Home United States Bills
Bills

United States Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

signed · United States · Senate Aug 10, 2022

S 3373: Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022

Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 or the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. TITLE I--EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022 or the COVENANT Act of 2022 Subtitle A--Toxic-Exposed Veterans (Sec. 103) This section provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (e.g., a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in an exposure tracking record system, such as the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record); (2) served in specified locations on specified dates; or (3) deployed in support of a specified contingency operation. (Sec. 104) The VA must complete an assessment to determine (1) the personnel and material resources necessary to implement the expanded provision of care to the veterans specified in Section 103 of this bill (e.g., veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity), and (2) the total number of veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates and receive hospital care or medical services from the VA, disaggregated by priority group. Subtitle B--Certain Veterans Of Combat Service And Other Matters (Sec. 111) This section extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and are toxic-exposed veterans, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. TITLE II--TOXIC EXPOSURE PRESUMPTION PROCESS Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022 or the TEAM Act of 2022 (Sec. 202) This section prescribes the procedures for establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection based on toxic exposure, including by providing for public notice and comment periods and the establishment of a working group to advise and make recommendations regarding toxic exposures during military service. (Sec. 203) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for compensation for a service-connected disability that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim. (Sec. 204) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection in relation to dependency and indemnity compensation. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for dependency and indemnity compensation related to service-connected conditions that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim. TITLE III--IMPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CONNECTION PROCESS FOR TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022 (Sec. 302) This section establishes a presumption that veterans were exposed to certain substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards during military service in specified locations in specified time frames (e.g., on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain). (Sec. 303) The VA must provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence. TITLE IV--PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022 (Sec. 401) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the VA presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022 (Sec. 402) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, or in the response effort following the on-board fire and crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in the vicinity of Thule Air Force Base, Greenland, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022 (Sec. 403) This section expands the presumption of service-connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Specifically, the bill expands the presumption to cover veterans who served during specified time frames in Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai bases, Laos, Cambodia, Guam or American Samoa or the waters thereof, or on Johnson Atoll. Under the bill, such veterans are eligible for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care. Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022 (Sec. 404) This section provides a presumption of service-connection for hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who performed service specified in Section 403 of this bill (e.g., in Thailand). (Sec. 405) This section addresses disability compensation and care issues for Persian Gulf War veterans, including by expanding who qualifies as a Persian Gulf Veteran. Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022 (Sec. 406) This section establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to specified substances, chemicals, or airborne hazards becoming manifest in veterans who served in specified locations during specified times (e.g., Iraq on or after August 2, 1990). TITLE V--RESEARCH MATTERS (Sec. 501) The VA must collaborate with various entities, such as the Department of Defense (DOD), to establish the Toxic Exposure Research Working Group to (1) identify collaborative research activities and resources and conduct such research related to health consequences of toxic exposure during military service, and (2) develop a five-year strategic plan for collaborative research activities. (Sec. 502) The VA must continually analyze all clinical data obtained in connection with its provision of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for toxic-exposed veterans that is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association between a veteran's medical condition and a toxic exposure. (Sec. 503) The VA must conduct an updated analysis of total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations at specified times, such as in Kuwait on or after August 2, 1990. (Sec. 504) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. (Sec. 505) The VA must study the incidence of cancer in veterans to determine trends in the rates of incidence of cancer in veterans. (Sec. 506) The VA must enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to study the health trends of veterans who, during active service, participated in activities relating to the Manhattan Project or resided near specified locations proximate to waste arising from activities in connection with the Manhattan Project. (Sec. 507) The VA must enter an agreement with NASEM to study possible relationships between toxic exposures experienced during service in the Armed Forces and mental health conditions. (Sec. 508) The Government Accountability Office must study the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to veterans in territories and Freely Associated States of the United States. (Sec. 509) The VA must establish and maintain a publicly accessible website to serve as a clearinghouse for the publication of all toxic exposure research carried out or funded by the executive branch of the federal government. (Sec. 510) The VA must report to Congress on the health effects of jet fuels used by the Armed Forces. TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF RESOURCES AND TRAINING REGARDING TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022 or the FASTER Presumption Act of 2022 (Sec. 602) The VA must publish a list of its resources for toxic-exposed veterans and veterans who report toxic exposure, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits. The VA must also develop an informative outreach program for veterans on illnesses that may be related to toxic exposures. (Sec. 603) The VA must incorporate a screening to help determine potential toxic exposures during active military service as part of the health care screening furnished to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. (Sec. 604) The VA must provide its health care personnel with education and training to identify, treat, and assess the impact on veterans of illnesses related to toxic exposures. Additionally, the VA must incorporate an annual training program for processors of claims for disability benefits relating to service-connected disabilities based on toxic exposures. TITLE VII--RESOURCING (Sec. 701) The VA is authorized to use funds appropriated to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to continue the modernization, development, and expansion of capabilities and capacity of information technology systems and infrastructure of the VBA to support expected increased claims processing for newly eligible veterans. The VA must submit a plan to Congress for the modernization of the information technology systems of the VBA. (Sec. 702) This section authorizes the VA to carry out various medical facility leases at specified amounts in FY2023 (e.g., an outpatient clinic in Allentown, Pennsylvania). (Sec. 703) This section prohibits funds from being appropriated, obligated, or expended for any major VA medical facility lease unless the congressional veterans affairs committees each adopt a resolution approving the lease. Additionally, this section (1) modifies the requirements for the prospectus that must be submitted regarding a request for funding a major medical facility lease, and (2) authorizes the VA to carry out interim leasing actions as it considers necessary for approved major medical facility leases and replacement leases that do not require approval. (Sec. 704) The VA may enter into a lease with an academic affiliate or other specified entity to acquire space for the purpose of providing health care resources to veterans. (Sec. 705) This section modifies the enhanced-use lease authority of the VA, including by permanently authorizing such authority and extending the maximum term of such leases from 75 to 99 years. This section also provides appropriations for entering into enhanced-used leases and authorizes the VA to deposit unutilized funds received under an enhanced-use lease in the Medical Facilities or the Construction, Minor Projects accounts. (Sec. 706) This section prescribes the authority for joint leasing actions between DOD and the VA. (Sec. 707) This section provides specified appropriations for major medical facility leases through FY2031. TITLE VIII--RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS (Sec. 801) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served at Fort McClellan at any time between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999. (Sec. 802) DOD must brief Congress on the quality of its databases that provide the information presented in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and the usefulness of the record in supporting members of the Armed Forces and veterans in receiving health care and benefits. (Sec. 803) The VA must provide a means for veterans to update their records as necessary to reflect exposures to occupational or environmental hazards in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record. Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (Sec. 804) This section provides a federal cause of action for individuals who resided, worked, or were otherwise exposed (including in utero) for not less than 30 days to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. (Sec. 805) This section establishes the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund in the Treasury to be administered by the VA to invest in the delivery of veterans' health care and benefits associated with exposures to environmental hazards during military services and medical and other research relating to exposure to environmental hazards. (Sec. 806) This section provides appropriations to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to remain available through FY2024. The VA must submit a plan for expending such amounts. (Sec. 807) This section authorizes the VA to provide notice related to claims in an electronic format upon the election of the claimant, including for decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. (Sec. 808) The VA must annually submit a report related to veterans who submit a disability claim for a service-connected disability and were deployed at specified locations at specified times. Additionally, the VA must ensure that VA medical professionals inform a veteran of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry if a veteran seeks treatment at a VA medical facility for issues related to, or ancillary to, the exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. TITLE IX--IMPROVEMENT OF WORKFORCE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (Sec. 901) The VA must develop and implement a national rural recruitment and hiring plan for the VHA to, among other purposes, recruit health care professionals for rural and highly rural community-based outpatient clinics and medical centers. (Sec. 902) The VA may buy out a non-VA service contract of certain health care professionals to whom the VA has offered employment in exchange for the individual agreeing to be employed at a rural or highly rural facility for at least four years. (Sec. 903) The VA must establish qualifications for each of its human resources positions and establish standardized performance metrics for such positions. The VA must also establish or enhance its systems to monitor human resources actions that occur at local, regional, and national levels to improve performance of those actions. The VA must also submit a plan to Congress for the recruitment and retention of human resources employees within the VA. (Sec. 904) This section increases the pay cap for certain employees of the VHA. (Sec. 905) This section expands employment opportunities for housekeeping aides by removing the requirement that competition for VA housekeeping aide positions is restricted to preference eligibles. (Sec. 906) This section modifies the authority of the VA related to hours, conditions and employment, and pay for certain employees of the VHA, specifically certain appointees and Senior Executive Service positions. Additionally, the section authorizes the VA to establish an awards program for certain appointed personnel, such as physicians. (Sec. 907) The VA is authorized to waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee of the VHA during the calendar year in which the official duty station of the employee is closed or the office, facility, activity, or organization of the employee is realigned. Similarly, the VA may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee whose primary duties include providing expanded care for veterans exposed to open burn pits. (Sec. 908) This section eliminates the limitation on aggregate amounts for awards and bonuses for employees of the VA. (Sec. 909) Among other elements, this section provides additional authority for the VA to provide recruitment and relocation bonuses, retention bonuses, merit awards, incentives for critical skills, and student loan repayments. The section increases the cap on the number of college graduates and post-secondary students the VA may hire through an expedited process. The VA may authorize the fixing of the rate of pay for critical positions in the VA, with some limitations. Additionally, the VA may establish a rate for special pay and may waive the limitation on certain payments, such as bonuses.
Tim Kaine (D) · 2 co-sponsors
signed · United States · House Aug 9, 2022

HR 4346: Chips and Science Act

This act provides funds to support the domestic production of semiconductors and authorizes various programs and activities of the federal science agencies. DIVISION A--CHIPS ACT OF 2022 CHIPS Act of 2022 (Sec. 102) The act establishes and provides funding for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Fund to carry out activities relating to the creation of incentives to produce semiconductors in the United States. The act establishes and provides funding for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Defense Fund to carry out the National Network for Microelectronics Research and Development. The act establishes and provides funding for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America International Technology Security and Innovation Fund to (1) provide for international information and communications technology security and semiconductor supply chain activities, including to support the development and adoption of secure and trusted telecommunications technologies, secure semiconductors, secure semiconductors supply chains, and other emerging technologies; and (2) carry out the Multilateral Semiconductors Security Fund and the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund. The act establishes and provides funding for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Workforce and Education Fund for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for microelectronics workforce development activities to accelerate the domestic development and production of microelectronics and strengthen the domestic microelectronics workforce. (Sec. 103) This section expands the financial assistance program relating to semiconductor incentives to include production of semiconductors and equipment and material related to production of semiconductors. The Department of Commerce shall establish within the financial assistance program an additional program that provides federal financial assistance to covered entities to incentivize investment in facilities and equipment in the United States for the fabrication, assembly, testing, or packaging of semiconductors at mature technology nodes. In awarding federal financial assistance to covered entities under such additional program, Commerce must give priority to covered entities that support the resiliency of semiconductor supply chains for critical manufacturing industries in the United States. No funds made available under the program may be used to construct, modify, or improve a facility outside of the United States. This section makes it an objective of the National Semiconductor Technology Center to grow the domestic semiconductor workforce. This section provides for the capitalization by the center of the investment fund to support startups and collaborations between startups, academia, established companies, and new ventures. This section revises the functions of the center to specify that its support to incentivize and expand participation in programs related to microelectronics shall be geographically diverse and include community colleges. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may establish not more than two more Manufacturing USA Institutes. Commerce may award financial assistance to any such institute for work related to semiconductor manufacturing. (Sec. 104) The Department of Commerce shall establish activities within the financial assistance program relating to inclusion of economically disadvantaged individuals, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and women-owned businesses. (Sec. 105) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall evaluate how the federal government could take specific actions to address shortages in the semiconductor supply chain, including (1) demand-side incentives, including incentives related to the information and communications technology supply chain; and (2) additional incentives, at national and global scales, to accelerate utilization of leading edge semiconductor nodes to address shortages in mature semiconductor nodes. Under such review, the GAO shall describe how projects are supporting the semiconductor needs of critical infrastructure industries in the United States, including those industries designated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as essential industries. Also under such review, drawing on data made available by the Department of Labor or other sources, an analysis of semiconductor industry data regarding businesses that are majority owned and controlled by minority individuals or women; or the number and amount of contracts and subcontracts awarded by each covered entity using funds made available under the financial assistance program disaggregated by recipients of each such contract or subcontracts that are majority owned and controlled by minority individuals or women; and aggregated workforce data, including data by race or ethnicity, sex, and job categories. This section includes in the annual report to Congress on the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, in describing how and to whom amounts in such fund have been deployed, to include whether recipients are majority owned and controlled by minority individuals and majority owned and controlled by women. (Sec. 106) This section provides funding for the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. (Sec. 107) This section establishes an advanced manufacturing investment tax credit in an amount equal to 25% of the qualified investment for a taxable year for any advanced manufacturing facility of an eligible taxpayer. The section provides for the application of such credit to partnerships or S corporations. DIVISION B--RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE (Sec. 10101) The Office of Science of the Department of Energy (DOE) shall carry out the construction, operation, and maintenance of user facilities to support the office's mission. (Sec. 10102) The Office of Science shall carry out a research and development program in basic energy sciences to understand, model, and control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels to provide the foundations for new energy technologies, address scientific grand challenges, and support the energy, environment, and national security missions of DOE. In carrying out chemistry-related research and development activities, the Office of Science shall prioritize research and development of sustainable chemistry to support, clean, safe, and economic alternatives and methodologies to traditional chemical products and processes. The basic energy sciences national user facilities in operation shall include autonomous chemistry and materials synthesis and characterization facilities that leverage advances in artificial intelligence. DOE shall provide for the upgrade to the Advanced Photon Source, including the development of a multibend achromat lattice