[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 7023-7032]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. CARDIN:
  S. 969. A bill to amend the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation 
Act to reauthorize the Act; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today, in honor of the 20th anniversary of 
International Migratory Bird Day on May 11, I am introducing the 
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. More than half of the bird 
species found in the U.S. migrate across our borders and many of these 
spend our winter in Central and South America. This bill promotes 
international cooperation for long-term conservation, education, 
research, monitoring, and habitat protection for more than 350 species 
of neotropical migratory birds. Through its successful competitive, 
matching grant program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports 
public-private partnerships in countries mostly in Latin America and 
the Caribbean. Up to one quarter of the funds may be awarded for 
domestic projects.
  This legislation aims to sustain healthy populations of migratory 
birds that are not only beautiful to look at but help our farmers by 
consuming billions of harmful insect and rodent pests each year, 
providing pollination services, and dispersing seeds. Migratory birds 
face threats from pesticide pollution, deforestation, sprawl, and 
invasive species that degrade their habitats in addition to the natural 
risks of their extended flights. Birds are excellent indicators of the 
health of an ecosystem. As such, it is troubling that, according to the 
National Audubon Society, half of all coastally migrating shorebirds, 
like the Common Tern and Piping Plover, are experiencing dramatic 
population declines.
  The Baltimore Oriole, the State bird of Maryland and one whose song 
brightens all of the Northeastern U.S., has steadily declined in 
population despite being protected by Federal law under the Migratory 
Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the state of Maryland's Nongame and 
Endangered Species Conservation Act. Likewise, the iconic Red Knot 
bird, whose legendary 9,000 mile migration centers on a stopover in the 
Mid-Atlantic states, is decreasing in population quickly. Threats to 
these beloved Maryland birds are mainly due to habitat destruction and 
deforestation, particularly in the Central and South American countries 
where the birds winter. In addition, international use of toxic 
pesticides ingested by insects, which are then eaten by the birds, has 
significantly contributed to this decline. Conservation efforts in our 
country are essential, but investment in programs throughout the 
migratory route of these and countless other migratory birds is 
critical. This legislation accomplishes this goal.
  The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track 
record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies 
for the broad range of neotropical birds that populate the United 
States and the rest of the Western hemisphere. To date, the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service has administered these grants to support 422 
projects in more than 35 countries. The $46.5 million that this program 
has provided in grants has leveraged $178.5 million from partners, 
almost four additional dollars for every one spent. More than 3.25 
million acres of quality bird habitat have benefitted. In addition, 
birding is among the wildlife watching activities that generate jobs 
and income, approximately $2.7 billion annually, for the U.S. economy.
  This legislation is cost-effective, budget-friendly, and has been a 
highly successful federal program. This simple reauthorization bill 
will make sure that this good work continues.
  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. 969

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

     SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION OF NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD 
                   CONSERVATION ACT.

       Section 10 of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6109) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this Act such sums as are necessary for each of 
     fiscal years 2014 through 2019.
       ``(b) Use of Funds.--Of the amounts made available under 
     subsection (a) for each fiscal year, not less than 75 percent 
     shall be expended for projects carried out at a location 
     outside of the United States.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. Boozman):
  S. 970. A bill to amend the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to 
reauthorize grants for and require applied water supply research 
regarding the water resources research and technology institutes 
established under the Act; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Water Resources 
Research Amendments Act. First authorized in 1964, the Water Resources 
Research Act established 54 Water Resources Research Institutes at top 
land grant universities in each of the 50 States and the U.S. 
territories. These institutes created a grant program and provided 
opportunities for applied water supply research. The bill I introduce 
today would reauthorize the grant program for the next 5 years and 
would add a program focused on research and development of green 
infrastructure.
  Water and the availability thereof is a defining characteristic of 
U.S. landscape, culture, wealth, and security. Clean water is a 
relatively rare and invaluable resource. Last year's funded projects 
included research into the impacts of climate change on water supply 
lakes, the development of better detection methods for pathogens in 
drinking water, and the impacts of drought on farm supply chains. In my 
own State, some of the tools we use for restoration of the Chesapeake 
Bay were products of these same grants in previous years. WRRA 
Researchers across the Mid-Atlantic States have developed ways to keep 
the Chesapeake waters cleaner through urban stormwater treatment, 
improved roadway design, and eco-friendly poultry farming practices. 
WRRA-funded projects develop innovative and cost-effective solutions 
for similar water resources issues across the country. Undoubtedly, 
funding WRRA is an intelligent and necessary investment in the future 
of our water resources.
  WRRA authorizes two types of annual grants. First, it supplies grants 
to each Water Resources Research Institute for research that fosters 
improvements in water supply reliability, explores new ways to address 
water problems, encourages dissemination of research to water managers 
and the public, and encourages the entry of new scientists, engineers 
and technicians into the water resources field. Second, WRRA authorizes 
a national competitive grant program to address regional water issues. 
All WRRA grants leverage non-federal dollars at a minimum ratio of 2 to 
1, but often far beyond that level, as high as 5 to 1.
  The Water Resources Research Act was most recently reauthorized in 
2006, in PL 109-471. In that period, the program was authorized at 
$12,000,000 per year, providing $6,000,000 each to state and 
competitive project grants. Authorization for these grants expired in 
fiscal year 2011. Today's bill would reauthorize both grant programs 
for an additional 5 years by providing $7,500,000 for institutional 
grants and $1,500,000 for national competitive grants. This lower 
authorization level reflects our efforts to adjust for present fiscal 
limitations. The proposed authorization maximizes the economic 
efficiency of the program without compromising its efficacy. An 
independent review panel has judged that

[[Page 7024]]

the Water Resources Research Institutes command significant funding 
leverage for the modest amount of appropriations required to support 
it. Thus, we can be sure that we are supporting top-notch science while 
maximizing cost-effectiveness. Moreover, by funding this network of 
institutes we are investing in our future. The Water Resources Research 
Institutes are the country's single largest training program for water 
scientists, technicians, and engineers.
  Today, floods, droughts, and water degradation issues pervade the 
nation. Simultaneously, water resources are increasingly critical for 
production of resources, economic stability, and the health and well-
being of the citizenry. WRRA grants provide us with improved 
understanding of water-related issues and better technology to address 
them. Nearly half a century after the Water Resources Research grant 
program was first put in place, this program is relevant, critical, and 
deserving of our support.
  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. 970

       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 ``Water Resources Research 
     Amendments Act of 2013''.

