive line.
[[Page H2490]]
(16) The activities of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops
and the 3133d Signal Service Company remained highly
classified for more than forty years after the war and were
never formally recognized. The extraordinary accomplishments
of this unit are deserving of belated official recognition.
(17) The United States is eternally grateful to the
soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the
3133d Signal Service Company for their proficient use of
innovative tactics throughout World War II, which saved lives
and made significant contributions to the defeat of the Axis
powers.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate
shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf
of the Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to the
23d Headquarters, Special Troops, and the 3133d Signal
Service Company, known as the ``Ghost Army'', collectively,
in recognition of its unique and incredible service during
World War II.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award
referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury
(in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike
the gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and
inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
(c) Smithsonian Institution.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in
honor of the Ghost Army, the gold medal shall be given to the
Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for
display as appropriate and available for research.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal
awarded pursuant to this Act available for display elsewhere,
particularly at appropriate locations associated with the
Ghost Army, and that preference should be given to locations
affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of
the gold medal struck under section 3, at a price sufficient
to cover the costs of the medal, including labor, materials,
dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL MEDAL.
The gold medal struck pursuant to this Act is a national
medal for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States
Code.
SEC. 6. 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.
West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act of 2021
H.R. 711
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 ``West Los Angeles VA Campus
Improvement Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF LAND USE REVENUES UNDER WEST LOS ANGELES
LEASING ACT OF 2016.
(a) In General.--Subsection (d) of section 2 of the West
Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 (Public Law 114- 226; 130
Stat. 927) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Land Use Revenues at the Campus.--
``(1) In general.--Any land use revenues received by the
Secretary shall be credited to the applicable Department
medical facilities accounts or minor construction accounts
and shall be available, without fiscal year limitation and
without further appropriation, exclusively for any of the
following:
``(A) Supporting construction, maintenance, and services at
the Campus relating to temporary or permanent supportive
housing for homeless or at-risk veterans and their families.
``(B) Renovating and maintaining the land and facilities at
the Campus.
``(C) Carrying out minor construction projects at the
Campus.
``(D) Carrying out community operations at the Campus that
support the development of emergency shelter or supportive
housing for homeless or at-risk veterans and their families.
``(2) Land use revenue defined.--In this subsection, the
term `land use revenue' means--
``(A) any funds received by the Secretary under a lease
described in subsection (b); and
``(B) any funds received as proceeds from any assets seized
or forfeited, and any restitution paid, in connection with
any third-party land use at the Campus.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to funds received by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enactment of the
West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-226; 130
Stat. 927).
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION TO ENHANCED USE LEASES AT THE DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS ANGELES CAMPUS.
Paragraph (1) of section 2(b) of the West Los Angeles
Leasing Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-226; 130 Stat. 927), is
amended by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``Notwithstanding section 8162(b)(2) of such title, the term
of such an enhanced-use lease at the Campus may not exceed 99
years.''.
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.
Department of State Authorization Act of 2021
H.R. 1157
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 ``Department
of State Authorization 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. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Determination of budgetary effects.
TITLE I--ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Sec. 1001. Diplomatic Programs.
Sec. 1002. Sense of Congress on importance of Department of State's
work.
Sec. 1003. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
Sec. 1004. Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs.
Sec. 1005. Bureau of Consular Affairs; Bureau of Population, Refugees,
and Migration.
Sec. 1006. Office of International Disability Rights.
Sec. 1007. Anti-piracy information sharing.
Sec. 1008. Importance of foreign affairs training to national security.
Sec. 1009. Classification and assignment of Foreign Service officers.
Sec. 1010. Energy diplomacy and security within the Department of
State.
Sec. 1011. National Museum of American Diplomacy.
Sec. 1012. Extension of period for reimbursement of fishermen for costs
incurred from the illegal seizure and detention of U.S.-
flag fishing vessels by foreign governments.
Sec. 1013. Art in embassies.
Sec. 1014. Amendment or repeal of reporting requirements.
Sec. 1015. Reporting on implementation of GAO recommendations.
Sec. 1016. Office of Global Criminal Justice.
TITLE II--EMBASSY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 1201. Embassy security, construction, and maintenance.
Sec. 1202. Standard design in capital construction.
Sec. 1203. Capital construction transparency.
Sec. 1204. Contractor performance information.
Sec. 1205. Growth projections for new embassies and consulates.
Sec. 1206. Long-range planning process.
Sec. 1207. Value engineering and risk assessment.
Sec. 1208. Business volume.
Sec. 1209. Embassy security requests and deficiencies.
Sec. 1210. Overseas security briefings.
Sec. 1211. Contracting methods in capital construction.
Sec. 1212. Competition in embassy construction.
Sec. 1213. Statement of policy.
Sec. 1214. Definitions.
TITLE III--PERSONNEL ISSUES
Sec. 1301. Defense Base Act insurance waivers.
Sec. 1302. Study on Foreign Service allowances.
Sec. 1303. Science and technology fellowships.
Sec. 1304. Travel for separated families.
Sec. 1305. Home leave travel for separated families.
Sec. 1306. Sense of Congress regarding certain fellowship programs.
Sec. 1307. Technical correction.
Sec. 1308. Foreign Service awards.
Sec. 1309. Workforce actions.
Sec. 1310. Sense of Congress regarding veterans employment at the
Department of State.
Sec. 1311. Employee assignment restrictions and preclusions.
Sec. 1312. Recall and reemployment of career members.
Sec. 1313. Strategic staffing plan for the Department of State.
Sec. 1314. Consulting services.
Sec. 1315. Incentives for critical posts.
Sec. 1316. Extension of authority for certain accountability review
boards.
Sec. 1317. Foreign Service suspension without pay.
Sec. 1318. Foreign Affairs Manual and Foreign Affairs Handbook changes.
Sec. 1319. Waiver authority for individual occupational requirements of
certain positions.
Sec. 1320. Appointment of employees to the Global Engagement Center.
[[Page H2491]]
Sec. 1321. Rest and recuperation and overseas operations leave for
Federal employees.
Sec. 1322. Emergency medical services authority.
Sec. 1323. Department of State Student Internship Program.
Sec. 1324. Competitive status for certain employees hired by Inspectors
General to support the lead IG mission.
Sec. 1325. Cooperation with Office of the Inspector General.
Sec. 1326. Information on educational opportunities for children with
special educational needs consistent with the Individuals
With Disabilities Education Act.
Sec. 1327. Implementation of gap memorandum in selection board process.
TITLE IV--A DIVERSE WORKFORCE: RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND PROMOTION
Sec. 1401. Definitions.
Sec. 1402. Collection, analysis, and dissemination of workforce data.
Sec. 1403. Exit interviews for workforce.
Sec. 1404. Recruitment and retention.
Sec. 1405. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the national security
workforce.
Sec. 1406. Leadership engagement and accountability.
Sec. 1407. Professional development opportunities and tools.
Sec. 1408. Examination and oral assessment for the Foreign Service.
Sec. 1409. Payne fellowship authorization.
Sec. 1410. Voluntary participation.
TITLE V--INFORMATION SECURITY
Sec. 1501. Definitions.
Sec. 1502. List of certain telecommunications providers.
Sec. 1503. Preserving records of electronic communications conducted
related to official duties of positions in the public
trust of the American people.
Sec. 1504. Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) series and
declassification.
Sec. 1505. Vulnerability Disclosure Policy and Bug Bounty Pilot
Program.
TITLE VI--PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
Sec. 1601. Short title.
Sec. 1602. Avoiding duplication of programs and efforts.
Sec. 1603. Improving research and evaluation of public diplomacy.
Sec. 1604. Permanent reauthorization of the United States Advisory
Commission on Public Diplomacy.
Sec. 1605. Streamlining of support functions.
Sec. 1606. Guidance for closure of public diplomacy facilities.
Sec. 1607. Definitions.
TITLE VII--COMBATING PUBLIC CORRUPTION
Sec. 1701. Sense of congress.
Sec. 1702. Annual assessment.
Sec. 1703. Transparency and accountability.
Sec. 1704. Designation of embassy anti-corruption points of contact.
TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 1801. Case-Zablocki Act Reform.
Sec. 1802. Limitation on assistance to countries in default.
Sec. 1803. Sean and David Goldman Child Abduction Prevention and Return
Act of 2014 amendment.
Sec. 1804. Modification of authorities of Commission for the
Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.
Sec. 1805. Chief of mission concurrence.
Sec. 1806. Report on efforts of the Coronavirus Repatriation Task
Force.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(2) Department.--If not otherwise specified, the term
``Department'' means the Department of State.
(3) Secretary.--If not otherwise specified, the term
``Secretary'' means the Secretary of State.
SEC. 3. 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.
TITLE I--ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SEC. 1001. DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS.
For ``Diplomatic Programs'', there is authorized to be
appropriated $9,170,013,000 for fiscal year 2022.
SEC. 1002. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IMPORTANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF
STATE'S WORK.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) United States global engagement is key to a stable and
prosperous world;
(2) United States leadership is indispensable in light of
the many complex and interconnected threats facing the United
States and the world;
(3) diplomacy and development are critical tools of
national power, and full deployment of these tools is vital
to United States national security;
(4) challenges such as the global refugee and migration
crises, terrorism, historic famine and food insecurity, and
fragile or repressive societies cannot be addressed without
sustained and robust United States diplomatic and development
leadership;
(5) the United States Government must use all of the
instruments of national security and foreign policy at its
disposal to protect United States citizens, promote United
States interests and values, and support global stability and
prosperity;
(6) United States security and prosperity depend on having
partners and allies that share our interests and values, and
these partnerships are nurtured and our shared interests and
values are promoted through United States diplomatic
engagement, security cooperation, economic statecraft, and
assistance that helps further economic development, good
governance, including the rule of law and democratic
institutions, and the development of shared responses to
natural and humanitarian disasters;
(7) as the United States Government agencies primarily
charged with conducting diplomacy and development, the
Department and the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) require sustained and robust funding to
carry out this important work, which is essential to our
ability to project United States leadership and values and to
advance United States interests around the world;
(8) the work of the Department and USAID makes the United
States and the world safer and more prosperous by alleviating
global poverty and hunger, fighting HIV/AIDS and other
infectious diseases, strengthening alliances, expanding
educational opportunities for women and girls, promoting good
governance and democracy, supporting anti-corruption efforts,
driving economic development and trade, preventing armed
conflicts and humanitarian crises, and creating American jobs
and export opportunities;
(9) the Department and USAID are vital national security
agencies, whose work is critical to the projection of United
States power and leadership worldwide, and without which
Americans would be less safe, United States economic power
would be diminished, and global stability and prosperity
would suffer;
(10) investing in diplomacy and development before
conflicts break out saves American lives while also being
cost-effective; and
(11) the contributions of personnel working at the
Department and USAID are extraordinarily valuable and allow
the United States to maintain its leadership around the
world.
SEC. 1003. BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR.
Paragraph (2) of section 1(c) of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``All special envoys, ambassadors, and
coordinators located within the Bureau of Democracy, Human
Rights, and Labor shall report directly to the Assistant
Secretary unless otherwise provided by law.'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)(ii)--
(A) by striking ``section'' and inserting ``sections 116
and''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``(commonly referred to as the annual `Country
Reports on Human Rights Practices')''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(C) Authorities.--In addition to the duties, functions,
and responsibilities specified in this paragraph, the
Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labor is authorized to--
``(i) promote democracy and actively support human rights
throughout the world;
``(ii) promote the rule of law and good governance
throughout the world;
``(iii) strengthen, empower, and protect civil society
representatives, programs, and organizations, and facilitate
their ability to engage in dialogue with governments and
other civil society entities;
``(iv) work with regional bureaus to ensure adequate
personnel at diplomatic posts are assigned responsibilities
relating to advancing democracy, human rights, labor rights,
women's equal participation in society, and the rule of law,
with particular attention paid to adequate oversight and
engagement on such issues by senior officials at such posts;
``(v) review and, as appropriate, make recommendations to
the Secretary of State regarding the proposed transfer of--
``(I) defense articles and defense services authorized
under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et
seq.) or the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et
seq.); and
``(II) military items listed on the `600 series' of the
Commerce Control List contained in Supplement No. 1 to part
774 of subtitle B of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations;
``(vi) coordinate programs and activities that protect and
advance the exercise of human rights and internet freedom in
cyberspace; and
``(vii) implement other relevant policies and provisions of
law.
``(D) Local oversight.--United States missions, when
executing DRL programming, to
[[Page H2492]]
the extent practicable, should assist in exercising oversight
authority and coordinate with the Bureau of Democracy, Human
Rights, and Labor to ensure that funds are appropriately used
and comply with anti-corruption practices.''.
SEC. 1004. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS
AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 1(c) of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
(4) and (5), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Assistant secretary for international narcotics and
law enforcement affairs.--
``(A) In general.--There is authorized to be in the
Department of State an Assistant Secretary for International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, who shall be
responsible to the Secretary of State for all matters,
programs, and related activities pertaining to international
narcotics, anti-crime, and law enforcement affairs in the
conduct of foreign policy by the Department, including, as
appropriate, leading the coordination of programs carried out
by United States Government agencies abroad, and such other
related duties as the Secretary may from time to time
designate.
``(B) Areas of responsibility.--The Assistant Secretary for
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs shall
maintain continuous observation and coordination of all
matters pertaining to international narcotics, anti-crime,
and law enforcement affairs in the conduct of foreign policy,
including programs carried out by other United States
Government agencies when such programs pertain to the
following matters:
``(i) Combating international narcotics production and
trafficking.
``(ii) Strengthening foreign justice systems, including
judicial and prosecutorial capacity, appeals systems, law
enforcement agencies, prison systems, and the sharing of
recovered assets.
``(iii) Training and equipping foreign police, border
control, other government officials, and other civilian law
enforcement authorities for anti-crime purposes, including
ensuring that no foreign security unit or member of such unit
shall receive such assistance from the United States
Government absent appropriate vetting.
``(iv) Ensuring the inclusion of human rights and women's
participation issues in law enforcement programs, in
consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Democracy,
Human Rights, and Labor, and other senior officials in
regional and thematic bureaus and offices.
``(v) Combating, in conjunction with other relevant bureaus
of the Department of State and other United States Government
agencies, all forms of transnational organized crime,
including human trafficking, illicit trafficking in arms,
wildlife, and cultural property, migrant smuggling,
corruption, money laundering, the illicit smuggling of bulk
cash, the licit use of financial systems for malign purposes,
and other new and emerging forms of crime.
``(vi) Identifying and responding to global corruption,
including strengthening the capacity of foreign government
institutions responsible for addressing financial crimes and
engaging with multilateral organizations responsible for
monitoring and supporting foreign governments' anti-
corruption efforts.
``(C) Additional duties.--In addition to the
responsibilities specified in subparagraph (B), the Assistant
Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs shall also--
``(i) carry out timely and substantive consultation with
chiefs of mission and, as appropriate, the heads of other
United States Government agencies to ensure effective
coordination of all international narcotics and law
enforcement programs carried out overseas by the Department
and such other agencies;
``(ii) coordinate with the Office of National Drug Control
Policy to ensure lessons learned from other United States
Government agencies are available to the Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the
Department;
``(iii) develop standard requirements for monitoring and
evaluation of Bureau programs, including metrics for success
that do not rely solely on the amounts of illegal drugs that
are produced or seized;
``(iv) in coordination with the Secretary of State,
annually certify in writing to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Foreign Relations of the Senate that United States law
enforcement personnel posted abroad whose activities are
funded to any extent by the Bureau of International Narcotics
and Law Enforcement Affairs are complying with section 207 of
the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3927); and
``(v) carry out such other relevant duties as the Secretary
may assign.
``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph may
be construed to limit or impair the authority or
responsibility of any other Federal agency with respect to
law enforcement, domestic security operations, or
intelligence activities as defined in Executive Order
12333.''.
(b) Modification of Annual International Narcotics Control
Strategy Report.--Subsection (a) of section 489 of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291h) is amended
by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph:
``(10) A separate section that contains an identification
of all United States Government-supported units funded by the
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
and any Bureau-funded operations by such units in which
United States law enforcement personnel have been physically
present.''.
SEC. 1005. BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS; BUREAU OF POPULATION,
REFUGEES, AND MIGRATION.
Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) and (h) as subsections
(i) and (j), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new
subsections:
``(g) Bureau of Consular Affairs.--There is in the
Department of State the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which
shall be headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for
Consular Affairs.
``(h) Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.--There
is in the Department of State the Bureau of Population,
Refugees, and Migration, which shall be headed by the
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and
Migration.''.
SEC. 1006. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS.
(a) Establishment.--There should be established in the
Department of State an Office of International Disability
Rights (referred to in this section as the ``Office'').
(b) Duties.--The Office should--
(1) seek to ensure that all United States foreign
operations are accessible to, and inclusive of, persons with
disabilities;
(2) promote the human rights and full participation in
international development activities of all persons with
disabilities;
(3) promote disability inclusive practices and the training
of Department of State staff on soliciting quality programs
that are fully inclusive of people with disabilities;
(4) represent the United States in diplomatic and
multilateral fora on matters relevant to the rights of
persons with disabilities, and work to raise the profile of
disability across a broader range of organizations
contributing to international development efforts;
(5) conduct regular consultation with civil society
organizations working to advance international disability
rights and empower persons with disabilities internationally;
(6) consult with other relevant offices at the Department
that are responsible for drafting annual reports documenting
progress on human rights, including, wherever applicable,
references to instances of discrimination, prejudice, or
abuses of persons with disabilities;
(7) advise the Bureau of Human Resources or its equivalent
within the Department regarding the hiring and recruitment
and overseas practices of civil service employees and Foreign
Service officers with disabilities and their family members
with chronic medical conditions or disabilities; and
(8) carry out such other relevant duties as the Secretary
of State may assign.
(c) Supervision.--The Office may be headed by--
(1) a senior advisor to the appropriate Assistant Secretary
of State; or
(2) an officer exercising significant authority who reports
to the President or Secretary of State, appointed by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate.
(d) Consultation.--The Secretary of State should direct
Ambassadors at Large, Representatives, Special Envoys, and
coordinators working on human rights to consult with the
Office to promote the human rights and full participation in
international development activities of all persons with
disabilities.
SEC. 1007. ANTI-PIRACY INFORMATION SHARING.
The Secretary is authorized to provide for the
participation by the United States in the Information Sharing
Centre located in Singapore, as established by the Regional
Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery
against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).
SEC. 1008. IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TRAINING TO NATIONAL
SECURITY.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Department is a crucial national security agency,
whose employees, both Foreign and Civil Service, require the
best possible training at every stage of their careers to
prepare them to promote and defend United States national
interests and the health and safety of United States citizens
abroad;
(2) the Department of State's investment of time and
resources with respect to the training and education of its
personnel is considerably below the level of other Federal
departments and agencies in the national security field, and
falls well below the investments many allied and adversarial
countries make in the development of their diplomats;
(3) the Department faces increasingly complex and rapidly
evolving challenges, many of which are science and
technology-driven, and which demand the continual, high-
quality training and education of its personnel;
(4) the Department must move beyond reliance on ``on-the-
job training'' and other informal mentorship practices, which
lead to an inequality in skillset development and career
advancement opportunities, often particularly for minority
personnel, and towards a robust professional tradecraft
training continuum that will provide for greater equality in
career advancement and increase minority participation in the
senior ranks;
[[Page H2493]]
(5) the Department's Foreign Service Institute and other
training facilities should seek to substantially increase its
educational and training offerings to Department personnel,
including developing new and innovative educational and
training courses, methods, programs, and opportunities; and
(6) consistent with existing Department gift acceptance
authority and other applicable laws, the Department and
Foreign Service Institute may accept funds and other
resources from foundations, not-for-profit corporations, and
other appropriate sources to help the Department and the
Institute enhance the quantity and quality of training
offerings, especially in the introduction of new, innovative,
and pilot model courses.
(b) Training Float.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
develop and submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a strategy to establish a ``training float'' to
allow for up to 15 percent of the Civil and Foreign Service
to participate in long-term training at any given time. The
strategy should identify steps necessary to ensure
implementation of the training priorities identified in
subsection (c), sufficient training capacity and
opportunities are available to Civil and Foreign Service
officers, equitable distribution of long-term training
opportunities to Civil and Foreign Service officers, and any
additional resources or authorities necessary to facilitate
such a training float, including programs at the George P.
Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, the Foreign
Service Institute, the Foreign Affairs Security Training
Center, and other facilities or programs operated by the
Department of State. The strategy shall identify which types
of training would be prioritized, the extent (if any) to
which such training is already being provided to Civil and
Foreign Service officers by the Department of State, any
factors incentivizing or disincentivizing such training, and
why such training cannot be achieved without Civil and
Foreign Service officers leaving the workforce. In addition
to training opportunities provided by the Department, the
strategy shall consider training that could be provided by
the other United States Government training institutions, as
well as non-governmental educational institutions. The
strategy shall consider approaches to overcome disincentives
to pursuing long-term training.
(c) Prioritization.--In order to provide the Civil and
Foreign Service with the level of education and training
needed to effectively advance United States interests across
the globe, the Department of State should--
(1) increase its offerings--
(A) of virtual instruction to make training more accessible
to personnel deployed throughout the world; or
(B) at partner organizations to provide useful outside
perspectives to Department personnel;
(2) offer courses utilizing computer-based or assisted
simulations, allowing civilian officers to lead decision-
making in a crisis environment; and
(3) consider increasing the duration and expanding the
focus of certain training courses, including--
(A) the A-100 orientation course for Foreign Service
officers, and
(B) the chief of mission course to more accurately reflect
the significant responsibilities accompanying such role.
(d) Other Agency Responsibilities.--Other national security
agencies should increase the enrollment of their personnel in
courses at the Foreign Service Institute and other Department
of State training facilities to promote a whole-of-government
approach to mitigating national security challenges.
SEC. 1009. CLASSIFICATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF FOREIGN SERVICE
OFFICERS.
The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended--
(1) in section 501 (22 U.S.C. 3981), by inserting ``If a
position designated under this section is unfilled for more
than 365 calendar days, such position may be filled, as
appropriate, on a temporary basis, in accordance with section
309.'' after ``Positions designated under this section are
excepted from the competitive service.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) of section 502(a) (22 U.S.C. 3982(a)),
by inserting ``, or domestically, in a position working on
issues relating to a particular country or geographic area,''
after ``geographic area''.
SEC. 1010. ENERGY DIPLOMACY AND SECURITY WITHIN THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
Section 1(c) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a), as amended by section 1004 of this
Act, is further amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) (as
redesignated pursuant to such section 1004) as paragraphs (5)
and (6); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) (as added pursuant to
such section 1004) the following new paragraph:
``(4) Energy resources.--
``(A) Authorization for assistant secretary.--Subject to
the numerical limitation specified in paragraph (1), there is
authorized to be established in the Department of State an
Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources.
``(B) Personnel.--If the Department establishes an
Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources in
accordance with the authorization provided in subparagraph
(A), the Secretary of State shall ensure there are sufficient
personnel dedicated to energy matters within the Department
of State whose responsibilities shall include--
``(i) formulating and implementing international policies
aimed at protecting and advancing United States energy
security interests by effectively managing United States
bilateral and multilateral relations;
``(ii) ensuring that analyses of the national security
implications of global energy and environmental developments
are reflected in the decision making process within the
Department;
``(iii) incorporating energy security priorities into the
activities of the Department;
``(iv) coordinating energy activities of the Department
with relevant Federal departments and agencies;
``(v) coordinating with the Office of Sanctions
Coordination on economic sanctions pertaining to the
international energy sector; and
``(vi) working internationally to--
``(I) support the development of energy resources and the
distribution of such resources for the benefit of the United
States and United States allies and trading partners for
their energy security and economic development needs;
``(II) promote availability of diversified energy supplies
and a well-functioning global market for energy resources,
technologies, and expertise for the benefit of the United
States and United States allies and trading partners;
``(III) resolve international disputes regarding the
exploration, development, production, or distribution of
energy resources;
``(IV) support the economic and commercial interests of
United States persons operating in the energy markets of
foreign countries;
``(V) support and coordinate international efforts to
alleviate energy poverty;
``(VI) leading the United States commitment to the
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; and
``(VII) coordinating energy security and other relevant
functions within the Department currently undertaken by--
``(aa) the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs;
``(bb) the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental
and Scientific Affairs; and
``(cc) other offices within the Department of State.''.
SEC. 1011. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN DIPLOMACY.
Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 is amended by adding after section 63 (22 U.S.C. 2735)
the following new section:
``SEC. 64. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN DIPLOMACY.