to produce a high flux of coherent x-rays within the hard x-ray energy region and a suite of beamlines optimized for such source. DOE shall provide for the proton power upgrade to the Spallation Neutron Source. In addition, DOE shall provide for a second target station for the Spallation Neutron Source. DOE shall provide for the upgrade to the Advanced Light Source, including the development of a multibend achromat lattice to produce a high flux of coherent x-rays within the soft x-ray energy region. DOE shall provide for the upgrade to the Linac Coherent Light Source II facility, including the development of experimental capabilities for high energy x-rays to reveal fundamental scientific discoveries. DOE shall provide for the construction of a cryomodule repair and maintenance facility to service the Linac Coherent Light Source II and subsequent upgrades. DOE shall provide for the recapitalization of the Nanoscale Science Research Centers, to include the upgrade of equipment at each center supported by the office to accelerate advances in the various fields of science, including nanoscience, materials, chemistry, biology, and quantum information science. DOE must provide for the development and construction of experimental stations to provide significant additional beamline and instrument capacity, complement the existing portfolio of beamlines, and complete the buildout of the National Synchrotron Light Source II. The Office of Science shall support a program of research and development for the application of advanced computing practices to foundational and emerging research problems in chemistry and materials science. The Office of Science shall support the development of a web-based platform to develop and provide access to a database of computed information on known and predicted materials properties and computational tools to accelerate breakthroughs in materials discovery and design. This section authorizes funding for the Solar Fuels Research Initiative and the Electricity Storage Research Initiative. The Office of Science shall support a program of research and development to bridge scientific barriers to, and expand theoretical and fundamental knowledge relevant to, understanding nuclear materials and matter for the benefit of commerce, medicine, and national security. The Office of Science shall establish the Carbon Materials Science Initiative to expand the fundamental knowledge of coal, coal-wastes, and carbon ore chemistry useful for understanding the conversion of carbon to material products. The Office of Science shall carry out under the initiative a program to support, and discover fundamental knowledge relevant to, carbon materials and carbon ore processing research. DOE shall establish the Carbon Sequestration Research and Geologic Computational Science Initiative to expand the fundamental knowledge, data collection, data analysis, and modeling of subsurface geology to advance carbon sequestration in geologic formations. DOE shall carry out under the initiative a program to support research needed for, and discover knowledge relevant to, the sequestration of carbon in geologic formations. (Sec. 10103) As part of its duties, the office shall carry out a program of research and development in the areas of biological systems science and climate and environmental science relevant to the development of new energy technologies and to support the energy, environmental, and national security missions of DOE. The Office of Science shall carry out research and development activities in genomic science, including fundamental research on plants and microbes to increase systems-level understanding of complex biological systems. The Office of Science shall carry out research and development activities in biomolecular characterization and imaging science, including development of new and integrative imaging and analysis platforms and biosensors to understand the expression, structure, and function of genome information encoded within cells and for real-time measurements in ecosystems and field sites of relevance to the mission of DOE. This section revises requirements for the Space Radiation Research Program to require research on the similarities and differences between the effects of exposure to low-dose radiation on Earth, in low Earth orbit, and in the space environment. The section requires the Office of Science to carry out activities relating to Earth and environmental systems science research and support user facilities to enhance the collection and analysis of observational data related to complex biological, climate, and environmental systems. The Office of Science shall carry out a research program to enhance the understanding of terrestrial-aquatic interface. The DOE shall establish within the Biological and Environmental Research program an initiative focused on the development of engineered ecosystems through the application of artificial intelligence, novel sensing capabilities, and other emerging technologies. (Sec. 10104) The Office of Science shall carry out a research and development program to, among other purposes, steward applied mathematics, computational science, and computer science research relevant to the missions of DOE and the competitiveness of the United States. This section revises requirements for applied mathematics and software development for high-end computing systems. DOE shall establish a program to develop and implement a strategy for achieving computing systems with capabilities beyond exascale computing systems. DOE shall support a program of fundamental research and development of energy efficient computing and data center technologies relevant to advanced computing applications, including high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and scientific machine learning. DOE shall carry out a research and development program to accelerate innovation in quantum network infrastructure in order to, among other things (1) facilitate the advancement of distributed quantum computing systems through the internet and intranet, and (2) develop secure national quantum communications technologies and strategies. DOE shall establish and carry out the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program, or the QUEST program, to encourage and facilitate access to U.S. quantum computing hardware and quantum computing clouds for research purposes to enhance the U.S. quantum research enterprise, among other objectives. (Sec. 10105) The Office of Science shall establish not less than two national teams that shall (1) develop conceptual pilot plant designs and technology roadmaps for fusion reactors, and (2) create an engineering design of a pilot plant that will bring fusion to commercial viability. DOE shall carry out a program to conduct and support collaborative research and development of fusion energy technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques in order to (1) support fundamental research in plasmas and matter at very high temperatures, (2) inform the development of a broad range of fusion energy systems, and (3) facilitate the translation of research results in fusion energy science to industry. DOE shall provide for the upgrade to the Matter in Extreme Conditions endstation at the Linac Coherent Light Source. (Sec. 10106) The Office of Science shall carry out a research program in elementary particle physics and advanced technology research and development to improve the understanding of the fundamental properties of the universe, including constituents of matter and energy and the nature of space and time. The Office of Science shall (1) continue to leverage United States participation in the Large Hadron Collider and prioritize expanding international partnerships and investments in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment; and (2) prioritize engagement in collaborative efforts in support of future international facilities that would provide access to the most advanced accelerator facilities in the world to U.S. researchers. The Office of Science shall carry out research activities on the nature of the primary contents of the universe, including the nature of dark energy and dark matter. This section supports the construction or the fabrication of specified major items of equipment, including (1) second generation dark matter experiments, and (2) upgrades to detectors and other components of the Large Hadron Collider. DOE shall support construction of a Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility to facilitate the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment to examine the fundamental properties of neutrinos, explore physics beyond the Standard Model, and better clarify the existence and nature of antimatter. DOE shall support construction of the Proton Improvement Plan II, an upgrade to the Fermilab accelerator complex, to provide the world's most intense beam of neutrinos to the international Long Baseline Neutrino Facility, and to carry out a broad range of future high energy physics experiments. DOE, in partnership with the NSF, shall support the construction of the Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 project to survey the cosmic microwave background to test theories of cosmic inflation. (Sec. 10107) DOE shall carry out a research program and support relevant facilities to discover and understand various forms of nuclear matter. DOE shall support the construction of an Electron Ion Collider in order to measure the internal structure of the proton and the nucleus and answer fundamental questions about the nature of visible matter. (Sec. 10108) In carrying out the science laboratories infrastructure program, the Office of Science shall use all available approaches and mechanisms as determined appropriate, including capital line items and energy savings performance contracts. (Sec. 10109) The Office of Science shall carry out a research program to advance accelerator science and technology relevant to DOE, other federal agencies, and U.S. industry; foster partnerships to develop, demonstrate, and enable the commercial application of accelerator technologies; support the development of a skilled, diverse, and inclusive accelerator workforce; and provide access to accelerator design and engineering resources. (Sec. 10110) The Office of Science shall carry out a program for purposes such as the production of critical radioactive and stable isotopes, including the development of techniques to produce isotopes that are needed and of sufficient quality and quantity for research, medical, industrial, or related purposes; the production of critical radioactive and stable isotopes that are in short supply or projected to be in short supply in the future, including byproducts, surplus materials, and related isotope services; and the reduction of domestic dependency on the foreign supply of critical radioactive and stable isotopes to ensure national preparedness. DOE shall establish an advisory committee in alignment with such program to carry out the activities previously executed as part of the Isotope Subcommittee of the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee and provide expert advice and assistance to the Office of Science in carrying out that program. DOE shall evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the establishment of an isotope demonstration subprogram of such program to support the development and commercial demonstration of critical radioactive and stable isotope production in existing commercial nuclear power plants. (Sec. 10111) The Office of Science shall support the development of a scientific workforce through programs that facilitate collaboration between and among teachers at elementary schools and secondary schools served by local educational agencies, students at institutions of higher education, early-career researchers, faculty at institutions of higher education, and the National Laboratories, including through the use of proven techniques to expand the number of individuals from underrepresented groups pursuing and attaining skills or undergraduate degrees relevant to the mission of the Office of Science. DOE shall expand opportunities to increase the number of highly skilled science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals working in disciplines relevant to the mission of DOE; and broaden the recruitment pool to increase participation from Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, minority-serving institutions, institutions in eligible jurisdictions, emerging research institutions, community colleges, and scientific societies in those disciplines. DOE shall develop programs that strengthen the research capacity relevant to Office of Science disciplines at emerging research institutions. DOE shall establish a university-led Traineeship Program to address workforce development needs in STEM fields relevant to DOE. (Sec. 10112) The Office of Science shall establish a high intensity laser research initiative. The initiative should include research and development of petawatt-scale and of high average power laser technologies necessary for future facility needs in discovery science and to advance energy technologies, as well as support for a user network of academic and National Laboratory high intensity laser facilities. DOE shall establish a grant program to reduce the consumption of helium for DOE grant recipients and facilities and encourage helium recycling and reuse. DOE shall establish within the Office of Science the Biological Threat Preparedness Research Initiative to leverage the innovative analytical resources and tools, user facilities, and advanced computational and networking capabilities of DOE in order to support efforts that prevent, prepare for, predict, and respond to biological threats to national security, including infectious diseases. DOE shall establish and operate an Emerging Infectious Diseases High Performance Computing Research Consortium to support such initiative. The Office of Science shall establish a midscale instrumentation and research equipment program to develop, acquire, and commercialize research instrumentation and equipment needed to meet the missions of DOE and to provide platform technologies for the broader scientific community. (Sec. 10113) This section revises the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), including to award grants under EPSCoR to carry out nuclear energy research, support undergraduate scholarships, develop research clusters for particular areas of expertise, and diversify the future workforce. (Sec. 10114) DOE shall develop and maintain tools and processes to manage and mitigate research security risks, such as a science and technology risk matrix, informed by threats identified by the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, to facilitate determinations of the risk of loss of U.S. intellectual property or threat to the national security of the United States posed by activities supported by this division or the CHIPS Act of 2022. No entity of concern, or an individual that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with an entity of concern, may receive or perform work under any covered support. DOE may waive such prohibition if it is in the national interest. TITLE II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations (Sec. 10211) This section reauthorizes the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) through FY2027. Subtitle B--Measurement Research (Sec. 10221) NIST shall, among other activities support basic measurement science and technology research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biometrology; convene industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, federal laboratories, and other federal agencies engaged in engineering biology research and development to develop coordinated technical roadmaps for authoritative measurement of the molecular components of the cell; and support graduate and postgraduate research and training in biometrology, biomanufacturing, and engineering biology. (Sec. 10222) NIST shall carry out a measurement research program to inform the development or improvement of best practices, benchmarks, methodologies, procedures, and technical standards for the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions and to assess and improve the performance of greenhouse gas emissions measurement systems in situ and on space-based platforms. NIST shall establish a Center for Greenhouse Gas Measurements, Standards, and Information. (Sec. 10223) In carrying out its functions, NIST may, among other things support information security measures for the development and lifecycle of software and the software supply chain, support information security measures; support research, development, and practical application to improve the usability of cybersecurity processes and technologies; and support privacy measures. (Sec. 10224) NIST shall assign severity metrics to identified vulnerabilities with open source software and produce voluntary guidance to assist the entities that maintain open source software repositories to discover and mitigate vulnerabilities. NIST shall carry out research and testing to improve the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-enabled cybersecurity. NIST shall develop a set of security outcomes and practices, including security controls, to enable software developers and operators to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks over the full lifecycle of software products. (Sec. 10225) This section modifies requirements for identity management research and development, including the development of voluntary, consensus-based technical standards, best practices, benchmarks, and methodologies. NIST shall develop and maintain a technical roadmap for digital identity management research and development focused on enabling the voluntary use and adoption of modern digital identity solutions that meeting certain criteria. NIST shall develop common definitions and voluntary guidance for digital identity management systems, including identity attribute validation services provided by federal, state, and local governments. (Sec. 10226) NIST shall establish a program to support measurement research to inform the development of best practices, benchmarks, methodologies, procedures, and voluntary, consensus-based technical standards for biometric identification systems, including facial recognition systems, to assess and improve the performance of such systems. NIST shall carry out a test program to provide biometrics vendors the opportunity to test biometric identification technologies across a range of modalities. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on the impact of biometric identification technologies on historically marginalized communities, including low-income communities and minority religious, racial, and ethnic groups. Such report should be made available to the public on an internet website. (Sec. 10227) The NIST Computer Standards Program shall include performance standards and guidelines for high risk biometric identification systems, including facial recognition systems, accounting for various use cases, types of biometric identification systems, and relevant operational conditions. (Sec. 10228) In carrying out activities to facilitate and support the development of a voluntary, consensus-based, industry-led set of standards, guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes to cost-effectively reduce cyber risks to critical infrastructure, NIST shall consider institutions of higher education. (Sec. 10229) In carrying out such activities, NIST must disseminate and make available to the public tailored resources to help qualifying institutions (those that are awarded in excess of $50 million per year in total federal research funding) identify, assess, manage, and reduce their cybersecurity risk related to conducting research. (Sec. 10230) NIST shall carry out a program of measurement research for advanced communications technologies. In carrying out the activities under this section, NIST shall convene industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, federal laboratories, and other federal agencies engaged in advanced communications research and development to develop coordinated technical roadmaps for advanced communications research in priority areas. NIST shall operate a national network of government, academic, and commercial test capabilities and facilities to be known as the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network. (Sec. 10231) NIST shall develop a strategic plan for the future of the NIST Center for Neutron Research after the current reactor is decommissioned. (Sec. 10232) NIST shall continue to support the development of artificial intelligence and data science, and carry out the activities of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020. (Sec. 10233) NIST shall carry out activities in support of sustainable chemistry, including coordinating and partnering with academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other entities in activities to support clean, safe, and economic alternatives, technologies, and methodologies to traditional chemical products and processes. (Sec. 10234) NIST shall create a program for premise plumbing research. The bill defines premise plumbing as the water distribution system located within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. Such term includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances. (Sec. 10235) NIST shall carry out the Dr. David Satcher Cybersecurity Education Grant Program to provide grants for cybersecurity programs at minority-serving institutions of higher education and institutions that have an enrollment of needy students. Subtitle C--General Activities (Sec. 10241) NIST shall (currently, may) carry out activities to support, promote, and coordinate activities and efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding of measurement sciences, standards, and technology at the national measurement laboratories and otherwise in fulfillment of the mission of NIST, including education and outreach activities to the general public, industry, and diverse types of institutions of higher education, including historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and minority-serving institutions, and community colleges (currently, academia). NIST may conduct outreach to and develop research collaborations with historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and minority serving institutions, including through the recruitment of students and faculty at such institutions to participate in the programs developed for graduate student internships and visiting faculty researchers. NIST may conduct outreach to and develop collaborations with community colleges, including through the recruitment of students and faculty at such institutions to participate in the programs developed for graduate student internships and visiting faculty researchers. NIST may carry out other activities to increase the participation of persons historically underrepresented in STEM in NIST's programs. NIST may conduct outreach to and develop collaborations with nontraditional educational organizations, including those that offer training through nonprofit associations and professional associations or professional societies, to engage persons historically underrepresented in STEM through the programs developed under educational outreach activities. (Sec. 10242) This section revises the other transactions authority for NIST and requires reporting on transactions carried out under such authority. (Sec. 10243) NIST shall report to Congress on NIST's challenges in collaboration with other federal agencies. (Sec. 10244) The Department of Commerce shall have the authority to make appointments of scientific, engineering, and professional personnel. NIST shall appoint no more than 15 personnel under such authority. (Sec. 10245) NIST shall lead information exchange and coordination among federal agencies and communication from federal agencies to the private sector to ensure effective federal engagement in the development and use of international technical standards. NIST shall support education and workforce development efforts to promote U.S. participation in international standards organizations. NIST shall establish or enter into cooperative agreements with appropriate nongovernmental organizations to establish a five-year pilot program to award merit-reviewed, competitive grants to private sector entities, institutions of higher education, or nonprofit institutions based in the United States to support increased participation and leadership by small business and academic interests in international standards organizations. (Sec. 10246) This section revises the authority for Commerce to provide support to foreign nationals to authorize direct support for activities of international organizations and foreign national metrology institutes with which NIST cooperates. NIST must submit the standards, guidelines, and recommendations it develops under the computer standards program to Commerce for promulgation instead of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The recommendations of the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board shall likewise be submitted to Commerce instead of OMB. The list of categories under which the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award shall be awarded is expanded to include community. This section repeals the requirement for the GAO to conduct a biennial review of Commerce's program to provide federal loan guarantees to small- or medium-sized manufacturers for the use or production of innovative technologies in manufacturing. This section repeals certain requirements related to the Director of Security for NIST. This section grants the authority to the Consumer Product Safety Commission over the marking of imitation firearms. The section rewrites provisions relating to federal information system standards. Where practicable, a national construction safety team shall cooperate with civil litigants without compromising a team's investigation or the evidence preservation activities where a building failure has occurred. A team investigation shall have priority over any investigation of a civil suit or civil action. (Sec. 10247) The GAO shall study NIST's policies and protocols to protect its research and combat undue foreign influence. The GAO shall brief Congress on its findings. (Sec. 10248) NIST shall establish a competitive grant program for nongovernmental standards development organizations to be used for the development, approval, dissemination, maintenance, and review of forensic science voluntary consensus standards and best practices that shall be available to the public free of charge. Subtitle D--Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Sec. 10251) NIST shall establish, as a part of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a pilot program of expansion awards among manufacturing extension centers or a consortium of centers, for various purposes, including to expand advanced technology services to U.S. based small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Of the amounts authorized for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Commerce shall optimize funding across the Partnership, the awards program, and the pilot program in order to maximize center participation as well as competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance in U.S. manufacturing. (Sec. 10252) This section allows other federal departments and agencies to transfer amounts to NIST and Commerce and NIST to accept and make available cash donations from the private sector to be used to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. This section provides that Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program support shall be for entities based in the United States. (Sec. 10253) NIST shall establish a voluntary National Supply Chain Database. The purpose of such database shall be to assist the federal government and industry sectors in minimizing disruptions to the U.S. supply chain by having an assessment of U.S. manufacturer's capabilities. This section specifies that businesses in the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program shall be automatically enrolled in the GSA Advantage! program only if they so desire. Subtitle E--Manufacturing USA Program (Sec. 10261) In awarding financial assistance for planning or establishing a Manufacturing USA Institute, an agency shall give special consideration to such institutes that contribute to the geographic diversity of the Manufacturing USA program, are located in an area with a low per capita income, are located in an area with a high proportion of socially disadvantaged residents, or are located in small and rural communities. (Sec. 10262) Commerce shall coordinate with existing and new Manufacturing USA Institutes to integrate certain entities, such as minority serving institutions, as active members of the institutes, including through the development of preferences in selection criteria for proposals to create new institutes or renew existing institutes that include one or more of such entities. (Sec. 10263) Federal agencies must establish policies to promote the domestic production of technologies developed by the Manufacturing USA Network. This section bars the participation of Chinese companies in the Manufacturing USA Program without a waiver as specified in this act. The program shall establish or designate a council of heads of any institute receiving federal funding at any time to foster collaboration between the institutes. The strategic plan to guide the program shall include a strategy for retaining domestic public benefits from the institutes once federal funding has been discontinued. In providing support services to promote workforce development activities, the program must include the development of industry credentials. Commerce must seek advice from the U.S. Manufacturing Council of the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce on matters concerning investment in and support of the manufacturing workforce within the program. TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE Subtitle A--Preliminary Matters (Sec. 10303) This section reauthorizes the NSF through FY2027. Subtitle B--STEM Education (Sec. 10311) The NSF shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study to review the research literature and identify research gaps regarding the interconnected factors that foster and hinder successful implementation of promising, evidence-based PreK-12 STEM education innovations at the local, regional, and national level. The NSF shall make awards on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis for research on effective approaches to engaging students in PreK-12, including students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM and rural students. This section authorizes the NSF to establish a National STEM Teacher Corps 10-year pilot program. The NSF may use existing NSF programs to establish and execute this program. (Sec. 10312) The NSF shall make competitive awards to support research and development activities related to STEM education and workforce matters, including activities to encourage greater collaboration and coordination between institutions of higher education and industry to enhance education, foster hands-on learning experiences, and improve alignment with workforce needs. This section modifies requirements for national centers of scientific and technical education. The NSF shall make awards to advance research on the nature of learning and teaching at community colleges and to improve outcomes for students who enter the workforce upon completion of their STEM degree or credential or transfer to four-year institutions. The NSF shall make awards to support career and technical education in STEM and computer science related fields. In making such awards, the NSF must give priority to institutions that demonstrate effective strategies to recruit and provide career and technical education to veterans and members of the Armed Forces transitioning to the private sector workforce. The NSF shall carry out a four-year pilot program under which the NSF shall make awards to establish a total of not fewer than five centers to develop and scale up successful models for providing undergraduate students with hands-on course-based experiences. This section revises the National Advanced Scientific and Technical Education Program. It also renames the program as the National Advanced STEM Education Program. (Sec. 10313) This section requires grant applications for support for graduate students include a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals. The NSF shall make awards for the development of innovative approaches for facilitating career exploration of academic and nonacademic career options and for providing opportunity-broadening experiences, including work-integrated opportunities, for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars that can then be considered, adopted, or adapted by other institutions and to carry out research on the impact and outcome of those activities. The NSF shall require that annual project reports for awards that support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars include certification by the principal investigator that each graduate student and postdoctoral scholar receiving substantial support from such award has developed and annually updated an individual development plan to map educational goals, career exploration, and professional development. The NSF shall carry out a five-year pilot initiative to award up to 2,500 administrative supplements of up to $2,000 to existing research awards annually to support professional development experiences for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who receive a substantial portion of their support under such award. Not more than 10% of supplements awarded may be used to support professional development experiences for postdoctoral researchers. The NSF shall make awards to support research on the graduate education system and outcomes of various interventions and policies. The awards under the Graduate Research Fellowship Program for scholarships and graduate fellowships for study and research in the sciences or in engineering will also address national workforce demand in critical STEM fields. This section increases the amount of the cost of education allowance from $12,000 to at least $16,000. The NSF shall ensure that students pursuing master's degrees and doctoral degrees in fields related to cybersecurity are eligible to apply for scholarships and graduate fellowships under such program. The NSF must report to Congress on the need for and feasibility of a program to recruit and train the next generation of artificial intelligence professionals to meet the needs of federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Upon submitting such report, the NSF is authorized to establish a federal artificial intelligence scholarship-for-service program to recruit and train artificial intelligence professionals to lead and support the application of artificial intelligence to the missions of federal, state, local, and tribal governments. (Sec. 10314) The NSF shall conduct a full portfolio analysis of the NSF's skilled technical workforce investments across all directorates in the areas of education research, infrastructure, data collection, and analysis. To meet evolving needs for data on the state of the science and engineering workforce, the NSF shall assess the feasibility and benefits of incorporating questions or topic modules into existing National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics surveys that vary from cycle to cycle. The NSF shall submit to Congress and the National Science Board the results of an assessment of the feasibility and benefits of incorporating new questions or topic modules into existing National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics surveys on the skilled technical workforce, working conditions and work life balance, harassment and discrimination, and immigration and emigration. The GAO shall submit a report to Congress that (1) evaluates NSF processes for ensuring the data and analysis produced by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics meets current and future needs, and (2) includes such recommendations that are appropriate to improve such processes. (Sec. 10315) The NSF shall make awards for the carrying out of research on the cyber workforce. (Sec. 10316) This section expands the fields of study eligible for support under the Federal Cyber Scholarship-for-Service Program to include fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace. (Sec. 10317) The National Center for Science and Engineering shall establish a specified cybersecurity workforce data initiative. (Sec. 10318) The NSF shall make awards for research, development, and related activities to advance innovative approaches to developing, improving, and expanding evidence-based education and workforce development activities and learning experiences at all levels of education in fields and disciplines related to microelectronics. The NSF shall establish traineeship programs for graduate students pursuing microelectronics research to provide assistance that includes funding and opportunities for research experiences in government or industry. The NSF shall make awards under the Scientific and Advanced Technology Act of 1992 to support programs for skilled technical workers in STEM disciplines that are aligned with skilled workforce needs of the microelectronics industry and lead to an associate's degree, or equivalent certification, by providing funding and other assistance, including opportunities for internships and other hands-on experiences in industry. The NSF shall seek to increase opportunities for microelectronics research for students and trainees at all levels through existing programs. The NSF shall make awards to establish partnerships to enhance and broaden participation in microelectronics education. The NSF shall make an award to establish a national network of partnerships (the National Network for Microelectronics Education) to coordinate activities, best practice sharing, and access to facilities across the partnerships to enhance and broaden participation in microelectronics education. (Sec. 10319) Grants awarded by the NSF to establish mathematics and science education partnership programs to improve elementary and secondary mathematics and science instruction may be used for developing a science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational curriculum that incorporates art and design to promote creativity and innovation. The bill revises requirements for NSF informal STEM education grants to require support for the integration of art and design in STEM educational programs and design and testing of programming that integrates art and design in STEM education to promote creativity and innovation. (Sec. 10320) Cost-sharing requirements for the Major Research Instrumentation Program and for teaching fellowships administered within the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program are waived for five years. The NSF shall submit to Congress an assessment that includes feedback from the research community of the impacts of such waivers. (Sec. 10321) The NSF shall issue undergraduate scholarships, postdoctoral awards, and other awards to address STEM workforce gaps, including for programs that recruit, retain, and advance students to a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline concurrent with a secondary school diploma. Subtitle C--Broadening Participation (Sec. 10321) This section increases from 108 to 110 the number of Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching the President is authorized to make to kindergarten through grade 12 school teachers who have demonstrated outstanding teaching ability in the field of teaching mathematics or science. In selecting teachers for such an award, the President shall select at least one teacher from the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. (Sec. 10322) To increase the diversity of participants in the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, the NSF must support symposia, forums, conferences, and other activities to expand and enhance outreach to historically Black colleges and universities; Tribal Colleges or Universities; minority-serving institutions; institutions of higher education that are near to or serve rural communities, including EPSCoR institutions; labor organizations; emerging research institutions; and higher education programs that serve or support veterans. (Sec. 10323) The NSF shall make awards to carry out a comprehensive national initiative to facilitate the development of networks and partnerships to build on and scale up effective practices in broadening participation in STEM studies and careers of groups historically underrepresented in such studies and careers. This initiative shall be known as the Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science Initiative or the Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative. (Sec. 10324) The NSF shall require organizations seeking a cooperative agreement for the management of the operations and maintenance of an NSF project to have the capacity for employing best practices in broadening participation in science and engineering and ensure implementation of such practices is considered in oversight of the award. (Sec. 10325) Each agency that administers an EPSCoR Program shall consider modifications to EPSCoR award structures to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students and teachers. The NSF shall make awards to eligible institutions to implement and study innovative approaches for building research capacity in order to engage and retain students from a range of institutions and diverse backgrounds in STEM. The NSF shall establish a five-year pilot program for awards to research partnerships that involve emerging research institutions and may involve institutions classified as very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education at the time of application. (Sec. 10326) The NSF shall make awards to support basic, applied, and use-inspired research that yields a scientific evidence base for improving the design and emergence, development and deployment, and management and ultimate effectiveness of entities involved in technology research, including research related to diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. (Sec. 10327) The NSF shall appoint a Chief Diversity Officer to provide advice on policy, oversight, guidance, and coordination on matters of the NSF related to diversity and inclusion, including ensuring geographic diversity of NSF programs. (Sec. 10328) The NSF shall make awards to enable institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or consortia of them) to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM studies and careers. (Sec. 10329) The NSF shall make awards for the development and assessment of innovative reform efforts designed to increase the recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals from underrepresented minority groups in academic STEM careers. The NSF shall make awards to institutions of higher education (or a consortium of such institutions) to implement or expand research-based reforms in undergraduate STEM education to recruit and retain students from minority groups who are underrepresented in STEM fields. This section states that all awards made pursuant to this section must include an education research component that will support the design and implementation