     SEC. 2. WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH ACT AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Congressional Findings and Declarations.--Section 102 
     of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10301) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as 
     paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;
       (2) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``and'' at the end; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
       ``(7) additional research is required into increasing the 
     effectiveness and efficiency of new and existing treatment 
     works through alternative approaches, including--
       ``(A) nonstructural alternatives;
       ``(B) decentralized approaches;
       ``(C) water use efficiency; and
       ``(D) actions to reduce energy consumption or extract 
     energy from wastewater;''.
       (b) Clarification of Research Activities.--Section 
     104(b)(1) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 
     U.S.C. 10303(b)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``water-related 
     phenomena'' and inserting ``water resources''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''.
       (c) Compliance Report.--Section 104(c) of the Water 
     Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10303(c)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``From the'' and inserting ``(1) In 
     general.--From the''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Report.--Not later than December 31 of each fiscal 
     year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the Committee on 
     the Budget of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives a 
     report regarding the compliance of each funding recipient 
     with this subsection for the immediately preceding fiscal 
     year.''.
       (d) Evaluation of Water Resources Research Program.--
     Section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 
     U.S.C. 10303) is amended by striking subsection (e) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(e) Evaluation of Water Resources Research Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a careful 
     and detailed evaluation of each institute at least once every 
     3 years to determine--
       ``(A) the quality and relevance of the water resources 
     research of the institute;
       ``(B) the effectiveness of the institute at producing 
     measured results and applied water supply research; and
       ``(C) whether the effectiveness of the institute as an 
     institution for planning, conducting, and arranging for 
     research warrants continued support under this section.
       ``(2) Prohibition on further support.--If, as a result of 
     an evaluation under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines 
     that an institute does not qualify for further support under 
     this section, no further grants to the institute may be 
     provided until the qualifications of the institute are 
     reestablished to the satisfaction of the Secretary.''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 104(f)(1) of 
     the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 
     10303(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``$12,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2007 through 2011'' and inserting ``$7,500,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018''.
       (f) Additional Appropriations Where Research Focused on 
     Water Problems of Interstate Nature.--Section 104(g)(1) of 
     the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 
     10303(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``$6,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2007 through 2011'' and inserting ``$1,500,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Baucus, and Mr. Risch):
  S. 971. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to 
exempt the conduct of silvicultural activities from national pollutant 
discharge elimination system permitting requirements; to the Committee 
on Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I rise to reintroduce the 
Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act with my colleague Senator 
Crapo. This legislation would end the legal uncertainty facing the 
timber industry by enacting legislation to preserve the Environmental 
Protection Agency's 37-year old policy treating forest roads as non-
point sources under the Clean Water Act.
  For 37 years, the EPA has maintained that forest roads are non-point 
sources. Furthermore, in March of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court 
overturned the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling on forest roads, 
upholding EPA's authority to regulate forest roads as nonpoint sources 
under the Clean Water Act. Various studies show that if the EPA were to 
change their decades-long position and require Federal, State, county, 
tribal and private forest road owners to obtain a point source permit, 
the cost could reach billions of dollars and cost thousands of jobs. 
The Pacific Northwest needs more jobs in the woods. The way to do that 
is to get the timber cut up and to stop litigating questions that have 
already been answered.
  In the 112th Congress, Senator Crapo and I introduced similar 
legislation on forest roads. The legislation we introduce today is 
different in only two respects. First, the bill includes new language 
to prevent forest roads from being otherwise regulated by the EPA. This 
language is needed because in its March 2013 decision, the U.S. Supreme 
Court upheld the EPA's authority to regulate forest roads as non-point 
sources, and therefore not require mandatory point source permits; 
however, it did not address the Ninth Circuit's previous ruling that 
forest roads are point sources. As a result, the EPA must respond to 
the Court's ruling that the EPA use its discretionary authority to 
determine whether or not to regulate forest roads as point sources. 
This will inevitably result in further litigation over permits for 
forest roads.
  Second, the bill we introduce today includes the language adopted 
last year by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to 
clarify the list of forest activities the EPA will not regulate as 
point sources. The Committee favorable reported the bill with this 
addition.
  Let me be clear. This legislation upholds an existing EPA regulation. 
Furthermore, this legislation does not weaken the Clean Water Act. The 
Clean Water Act remains in the same force as it has since it was 
enacted in 1972.
  The introduction of this bill begins the legislative process. There 
will be an opportunity for hearings, testimony provided by witnesses 
and Federal agencies, and public dialogue on this bill. It is my hope 
that this legislation will provide the certainty that the timber 
industry needs to increase jobs in the woods, get the timber cut up, 
and put an end to litigating the question of whether or not EPA has the 
authority to regulate forest roads as non-point sources.
  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. 971

       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 ``Silviculture Regulatory 
     Consistency Act''.

[[Page 7025]]



     SEC. 2. SILVICULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

       Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
     (33 U.S.C. 1342(l)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Silvicultural activities.--
       ``(A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural 
     activities.--The Administrator shall not require a permit or 
     otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or 
     directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit 
     under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff 
     resulting from the conduct of the following silvicultural 
     activities: nursery operations, site preparation, 
     reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, 
     prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting 
     operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and 
     maintenance.
       ``(B) Permits for dredged or fill material.--Nothing in 
     this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in 
     the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting 
     requirement under section 404.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Heller):
  S. 974. A bill to provide for certain land conveyances in the State 
of Nevada, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, 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. 974

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Las Vegas 
     Valley Public Land and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 
     Monument Act of 2013''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.
Sec. 3. Addition of land to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Sec. 4. Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to North Las 
              Vegas.
Sec. 5. Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to Las Vegas.
Sec. 6. Expansion of conveyance to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police 
              Department.
Sec. 7. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area withdrawal.
Sec. 8. Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 amendments.
Sec. 9. Conveyance of land to the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Sec. 10. Land conveyance for Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.
Sec. 11. Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area release.
Sec. 12. Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.
Sec. 13. Conveyance of land for Nellis Air Force Base.
Sec. 14. Military overflights.