``(a) Activities.--
``(1) Support authorized.--The Secretary of State is
authorized to provide, by contract, grant, or otherwise, for
the performance of appropriate museum visitor and educational
outreach services and related events, including organizing
programs and conference activities, museum shop services and
food services in the public exhibition and related space
utilized by the National Museum of American Diplomacy.
``(2) Recovery of costs.--The Secretary of State is
authorized to recover any revenues generated under the
authority of paragraph (1) for visitor and outreach services
and related events referred to in such paragraph, including
fees for use of facilities at the National Museum for
American Diplomacy. Any such revenues may be retained as a
recovery of the costs of operating the museum.
``(b) Disposition of National Museum of American Diplomacy
Documents, Artifacts, and Other Articles.--
``(1) Property.--All historic documents, artifacts, or
other articles permanently acquired by the Department of
State and determined by the Secretary of State to be suitable
for display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy
shall be considered to be the property of the United States
Government and shall be subject to disposition solely in
accordance with this subsection.
``(2) Sale, trade, or transfer.--Whenever the Secretary of
State makes the determination described in paragraph (3) with
respect to a document, artifact, or other article under
paragraph (1), the Secretary may sell at fair market value,
trade, or transfer such document, artifact, or other article
without regard to the requirements of subtitle I of title 40,
United States Code. The proceeds of any such sale may be used
solely for the advancement of the mission of the National
Museum of American Diplomacy and may not be used for any
purpose other than the acquisition and direct care of the
collections of the museum.
``(3) Determinations prior to sale, trade, or transfer.--
The determination described in this paragraph with respect to
a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1),
is a determination that--
``(A) such document, artifact, or other article no longer
serves to further the purposes of the National Museum of
American Diplomacy as set forth in the collections management
policy of the museum;
``(B) the sale, trade, or transfer of such document,
artifact, or other article would serve to maintain the
standards of the collection of the museum; or
``(C) sale, trade, or transfer of such document, artifact,
or other article would be in the best interests of the United
States.
``(4) Loans.--In addition to the authorization under
paragraph (2) relating to the sale,
[[Page H2494]]
trade, or transfer of documents, artifacts, or other articles
under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may loan such
documents, artifacts, or other articles, when not needed for
use or display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy
to the Smithsonian Institution or a similar institution for
repair, study, or exhibition.''.
SEC. 1012. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF FISHERMEN
FOR COSTS INCURRED FROM THE ILLEGAL SEIZURE AND
DETENTION OF U.S.-FLAG FISHING VESSELS BY
FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (e) of section 7 of the
Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1977) is
amended to read as follows:
``(e) Amounts.--Payments may be made under this section
only to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in
advance in appropriation Acts.''.
(b) Retroactive Applicability.--
(1) Effective date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
and apply as if the date specified in subsection (e) of
section 7 of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967, as in
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this
Act, were the day after such date of enactment.
(2) Agreements and payments.--The Secretary of State is
authorized to--
(A) enter into agreements pursuant to section 7 of the
Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 for any claims to which
such section would otherwise apply but for the date specified
in subsection (e) of such section, as in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B) make payments in accordance with agreements entered
into pursuant to such section if any such payments have not
been made as a result of the expiration of the date specified
in such section, as in effect on the day before the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1013. ART IN EMBASSIES.
(a) In General.--No funds are authorized to be appropriated
for the purchase of any piece of art for the purposes of
installation or display in any embassy, consulate, or other
foreign mission of the United States if the purchase price of
such piece of art is in excess of $25,000, unless such
purchase is subject to prior consultation with, and the
regular notification procedures of, the appropriate
congressional committees.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report on the
costs of the Art in Embassies Program for fiscal years 2012
through 2020.
(c) Sunset.--This section shall terminate on the date that
is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``art'' includes
paintings, sculptures, photographs, industrial design, and
craft art.
SEC. 1014. AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Burma.--
(1) In general.--Section 570 of Public Law 104-208 is
amended--
(A) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Multilateral Strategy.--The President shall develop,
in coordination with like-minded countries, a comprehensive,
multilateral strategy to--
``(1) assist Burma in addressing corrosive malign influence
of the People's Republic of China; and
``(2) support democratic, constitutional, economic, and
security sector reforms in Burma designed to--
``(A) advance democratic development and improve human
rights practices and the quality of life; and
``(B) promote genuine national reconciliation.''; and
(B) in subsection (d)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``six months'' and inserting ``year'';
(ii) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (7); and
(iii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraphs:
``(3) improvements in human rights practices;
``(4) progress toward broad-based and inclusive economic
growth;
``(5) progress toward genuine national reconciliation;
``(6) progress on improving the quality of life of the
Burmese people, including progress relating to market
reforms, living standards, labor standards, use of forced
labor in the tourism industry, and environmental quality;
and''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
and apply with respect to the first report required under
subsection (d) of section 570 of Public Law 104-208 that is
required after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Repeals.--The following provisions of law are hereby
repealed:
(1) Subsection (b) of section 804 of Public Law 101-246.
(2) Section 6 of Public Law 104-45.
(3) Subsection (c) of section 702 of Public Law 96-465 (22
U.S.C. 4022).
(4) Section 404 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act (22
U.S.C. 2593b).
(5) Section 5 of Public Law 94-304 (22 U.S.C. 3005).
(6) Subsection (b) of section 502 of the International
Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1985 (22 U.S.C.
2349aa-7).
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--Section 502 of the
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of
1985 (22 U.S.C. 2349aa-7) is amended by redesignating
subsection (c) as subsection (b).
SEC. 1015. REPORTING ON IMPLEMENTATION OF GAO
RECOMMENDATIONS.
(a) Initial Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report that lists
all of the Government Accountability Office's recommendations
relating to the Department that have not been fully
implemented.
(b) Implementation Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
the submission of the report required under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report that describes the implementation status
of each recommendation from the Government Accountability
Office included in such report.
(2) Justification.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) a detailed justification for each decision not to fully
implement a recommendation or to implement a recommendation
in a different manner than specified by the Government
Accountability Office;
(B) a timeline for the full implementation of any
recommendation the Secretary has decided to adopt, but has
not yet fully implemented; and
(C) an explanation for any discrepancies included in the
Comptroller General report submitted under subsection (b).
(c) Form.--The information required in each report under
this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, to the
maximum extent practicable, but may be included in a
classified annex to the extent necessary.
SEC. 1016. OFFICE OF GLOBAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE.
(a) In General.--There should be established within the
Department of State an Office of Global Criminal Justice
(referred to in this section as the ``Office''), which may be
placed within the organizational structure of the Department
at the discretion of the Secretary.
(b) Duties.--The Office should carry out the following:
(1) Advise the Secretary of State and other relevant senior
officials on issues related to atrocities, including war
crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
(2) Assist in formulating United States policy on the
prevention of, responses to, and accountability for
atrocities.
(3) Coordinate, as appropriate and with other relevant
Federal departments and agencies, United States Government
positions relating to the international and hybrid courts
currently prosecuting persons suspected of atrocities around
the world.
(4) Work with other governments, international
organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, as
appropriate, to establish and assist international and
domestic commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions, and
tribunals to investigate, document, and prosecute atrocities
around the world.
(5) Coordinate, as appropriate and with other relevant
Federal departments and agencies, the deployment of
diplomatic, legal, economic, military, and other tools to
help collect evidence of atrocities, judge those responsible,
protect and assist victims, enable reconciliation, prevent
and deter atrocities, and promote the rule of law.
(6) Provide advice and expertise on transitional justice
mechanisms to United States personnel operating in conflict
and post-conflict environments.
(7) Act as a point of contact for international, hybrid,
and domestic tribunals exercising jurisdiction over
atrocities committed around the world.
(8) Represent the Department on any interagency whole-of-
government coordinating entities addressing genocide and
other atrocities.
(9) Perform any additional duties and exercise such powers
as the Secretary of State may prescribe.
(c) Supervision.--If established, the Office shall be led
by an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice who is
nominated by the President and appointed by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate.
TITLE II--EMBASSY CONSTRUCTION
SEC. 1201. EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE.
For ``Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance'',
there is authorized to be appropriated $1,950,449,000 for
fiscal year 2022.
SEC. 1202. STANDARD DESIGN IN CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Department's Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO)
or successor office should give appropriate consideration to
standardization in construction, in which each new United
States embassy and consulate starts with a standard design
and keeps customization to a minimum.
(b) Consultation.--The Secretary of State shall carry out
any new United States embassy compound or new consulate
compound project that utilizes a non-standard design,
including those projects that are in the design or pre-design
phase as of the date of the enactment of this Act, only in
consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
The Secretary shall provide the appropriate congressional
committees, for each such project, the following
documentation:
[[Page H2495]]
(1) A comparison of the estimated full lifecycle costs of
the project to the estimated full lifecycle costs of such
project if it were to use a standard design.
(2) A comparison of the estimated completion date of such
project to the estimated completion date of such project if
it were to use a standard design.
(3) A comparison of the security of the completed project
to the security of such completed project if it were to use a
standard design.
(4) A justification for the Secretary's selection of a non-
standard design over a standard design for such project.
(5) A written explanation if any of the documentation
necessary to support the comparisons and justification, as
the case may be, described in paragraphs (1) through (4)
cannot be provided.
(c) Sunset.--The consultation requirement under subsection
(b) shall expire on the date that is 4 years after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1203. CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION TRANSPARENCY.
(a) In General.--Section 118 of the Department of State
Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 (22 U.S.C. 304) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``annual report on
embassy construction costs'' and inserting ``biannual report
on overseas capital construction projects''; and
(2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the
following new subsections:
``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this subsection and every 180 days
thereafter until the date that is four years after such date
of enactment, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive report
regarding all ongoing overseas capital construction projects
and major embassy security upgrade projects.
``(b) Contents.--Each report required under subsection (a)
shall include the following with respect to each ongoing
overseas capital construction project and major embassy
security upgrade project:
``(1) The initial cost estimate as specified in the
proposed allocation of capital construction and maintenance
funds required by the Committees on Appropriations for Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs.
``(2) The current cost estimate.
``(3) The value of each request for equitable adjustment
received by the Department to date.
``(4) The value of each certified claim received by the
Department to date.
``(5) The value of any usage of the project's contingency
fund to date and the value of the remainder of the project's
contingency fund.
``(6) An enumerated list of each request for adjustment and
certified claim that remains outstanding or unresolved.
``(7) An enumerated list of each request for equitable
adjustment and certified claim that has been fully
adjudicated or that the Department has settled, and the final
dollar amount of each adjudication or settlement.
``(8) The date of estimated completion specified in the
proposed allocation of capital construction and maintenance
funds required by the Committees on Appropriations not later
than 45 days after the date of the enactment of an Act making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs.
``(9) The current date of estimated completion.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year
2017 is amended by amending the item relating to section 118
to read as follows:
``Sec. 118. Biannual report on overseas capital construction
projects.''.
SEC. 1204. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.
(a) Deadline for Completion.--The Secretary of State shall
complete all contractor performance evaluations outstanding
as of the date of the enactment of this Act required by
subpart 42.15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation for those
contractors engaged in construction of new embassy or new
consulate compounds by April 1, 2022.
(b) Prioritization System.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
develop a prioritization system for clearing the current
backlog of required evaluations referred to in subsection
(a).
(2) Elements.--The system required under paragraph (1)
should prioritize the evaluations as follows:
(A) Project completion evaluations should be prioritized
over annual evaluations.
(B) Evaluations for relatively large contracts should have
priority.
(C) Evaluations that would be particularly informative for
the awarding of government contracts should have priority.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the
appropriate congressional committees on the Department's plan
for completing all evaluations by April 1, 2022, in
accordance with subsection (a) and the prioritization system
developed pursuant to subsection (b).
(d) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) contractors deciding whether to bid on Department
contracts would benefit from greater understanding of the
Department as a client; and
(2) the Department should develop a forum where contractors
can comment on the Department's project management
performance.
SEC. 1205. GROWTH PROJECTIONS FOR NEW EMBASSIES AND
CONSULATES.
(a) In General.--For each new United States embassy
compound (NEC) and new consulate compound project (NCC) in or
not yet in the design phase as of the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Department of State shall project growth
over the estimated life of the facility using all available
and relevant data, including the following:
(1) Relevant historical trends for Department personnel and
personnel from other agencies represented at the NEC or NCC
that is to be constructed.
(2) An analysis of the tradeoffs between risk and the needs
of United States Government policy conducted as part of the
most recent Vital Presence Validation Process, if applicable.
(3) Reasonable assumptions about the strategic importance
of the NEC or NCC, as the case may be, over the life of the
building at issue.
(4) Any other data that would be helpful in projecting the
future growth of NEC or NCC.
(b) Other Federal Agencies.--The head of each Federal
agency represented at a United States embassy or consulate
shall provide to the Secretary, upon request, growth
projections for the personnel of each such agency over the
estimated life of each embassy or consulate, as the case may
be.
(c) Basis for Estimates.--The Department of State shall
base its growth assumption for all NECs and NCCs on the
estimates required under subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Congressional Notification.--Any congressional
notification of site selection for a NEC or NCC submitted
after the date of the enactment of this Act shall include the
growth assumption used pursuant to subsection (c).
SEC. 1206. LONG-RANGE PLANNING PROCESS.
(a) Plans Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for the
next five years as the Secretary of State considers
appropriate, the Secretary shall develop--
(A) a comprehensive 6-year plan documenting the
Department's overseas building program for the replacement of
overseas diplomatic posts taking into account security
factors under the Secure Embassy Construction and
Counterterrorism Act of 1999 and other relevant statutes and
regulations, as well as occupational safety and health
factors pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of
1970 and other relevant statutes and regulations, including
environmental factors such as indoor air quality that impact
employee health and safety; and
(B) a comprehensive 6-year plan detailing the Department's
long-term planning for the maintenance and sustainment of
completed diplomatic posts, which takes into account security
factors under the Secure Embassy Construction and
Counterterrorism Act of 1999 and other relevant statutes and
regulations, as well as occupational safety and health
factors pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of
1970 and other relevant statutes and regulations, including
environmental factors such as indoor air quality that impact
employee health and safety.
(2) Initial report.--The first plan developed pursuant to
paragraph (1)(A) shall also include a one-time status report
on existing small diplomatic posts and a strategy for
establishing a physical diplomatic presence in countries in
which there is no current physical diplomatic presence and
with which the United States maintains diplomatic relations.
Such report, which may include a classified annex, shall
include the following:
(A) A description of the extent to which each small
diplomatic post furthers the national interest of the United
States.
(B) A description of how each small diplomatic post
provides American Citizen Services, including data on
specific services provided and the number of Americans
receiving services over the previous year.
(C) A description of whether each small diplomatic post
meets current security requirements.
(D) A description of the full financial cost of maintaining
each small diplomatic post.
(E) Input from the relevant chiefs of mission on any unique
operational or policy value the small diplomatic post
provides.
(F) A recommendation of whether any small diplomatic posts
should be closed.
(3) Updated information.--The annual updates of each of the
plans developed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall highlight any
changes from the previous year's plan to the ordering of
construction and maintenance projects.
(b) Reporting Requirements.--
(1) Submission of plans to congress.--Not later than 60
days after the completion of each plan required under
subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall submit the plans
to the appropriate congressional committees.
(2) Reference in budget justification materials.--In the
budget justification materials submitted to the appropriate
congressional committees in support of the Department of
State's budget for any fiscal year (as submitted with the
budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31,
United States Code), the plans required under subsection (a)
shall be referenced to justify funding requested for building
and maintenance projects overseas.
[[Page H2496]]
(3) Form of report.--Each report required under paragraph
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a
classified annex.
(c) Small Diplomatic Post Defined.--In this section, the
term ``small diplomatic post'' means any United States
embassy or consulate that has employed five or fewer United
States Government employees or contractors on average over
the 36 months prior to the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1207. VALUE ENGINEERING AND RISK ASSESSMENT.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Federal departments and agencies are required to use
value engineering (VE) as a management tool, where
appropriate, to reduce program and acquisition costs pursuant
to OMB Circular A-131, Value Engineering, dated December 31,
2013.
(2) OBO has a Policy Directive and Standard Operation
Procedure, dated May 24, 2017, on conducting risk management
studies on all international construction projects.
(b) Notification Requirements.--
(1) Submission to authorizing committees.--Any notification
that includes the allocation of capital construction and
maintenance funds shall be submitted to the Committee on
Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives.
(2) Requirement to confirm completion of value engineering
and risk assessment studies.--The notifications required
under paragraph (1) shall include confirmation that the
Department has completed the requisite VE and risk management
process described in subsection (a), or applicable successor
process.
(c) Reporting and Briefing Requirements.--The Secretary of
State shall provide to the appropriate congressional
committees upon request--
(1) a description of each risk management study referred to
in subsection (a)(2) and a table detailing which
recommendations related to each such study were accepted and
which were rejected; and
(2) a report or briefing detailing the rationale for not
implementing any such recommendations that may otherwise
yield significant cost savings to the Department if
implemented.
SEC. 1208. BUSINESS VOLUME.
Section 402(c)(2)(E) of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and
Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (22 U.S.C. 4852(c)(2)(E)) is
amended by striking ``in 3 years'' and inserting
``cumulatively over 3 years''.
SEC. 1209. EMBASSY SECURITY REQUESTS AND DEFICIENCIES.
The Secretary of State shall provide to the appropriate
congressional committees, the Committee on Armed Services of
the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Armed
Services of the Senate upon request information on physical
security deficiencies at United States diplomatic posts,
including relating to the following:
(1) Requests made over the previous year by United States
diplomatic posts for security upgrades.
(2) Significant security deficiencies at United States
diplomatic posts that are not operating out of a new embassy
compound or new consulate compound.
SEC. 1210. OVERSEAS SECURITY BRIEFINGS.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State shall revise the Foreign
Affairs Manual to stipulate that information on the current
threat environment shall be provided to all United States
Government employees under chief of mission authority
traveling to a foreign country on official business. To the
extent practicable, such material shall be provided to such
employees prior to their arrival at a United States
diplomatic post or as soon as possible thereafter.
SEC. 1211. CONTRACTING METHODS IN CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Delivery.--Unless the Secretary of State notifies the
appropriate congressional committees that the use of the
design-build project delivery method would not be
appropriate, the Secretary shall make use of such method at
United States diplomatic posts that have not yet received
design or capital construction contracts as of the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(b) Notification.--Before executing a contract for a
delivery method other than design-build in accordance with
subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall notify the
appropriate congressional committees in writing of the
decision, including the reasons therefor. The notification
required by this subsection may be included in any other
report regarding a new United States diplomatic post that is
required to be submitted to the appropriate congressional
committees.
(c) Performance Evaluation.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall report to the appropriate congressional committees
regarding performance evaluation measures in accordance with
GAO's ``Standards for Internal Control in the Federal
Government'' that will be applicable to design and
construction, lifecycle cost, and building maintenance
programs of the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations of the
Department.
SEC. 1212. COMPETITION IN EMBASSY CONSTRUCTION.
Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committee a report detailing steps
the Department of State is taking to expand the embassy
construction contractor base in order to increase competition
and maximize value.
SEC. 1213. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States that the Bureau of
Overseas Building Operations of the Department or its
successor office shall continue to balance functionality and
security with accessibility, as defined by guidelines
established by the United States Access Board in constructing
embassies and consulates, and shall ensure compliance with
the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et
seq.) to the fullest extent possible.
SEC. 1214. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Design-build.--The term ``design-build'' means a method
of project delivery in which one entity works under a single
contract with the Department to provide design and
construction services.
(2) Non-standard design.--The term ``non-standard design''
means a design for a new embassy compound project or new
consulate compound project that does not utilize a
standardized design for the structural, spatial, or security
requirements of such embassy compound or consulate compound,
as the case may be.
TITLE III--PERSONNEL ISSUES
SEC. 1301. DEFENSE BASE ACT INSURANCE WAIVERS.
(a) Application for Waivers.--Not later than 30 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall apply to the Department of Labor for a waiver from
insurance requirements under the Defense Base Act (42 U.S.C.
1651 et seq.) for all countries with respect to which the
requirement was waived prior to January 2017, and for which
there is not currently a waiver.
(b) Certification Requirement.--Not later than 45 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall certify to the appropriate congressional
committees that the requirement in subsection (a) has been
met.
SEC. 1302. STUDY ON FOREIGN SERVICE ALLOWANCES.
(a) Report Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing
an empirical analysis on the effect of overseas allowances on
the foreign assignment of Foreign Service officers (FSOs), to
be conducted by a federally-funded research and development
center with appropriate expertise in labor economics and
military compensation.
(2) Contents.--The analysis required under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) identify all allowances paid to FSOs assigned
permanently or on temporary duty to foreign areas;
(B) examine the efficiency of the Foreign Service bidding
system in determining foreign assignments;
(C) examine the factors that incentivize FSOs to bid on
particular assignments, including danger levels and hardship
conditions;
(D) examine the Department's strategy and process for
incentivizing FSOs to bid on assignments that are
historically in lower demand, including with monetary
compensation, and whether monetary compensation is necessary
for assignments in higher demand;
(E) make any relevant comparisons to military compensation
and allowances, noting which allowances are shared or based
on the same regulations;
(F) recommend options for restructuring allowances to
improve the efficiency of the assignments system and better
align FSO incentives with the needs of the Foreign Service,
including any cost savings associated with such
restructuring;
(G) recommend any statutory changes necessary to implement
subparagraph (F), such as consolidating existing legal
authorities for the provision of hardship and danger pay; and
(H) detail any effects of recommendations made pursuant to
subparagraphs (F) and (G) on other United States Government
departments and agencies with civilian employees permanently
assigned or on temporary duty in foreign areas, following
consultation with such departments and agencies.
(b) Briefing Requirement.--Before initiating the analysis
required under subsection (a)(1), and not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall provide to the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House
of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of this
section that includes the following:
(1) The name of the federally funded research and
development center that will conduct such analysis.
(2) The scope of such analysis and terms of reference for
such analysis as specified between the Department of State
and such federally funded research and development center.
(c) Availability of Information.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State shall make
available to the federally-funded research and development
center carrying out the analysis required under subsection
(a)(1) all necessary and relevant information
[[Page H2497]]
to allow such center to conduct such analysis in a
quantitative and analytical manner, including historical data
on the number of bids for each foreign assignment and any
survey data collected by the Department of State from
eligible bidders on their bid decision-making.
(2) Cooperation.--The Secretary of State shall work with
the heads of other relevant United States Government
departments and agencies to ensure such departments and
agencies provide all necessary and relevant information to
the federally-funded research and development center carrying
out the analysis required under subsection (a)(1).
(d) Interim Report to Congress.--The Secretary of State
shall require that the chief executive officer of the
federally-funded research and development center that carries
out the analysis required under subsection (a)(1) submit to
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives
an interim report on such analysis not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1303. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIPS.
Section 504 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act,
Fiscal Year 1979 (22 U.S.C. 2656d) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Grants and Cooperative Agreements Related to Science
and Technology Fellowship Programs.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
make grants or enter into cooperative agreements related to
Department of State science and technology fellowship
programs, including for assistance in recruiting fellows and
the payment of stipends, travel, and other appropriate
expenses to fellows.
``(2) Exclusion from consideration as compensation.--
Stipends under paragraph (1) shall not be considered
compensation for purposes of section 209 of title 18, United
States Code.
``(3) Maximum annual amount.--The total amount of grants
made pursuant to this subsection may not exceed $500,000 in
any fiscal year.''.
SEC. 1304. TRAVEL FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES.
Section 901(15) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22
U.S.C. 4081(15)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``1 round-trip per year for each child below age 21 of a
member of the Service assigned abroad'' and inserting ``in
the case of one or more children below age 21 of a member of
the Service assigned abroad, one round-trip per year'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by inserting ``for each child'' before ``to visit the
member abroad''; and
(B) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a comma;
(3) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by inserting ``for each child'' before ``to visit the
other parent''; and
(B) by inserting ``or'' after ``resides,'';
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) for one of the child's parents to visit the child or
children abroad if the child or children do not regularly
reside with that parent and that parent is not receiving an
education allowance or educational travel allowance for the
child or children under section 5924(4) of title 5, United
States Code,''; and
(5) in the matter following subparagraph (C), as added by
paragraph (4) of this section, by striking ``a payment'' and
inserting ``the cost of round-trip travel''.
SEC. 1305. HOME LEAVE TRAVEL FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES.
Section 903(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22
U.S.C. 4083(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``In cases in which a member of the Service has
official orders to an unaccompanied post and in which the
family members of the member reside apart from the member at
authorized locations outside the United States, the member
may take the leave ordered under this section where that
member's family members reside, notwithstanding section 6305
of title 5, United States Code.''.