of a system for data collection and evaluation of proposed reform efforts in order to build the knowledge base on promising models for increasing recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented minority groups in STEM education at the undergraduate level across a diverse set of institutions. (Sec. 10330) This section authorizes the NSF to conduct multiple pilot programs within the NSF to expand the number of institutions of higher education (including community colleges), and other eligible entities that the NSF determines are appropriate, that are able to successfully compete for NSF awards. Subtitle D--NSF Research Security (Sec. 10331) The NSF shall maintain a Research Security and Policy office within the Office of the Director of the NSF with not fewer than four full-time equivalent positions, in addition to the Chief of Research Security established pursuant to the following section. The function of the Research Security and Policy office shall be to coordinate all research security policy issues across the NSF. (Sec. 10332) The Director of the NSF shall appoint a senior agency official within the Office of the Director of the NSF as a Chief of Research Security, whose primary responsibility shall be to manage the Research Security and Policy office. (Sec. 10333) The NSF must provide a report to Congress on the resources and the number of full-time employees needed to carry out the functions of the Research Security and Policy office. (Sec. 10334) The NSF shall develop an online resource hosted on the NSF's website that shall contain up-to-date information, tailored for institutions and individual researchers, including, among other things an explanation of NSF research security policies, and unclassified guidance on potential security risks that threaten research integrity and other risks to the research enterprise. (Sec. 10335) The NSF shall continue to make awards to support research on the conduct of research and the research environment, including research on research misconduct or breaches of research integrity and detrimental research practices. (Sec. 10336) The Research Security and Policy office, in coordination with the NSF's Office of Inspector General, shall have the authority to conduct risk assessments of research and development award applications and disclosures to the NSF. (Sec. 10337) This section expands requirements for NSF grant applicants to plan to provide training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. The section requires such training and oversight to be provided to postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel and requires the training and oversight to include (1) mentor training and mentorship; (2) training to raise awareness of potential research security threats; and (3) federal export control, disclosure, and reporting requirements. (Sec. 10338) The NSF shall enter into an agreement with a qualified independent organization to establish a research security and integrity information sharing analysis organization (RSI-ISAO). (Sec. 10339) The NSF shall develop a plan to identify research areas supported by the NSF, including key technology focus areas, that may involve access to controlled unclassified or classified information; and exercise due diligence in granting access, as appropriate, to the controlled unclassified information or classified information identified to individuals working on such research who are employees of the NSF or covered individuals on research and development awards funded by the NSF. (Sec. 10339A) This section prohibits any of the funds made available to the NSF under this division or Division A, or an amendment made by this division or Division A, from being obligated or expended to an institution of higher education that maintains a contract or agreement between the institution and a Confucius Institute, unless the NSF determines a waiver in accordance with this section is appropriate. The NSF may issue a waiver for an institution of higher education that maintains such a contract or agreement if the contract or agreement includes specified, clear provisions, including the protection of academic freedom at the institution. This section shall not apply to an institution of higher education if that institution has fulfilled the requirements for a waiver from the Department of Defense as described under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The prohibition shall not apply to amounts provided to students as educational assistance. (Sec. 10339B) The NSF must request annually from a recipient institution of higher education a disclosure of any current financial support that is $50,000 or more, including gifts and contracts, received directly or indirectly from a foreign source associated with a foreign country of concern. Subtitle E--Fundamental Research (Sec. 10341) The NSF shall enter into an agreement with a qualified independent organization to assess how the Broader Impacts review criterion is applied across the NSF and make recommendations improving the effectiveness of the criterion. (Sec. 10343) The NSF must revise proposal instructions to require that ethical and societal considerations are included as part of a proposal for funding. (Sec. 10344) The NSF shall facilitate public access to research products, including data, software, and code, developed as part of NSF projects. The NSF shall require that every proposal for funding for research include a data management plan that includes a description of how the awardee will archive and preserve public access to data, software, and code developed as part of the proposed project. The NSF shall develop and disseminate a set of criteria for trusted open repositories to be used by NSF-funded researchers and make awards for the development and maintenance of such repositories. The NSF shall support research and development of tools and infrastructure that support reproducibility and support the education and training of researchers on computational methods, tools, and techniques to improve the quality and sharing of data, code, and supporting metadata to produce reproducible research. (Sec. 10345) The NSF shall make awards to support research to improve our understanding of the climate system and related human and environmental systems. (Sec. 10346) The NSF shall communicate opportunities and solicit proposals for social, behavioral, and economic science researchers to participate in cross-cutting and interdisciplinary programs; and ensure social, behavioral, and economic science researchers are represented on relevant merit review panels for such activities. (Sec. 10347) The NSF shall make awards to improve our understanding of the impacts of federally funded research on society, the economy, and the workforce, including domestic job creation. (Sec. 10348) The NSF shall make awards to, among other things support research to significantly advance our understanding of the food-energy-water system through quantitative and computational modeling, and support research that will lead to innovative solutions to critical food-energy-water system problems. (Sec. 10349) The NSF shall continue to support enhancing, repairing, and maintaining research instrumentation, laboratories, telecommunications, and housing at biological field stations and marine laboratories. (Sec. 10350) The NSF shall carry out activities in support of sustainable chemistry. (Sec. 10351) The NSF shall make awards to advance knowledge of risk assessment and predictability and to support the creation of tools and technologies, including advancing data analytics and utilization of artificial intelligence. (Sec. 10352) The NSF shall carry out a program of research and related activities related to unmanned aircraft system technologies. (Sec. 10353) The NSF shall issue awards to support research that will accelerate innovation to advance unmanned maritime systems to provide greater maritime domain awareness to the nation. (Sec. 10354) The NSF shall explore and advance opportunities for leveraging international capabilities and resources that align with the NSF and U.S. research community priorities and have the potential to benefit U.S. prosperity, security, health, and well-being, including binational research and development organizations. (Sec. 10355) The NSF shall continue to (1) support databases, tools, methods, and other activities that secure and improve existing physical and digital biological research collections; (2) improve the accessibility of collections and collection-related data for research and educational purposes; (3) develop capacity for curation and collection management; and (4) transfer ownership of collections that are significant to the biological research community, including to museums and universities. The NSF shall make awards to facilitate coordination and data sharing among communities of practice for research, education, workforce training, evaluation, and business model development, including by establishing an Action Center for Biological Collections. (Sec. 10356) The NSF shall make awards to address water availability, quality, and security, including to support transdisciplinary research to significantly advance our understanding of water availability, quality, and dynamics and the impact of human activity and a changing climate on urban and rural water and wastewater systems, including in low-income, underserved, and disadvantaged communities. (Sec. 10357) The NSF shall make awards for research and development to increase understanding of social media and consumer technology access and use patterns and related mental health, behavioral, and substance use disorder issues, particularly for children and adolescents; and explore the role of social media and consumer technology in rising rates of mental health and substance use disorder issues, including within communities experiencing long-term economic distress. (Sec. 10358) Research areas under the grant program to support fundamental research leading to transformative advances in manufacturing technologies, processes, and enterprises that support U.S. manufacturing may include artificial intelligence and machine learning and additive manufacturing, including new material design and rapid printing techniques. (Sec. 10359) The NSF shall make awards to support basic research that will accelerate innovation to advance critical minerals mining strategies and technologies to make better use of domestic resources and eliminating national reliance on minerals and mineral materials that are subject to supply disruptions. (Sec. 10360) The NSF shall study or support a study on artificial intelligence research capacity at U.S. institutions of higher education. Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021 (Sec. 10361) In making awards under the sensor systems and networked systems programs of the NSF, the NSF must include in considering portfolio balance research and development on sensor connectivity in environments of intermittent connectivity and intermittent computation. In considering applications for grants for junior or community colleges to develop or improve associate degree or certificate programs in STEM fields with an in-demand workforce, the NSF must prioritize applications that incorporate distance learning tools and approaches. In considering applications for the awarding of grants to institutions of higher education partnering with private sector employers or private sector employer consortia, or industry or sector partnerships, that commit to offering apprenticeships, internships, research opportunities, or applied learning experiences to students enrolled in identified STEM baccalaureate degree programs, the NSF must prioritize applications that incorporate distance learning tools and approaches. The GAO must provide (1) a technology assessment of precision agriculture technologies; and (2) a review of federal programs that provide support for precision agriculture research, development, adoption, education, and training. (Sec. 10362) The NSF shall support research into and design, development, and testing of mitigation measures to address the potential impact of satellite constellations on NSF scientific programs. (Sec. 10363) The NSF may make awards to support research to improve our understanding of the impact of inflation. (Sec. 10364) The NSF shall facilitate access by recipients of NSF awards to the microgravity environment, including private sector platforms, for the development of science, engineering, and technology relevant to the award. Subtitle F--Research Infrastructure (Sec. 10371) The NSF shall continue the Facility Operational Transition pilot program for a total of five years. Such program shall provide funding for 10%-50% of the operations and maintenance costs for major research facilities that are within the first five years of operation. (Sec. 10372) The NSF shall periodically carry out reviews within each of the directorates and divisions to assess the cost and benefits of extending the operations of research facilities that have exceed their planned operational lifespan. (Sec. 10373) The NSF shall support, through the Major Research Instrumentation Program, proposal requests that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to reduce consumption of helium. The NSF may waive the cost-sharing requirement for helium conservation measures for non-Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education and Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education that are not ranked among the top 100 institutions that receive federal research and development funding. (Sec. 10374) To gather information about the computational needs of NSF-funded projects, the NSF must require award proposals submitted to the NSF, as appropriate, to include estimates of computational resource needs for projects that require the use of advanced computing. The NSF shall develop and regularly update a five-year advanced computing roadmap to set priorities and guide strategic decisions regarding investments in advanced computing capabilities. This section requires the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program to provide for improving the security, reliability, and resiliency of computing and networking systems used by institutions of higher education and other nonprofit research institutions for the processing, storage, and transmission of sensitive federally funded research and associated data. The NSF shall establish a pilot program to make awards to ensure the security of federally supported research data and to assist regional institutions of higher education and their researchers in compliance with regulations regarding the safeguarding of sensitive information and other relevant regulations and federal guidelines. (Sec. 10375) The NSF shall establish a National Secure Data Service demonstration project to develop, refine, and test models to inform the full implementation of a governmentwide data linkage and access infrastructure for statistical activities conducted for statistical purposes. The National Secure Data Service must maintain a public website with up-to-date information on supported projects. Subtitle G--Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (Sec. 10381) This section establishes within the NSF the Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships to advance research and development, technology development, and related solutions to address U.S. societal, national, and geostrategic challenges, for the benefit of all Americans. (Sec. 10383) The directorate must award grants to support transformational advances in use-inspired and translational research and technology development; encourage the translation of research into innovations, processes, and products; develop mutually beneficial research and technology development partnerships and collaborations among entities such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, for-profit entities, government entities, and international entities; build capacity and infrastructure for use-inspired and translational research at institutions of higher education; support the education, mentoring, and training of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, to both advance use-inspired and translational research and to address workforce challenges; and identify social, behavioral, and economic drivers and consequences of technological innovations that could enable advances in the challenges and key technology focus areas. (Sec. 10386) The NSF shall establish an advisory committee to assess and make recommendations regarding the activities carried out under this subtitle. (Sec. 10387) The NSF shall identify, annually review, and update, as appropriate, a list of not more than five U.S. societal, national, and geostrategic challenges that may be addressed by technology to guide activities under this subtitle; and not more than 10 key technology focus areas to guide activities under this subtitle. The section specifies the initial challenges and focus areas. Not later than five years after enactment of this act, the NSF shall contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a review of the focus areas and challenges. (Sec. 10388) The NSF shall make awards to plan, establish, and support Regional Innovation Engines. Two of the purposes of Regional Innovation Engines shall be to advance multidisciplinary, collaborative, use-inspired and translational research, and technology development in key technology focus areas; and address regional, national, societal, or geostrategic challenges. (Sec. 10389) The NSF shall establish Translation Accelerators to further the research, development, and commercialization of innovation in the key technology focus areas. (Sec. 10390) The NSF shall establish a program in the directorate to make awards to establish and operate test beds to advance the development, operation, integration, deployment, and, as appropriate, demonstration of new, innovative critical technologies. (Sec. 10391) The NSF shall make awards to advance the development, adoption, and commercialization of technologies, consistent with the purposes of the directorate. The NSF shall make awards to establish collaborative innovation resource centers that promote regional technology transfer and technology development activities available to more than one institution of higher education and to other entities in a region. (Sec. 10392) The directorate shall award fellowships to scientists and engineers to help develop leaders capable of maturing promising ideas and technologies from lab to market or other use and forge connections between academic research and the government, industry, financial sectors, and other end users. (Sec. 10393) The directorate shall fund undergraduate scholarships (including at community colleges), graduate fellowships and traineeships, and postdoctoral awards in the key technology focus areas. The NSF shall award scholarships to low-income individuals to enable them to pursue associate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees in STEM fields. (Sec. 10394) The NSF shall make awards for research and technology development within the key technology focus areas, including investments that advance solutions to the identified societal, national, and geostrategic challenges. The NSF shall also make awards, including through the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR), to expedite short-term technology deployment within a period of no longer than 24 months. (Sec. 10395) The NSF shall make awards to establish multidisciplinary Centers for Transformative Education Research and Translation to support research and development on widespread and sustained implementation of STEM education innovations. (Sec. 10396) The NSF may provide awards under this subtitle as grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, cash prizes, and other transactions. The NSF may carry out a program of personnel management authority as provided under this section, in order to facilitate recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for research and development projects and to enhance the administration and management of the NSF. The NSF may carry out a program using specified authority to attract highly qualified experts in needed occupations. The NSF shall contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to study the organizational and management structure of the NSF to evaluate and make recommendations to efficiently and effectively implement the directorate. This section grants the NSF the authority to provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information within the United States concerning the NSF's activities and the results of those activities. (Sec. 10397) This section requires the directorate to coordinate and collaborate with other federal agencies and ensure its activities are not duplicative of other federal government activities. (Sec. 10398) The NSF shall engage, as appropriate, experts in the social dimensions of science and technology and set up formal avenues for public input, as appropriate, to ensure that ethical, legal, and societal considerations are taken into account in the priorities and activities of the directorate, including the selection of challenges and key technology focus areas, the award-making process, and throughout all stages of supported projects. (Sec. 10399) The NSF shall provide to the relevant congressional authorizing and appropriations committees annual reports describing projects supported by the directorate during the previous year. The NSF shall provide to Congress a roadmap that describes the strategic vision that the directorate will use to guide investment decisions over the next three years. (Sec. 10399A) After the directorate has been in operation for six years, the NSF shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies to provide an evaluation of how well the directorate is