     SEC. 2. TULE SPRINGS FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) since 1933, the Upper Las Vegas Wash has been valued by 
     scientists because of the significant paleontological 
     resources demonstrative of the Pleistocene Epoch that are 
     located in the area;
       (2) in 2004, during the preparation of the Las Vegas Valley 
     Disposal Boundary Final Environmental Impact Statement, the 
     Bureau of Land Management identified sensitive biological, 
     cultural, and paleontological resources determined to be 
     worthy of more evaluation with respect to the protective 
     status of the resources;
       (3) the Upper Las Vegas Wash contains thousands of 
     paleontological resources from the Pleistocene Epoch that are 
     preserved in a unique geological context that are of national 
     importance, including Columbian mammoth, ground sloth, 
     American lion, camels, and horse fossils;
       (4) in addition to Joshua trees and several species of 
     cacti, the Las Vegas buckwheat, Merriam's bearpoppy, and the 
     Las Vegas bearpoppy are 3 unique and imperiled plants that 
     are supported in the harsh desert environment of Tule 
     Springs;
       (5) the area provides important habitat for threatened 
     desert tortoise, endemic poppy bees, kit foxes, burrowing 
     owls, LeConte's thrasher, phainopepla, and a variety of 
     reptiles;
       (6) in studies of the area conducted during the last 
     decade, the Bureau of Land Management and National Park 
     Service determined that the area likely contains the longest 
     continuous section of Pleistocene strata in the desert 
     southwest, which span multiple important global climate 
     cooling and warming episodes;
       (7) the Upper Las Vegas Wash is significant to the culture 
     and history of the native and indigenous people of the area, 
     including the Southern Paiute Tribe;
       (8) despite the findings of the studies and recommendations 
     for further assessment of the resources for appropriate 
     methods of protection--
       (A) the area remains inadequately protected; and
       (B) many irreplaceable fossil specimens in the area have 
     been lost to vandalism or theft; and
       (9) designation of the Upper Las Vegas Wash site as a 
     National Monument would protect the unique fossil resources 
     of the area and the geological context of those resources for 
     present and future generations while allowing for public 
     education and continued scientific research opportunities.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Tule Springs 
     Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory Council established by 
     subsection (g)(1).
       (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (3) Local government.--The term ``local government'' means 
     the City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, or the 
     County.
       (4) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means 
     the management plan for the Monument developed under 
     subsection (d)(5).
       (5) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated April 30, 2013.
       (6) Monument.--The term ``Monument'' means the Tule Springs 
     Fossil Beds National Monument established by subsection 
     (c)(1).
       (7) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning 
     given the term ``public lands'' in section 103 of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).
       (8) Public water agency.--The term ``public water agency'' 
     means a regional wholesale water provider that is engaged in 
     the acquisition of water on behalf of, or the delivery of 
     water to, water purveyors who are member agencies of the 
     public water agency.
       (9) Qualified electric utility.--The term ``qualified 
     electric utility'' means any public or private utility 
     determined by the Secretary to be technically and financially 
     capable of developing the transmission line.
       (10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (11) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
       (c) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--In order to conserve, protect, interpret, 
     and enhance for the benefit of present and future generations 
     the unique and nationally important paleontological, 
     scientific, educational, and recreational resources and 
     values of the land described in this subsection, there is 
     established in the State, subject to valid existing rights, 
     the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.
       (2) Boundaries.--The Monument shall consist of 
     approximately 22,650 acres of public land in the County 
     within the boundaries generally depicted on the Map.
       (3) Map; legal description.--
       (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare an 
     official map and legal description of the boundaries of the 
     Monument.
       (B) Legal effect.--The map and legal description prepared 
     under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect 
     as if included in this section, except that the Secretary may 
     correct any clerical or typographical errors in the legal 
     description or the map.
       (C) Availability of map and legal description.--The map and 
     legal description prepared under subparagraph (A) shall be on 
     file and available for public inspection in the appropriate 
     offices of the Bureau of Land Management and the National 
     Park Service.
       (4) Acquisition of land.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary 
     may acquire land or interests in land within or adjacent to 
     the boundaries of the Monument by donation, purchase with 
     donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or transfer from 
     another Federal agency.
       (B) Limitation.--Land or interests in land that are owned 
     by the State or a political subdivision of the State may be 
     acquired under subparagraph (A) only by donation or exchange.
       (5) Withdrawals.--Subject to valid existing rights and 
     subsections (e) and (f), any land within the Monument or any 
     land or interest in land that is acquired by the United 
     States for inclusion in the Monument after the date of 
     enactment of this Act is withdrawn from--
       (A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land 
     laws;
       (B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
       (C) operation of the mineral leasing laws, geothermal 
     leasing laws, and minerals materials laws.
       (6) Relationship to clark county multi-species habitat 
     conservation plan.--
       (A) Amendment to plan.--The Secretary shall credit, on an 
     acre-for-acre basis, approximately 22,650 acres of the land 
     conserved for the Monument under this Act toward the 
     development of additional non-Federal land within the County 
     through an amendment to the Clark County Multi-Species 
     Habitat Conservation Plan.

[[Page 7026]]

       (B) Effect on plan.--Nothing in this Act otherwise limits, 
     alters, modifies, or amends the Clark County Multi-Species 
     Habitat Conservation Plan.
       (d) Administration.--
       (1) Transfer of administrative jurisdiction.--
     Administrative jurisdiction over the approximately 22,650 
     acres of public land depicted on the Map as ``Tule Springs 
     Fossil Bed National Monument'' is transferred from the Bureau 
     of Land Management to the National Park Service.
       (2) Management.--The Secretary shall--
       (A) allow only such uses of the Monument that--
       (i) are consistent with this section;
       (ii) the Secretary determines would further the purposes of 
     the Monument; and
       (iii) are consistent with existing rights of previously 
     authorized water facility and high voltage transmission 
     facility rights-of-way and any rights-of-way issued under 
     this Act, including the operation, maintenance, replacement, 
     and repair and repair of the facility; and
       (B) manage the Monument--
       (i) in a manner that conserves, protects, interprets, and 
     enhances the resources and values of the Monument; and
       (ii) in accordance with--

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

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

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

       (ii) may--

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

       (C) Public process.--In preparing the management plan, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (i) consult with, and take into account the comments and 
     recommendations of, the Council;
       (ii) provide an opportunity for public involvement in the 
     preparation and review of the management plan, including 
     holding public meetings;
       (iii) consider public comments received as part of the 
     public review and comment process of the management plan; and
       (iv) consult with governmental and nongovernmental 
     stakeholders involved in establishing and improving the 
     regional trail system to incorporate, where appropriate, 
     trails in the Monument that link to the regional trail 
     system.
       (6) Interpretation, education, and scientific research.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for public 
     interpretation of, and education and scientific research on, 
     the paleontological resources of the Monument, with priority 
     given to exhibiting and curating the resources.
       (B) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may enter into 
     cooperative agreements with the State, political subdivisions 
     of the State, nonprofit organizations, and appropriate public 
     and private entities to carry out subparagraph (A).
       (e) Renewable Energy Transmission Facilities.--
       (1) In general.--On receipt of a complete application from 
     a qualified electric utility, the Secretary, in accordance 
     with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4321 et seq.), shall issue to the qualified electric utility 
     a 400-foot right-of-way for the construction and maintenance 
     of high-voltage transmission facilities depicted on the Map 
     as ``Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor'' if the high-
     voltage transmission facilities do not conflict with other 
     previously authorized rights-of-way within the corridor.
       (2) Requirements.--
       (A) In general.--The high-voltage transmission facilities 
     shall--
       (i) be used--