SEC. 1306. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING CERTAIN FELLOWSHIP
PROGRAMS.
It is the sense of Congress that Department fellowships
that promote the employment of candidates belonging to under-
represented groups, including the Charles B. Rangel
International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, the Thomas
R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program, and the
Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program,
represent smart investments vital for building a strong,
capable, and representative national security workforce.
SEC. 1307. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.
Subparagraph (A) of section 601(c)(6) of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4001(c)(6)) is amended, in the
matter preceding clause (i), by--
(1) striking ``promotion'' and inserting ``promotion, on or
after January 1, 2017,''; and
(2) striking ``individual joining the Service on or after
January 1, 2017,'' and inserting ``Foreign Service officer,
appointed under section 302(a)(1), who has general
responsibility for carrying out the functions of the
Service''.
SEC. 1308. FOREIGN SERVICE AWARDS.
(a) In General.--Section 614 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 4013) is amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
``department awards''; and
(2) in the first sentence, by inserting ``or Civil
Service'' after ``the Service''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The item relating to section 614
in the table of contents of the Foreign Service Act of 1980
is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 614. Department awards.''.
SEC. 1309. WORKFORCE ACTIONS.
(a) Sense of Congress on Workforce Recruitment.--It is the
sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should continue
to hold entry-level classes for Foreign Service officers and
specialists and continue to recruit civil servants through
programs such as the Presidential Management Fellows Program
and Pathways Internship Programs in a manner and at a
frequency consistent with prior years and consistent with the
need to maintain a pool of experienced personnel effectively
distributed across skill codes and ranks. It is further the
sense of Congress that absent continuous recruitment and
training of Foreign Service officers and civil servants, the
Department of State will lack experienced, qualified
personnel in the short, medium, and long terms.
(b) Limitation.--The Secretary of State should not
implement any reduction-in-force action under section 3502 or
3595 of title 5, United States Code, or for any incentive
payments for early separation or retirement under any other
provision of law unless--
(1) the appropriate congressional committees are notified
not less than 15 days in advance of such obligation or
expenditure; and
(2) the Secretary has provided to the appropriate
congressional committees a detailed report that describes the
Department of State's strategic staffing goals, including--
(A) a justification that describes how any proposed
workforce reduction enhances the effectiveness of the
Department;
(B) a certification that such workforce reduction is in the
national interest of the United States;
(C) a comprehensive strategic staffing plan for the
Department, including 5-year workforce forecasting and a
description of the anticipated impact of any proposed
workforce reduction; and
(D) a dataset displaying comprehensive workforce data for
all current and planned employees of the Department,
disaggregated by--
(i) Foreign Service officer and Foreign Service specialist
rank;
(ii) civil service job skill code, grade level, and bureau
of assignment;
(iii) contracted employees, including the equivalent job
skill code and bureau of assignment; and
(iv) employees hired under schedule C of subpart C of part
213 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, including their
equivalent grade and job skill code and bureau of assignment.
SEC. 1310. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AT
THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Department of State should continue to promote the
employment of veterans, in accordance with section 301 of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3941), as amended by
section 1407 of this Act, including those veterans belonging
to traditionally under-represented groups at the Department;
(2) veterans employed by the Department have made
significant contributions to United States foreign policy in
a variety of regional and global affairs bureaus and
diplomatic posts overseas; and
(3) the Department should continue to encourage veteran
employment and facilitate their participation in the
workforce.
SEC. 1311. EMPLOYEE ASSIGNMENT RESTRICTIONS AND PRECLUSIONS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Department of State should expand the appeal process it
makes available to employees related to assignment
preclusions and restrictions.
(b) Appeal of Assignment Restriction or Preclusion.--
Subsection (a) of section 414 of the Department of State
Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2734c(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following new sentences:
``Such right and process shall ensure that any employee
subjected to an assignment restriction or preclusion shall
have the same appeal rights as provided by the Department
regarding denial or revocation of a security clearance. Any
such appeal shall be resolved not later than 60 days after
such appeal is filed.''.
(c) Notice and Certification.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall revise, and certify to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate regarding such revision, the Foreign
Affairs Manual guidance regarding denial or revocation of a
security clearance to expressly state that all review and
appeal rights relating thereto shall also apply to any
recommendation or decision to impose an assignment
restriction or preclusion to an employee.
SEC. 1312. RECALL AND REEMPLOYMENT OF CAREER MEMBERS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) career Department of State employees provide invaluable
service to the United
[[Page H2498]]
States as nonpartisan professionals who contribute subject
matter expertise and professional skills to the successful
development and execution of United States foreign policy;
and
(2) reemployment of skilled former members of the Foreign
and civil service who have voluntarily separated from the
Foreign or civil service due to family reasons or to obtain
professional skills outside government is of benefit to the
Department.
(b) Notice of Employment Opportunities for Department of
State and USAID Positions.--
(1) In general.--Title 5, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after chapter 102 the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 103--NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEPARTMENT OF
STATE AND USAID POSITIONS
``Sec.
``10301. Notice of employment opportunities for Department of State and
USAID positions.
``Sec. 10301. Notice of employment opportunities for
Department of State and USAID positions
``To ensure that individuals who have separated from the
Department of State or the United States Agency for
International Development and who are eligible for
reappointment are aware of such opportunities, the Department
of State and the United States Agency for International
Development shall publicize notice of all employment
opportunities, including positions for which the relevant
agency is accepting applications from individuals within the
agency's workforce under merit promotion procedures, on
publicly accessible sites, including www.usajobs.gov. If
using merit promotion procedures, the notice shall expressly
state that former employees eligible for reinstatement may
apply.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of chapters at the
beginning of part III of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end of subpart I the following:
``103. Notice of employment opportunities for Department of State and
USAID positions........................................10301''.....
SEC. 1313. STRATEGIC STAFFING PLAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
STATE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
comprehensive 5-year strategic staffing plan for the
Department of State that is aligned with and furthers the
objectives of the National Security Strategy of the United
States of America issued in December 2017, or any subsequent
strategy issued not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, which shall include the following:
(1) A dataset displaying comprehensive workforce data,
including all shortages in bureaus described in GAO report
GAO-19-220, for all current and planned employees of the
Department, disaggregated by--
(A) Foreign Service officer and Foreign Service specialist
rank;
(B) civil service job skill code, grade level, and bureau
of assignment;
(C) contracted employees, including the equivalent job
skill code and bureau of assignment;
(D) employees hired under schedule C of subpart C of part
213 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, including the
equivalent grade and job skill code and bureau of assignment
of such employee; and
(E) overseas region.
(2) Recommendations on the number of Foreign Service
officers disaggregated by service cone that should be posted
at each United States diplomatic post and in the District of
Columbia, with a detailed basis for such recommendations.
(3) Recommendations on the number of civil service officers
that should be employed by the Department, with a detailed
basis for such recommendations.
(b) Maintenance.--The dataset required under subsection
(a)(1) shall be maintained and updated on a regular basis.
(c) Consultation.--The Secretary of State shall lead the
development of the plan required under subsection (a) but may
consult or partner with private sector entities with
expertise in labor economics, management, or human resources,
as well as organizations familiar with the demands and needs
of the Department of State's workforce.
(d) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report regarding
root causes of Foreign Service and civil service shortages,
the effect of such shortages on national security objectives,
and the Department of State 's plan to implement
recommendations described in GAO-19-220.
SEC. 1314. CONSULTING SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 103 of title 5, United States
Code, as added by section 1312(b) of this Act, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 10302. Consulting services for the Department of State
``Any consulting service obtained by the Department of
State through procurement contract pursuant to section 3109
of title 5, United States Code, shall be limited to those
contracts with respect to which expenditures are a matter of
public record and available for public inspection, except if
otherwise provided under existing law, or under existing
Executive order issued pursuant to existing law.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter
103 of title 5, United States Code, as added by section
1312(b) of this Act, is amended by adding after the item
relating to section 10301 the following new item:
``10302. Consulting services for the Department of State''.
SEC. 1315. INCENTIVES FOR CRITICAL POSTS.
Section 1115(d) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act,
2009 (Public Law 111-32) is amended by striking the last
sentence.
SEC. 1316. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY
REVIEW BOARDS.
Section 301(a)(3) of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and
Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (22 U.S.C. 4831(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``afghanistan and'' and
inserting ``afghanistan, yemen, syria, and''; and
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``Afghanistan or'' and
inserting ``Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, or''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``beginning on October 1,
2005, and ending on September 30, 2009'' and inserting
``beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on September 30,
2022''.
SEC. 1317. FOREIGN SERVICE SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY.
Subsection (c) of section 610 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 4010) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``suspend'' and inserting ``indefinitely
suspend without duties'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7);
(3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraphs:
``(5) For each member of the Service suspended under
paragraph (1)(A) whose security clearance remains suspended
for more than one calendar year, not later than 30 days after
the end of such calendar year the Secretary of State shall
report to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate in writing regarding the specific reasons relating to
the duration of each such suspension.
``(6) Any member of the Service suspended under paragraph
(1)(B) may be suspended without pay only after a final
written decision is provided to such member pursuant to
paragraph (2).''; and
(4) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``(7) In this subsection:'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(A) The term'' and
inserting the following:
``(7) In this subsection, the term--'';
(C) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs
(A) and (B), respectively, and moving such subparagraphs 2
ems to the left; and
(D) by striking subparagraph (B) (relating to the
definition of ``suspend'' and ``suspension'').
SEC. 1318. FOREIGN AFFAIRS MANUAL AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS
HANDBOOK CHANGES.
(a) Applicability.--The Foreign Affairs Manual and the
Foreign Affairs Handbook apply with equal force and effect
and without exception to all Department of State personnel,
including the Secretary of State, Department employees, and
political appointees, regardless of an individual's status as
a Foreign Service officer, Civil Service employee, or
political appointee hired under any legal authority.
(b) Certification.--Not later than 30 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
certification in unclassified form that the applicability
described in subsection (a) has been communicated to all
Department personnel, including the personnel referred to in
such subsection.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act and every 180 days thereafter for
five years, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report detailing all
significant changes made to the Foreign Affairs Manual or the
Foreign Affairs Handbook.
(2) Covered periods.--The first report required under
paragraph (1) shall cover the 5-year period preceding the
submission of such report. Each subsequent report shall cover
the 180-day period preceding submission.
(3) Contents.--Each report required under paragraph (1)
shall contain the following:
(A) The location within the Foreign Affairs Manual or the
Foreign Affairs Handbook where a change has been made.
(B) The statutory basis for each such change, as
applicable.
(C) A side-by-side comparison of the Foreign Affairs Manual
or Foreign Affairs Handbook before and after such change.
(D) A summary of such changes displayed in spreadsheet
form.
SEC. 1319. WAIVER AUTHORITY FOR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS OF CERTAIN POSITIONS.
The Secretary of State may waive any or all of the
individual occupational requirements with respect to an
employee or prospective employee of the Department of State
for a civilian position categorized under the GS-0130
occupational series if the Secretary determines that the
individual
[[Page H2499]]
possesses significant scientific, technological, engineering,
or mathematical expertise that is integral to performing the
duties of the applicable position, based on demonstrated job
performance and qualifying experience. With respect to each
waiver granted under this subsection, the Secretary shall set
forth in a written document that is transmitted to the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management the rationale
for the decision of the Secretary to waive such requirements.
SEC. 1320. APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEES TO THE GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
CENTER.
The Secretary of State may appoint, for a 3-year period
that may be extended for up to an additional two years,
solely to carry out the functions of the Global Engagement
Center, employees of the Department of State without regard
to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointment in the competitive service, and may fix the basic
compensation of such employees without regard to chapter 51
and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title.
SEC. 1321. REST AND RECUPERATION AND OVERSEAS OPERATIONS
LEAVE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 63 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new sections:
``Sec. 6329d. Rest and recuperation leave
``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `agency' means an Executive agency (as that
term is defined in section 105), but does not include the
Government Accountability Office;
``(2) the term `combat zone' means a geographic area
designated by an Executive order of the President as an area
in which the Armed Forces are engaging or have engaged in
combat, an area designated by law to be treated as a combat
zone, or a location the Department of Defense has certified
for combat zone tax benefits due to its direct support of
military operations;
``(3) the term `employee' has the meaning given that term
in section 6301;
``(4) the term `high risk, high threat post' has the
meaning given that term in section 104 of the Omnibus
Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (22 U.S.C.
4803); and
``(5) the term `leave year' means the period beginning on
the first day of the first complete pay period in a calendar
year and ending on the day immediately before the first day
of the first complete pay period in the following calendar
year.
``(b) Leave for Rest and Recuperation.--The head of an
agency may prescribe regulations to grant up to 20 days of
paid leave, per leave year, for the purposes of rest and
recuperation to an employee of the agency serving in a combat
zone, any other high risk, high threat post, or any other
location presenting significant security or operational
challenges.
``(c) Discretionary Authority of Agency Head.--Use of the
authority under subsection (b) is at the sole and exclusive
discretion of the head of the agency concerned.
``(d) Records.--An agency shall record leave provided under
this section separately from leave authorized under any other
provision of law.
``Sec. 6329e. Overseas operations leave
``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `agency' means an Executive agency (as that
term is defined in section 105), but does not include the
Government Accountability Office;
``(2) the term `employee' has the meaning given that term
in section 6301; and
``(3) the term `leave year' means the period beginning with
the first day of the first complete pay period in a calendar
year and ending with the day immediately before the first day
of the first complete pay period in the following calendar
year.
``(b) Leave for Overseas Operations.--The head of an agency
may prescribe regulations to grant up to 10 days of paid
leave, per leave year, to an employee of the agency serving
abroad where the conduct of business could pose potential
security or safety related risks or would be inconsistent
with host-country practice. Such regulations may provide that
additional leave days may be granted during such leave year
if the head of the agency determines that to do so is
necessary to advance the national security or foreign policy
interests of the United States.
``(c) Discretionary Authority of Agency Head.--Use of the
authority under subsection (b) is at the sole and exclusive
discretion of the head of the agency concerned.
``(d) Records.--An agency shall record leave provided under
this section separately from leave authorized under any other
provision of law.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 6329c the following new items:
``6329d. Rest and recuperation leave
``6329e. Overseas operations leave''.
SEC. 1322. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY.
Section 3 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2670) is amended--
(1) in subsection (l), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subsection (m), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(n) in exigent circumstances, as determined by the
Secretary, provide emergency medical services or related
support for private United States citizens, nationals, and
permanent resident aliens abroad, or third country nationals
connected to such persons or to the diplomatic or development
missions of the United States abroad, who are unable to
obtain such services or support otherwise, with such
assistance provided on a reimbursable basis to the extent
feasible.''.
SEC. 1323. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall establish the
Department of State Student Internship Program (in this
section referred to as the ``Program'') to offer internship
opportunities at the Department of State to eligible students
to raise awareness of the essential role of diplomacy in the
conduct of United States foreign policy and the realization
of United States foreign policy objectives.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the
Program, an applicant shall--
(1) be enrolled, not less than half-time, at--
(A) an institution of higher education (as such term is
defined section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002)); or
(B) an institution of higher education based outside the
United States, as determined by the Secretary of State;
(2) be able to receive and hold an appropriate security
clearance; and
(3) satisfy such other criteria as established by the
Secretary.
(c) Selection.--The Secretary of State shall establish
selection criteria for students to be admitted into the
Program that includes the following:
(1) Demonstrable interest in a career in foreign affairs.
(2) Academic performance.
(3) Such other criteria as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Outreach.--The Secretary of State shall advertise the
Program widely, including on the internet, through the
Department of State's Diplomats in Residence program, and
through other outreach and recruiting initiatives targeting
undergraduate and graduate students. The Secretary shall
actively encourage people belonging to traditionally under-
represented groups in terms of racial, ethnic, geographic,
and gender diversity, and disability status to apply to the
Program, including by conducting targeted outreach at
minority serving institutions (as such term is described in
section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a)).
(e) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--Students participating in the Program
shall be paid at least--
(A) the amount specified in section 6(a)(1) of the Fair
Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)), or
(B) the minimum wage of the jurisdiction in which the
internship is located,
whichever is greater.
(2) Housing assistance.--
(A) Abroad.--The Secretary of State shall provide housing
assistance to a student participating in the Program whose
permanent address is within the United States if the location
of the internship in which such student is participating is
outside the United States.
(B) Domestic.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
provide housing assistance to a student participating in the
Program whose permanent address is within the United States
if the location of the internship in which such student is
participating is more than 50 miles away from such student's
permanent address.
(3) Travel assistance.--The Secretary of State shall
provide a student participating in the Program whose
permanent address is within the United States financial
assistance to cover the costs of travel once to and once from
the location of the internship in which such student is
participating, including travel by air, train, bus, or other
transit as appropriate, if the location of such internship
is--
(A) more than 50 miles from such student's permanent
address; or
(B) outside the United States.
(f) Working With Institutions of Higher Education.--The
Secretary of State is authorized to enter into agreements
with institutions of higher education to structure
internships to ensure such internships satisfy criteria for
academic programs in which participants in such internships
are enrolled.
(g) Transition Period.--
(1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
transition all unpaid internship programs of the Department,
including the Foreign Service Internship Program, to
internship programs that offer compensation. Upon selection
as a candidate for entry into an internship program of the
Department after such date, a participant in such internship
program shall be afforded the opportunity to forgo
compensation, including if doing so allows such participant
to receive college or university curricular credit.
(2) Exception.--The transition required under paragraph (1)
shall not apply in the case of unpaid internship programs of
the Department of State that are part of the Virtual Student
Federal Service internship program.
(3) Waiver.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the requirement
under this subsection to transition an unpaid internship
program of the Department to an internship program that
offers compensation if the Secretary determines and not later
than 30 days after any
[[Page H2500]]
such determination submits to the appropriate congressional
committees a report that to do so would not be consistent
with effective management goals.
(B) Report.--The report required under subparagraph (A)
shall describe the reason why transitioning an unpaid
internship program of the Department to an internship program
that offers compensation would not be consistent with
effective management goals, including any justification for
maintaining such unpaid status indefinitely, or any
additional authorities or resources necessary to transition
such unpaid program to offer compensation in the future.
(h) Reports.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of a
Senate a report that includes the following:
(1) Data, to the extent collection of such information is
permissible by law, regarding the number of students,
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, institution of
higher learning, home State, State where each student
graduated from high school, and disability status, who
applied to the Program, were offered a position, and
participated.
(2) Data on the number of security clearance investigations
started for such students and the timeline for such
investigations, including whether such investigations were
completed or if, and when, an interim security clearance was
granted.
(3) Information on expenditures on the Program.
(4) Information regarding the Department of State's
compliance with subsection (g).
(i) Voluntary Participation.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to compel any student who is a participant in an internship
program of the Department of State to participate in the
collection of the data or divulge any personal information.
Such students shall be informed that their participation in
the data collection contemplated by this section is
voluntary.
(2) Privacy protection.--Any data collected under this
section shall be subject to the relevant privacy protection
statutes and regulations applicable to Federal employees.
(j) Special Hiring Authority.--The Department of State may
offer compensated internships for not more than 52 weeks, and
select, appoint, employ, and remove individuals in such
compensated internships without regard to the provisions of
law governing appointments in the competitive service.
(k) Use of Funds.--Internships offered and compensated by
the Department subject to this section shall be funded by
amounts appropriated pursuant to--
(1) the authorization of appropriations under section 1001;
and
(2) any other Act.
SEC. 1324. COMPETITIVE STATUS FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES HIRED BY
INSPECTORS GENERAL TO SUPPORT THE LEAD IG
MISSION.
Subparagraph (A) of section 8L(d)(5) of the Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking
``a lead Inspector General for'' and inserting ``any of the
Inspectors General specified in subsection (c) for oversight
of''.
SEC. 1325. COOPERATION WITH OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
(a) Administrative Discipline.--Not later than 30 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall make explicit in writing to all Department of
State personnel, including the Secretary of State, Department
employees, contractors, and political appointees, and shall
consider updating the Foreign Affairs Manual and the Foreign
Affairs Handbook to explicitly specify, that if any of such
personnel does not comply within 60 days with a request for
an interview or access to documents from the Office of the
Inspector General of the Department such personnel may be
subject to appropriate administrative discipline including,
when circumstances warrant, suspension without pay or
removal.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act and on a quarterly basis
thereafter, the Office of the Inspector General of the
Department of State and the United States Agency for Global
Media shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees and the Secretary of State a report in
unclassified form detailing the following:
(A) The number of individuals who have failed to comply
within 60 days with a request for an interview or access to
documents from the Office of the Inspector General pertaining
to a non-criminal matter.
(B) The date on which such requests were initially made.
(C) Any extension of time that was voluntarily granted to
such individual by the Office of the Inspector General.
(D) The general subject matters regarding which the Office
of the Inspector General has requested of such individuals.
(2) Form.--Additional information pertaining solely to the
subject matter of a request described in paragraph (1) may be
provided in a supplemental classified annex, if necessary,
but all other information required by the reports required
under such paragraph shall be provided in unclassified form.
SEC. 1326. INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
CONSISTENT WITH THE INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT.
Not later than March 31, 2022, and annually thereafter, the
Director of the Office of Overseas Schools of the Department
of State shall maintain and update a list of overseas schools
receiving assistance from the Office and detailing the extent
to which each such school provides special education and
related services to children with disabilities in accordance
with part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.). Each list required under this
section shall be posted on the public website of the Office
for access by members of the Foreign Service, Senior Foreign
Service, and their eligible family members.
SEC. 1327. IMPLEMENTATION OF GAP MEMORANDUM IN SELECTION
BOARD PROCESS.
(a) In General.--Section 603 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 4003) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(c)(1) A member of the Service or member of the Senior
Foreign Service whose performance will be evaluated by a
selection board may submit to such selection board a gap memo
in advance of such evaluation.
``(2) Members of a selection board may not consider as
negative the submission of a gap memo by a member described
in paragraph (1) when evaluating the performance of such
member.
``(3) In this subsection, the term `gap memo' means a
written record, submitted to a selection board in a standard
format established by the Director General of the Foreign
Service, which indicates and explains a gap in the record of
a member of the Service or member of the Senior Foreign
Service whose performance will be evaluated by such selection
board, which gap is due to personal circumstances, including
for health, family, or other reason as determined by the
Director General in consultation with the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.''.
(b) Consultation and Guidance.--
(1) Consultation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Director General of the
Foreign Service shall consult with the Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Foreign Relations of the Senate regarding the development of
the gap memo under subsection (c) of section 603 of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``gap memo''
has the meaning given such term in subsection (c) of section
603 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980.
TITLE IV--A DIVERSE WORKFORCE: RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND PROMOTION
SEC. 1401. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Applicant flow data.--The term ``applicant flow data''
means data that tracks the rate of applications for job
positions among demographic categories.
(2) Demographic data.--The term ``demographic data'' means
facts or statistics relating to the demographic categories
specified in the Office of Management and Budget statistical
policy directive entitled ``Standards for Maintaining,
Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and
Ethnicity'' (81 Fed. Reg. 67398).
(3) Diversity.--The term ``diversity'' means those classes
of persons protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42
U.S.C. 2000a et seq.) and the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
(4) Workforce.--The term ``workforce'' means--
(A) individuals serving in a position in the civil service
(as such term is defined in section 2101 of title 5, United
States Code);
(B) individuals who are members of the Foreign Service (as
such term defined in section 103 of the Foreign Service Act
of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3902));
(C) all individuals serving under a personal services
contract;
(D) all individuals serving under a Foreign Service limited
appointment under section 309 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 3949); or
(E) individuals other than Locally Employed Staff working
in the Department of State under any other authority.
SEC. 1402. COLLECTION, ANALYSIS, AND DISSEMINATION OF
WORKFORCE DATA.
(a) Initial Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall,
in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management and the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget, submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
report, which shall also be published on a publicly available
website of the Department in a searchable database format,
that includes disaggregated demographic data and other
information regarding the diversity of the workforce of the
Department of State.
(b) Data.--The report under subsection (a) shall include
the following data to the maximum extent collection of such
data is permissible by law:
(1) Demographic data on each element of the workforce of
the Department of State, disaggregated by rank and grade or
grade-equivalent, with respect to the following groups:
(A) Applicants for positions in the Department.
(B) Individuals hired to join the workforce.
[[Page H2501]]
(C) Individuals promoted during the 5-year period ending on
the date of the enactment of this Act, including promotions
to and within the Senior Executive Service or the Senior
Foreign Service.
