[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 40 (Monday, March 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1017-S1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. CARPER (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Coons, Mr. Booker, Mr. 
        Menendez, and Mr. Schumer):
  S. 3767. A bill to amend the Water Infrastructure Improvements for 
the Nation Act to reauthorize Delaware River Basin conservation 
programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works.
  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce, along 
with the Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. Casey, the Junior Senator from 
Delaware, Mr. Coons, the Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Booker, the 
Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Menendez, and the Senator from New York, 
Mr. Schumer, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act 
of 2022.
  The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act became law as part of the 
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016. This 
legislation, which I was proud to lead, responded to the need for 
Federal, State, and local governments and regional partners to come 
together to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration activities 
within the Delaware River Basin. The legislation also created a 
nonregulatory grant program for which appropriations have flowed 
through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Fish and 
Wildlife Foundation has done an excellent job of working with the Fish 
and Wildlife Service to administer the Delaware Watershed Conservation 
Fund under the authority of this act.
  In just a few short years, this program has grown tremendously. To 
date, the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund has awarded more than 
$25 million to projects that support recreation, water quality, water 
management, and habitat. Grantees have matched that investment by a 
ratio of nearly 2 to 1--an impressive total conservation impact of over 
$70 million.
  This program is a great example of how when the government--at all 
levels--works with diverse suites of nongovernment stakeholders, we can 
achieve meaningful results on the ground that improve the lives of 
people and wildlife alike.
  For example, the program has funded several diverse projects in 
Delaware, including installing pollinator gardens at places of worship, 
removing a dam in White Clay Creek, improving fish passage in the 
Brandywine River, and restoring wetlands at our national wildlife 
refuges. These restoration efforts protect the species we love, clean 
up our drinking water, and provide a boost to local tourism.
  The legislation I am introducing today would reauthorize the Delaware 
River Basin Conservation Act and make some minor improvements to allow 
even better results on the ground throughout the Delaware River 
Watershed. This reauthorization has clear benefits for our environment 
and economy--a win-win for Delaware and our region.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important 
legislation this Congress. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the 
bill I am introducing today appear in the Record following my 
statement.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3767

       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 ``Delaware River Basin 
     Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2022''.

     SEC. 2. DELAWARE RIVER BASIN CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Cost Sharing.--Section 3504(c)(1) of the Water 
     Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (Public Law 
     114-322; 130 Stat. 1775) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Federal share'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Federal share''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the Federal 
     share of the cost of a project funded under the grant program 
     that serves a small, rural, or disadvantaged community shall 
     be 90 percent of the total cost of the project, as determined 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(ii) Waiver.--The Secretary may increase the Federal 
     share under clause (i) to 100 percent of the total cost of 
     the project if the Secretary determines that the grant 
     recipient is unable to pay, or would experience significant 
     financial hardship if required to pay, the non-Federal 
     share.''.
       (b) Repeal of Prohibition on Use of Funds for Federal 
     Acquisition of Interests in Land.--Section 3506 of the Water 
     Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (Public Law 
     114-322; 130 Stat. 1775) is repealed.
       (c) Sunset.--Section 3507 of the Water Infrastructure 
     Improvements for the Nation Act (Public Law 114-322; 130 
     Stat. 1775) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2030''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Mr. Scott of South Carolina):
  S. 3768. A bill to require the Secretary of Labor to implement the 
industry-recognized apprenticeship program process, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3768

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Training America's Workforce 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

        The Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the 
     ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 63; 29 
     U.S.C. 50 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 4 as section 5; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 4. INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Industry-recognized apprenticeship program.--The term 
     `industry-recognized apprenticeship program'--

[[Page S1018]]