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

       (ii) employ best management practices identified as part of 
     the compliance of the Secretary with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to 
     limit impacts on the Monument, including impacts to the 
     viewshed.
       (B) Capacity.--The Secretary shall consult with the 
     qualified electric utility that is issued the right-of-way 
     under paragraph (1) and the public utilities regulator of the 
     State to seek to maximize the capacity of the high-voltage 
     transmission facilities.
       (3) Terms and conditions.--The issuance of a notice to 
     proceed on the construction of the high-voltage transmission 
     facilities within the right-of-way under paragraph (1) shall 
     be subject to terms and conditions that the Secretary (in 
     consultation with the qualified electric utility), as part of 
     the compliance of the Secretary with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
     determines appropriate to protect and conserve the resources 
     for which the Monument is managed.
       (4) Expiration of right-of-way.--The right-of-way issued 
     under paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is 15 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act if construction of 
     the high-voltage transmission facilities described in 
     paragraph (1) has not been initiated by that date, unless the 
     Secretary determines that it is in the public interest to 
     continue the right-of-way.
       (f) Water Conveyance Facilities.--
       (1) Water conveyance facilities corridor.--
       (A) In general.--On receipt of 1 or more complete 
     applications from a public water agency and except as 
     provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary, in accordance 
     with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4321 et seq.), shall issue to the public water agency a 100-
     foot right-of-way for the construction, maintenance, repair, 
     and replacement of a buried water conveyance pipeline and 
     associated facilities within the ``Water Conveyance 
     Facilities Corridor'' and the ``Renewable Energy Transmission 
     Corridor'' depicted on the Map.
       (B) Limitation.--A public water agency right-of-way shall 
     not be granted under subparagraph (A) within the portion of 
     the Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor that is located 
     along the Moccasin Drive alignment, which is generally 
     between T. 18 S. and T. 19 S., Mount Diablo Baseline and 
     Meridian.
       (2) Buried water conveyance pipeline.--On receipt of 1 or 
     more complete applications from a unit of local government or 
     public water agency, the Secretary, in accordance with the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.), shall issue to the unit of local government or public 
     water agency a 100-foot right-of-way for the construction, 
     operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of a buried 
     water conveyance pipeline to access the existing buried water 
     pipeline turnout facility and surge tank located in the NE 
     \1/4\ sec. 16 of T. 19 S. and R. 61 E.
       (3) Requirements.--
       (A) Best management practices.--The water conveyance 
     facilities shall employ best management practices identified 
     as part of the compliance of the Secretary with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to 
     limit the impacts of the water conveyance facilities on the 
     Monument.
       (B) Consultations.--The water conveyance facilities within 
     the ``Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor'' shall be sited 
     in consultation with the qualified electric utility to limit 
     the impacts of the water conveyance facilities on the high-
     voltage transmission facilities.
       (4) Terms and conditions.--The issuance of a notice to 
     proceed on the construction of the water conveyance 
     facilities within the right-of-way under paragraph (1) shall 
     be subject to any terms and conditions that the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the public water agency, as part of the 
     compliance of the Secretary with the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), determines 
     appropriate to protect and conserve the resources for which 
     the Monument is managed.
       (g) Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory 
     Council.--
       (1) Establishment.--To provide guidance for the management 
     of the Monument, there is established the Tule Springs Fossil 
     Beds National Monument Advisory Council.
       (2) Membership.--
       (A) Composition.--The Council shall consist of 13 members, 
     to be appointed by the Secretary, of whom--
       (i) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the 
     County Commission;

[[Page 7027]]

       (ii) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the 
     city council of Las Vegas, Nevada;
       (iii) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, 
     the city council of North Las Vegas, Nevada;
       (iv) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the 
     tribal council of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe;
       (v) 1 member shall be a representative of the conservation 
     community in southern Nevada;
       (vi) 1 member shall be a representative of, or be nominated 
     by, the Director of the Bureau of Land Management;
       (vii) 1 member shall be a representative of, or be 
     nominated by, the Director of the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service;
       (viii) 1 member shall be a representative of, or be 
     nominated by, the Director of the National Park Service;
       (ix) 1 member shall be a representative of Nellis Air Force 
     Base;
       (x) 1 member shall be nominated by the State;
       (xi) 1 member shall reside in the County and have a 
     background that reflects the purposes for which the Monument 
     was established; and
       (xii) 2 members shall reside in the County or adjacent 
     counties, both of whom shall have experience in the field of 
     paleontology, obtained through higher education, experience, 
     or both.
       (B) Initial appointment.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall appoint 
     the initial members of the Council in accordance with 
     subparagraph (A).
       (3) Duties of the council.--The Council shall advise the 
     Secretary with respect to--
       (A) the preparation and implementation of the management 
     plan; and
       (B) other issues related to the management of the Monument 
     (including budgetary matters).
       (4) Compensation.--Members of the Council shall receive no 
     compensation for serving on the Council.
       (5) Chairperson.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Council 
     shall elect a Chairperson from among the members of the 
     Council.
       (B) Limitation.--The Chairperson shall not be a member of a 
     Federal or State agency.
       (C) Term.--The term of the Chairperson shall be 3 years.
       (6) Term of members.--
       (A) In general.--The term of a member of the Council shall 
     be 3 years.
       (B) Successors.--Notwithstanding the expiration of a 3-year 
     term of a member of the Council, a member may continue to 
     serve on the Council until--
       (i) the member is reappointed by the Secretary; or
       (ii) a successor is appointed.
       (7) Vacancies.--
       (A) In general.--A vacancy on the Council shall be filled 
     in the same manner in which the original appointment was 
     made.
       (B) Appointment for remainder of term.--A member appointed 
     to fill a vacancy on the Council--
       (i) shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the 
     predecessor was appointed; and
       (ii) may be nominated for a subsequent term.
       (8) Termination.--Unless an extension is jointly 
     recommended by the Director of the National Park Service and 
     the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Council 
     shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section.

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

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Conservation area.--The term ``Conservation Area'' 
     means the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     established by the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.).
       (2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated April 30, 2013.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (b) Addition of Land to Conservation Area.--
       (1) In general.--The Conservation Area is expanded to 
     include the land depicted on the map as ``Additions to Red 
     Rock NCA''.
       (2) Management plan.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     on which the land is acquired, the Secretary shall update the 
     management plan for the Conservation Area to reflect the 
     management requirements of the acquired land.
       (3) Map and legal description.--
       (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal 
     description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section.
       (B) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (i) the map; or
       (ii) the legal description.
       (C) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.