(D) Individuals serving during the 5-year period ending on
the date of the enactment of this Act as special assistants
in any of the offices of the Secretary of State, the Deputy
Secretary of State, the Counselor of the Department of State,
the Secretary's Policy Planning Staff, the Under Secretary
for Arms Control and International Security, the Under
Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights,
the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment, the Undersecretary for Management, the
Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, and the
Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.
(E) Individuals serving in the 5-year period ending on the
date of the enactment of this Act in each bureau's front
office.
(F) Individuals serving in the 5-year period ending on the
date of the enactment of this Act as detailees to the
National Security Council.
(G) Individuals serving on applicable selection boards.
(H) Members of any external advisory committee or board who
are subject to appointment by individuals at senior positions
in the Department.
(I) Individuals participating in professional development
programs of the Department, and the extent to which such
participants have been placed into senior positions within
the Department after such participation.
(J) Individuals participating in mentorship or retention
programs.
(K) Individuals who separated from the agency during the 5-
year period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act,
including individuals in the Senior Executive Service or the
Senior Foreign Service.
(2) An assessment of agency compliance with the essential
elements identified in Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission Management Directive 715, effective October 1,
2003.
(3) Data on the overall number of individuals who are part
of the workforce, the percentages of such workforce
corresponding to each element specified in section 1401(4),
and the percentages corresponding to each rank, grade, or
grade-equivalent.
(c) Recommendation.--The Secretary of State may include in
the report under subsection (a) a recommendation to the
Director of Office of Management and Budget and to the
appropriate congressional committees regarding whether the
Department of State should be permitted to collect more
detailed data on demographic categories in addition to the
race and ethnicity categories specified in the Office of
Management and Budget statistical policy directive entitled
``Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting
Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity'' (81 Fed. Reg. 67398), in
order to comply with the intent and requirements of this Act.
(d) Other Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall
also describe and assess the effectiveness of the efforts of
the Department of State--
(1) to propagate fairness, impartiality, and inclusion in
the work environment, both domestically and abroad;
(2) to enforce anti-harassment and anti-discrimination
policies, both domestically and at posts overseas;
(3) to refrain from engaging in unlawful discrimination in
any phase of the employment process, including recruitment,
hiring, evaluation, assignments, promotion, retention, and
training;
(4) to prevent retaliation against employees for
participating in a protected equal employment opportunity
activity or for reporting sexual harassment or sexual
assault;
(5) to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified
employees and applicants with disabilities; and
(6) to recruit a representative workforce by--
(A) recruiting women, persons with disabilities, and
minorities;
(B) recruiting at women's colleges, historically Black
colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and
other institutions serving a significant percentage of
minority students;
(C) placing job advertisements in newspapers, magazines,
and job sites oriented toward women and minorities;
(D) sponsoring and recruiting at job fairs in urban and
rural communities and land-grant colleges or universities;
(E) providing opportunities through the Foreign Service
Internship Program under chapter 12 of the Foreign Service
Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4141 et seq.) and other hiring
initiatives;
(F) recruiting mid-level and senior-level professionals
through programs designed to increase representation in
international affairs of people belonging to traditionally
under-represented groups;
(G) offering the Foreign Service written and oral
assessment examinations in several locations throughout the
United States to reduce the burden of applicants having to
travel at their own expense to take either or both such
examinations;
(H) expanding the use of paid internships; and
(I) supporting recruiting and hiring opportunities
through--
(i) the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
Program;
(ii) the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Program; and
(iii) other initiatives, including agency-wide policy
initiatives.
(e) Annual Updates.--Not later than one year after the
publication of the report required under subsection (a) and
annually thereafter for the following five years, the
Secretary of State shall work with the Director of the Office
of Personnel Management and the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget to provide a report to the appropriate
congressional committees, which shall be posted on the
Department's website, which may be included in another annual
report required under another provision of law, that
includes--
(1) disaggregated demographic data, to the maximum extent
collection of such data is permissible by law, relating to
the workforce and information on the status of diversity and
inclusion efforts of the Department;
(2) an analysis of applicant flow data, to the maximum
extent collection of such data is permissible by law,; and
(3) disaggregated demographic data relating to participants
in professional development programs of the Department and
the rate of placement into senior positions for participants
in such programs.
SEC. 1403. EXIT INTERVIEWS FOR WORKFORCE.
(a) Retained Members.--The Director General of the Foreign
Service and the Director of the Bureau of Human Resources or
its equivalent shall conduct periodic interviews with a
representative and diverse cross-section of the workforce of
the Department of State--
(1) to understand the reasons of individuals in such
workforce for remaining in a position in the Department; and
(2) to receive feedback on workplace policies, professional
development opportunities, and other issues affecting the
decision of individuals in the workforce to remain in the
Department.
(b) Departing Members.--The Director General of the Foreign
Service and the Director of the Bureau of Human Resources or
its equivalent shall provide an opportunity for an exit
interview to each individual in the workforce of the
Department of State who separates from service with the
Department to better understand the reasons of such
individual for leaving such service.
(c) Use of Analysis From Interviews.--The Director General
of the Foreign Service and the Director of the Bureau of
Human Resources or its equivalent shall analyze demographic
data and other information obtained through interviews under
subsections (a) and (b) to determine--
(1) to what extent, if any, the diversity of those
participating in such interviews impacts the results; and
(2) whether to implement any policy changes or include any
recommendations in a report required under subsection (a) or
(e) of section 1402 relating to the determination reached
pursuant to paragraph (1).
(d) Tracking Data.--The Department of State shall--
(1) track demographic data relating to participants in
professional development programs and the rate of placement
into senior positions for participants in such programs;
(2) annually evaluate such data--
(A) to identify ways to improve outreach and recruitment
for such programs, consistent with merit system principles;
and
(B) to understand the extent to which participation in any
professional development program offered or sponsored by the
Department differs among the demographic categories of the
workforce; and
(3) actively encourage participation from a range of
demographic categories, especially from categories with
consistently low participation, in such professional
development programs.
SEC. 1404. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall--
(1) continue to seek a diverse and talented pool of
applicants; and
(2) instruct the Director General of the Foreign Service
and the Director of the Bureau of Human Resources of the
Department of State to have a recruitment plan of action for
the recruitment of people belonging to traditionally under-
represented groups, which should include outreach at
appropriate colleges, universities, affinity groups, and
professional associations.
(b) Scope.--The diversity recruitment initiatives described
in subsection (a) shall include--
(1) recruiting at women's colleges, historically Black
colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and
other institutions serving a significant percentage of
minority students;
(2) placing job advertisements in newspapers, magazines,
and job sites oriented toward diverse groups;
(3) sponsoring and recruiting at job fairs in urban and
rural communities and land-grant colleges or universities;
(4) providing opportunities through highly respected,
international leadership programs, that focus on diversity
recruitment and retention;
(5) expanding the use of paid internships; and
(6) cultivating partnerships with organizations dedicated
to the advancement of the profession of international affairs
and national security to advance shared diversity goals.
(c) Expand Training on Anti-harassment and Anti-
discrimination.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State shall, through the
Foreign Service Institute
[[Page H2502]]
and other educational and training opportunities--
(A) ensure the provision to all individuals in the
workforce of training on anti-harassment and anti-
discrimination information and policies, including in
existing Foreign Service Institute courses or modules
prioritized in the Department of State's Diversity and
Inclusion Strategic Plan for 2016-2020 to promote diversity
in Bureau awards or mitigate unconscious bias;
(B) expand the provision of training on workplace rights
and responsibilities to focus on anti-harassment and anti-
discrimination information and policies, including policies
relating to sexual assault prevention and response; and
(C) make such expanded training mandatory for--
(i) individuals in senior and supervisory positions;
(ii) individuals having responsibilities related to
recruitment, retention, or promotion of employees; and
(iii) any other individual determined by the Department who
needs such training based on analysis by the Department or
OPM analysis.
(2) Best practices.--The Department of State shall give
special attention to ensuring the continuous incorporation of
research-based best practices in training provided under this
subsection.
SEC. 1405. PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE NATIONAL
SECURITY WORKFORCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall ensure that
individuals in senior and supervisory positions of the
Department of State, or Department individuals having
responsibilities related to recruitment, retention, or
promotion of employees, should have a demonstrated commitment
to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion.
(b) Consideration.--In making any recommendations on
nominations, conducting interviews, identifying or selecting
candidates, or appointing acting individuals for positions
equivalent to an Assistant Secretary or above, the Secretary
of State shall use best efforts to consider at least one
individual reflective of diversity.
(c) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State shall establish a
mechanism to ensure that appointments or details of
Department of State employees to staff positions in the
Offices of the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, the Counselor
of the Department, the Secretary's Policy Planning Staff, or
any of the Undersecretaries of State, and details to the
National Security Council, are transparent, competitive,
equitable, and inclusive, and made without regard to an
individual's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy,
transgender status, or sexual orientation), national origin,
age (if 40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
(2) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report regarding
the mechanism required under paragraph (1).
(d) Availability.--The Secretary of State shall use best
efforts to consider at least one individual reflective of
diversity for the staff positions specified in subsection
(c)(1) and ensure such positions are equitably available to
employees of the civil service and Foreign Service.
SEC. 1406. LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) Reward and Recognize Efforts to Promote Diversity and
Inclusion.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State shall implement
performance and advancement requirements that reward and
recognize the efforts of individuals in senior positions and
supervisors in the Department of State in fostering an
inclusive environment and cultivating talent consistent with
merit system principles, such as through participation in
mentoring programs or sponsorship initiatives, recruitment
events, and other similar opportunities.
(2) Outreach events.--The Secretary of State shall create
opportunities for individuals in senior positions and
supervisors in the Department of State to participate in
outreach events and to discuss issues relating to diversity
and inclusion with the workforce on a regular basis,
including with employee resource groups.
(b) External Advisory Committees and Boards.--For each
external advisory committee or board to which individuals in
senior positions in the Department of State appoint members,
the Secretary of State is strongly encouraged by Congress to
ensure such external advisory committee or board is
developed, reviewed, and carried out by qualified teams that
represent the diversity of the organization.
SEC. 1407. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND TOOLS.
(a) Expand Provision of Professional Development and Career
Advancement Opportunities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
expand professional development opportunities that support
the mission needs of the Department of State, such as--
(A) academic programs;
(B) private-public exchanges; and
(C) detail assignments to relevant positions in--
(i) private or international organizations;
(ii) State, local, and Tribal governments;
(iii) other branches of the Federal Government; or
(iv) professional schools of international affairs.
(2) Training for senior positions.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of State shall offer, or
sponsor members of the workforce to participate in, a Senior
Executive Service candidate development program or other
program that trains members on the skills required for
appointment to senior positions in the Department of State.
(B) Requirements.--In determining which members of the
workforce are granted professional development or career
advancement opportunities under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary of State shall--
(i) ensure any program offered or sponsored by the
Department of State under such subparagraph comports with the
requirements of subpart C of part 412 of title 5, Code of
Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, including
merit staffing and assessment requirements;
(ii) consider the number of expected vacancies in senior
positions as a factor in determining the number of candidates
to select for such programs;
(iii) understand how participation in any program offered
or sponsored by the Department under such subparagraph
differs by gender, race, national origin, disability status,
or other demographic categories; and
(iv) actively encourage participation from a range of
demographic categories, especially from categories with
consistently low participation.
SEC. 1408. EXAMINATION AND ORAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE FOREIGN
SERVICE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Department of State should offer both the Foreign Service
written examination and oral assessment in more locations
throughout the United States. Doing so would ease the
financial burden on potential candidates who do not currently
reside in and must travel at their own expense to one of the
few locations where these assessments are offered.
(b) Foreign Service Examinations.--Section 301(b) of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3941) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting: ``(1) The
Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the Board of
Examiners for the Foreign Service annually offers the oral
assessment examinations described in paragraph (1) in cities,
chosen on a rotating basis, located in at least three
different time zones across the United States.''.
SEC. 1409. PAYNE FELLOWSHIP AUTHORIZATION.
(a) In General.--Undergraduate and graduate components of
the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship
Program may conduct outreach to attract outstanding students
with an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career who
represent diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
(b) Review of Past Programs.--The Secretary of State shall
review past programs designed to increase minority
representation in international affairs positions.
SEC. 1410. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this title should be construed
so as to compel any employee to participate in the collection
of the data or divulge any personal information. Department
of State employees shall be informed that their participation
in the data collection contemplated by this title is
voluntary.
(b) Privacy Protection.--Any data collected under this
title shall be subject to the relevant privacy protection
statutes and regulations applicable to Federal employees.
TITLE V--INFORMATION SECURITY
SEC. 1501. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(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) Relevant congressional committees.--The term ``relevant
congressional committees'' means--
(A) the appropriate congressional committees;
(B) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
(C) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 1502. LIST OF CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS.
(a) List of Covered Contractors.--Not later than 30 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State, in consultation with the Director of National
Intelligence, shall develop or maintain, as the case may be,
and update as frequently as the Secretary determines
appropriate, a list of covered contractors with respect to
which the Department should seek to avoid entering into
contracts. Not later than 30 days after the initial
development of the list under this subsection, any update
thereto, and annually thereafter for five years after such
initial 30 day period, the Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a copy of such list.
(b) Covered Contractor Defined.--In this section, the term
``covered contractor'' means a provider of
telecommunications, telecommunications equipment, or
information technology equipment, including hardware,
software, or services, that has knowingly assisted or
facilitated a cyber attack or conducted surveillance,
including passive or active monitoring, carried out against--
[[Page H2503]]
(1) the United States by, or on behalf of, any government,
or persons associated with such government, listed as a cyber
threat actor in the intelligence community's 2017 assessment
of worldwide threats to United States national security or
any subsequent worldwide threat assessment of the
intelligence community; or
(2) individuals, including activists, journalists,
opposition politicians, or other individuals for the purposes
of suppressing dissent or intimidating critics, on behalf of
a country included in the annual country reports on human
rights practices of the Department for systematic acts of
political repression, including arbitrary arrest or
detention, torture, extrajudicial or politically motivated
killing, or other gross violations of human rights.
SEC. 1503. PRESERVING RECORDS OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
CONDUCTED RELATED TO OFFICIAL DUTIES OF
POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC TRUST OF THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
all officers and employees of the Department and the United
States Agency for International Development are obligated
under chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code (popularly
referred to as the Federal Records Act of 1950), to create
and preserve records containing adequate and proper
documentation of the organization, functions, policies,
decisions, procedures, and essential transactions or
operations of the Department and United States embassies,
consulates, and missions abroad, including records of
official communications with foreign government officials or
other foreign entities.
(b) Certification.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a certification in
unclassified form that Secretary has communicated to all
Department personnel, including the Secretary of State and
all political appointees, that such personnel are obligated
under chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code, to treat
electronic messaging systems, software, and applications as
equivalent to electronic mail for the purpose of identifying
Federal records.
SEC. 1504. FOREIGN RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES (FRUS)
SERIES AND DECLASSIFICATION.
The State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 is
amended--
(1) in section 402(a)(2) (22 U.S.C. 4352(a)(2)), by
striking ``26'' and inserting ``20''; and
(2) in section 404 (22 U.S.C. 4354)--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``30''and inserting
``25''; and
(B) in subsection (c)(1)(C), by striking ``30'' and
inserting ``25''.
SEC. 1505. VULNERABILITY DISCLOSURE POLICY AND BUG BOUNTY
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Bug bounty program.--The term ``bug bounty program''
means a program under which an approved individual,
organization, or company is temporarily authorized to
identify and report vulnerabilities of internet-facing
information technology of the Department of State in exchange
for compensation.
(2) Information technology.--The term ``information
technology'' has the meaning given such term in section 11101
of title 40, United States Code.
(b) Vulnerability Disclosure Process.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
design, establish, and make publicly known a Vulnerability
Disclosure Process (VDP) to improve Department of State
cybersecurity by--
(A) providing security researchers with clear guidelines
for--
(i) conducting vulnerability discovery activities directed
at Department information technology; and
(ii) submitting discovered security vulnerabilities to the
Department; and
(B) creating Department procedures and infrastructure to
receive and fix discovered vulnerabilities.
(2) Requirements.--In establishing the VDP pursuant to
paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall--
(A) identify which Department of State information
technology should be included in the process;
(B) determine whether the process should differentiate
among and specify the types of security vulnerabilities that
may be targeted;
(C) provide a readily available means of reporting
discovered security vulnerabilities and the form in which
such vulnerabilities should be reported;
(D) identify which Department offices and positions will be
responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and addressing
security vulnerability disclosure reports;
(E) consult with the Attorney General regarding how to
ensure that individuals, organizations, and companies that
comply with the requirements of the process are protected
from prosecution under section 1030 of title 18, United
States Code, and similar provisions of law for specific
activities authorized under the process;
(F) consult with the relevant offices at the Department of
Defense that were responsible for launching the 2016
Vulnerability Disclosure Program, ``Hack the Pentagon'', and
subsequent Department of Defense bug bounty programs;
(G) engage qualified interested persons, including
nongovernmental sector representatives, about the structure
of the process as constructive and to the extent practicable;
and
(H) award contracts to entities, as necessary, to manage
the process and implement the remediation of discovered
security vulnerabilities.
(3) Annual reports.--Not later than 180 days after the
establishment of the VDP under paragraph (1) and annually
thereafter for the next five years, the Secretary of State
shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate a report on the VDP, including information
relating to the following:
(A) The number and severity of all security vulnerabilities
reported.
(B) The number of previously unidentified security
vulnerabilities remediated as a result.
(C) The current number of outstanding previously
unidentified security vulnerabilities and Department of State
remediation plans.
(D) The average length of time between the reporting of
security vulnerabilities and remediation of such
vulnerabilities.
(E) The resources, surge staffing, roles, and
responsibilities within the Department used to implement the
VDP and complete security vulnerability remediation.
(F) Any other information the Secretary determines
relevant.
(c) Bug Bounty Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
establish a bug bounty pilot program to minimize security
vulnerabilities of internet-facing information technology of
the Department of State.
(2) Requirements.--In establishing the pilot program
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall--
(A) provide compensation for reports of previously
unidentified security vulnerabilities within the websites,
applications, and other internet-facing information
technology of the Department of State that are accessible to
the public;
(B) award contracts to entities, as necessary, to manage
such pilot program and for executing the remediation of
security vulnerabilities identified pursuant to subparagraph
(A);
(C) identify which Department of State information
technology should be included in such pilot program;
(D) consult with the Attorney General on how to ensure that
individuals, organizations, or companies that comply with the
requirements of such pilot program are protected from
prosecution under section 1030 of title 18, United States
Code, and similar provisions of law for specific activities
authorized under such pilot program;
(E) consult with the relevant offices at the Department of
Defense that were responsible for launching the 2016 ``Hack
the Pentagon'' pilot program and subsequent Department of
Defense bug bounty programs;
(F) develop a process by which an approved individual,
organization, or company can register with the entity
referred to in subparagraph (B), submit to a background check
as determined by the Department of State, and receive a
determination as to eligibility for participation in such
pilot program;
(G) engage qualified interested persons, including
nongovernmental sector representatives, about the structure
of such pilot program as constructive and to the extent
practicable; and
(H) consult with relevant United States Government
officials to ensure that such pilot program complements
persistent network and vulnerability scans of the Department
of State's internet-accessible systems, such as the scans
conducted pursuant to Binding Operational Directive BOD-19-02
or successor directive.
(3) Duration.--The pilot program established under
paragraph (1) should be short-term in duration and not last
longer than one year.
(4) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on
which the bug bounty pilot program under subsection (a) is
completed, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives
a report on such pilot program, including information
relating to--
(A) the number of approved individuals, organizations, or
companies involved in such pilot program, broken down by the
number of approved individuals, organizations, or companies
that--
(i) registered;
(ii) were approved;
(iii) submitted security vulnerabilities; and
(iv) received compensation;
(B) the number and severity of all security vulnerabilities
reported as part of such pilot program;
(C) the number of previously unidentified security
vulnerabilities remediated as a result of such pilot program;
(D) the current number of outstanding previously
unidentified security vulnerabilities and Department
remediation plans;
(E) the average length of time between the reporting of
security vulnerabilities and remediation of such
vulnerabilities;
(F) the types of compensation provided under such pilot
program; and
(G) the lessons learned from such pilot program.
(d) Use of Funds.--Compensation offered by the Department
subject to this section shall be funded by amounts
appropriated pursuant to--
[[Page H2504]]
(1) the authorization of appropriations under section 1001;
and
(2) any other Act.
TITLE VI--PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
SEC. 1601. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Public Diplomacy
Modernization Act of 2021''.
SEC. 1602. AVOIDING DUPLICATION OF PROGRAMS AND EFFORTS.
The Secretary of State shall--
(1) identify opportunities for greater efficiency of
operations, including through improved coordination of
efforts across public diplomacy bureaus and offices of the
Department of State; and
(2) maximize shared use of resources between, and within,
such public diplomacy bureaus and offices in cases in which
programs, facilities, or administrative functions are
duplicative or substantially overlapping.
SEC. 1603. IMPROVING RESEARCH AND EVALUATION OF PUBLIC
DIPLOMACY.
(a) Research and Evaluation Activities.--The Secretary of
State, acting through the Director of Research and Evaluation
appointed pursuant to subsection (b), shall--
(1) conduct regular research and evaluation of public
diplomacy programs and activities of the Department,
including through the routine use of audience research,
digital analytics, and impact evaluations, to plan and
execute such programs and activities; and
(2) make available to Congress the findings of the research
and evaluations conducted under paragraph (1).
(b) Director of Research and Evaluation.--
(1) Appointment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
appoint a Director of Research and Evaluation (referred to in
this subsection as the ``Director'') in the Office of Policy,
Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public
Affairs of the Department.
(2) Limitation on appointment.--The appointment of the
Director pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not result in an
increase in the overall full-time equivalent positions within
the Department of State.
(3) Responsibilities.--The Director shall--
(A) coordinate and oversee the research and evaluation of
public diplomacy programs and activities of the Department of
State in order to--
(i) improve public diplomacy strategies and tactics; and
(ii) ensure that such programs and activities are
increasing the knowledge, understanding, and trust of the
United States by relevant target audiences;
(B) routinely organize and oversee audience research,
digital analytics, and impact evaluations across all public
diplomacy bureaus and offices of the Department;
(C) support United States diplomatic posts' public affairs
sections;
(D) share appropriate public diplomacy research and
evaluation information within the Department and with other
appropriate Federal departments and agencies;
(E) regularly design and coordinate standardized research
questions, methodologies, and procedures to ensure that
public diplomacy programs and activities across all public
diplomacy bureaus and offices are designed to meet
appropriate foreign policy objectives; and
(F) report biannually to the United States Advisory
Commission on Public Diplomacy, through the Subcommittee on
Research and Evaluation established pursuant to subsection
(f), regarding the research and evaluation of all public
diplomacy bureaus and offices.
(4) Guidance and training.--Not later than one year after
the appointment of the Director pursuant to paragraph (1),
the Director shall develop guidance and training, including
curriculum for use by the Foreign Service Institute, for all
public diplomacy officers of the Department regarding the
reading and interpretation of public diplomacy program and
activity evaluation findings to ensure that such findings and
related lessons learned are implemented in the planning and
evaluation of all public diplomacy programs and activities of
the Department.
(c) Prioritizing Research and Evaluation.--
(1) In general.--The head of the Office of Policy,
Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public
Affairs of the Department of State shall ensure that research
and evaluation of public diplomacy and activities of the
Department, as coordinated and overseen by the Director
pursuant to subsection (b), supports strategic planning and
resource allocation across all public diplomacy bureaus and
offices of the Department.
(2) Allocation of resources.--Amounts allocated for the
purpose of research and evaluation of public diplomacy
programs and activities of the Department of State pursuant
to subsection (b) shall be made available to be disbursed at
the direction of the Director of Research and Evaluation
among the research and evaluation staff across all public
diplomacy bureaus and offices of the Department.
(3) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Department of State should gradually increase its
allocation of funds made available under the headings
``Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs'' and
``Diplomatic Programs'' for research and evaluation of public
diplomacy programs and activities of the Department pursuant
to subsection (b) to a percentage of program funds that is
commensurate with Federal Government best practices.
(d) Limited Exemption Relating to the Paperwork Reduction
Act.--Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act'') shall not apply to
the collection of information directed at any individuals
conducted by, or on behalf of, the Department of State for
the purpose of audience research, monitoring, and
evaluations, and in connection with the Department's
activities conducted pursuant to any of the following:
(1) The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.).
(2) Section 1287 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 22 U.S.C. 2656
note).
(3) The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et
seq.).
(e) Limited Exemption Relating to the Privacy Act.--
(1) In general.--The Department of State shall maintain,
collect, use, and disseminate records (as such term is
defined in section 552a(a)(4) of title 5, United States Code)
for audience research, digital analytics, and impact
evaluation of communications related to public diplomacy
efforts intended for foreign audiences.