achieving its purposes. Subtitle H--Administrative Amendments This subtitle makes revisions to various administrative provisions regarding the NSF. TITLE IV--BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (Sec. 10402) The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) shall implement a National Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative to advance societal well-being, national security, sustainability, economic productivity, and competitiveness. The initiative shall, among other activities, provide support for engineering biology research and development, education and training for undergraduate and graduate students, and a national network of testbeds. (Sec. 10403) The OSTP shall designate an interagency committee to coordinate activities of the initiative. The President shall establish an Initiative Coordination Office to, among other things (1) provide technical and administrative support to the interagency committee; and (2) serve as the point of contact on federal engineering biology activities for government organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, state governments, interested citizen groups, and others to exchange technical and programmatic information. (Sec. 10404) The interagency committee shall designate or establish an advisory committee on engineering biology research and development to provide advice on the initiative. (Sec. 10405) The NSF shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to review, and make recommendations with respect to, the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development. (Sec. 10406) This section requires, as part of the initiative, the NSF, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Health and Human Services to carry out specified engineering biology activities suited to their agency. TITLE V--BROADENING PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE Subtitle A--STEM Opportunities (Sec. 10501) The OSTP must provide guidance to each federal research agency to establish policies that provide flexibility under research grants to principal investigators of such research and their trainees, including postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, who have caregiving responsibilities, including care for a newborn or newly adopted child and care for an immediate family member who has a disability or a serious health condition. (Sec. 10502) Each federal research agency shall collect, for all applications for its merit-reviewed research and development awards, specified information, including demographic information, award type, and review rating. (Sec. 10503) Federal research agencies shall regularly assess, and update as necessary, policies and practices to remove or reduce cultural or institutional barriers limiting the recruitment, retention, and success of groups historically underrepresented in STEM research careers, including policies and practices relevant to the unbiased review of federal research applications. (Sec. 10504) Every five years, the NSF shall carry out a survey to collect data from award recipients on the demographics of STEM faculty at different types of institutions of higher education that receive federal research funding. (Sec. 10505) The OSTP shall broadly disseminate to entities that receive federal research funding best practices for conducting periodic climate surveys of STEM departments and divisions with a focus on identifying and addressing any cultural or institutional barriers to the recruitment, retention, or advancement of groups historically underrepresented in STEM; and providing educational opportunities, including workshops, for STEM professionals to learn about current research on effective practices for unbiased recruitment, evaluation, and promotion of undergraduate and graduate students and research personnel. Subtitle B--Rural STEM Education Research (Sec. 10512) The NSF shall make awards for research and development activities to advance innovative approaches to support and sustain high-quality STEM teaching in rural schools. The NSF shall establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators, principals, and other school leaders of students in prekindergarten through grade 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, principals, other school leaders, researchers, academia, and local industry. The NSF shall make awards for research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education, and development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in prekindergarten through grade 12 in STEM studies. As part of the first report on equal opportunities in science and engineering at the NSF to be transmitted to Congress, the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering must include a description of past and present policies and activities of the NSF to encourage full participation of students in rural communities in science, mathematics, engineering, and computer science fields; an assessment of trends in participation of rural students in prekindergarten through grade 12 in NSF activities; and an assessment of the policies and activities of the NSF, along with proposals for new strategies or the broadening of existing successful strategies towards facilitating the goal of increasing participation of rural students in prekindergarten through grade 12 in NSF activities. (Sec. 10513) The NSF shall make awards for research on online STEM education courses for rural communities. (Sec. 10514) The NSF shall enter into an agreement under which the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine agree to conduct an evaluation and assessment that, among other things evaluates the quality and quantity of current federal programming and research directed at examining STEM education for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 and workforce development in rural areas; and in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, assesses the impact that the scarcity of broadband connectivity in rural communities, and the affordability of broadband connectivity, have on STEM and technical literacy for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 in rural areas. (Sec. 10515) The GAO shall conduct a study and report to Congress on the engagement of rural populations in federal STEM education programs. (Sec. 10516) The Department of Commerce shall carry out a program to award prizes to stimulate research and development of creative technologies to support the deployment of affordable and reliable broadband connectivity in rural communities, including unserved rural communities. Subtitle C--MSI STEM Achievement (Sec. 10521) The GAO shall report to Congress an inventory of competitive funding programs and initiatives carried out by federal research agencies that are targeted to Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) or partnerships with HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; an assessment of federal research agency outreach activities to increase the participation and competitiveness of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in the funding programs and initiatives identified; and recommendations of the GAO to increase the participation and the rate of success of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in competitive funding programs offered by federal research agencies. (Sec. 10522) The OSTP shall develop a uniform set of policy guidelines for federal research agencies to carry out a sustained program of outreach activities to increase clarity, transparency, and accountability for federal research agency investments in STEM education and research activities at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including such institutions in rural areas. The OSTP must submit to Congress a report containing a strategic plan which reflects the plans of each federal research agency to increase the capacity of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to compete effectively for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements and to encourage HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to participate in federal programs. The report on the coordination of federal STEM education must include an account of federal research agency investments in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including, to the degree practicable, data on the level of participation of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs as prime recipients, contractors, subrecipients, or subcontractors of an award, or reasonable estimates thereof; and a description of material changes to the implementation of this section. (Sec. 10523) The NSF shall make awards for the conduct of research on the contribution of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to the education and training of underrepresented minority students in STEM fields and to the meeting of national STEM workforce needs; and to identify and broadly disseminate effective models for programs and practices at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs that promote the education and workforce preparation of minority students pursuing STEM studies and careers in which such students are underrepresented. (Sec. 10524) The NSF shall make awards to support the mission of the NSF and to build institutional research capacity at minority institutions as specified in this act. Awards under this section may fund the establishment of not more than five MSI Centers of Innovation to leverage successes of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in STEM education and research training of underrepresented minority students as models for other institutions, including both HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and institutions of higher education that are not HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs. Such centers will be located on campuses of selected HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs, and serve as incubators to allow institutions of higher education to experiment, pilot, evaluate, and scale up promising practices. The National Science and Technology Council shall submit a report that (1) identifies challenges and barriers to federal research and development awards for high research activity status HBCUs, and (2) identifies recommendations for federal research agencies to sustainably boost the research capacity of high research activity status HBCUs through awards-making authorities. (Sec. 10525) As part of the Tribal Colleges and University Program, the NSF shall make awards to eligible entities to increase the participation of tribal populations in computer science and computational thinking education programs to enable students to develop skills and competencies in coding, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Subtitle D--Combatting Sexual Harassment in Science (Sec. 10534) The NSF shall make awards to expand research efforts to better understand the factors contributing to, and consequences of, sex-based and sexual harassment affecting individuals in the STEM workforce, including students and trainees; and examine approaches to reduce the incidence and negative consequences of such harassment. (Sec. 10535) The NSF shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to update the report entitled On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research issued by the National Academies. (Sec. 10536) The OSTP's National Science and Technology Council shall establish or designate an interagency working group for the purpose of coordinating federal research agency efforts to reduce the prevalence of sex-based and sexual harassment involving award personnel. Among other duties, the working group must develop policy guidelines for federal research agencies. Agencies must implement policies regarding sex-based and sexual harassment that are consistent with the guidelines. (Sec. 10537) The NSF shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies to undertake a study and issue a report on the influence of sex-based and sexual harassment in institutions of higher education on the career advancement of individuals in the STEM workforce. (Sec. 10538) The GAO shall study the degree to which federal research agencies have implemented the policy guidelines developed concerning sexual harassment and the effectiveness of that implementation. TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROVISIONS Subtitle A--Supporting Early-Career Researchers (Sec. 10601) The NSF may establish a two-year pilot program to make awards to highly qualified early-career investigators to carry out an independent research program at the institution of higher education or participating federal research facility chosen by such investigator, to last for a period not greater than two years. The NSF shall give special consideration and priority to applications from individuals who graduated from or are intending to carry out research at certain institutions, such as minority-serving institutions. Subtitle B--National Science and Technology Strategy (Sec. 10611) The OSTP shall, in coordination with the National Science and Technology Council, develop and submit to Congress a comprehensive national science and technology strategy of the United States to meet national research and development objectives for the following four years. The OSTP shall provide biannually a briefing to the relevant congressional committees on the status and development of the national science and technology strategy, including any significant changes. (Sec. 10612) After the transmission of each national security strategy, the OSTP shall review such strategy and submit to Congress a national strategy to improve the national competitiveness of United States science, technology, research, and innovation to support the national security strategy. (Sec. 10613) Every four years, the OSTP shall complete a review of the science and technology enterprise of the United States. Subtitle C--Regional Innovation (Sec. 10621) Commerce shall carry out a program to, among other objectives encourage new and constructive collaborations among local, state, tribal, and federal government entities, institutions of higher education, the private sector, economic development organizations, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community organizations that promote broad-based regional innovation initiatives; support eligible consortia in the development and implementation of regional innovation strategies; designate eligible consortia as regional technology and innovation hubs and facilitate hubs implementing their regional innovation strategies. Within the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, Commerce is authorized to establish the Recompete Pilot Program to provide grants to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term comprehensive economic development and job creation in eligible areas. Commerce shall award at least 10 strategy implementation grants to carry out coordinated and comprehensive economic development programs and activities in an eligible area in accordance with a recompete plan approved by Commerce. (Sec. 10622) DOE shall establish a Regional Clean Energy Innovation Program, a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program designed to enhance the economic, environmental, and energy security of the United States and accelerate the pace of innovation of diverse clean energy technologies through the formation or support of regional clean energy innovation partnerships. Subtitle D--Research Security (Sec. 10631) The OSTP shall publish and widely distribute a uniform set of guidelines for federal research agencies regarding foreign talent recruitment programs. (Sec. 10632) Each federal research agency shall establish a policy that, as part of a proposal for a research and development award from the agency each covered individual listed in such proposal certify that each such individual is not a party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program in the proposal submission and annually afterwards for the duration of the award; and each institution of higher education or other organization applying for such an award certify that each covered individual who is employed by such institution of higher education or other organization has been made aware of the requirements under this section and complied with the requirement listed above. (Sec. 10633) In addition to existing authorities for preventing waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds, each federal research agency shall have the authority to require, upon request, the submission to such agency, by an institution of higher education or other organization applying for a research and development award, of certain supporting documentation; require such institution of higher education or other organization to review any documents requested for compliance with the federal research agency's award terms and conditions; and upon receipt and review of the information provided, initiate the substitution or removal of a covered individual from a research and development award, reduce the award funding amount, or suspend or terminate the award if the agency head determines such contracts, grants, or agreements include obligations that interfere with the capacity for agency-supported activities to be carried out or create duplication with agency-supported activities. (Sec. 10634) Each federal research agency shall establish a requirement that, as part of an application for a research and development award from the agency each covered individual listed on the application for a research and development award certify that each such individual has completed within one year of such application research security training that meets the guidelines developed under this section, and each institution of higher education or other organization applying for such an award certify that each covered individual who is employed by such institution or organization and listed on the application has completed such training. The OSTP shall enter into an agreement or contract with a qualified entity for the development of online research security training modules for the research community and participants in the U.S. research and development enterprise to ensure compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (relating to strengthening protections of the U.S. government-supported research and development against foreign government interference and exploitation) or any successor documents. (Sec. 10635) The GAO shall conduct a study on federal funding made available to foreign entities of concern (e.g., a person on the SDN List) for research during a five-year study period beginning on the enactment of this act. (Sec. 10636) Certain persons and foreign entities of concern or any other country determined to be a country of concern may not receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under specified programs or activities, including the Manufacturing USA Program. Subtitle E--Coastal and Ocean Acidification Research and Innovation Coastal and Ocean Acidification Research and Innovation Act of 2021 (Sec. 10642) This subtitle expands certain federal ocean acidification research and monitoring activities to include coastal acidification. (Sec. 10644) This section adds departments and agencies to the interagency working group on ocean acidification. The section establishes an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board. Any federal agency with a representative serving on the interagency working group may, either individually or in cooperation with one or more agencies, carry out a program to award prizes competitively in accordance with the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Any prize competition carried out under this act shall be for the purposes of stimulating innovation to advance our nation's ability to understand, research, or monitor ocean acidification or its impacts, or the development of management or adaptation options for responding to ocean and coastal acidification. (Sec. 10645) This section makes revisions regarding the strategic research plan on ocean acidification. Such plan shall include federal research and monitoring on coastal acidification. (Sec. 10646) This section includes coastal acidification activities in addition to NOAA ocean acidification activities. NOAA shall serve as the lead agency for coordinating the federal response to ocean and coastal acidification. Commerce shall support the long-term stewardship of, and access to, data relating to ocean and coastal acidification by providing the data on a publicly accessible data archive system. (Sec. 10647) This section includes coastal acidification activities in addition to NSF ocean acidification activities. (Sec. 10648) This section includes coastal acidification activities in addition to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ocean acidification activities. Subtitle F--Interagency Working Group (Sec. 10651) The OSTP's National Science and Technology Council shall establish or designate an interagency working group to coordinate specified activities of the NSF, Commerce, and DOE. Subtitle G--Quantum Networking and Communications (Sec. 10661) The Quantum Networking Working Group within the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council shall submit to Congress a report detailing a plan for the advancement of quantum networking and communications technology in the United States, building on the report entitled A Strategic Vision for America's Quantum Networks and A Coordinated Approach for Quantum Networking Research . As part of the National Quantum Initiative, NIST shall carry out research to facilitate the development and standardization of quantum cryptography and post-quantum classical cryptography; carry out research to facilitate the development and standardization of quantum networking, communications, and sensing technologies