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

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated April 30, 2013.
       (2) North las vegas.--The term ``North Las Vegas'' means 
     the city of North Las Vegas, Nevada.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (b) Conveyance.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act and subject to valid existing rights, 
     the Secretary shall convey to North Las Vegas, without 
     consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United 
     States in and to the land described in subsection (c).
       (c) Description of Land.--The land referred to in 
     subsection (b) consists of the land managed by the Bureau of 
     Land Management described on the map as the ``North Las Vegas 
     Job Creation Zone'' (including the interests in the land).
       (d) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal 
     description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section.
       (2) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (A) the map; or
       (B) the legal description.
       (3) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
       (e) Use of Land for Nonresidential Development.--
       (1) In general.--North Las Vegas may sell, lease, or 
     otherwise convey any portion of the land described in 
     subsection (c) for nonresidential development.
       (2) Method of sale.--The sale, lease, or conveyance of land 
     under paragraph (1) shall be carried out--
       (A) through a competitive bidding process; and
       (B) for not less than fair market value.
       (3) Fair market value.--The Secretary shall determine the 
     fair market value of the land under paragraph (2)(B) based on 
     an appraisal that is performed in accordance with--
       (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land 
     Acquisitions;
       (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
     Practices; and
       (C) any other applicable law (including regulations).
       (4) Disposition of proceeds.--The gross proceeds from the 
     sale, lease, or conveyance of land under paragraph (1) shall 
     be distributed in accordance with section 4(e) of the 
     Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public 
     Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2345; 116 Stat. 2007; 117 Stat. 1317; 
     118 Stat. 2414; 120 Stat. 3045).
       (f) Use of Land for Recreation or Other Public Purposes.--
       (1) In general.--North Las Vegas may retain a portion of 
     the land described in subsection (c) for public recreation or 
     other public purposes consistent with the Act of June 14, 
     1926 (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes 
     Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.) by providing written notice of 
     the election to the Secretary.
       (2) Revocation.--If North Las Vegas retains land for public 
     recreation or other public purposes under paragraph (1), 
     North Las Vegas may--
       (A) revoke that election; and
       (B) sell, lease, or convey the land in accordance with 
     subsection (e).
       (g) Administrative Costs.--North Las Vegas shall pay all 
     appraisal costs, survey costs, and other administrative costs 
     necessary for the preparation and completion of any patents 
     for, and transfers of title to, the land described in 
     subsection (c).
       (h) Reversion.--
       (1) In general.--If any parcel of land described in 
     subsection (c) is not conveyed for nonresidential development 
     under this section or reserved for recreation or other public 
     purposes under subparagraph (f) by the date that is 30 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the parcel of land 
     shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the 
     United States.
       (2) Inconsistent use.--If North Las Vegas uses any parcel 
     of land described in subsection (c) in a manner that is 
     inconsistent with this section--
       (A) at the discretion of the Secretary, the parcel shall 
     revert to the United States; or
       (B) if the Secretary does not make an election under 
     subparagraph (A), North Las Vegas shall sell the parcel of 
     land in accordance with this section.

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

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Las vegas.--The term ``Las Vegas'' means the city of 
     Las Vegas, Nevada.
       (2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``North 
     Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated April 30, 2013.

[[Page 7028]]

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

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

       Section 703 of the Clark County Conservation of Public Land 
     and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-282; 116 
     Stat. 2013) is amended by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``and the parcel of land identified as 
     `Conveyance to Las Vegas for Police Shooting Range Access' on 
     the map entitled `North Las Vegas Valley Overview', and dated 
     April 30, 2013''.

     SEC. 7. SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA WITHDRAWAL.

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

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

       Section 4 of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act 
     of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2344; 116 Stat. 2007) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking 
     ``dated October 1, 2002'' and inserting ``dated April 30, 
     2013''; and
       (2) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), subject to paragraphs 
     (1) through (3), Clark County may convey to a unit of local 
     government or regional governmental entity, without 
     consideration, land located within the Airport Environs 
     Overlay District (as of the date of enactment of this 
     paragraph) if the land is used for a water or wastewater 
     treatment facility or any other public purpose consistent 
     with uses allowed under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly 
     known as the `Recreation and Public Purposes Act') (43 U.S.C. 
     869 et seq.), provided that if the conveyed land is used for 
     a purpose other than a public purpose, paragraph (4) would 
     apply to the conveyance.''.

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

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Board of regents.--The term ``Board of Regents'' means 
     the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher 
     Education.
       (2) Campuses.--The term ``Campuses'' means the Great Basin 
     College, College of Southern Nevada, and University of Las 
     Vegas, Nevada, campuses.
       (3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means each of 
     the 3 parcels of Bureau of Land Management land identified on 
     the maps as ``Parcel to be Conveyed'', of which--
       (A) approximately 40 acres is to be conveyed for the 
     College of Southern Nevada;
       (B) approximately 2,085 acres is to be conveyed for the 
     University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and
       (C) approximately 285 acres is to be conveyed for the Great 
     Basin College.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
       (6) System.--The term ``System'' means the Nevada System of 
     Higher Education.
       (b) Conveyances of Federal Land to the System.--
       (1) Conveyances.--Notwithstanding section 202 of the 
     Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 
     1712) and section 1(c) of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly 
     known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 
     U.S.C. 869(c)) and subject to all valid existing rights, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (A) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, convey to the System, without consideration, all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to--
       (i) the Federal land identified on the map entitled ``Great 
     Basin College Land Conveyance'' and dated June 26, 2012, for 
     the Great Basin College; and
       (ii) the Federal land identified on the map entitled 
     ``College of Southern Nevada Land Conveyance'' and dated June 
     26, 2012, for the College of Southern Nevada, subject to the 
     requirement that, as a precondition of the conveyance, the 
     Board of Regents shall, by mutual assent, enter into a 
     binding development agreement with the City of Las Vegas 
     that--

       (I) provides for the orderly development of the Federal 
     land to be conveyed under this subclause; and
       (II) complies with State law; and

       (B) convey to the System, without consideration, all right, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to the 
     Federal land identified on the map entitled ``North Las Vegas 
     Valley Overview'' and dated April 30, 2013 for the University 
     of Nevada, Las Vegas, if the area identified as ``Potential 
     Utility Schedule'' on the map is reserved for use for a 
     potential 400-foot utility corridor of certain rights-of-way 
     for transportation and public utilities.
       (2) Conditions.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of the conveyance under 
     paragraph (1), the Board of Regents shall agree in writing--
       (i) to pay any administrative costs associated with the 
     conveyance, including the costs of any environmental, 
     wildlife, cultural, or historical resources studies;

[[Page 7029]]

       (ii) to use the Federal land conveyed for educational and 
     recreational purposes;
       (iii) to release and indemnify the United States from any 
     claims or liabilities that may arise from uses carried out on 
     the Federal land on or before the date of enactment of this 
     Act by the United States or any person; and
       (iv) to assist the Bureau of Land Management in providing 
     information to the students of the System and the citizens of 
     the State on--

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

       (B) Agreement with nellis air force base.--
       (i) In general.--The Federal land conveyed to the System 
     under paragraph (1)(B) shall be used in accordance with the 
     agreement entitled the ``Cooperative Interlocal Agreement 
     between the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher 
     Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 
     and the 99th Air Base Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada'' 
     and dated June 19, 2009.
       (ii) Modifications.--Any modifications to the agreement 
     described in clause (i) or any related master plan shall 
     require the mutual assent of the parties to the agreement.
       (iii) Limitation.--In no case shall the use of the Federal 
     land conveyed under paragraph (1)(B) compromise the national 
     security mission or avigation rights of Nellis Air Force 
     Base.
       (3) Use of federal land.--The System may use the Federal 
     land conveyed under paragraph (1) for any public purposes 
     consistent with uses allowed under the Act of June 14, 1926 
     (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes 
     Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.)).
       (4) Reversion.--
       (A) In general.--If the Federal land or any portion of the 
     Federal land conveyed under paragraph (1) ceases to be used 
     for the System, the Federal land, or any portion of the 
     Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, 
     revert to the United States.
       (B) University of nevada, las vegas.--If the System fails 
     to complete the first building or show progression toward 
     development of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on 
     the applicable parcels of Federal land by the date that is 50 
     years after the date of receipt of certification of 
     acceptable remediation of environmental conditions, the 
     parcels of the Federal land described in subsection (a)(3)(B) 
     shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the 
     United States.
       (C) College of southern nevada.--If the System fails to 
     complete the first building or show progression toward 
     development of the College of Southern Nevada campus on the 
     applicable parcels of Federal land by the date that is 12 
     years after the date of conveyance of the applicable parcels 
     of Federal land to the College of Southern Nevada, the 
     parcels of the Federal land described in subsection (a)(3)(A) 
     shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the 
     United States.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section.