(2) Conditions.--Audience research, digital analytics, and
impact evaluations under paragraph (1) shall be--
(A) reasonably tailored to meet the purposes of this
subsection; and
(B) carried out with due regard for privacy and civil
liberties guidance and oversight.
(f) United States Advisory Commission on Public
Diplomacy.--
(1) Subcommittee for research and evaluation.--The United
States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy shall
establish a Subcommittee on Research and Evaluation to
monitor and advise regarding audience research, digital
analytics, and impact evaluations carried out by the
Department of State and the United States Agency for Global
Media.
(2) Annual report.--The Subcommittee on Research and
Evaluation established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall submit
to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report,
in conjunction with the United States Advisory Commission on
Public Diplomacy's Comprehensive Annual Report on the
performance of the Department and the United States Agency
for Global Media, describing all actions taken by the
Subcommittee pursuant to paragraph (1) and any findings made
as a result of such actions.
SEC. 1604. PERMANENT REAUTHORIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PUBLIC DIPLOMACY.
(a) In General.--Section 1334 of the Foreign Affairs Reform
and Restructuring Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6553) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``sunset'' and
inserting ``continuation''; and
(2) by striking ``until October 1, 2021''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1002(b) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act
of 1998 is amended by amending the item relating to section
1334 to read as follows:
``Sec. 1334. Continuation of United States Advisory Commission on
Public Diplomacy.''.
SEC. 1605. STREAMLINING OF SUPPORT FUNCTIONS.
(a) Working Group Established.--Not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall establish a working group to explore the
possibilities and cost-benefit analysis of transitioning to a
shared services model as such pertains to human resources,
travel, purchasing, budgetary planning, and all other
executive support functions for all bureaus of the Department
that report to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy of
the Department.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a plan to implement
any such findings of the working group established under
subsection (a).
SEC. 1606. GUIDANCE FOR CLOSURE OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
adopt, and include in the Foreign Affairs Manual, guidelines
to collect and utilize information from each diplomatic post
at which the construction of a new embassy compound or new
consulate compound would result in the closure or co-location
of an American Space, American Center, American Corner, or
any other public diplomacy facility under the Secure Embassy
Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 (22 U.S.C. 4865
et seq.).
(b) Requirements.--The guidelines required by subsection
(a) shall include the following:
(1) Standardized notification to each chief of mission at a
diplomatic post describing the requirements of the Secure
Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 and the
impact on the mission footprint of such requirements.
(2) An assessment and recommendations from each chief of
mission of potential impacts to public diplomacy programming
at such diplomatic post if any public diplomacy facility
referred to in subsection (a) is closed or staff is co-
located in accordance with such Act.
(3) A process by which assessments and recommendations
under paragraph (2) are considered by the Secretary of State
and the
[[Page H2505]]
appropriate Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries of
the Department.
(4) Notification to the appropriate congressional
committees, prior to the initiation of a new embassy compound
or new consulate compound design, of the intent to close any
such public diplomacy facility or co-locate public diplomacy
staff in accordance with such Act.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report containing
the guidelines required under subsection (a) and any
recommendations for any modifications to such guidelines.
SEC. 1607. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Audience research.--The term ``audience research''
means research conducted at the outset of a public diplomacy
program or the outset of campaign planning and design
regarding specific audience segments to understand the
attitudes, interests, knowledge, and behaviors of such
audience segments.
(2) Digital analytics.--The term ``digital analytics''
means the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data,
accumulated in digital format, to indicate the outputs and
outcomes of a public diplomacy program or campaign.
(3) Impact evaluation.--The term ``impact evaluation''
means an assessment of the changes in the audience targeted
by a public diplomacy program or campaign that can be
attributed to such program or campaign.
(4) Public diplomacy bureaus and offices.--The term
``public diplomacy bureaus and offices'' means, with respect
to the Department, the following:
(A) The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
(B) The Bureau of Global Public Affairs.
(C) The Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.
(D) The Global Engagement Center.
(E) The public diplomacy functions within the regional and
functional bureaus.
TITLE VII--COMBATING PUBLIC CORRUPTION
SEC. 1701. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) it is in the foreign policy interest of the United
States to help foreign countries promote good governance and
combat public corruption;
(2) multiple Federal departments and agencies operate
programs that promote good governance in foreign countries
and enhance such countries' ability to combat public
corruption; and
(3) the Department of State should--
(A) promote coordination among the Federal departments and
agencies implementing programs to promote good governance and
combat public corruption in foreign countries in order to
improve effectiveness and efficiency; and
(B) identify areas in which United States efforts to help
other countries promote good governance and combat public
corruption could be enhanced.
SEC. 1702. ANNUAL ASSESSMENT.
(a) In General.--For each of fiscal years 2022 through
2027, the Secretary of State shall assess the capacity and
commitment of foreign governments to which the United States
provides foreign assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) or the Arms Export Control
Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) to combat public corruption.
Each such assessment shall--
(1) utilize independent, third party indicators that
measure transparency, accountability, and corruption in the
public sector in such countries, including the extent to
which public power is exercised for private gain, to identify
those countries that are most vulnerable to public
corruption;
(2) consider, to the extent reliable information is
available, whether the government of a country identified
under paragraph (1)--
(A) has adopted measures to prevent public corruption, such
as measures to inform and educate the public, including
potential victims, about the causes and consequences of
public corruption;
(B) has enacted laws and established government structures,
policies, and practices that prohibit public corruption;
(C) enforces such laws through a fair judicial process;
(D) vigorously investigates, prosecutes, convicts, and
sentences public officials who participate in or facilitate
public corruption, including nationals of such country who
are deployed in foreign military assignments, trade
delegations abroad, or other similar missions who engage in
or facilitate public corruption;
(E) prescribes appropriate punishment for serious and
significant corruption that is commensurate with the
punishment prescribed for serious crimes;
(F) prescribes appropriate punishment for significant
corruption that provides a sufficiently stringent deterrent
and adequately reflects the nature of the offense;
(G) convicts and sentences persons responsible for such
acts that take place wholly or partly within the country of
such government, including, as appropriate, requiring the
incarceration of individuals convicted of such acts;
(H) holds private sector representatives accountable for
their role in public corruption; and
(I) addresses threats for civil society to monitor anti-
corruption efforts;
(3) further consider--
(A) verifiable measures taken by the government of a
country identified under paragraph (1) to prohibit government
officials from participating in, facilitating, or condoning
public corruption, including the investigation, prosecution,
and conviction of such officials;
(B) the extent to which such government provides access,
or, as appropriate, makes adequate resources available, to
civil society organizations and other institutions to combat
public corruption, including reporting, investigating, and
monitoring;
(C) the extent to which an independent judiciary or
judicial body in such country is responsible for, and
effectively capable of, deciding public corruption cases
impartially, on the basis of facts and in accordance with
law, without any improper restrictions, influences,
inducements, pressures, threats, or interferences, whether
direct or indirect, from any source or for any reason;
(D) the extent to which such government cooperates
meaningfully with the United States to strengthen government
and judicial institutions and the rule of law to prevent,
prohibit, and punish public corruption; and
(E) the extent to which such government--
(i) is assisting in international investigations of
transnational public corruption networks and in other
cooperative efforts to combat serious, significant
corruption, including cooperating with the governments of
other countries to extradite corrupt actors;
(ii) recognizes the rights of victims of public corruption,
ensures their access to justice, and takes steps to prevent
such victims from being further victimized or persecuted by
corrupt actors, government officials, or others; and
(iii) refrains from prosecuting legitimate victims of
public corruption or whistleblowers due to such persons
having assisted in exposing public corruption, and refrains
from other discriminatory treatment of such persons; and
(4) contain such other information relating to public
corruption as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(b) Identification.--After conducting each assessment under
subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall identify, of the
countries described in subsection (a)(1)--
(1) which countries are meeting minimum standards to combat
public corruption;
(2) which countries are not meeting such minimum standards
but are making significant efforts to do so; and
(3) which countries are not meeting such minimum standards
and are not making significant efforts to do so.
(c) Report.--Except as provided in subsection (d), not
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2027, the
Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate a report, and make such report
publicly available, that--
(1) identifies the countries described in subsection (a)(1)
and paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (b);
(2) describes the methodology and data utilized in the
assessments under subsection (a); and
(3) identifies the reasons for the identifications referred
to in paragraph (1).
(d) Briefing in Lieu of Report.--The Secretary of State may
waive the requirement to submit and make publicly available a
written report under subsection (c) if the Secretary--
(1) determines that publication of such report would--
(A) undermine existing United States anti-corruption
efforts in one or more countries; or
(B) threaten the national interests of the United States;
and
(2) provides to the appropriate congressional committees a
briefing that--
(A) identifies the countries described in subsection (a)(1)
and paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (b);
(B) describes the methodology and data utilized in the
assessment under subsection (a); and
(C) identifies the reasons for the identifications referred
to in subparagraph (A).
SEC. 1703. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
For each country identified under paragraphs (2) and (3) of
section 1702(b), the Secretary of State, in coordination with
the Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development, as appropriate, shall--
(1) ensure that a corruption risk assessment and mitigation
strategy is included in the integrated country strategy for
such country; and
(2) utilize appropriate mechanisms to combat corruption in
such countries, including by ensuring--
(A) the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in contracts,
grants, and cooperative agreements entered into by the
Department of State or the United States Agency for
International Development for or in such countries, which
allow for the termination of such contracts, grants, or
cooperative agreements, as the case may be, without penalty
if credible indicators of public corruption are discovered;
(B) the inclusion of appropriate clawback or flowdown
clauses within the procurement instruments of the Department
of State and the United States Agency for International
[[Page H2506]]
Development that provide for the recovery of funds
misappropriated through corruption;
(C) the appropriate disclosure to the United States
Government, in confidential form, if necessary, of the
beneficial ownership of contractors, subcontractors,
grantees, cooperative agreement participants, and other
organizations implementing programs on behalf of the
Department of State or the United States Agency for
International Development; and
(D) the establishment of mechanisms for investigating
allegations of misappropriated resources and equipment.
SEC. 1704. DESIGNATION OF EMBASSY ANTI-CORRUPTION POINTS OF
CONTACT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall annually
designate an anti-corruption point of contact at the United
States diplomatic post to each country identified under
paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 1702(b), or which the
Secretary otherwise determines is in need of such a point of
contact. The point of contact shall be the chief of mission
or the chief of mission's designee.
(b) Responsibilities.--Each anti-corruption point of
contact designated under subsection (a) shall be responsible
for coordinating and overseeing the implementation of a
whole-of-government approach among the relevant Federal
departments and agencies operating programs that--
(1) promote good governance in foreign countries; and
(2) enhance the ability of such countries to--
(A) combat public corruption; and
(B) develop and implement corruption risk assessment tools
and mitigation strategies.
(c) Training.--The Secretary of State shall implement
appropriate training for anti-corruption points of contact
designated under subsection (a).
TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 1801. CASE-ZABLOCKI ACT REFORM.
Section 112b of title 1, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``sixty'' and
inserting ``30''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``Committee on
International Relations'' and inserting ``Committee on
Foreign Affairs''; and
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Each department or agency of the United States
Government that enters into any international agreement
described in subsection (a) on behalf of the United States,
shall designate a Chief International Agreements Officer,
who--
``(1) shall be a current employee of such department or
agency;
``(2) shall serve concurrently as Chief International
Agreements Officer; and
``(3) subject to the authority of the head of such
department or agency, shall have department or agency-wide
responsibility for efficient and appropriate compliance with
subsection (a) to transmit the text of any international
agreement to the Department of State expeditiously after such
agreement has been signed.''.
SEC. 1802. LIMITATION ON ASSISTANCE TO COUNTRIES IN DEFAULT.
Section 620(q) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2370(q)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``No assistance'' and inserting the
following ``(1) No assistance'';
(2) by inserting ``the government of'' before ``any
country'';
(3) by inserting ``the government of'' before ``such
country'' each place it appears;
(4) by striking ``determines'' and all that follows and
inserting ``determines, after consultation with the Committee
on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign
Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate,
that assistance for such country is in the national interest
of the United States.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) No assistance shall be furnished under this Act, the
Peace Corps Act, the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, the
African Development Foundation Act, the BUILD Act of 2018,
section 504 of the FREEDOM Support Act, or section 23 of the
Arms Export Control Act to the government of any country
which is in default during a period in excess of 1 calendar
year in payment to the United States of principal or interest
or any loan made to the government of such country by the
United States unless the President determines, following
consultation with the congressional committees specified in
paragraph (1), that assistance for such country is in the
national interest of the United States.''.
SEC. 1803. SEAN AND DAVID GOLDMAN CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION
AND RETURN ACT OF 2014 AMENDMENT.
Subsection (b) of section 101 of the Sean and David Goldman
International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of
2014 (22 U.S.C. 9111; Public Law 113-150) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``, respectively,'' after ``access
cases''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and the number of children involved''
before the semicolon at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``respectively, the
number of children involved,'' after ``access cases,'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``, and number of
children involved in such cases'' before the semicolon at the
end;
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(4) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) the total number of pending cases the Department of
State has assigned to case officers and number of children
involved for each country and as a total for all
countries.''.
SEC. 1804. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITIES OF COMMISSION FOR THE
PRESERVATION OF AMERICA'S HERITAGE ABROAD.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3123 of title 54, United States
Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In section 312302, by inserting ``, and unimpeded
access to those sites,'' after ``and historic buildings''.
(2) In section 312304(a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``and historic buildings'' and inserting
``and historic buildings, and unimpeded access to those
sites''; and
(ii) by striking ``and protected'' and inserting ``,
protected, and made accessible''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and protecting'' and
inserting ``, protecting, and making accessible''.
(3) In section 312305, by inserting ``and to the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate'' after
``President''.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commission for the Preservation of
America's Heritage Abroad shall submit to the President and
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate a report that contains an evaluation of the extent to
which the Commission is prepared to continue its activities
and accomplishments with respect to the foreign heritage of
United States citizens from eastern and central Europe, were
the Commission's duties and powers extended to include other
regions, including the Middle East and North Africa, and any
additional resources or personnel the Commission would
require.
SEC. 1805. CHIEF OF MISSION CONCURRENCE.
In the course of providing concurrence to the exercise of
the authority pursuant to section 127e of title 10, United
State Code, or section 1202 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018--
(1) each relevant chief of mission shall inform and consult
in a timely manner with relevant individuals at relevant
missions or bureaus of the Department of State; and
(2) the Secretary of State shall take such steps as may be
necessary to ensure that such relevant individuals have the
security clearances necessary and access to relevant
compartmented and special programs to so consult in a timely
manner with respect to such concurrence.
SEC. 1806. REPORT ON EFFORTS OF THE CORONAVIRUS REPATRIATION
TASK FORCE.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives, and the Committee
on Armed Services of the Senate a report evaluating the
efforts of the Coronavirus Repatriation Task Force of the
Department of State to repatriate United States citizens and
legal permanent residents in response to the 2020 coronavirus
outbreak. The report shall identify--
(1) the most significant impediments to repatriating such
persons;
(2) the lessons learned from such repatriations; and
(3) any changes planned to future repatriation efforts of
the Department of State to incorporate such lessons learned.
Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of
2021
H.R. 1447
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 ``Coastal and Ocean
Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of 2021'' or
the ``COAST Research Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--Section 12402(a) of the Federal Ocean
Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3701(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``development and coordination'' and inserting ``coordination
and implementation'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``acidification on
marine organisms'' and inserting ``acidification and coastal
acidification on marine organisms''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``establish'' and all
that follows through the semicolon and inserting ``maintain
and advise an interagency research, monitoring, and public
outreach program on ocean acidification and coastal
acidification;'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``establishment'' and
inserting ``maintenance'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and coastal
acidification'' after ``ocean acidification''; and
(4) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and coastal
acidification that take into account other environmental and
anthropogenic stressors'' after ``ocean acidification''.
[[Page H2507]]
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--Section 12402 of
the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act
of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3701(a)) is amended by striking ``(a)
Purposes.--''.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
Section 12403 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3702) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``of the Earth's oceans''
and all that follows before the period at the end and
inserting ``and changes in the water chemistry of the Earth's
oceans, coastal estuaries, and waterways caused by carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere and the breakdown of organic
matter'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Joint Subcommittee on
Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and
Technology Council'' and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Council Subcommittee on Ocean Science and
Technology'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
(4) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following new paragraph:
``(1) Coastal acidification.--The term `coastal
acidification' means the combined decrease in pH and changes
in the water chemistry of coastal oceans, estuaries, and
other bodies of water from chemical inputs (including carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere), freshwater inputs, and excess
nutrient run-off from land and coastal atmospheric pollution
that result in processes that release carbon dioxide, acidic
nitrogen, and sulfur compounds as byproducts which end up in
coastal waters.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) State.--The term `State' means each State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United
States, and any other territory or possession of the United
States.''.
SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
Section 12404 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3703) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``subcommittee'' and
inserting ``working group'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Joint Subcommittee on
Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and
Technology Council shall coordinate Federal activities on
ocean acidification and establish'' and insert ``Subcommittee
shall establish and maintain'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Wildlife Service,'' and
inserting ``Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Department of Agriculture, the Department of State, the
Department of Energy, the Department of the Navy, the
National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
Smithsonian Institution,''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), in the heading, by striking
``Chairman'' and inserting ``Chair'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, including the
efforts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to facilitate such implementation'' after ``of
the plan'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and coastal
acidification'' after ``ocean acidification''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and coastal
acidification'' after ``ocean acidification'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(D) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``developed'' and inserting ``and coastal
acidification developed''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``and
coastal acidification; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) ensure that each of the Federal agencies represented
on the interagency working group--
``(A) participates in the Ocean Acidification Information
Exchange established under paragraph (5); and
``(B) delivers data and information to support the data
archive system established under section 12406(d).'';
(4) in subsection (c), in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, and to the Office of Management and
Budget,'' after ``House of Representatives''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the interagency
research'' and inserting ``interagency strategic research'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(6) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Chair of the Subcommittee shall
establish an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board.
``(2) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
``(A) not later than 180 days before the Subcommittee
submits the most recent report under subsection (d)(2)--
``(i) review such report;
``(ii) submit an analysis of such report to the
Subcommittee for consideration in the final report submitted
under subsection (d)(2); and
``(iii) concurrently with the Subcommittee's final
submission of the report under subsection (d)(2), the
Advisory Board shall submit a copy of the analysis provided
to the Subcommittee to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives;
``(B) not later than 180 days before the Subcommittee
submits the most recent strategic research plan under
subsection (d)(3) to Congress--
``(i) review such plan;
``(ii) submit an analysis of such plan and the
implementation thereof to the Subcommittee for consideration
in the final strategic research plan submitted under
subsection (d)(3); and
``(iii) concurrently with the Subcommittee's final
submission of the strategic research plan under subsection
(d)(3), the Advisory Board shall submit a copy of the
analysis provided to the Subcommittee to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Natural Resources of
the House of Representatives;
``(C) provide ongoing advice to the Subcommittee and the
interagency working group on matters related to Federal
activities on ocean acidification and coastal acidification;
``(D) advise the Subcommittee and the interagency working
group on--
``(i) efforts to coordinate research and monitoring
activities related to ocean acidification and coastal
acidification; and
``(ii) the best practices for the standards developed for
data archiving under section 12406(e);
``(E) publish in the Federal Register a charter;
``(F) provide the Library of Congress with--
``(i) the charter described in subparagraph (E);
``(ii) any schedules and minutes for meetings of the
Advisory Board;
``(iii) any documents that are approved by the Advisory
Board; and
``(iv) any reports and analysis prepared by the Advisory
Board; and
``(G) establish a publicly accessible web page on the
website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, that contains the information described in
clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (F).
``(3) Membership.--The Advisory Board shall consist of 24
members as follows:
``(A) Two representatives of the shellfish and crab
industry.
``(B) One representative of the finfish industry.
``(C) One representative of seafood processors.
``(D) Three representatives from academia, including both
natural and social sciences.
``(E) One representative of recreational fishing.
``(F) One representative of a relevant nongovernmental
organization.
``(G) Six representatives from relevant State, local, and
Tribal governments.
``(H) One representative from the Alaska Ocean
Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents
the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
``(I) One representative from the California Current
Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents
the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
``(J) One representative from the Northeast Coastal
Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents
the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
``(K) One representative from the Southeast Coastal
Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents
the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
``(L) One representative from the Gulf of Mexico Coastal
Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents
the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
``(M) One representative from the Mid-Atlantic Coastal
Acidification Network or a subsequent entity that represents
the same geographical region and has a similar purpose.
``(N) One representative from the Pacific Islands Ocean
Observing System or a subsequent entity that represents the
island territories and possessions of the United States in
the Pacific Ocean, and the State of Hawaii and has a similar
purpose.
``(O) One representative from the Caribbean Regional
Association for Coastal Ocean Observing or a subsequent
entity that represents Puerto Rico and the United States
Virgin Islands and has a similar purpose.
``(P) One representative from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration shall serve as an ex-officio
member of the Advisory Board without a vote.
``(4) Appointment of members.--The Chair of the
Subcommittee shall--
``(A) appoint members to the Advisory Board (taking into
account the geographical interests of each individual to be
appointed as a member of the Advisory Board to ensure that an
appropriate balance of geographical interests are represented
by the members of the Advisory Board) who--
``(i) represent the interest group for which each seat is
designated;
[[Page H2508]]
``(ii) demonstrate expertise on ocean acidification or
coastal acidification and its scientific, economic, industry,
cultural, and community impacts; and
``(iii) have a record of distinguished service with respect
to ocean acidification or coastal acidification, and such
impacts;
``(B) give consideration to nominations and recommendations
from the members of the interagency working group and the
public for such appointments; and
``(C) ensure that an appropriate balance of scientific,
industry, and geographical interests are represented by the
members of the Advisory Board.
``(5) Term of membership.--Each member of the Advisory
Board--
``(A) shall be appointed for a 5-year term; and
``(B) may be appointed to more than one term.
``(6) Chair.--The Chair of the Subcommittee shall appoint
one member of the Advisory Board to serve as the Chair of the
Advisory Board.
``(7) Meetings.--Not less than once each calendar year, the
Advisory Board shall meet at such times and places as may be
designated by the Chair of the Advisory Board, in
consultation with the Chair of the Subcommittee and the Chair
of the interagency working group.
``(8) Briefing.--The Chair of the Advisory Board shall
brief the Subcommittee and the interagency working group on
the progress of the Advisory Board as necessary or at the
request of the Subcommittee.
``(9) Federal advisory committee act.--Section 14 of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the
Advisory Board.''.
SEC. 5. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.
Section 12405 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3704) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``acidification'' each place it appears and
inserting ``acidification and coastal acidification'';
(B) in the first sentence--
(i) by inserting ``, and not later than every 5 years
thereafter'' after ``the date of enactment of this Act'';
(ii) by inserting ``address the socioeconomic impacts of
ocean acidification and coastal acidification and to'' after
``mitigation strategies to''; and
(iii) by striking ``marine ecosystems'' each place it
appears and inserting ``ecosystems''; and
(C) in the second sentence, by inserting ``and
recommendations made by the Advisory Board in the review of
the plan required under section 12404(c)(2)(B)(i)'' after
``subsection (d)'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and social sciences''
after ``among the ocean sciences'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``impacts'' and
inserting ``impacts, including trends of changes in ocean
chemistry,'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``improve the ability to assess the'' and
inserting ``assess the short-term and long-term''; and
(II) by striking ``; and'' at the end and inserting a
semicolon;
(iii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) provide information for the--
``(i) development of adaptation and mitigation strategies
to address the socioeconomic impacts of ocean acidification
and coastal acidification;
``(ii) conservation of marine organisms and ecosystems;
``(iii) assessment of the effectiveness of such adaptation
and mitigation strategies; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) improve research on--
``(i) ocean acidification and coastal acidification;
``(ii) the interactions between and effects of multiple
combined stressors including changes in water chemistry,
changes in sediment delivery, hypoxia, and harmful algal
blooms, on ocean acidification and coastal acidification; and
``(iii) the effect of environmental stressors on marine
resources and ecosystems;'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``database
development'' and inserting ``data management'';
(ii) in subparagraph (H) by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(J) assessment of adaptation and mitigation strategies;
and
``(K) education and outreach activities;'';
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``set forth'' and
inserting ``ensure an appropriate balance of contribution in
establishing'';
(E) in paragraph (5), by striking ``reports'' and inserting
``the best available peer-reviewed scientific reports'';
(F) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by inserting ``and coastal acidification'' after
``ocean acidification''; and
(ii) by striking ``of the United States'' and inserting
``within the United States'';
(G) in paragraph (7), by striking ``outline budget
requirements'' and inserting ``estimate costs associated for
full implementation of each element of the plan by fiscal
year'';
(H) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by inserting ``and coastal acidification'' after
``ocean acidification'' each place it appears;
(ii) by striking ``its'' and inserting ``their''; and
(iii) by striking ``; and'' at the end and inserting a
semicolon;
(I) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(J) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) describe monitoring needs necessary to support
potentially affected industry members, coastal stakeholders,
fishery management councils and commissions, non-Federal
resource managers, and scientific experts on decision-making
and adaptation related to ocean acidification and coastal
acidification.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``surface'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and coastal
acidification'' after ``ocean acidification'' each place it
appears;
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``input, and'' and inserting ``inputs,'';
(ii) by inserting ``, marine food webs,'' after ``marine
ecosystems''; and
(iii) by inserting ``, and modeling that supports fisheries
management'' after ``marine organisms'';
(D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and coastal
acidification'' after ``ocean acidification''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Research to understand related and cumulative
stressors and other biogeochemical processes occurring in
conjunction with ocean acidification and coastal
acidification.''; and
(4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Advisory Board Evaluation.--Not later than 180 days
before a plan is submitted to Congress, the Subcommittee
shall provide the Advisory Board established under section
12404(c) a copy of the plan for purposes of review under
paragraph (2)(B)(i) of such section.