and applications; and for quantum technologies determined by NIST to be at a readiness level sufficient for standardization, provide technical review and assistance to such other federal agencies for the development of quantum networking infrastructure standards. The NSF shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study to evaluate and make recommendations for the quantum information science workforce. The NSF shall, through programs it carries out or supports, seek to increase the integration of quantum information science and engineering (QISE) into the STEM curriculum at all education levels, including community colleges. The NSF shall make awards to carry out a pilot program, to be known as the Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program for the education and training of the next generation of students and teachers in the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Subtitle H--Blockchain Specialist The OSTP shall establish or designate a blockchain and cryptocurrencies advisory specialist position within the OSTP to coordinate federal activities and advise the President on matters of research and development relating to blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and distributed ledger technologies. Subtitle I--Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation (Sec. 10691) DOE shall establish a nonprofit organization to be known as the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation to support DOE and to advance collaboration with energy researchers, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to accelerate the commercialization of energy technologies. The foundation may award fellowships and grants for activities related to research, development, demonstration, maturation, or commercialization of energy and other DOE-supported technologies. The foundation shall provide support to and collaborate with laboratory-associated foundations. The foundation may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and other donations, establish accounts, and invest and expend funds in support of its activities. The foundation shall submit to Congress a strategic plan for the foundation. The GAO shall submit to Congress an evaluation of the extent to which the foundation is achieving its mission, the operation of the foundation, and any recommendations on how the foundation may be improved. The National Energy Technology Laboratory may establish, or enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization to establish, a laboratory-associated foundation to support the mission of the National Energy Technology Laboratory. Subtitle J--Energizing Technology Transfer Part 1--National Clean Energy Technology Transfer Programs (Sec. 10713) DOE's Office of Technology Transitions shall establish a Clean Energy Incubator Program to competitively award grants to clean energy incubators. (Sec. 10714) DOE shall establish a program, known as the Clean Energy Technology University Prize, to award funding for eligible entities to carry out regional and national clean energy technology prize competitions. In carrying out such prize competitions, students shall compete to develop a business model for furthering the commercial application of an innovative clean energy technology. (Sec. 10715) The Office of the Chief Commercialization Officer shall support the coordination of technology transfer programs that advance the commercial application of clean energy technologies nationally and across all energy sectors. Part 2--Supporting Technology Development at the National Laboratories (Sec. 10716) This section authorizes the Lab Partnering Service Pilot Program through FY2025. (Sec. 10717) DOE shall award grants to National Laboratories for the purpose of establishing or supporting Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Programs. (Sec. 10718) This section revises requirements related to small business advocates at the National Laboratories. The section expands the requirement for National Laboratories to designate small business advocates to apply to single-purpose research facilities. DOE shall establish a program to provide small businesses with vouchers to be used at National Laboratories and single-purpose research facilities for research, development, demonstration, technology transfer, skills training and workforce development, or commercial application activities or any other activities that are determined appropriate. (Sec. 10719) DOE shall delegate to the National Laboratories and single-purpose research facilities the authority to carry out an entrepreneurial leave program to allow National Laboratory employees to take a full leave of absence from their position, with the option to return to that or a comparable position up to three years later, or a partial leave of absence, to advance the commercial application of energy and related technologies relevant to the mission of DOE. (Sec. 10720) DOE shall delegate to Directors of National Laboratories the authority to allow their nonfederal employees to engage in outside employment, including start-up companies, and to engage in outside activities related to their areas of expertise at a National Laboratory. Part 3--Department of Energy Modernization (Sec. 10722) This section authorizes the Office of Technology Transitions through FY2027 and provides certain hiring authorities. (Sec. 10723) This section gives DOE additional authority under the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, including the authority to terminate projects receiving an unfavorable review. (Sec. 10724) DOE shall report annually on a description of any prize competitions carried out using the authority under this section, the total amount of prizes awarded along with any private sector contributions, the methods used for solicitation and evaluation, and a description of how each prize competition advanced the mission of DOE. (Sec. 10725) This section extends the waiver of the nonfederal cost share for a research or development activity performed by an institution of higher education or nonprofit institution. (Sec. 10726) This section gives DOE's Office of Science certain hiring authorities, including the authority to make appointments of not more than 60 scientific, engineering, and professional personnel, without regard to civil service laws, to assist DOE in meeting specific project or research needs. (Sec. 10727) As part of the updated technology transfer execution plan required each year under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, DOE shall also submit to Congress a report on the progress and implementation of specified programs established by this act. Every three years the DOE must also submit to Congress an evaluation on the extent to which the specified programs established by this act are achieving success based on relevant short-term and long-term metrics. Subtitle K--Micro Act (Sec. 10731) DOE shall carry out a crosscutting program of research, development, and demonstration of microelectronics relevant to the missions of DOE to enable advances and breakthroughs that will (1) accelerate underlying research and development for design, development, and manufacturability of next-generation microelectronics; and (2) ensure the global competitiveness of the United States in the field of microelectronics. In carrying out the program, DOE's Office of Science shall establish not more than four Microelectronics Science Research Centers to (1) conduct mission-driven research to address foundational challenges in the design, development, characterization, prototyping, demonstration, and fabrication of microelectronics; and (2) facilitate the translation of research results to industry. Subtitle L--National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021 (Sec. 10743) This section revises the program to support university nuclear science and engineering, including to allow support for revitalizing and upgrading existing nuclear science and engineering infrastructure that supports the development of advanced nuclear technologies and applications. (Sec. 10744) Under the program to support university nuclear science and engineering, DOE shall carry out an Advanced Nuclear Research Infrastructure Enhancement Subprogram in order to (1) demonstrate various advanced nuclear reactor and nuclear microreactor concepts; (2) establish medical isotope production reactors or other specialized applications; and (3) advance other research infrastructure that is consistent with DOE's mission. (Sec. 10745) Amounts made available under the University Nuclear Leadership Program may be used to provide assistance for nontechnical nuclear research. Subtitle M--Steel Upgrading Partnerships and Emissions Reduction (Sec. 10751) DOE shall establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced tools, technologies, and methods for low-emissions steel manufacturing. DOE shall develop a five-year strategic plan identifying research, development, demonstration, and commercial application goals for the program. DOE shall support the development of standardized testing and technical validation of advanced and commercially available steelmaking and low-emissions steel manufacturing. DOE, in carrying out the program and in collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and the National Laboratories, shall support an initiative for the demonstration of low-emissions steel manufacturing. Subtitle N--Applied Laboratories Infrastructure Restoration and Modernization (Sec. 10761) DOE shall fund priority deferred maintenance and lab modernization projects at National Laboratories as needed to address the deferred maintenance, critical infrastructure needs, and modernization of National Laboratories. Subtitle O--Department Of Energy Research, Development, And Demonstration Activities (Sec. 10771) This section authorizes specified activities for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy through FY2026, including research, development, and demonstration activities related to building technologies, sustainable transportation, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, and renewable power. Subtitle P--Fission for the Future (Sec. 10781) DOE shall establish a program to provide federal financial assistance to support the research, development, and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactors. TITLE VII--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 Subtitle A--Exploration (Sec. 10811) NASA shall establish within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate a Moon to Mars Program Office to lead and manage the Moon to Mars program established pursuant to this section, including Artemis missions and activities. (Sec. 10812) After the first crewed lunar landing of NASA's Moon to Mars activities, NASA shall, to the extent practicable, seek to carry out a flight rate of two integrated Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle missions annually until the lunar activities needed to enable a human mission to Mars are completed so as to maintain the critical human spaceflight production and operations skills necessary for the safety of human spaceflight activities in deep space. This section authorizes NASA to maintain two operational mobile launch platforms to enable the launch of multiple configurations of the Space Launch System. To meet the capability requirements, NASA shall continue development of the Exploration Upper Stage for the Space Launch System on a schedule consistent with the Artemis IV lunar mission. NASA must brief Congress on the development and scheduled availability of the Exploration Upper Stage for such lunar mission. (Sec. 10813) NASA shall, to the extent practicable, continue to carry out a program to modernize rocket propulsion test infrastructure at NASA facilities to (1) support propulsion development and testing, and (2) foster the improvement of government and commercial space transportation and exploration. NASA must submit to Congress a report on the use of the authority to promote increased use of NASA rocket propulsion test infrastructure for research, development, testing, and evaluation activities by other federal agencies, firms, associations, corporations, and educational institutions. (Sec. 10814) NASA shall coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a comprehensive plan to ensure the continued navigability of the Pearl River and Little Lake channels sufficient to support NASA barge operations surrounding Stennis Space Center and the Michoud Assembly Facility. (Sec. 10815) NASA shall continue full operations of the International Space Station (ISS) through at least FY2030. This section extends the period of time until 2028 for the submission of the biennial reports on deep space human exploration and various other matters. NASA shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of the viability of the ISS to operate safely and support full and productive use through FY2030, including all necessary analyses to certify ISS operations through FY2030. NASA shall submit to the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel an assessment of (1) the root cause of cracks and air leaks in the Russian Service Module Transfer Tunnel; (2) the certification of all U.S. systems and modules to operate through FY2030; (3) an inventory of spares or replacements for elements, systems, and equipment, including certified systems that are currently produced, in inventory, or on order; and (4) any other relevant data, information, or analysis relevant to the safe and productive use of the ISS through FY2030. (Sec. 10816) NASA shall assess ISS research activities and shall ensure that crew time and resources allocated to NASA for use on the ISS prioritize specified activities, including the research of the Human Research Program. Subtitle B--Science (Sec. 10821) NASA shall pursue the goal of establishing annual funding for Research and Analysis in the Science Mission Directorate that reaches a level of not less than 10% of the total annual funding of relevant divisions of such directorate by FY2025. (Sec. 10822) NASA shall continue to implement a collaborative, multidisciplinary science and technology development program to search for evidence of the existence or historical existence of life beyond Earth in support of (1) the scientific priorities of the most recent decadal surveys on planetary science and astrobiology and astronomy and astrophysics of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and (2) the search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe. (Sec. 10823) NASA shall continue development of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (commonly known as the Roman telescope and formerly known as the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope) in the configuration established through critical design review, to meet the objectives prioritized in the 2010 decadal survey of astronomy and astrophysics of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (Sec. 10824) With respect to the missions and programs of the Earth Science Division, NASA shall, to the maximum extent practicable, follow the recommendations and guidance provided by the scientific community through the decadal survey for Earth science and applications from space of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. NASA shall pursue an Earth System Observatory to (1) address the recommendations of the 2018 Earth science and applications decadal survey of the National Academies titled Thriving on our Changing Planet ; and (2) achieve the goal of the Earth Science Program of NASA. NASA shall arrange for the conduct of a survey of the use of NASA Earth observation data by states, tribal organizations, and territories. NASA shall (1) maintain a comprehensive, strategic Climate Architecture Plan for Earth Observations and Applications from Space that describes an integrated and balanced program to advance science, policy, and applications and societal benefits; and (2) update such plan every five years so as to align with the release of the decadal surveys in Earth science and applications from space and the mid-decade assessments of the National Academies. (Sec. 10825) NASA shall maintain an office within the Planetary Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate, to be known as the Planetary Defense Coordination Office, to (1) plan, develop, and implement a program to survey threats posed by near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter; (2) identify, track, and characterize potentially hazardous near-Earth objects, issue warnings of the effects of potential impacts of such objects, and investigate strategies and technologies for mitigating the potential impacts of such objects; and (3) assist in coordinating government planning for response to a potential impact of a near-Earth object. NASA shall continue the development of a dedicated space-based infrared survey telescope mission, known as the Near-Earth Object Surveyor, on a schedule to achieve a launch-readiness date not later than March 30, 2026, or the earliest practicable date, to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth objects to the Earth. NASA shall submit annual reports through 90% completion of the catalogue of such near-Earth objects. Subtitle C--Aeronautics (Sec. 10831) NASA shall carry out experimental aircraft demonstrations, including a subsonic demonstrator to demonstrate the performance and feasibility of advanced, ultra-efficient, and low emissions subsonic flight demonstrator configurations. NASA may establish an advanced materials and manufacturing technology program. (Sec. 10832) NASA shall (1) research and test capabilities and concepts, including unmanned aircraft systems communications, for integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system; (2) leverage the partnership NASA has with industry focused on the advancement of technologies for future air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems; and (3) continue to leverage the research and testing portfolio of NASA to inform the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system, consistent with public safety and national security objectives. (Sec. 10833) NASA shall establish an initiative to research, develop, and demonstrate new technologies and concepts to (1) reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, (2) reduce aviation noise emissions, and (3) enable associated aircraft performance characteristics. Subtitle D--Space Technology (Sec. 10841) NASA shall establish a space nuclear propulsion program to carry out research and development, ground-based testing and in-space testing, and other associated activities to enable the use of space nuclear propulsion in NASA robotic and human exploration activities, including in cargo missions to Mars in the late 2020s and crewed missions to Mars in the 2030s. NASA shall establish a program for research, testing, and development of a space nuclear surface power reactor design. NASA shall carry out a needs assessment for facilities and technical capabilities required to support ground-based testing of a full-scale, full-power integrated nuclear propulsion system. (Sec. 10842) NASA shall prioritize the use of low-enriched uranium, including high-assay low-enriched uranium, for space nuclear research and development, including ground and in-space testing and other related demonstration activities carried out under this title. Subtitle E--STEM Engagement (Sec. 10851) NASA shall establish an Office of STEM Engagement for the purpose of advancing progress toward the STEM education goals of the United States by enhancing STEM literacy, increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and preparing the STEM workforce for the future. The office shall be responsible for coordinating efforts and activities among organizations across NASA, including NASA's headquarters, mission directorates, and centers. The section changes the name of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research to the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Subtitle F--Miscellaneous (Sec. 10861) NASA must submit a report to Congress on the U.S. industrial base for NASA civil space missions and operations. NASA shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to carry out a comprehensive review of the workforce, skills-base, and modeling and test facilities of NASA. NASA shall develop a policy and procedure for assessment, not less frequently than every five years, of its strategic capabilities, including infrastructure and facilities, and workforce skills and capabilities. NASA shall establish within NASA an Independent Program Analysis and Evaluation Office for independently assessing program performance; making programmatic, technical risk mitigation, and institutional recommendations; performing cost estimates and analyses; and conducting strategic planning activities, among other functions. The office must submit to Congress an independent estimate of the cost of continuing International Space Station operations through FY2030. (Sec. 10862) This section extends until December 31, 2032, the authority of NASA to enter into leases of any non-excess real property and related personal property under the jurisdiction of NASA. The section revises the annual reporting of such leases, including the estimated cost savings to NASA resulting from reduced maintenance, operating, and associated costs in the previous fiscal year. NASA must submit a report to Congress on existing requirements for applicants seeking such a lease. DIVISION C--SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS TO ADDRESS THREATS TO THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES Supreme Court Security Funding Act of 2022 This division authorizes additional funding for salaries and expenses of the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Supreme Court to address threats to the Supreme Court.