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

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Land 
     Conveyance for Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport'' and 
     dated June 26, 2012.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (b) Land Conveyance.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date 
     described in paragraph (2), subject to valid existing rights 
     and paragraph (3), and notwithstanding the land use planning 
     requirements of sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land 
     Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the 
     Secretary shall convey to the County, without consideration, 
     all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to 
     the land described in subsection (c).
       (2) Date on which conveyance may be made.--The Secretary 
     shall not make the conveyance described in paragraph (1) 
     until the later of the date on which the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration has--
       (A) approved an airport layout plan for an airport to be 
     located in the Ivanpah Valley; and
       (B) with respect to the construction and operation of an 
     airport on the site conveyed to the County pursuant to 
     section 2(a) of the Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands 
     Transfer Act (Public Law 106-362; 114 Stat. 1404), issued a 
     record of decision after the preparation of an environmental 
     impact statement or similar analysis required under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.).
       (3) Reservation of mineral rights.--In conveying the public 
     land under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve the 
     mineral estate, except for purposes related to flood 
     mitigation (including removal from aggregate flood events).
       (4) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the 
     public land to be conveyed under paragraph (1) is withdrawn 
     from--
       (A) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
       (B) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing 
     laws.
       (5) Use.--The public land conveyed under paragraph (1) 
     shall be used for the development of flood mitigation 
     infrastructure for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.
       (6) Reversion and reentry.--
       (A) In general.--If the land conveyed to the County under 
     the Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act (Public 
     Law 106-362; 114 Stat. 1404) reverts to the United States, 
     the land conveyed to the County under this section shall 
     revert, at the option of the Secretary, to the United States.
       (B) Use of land.--If the Secretary determines that the 
     County is not using the land conveyed under this section for 
     a purpose described in paragraph (4), all right, title, and 
     interest of the County in and to the land shall revert, at 
     the option of the Secretary, to the United States.
       (c) Description of Land.--The land referred to in 
     subsection (b) consists of the approximately 2,320 acres of 
     land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and described 
     on the map as the ``Conveyance Area''.
       (d) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare an 
     official legal description and map of the parcel to be 
     conveyed under this section.
       (2) Minor errors.--The Secretary may correct any minor 
     error in--
       (A) the map; or
       (B) the legal description.
       (3) Availability.--The map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the 
     appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.

     SEC. 11. SUNRISE MOUNTAIN INSTANT STUDY AREA RELEASE.

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

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

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of North Las 
     Vegas, Nevada.
       (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (3) Economic support area.--The term ``Economic Support 
     Area'' means the land identified on the map as the ``Economic 
     Support Area''.
       (4) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the 
     approximately 1,211 acres of Federal land in the County, as 
     depicted on the map.
       (5) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Nellis 
     Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area'' and dated April 
     30, 2013.
       (6) Nellis dunes recreation area.--The term ``Nellis Dunes 
     Recreation Area'' means the Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle 
     Recreation Area identified on the map as ``Nellis Dunes OHV 
     Recreation Area''.
       (7) Net proceeds.--The term ``net proceeds'' means the 
     amount that is equal to the difference between--
       (A) the amount of gross revenues received by the County 
     from any activities at the Economic Support Area; and
       (B) the total amount expended by the County (or a designee 
     of the County) for capital improvements to each of the 
     Economic Support Area and the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, 
     provided that the capital improvements shall not exceed 80 
     percent of the total gross proceeds.
       (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (9) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
       (b) Conveyance of Federal Land to Clark County, Nevada.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the 
     County, subject to valid existing rights and paragraph (2), 
     without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the 
     United States in and to the parcels of Federal land.
       (2) Reservation of mineral estate.--In conveying the 
     parcels of Federal land under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall reserve the mineral estate, except for purposes related 
     to flood mitigation (including removal from aggregate flood 
     events).

[[Page 7030]]

       (3) Use of federal land.--
       (A) In general.--The parcels of Federal land conveyed under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (i) shall be used by the County--

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

       (ii) shall not be disposed of by the County.
       (B) Reversion.--If the County ceases to use any parcel of 
     the Federal land for the purposes described in subparagraph 
     (A)(i) or subparagraph (D)--
       (i) title to the parcel shall revert to the United States, 
     at the option of the United States; and
       (ii) the County shall be responsible for any reclamation 
     necessary to revert the parcel to the United States.
       (C) Renewable and solar energy.--
       (i) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), the 
     parcels of Federal land conveyed to the County under 
     paragraph (1) and the land conveyed to the County under 
     section 1(c) of Public Law 107-350 (116 Stat. 2975), may be 
     used for the incidental purpose of generating renewable 
     energy and solar energy for use by the Clark County Off 
     Highway Vehicle Recreation Park, the shooting park authorized 
     under that Act, and the County.
       (ii) Limitation.--Any project authorized under clause (i) 
     shall not interfere with the national security mission of 
     Nellis Air Force Base or any other military operation.
       (iii) Required consultation.--Before the construction of 
     any proposed project under clause (i), the project proponent 
     shall consult with the Secretary of Defense or a designee of 
     the Secretary of Defense.
       (D) Future conveyances.--Any future conveyance of Federal 
     land for addition to the Clark County Off Highway Vehicle 
     Park or the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area shall be subject 
     to--
       (i) the binding interlocal agreement under paragraph 
     (4)(B); and
       (ii) the aviation easement requirements under paragraph 
     (7).
       (E) Management plan.--The Secretary of the Air Force and 
     the County, may develop a special management plan for the 
     Federal land--
       (i) to enhance public safety and safe off-highway vehicle 
     recreation use in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area;
       (ii) to ensure compatible development with the mission 
     requirements of the Nellis Air Force Base; and
       (iii) to avoid and mitigate known public health risks 
     associated with off-highway vehicle use in the Nellis Dunes 
     Recreation Area.
       (4) Economic support area.--
       (A) Designation.--There is designated the Economic Support 
     Area.
       (B) Interlocal agreement.--
       (i) In general.--Before the Economic Support Area may be 
     developed, the City and County shall enter into an interlocal 
     agreement regarding the development of the Economic Support 
     Area.
       (ii) Limitation of agreement.--In no case shall the 
     interlocal agreement under this subparagraph compromise or 
     interfere with the aviation rights provided under paragraph 
     (7) and subsection (c)(3).
       (C) Use of proceeds.--Of the net proceeds from the 
     development of the Economic Support Area, the County shall--
       (i) annually deposit 50 percent in a special account in the 
     Treasury, to be used by the Secretary for the development, 
     maintenance, operations, and environmental restoration and 
     mitigation of the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area; and
       (ii) retain 50 percent, to be used by the County--

       (I) to pay for capital improvements [that are not covered 
     by subsection (a)(7)(B)]; and
       (II) to maintain and operate the park established under 
     paragraph (3)(A)(i)(I).