       ``(A) means a high-quality, competency-based apprenticeship 
     program that is--
       ``(i) recognized by a standards recognition entity;
       ``(ii) developed or delivered by an entity such as a trade 
     or industry group, corporation, nonprofit organization, 
     institution of higher education, labor organization, or 
     labor-management organization (among other entities, as 
     determined appropriate by the Secretary); and
       ``(B) may include a program that meets the requirements of 
     subparagraph (A) and trains apprentices to perform 
     construction activities.
       ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Labor.
       ``(3) Standards recognition entity.--The term `standards 
     recognition entity' means a private sector or public sector 
     entity that--
       ``(A) is recognized by the Secretary (acting through the 
     Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship of the 
     Department of Labor) for purposes of recognizing 
     apprenticeship programs as industry-recognized apprenticeship 
     programs;
       ``(B) has a demonstrated ability to ensure an industry-
     recognized apprenticeship program meets the standards 
     described in subsection (d); and
       ``(C) has the capacity to perform the oversight necessary 
     to ensure the ongoing compliance of an industry-recognized 
     apprenticeship program with such standards.
       ``(b) Recognition of Industry-recognized Apprenticeship 
     Programs.--
       ``(1) In general.--By not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of the Training America's Workforce Act, the 
     Secretary, after consultation with private sector industry 
     associations, institutions of higher education, State, local, 
     and Tribal governmental agencies, and other stakeholders the 
     Secretary determines appropriate, shall establish a process 
     to recognize entities as standards recognition entities for 
     purposes of recognizing industry-recognized apprenticeship 
     programs under this Act.
       ``(2) Limited discretion.--The Secretary shall not deny 
     recognition as a standards recognition entity to a private 
     sector or public sector entity that meets the requirements of 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (a)(3) and 
     satisfactorily completes the process established under 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Administrative flexibility.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that the recognition process for standards recognition 
     entities established under paragraph (1) is a flexible 
     process with low administrative and reporting burdens for the 
     standards recognition entities and industry-recognized 
     apprenticeship programs.
       ``(c) Requirements.--The recognition process of standards 
     recognition entities and the activities and procedures 
     carried out by the standards recognition entities shall, to 
     the maximum extent practicable and except as otherwise 
     explicitly provided in this section, be consistent with the 
     requirements, activities, and procedures under subpart B of 
     part 29 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, as such 
     subpart was in effect on May 11, 2020.
       ``(d) Standards.--Each standard recognition entity shall 
     establish standards for the industry-recognized 
     apprenticeship programs recognized by the entity that, at a 
     minimum, ensure that each industry-recognized apprenticeship 
     program--
       ``(1) includes--
       ``(A) paid work;
       ``(B) on-the-job learning;
       ``(C) a mentorship component;
       ``(D) education and classroom instruction;
       ``(E) a written training plan and apprenticeship agreement; 
     and
       ``(F) safety and supervision components; and
       ``(2) provides, during participation in or upon completion 
     of the apprenticeship, an industry-recognized credential.
       ``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed as affecting apprenticeship programs registered 
     under this Act and recognized by the Secretary of Labor.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. REED (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Coons, and Mrs. 
        Shaheen):
  S. 3769. A bill to amend the Energy Conservation and Production Act 
to improve the weatherization assistance program, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Weatherization 
Assistance Program Improvements Act, which will make critical updates 
to ensure this important program can effectively serve even more 
households across the country.
  Since 1976, the Weatherization Assistance Program has helped more 
than 7 million low-income families reduce their energy bills by making 
their homes more energy efficient. The Department of Energy estimates 
that these upgrades help each household save $283 in energy bills 
annually. Those energy savings free up limited financial resources for 
essentials, like groceries and medicine.
  In addition to traditional services like attic and wall insulation, 
the program also provides services that help with home health and 
safety measures, such as installing smoke and carbon monoxide 
detectors. Energy efficient homes also help cut down on our carbon 
footprint, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate 
change.
  An independent study of the Weatherization Assistance Program by Oak 
Ridge National Laboratory found that children in weatherized households 
miss less school, improving educational outcomes. Adults miss less 
work, increasing both their own incomes and their contributions to the 
economy. Families also reported experiencing fewer flu and cold 
symptoms and emergency room visits, decreasing costly medical expenses.
  The Weatherization Assistance Program also helps boost our economy. 
The program supports over 8,500 jobs for energy experts and 
contractors, while increasing our national economic output by $1.2 
billion.
  The program is a win-win for all involved. That is why, as a member 
of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have led my colleagues in 
supporting strong funding for it every year. And that is why I am 
introducing this bill--to ensure it continues to work for years to 
come.
  This bill, which is cosponsored by Senators Collins, Coons, and 
Shaheen, will help expand the program to many more low-income 
households that are currently unable to receive weatherization services 
because their homes are not structurally sound. The bill will authorize 
a Weatherization Readiness Fund, providing $65 million a year for 5 
years to repair structural issues and prepare homes for weatherization 
assistance, increasing the number of homes the program is able to 
serve.
  At the same time, it will raise the amount of funding allowed to be 
spent on each home to keep up with current labor and material costs, 
and it will raise the cap on the amount of funding allowed to be spent 
on renewable energy upgrades in each home. These provisions are 
essential updates to a program that has helped so many families over 
the past few decades.
  I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense 
legislation.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Hagerty, and Mr. 
        King):
  S. 3771. A bill to prohibit United States persons from engaging in 
transactions with foreign persons that purchase or transact in gold 
from the Russian Federation; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and 
Urban Affairs.
  Mr. CORNYN. President, I ask unanimous consent to print my bill for 
introduction in the Congressional Record. The bill prohibits U.S. 
persons from engaging in transactions with foreign persons who purchase 
or transact in gold from the Russian Federation.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:
       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 ``Stop Russian Government and 
     Oligarchs from Limiting Democracy Act of 2022'' or the ``Stop 
     Russian GOLD Act''.

     SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON TRANSACTIONS WITH FOREIGN PERSONS THAT 
                   PURCHASE OR TRANSACT IN RUSSIAN GOLD.

       (a) In General.--Any transaction by a United States person 
     with a foreign person described in subsection (b) is 
     prohibited.
       (b) Foreign Person Described.--A foreign person is 
     described in this subsection if the foreign person--
       (1) purchases, transacts in, or transports between 
     countries gold received from the Government of the Russian 
     Federation, including from reserves of the Central Bank of 
     the Russian Federation held outside the Russian Federation; 
     or
       (2) engages in a transaction--
       (A) involving gold; and
       (B) that has a physical or electronic nexus to the Russian 
     Federation.
       (c) Guidance.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     publish guidance for United States persons with respect to 
     compliance with this section, including guidance--
       (1) to ensure that United States persons are able to avoid 
     unknowingly investing in or transacting with foreign persons 
     described in subsection (b) through bundled or basked assets; 
     and
       (2) to facilitate divestment from investment in and 
     transactions with such foreign persons.
       (d) Implementation; Penalties.--

[[Page S1019]]

       (1) Implementation.--The President may exercise all 
     authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 
     and 1704) to carry out this section.
       (2) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to 
     violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this 
     section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry 
     out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth 
     in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) 
     to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act 
     described in subsection (a) of that section.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means an 
     individual or entity that is not a United States person.
       (2) United states person.--The term ``United States 
     person'' means--
       (A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted 
     for permanent residence to the United States; or
       (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States 
     or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a 
     foreign branch of such an entity.

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