Tim Ryan (D)
signed · United States · House Aug 4, 2022

HR 3684: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Among other provisions, this bill provides new funding for infrastructure projects, including for roads, bridges, and major projects; passenger and freight rail; highway and pedestrian safety; public transit; broadband; ports and waterways; airports; water infrastructure; power and grid reliability and resiliency; resiliency, including funding for coastal resiliency, ecosystem restoration, and weatherization; clean school buses and ferries; electric vehicle charging; addressing legacy pollution by cleaning up Brownfield and Superfund sites and reclaiming abandoned mines; and Western Water Infrastructure. DIVISION A--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 This division reauthorizes Department of Transportation (DOT) federal-aid highway and transportation infrastructure finance and innovation (TIFIA) programs, revises research, technology, and workforce education programs, and addresses tribal transportation needs. The effective date of this division is October 1, 2021. TITLE I--FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS Among other provisions, this title reauthorizes through FY2026 several surface transportation programs, including the federal-aid highway program, transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program (TIFIA), federal lands access and tribal transportation programs, Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program, and nationally significant freight and highway projects; reauthorizes through FY2026 other transportation programs, including the bridge investment program, congestion relief program, charging and fueling infrastructure grants, the rural surface transportation grant program, reduction of truck emissions at port facilities, nationally significant federal lands and tribal projects, ferry boat construction, and research, technology, and education programs; provides statutory authority for DOT's Safe Routes to School program; establishes a wildlife crossing pilot grant program to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions; directs DOT to encourage states to develop a voluntary human capital plan for the transportation-related workforce needs of the states; provides statutory authority for federal agency coordination and streamlining of environmental reviews and authorizations for major infrastructure projects; addresses climate change by establishing a grant program for the deployment of publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors; establishes the Healthy Streets grant program; provides for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways; designates additional routes within the Central Texas Corridor as high priority corridors within the National Highway System; and requires DOT to provide grants to eliminate or control invasive plants and carry out pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way, including the planting and seeding of native, locally appropriate grasses and wildflowers. TITLE II--TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION This title reauthorizes through FY2026 the state infrastructure bank program and revises the TIFIA program. Under the existing TIFIA program, DOT provides loans with low interest rates and loan guarantees with low repayment terms to borrowers to undertake certain transportation infrastructure programs. This title revises program requirements, including by expanding eligibility to airport-related projects, requiring DOT to establish a process to expedite certain loans, and setting forth provisions to increase transparency in the review process for projects seeking TIFIA funding. TITLE III--RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION This title requires DOT to revise its workforce education program and establish certain research and technology programs. Among other requirements, DOT must establish a program to test the feasibility of a road usage fee and other user-based alternative revenue mechanisms to help maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund; establish pilot programs to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee, facilitate the integration of data about weather conditions, road conditions, and information from emergency responders, conduct emerging technology research, including advanced and additive manufacturing technologies, and improve transportation planning; establish animal detection systems that reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions; and designate 10 regional Centers of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation and a national Center of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation to promote the resilience of surface transportation infrastructure from natural disasters, extreme weather, and the effects of climate change. TITLE IV--INDIAN AFFAIRS This title provides for expedited and efficient environmental reviews for tribal transportation safety projects, use of tribal transportation funds to carry out bridge replacements, authorization of appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs through FY2026 to carry out its road maintenance program, a study of the long-term viability and useful life of existing roads on Indian land, a periodic status report on progress in addressing the deferred maintenance needs of roads on Indian land, the development of best practices for compiling motor vehicle crash data and development of a standard crash report form, the establishment of an Office of Tribal Government Affairs and Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs within DOT. DIVISION B--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT ACT OF 2021 Surface Transportation Investment Act of 2021 TITLE I--MULTIMODAL AND FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION This title establishes and expands provisions related to the national multimodal freight policy and components of the national freight system. Among other provisions, the title establishes an Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy within the Department of Transportation (DOT); expands the National Freight Strategic Plan to include best practices for reducing environmental impacts of freight movement, strategies to increase the resilience of the freight system, and consideration of potential impacts of the freight system on rural and historically disadvantaged communities; authorizes funding for a National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration grant program to address anadromous fish passage; directs DOT to establish a pilot program within the Build America Bureau to provide financial, technical, and legal assistance to help rural and tribal communities with development phase activities when evaluating potential transportation projects; provides statutory authority for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program and makes modifications to the program; and requires DOT to periodically submit a report to Congress that identifies the number of applicants that sought a RRIF loan for a transit-oriented development project, the number of loans provided to such applicants, and the reasons for providing or declining to provide requested loans. TITLE II--RAIL Passenger Rail Expansion and Rail Safety Act of 2021 This title addresses various passenger rail-related issues, including Amtrak, intercity passenger rail policy, and rail safety. Among other provisions, the title authorizes through FY2026 grants to support Amtrak's intercity passenger rail service on the Northeast Corridor and the National Network; requires Amtrak to ensure at least one Amtrak ticket agent is employed at each station building that averages at least 40 passengers per day; directs a working group to provide recommendations to improve Amtrak's onboard food and beverage service; prohibits smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, on all Amtrak trains; modifies provisions related to the Northeast Corridor Commission, including to require the commission to submit a service development plan that identifies key state-of-good repair flexibility and resources for states to address grade crossing safety issues; directs the Federal Railroad Administration to establish a three-year blocked crossing portal to receive, store, and retrieve information regarding blocked highway-rail grade crossings; and directs DOT to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study and issue a report on the safety impacts of freight trains longer than 7,500 feet. TITLE III--MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY This title addresses provisions related to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and its related programs covering commercial drivers and vehicles. Among other provisions, the title reauthorizes through FY2026 the use of the Highway Trust Fund to pay the administrative expenses of the FMCSA and provide financial assistance for various programs, including to carry out the motor carrier safety assistance program, the commercial motor vehicle enforcement training and support grant program, and the commercial motor vehicle operators grant program; revises the high priority program to include projects that address human trafficking in a commercial motor vehicle or by any driver or passenger; directs DOT to establish an immobilization grant program to provide discretionary grants to states for the immobilization or impoundment of passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles that are determined to be unsafe or fail inspection; establishes a grant program to provide discretionary grants for nonprofit organizations to provide training to non-federal employees who conduct commercial motor vehicle enforcement activities; requires the FMCSA to establish and facilitate a Women of Trucking Advisory Board to promote organizations and programs that provide education, training, mentorship, or outreach to women in the trucking industry and recruit, retain, or advance women into the trucking industry; requires DOT to prescribe a motor vehicle safety standard and accompanying performance requirements for automatic emergency braking systems for heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles; and directs DOT to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. TITLE IV--HIGHWAY AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY This title addresses provisions related to highway safety, highway safety research and development, high-visibility enforcement, national priority safety, and vehicle safety programs of DOT. Among other provisions, the title authorizes though FY2026 DOT programs related to highway safety, highway safety research and development, high-visibility enforcement, and national priority safety programs; directs DOT to carry out an education campaign to reduce the incidence of vehicular heatstroke of children left in passenger motor vehicles and establish a program to provide grants to states for use in developing and implementing processes for informing each owner and lessee of a motor vehicle of open recalls during vehicle registration; requires DOT to conduct three high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns in each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026; revises national priority safety programs of DOT, including programs that address distracted and impaired driving; establishes the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to advise DOT on motorcycle safety issues, including road design and maintenance, barrier design, and use of intelligent transportation systems; authorizes through FY2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration motor vehicle safety programs and activities; requires motor vehicle manufacturers to report to DOT information on recall campaigns, including the number of affected vehicles and the number of repaired vehicles; and directs DOT to implement rules to establish minimum performance standards with respect to crash avoidance technology and to require on all new motor vehicles forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems, and lane departure and lane keeping assist systems. TITLE V--RESEARCH AND INNOVATION This title addresses provisions related to research and innovation programs of DOT and other federal agencies. Among other provisions, the title requires DOT to create a website that includes a compilation of resources for states and local communities to use in developing and implementing intelligent transportation system programs or smart community transportation programs; directs DOT to establish the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation Grant Program to support demonstration projects on smart technologies that improve transportation efficiency and safety, including autonomous vehicles and smart grids to support electric vehicles; establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure within DOT to fund research and development on advanced transportation infrastructure technologies; directs DOT to establish an advanced transportation research pilot program for universities, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to submit unsolicited research proposals to DOT; requires DOT to implement a strategy to use infrastructure investments to support the travel and tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic; addresses the barriers states face in submitting alcohol and drug toxicology results to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which provides nationwide data on fatal injuries related to motor vehicle crashes; requires DOT to report on methods to improve access to marijuana products for scientific research on marijuana-impaired driving and to make recommendations on how to address any federal barriers to conducting research on marijuana-impaired driving; and directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the potential societal benefits of improving the efficiency of traffic systems. TITLE VI--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS This title reauthorizes through FY2026 the hazardous materials emergency preparedness program and other safety programs of DOT. The title also directs DOT to establish a grant program to develop a hazardous materials response training curriculum for emergency responders and to make such training available in an electronic format. Additionally, the title revises requirements for Class I railroads that transport hazardous materials to share real-time emergency response information by providing certain information to appropriate state and local officials, including the quantity of hazardous materials. TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS This title addresses various provisions related to DOT, including performance standards, forced labor, the electromagnetic spectrum, and travel and tourism activities. Specifically, the title authorizes DOT to develop metrics and establish performance standards that use such metrics to assess the effectiveness of grants awarded under the bill; requires DOT to ensure that no illegal products or materials produced with forced labor are procured with funding under the bill; directs DOT and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to audit the electromagnetic spectrum assigned to DOT, the purposes for which the assigned spectrum is used, and the portions of spectrum being shared with other users; and requires DOT to study and report on travel and tourism activities within DOT and how it evaluates travel and tourism needs in reviewing applications for grant programs. TITLE VIII-SPORT FISH RESTORATION AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY This title reauthorizes through FY2026 the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund which provides funding for several programs, including coastal wetlands, water and boating infrastructure, and recreational boating safety. It also requires an amount to be set-aside each fiscal year through FY2026 for administration of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program and the Wildlife Restoration Fund. The title also requires the GAO to report on (1) the increasing use of nonmotorized vessels and their impacts on motorized and nonmotorized vessel access, (2) user conflicts at waterway access points, (3) the use of Sport Fish Restoration Program funds to improve nonmotorized vessel access and the reasons for providing such access, and (4) the use of Recreational Boating Safety Program funds for nonmotorized boating safety programs. DIVISION C--TRANSIT This division revises provisions related to various public transportation programs, including the fixed guideway capital investment grant program, the public transportation innovation grant program, and the low or no emissions grant program for buses and bus facilities. Among other provisions, the division revises requirements for metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), including by allowing MPOs to elect to expand considerations of housing planning processes into the metropolitan transportation planning process; revises requirements for the fixed guideway capital investment grant program; revises the rural area formula grant program by establishing fixed percentages for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations and the Appalachian Development Public Transportation Assistance programs; updates reporting requirements for DOT's annual report on research activities under the public transportation innovation grant program; adds geographic service area coverage as a reporting requirement to the National Transit Database; establishes a new competitive grant program to assist state and local governments in financing capital projects for the replacement of rail rolling stock; reauthorizes through FY2026 funding from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for programs related to public transportation; modifies the low or no emissions grant program for buses and bus facilities, including by increasing the minimum allotment of grant funds for states and territories; and reauthorizes through FY2030 capital and preventive maintenance grants to the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority. DIVISION D--ENERGY TITLE I--GRID INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCY This title establishes a variety of requirements and incentives to support energy infrastructure and cybersecurity for the energy sector, including requirements and incentives to make the electric grid more reliable, resilient, flexible, and secure; facilitate the construction of or updates to electric power transmission lines and related facilities; create state energy security plans; reauthorize through FY2026 and revise the State Energy Program; establish a demonstration project for second-life applications of electric vehicle batteries as aggregated energy storage installations that provide services to the electric grid; replace the Federal Columbia River Power System; revise and upgrade the power management of the dams in the Columbia River Basin located in the Western United States and Canada; and develop cybersecurity applications and technologies in the energy sector. TITLE II--SUPPLY CHAINS FOR CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES This title sets forth incentives and requirements to ensure a supply chain for clean energy technologies, such as supply chains for critical minerals (e.g., rare earth minerals) and battery materials. For example, the title provides support for programs that identify, produce, recycle, and reuse critical minerals; address the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries that are used in items such as electric cars, including efforts to recycle and reuse batteries; and enable manufacturers to build facilities to produce or recycle advanced energy products in communities where coal mines or coal power plants have closed. TITLE III--FUELS AND TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS This title reauthorizes, expands, and establishes programs that support infrastructure or technology for capturing, utilizing, storing, transporting, or removing carbon dioxide; efforts to research, develop, or recycle hydrogen from clean energy sources; nuclear energy infrastructure, including planning for micro-reactors and small-modular reactors; hydroelectric power infrastructure, hydroelectric efficiency improvements, or hydroelectric power storage; or other clean energy (e.g., solar) programs. TITLE IV--ENABLING ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND DATA COLLECTION This title revises various loan programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) and expands DOE data collection requirements. For example, the title expands the eligibility criteria for the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program. It also directs DOE to collect information on the bulk power system, energy consumption, demand for minerals, and other issues. TITLE V--ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE This title establishes requirements and incentives related to increasing energy efficiency in homes, commercial buildings, manufacturing facilities, public schools, nonprofit buildings, and federal buildings. TITLE VI--METHANE REDUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE This title reauthorizes through FY2022 and revises programs to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned (e.g., abandoned) oil or gas wells located on federal, state, or tribal lands. TITLE VII--ABANDONED MINE LAND RECLAMATION This title reduces the fee certain coal mining operations must pay to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, reauthorizes such fee through FY2034, revises provisions regarding the fund and mine reclamation, and establishes a program to reclaim hard rock mine land. Under the existing Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement collects a fee from coal mining companies for each ton of coal produced. The fees are deposited into the fund, which may be used to address hazards to public health, safety, and the environment from coal mining sites that were abandoned or unreclaimed as of August 3, 1977. In addition, this title also requires the Department of the Interior to establish a program to inventory, assess, decommission, reclaim, respond to hazardous substance releases on, and remediate abandoned hard rock mine land. TITLE VIII--NATURAL RESOURCES-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT, AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION This title reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises the Forest Roads and Trails Act and authorizes programs related to wildlife and natural resources, including by authorizing (1) the Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program, (2) a program to reduce the risk of wildfire, and (3) a voluntary program to restore ecosystems. TITLE IX--WESTERN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE This title revises requirements regarding western water infrastructure and authorizes through FY2026 projects of the Bureau of Reclamation projects concerning such infrastructure, such as projects for water storage, groundwater recharge, water recycling and reuse desalination projects, rural water