       (5) Agreement with nellis air force base.--
       (A) In general.--Before the Federal land may be conveyed to 
     the County under paragraph (1), the Clark County Board of 
     Commissioners and Nellis Air Force Base shall enter into an 
     interlocal agreement for the Federal land and the Nellis 
     Dunes Recreation Area--
       (i) to enhance safe off-highway recreation use; and
       (ii) to ensure that development of the Federal land is 
     consistent with the long-term mission requirements of Nellis 
     Air Force Base.
       (B) Limitation.--The use of the Federal land conveyed under 
     paragraph (1) shall not compromise the national security 
     mission or aviation rights of Nellis Air Force Base.
       (6) Additional terms and conditions.--With respect to the 
     conveyance of Federal land under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     may require such additional terms and conditions as the 
     Secretary considers to be appropriate to protect the 
     interests of the United States.
       (7) Aviation easement.--
       (A) In general.--Each deed entered into for the conveyance 
     of the Federal land shall contain a perpetual aviation 
     easement reserving to the United States all rights necessary 
     to preserve free and unobstructed overflight in and through 
     the airspace above, over, and across the surface of the 
     Federal land conveyed under subsection (b)(1) for the passage 
     of aircraft owned or operated by any Federal agency or other 
     Federal entity.
       (B) Requirements.--Each easement described in subparagraph 
     (A) shall include such terms and conditions as the Secretary 
     of the Air Force determines to be necessary to comply with 
     subparagraph (A).
       (c) Designation of the Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway 
     Vehicle Recreation Area.--
       (1) In general.--The approximately 10,000 acres of land 
     identified as ``Nellis Dunes'' in the Bureau of Land 
     Management Resource Management Plan shall be known and 
     designated as the ``Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle 
     Recreation Area''.
       (2) Management plan.--The Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management may develop a special management plan for the 
     Nellis Dunes Recreation Area to enhance the safe use of off-
     highway vehicles for recreational purposes.
       (3) Aviation rights.--The aviation rights described in 
     subsection (b)(7) shall apply to the Nellis Dunes Recreation 
     Area.
       (d) Withdrawal and Reservation of Land for Nellis Air Force 
     Base.--
       (1) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights and 
     except as otherwise provided in this subsection--
       (A) the Federal land and interests in the Federal land 
     identified on the map as ``Land to be withdrawn for Nellis 
     Air Force Base'' are withdrawn from all forms of 
     appropriation under the general land laws, including the 
     mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal leasing laws; and
       (B) jurisdiction over the land and interest in land 
     withdrawn and reserved by this subsection is transferred to 
     the Secretary of the Air Force.
       (2) Reservation.--The land withdrawn under paragraph (1) is 
     reserved for use by the Secretary of the Air Force for--
       (A) the enlargement and protection of Nellis Air Force 
     Base; or
       (B) other defense-related purposes consistent with the 
     purposes of this subsection.
       (3) Changes in use.--The Secretary of the Air Force shall 
     consult with the Secretary before using the land withdrawn 
     and reserved by this subsection for any purpose other than 
     the purposes described in subsection (b)(3)(A)(i).
       (4) Easement.--The United States reserves--
       (A) a right of flight for the passage of aircraft in the 
     airspace above the surface of the Federal land conveyed to 
     the County; and
       (B) the right to cause in the airspace any noise, 
     vibration, smoke, or other effects that may be inherent in 
     the operation of aircraft landing at, or taking off from, 
     Nellis Air Force Base.

     SEC. 13. CONVEYANCE OF LAND FOR NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE.

       (a) In General.--Administrative jurisdiction over the 
     parcel of Federal land described in subsection (b) is 
     transferred from the Bureau of Land Management to the Air 
     Force for inclusion in Nellis Air Force Base.
       (b) Description of Land.--The parcel of Federal land 
     referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 410 acres 
     of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management and 
     identified as ``Addition to Nellis Air Force Base'' on the 
     map entitled ``North Las Vegas Valley Overview'' and dated 
     April 30, 2013.

     SEC. 14. MILITARY OVERFLIGHTS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) military aircraft testing and training activities in 
     the State of Nevada--
       (A) are an important part of the national defense system of 
     the United States; and
       (B) are essential in order to secure an enduring and viable 
     national defense system for the current and future 
     generations of people of the United States;
       (2) the units of the National Park System and the additions 
     to the Conservation Area established under this Act are 
     located within a region critical to providing training, 
     research, and development for the Armed Forces of the United 
     States and allies of the Armed Forces;
       (3) there is a lack of alternative sites available for the 
     military training, testing, and research activities being 
     conducted in the State of Nevada;
       (4) continued use of the airspace in the State of Nevada is 
     essential for military purposes; and
       (5) continuation of the military activities in the State of 
     Nevada, under appropriate terms and conditions, is not 
     incompatible with the protection and proper management of the 
     natural, environmental, cultural, and other resources and 
     values of Federal land in the State of Nevada.
       (b) Overflights.--Nothing in this Act or any other land 
     management law applicable to a new unit of the National Park 
     System or an addition to the Conservation Area designated by 
     this Act shall restrict or preclude overflights, including--

[[Page 7031]]