``(f) Publication and Public Comment.--Not later than 90
days before the strategic research plan, or any revision
thereof, is submitted to Congress, the Subcommittee shall
publish the plan in the Federal Register and provide an
opportunity for submission of public comments for a period of
not less than 60 days.''.
SEC. 6. NOAA OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES.
Section 12406 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3705) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``coordination,'' after ``research, monitoring,'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by inserting ``including the Integrated Ocean Observing
System and the ocean observing assets of other Federal,
State, and Tribal agencies,'' after ``ocean observing
assets,''; and
(II) by inserting ``and agency and department missions,
prioritizing the location of monitoring instruments, assets,
and projects to maximize the efficiency of resources and to
optimize understanding of socioeconomic impacts and ecosystem
health'' after ``research program'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) by striking ``adaptation'' and inserting ``adaptation
and mitigation''; and
(II) by inserting ``and supporting socioeconomically
vulnerable States, local governments, Tribes, communities,
and industries through technical assistance and mitigation
strategies'' after ``marine ecosystems'';
(iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``its impacts'' and
inserting ``their respective impacts'';
(iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``monitoring and
impacts research'' and inserting ``research, monitoring, and
adaptation and mitigation strategies''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(G) research to improve understanding of the effect of--
``(i) other environmental stressors on ocean acidification
and coastal acidification;
``(ii) multiple environmental stressors on living marine
resources and coastal ecosystems; and
``(iii) adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the
socioeconomic impacts of ocean acidification and coastal
acidification.'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``critical research
projects that explore'' and inserting ``critical research,
education, and outreach projects that explore and
communicate''; and
(D) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking
``acidification'' each place it appears and inserting
``acidification and coastal acidification''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(c) Relationship to Interagency Working Group.--The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall serve
as the lead Federal agency responsible for coordinating the
Federal response to ocean acidification and coastal
acidification, by--
``(1) leading the interagency working group in implementing
the strategic research plan under section 12405;
[[Page H2509]]
``(2) coordinating monitoring and research efforts among
Federal agencies in cooperation with State, local, and Tribal
government and international partners;
``(3) maintaining an Ocean Acidification Information
Exchange described under section 12404(b)(5) to allow for
information to be electronically accessible, including
information--
``(A) on ocean acidification developed through or used by
the ocean acidification program described under section
12406(a); or
``(B) that would be useful to State governments, local
governments, Tribal governments, resource managers,
policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders in
mitigating or adapting to the impacts of ocean acidification
and coastal acidification; and
``(4) establishing and maintaining the data archive system
under subsection (d).
``(d) Data Archive System.--
``(1) Management.--The Secretary, in coordination with
members of the interagency working group, shall provide for
the long-term stewardship of, and access to, data relating to
ocean acidification and coastal acidification by establishing
and maintaining a data archive system that the National
Center for Environmental Information uses to process, store,
archive, provide access to, and incorporate to the extent
possible, such data collected--
``(A) through relevant federally-funded research; and
``(B) by a Federal agency, State agency, local agency,
Tribe, academic scientist, citizen scientist, or industry
organization.
``(2) Existing global or national data assets.--In
establishing and maintaining the data archive system under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that existing
global or national data assets (including the data assets
maintained by the National Centers for Environmental
Information, the Integrated Ocean Observing System, and other
existing data systems within Federal agencies) are
incorporated to the greatest extent possible.
``(e) Standards, Protocols, and Procedures.--With respect
to the data described in subsection (d), the Secretary, in
coordination with members of the interagency working group,
shall establish and revise as necessary the standards,
protocols, or procedures for--
``(1) processing, storing, archiving, and providing access
to such data;
``(2) the interoperability and intercalibration of such
data;
``(3) the collection of any metadata underlying such data;
and
``(4) sharing such data with State, local, and Tribal
government programs, potentially affected industry members,
coastal stakeholders, fishery management councils and
commissions, non-Federal resource managers, and academia.
``(f) Dissemination of Ocean Acidification Data and Coastal
Acidification Data.--The Secretary, in coordination with
members of the interagency working group, shall disseminate
the data described under subsection (d) to the greatest
extent practicable by sharing such data on full and open
access exchanges.
``(g) Requirement.--Recipients of grants from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under this subtitle
that collect data described under subsection (d) shall--
``(1) collect such data in accordance with the standards,
protocols, or procedures established pursuant to subsection
(e); and
``(2) submit such data to the data archive system under
subsection (d) after publication, in accordance with any
rules promulgated by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 7. NSF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES.
Section 12407 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3706) is amended--
(1) by striking ``ocean acidification'' each place it
appears and inserting ``ocean acidification and coastal
acidification'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``its impacts'' and inserting ``their respective impacts'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and its impacts'' and
inserting ``and their respective impacts'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) adaptation and mitigation strategies to address
socioeconomic effects of ocean acidification and coastal
acidification.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Requirement.--Recipients of grants from the National
Science Foundation under this subtitle that collect data
described under section 12406(d) shall--
``(1) collect data in accordance with the standards,
protocols, or procedures established pursuant to section
12406(e); and
``(2) submit such data to the Director and the Secretary
after publication, in accordance with any rules promulgated
by the Director or the Secretary.''.
SEC. 8. NASA OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES.
Section 12408 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3707) is amended--
(1) by striking ``ocean acidification'' each place it
appears and inserting ``ocean acidification and coastal
acidification'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``its impacts'' and
inserting ``their respective impacts''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Requirement.--Researchers from the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration under this subtitle that
collect data described under section 12406(d) shall--
``(1) collect such data in accordance with the standards,
protocols, or procedures established pursuant to section
12406(e); and
``(2) submit such data to the Administrator and the
Secretary, in accordance with any rules promulgated by the
Administrator or the Secretary.''.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 12409 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
and Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3708) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subtitle--'' and all
that follows through paragraph (4) and inserting the
following: ``subtitle--
``(1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(2) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(3) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(4) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(5) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``subtitle--'' and all
that follows through paragraph (4) and inserting the
following: ``subtitle $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal
years 2022 through 2026.''.
Directing Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Submit a Report on Use of
Cameras in Medical Centers of Department of Veterans Affairs
H.R. 1510
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. REPORT ON USE OF CAMERAS IN MEDICAL FACILITIES OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of Operations,
Security, and Preparedness of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Office
of Construction and Facilities Management of the Department,
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the House of Representatives a report analyzing
the policies, use, and maintenance of cameras deployed by the
Department for patient safety and law enforcement at medical
facilities of the Department.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A comprehensive review of the policies and procedures
of the Department regarding the use and maintenance of
cameras with respect to the following:
(A) Patient safety, including--
(i) an analysis of how cameras are used to monitor staff
and patients;
(ii) an analysis of the specific units within medical
facilities in which the use of cameras is prioritized to
protect patient safety;
(iii) an analysis of the procedures regarding the
positioning of cameras;
(iv) an analysis of the extent to which cameras monitor
locations where drugs are stored to ensure that drugs are
accounted for, and an assessment of whether this is a widely
used practice; and
(v) an analysis of the actions taken to preserve and
protect patient privacy.
(B) Law enforcement of medical facilities of the
Department, including--
(i) how exterior cameras are used;
(ii) how interior cameras are used; and
(iii) an analysis of locations, interior and exterior, in
which camera use is prioritized.
(2) Recommendations of the Secretary to improve patient
safety and law enforcement, including--
(A) the placement and maintenance of cameras;
(B) the storage of data from such cameras;
(C) the authority of supervisors at medical facilities of
the Department to review recordings from cameras;
(D) the number of staff required to monitor live footage
from cameras at each medical facility of the Department;
(E) the funding necessary to address shortfalls with
respect to cameras and the specific uses for such funding;
(F) any additional actions required to preserve and protect
patient privacy; and
(G) such other matters the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Camera Defined.--In this section, the term ``camera''
means any video camera used in a medical facility of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of patient safety
or law enforcement, but does not include cameras used solely
by the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans
Affairs to assist in criminal investigations conducted by the
Inspector General.
Financial Inclusion in Banking Act of 2021
H.R. 1711
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 ``Financial Inclusion in
Banking Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO
UNDER-BANKED, UN-BANKED, AND UNDERSERVED
CONSUMERS.
Section 1013(b)(2) of the Consumer Financial Protection Act
of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5493(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Director shall establish a unit'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish a unit to
be known as the `Office of Community Affairs' ''; and
[[Page H2510]]
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Duties related to under-banked, un-banked, and
underserved consumers.--
``(i) In general.--The Office of Community Affairs shall--
``(I) lead coordination of research to identify any causes
and challenges contributing to the decision of individuals
who, and households that, do not initiate or maintain on-
going and sustainable relationships with depository
institutions, including consulting with trade associations
representing depository institutions, trade associations
representing minority depository institutions, organizations
representing the interests of traditionally underserved
consumers and communities, organizations representing the
interests of consumers (particularly low- and moderate-income
individuals), civil rights groups, community groups, consumer
advocates, and the Consumer Advisory Board about this matter;
``(II) identify subject matter experts within the Bureau to
work on the issues identified under subclause (I);
``(III) lead coordination efforts between other Federal
departments and agencies to better assess the reasons for the
lack of, and help increase the participation of, under-
banked, un-banked, and underserved consumers in the banking
system; and
``(IV) identify and develop strategies to increase
financial education to under-banked, un-banked, and
underserved consumers.
``(ii) Coordination with other bureau offices.--In carrying
out this paragraph, the Office of Community Affairs shall
consult with and coordinate with the research unit
established under subsection (b)(1) and such other offices of
the Bureau as the Director may determine appropriate.
``(iii) Reporting.--
``(I) In general.--The Office of Community Affairs shall
submit a report to Congress, within two years of the date of
enactment of this subparagraph and every 2 years thereafter,
that identifies any factors impeding the ability of, or
limiting the option for, individuals or households to have
access to fair, on-going, and sustainable relationships with
depository institutions to meet their financial needs,
discusses any regulatory, legal, or structural barriers to
enhancing participation of under-banked, un-banked, and
underserved consumers with depository institutions, and
contains recommendations to promote better participation for
all consumers with the banking system.
``(II) Timing of report.--To the extent possible, the
Office shall submit each report required under subclause (I)
during a year in which the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation does not issue the report on encouraging use of
depository institutions by the unbanked required under
section 49 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.''.
SEC. 3. DISCRETIONARY SURPLUS FUNDS.
(a) In General.--The dollar amount specified under section
7(a)(3)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C.
289(a)(3)(A)) is reduced by $10,000,000.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on September 30, 2031.
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.
MSI STEM Achievement Act
H.R. 2027
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 ``MSI STEM Achievement Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Evidence suggests that the supply of STEM workers is
not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the
public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often
referred to as a STEM skills shortage.
(2) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United
States will need one million additional STEM professionals
than it is on track to produce in the coming decade.
(3) STEM occupations offer higher wages, more opportunities
for advancement, and a higher degree of job security than
non-STEM occupations.
(4) The composition of the STEM workforce does not reflect
the current or projected diversity of the Nation, with
Hispanics, African Americans, and other racial and ethnic
minorities, significantly underrepresented in the STEM
workforce compared to their presence in the workforce more
generally.
(5) A stronger national commitment to increasing the
diversity of the STEM workforce is needed to help address the
STEM skills shortage.
(6) According to a 2019 National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine report entitled ``Minority Serving
Institutions: America's Underutilized Resource for
Strengthening the STEM Workforce'', 2- and 4-year minority
serving institutions enroll nearly 30 percent of all
undergraduate students--a percentage that is expected to grow
in the coming years--in the United States higher education
system and play a critical role in providing important
pathways to STEM-related education, training, and careers for
students of color.
(7) HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs are highly successful at
educating underrepresented minority students in STEM fields
and can serve as best practice models for other colleges and
universities to further expand participation of
underrepresented minorities in the STEM workforce.
(8) Increased investment in STEM infrastructure at HBCUs,
TCUs, and MSIs has the potential to increase these
institutions' ability to educate even more students in the
STEM disciplines.
(9) With the demand for STEM skills exceeding the supply of
STEM graduates, success of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in educating
and training science and engineering leaders is increasingly
important for United States economic growth and
competitiveness.
SEC. 3. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REVIEW.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
report to Congress--
(1) an inventory of competitive funding programs and
initiatives carried out by Federal science agencies that are
targeted to HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs or partnerships with HBCUs,
TCUs, and MSIs;
(2) an assessment of Federal science agency outreach
activities to increase the participation and competitiveness
of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in the funding programs and
initiatives identified in paragraph (1); and
(3) recommendations of the Comptroller General to increase
the participation of and the rate of success of HBCUs, TCUs,
and MSIs in competitive funding programs offered by Federal
science agencies.
SEC. 4. RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations
(or consortia thereof) to--
(1) conduct research described in subsection (b) with
respect to HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs;
(2) conduct activities described in subsection (c) to build
the capacity of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to graduate students
who are competitive in attaining and advancing in the STEM
workforce;
(3) build the research capacity and competitiveness of
HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in STEM disciplines; and
(4) identify and broadly disseminate effective models for
programs and practices at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs that promote
the education and workforce preparation of minority students
pursuing STEM studies and careers in which such students are
underrepresented.
(b) Research.--Research described in this subsection is
research on the contribution of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to the
education and training of underrepresented minority students
in STEM fields and to the meeting of national STEM workforce
needs, including--
(1) the diversity with respect to local context, cultural
differences, and institutional structure among HBCUs, TCUs,
and MSIs and any associated impact on education and research
endeavors;
(2) effective practices at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and
associated outcomes on student recruitment, retention, and
advancement in STEM fields, including the ability for
students to compete for fellowships, employment, and
advancement in the workforce;
(3) contributions made by HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to local,
regional, and national workforces;
(4) the unique challenges and opportunities for HBCUs,
TCUs, and MSIs in attaining the resources needed for
integrating effective practices in STEM education, including
providing research experiences for underrepresented minority
students;
(5) the access of students at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to STEM
infrastructure and any associated outcomes for STEM
competency;
(6) models of STEM curriculum, learning, and teaching
successful at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs for increasing
participation, retention, and success of underrepresented
minority students; and
(7) successful or promising partnerships between HBCUs,
TCUs, and MSIs and other institutions of higher education,
private sector and non-profit organizations, Federal
laboratories, and international research institutions.
(c) Capacity Building.--Activities described in this
subsection include the design, development, implementation,
expansion, and assessment of--
(1) metrics of success to best capture the achievements of
HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and students of such institutions to
account for institutional context and missions, faculty
investment, student populations, student needs, and
institutional resource constraints;
(2) enhancements to undergraduate STEM curriculum at HBCUs,
TCUs, and MSIs to increase the participation, retention,
degree completion, and success of underrepresented students;
(3) professional development programs to increase the
numbers and the high-quality preparation of STEM faculty at
HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including programs to encourage STEM
doctoral students to teach at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and
(4) mechanisms for institutions of higher education that
are not HBCUs, TCUs, or
[[Page H2511]]
MSIs to partner with HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs on STEM education,
including the facilitation of student transfer, mentoring
programs for students and junior faculty, joint research
projects, and student access to graduate education.
(d) Research Experiences.--Grants under this section may
fund the development or expansion of opportunities for the
exchange of students and faculty to conduct research,
including through partnerships with institutions of higher
education that are not HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs, private sector
and non-profit organizations, Federal laboratories, and
international research institutions.
(e) Partnerships.--In awarding grants under this section,
the Director of the National Science Foundation shall--
(1) encourage HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and consortia thereof
and partnerships with one or more HBCU, TCU, or MSI, to
submit proposals;
(2) require proposals submitted in partnership with one or
more HBCU, TCU, or MSI include a plan for establishing a
sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed,
draws from the capacities of each institution, and is
mutually beneficial; and
(3) encourage proposals submitted in partnership with the
private sector, non-profit organizations, Federal
laboratories, and international research institutions, as
appropriate.
(f) MSI Centers of Innovation.--Grants under this section
may fund the establishment of no more than five MSI Centers
of Innovation to leverage successes of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs
in STEM education and research training of underrepresented
minority students as models for other institutions, including
both HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and institutions of higher
education that are not HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs. Such centers
will be located on campuses of selected institutions of
higher education and serve as incubators to allow
institutions of higher education to experiment, pilot,
evaluate, and scale up promising practices.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $170,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, $175,000,000
for fiscal year 2023, $180,000,000 for fiscal year 2024,
$185,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and $190,000,000 fiscal
year 2026 to carry out this section.
SEC. 5. AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) In General.--In consultation with outside stakeholders
and the heads of the Federal science agencies, the Director
shall develop a uniform set of policy guidelines for Federal
science agencies to carry out a sustained program of outreach
activities to increase clarity, transparency, and
accountability for Federal science agency investments in STEM
education and research activities at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.
(b) Outreach Activities.--In developing policy guidelines
under subsection (a) the Director shall include guidelines
that require each Federal science agency--
(1) to designate a liaison for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs
responsible for--
(A) enhancing direct communication with HBCUs, TCUs, and
MSIs to increase the Federal science agency's understanding
of the capacity and needs of such institutions and to raise
awareness of available Federal funding opportunities at such
institutions;
(B) coordinating programs, activities, and initiatives
while accounting for the capacity and needs of HBCUs, TCUs,
and MSIs;
(C) tracking Federal science agency investments in and
engagement with HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and
(D) reporting progress toward increasing participation of
HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in grant programs;
(2) to publish annual forecasts of funding opportunities
and proposal deadlines, including for grants, contracts,
subcontracts, and cooperative agreements;
(3) to conduct on-site reviews of research facilities at
HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, as practicable, and make
recommendations regarding strategies for becoming more
competitive in research;
(4) to hold geographically accessible or virtual workshops
on research priorities of the Federal science agency and on
how to write competitive grant proposals;
(5) to ensure opportunities for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to
directly communicate with Federal science agency officials
responsible for managing competitive grant programs in order
to receive feedback on research ideas and proposals,
including guidance on the Federal science agency's peer
review process;
(6) to foster mutually beneficial public-private
collaboration among Federal science agencies, industry,
Federal laboratories, academia, and nonprofit organizations
to--
(A) identify alternative sources of funding for STEM
education and research at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs;
(B) provide access to high-quality, relevant research
experiences for students and faculty of HBCUs, TCUs, and
MSIs;
(C) expand the professional networks of students and
faculty of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs;
(D) broaden STEM educational opportunities for students and
faculty of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and
(E) support the transition of students of HBCUs, TCUs, and
MSIs into the STEM workforce; and
(7) to publish an annual report that provides an account of
Federal science agency investments in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs,
including data on the level of participation of HBCUs, TCUs,
and MSIs as prime recipients/contractors or subrecipients/
subcontractors.
(c) Strategic Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director, in collaboration with
the head of each Federal science agency, shall submit to
Congress a report containing a strategic plan for each
Federal science agency to increase the capacity of HBCUs,
TCUs, and MSIs to compete effectively for grants, contracts,
or cooperative agreements and to encourage HBCUs, TCUs, and
MSIs to participate in Federal programs.
(2) Considerations.--In developing a strategic plan under
paragraph (1), the Director and each head of each Federal
science agency shall consider--
(A) issuing new or expanding existing funding opportunities
targeted to HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs;
(B) modifying existing research and development program
solicitations to incentivize effective partnerships with
HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs;
(C) offering planning grants for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to
develop or equip grant offices with the requisite depth of
knowledge to submit competitive grant proposals and manage
awarded grants;
(D) offering additional training programs and
individualized and timely guidance to grant officers faculty
and postdoctoral researchers at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to
ensure they understand the requirements for an effective
grant proposal; and
(E) other approaches for making current competitive funding
models more accessible for under-resourced HBCUs, TCUs, and
MSIs.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter,
the Director shall report to Congress on the implementation
by Federal science agencies of the policy guidelines
developed under this section.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory''
has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3703).
(3) Federal science agency.--The term ``Federal science
agency'' means any Federal agency with an annual extramural
research expenditure of over $100,000,000.
(4) HBCU.--The term ``HBCU'' has the meaning given the term
``part B institution'' in section 322 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
(5) 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).
(6) Minority serving institution.--The term ``minority
serving institution'' or ``MSI'' means Hispanic-Serving
Institutions as defined in section 502 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a); Alaska Native
Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions
as defined in section 317 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1059d); and Predominantly Black Institutions,
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving
Institutions, and Native American-Serving Nontribal
Institutions as defined in section 371 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(c)).
(7) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' has the meaning given the term
in the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.).
(8) TCU.--The term ``TCU'' has the meaning given the term
``Tribal College or University'' in section 316 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act
H.R. 2167
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 ``GI Bill National Emergency
Extended Deadline Act''.
SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT
UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS BY REASON OF
SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER
SITUATIONS.
(a) Montgomery GI Bill.--Section 3031 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and subsection (i)''
after ``through (g)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i)(1) In the case of an individual eligible for
educational assistance under this chapter who is prevented
from pursuing the individual's chosen program of education
before the expiration of the 10-year period for the use of
entitlement under this chapter otherwise applicable under
this section because of a covered reason, as determined by
the Secretary, such 10-year period--
``(A) shall not run during the period the individual is so
prevented from pursuing such program; and
``(B) shall again begin running on a date determined by the
Secretary that is--
``(i) not earlier than the first day after the individual
is able to resume pursuit of a program of education with
educational assistance under this chapter; and
[[Page H2512]]
``(ii) not later than 90 days after that day.
``(2) In this subsection, a covered reason is--
``(A) the temporary or permanent closure of an educational
institution by reason of an emergency situation; or
``(B) another reason that prevents the individual from
pursuing the individual's chosen program of education, as
determined by the Secretary.''.
(b) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.-- Section 3321(b)(1)
of such title is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Subsections'';
(2) by striking ``and (d)'' and inserting ``(d), and (i)'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Subsection (i) of section 3031 of this title shall
apply with respect to the running of the 15-year period
described in paragraphs (4)(A) and (5)(A) of this subsection
in the same manner as such subsection (i) applies under such
section 3031 with respect to the running of the 10-year
period described in subsection (a) of such section.''.
SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY BY REASON OF
SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER
SITUATIONS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
TRAINING AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR
VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
Section 3103 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``or (g)'' and inserting
``(g), or (h)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h)(1) In the case of a veteran who is eligible for a
vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter and who
is prevented from participating in the vocational
rehabilitation program within the period of eligibility
prescribed in subsection (a) because of a covered reason, as
determined by the Secretary, such period of eligibility--
``(A) shall not run during the period the veteran is so
prevented from participating in such program; and
``(B) shall again begin running on a date determined by the
Secretary that is--
``(i) not earlier than the first day after the veteran is
able to resume participation in a vocational rehabilitation
program under this chapter; and
``(ii) not later than 90 days after that day.
``(2) In this subsection, a covered reason is--
``(A) the temporary or permanent closure of an educational
institution by reason of an emergency situation; or
``(B) another reason that prevents the veteran from
participating in the vocational rehabilitation program, as
determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISAPPROVAL OF COURSES
OFFERED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
LEARNING THAT DO NOT CHARGE VETERANS THE IN-
STATE TUITION RATE FOR PURPOSES OF SURVIVORS'
AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 3679(c) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or 33'' and inserting
``33, or 35'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(D) An individual who is entitled to assistance under
section 3510 of this title.''; and
(3) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and 33'' and inserting
``33, and 35''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3679(e) of such title
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or 33'' and
inserting ``, 33, or 35''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or 33'' and
inserting ``33, or 35''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or 33'' and inserting
``33, or 35''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and
shall apply with respect to an academic period that begins on
or after August 1, 2022.