       (1) low-level overflights of military aircraft over the 
     Federal land; and
       (2) military overflights that can be seen or heard within 
     the unit or Conservation Area.
       (c) Special Airspace.--Nothing in this Act or any other 
     land management law applicable to a new unit of the National 
     Park or an addition to the Conservation Area designated by 
     this Act shall restrict or preclude the designation of new 
     units of special airspace or the use or establishment of 
     military flight training routes over the unit or Conservation 
     Area.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Kaine, 
        Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Murphy, and Mrs. Feinstein):
  S. 980. A bill to provide for enhanced embassy security, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I rise at this moment, as chairman of 
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, outraged at the implication 
that we in the Senate have not done enough to investigate what has 
happened in Benghazi; that we have not investigated it thoroughly; that 
we have not looked at the details, have not analyzed the information--
classified and unclassified--that has come before us.
  The committee has held four hearings--four--on the attack on Special 
Mission Benghazi. The very first hearing I chaired in January was on 
this topic with Secretary Clinton. In fact, we postponed the nomination 
hearing of Senator Kerry so that Secretary Clinton could come before us 
and explain what happened and why, despite her medical condition at the 
time.
  Let's make that very clear. One of the very first things we did, 
despite a pending nomination of a new Secretary, and the sitting 
Secretary's medical concerns, was to hold a hearing on this topic and 
air the facts. Prior to that, Chairman Kerry held a hearing of the 
committee on December 20 on the events that transpired in Benghazi with 
Deputy Secretaries Burns and Nides. There were also two classified 
briefings in December specifically on the circumstances surrounding the 
attack. The December 13 briefing included a video of the attack with 
high level officials from State, the Joint Staff, Defense Department, 
the FBI, and the intelligence community. They included Patrick Kennedy, 
Under Secretary of State for Management at State; Matthew Olsen, 
Director of the National Counterterrorism Center; Maj. Gen. Darryl 
Roberson, Vice Director of Operations at the Joint Staff; Gary Reid, 
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations 
and Low Intensity Conflict; Jenny Ley, Deputy Assistant Director at the 
FBI.
  On December 19, there was a high-level classified briefing with the 
Accountability Review Board with Ambassador Pickering and Admiral 
Mullen.
  At his nomination hearing in January, Secretary Kerry also fully 
addressed this issue and then again at the committee's annual budget 
hearing this past April. Last week, the nominee to be our new 
Ambassador to Libya, Deborah Kay Jones, testified before the full 
committee--another opportunity for my friends on the other side to ask 
questions, to get the truth, not create their own truth for political 
purposes. That hearing was yet another opportunity to ask questions 
about the security situation on the ground. Yet Republican 
participation was limited to just a handful of Members.
  We have fully vetted this issue. We have held hearing after hearing. 
We have, on both sides, had the opportunity to have our questions 
answered. In fact, in total, between the House and the Senate, there 
have been 11 hearings on Benghazi, 25,000 pages of documents released, 
and now a full e-mail history of the interagency process.
  Our focus now should not be on the work product of the CIA or State 
on draft talking points we have seen in hundreds of e-mails released by 
the White House yesterday; it should not be to score political points 
at the expense of the families of the four victims. It should be on 
doing all we can to protect our personnel serving overseas and 
providing the necessary oversight and legislative authority to carry 
out the Administrative Review Board's recommendations.
  I would remind my friends and the American people that nothing has 
changed. The facts remain the facts. They are the same today as they 
were in September, in October, in November, in December, and in 
January. It is the rhetoric and the political calculus that has 
changed. In fact, the e-mails released by the White House further 
demonstrate that point.
  The original CIA-produced talking points, notably produced as the 
result of a request by the House Intelligence Committee for media 
interviews, clearly show that in the days immediately after the attack, 
the intelligence community was not sure what exactly happened or who 
was responsible. The points produced by the CIA said the agency's 
belief the events in Benghazi were spontaneously inspired by the 
protests at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and evolved into a direct assault 
against the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi and subsequently its 
annex. That point stays in the talking points from beginning to end of 
the interagency process, with no debate, and is conveyed to the House 
Intelligence Committee.
  Throughout the e-mail discussions, the agency makes clear their 
information is limited and that there is a lot they simply don't know. 
In fact, the National Counterterrorism Center says in one e-mail:

       At this point we are not aware of any actionable 
     intelligence that this attack was planned or imminent. The 
     intelligence community is combing through reporting from 
     before and after the attack to determine the full extent of 
     who was involved.

  It became clear over time that this was, in fact, a calculated 
terrorist attack, but there was no political calculation involved in 
the initial assessment.
  So let's be honest about what is happening here. It is not about 
doing all we can to find the truth and making sure it never happens 
again; it is about political gamesmanship and finding someone to blame.
  I remind my friends, and the American people, again, nothing has 
changed. Some wish to make this a political issue to drive a purely 
political agenda. I believe our real focus, our honest focus, and what 
the American people truly care about is the security of our missions 
and the safety of our personnel. That has been, and will remain, the 
clear focus of the Foreign Relations Committee going forward, and I 
hope we will have the support of our Republican colleagues.
  In my view the Monday morning quarterbacking on this issue is 
politically driven--a perspective shared by former Republican Defense 
Secretary Gates, who said on Sunday: ``Frankly, I think my decisions 
would have been just as theirs were'' with regard to sending in Special 
Forces teams or overflights by fighter aircraft based in Italy.
  Former Secretary Gates said:

       Without knowing what the environment is, without knowing 
     what the threat is, without having any intelligence in terms 
     of what is actually going on, on the ground, would have been 
     very dangerous.

  So I think we have common interests. I have been working hard to 
ensure full implementation of all 29 recommendations made by the 
Administrative Review Board--recommendations to ensure that going 
forward we are providing adequate personnel and resources to meet local 
conditions at more than 280 facilities in over 180 countries around the 
world, specifically where host nations are unable to provide adequate 
protection to our diplomats. I call on our Republican colleagues to 
join us in that effort.
  Today, I am introducing legislation. I hope we will be able to count 
on the support of all of our colleagues to enact this crucial, time-
sensitive legislation without delay, without obstruction, and without 
political grandstanding.
  The bill will provide authority to fund the Capital Security Cost 
Sharing Program to permit us to move forward with construction at high-
risk, high-threat posts. This account was created following the U.S. 
Embassy bombings in Kenya and in Tanzania, and at that time it would 
have allowed us to construct 8 to 10 facilities per year. However, the 
way the Congress is funding

[[Page 7032]]

it, it presently is funding for construction of just two to three 
facilities per year, despite the fact that there are at least two dozen 
posts that fall into that high-risk, high-threat category. At that rate 
it will take us over 8 years to get around to construction at just the 
posts with the highest risk of attack.
  The bill authorizes funding for Arabic language training and for a 
Foreign Affairs Security Training Center to train diplomatic security 
personnel. It provides contract authority to the State Department to 
allow it to award contracts on a best value basis rather than to the 
lowest bidder where conditions require enhanced levels of security. At 
the administration's request, the bill will authorize disciplinary 
action in cases of unsatisfactory leadership by senior officials 
related to a security incident, which does not presently exist. This 
will allow appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against any 
future officials in a circumstance such as Benghazi.
  The bill requires planning to incorporate additional marine security 
guards at overseas facilities, and it requires extensive reporting on 
State's implementation of the Accountability Review Board's 
recommendations on the designation of high-risk, high-threat posts.
  I hope we can work together to do what has to be done to protect 
those who serve this Nation abroad. If we want to address the problem, 
we have an opportunity to do it. If we want to score political points, 
fine, but do not do it at the risk of American lives. Let's work 
together to fix the problem, not use it for political advantage.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. CORNYN:
  S. 983. A bill to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from 
enforcing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health 
Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010; to the Committee on 
Finance.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 983

       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 ``Keep the IRS Off Your Health 
     Care Act of 2013''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) On May 10, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service admitted 
     that it singled out advocacy groups, based on ideology, 
     seeking tax-exempt status.
       (2) This action raises pertinent questions about the 
     agency's ability to implement and oversee the Patient 
     Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) and 
     the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 
     (Public Law 111-152).
       (3) This action could be an indication of future Internal 
     Revenue Service abuses in relation to the Patient Protection 
     and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education 
     Reconciliation Act of 2010, given that it is their 
     responsibility to enforce a key provision, the individual 
     mandate.
       (4) Americans accept the principle that patients, families, 
     and doctors should be making medical decisions, not the 
     Federal Government.

     SEC. 3. PROHIBITING ENFORCEMENT OF PPACA AND HCERA.

       The Secretary of the Treasury, or any delegate of the 
     Secretary, shall not implement or enforce any provisions of 
     or amendments made by the Patient Protection and Affordable 
     Care Act (Public Law 111-148) or the Health Care and 
     Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152).

                          ____________________