SEC. 5. IMPROVEMENTS TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES USED
TO PROCESS CLAIMS FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Modern Information Technology Service.--The Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall implement an information technology
service to process claims for educational assistance under
chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of title 38, United States Code,
using one or more commercial software systems. The Secretary
shall complete such implementation not later than August 1,
2024.
(b) Required Capabilities.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the modern information technology service under subsection
(a) has the following capabilities:
(1) As compared to legacy information technology systems--
(A) the ability to process claims faster and in a more
efficient manner by improving processing integration and
accuracy;
(B) improved data exchange and reporting; and
(C) improved customer integration and simplification of the
online experience.
(2) Timely communication by employees of the Department of
Veterans Affairs to individuals and educational institutions
using an online portal that can provide real-time information
on claims for educational assistance.
(3) The ability to be customized to address future
capabilities required by law.
(4) Fully automated to the extent practicable for all
original and supplemental claims, including with respect to
calculating accurate awards.
(5) The ability for individuals entitled to educational
assistance to electronically apply for, withdraw from, and
amend such entitlement, and to reallocate a transferred
entitlement.
(6) The ability to electronically process changes made by
educational institutions.
(7) The ability to verify attendance at an educational
institution.
(8) The ability to process validations made by an
educational institution.
(c) Initial Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report containing
information on the cost, schedule, and performance of the
project for implementing such system, including, with respect
to such project, the following:
(1) An estimate of acquisition, implementation, and life
cycle costs (including all direct and indirect costs to
acquire, implement, operate, and maintain such system).
(2) An intended implementation schedule indicating
significant milestones, initial operating capability, and
full operating capability or completion.
(3) Key business, functional, or performance objectives.
(4) With respect to both original claims and supplemental
claims processed on a monthly basis, statistics regarding--
(A) the number of such claims processed using legacy
information systems;
(B) the number of such claims that were off-ramped and
processed manually; and
(C) the number of such claims estimated to be processed
using the modern information technology service.
(5) The amount of savings that are estimated to be realized
from using the modern information technology service rather
than legacy information technology systems.
(6) The estimated accuracy of processing claims.
(7) The estimated timeliness for--
(A) processing original claims; and
(B) processing supplemental claims.
(8) A description of how the modern information technology
service will--
(A) automate the processing of original claims; and
(B) automate the processing of supplemental claims.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``legacy information technology system'' means
an information technology system used by the Department of
Veterans Affairs to process claims for educational assistance
under chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of title 38, United States
Code, before the date on which the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs awards a contract under subsection (a) for the modern
information technology service.
(2) The term ``modern information technology service''
means the information technology service implemented under
subsection (a) to process claims for educational assistance
under chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of title 38, United States
Code.
SEC. 6. TIME PERIOD FOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER SURVIVORS' AND
DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 3512 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (f); and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,
the following persons may be afforded educational assistance
under this chapter at any time after August 1, 2023, and
without regard to the age of the person:
``(1) A person who first becomes an eligible person on or
after August 1, 2023.
``(2) A person who--
``(A) first becomes an eligible person before August 1,
2023; and
``(B) becomes 18 years of age, or completes secondary
schooling, on or after August 1, 2023.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``The educational'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (g), the
educational'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``subsection (g) or''
after ``provided in''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (g),
notwithstanding''; and
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``No person'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (g), no
person''.
SEC. 7. PILOT PROGRAM ON SHORT-TERM FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) Authority.--The Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans' Employment and Training shall carry out a pilot
program under which a State may use a grant or contract under
section 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, United States Code, to carry
out a short-term fellowship program.
(b) Locations; Agreements.--The Secretary shall select at
least three, but not more than five, States to carry out a
short-term fellowship program pursuant to subsection (a).
Each such State shall enter into an agreement with a non-
profit organization to carry out such program.
(c) Short-term Fellowship Program.--Each short-term
fellowship program carried
[[Page H2513]]
out by a State pursuant to subsection (a) shall--
(1) consist of veterans participating as fellows with an
employer for a period not exceeding 20 weeks;
(2) provide to such veterans a monthly stipend during such
period; and
(3) provide to such veterans an opportunity to be employed
on a long-term basis with the employer following such period.
(d) Amount of Stipend.--The amount of the stipend provided
to a veteran pursuant to subsection (c)(2) for a month shall
be the amount equal to the amount of the wages earned by the
veteran during that month for participating in the
fellowship.
(e) Comptroller General Report.--Not later than four years
after the date on which the pilot program commences under
this section, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot
program.
(f) Definition of State.--In this section, the term
``State'' has the meaning given such term in section 4101(6)
of title 38, United States Code.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to funds
made available under section 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, United
States Code, there is authorized to be appropriated to the
Assistant Secretary to carry out the pilot program under this
section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through
2025.
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.
Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021
H.R. 2441
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 ``Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans
Mental Health Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF RURAL ACCESS NETWORK FOR GROWTH
ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Expansion.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
establish and maintain three new centers of the RANGE
Program.
(b) Locations.--The centers established under subsection
(a) shall be located in areas determined by the Secretary
based on--
(1) the need for additional mental health care for rural
veterans in such areas; and
(2) interest expressed by personnel at facilities of the
Department in such areas.
(c) Timeline.--The Secretary shall establish the centers
under subsection (a) during fiscal year 2022.
(d) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated
$1,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024 to
carry out this section.
SEC. 3. GAO STUDY OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE FURNISHED BY THE
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO RURAL
VETERANS.
(a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study to assess whether the Department
of Veterans Affairs has sufficient resources to serve rural
veterans who need covered mental health care. Such study
shall include assessments of--
(1) whether the mental health care furnished by the
Secretary (through resources including the RANGE Program,
Enhanced RANGE Program, mental health residential
rehabilitation treatment programs, inpatient mental health
services, and PRR centers) is sufficient to meet the covered
mental health care needs of rural veterans;
(2) how best to expand and to appropriately locate
resources described in paragraph (1);
(3) whether to require the establishment of a PRR center at
a medical facility of the Department that serves 1,000 or
more veterans on the National Psychosis Registry;
(4) the demand by rural veterans for mental health
resources specified in paragraph (1);
(5) the average wait time for a rural veteran for mental
health resources specified in paragraph (1); and
(6) how many rural veterans died by suicide or overdose--
(A) while on a wait list for mental health resources
specified in paragraph (1); and
(B) during the term of the study.
(b) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the
results of the study under this section.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The term ``covered mental health care'' means mental
health care that is more intensive than traditional
outpatient therapy.
(2) The term ``PRR center'' means a psychosocial
rehabilitation and recovery center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(3) The term ``RANGE Program'' means the Rural Access
Network for Growth Enhancement Program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(4) The term ``rural veteran'' means a veteran who lives in
a rural or highly rural area (including such an area in a
Tribal or insular area), as determined through the use of the
Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding system of the Department
of Agriculture.
Establishing Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration
H.R. 2494
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND
TRANSITION ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration.--
(1) In general.--Part V of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 80--VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION
ADMINISTRATION
``Sec.
``8001. Organization of Administration.
``8002. Functions of Administration.
``8003. Annual report to Congress.
``Sec. 8001. Organization of Administration
``(a) Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration.--There is in the Department of Veterans
Affairs a Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration. The primary function of the Veterans Economic
Opportunity and Transition Administration is the
administration of the programs of the Department that provide
assistance related to economic opportunity to veterans and
their dependents and survivors.
``(b) Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity and
Transition.--The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration is under the Under Secretary for Veterans
Economic Opportunity and Transition, who is directly
responsible to the Secretary for the operations of the
Administration.
``Sec. 8002. Functions of Administration
``The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration is responsible for the administration of the
following programs of the Department:
``(1) Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.
``(2) Educational assistance programs.
``(3) Veterans' housing loan and related programs.
``(4) The verification of small businesses owned and
controlled by veterans pursuant to subsection (f) of section
8127 of this title, including the administration of the
database of veteran-owned businesses described in such
subsection.
``(5) The Transition Assistance Program under section 1144
of title 10.
``(6) Any other program of the Department that the
Secretary determines appropriate.
``Sec. 8003. Annual report to Congress
``The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the
Congress required by section 529 of this title a report on
the programs administered by the Under Secretary for Veterans
Economic Opportunity and Transition. Each such report shall
include the following with respect to each such program
during the fiscal year covered by that report:
``(1) The number of claims received.
``(2) The number of claims decided.
``(3) The average processing time for a claim.
``(4) The number of successful outcomes (as determined by
the Secretary).
``(5) The number of full-time equivalent employees.
``(6) The amounts expended for information technology.''.
(2) Clerical amendments.--The tables of chapters at the
beginning of title 38, United States Code, and of part V of
title 38, United States Code, are each amended by inserting
after the item relating to chapter 79 the following new item:
``80. Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administ8001''.....
(b) Effective Date.--Chapter 80 of title 38, United States
Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on
October 1, 2022.
(c) Authorization for Appropriations for Veterans Benefits
Administrations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
fiscal year 2022 for the General Operating Expenses account
of the Veterans Benefits Administration $3,207,000,000.
(d) Labor Rights.--Any labor rights, inclusion in the
bargaining unit, and collective bargaining agreement that
affects an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs who
is transferred to the Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition Administration, as established under chapter 80 of
title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a),
shall apply in the same manner to such employee after such
transfer.
SEC. 2. UNDER SECRETARY FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND
TRANSITION.
(a) Under Secretary.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 306 the following new
section:
``Sec. 306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic
Opportunity and Transition
``(a) Under Secretary.--There is in the Department an Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,
who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate. The Under Secretary for Veterans
Economic Opportunity and Transition shall be appointed
[[Page H2514]]
without regard to political affiliation or activity and
solely on the basis of demonstrated ability in--
``(1) information technology; and
``(2) the administration of programs within the Veterans
Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration or
programs of similar content and scope.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Under Secretary for Veterans
Economic Opportunity and Transition is the head of, and is
directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of,
the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration.
``(c) Vacancies.--(1) Whenever a vacancy in the position of
Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition occurs or is anticipated, the Secretary shall
establish a commission to recommend individuals to the
President for appointment to the position.
``(2) A commission established under this subsection shall
be composed of the following members appointed by the
Secretary:
``(A) Three persons representing education and training,
vocational rehabilitation, employment, real estate, mortgage
finance and related industries, and survivor benefits
activities affected by the Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition Administration.
``(B) Two persons representing veterans served by the
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.
``(C) Two persons who have experience in the management of
private sector benefits programs of similar content and scope
to the economic opportunity and transition programs of the
Department.
``(D) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(E) The chairman of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on
Education formed under section 3692 of this title.
``(F) One person who has held the position of Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,
if the Secretary determines that it is desirable for such
person to be a member of the commission.
``(3) A commission established under this subsection shall
recommend at least three individuals for appointment to the
position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity
and Transition. The commission shall submit all
recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall forward
the recommendations to the President and the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives
with any comments the Secretary considers appropriate.
Thereafter, the President may request the commission to
recommend additional individuals for appointment.
``(4) The Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary
of Veterans Affairs who performs personnel management and
labor relations functions shall serve as the executive
secretary of a commission established under this
subsection.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 306 the following new item:
``306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Title 38, United States Code,
is further amended--
(1) in section 306(c)(2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and
(E) and redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F),
as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
(2) in section 317(d)(2), by inserting after ``Under
Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition,'';
(3) in section 318(d)(2), by inserting after ``Under
Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition,'';
(4) in section 516(e)(2)(C), by striking ``Health and the
Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the
Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(5) in section 541(a)(2)(B), by striking ``Health and the
Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the
Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(6) in section 542(a)(2)(B)(iii), by striking ``Health and
the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health,
the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(7) in section 544(a)(2)(B)(vi), by striking ``Health and
the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health,
the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(8) in section 709(c)(2)(A), by inserting after ``Under
Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition,'';
(9) in section 7701(a), by inserting after ``assistance''
the following: ``, other than assistance related to Economic
Opportunity and Transition,''; and
(10) in section 7703, by striking paragraphs (2) and (3)
and redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (2)
and (3), respectively.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 306A of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a), and the amendments
made by this section, shall take effect on October 1, 2022.
SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF SERVICES.
(a) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs
of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the
progress toward establishing the Veterans Economic
Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established
under section 8001 of title 38, United States Code, as added
by section 4, and the transition of the provision of services
to veterans by such Administration.
(b) Certification.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
not transfer the function of providing any services to
veterans to the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration, as established under section 8001 of title
38, United States Code, as added by section 4 until the
Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and House of Representatives certification that--
(1) the transition of the provision of services to such
Administration will not negatively affect the provision of
such services to veterans;
(2) such services are ready to be transferred.
(c) Deadline for Certification.--The Secretary shall submit
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
House of Representatives the certification required by
subsection (b)--
(1) no earlier than April 1, 2022; and
(2) no later than September 1, 2022.
(d) Failure To Certify.--If the Secretary fails to submit
the certification required by subsection (b) by the date
specified in subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report that includes--
(1) the reason why the certification was not made by such
date; and
(2) the estimated date when the certification will be made.
National Estuaries and Acidification Research Act of 2021
H.R. 2533
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 Estuaries and
Acidification Research Act of 2021'' or the ``NEAR Act of
2021''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Ocean acidification impacts human health, natural
resources, and the environmental, economic, and recreational
uses of the coastline.
(2) The current understanding of ocean acidification
impacts on estuarine ecosystems is inadequate to fully
prepare and manage for changing environmental conditions in
nearshore locations.
(3) While pH can be measured with high precision and
accuracy in open ocean environments, more understanding of
the carbonate system in estuarine ecosystems is needed for
precise and accurate measurements and observations.
(4) The interaction of multiple stressors, including
salinity, pH, temperature, sea level rise, and nutrient
input, within estuarine ecosystems is inadequately understood
for managing the health, economic, recreational, and
environmental impacts driven by these interactions.
(5) A better understanding is needed of how anthropogenic
influences in coastal environments affect estuarine
ecosystems.
(6) More integration and coordination is needed among
regional, national, and global environmental observations in
estuarine environments, supporting prior investments in
related topics such as nutrient loading, hypoxia, ocean
acidification, and harmful algae bloom research and
observational systems.
SEC. 3. STUDY EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS ON ESTUARINE
ENVIRONMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall make
appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (referred to in this Act
as the ``National Academies'') under which the National
Academies shall conduct a study that--
(1) examines the existing science of ocean acidification in
estuarine environments;
(2) examines the challenges to studying ocean acidification
and ocean acidification's interactions with other environment
stressors in estuarine environments;
(3) provides recommendations for improving future research
with respect to ocean acidification in estuarine
environments; and
(4) identifies pathways for applying science in management
and mitigation decisions relating to ocean acidification in
estuarine environments.
(b) Contents of Study.--The study described under
subsection (a) shall include--
(1) the behavior of the carbonate system within estuarine
environments;
(2) the interactions of the carbonate system with other
biotic and abiotic characteristics of estuarine ecosystems;
(3) how environmental and anthropogenic changes or
disturbances could affect abiotic and biotic processes within
estuaries;
(4) how estuarine biotic and abiotic processes will be
affected under predicted environmental changes;
(5) the current state of data collection, interpretation,
storage, and retrieval and observational infrastructure of
abiotic and biotic parameters in estuarine ecosystems;
[[Page H2515]]
(6) the gaps that exist in understanding the socio-economic
and health impacts of ocean acidification in estuaries;
(7) future directions for scientific research; and
(8) pathways for applying science in management and
mitigation decisions.
(c) Report.--In entering into an arrangement under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall request that the National
Academies transmit to Congress a report on the results of the
study not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000.
Insider Trading Prohibition Act
H.R. 2655
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 ``Insider Trading Prohibition
Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON INSIDER TRADING.
(a) In General.--The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 16
the following new section:
``SEC. 16A. PROHIBITION ON INSIDER TRADING.
``(a) Prohibition Against Trading Securities While Aware of
Material, Nonpublic Information.--It shall be unlawful for
any person, directly or indirectly, to purchase, sell, or
enter into, or cause the purchase or sale of or entry into,
any security, security-based swap, or security-based swap
agreement, while aware of material, nonpublic information
relating to such security, security-based swap, or security-
based swap agreement, or any nonpublic information, from
whatever source, that has, or would reasonably be expected to
have, a material effect on the market price of any such
security, security-based swap, or security-based swap
agreement, if such person knows, or recklessly disregards,
that such information has been obtained wrongfully, or that
such purchase or sale would constitute a wrongful use of such
information.
``(b) Prohibition Against the Wrongful Communication of
Certain Material, Nonpublic Information.--It shall be
unlawful for any person whose own purchase or sale of a
security, security-based swap, or entry into a security-based
swap agreement would violate subsection (a), wrongfully to
communicate material, nonpublic information relating to such
security, security-based swap, or security-based swap
agreement, or any nonpublic information, from whatever
source, that has, or would reasonably be expected to have, a
material effect on the market price of any such security,
security-based swap, or security-based swap agreement, to any
other person if--
``(1) the other person--
``(A) purchases, sells, or causes the purchase or sale of,
any security or security-based swap or enters into or causes
the entry into any security-based swap agreement, to which
such communication relates; or
``(B) communicates the information to another person who
makes or causes such a purchase, sale, or entry while aware
of such information; and
``(2) such a purchase, sale, or entry while aware of such
information is reasonably foreseeable.
``(c) Standard and Knowledge Requirement.--
``(1) Standard.--For purposes of this section, trading
while aware of material, nonpublic information under
subsection (a) or communicating material nonpublic
information under subsection (b) is wrongful only if the
information has been obtained by, or its communication or use
would constitute, directly or indirectly--
``(A) theft, bribery, misrepresentation, or espionage
(through electronic or other means);
``(B) a violation of any Federal law protecting computer
data or the intellectual property or privacy of computer
users;
``(C) conversion, misappropriation, or other unauthorized
and deceptive taking of such information; or
``(D) a breach of any fiduciary duty, a breach of a
confidentiality agreement, a breach of contract, a breach of
any code of conduct or ethics policy, or a breach of any
other personal or other relationship of trust and confidence
for a direct or indirect personal benefit (including
pecuniary gain, reputational benefit, or a gift of
confidential information to a trading relative or friend).
``(2) Knowledge requirement.--It shall not be necessary
that the person trading while aware of such information (as
proscribed by subsection (a)), or making the communication
(as proscribed by subsection (b)), knows the specific means
by which the information was obtained or communicated, or
whether any personal benefit was paid or promised by or to
any person in the chain of communication, so long as the
person trading while aware of such information or making the
communication, as the case may be, was aware, consciously
avoided being aware, or recklessly disregarded that such
information was wrongfully obtained, improperly used, or
wrongfully communicated.
``(d) Derivative Liability.--Except as provided in section
20(a), no person shall be liable under this section solely by
reason of the fact that such person controls or employs a
person who has violated this section, if such controlling
person or employer did not participate in, or directly or
indirectly induce the acts constituting a violation of this
section.
``(e) Affirmative Defenses.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission may, by rule or by order,
exempt any person, security, or transaction, or any class of
persons, securities, or transactions, from any or all of the
provisions of this section, upon such terms and conditions as
it considers necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the
purposes of this title.
``(2) Directed trading.--The prohibitions of this section
shall not apply to any person who acts at the specific
direction of, and solely for the account of another person
whose own securities trading, or communications of material,
nonpublic information, would be lawful under this section.
``(3) Rule 10b-5-1 compliant transactions.--The
prohibitions of this section shall not apply to any
transaction that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10b-5-1
(17 CFR 240.10b5-1), or any successor regulation.''.
(b) Commission Review of Rule 10b-5-1.--Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Securities and Exchange Commission shall review Rule 10b-5-1
(17 CFR 240.10b5-1) and make any modifications the Securities
and Exchange Commission determines necessary or appropriate
because of the amendment to the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 made by this Act.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--The Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is further amended--
(1) in section 21(d)(2), by inserting ``, section 16A of
this title'' after ``section 10(b) of this title,'';
(2) in section 21A--
(A) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ``and section 16A,''
after ``thereunder,''; and
(B) in subsection (h)(1), by inserting ``and section 16A,''
after ``thereunder,''; and
(3) in section 21C(f), by inserting ``or section 16A,''
after ``section 10(b)''.
SEC. 3. 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.
Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act
H.R. 2695
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 ``Combating
Sexual Harassment in Science Act''.
(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. Research grants.
Sec. 5. Data collection.
Sec. 6. Responsible conduct guide.
Sec. 7. Interagency working group.
Sec. 8. National academies assessment.
Sec. 9. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the report issued by the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2018
entitled ``Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and
Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine''--
(A) sexual harassment is pervasive in institutions of
higher education;
(B) the most common type of sexual harassment is gender
harassment, which includes verbal and nonverbal behaviors
that convey insulting, hostile, and degrading attitudes about
members of one gender;
(C) 58 percent of individuals in the academic workplace
experience sexual harassment, the second highest rate when
compared to the military, the private sector, and Federal,
State, and local government;
(D) women who are members of racial or ethnic minority
groups are more likely to experience sexual harassment and to
feel unsafe at work than White women, White men, or men who
are members of such groups;
(E) the training for each individual who has a doctor of
philosophy in the science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics fields is estimated to cost approximately
$500,000; and
(F) attrition of an individual so trained results in a loss
of talent and money.
(2) Sexual harassment undermines career advancement for
women.
(3) According to a 2017 University of Illinois study, among
astronomers and planetary scientists, 18 percent of women who
are members of racial or ethnic minority groups and 12
percent of White women skipped professional events because
they did not feel safe attending.
(4) Many women report leaving employment at institutions of
higher education due to sexual harassment.
(5) Research shows the majority of individuals do not
formally report experiences of sexual harassment due to a
justified fear of retaliation or other negative professional
or personal consequences.
(6) Reporting procedures with respect to such harassment
are inconsistent among
[[Page H2516]]
Federal science agencies and have varying degrees of
accessibility.
(7) There is not adequate communication among Federal
science agencies and between such agencies and grantees
regarding reports of sexual harassment, which has resulted in
harassers receiving Federal funding after moving to a
different institution.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Academies.--The term ``Academies'' means the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(3) Federal science agency.--The term ``Federal science
agency'' means any Federal agency with an annual extramural
research expenditure of over $100,000,000.
(4) Finding or determination.--The term ``finding or
determination'' means the final disposition of a matter
involving a violation of organizational policies and
processes, to include the exhaustion of permissible appeals,
or a conviction of a sexual offense in a criminal court of
law.
(5) Gender harassment.--The term ``gender harassment''
means verbal and nonverbal behaviors that convey hostility,
objectification, exclusion, or second-class status about
one's gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual
orientation, or pregnancy status.
(6) Grantee.--The term ``grantee'' means the legal entity
to which a grant is awarded and that is accountable to the
Federal Government for the use of the funds provided.
(7) Grant personnel.--The term ``grant personnel'' means
principal investigators, co-principal investigators,
postdoctoral researchers and other employees supported by a
grant award, cooperative agreement, or contract under Federal
law.
(8) 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).
(9) Sexual harassment.--The term ``sexual harassment''
means conduct that encompasses--
(A) unwelcome sexual advances;
(B) unwanted physical contact that is sexual in nature,
including assault;
(C) unwanted sexual attention, including sexual comments
and propositions for sexual activity;
(D) conditioning professional or educational benefits on
sexual activity; and
(E) retaliation for rejecting unwanted sexual attention.
(10) Stem.--The term ``STEM'' means science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics, including computer science.
SEC. 4. RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Director shall establish a program to
award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of
higher education or nonprofit organizations (or consortia of
such institutions or organizations)--
(1) to expand research efforts to better understand the
factors contributing to, and consequences of, sexual
harassment and gender harassment affecting individuals in the
STEM workforce, including students and trainees; and
(2) to examine interventions to reduce the incidence and
negative consequences of such harassment.
(b) Use of Funds.--Activities funded by a grant under this
section may include--
(1) research on the sexual harassment and gender harassment
experiences of individuals in underrepresented or vulnerable
groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, disabled
individuals, foreign nationals, sexual- and gender-minority
individuals, and others;
(2) development and assessment of policies, procedures,
trainings, and interventions, with respect to sexual
harassment and gender harassment, conflict management, and
ways to foster respectful and inclusive climates;
(3) research on approaches for remediating the negative
impacts and outcomes of such harassment on individuals
experiencing such harassment;
(4) support for institutions of higher education to
develop, adapt, and assess the impact of innovative,
evidence-based strategies, policies, and approaches to policy
implementation to prevent and address sexual harassment and
gender harassment;
(5) research on alternatives to the hierarchical and
dependent relationships, including but not limited to the
mentor-mentee relationship, in academia that have been shown
to create higher levels of risk for sexual harassment and
gender harassment; and
(6) establishing a center for the ongoing compilation,
management, and analysis of campus climate survey data.
SEC. 5. DATA COLLECTION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Director shall convene a working group composed of
representatives of Federal statistical agencies--
(1) to develop questions on sexual harassment and gender
harassment in STEM departments to gather national data on the
prevalence, nature, and implications of sexual harassment and
gender harassment in institutions of higher education; and
(2) to include such questions as appropriate, with
sufficient protections of the privacy of respondents, in
relevant surveys conducted by the National Center for Science
and Engineering Statistics and other relevant entities.
SEC. 6. RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT GUIDE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an
agreement with the Academies to update the report entitled
``On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in
Research'' issued by the Academies. The report, as so
updated, shall include--
(1) updated professional standards of conduct in research;
(2) standards of treatment individuals can expect to
receive under such updated standards of conduct;
(3) evidence-based practices for fostering a climate
intolerant of sexual harassment and gender harassment;
(4) methods, including bystander intervention, for
identifying and addressing incidents of sexual harassment and
gender harassment; and
(5) professional standards for mentorship and teaching with
an emphasis on preventing sexual harassment and gender
harassment.
(b) Recommendations.--In updating the report under
subsection (a), the Academies shall take into account
recommendations made in the report issued by the Academies in
2018 entitled ``Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture,
and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine'' and other relevant studies and evidence.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the effective
date of the contract under subsection (a), the Academies, as
part of such agreement, shall submit to the Director and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate the report referred to in such
subsection, as updated pursuant to such subsection.
SEC. 7. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy, acting through the National Science and
Technology Council, shall establish an interagency working
group for the purpose of coordinating Federal science agency
efforts to reduce the prevalence of sexual harassment and
gender harassment involving grant personnel. The working
group shall be chaired by the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy (or the Director's designee)
and shall include a representative from each Federal science
agency with annual extramural research expenditures totaling
over $1,000,000,000, a representative from the Department of
Education, and a representative from the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
(b) Responsibilities of Working Group.--The interagency
working group established under subsection (a) shall
coordinate Federal science agency efforts to implement the
policy guidelines developed under subsection (c)(2).
(c) Responsibilities of OSTP.--The Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy shall--
(1) not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an
inventory of policies, procedures, and resources dedicated to
preventing and responding to reports of sexual harassment and
gender harassment at Federal agencies that provide legal
definitions to which institutions of higher education must
comply; and
(2) not later than 6 months after the date on which the
inventory is submitted under paragraph (1)--
(A) in consultation with outside stakeholders and Federal
science agencies, develop a uniform set of policy guidelines
for Federal science agencies; and
(B) submit a report to the committees referred to in
paragraph (1) containing such guidelines;
(3) encourage and monitor efforts of Federal science
agencies to develop or maintain and implement policies based
on the guidelines developed under paragraph (2), including
the extent to which Federal science agency policies depart
from the uniform policy guidelines;
(4) not later than 1 year after the date on which the
inventory under paragraph (1) is submitted, and every 5 years
thereafter, the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall report to Congress on the
implementation by Federal science agencies of the policy
guidelines developed under paragraph (2); and
(5) update such policy guidelines as needed.
(d) Requirements.--In developing policy guidelines under
subsection (c)(2), the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall include guidelines that require--
(1) grantees to submit to the Federal science agency or
agencies from which the grantees receive funding reports
relating to--
(A) administrative action, related to an allegation against
grant personnel of any sexual harassment or gender
harassment, as set forth in organizational policies or codes
of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders, that
affects the ability of grant personnel or their trainees to
carry out the activities of the grant; and
(B) findings or determinations against grant personnel of
sexual harassment or gender harassment, as set forth in
organizational policies or codes of conduct, statutes,
regulations, or executive orders, including
[[Page H2517]]
any findings or determinations related to reports submitted
under subparagraph (A) and any disciplinary action that was
taken;
(2) the sharing, updating, and archiving of reports of
sexual harassment and gender harassment from grantees
submitted under paragraph (1)(B) with relevant Federal
science agencies on a quarterly basis; and
(3) to the extent practicable, ensure consistency among
Federal agencies with regards to the policies and procedures
for receiving reports submitted pursuant to paragraph (1),
which may include the designation of a single agency to field
reports so submitted.
(e) Considerations.--In developing policy guidelines under
subsection (c)(2), the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall consider guidelines that require or
incentivize--
(1) grantees to periodically assess their organizational
climate, which may include the use of climate surveys, focus
groups, or exit interviews;
(2) grantees to publish on a publicly available internet
website the results of assessments conducted pursuant to
paragraph (1), disaggregated by gender and, if possible,
race, ethnicity, disability status, and sexual orientation;
(3) grantees to make public on an annual basis the number
of reports of sexual harassment and gender harassment at each
such institution;
(4) grantees to regularly assess and improve policies,
procedures, and interventions to reduce the prevalence of
sexual harassment and gender harassment;
(5) each grantee to demonstrate in its proposal for a grant
award, cooperative agreement, or contract that a code of
conduct is in place for maintaining a healthy and welcoming
workplace for grant personnel and their trainees;
(6) the diffusion of the hierarchical and dependent
relationships between grant personnel and their trainees;
(7) each grantee and Federal science agency to have in
place mechanisms for the re-integration of individuals who
have experienced sexual harassment and gender harassment; and
(8) grantees to work to create a climate intolerant of
sexual harassment and gender harassment.
(f) Federal Science Agency Implementation.--Each Federal
science agency shall--
(1) develop or maintain and implement policies with respect
to sexual harassment and gender harassment that are
consistent with policy guidelines under subsection (c)(2) and
that protect the privacy of all parties involved in any
report and investigation of sexual harassment and gender
harassment, except to the extent necessary to carry out an
investigation; and
(2) broadly disseminate such policies to current and
potential recipients of research grants, cooperative
agreements, or contracts awarded by such agency.
(g) FERPA.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall ensure that such guidelines and
requirements are consistent with the requirements of section
444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g)
(commonly referred to as the ``Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974'').
(h) Sunset.--The interagency working group established
under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 7
years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8. NATIONAL ACADEMIES ASSESSMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an
agreement with the Academies to undertake a study of the
influence of sexual harassment and gender harassment in
institutions of higher education on the career advancement of
individuals in the STEM workforce. The study shall assess--
(1) the state of research on sexual harassment and gender
harassment in such workforce;
(2) whether research demonstrates a change in the
prevalence of sexual harassment and gender harassment in such
workforce;
(3) the progress made with respect to implementing
recommendations promulgated in the Academies consensus study
report entitled ``Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate,
Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine''; and
(4) where to focus future efforts with respect to
decreasing sexual harassment and gender harassment in such
institutions.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Director to
carry out this Act, $17,500,000.
Improving VA Accountability To Prevent Sexual Harassment and
Discrimination Act of 2021
H.R. 2704
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 VA Accountability
To Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act of
2021''.
SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Alignment of EEO Director.--
(1) Reporting and duties.--Subsection (h) of section 516 of
title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``The provisions'' and inserting ``(1) The
provisions''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this paragraph, in carrying out paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall ensure that the official of the
Department who serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity
Director of the Department--
``(A) reports directly to the Deputy Secretary with respect
to the functions under this section; and
``(B) does not also serve in a position that has
responsibility over personnel functions of the Department or
other functions that conflict with the functions under this
section.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Such section is further
amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``, in accordance
with subsection (h)(2),'' after ``an Assistant Secretary or a
Deputy Assistant Secretary''; and
(B) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking ``the Assistant
Secretary for Human Resources and Administration'' and
inserting ``the Secretary''.
(b) Alignment of EEO Program Managers.--Such section is
further amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(i) In accordance with subsection (b), not later than
December 31, 2021, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
ensure that each Equal Employment Opportunity program manager
of the Department at the facility level reports to the head
of the Office of Resolution Management, or such successor
office established pursuant to subsection (a), with respect
to the equal employment functions of the program manager.''.
(c) Reporting Harassment and Employment Discrimination
Complaints.--Subsection (a) of such section 516 is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(1) The
Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the employment
discrimination complaint resolution system established under
paragraph (1) requires that any manager of the Department who
receives a sexual or other harassment or employment
discrimination complaint reports such complaint to the Office
of Resolution Management, or such successor office,
immediately, or if such immediate reporting is impracticable,
not later than two business days after the date on which the
manager receives the complaint.''.
(d) Training.--Subsection (c) of such section 516 is
amended by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``Beginning not later than September 30, 2021, the Secretary
shall provide to each employee of the Department mandatory
annual training on identifying and addressing sexual and
other harassment and employment discrimination, including
with respect to processes under the Harassment Prevention
Program of the Department, or such successor program. An
employee of the Department who is hired on or after such date
shall receive the first such mandatory annual training not
later than 60 days after being hired.''.
(e) Harassment and Employment Discrimination Policies and
Directives.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
(1) by not later than September 30, 2021, and on a regular
basis thereafter, review the policies relating to sexual and
other harassment and employment discrimination of the
Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that such policies
are complete and in accordance with the sexual and other
harassment and employment discrimination policies established
by the Office of Resolution Management of the Department, or
such successor office; and
(2) by not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, issue a final directive and a handbook
for the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department.
(f) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and semiannually thereafter for one
year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report on the progress the
Secretary has made in carrying out this section and section
516 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this
section, including with respect to reporting sexual and other
harassment and employment discrimination complaints pursuant
to subsection (a)(2) of such section 516.
VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act
H.R. 2788
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 ``VA Equal Employment
Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act''.
SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CAP ON FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WHO PROVIDE
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COUNSELING.
(a) In General.--Section 516 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (g); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).
(b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the
[[Page H2518]]
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report regarding the effect of the
amendment under subsection (a).
Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act
H.R. 2878
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 ``Native VetSuccess at Tribal
Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act''.
SEC. 2. NATIVE VETSUCCESS AT TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall carry out a five-year pilot program, to be known as the
``Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot
Program''. Under such pilot program the Secretary shall--
(1) identify three regional Native VetSuccess service areas
consisting of at least two participating Tribal colleges or
universities;
(2) assign to each regional Native VetSuccess service area
a VetSuccess on Campus counselor and a full-time Vet Center
outreach coordinator, both of whom shall be based on one or
more of the participating Tribal colleges or universities in
the service area; and
(3) provide for eligible students at such participating
colleges and universities with all services for which such
students would be eligible under the VetSuccess on Campus
program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Eligible Students.--For purposes of the pilot program,
an eligible student is a student who is a veteran, member of
the Armed Forces, or dependent of a veteran or member of the
Armed Forces who is eligible for any service or benefit under
the VetSuccess on Campus program of the Department.
(c) Consultation Requirement.--In developing the pilot
program under this section, the Secretary, acting through the
Veteran Readiness and Employment Program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs and in coordination with the Office of
Tribal Government Relations of the Department, shall consult
with Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and veterans
service organizations regarding each of the following:
(1) The design of the pilot program.
(2) The selection of the three regional Native VetSuccess
service areas and participating Tribal colleges and
universities, taking into consideration--
(A) the number of eligible students enrolled in the college
or university and in the regional service area;
(B) the capacity of the colleges and universities in the
regional service area to accommodate a full-time VetSuccess
on Campus counselor and a full-time Vet Center outreach
coordinator;
(C) the lack of information available at the colleges and
universities in the regional service area about and lack of
access to benefits and services under the laws administered
by the Secretary; and
(D) any other factor that the Secretary or the Indian
tribes, Tribal organizations, and veterans service
organizations identify as relevant.
(3) The most effective way to provide culturally competent
outreach and services to eligible students at Tribal colleges
and universities.
(d) Outreach to Colleges and Universities.--The Secretary
shall provide notice of the pilot program to all Tribal
colleges and universities and encourage all Tribal colleges
and universities to coordinate with each other to create
regional service areas to participate in the pilot program.
(e) Briefings and Reports.--
(1) Implementation briefing.--Not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
provide for the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and
the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate a briefing on--
(A) the design, structure, and objectives of the pilot
program; and
(B) the three regional Native Vet Success service areas and
the Tribal colleges and universities selected for
participation in the pilot program and the reason for the
selection of such service areas and such colleges and
universities.
(2) Report.--Not later than four years after the date on
which the Secretary establishes the pilot program, the
Secretary shall submit to such Committees a report on the
pilot program. Such report shall include each of the
following:
(A) The number of eligible students provided services
through the pilot program.
(B) The types of services that eligible students received
through the pilot program.
(C) The graduation rate of eligible students who received
services through the pilot program.
(D) The rate of employment within one year of graduation
for eligible students who received services through the pilot
program.
(E) Feedback from each Tribal college or university that
participated in the pilot program, including on the regional
nature of the program.
(F) Analysis of the feasibility of expanding a regionally
based Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities
Program, including an explanation of the challenges of such a
model due to issues with distance, communication, and
coordination, and to the level of unmet services.
(G) A detailed legislative proposal regarding a long-term
extension of the pilot program, including a budget, if the
Secretary determines that such an extension is appropriate.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``Tribal college or university'' has the
meaning given such term under section 316 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
(2) The term ``tribal organization'' has the meaning given
that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
(3) The term ``culturally competent'' means considerate of
the unique values, customs, traditions, cultures, and
languages of Native American veterans.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY
PILOT PROGRAM.
Subsection (g) of section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-
48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note), as amended by section 4302 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:
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--Funds shall be made
available for carrying out the pilot program under this
section from funds appropriated to, or otherwise made
available to, the Department for the payment of readjustment
benefits, in the following amounts for a fiscal year in which
the Secretary carries out the pilot program:
``(1) For fiscal year 2019, $62,000,000.
``(2) For fiscal year 2020, $63,000,000.
``(3) For fiscal year 2021, $90,000,000.
``(4) For fiscal year 2022, $90,000,000.
``(5) For fiscal year 2023, $60,000,000.
``(6) For fiscal year 2024, $0.''.
SEC. 4. PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS WHO
ARE ``ROUNDING OUT'' UNDER EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 3680(a) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the case of an
eligible veteran or eligible person who is pursuing a program
of education on less than a half-time basis during a period
that is the last semester, term, or academic period the
veteran or person will be enrolled in the program of
education because the veteran or person will complete the
program of education at the end of that semester, term or
academic period, the Secretary may, pursuant to such
regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, provide to the
veteran or person educational assistance under chapter 30,
32, 33, 34, or 35 of this title or under chapter 1606 of
title 10, including a monthly housing stipend described in
section 3313(c) of this title, on the basis of the total
number of credits or courses in which the veteran or person
is enrolled, if--
``(A) the number of credits the veteran or person needs to
complete the program of education is less than the number of
credits that would constitute enrollment on a more than half-
time basis for that last semester, term, or academic period;
and
``(B) the veteran or person--
``(i) is enrolled in, or has completed, every course
offered by the program of education during the last semester,
term, or academic period in which the veteran or person is
enrolled in the program of education; and
``(ii) enrolls in an additional course that is not required
for the completion of such program of education and the
enrollment in the non-required course in addition to the
required course or courses in which the veteran or person is
enrolled constitutes enrollment on more than a half-time
basis.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on August 1, 2021, and apply with respect
to any semester, term, or academic period that begins on or
after that date.
SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN HOUSING LOAN FEES.
Section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``October 1, 2030'' each place it appears
and inserting ``December 9, 2030''.
SEC. 6. EXPANSION AND EXTENSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) Expansion.--Subsection (a) of section 2041 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``or permanent housing'' after ``shelter'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``named in, or
approved by the Secretary under, section 5902 of this title''
and inserting ``that is the recipient of a grant under
section 2011, 2013, 2044, or 2061 of this title''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, tribal entity,''
after ``State''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)(B)--
[[Page H2519]]
(A) in clause (i), by inserting ``or to sell or rent the
property directly to homeless veterans or veterans at-risk of
homelessness'' after ``families''; and
(B) in each of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), by striking
the comma and inserting a semicolon.
(b) Extension.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended
by striking ``September 30, 2017'' and inserting ``September
30, 2025''.
SEC. 7. 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.
Homebuyer Assistance Act of 2021
H.R. 3008
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 ``Homebuyer Assistance Act of
2021''.
SEC. 2. APPRAISAL STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING
MORTGAGES.
(a) Certification or Licensing.--Paragraph (5) of section
202(g) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)) is
amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following new subparagraph:
``(A)(i) in the case of an appraiser for a mortgage for
single-family housing, be certified or licensed by the State
in which the property to be appraised is located; and
``(ii) in the case of an appraiser for a mortgage for
multifamily housing, be certified by the State in which the
property to be appraised is located; and''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the period at
the end the following: ``, which, in the case of appraisers
for any mortgage for single-family housing, shall include
completion of a course or seminar that consists of not less
than 7 hours of training regarding such appraisal
requirements that is approved by the Course Approval Program
of the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal
Foundation or a State appraiser certifying and licensing
agency''.
(b) Compliance With Verifiable Education Requirements;
Grandfathering.--Effective beginning on the date of the
effectiveness of the mortgagee letter or other guidance
issued pursuant to subsection (c) of this section,
notwithstanding any choice or approval of any appraiser made
before such date of enactment, no appraiser may conduct an
appraisal for any mortgage for single-family housing insured
under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et
seq.) unless such appraiser is, as of such date of
effectiveness, in compliance with--
(1) all of the requirements under section 202(g)(5) of such
Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as amended by subsection (a) of
this section, including the requirement under subparagraph
(B) of such section 202(g)(5) (relating to demonstrated
verifiable education in appraisal requirements); or
(2) all of the requirements under section 202(g)(5) of such
Act as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(c) Implementation.--Not later than the expiration of the
240-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall
issue a mortgagee letter or other guidance that shall--
(1) implement the amendments made by subsection (a) of this
section;
(2) clearly set forth all of the specific requirements
under section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (as
amended by subsection (a) of this section) for approval to
conduct appraisals under title II of such Act for mortgages
for single-family housing, which shall include--
(A) providing that the completion, prior to the effective
date of such mortgagee letter or guidance, of training
meeting the requirements under subparagraph (B) of such
section 202(g)(5) (as amended by subsection (a) of this
section) shall be considered to fulfill the requirement under
such subparagraph; and
(B) providing a method for appraisers to demonstrate such
prior completion; and
(3) take effect not later than the expiration of the 180-
day period beginning upon issuance of such mortgagee letter
or guidance.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 403, 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.
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. HARRIS. Mr. 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 350,
nays 75, not voting 4, as follows:
[Roll No. 148]
YEAS--350
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
Bustos
Butterfield
Calvert
Carbajal
Cardenas
Carl
Carson
Carter (LA)
Carter (TX)
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
Crenshaw
Crist
Crow
Cuellar
Davids (KS)
Davis, Danny K.
Davis, Rodney
Dean
DeFazio
DeGette
DeLauro
DelBene
Delgado
Demings
DeSaulnier
DesJarlais
Deutch
Diaz-Balart
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle, Michael F.
Dunn
Emmer
Escobar
Eshoo
Espaillat
Evans
Feenstra
Ferguson
Fischbach
Fitzgerald
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fletcher
Fortenberry
Foster
Frankel, Lois
Gallagher
Gallego
Garamendi
Garbarino
Garcia (CA)
Garcia (IL)
Garcia (TX)
Gibbs
Gimenez
Gomez
Gonzales, Tony
Gonzalez (OH)
Gonzalez, Vicente
Gottheimer
Graves (LA)
Graves (MO)
Green, Al (TX)
Grijalva
Guthrie
Hagedorn
Harder (CA)
Hartzler
Hayes
Herrera Beutler
Higgins (NY)
Hill
Himes
Hinson
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
Lamb
Lamborn
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Latta
LaTurner
Lawrence
Lawson (FL)
Lee (CA)
Lee (NV)
Leger Fernandez
Letlow
Levin (CA)
Levin (MI)
Lieu
Lofgren
Long
Lowenthal
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Luria
Lynch
Mace
Malinowski
Malliotakis
Maloney, Carolyn B.
Maloney, Sean
Mann
Manning
Mast
Matsui
McBath
McCarthy
McCaul
McClain
McCollum
McEachin
McGovern
McHenry
McKinley
McNerney
Meeks
Meijer
Meng
Meuser
Mfume
Miller (WV)
Miller-Meeks
Moolenaar
Mooney
Moore (AL)
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
Omar
Owens
Pallone
Panetta
Pappas
Pascrell
Payne
Perlmutter
Peters
Phillips
Pingree
Pocan
Porter
Posey
Pressley
Price (NC)
Quigley
Raskin
Reschenthaler
Rice (NY)
Rodgers (WA)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Ross
Roybal-Allard
Ruiz
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan
Salazar
Sanchez
Sarbanes
Scalise
Scanlon
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schrader
Schrier
Schweikert
Scott (VA)
Scott, Austin
Scott, David
Sewell
Sherman
Sherrill
Simpson
Sires
Slotkin
Smith (MO)
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (WA)
Smucker
Soto
Spanberger
Spartz
Speier
Stanton
Stauber
Steel
Stefanik
Steil
Stevens
Stewart
Strickland
Suozzi
Swalwell
Takano
Tenney
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thompson (PA)
Timmons
Titus
Tlaib
Tonko
Torres (CA)
Torres (NY)
Trahan
Trone
Turner
Underwood
Upton
Valadao
Van Drew
Vargas
Veasey
Vela
Velazquez
Wagner
Walberg
Walorski
Waltz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson Coleman
Welch
Wenstrup
Wexton
Wild
Williams (GA)
Williams (TX)
Wilson (FL)
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Womack
Yarmuth
Young
Zeldin
NAYS--75
Allen
Armstrong
Arrington
Babin
Banks
Biggs
Bishop (NC)
Boebert
Brooks
Buck
Budd
Burchett
Burgess
Bush
Cammack
Cline
Cloud
Clyde
Crawford
Curtis
Davidson
Donalds
Duncan
Estes
Fallon
Foxx
Franklin, C. Scott
Fulcher
Gaetz
Gohmert
Good (VA)
Gooden (TX)
Gosar
Granger
Green (TN)
Greene (GA)
Griffith
Grothman
Guest
Harris
Harshbarger
Hern
Herrell
Hice (GA)
Higgins (LA)
Huizenga
Jackson
Johnson (LA)
Jordan
Kelly (MS)
LaMalfa
Lesko
Loudermilk
Massie
McClintock
Miller (IL)
Norman
Palazzo
Palmer
[[Page H2520]]
Pence
Perry
Pfluger
Rice (SC)
Rose
Rosendale
Rouzer
Roy
Rutherford
Sessions
Steube
Taylor
Tiffany
Van Duyne
Weber (TX)
Westerman
NOT VOTING--4
Carter (GA)
Golden
Reed
Webster (FL)
{time} 1819
Mr. PFLUGER and Ms. VAN DUYNE changed their vote from ``yea'' to
``nay.''
So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and
the bills were passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The title of H.R. 1510 was amended so as to read: ``A bill to direct
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the
use of cameras in medical facilities of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.''.
The title of H.R. 2878 was amended so as to read: ``A bill to direct
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a Native VetSuccess at
Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program, and for other
purposes.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
personal explanation
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had
I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 145, ``nay''
on rollcall No. 146, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 147, and ``yea'' on
rollcall No. 148.
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
Allred (Wexton)
Beatty (Kelly (IL))
Buchanan (Dunn)
Cardenas (Gallego)
Carter (TX) (Calvert)
Crenshaw (Pfluger)
DesJarlais (Fleischmann)
Deutch (Rice (NY))
Dingell (Kuster)
Frankel, Lois (Clark (MA))
Grijalva (Garcia (IL))
Kildee (Kilmer)
Kirkpatrick (Stanton)
Lawrence (Watson Coleman)
Lawson (FL) (Evans)
Levin (MI) (Raskin)
Lieu (Beyer)
Lowenthal (Beyer)
McEachin (Wexton)
McHenry (Banks)
Napolitano (Correa)
Ocasio-Cortez (Bush)
Pascrell (Pallone)
Payne (Pallone)
Ruppersberger (Raskin)
Rush (Underwood)
Sewell (DelBene)
Slotkin (Axne)
Stevens (Axne)
Tlaib (Garcia (IL))
Waters (Barragan)
Wilson (FL) (Hayes)
Wilson (SC) (Timmons)
Young (Mast)
____________________