projects, dam safety projects, drought contingency plans, critical maintenance and repair, water efficiency, and specified aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection. TITLE X--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ENERGY ACT OF 2020 This title authorizes a variety of projects and programs established under the Energy Act of 2020 concerning energy storage, advanced reactors, mineral security, carbon capture, water power, and renewable energy. TITLE XI--WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS This title requires projects that receive funding under this division to pay all laborers and mechanics locally prevailing wages. TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS This title requires DOE to establish a program to oversee demonstration projects authorized under this division or the Energy Act of 2020. In addition, the title extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. DIVISION E--DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 TITLE I--DRINKING WATER This title authorizes a variety of programs within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that support drinking water infrastructure. Specifically, the title reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises the drinking water state revolving fund program, which provides financial assistance to states and water systems for infrastructure projects. In addition, it reauthorizes through FY2026 existing programs and establishes new programs to support drinking water infrastructure, including programs that address emergencies (e.g., cybersecurity events) affecting drinking water systems; protect sources of water (e.g., rivers, lakes, and groundwater); assist the public water systems of small and disadvantaged communities; assist low-income households located in rural areas to maintain access to drinking water and wastewater treatment; reduce lead contamination in drinking water; and support drinking water and sanitation projects on Indian reservations. TITLE II--CLEAN WATER This title authorizes a variety of programs within the EPA that support clean water infrastructure. Specifically, the title reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises (1) the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014; and (2) the clean water state revolving fund program, which provides financial assistance to states and communities for sewage and wastewater infrastructure projects. In addition, it reauthorizes through FY2026 existing programs and establishes new programs that support water infrastructure, including programs designed to assist publicly owned treatment works (i.e., sewage and wastewater treatment plants commonly known as POTWs) convert waste in water to energy; plan and construct POTWs to address municipal combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or stormwater; increase the resilience of POTWs to natural hazards or cybersecurity vulnerabilities; assist small and medium POTWs; construct, repair, or replace decentralized wastewater systems for households with low or moderate incomes; assist qualified households with low or moderate incomes connect to POTWs; provide alternative sources of water to meet critical water supply needs; or develop and construct public water systems and wastewater systems for rural and Native villages in Alaska. DIVISION F--BROADBAND TITLE I--BROADBAND GRANTS FOR STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO, AND TERRITORIES This title establishes measures to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas through specified projects (e.g., connecting libraries and other community anchor institutions, collecting data and conducting broadband mapping, and installing internet infrastructure). Specifically, the title establishes the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to award grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Further, it requires broadband providers to deliver information to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate the creation and maintenance of broadband maps. The FCC must establish an online mapping tool to provide a geographic footprint of each federally funded broadband infrastructure deployment project. TITLE II--TRIBAL CONNECTIVITY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS This title modifies the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, through which the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) makes grants to expand access to and adoption of broadband service on tribal land for remote learning, telework, or telehealth resources. Specifically, the title extends the deadline for a grant recipient to (1) commit grant funds to a specific use, and (2) expend the grant funds. The title also authorizes a grant recipient to use grant funds to cover up to 2.5% of the total project cost for planning, feasibility, and sustainability studies. If Congress appropriates additional funds for these grants after the enactment of this bill, the NTIA (1) may use a portion of the funds to fully fund grants that were not fully funded initially, and (2) shall allocate any remaining funds through subsequent funding rounds. TITLE III--DIGITAL EQUITY ACT OF 2021 Digital Equity Act of 2021 This title requires the NTIA to establish grant programs for promoting digital equity, supporting digital inclusion activities, and building capacity for state-led efforts to increase adoption of broadband by their residents. Specifically, the title establishes the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to make distributions to states based on their populations, demographics, and availability and adoption of broadband. The title also establishes the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program for supporting efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion, and stimulate adoption of broadband. TITLE IV--ENABLING MIDDLE MILE BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE This title requires the NTIA to make grants to eligible entities for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure (i.e., the midsection of the infrastructure required to enable internet connectivity for end users but which does not connect directly to an end-user location). Entities eligible to receive such grants include states, tribal governments, telecommunications companies, various nonprofit entities, and economic development authorities. TITLE V--BROADBAND AFFORDABILITY This title revises and makes permanent the Affordable Connectivity Benefit Program (formerly, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program) established to reimburse broadband providers for costs associated with discounting broadband service for certain households during the COVID-19 emergency period. Participating providers must allow recipient households to apply the affordable connectivity benefit to any of its internet service offerings and may not require the households to submit to a credit check in order to apply the benefit. Such providers must also carry out public awareness campaigns in service areas to highlight the existence of the program and the value and benefits of broadband. The FCC must promulgate regulations to require the display of broadband consumer labels to disclose to consumers specified information regarding broadband internet plans, including information regarding whether the offered price is an introductory rate. Further, the FCC must adopt final rules to facilitate equal access to broadband, which must include (1) preventing digital discrimination of access based on factors such as income level, race, or religion; and (2) identifying necessary steps for the FCC to eliminate such discrimination. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must evaluate and report on the process used by the FCC for establishing, reviewing, and updating the upload and download speed thresholds for broadband service. TITLE VI--TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY WORKFORCE Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act This title establishes measures to address the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry. Specifically, the title requires the FCC to establish an interagency working group to develop recommendations for addressing these workforce needs, including the safety of that workforce. The FCC must also establish and issue guidance for states on matters related to workforce needs and safety of the telecommunications industry, including how a state workforce development board can (1) utilize federal resources available to meet relevant workforce needs; (2) promote and improve recruitment in the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program and other qualified industry-led workforce development programs; and (3) ensure the safety of tower climbers and other members of the telecommunications workforce. The GAO must submit to Congress a report that estimates the number of skilled telecommunications workers that will be required to build and maintain (1) broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and (2) the infrastructure needed to support 5G wireless technology. DIVISION G--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE I--INDIAN WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT COMPLETION FUND This title establishes in the Treasury an Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund. Amounts deposited in the fund shall be used by the Department of the Interior for transfers to accounts authorized to receive discretionary appropriations, or to satisfy other obligations identified by Interior, under an approved Indian water settlement. TITLE II--WILDFIRE MITIGATION Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021 This title directs Interior, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to jointly establish a temporary commission to study and make recommendations to improve federal policies relating to wildland fires in the United States, including rehabilitating land devastated by wildland fires. The commission shall terminate 180 days after it submits two reports to Congress (1) recommendations to prevent, mitigate, suppress, and manage wildland fires; and (2) a strategy to meet aerial firefighting equipment needs that may be used for wildland firefighting purposes through 2030 in the most cost-effective manner. TITLE III--REFORESTATION Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding Necessary Trees Act or the REPLANT Act This title directs USDA to annually transmit to Congress for each of the 10 years after enactment of this title an estimate of appropriations necessary to replant and otherwise treat (1) forested land intended to be cut over that year, and (2) a sufficient portion of the backlog of lands that need treatment to eliminate the backlog within the 10-year period. After such 10-year period, USDA shall transmit annually to Congress an estimate of the sums necessary to replant and otherwise treat all lands being cut over and maintain planned timber production on all other forested lands in the National Forest System to prevent the development of a backlog of needed work larger than the needed work at the beginning of the fiscal year. Each reforestation activity included in a renewable resource assessment shall be carried out in accordance with applicable Forest Service management practices and definitions, including definitions relating to silvicultural practices and forest management. The Forest Service shall, based on recommendations from regional foresters, create a priority list of reforestation projects that primarily take place on priority land and promote effective reforestation following unplanned events. The list may include activities to ensure adequate and appropriate seed availability. USDA shall give priority to projects on the list. TITLE IV--RECYCLING PRACTICES This title provides support for recycling programs. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must develop best practices for states, tribal, and local governments with respect to the collection of batteries to be recycled in a manner that (1) is technically and economically feasible; (2) is environmentally sound and safe for waste management workers; and (3) optimizes the value and use of material derived from recycling of batteries. The title also requires the EPA to establish a program to award grants to improve the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach. In addition, the EPA must develop a model recycling program toolkit for states, Native American tribes, and local governments. Finally, the title specifies that the EPA's review of its federal procurement guidelines for purchasing certain recycled materials and items made with such materials must occur at least once every five years. TITLE V--BIOPRODUCT PILOT PROGRAM This title directs USDA to carry out a pilot program to partner with not less than one qualified institution to study the benefits of using materials derived from certain agricultural commodities in the production of construction and consumer products, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and other environmental benefits relative to other commonly used alternative materials. TITLE VI--CYBERSECURITY Cyber Response and Recovery Act This title authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to declare a significant incident in the event of a breach of a public or private network and establishes a Cyber Response and Recovery Fund. Specifically, DHS may make the declaration upon determining that a specific significant incident has occurred or is likely to occur imminently and that otherwise available resources, other than the fund, are likely insufficient to respond to or mitigate the incident effectively. Upon a declaration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must coordinate the response activities of (1) each federal agency; (2) local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other responding entities; and (3) federal, state, local, and tribal emergency management and response agencies. The fund shall be available for the coordination of such activities and for response and recovery support. State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act Additionally, the title establishes the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to address cybersecurity risks and threats to the information systems of state, local, or tribal governments. TITLE VII--PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS This title requires entities carrying out certain transportation projects to conduct a value-for-money analysis or comparable analysis of the project during the planning and project development process and prior to signing any Project Development Agreement. For each project the entity carrying out the project must include the results of the analysis on the website of the project and submit the results of the analysis to the Build America Bureau and the Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT must issue guidance on performance benchmarks, risk premiums, and expected rates of return on private financing for such projects. TITLE VIII--FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT This title revises the program responsible for federal coordination and review of major infrastructure projects, including by making this program permanent and by expanding the types of projects eligible for the program. TITLE IX--BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA Build America, Buy America Act This title requires federal infrastructure programs to provide for the use of materials produced in the United States. For example each federal agency must submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and to Congress a report that identifies each federal financial assistance program for infrastructure administered by the agency and (1) identify domestic content procurement preferences applicable to the assistance, (2) assess the applicability of such requirements, (3) provide details on any applicable domestic content procurement preference requirement, and (4) include a description of the type of infrastructure projects that receive funding under the program. Additionally, each agency shall ensure that none of the funds made available for such a program are used for a project unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States. Agencies may waive these requirements where inconsistent with the public interest, where not produced in sufficient quantities or satisfactory quality, or where such inclusion will increase the cost of the project by more than 25%. The title also directs the Office for Federal Procurement Policy in the OMB to promulgate final regulations or other policy guidance to standardize and simplify how federal agencies comply with, report on, and enforce the Buy American Act. Further, the title directs specified federal agencies to take steps to increase transparency and limit the use of waivers of Buy American laws. Generally, Buy American laws require agencies to procure domestic goods. BuyAmerican.gov Act of 2021 The title requires (1) the Department of Commerce, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the OMB to assess the impacts of all U.S. free trade agreements, the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement, and federal permitting processes on the operation of Buy American laws; and (2) the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a free, publicly available BuyAmerican.gov website. Public interest waivers from Buy American laws shall be construed to ensure the maximum utilization of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States. The GSA shall develop a mechanism to collect information on requests to invoke a Buy American waiver for a federal contract. Make PPE in America Act The title also requires procurement contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be long-term and for domestically manufactured. Contracts entered into by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Defense, Education, or Veterans Affairs for the procurement of PPE must be for a duration of at least two years, including all option periods, to incentivize investment in the production of PPE, and materials and components of PPE, in the United States. The title provides exceptions (1) where a non availability determination has been made, or (2) where a sufficient quantity of a satisfactory quality cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices. The departments must certify every 120 days that an exception is necessary to procure PPE to meet the immediate needs of a public health emergency. Such departments may transfer to the Strategic National Stockpile any excess PPE acquired under a contract. TITLE X--ASSET CONCESSIONS This title directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a grant program to provide technical assistance and other resources to state and local transportation agencies that are interested in engaging the private sector in public-private partnerships, asset concessions, and other innovative financing. TITLE XI--CLEAN SCHOOL BUSES AND FERRIES This title establishes and expands programs related to clean school buses and ferries. Specifically, the title revises the Clean School Bus Program, under which the Environmental Protection Agency must provide financial assistance to replace existing school buses with clean or zero-emission school buses that do not emit specified pollutants, including greenhouse gases; directs DOT to establish a pilot program to provide grants to purchase electric or low-emitting (e.g., methanol, natural gas, hydrogen) ferries and reduce emissions from existing ferries, including through electrification; requires DOT to establish a program to ensure that basic essential ferry service is provided to rural areas by providing funds to states to provide such service; and expands the funding authority for renovating, constructing, and expanding certain urban Indian health care facilities. DIVISION H--REVENUE PROVISIONS TITLE I--HIGHWAY TRUST FUND This title extends several highway-related authorizations and tax provisions, including the expenditure authority for the Highway Trust Fund through FY2026, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund; excise taxes on certain fuels for funding highway projects through FY2028; excise taxes on certain taxable chemicals through 2031; and custom user fees through FY2031. The title makes additional transfers from the general fund of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund. TITLE IV--BOND PROVISIONS This title adds broadband as an allowable use for private activity bonds and allows carbon capture and direct air capture technologies to be eligible for private activity bond financing. The title increases the current cap on tax-exempt highway or surface freight transfer facility bonds to $30 billion. TITLE V--RELIEF FOR TAXPAYERS AFFECTED BY DISASTERS OR OTHER CRITICAL EVENTS This title modifies requirements relating to the authority of the the Department of the Treasury to allow extensions of tax filing deadlines when there is either a federally-declared disaster or a terroristic or military action. It also extends such authority by reason of significant fires. The title also expands the authority to postpone the time for filing of Tax Court petitions to include all petitions, not just deficiency petitions or for erroneous refunds. TITLE VI--OTHER PROVISIONS This title revises requirements for the tax exclusion for contributions to the capital of a corporation. Specifically, it allows an exclusion for certain amounts received by a regulated public utility that provides water or sewerage disposal services. The title provides for the extension of tax rules for stabilizing interest rates on contribution amounts to defined benefit pension plans. The title modifies reporting requirements and definitions relating to brokers and digital assets for returns and information statements required after 2023. This provision provides for the termination of the employee retention tax credit after FY2021, except for start-up businesses which terminate on December 31, 2021. DIVISION I--OTHER MATTERS This division addresses a wide range of policy areas such as energy, health care, and telecommunications. It includes provisions that extend the sequester (i.e., automatic spending reductions) for direct spending through FY2031 and adjust the reductions required for Medicare; authorize the Department of Energy to draw down and sell a portion of the oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; set forth congressional findings regarding savings from unused unemployment insurance funds; require manufacturers of certain single-dose container or single-use package drugs covered under Medicare Part B to provide refunds for discarded amounts of the drugs; extend the authority for enterprise guarantee fees, which are fees that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge for loans included in mortgage-backed securities; delay the implementation of a Department of Health and Human Services rule that affects the treatment of certain prescription drug rebates under the federal anti-kickback statute; rescind specified unobligated funds that were provided to address COVID-19 and expand the purposes for which certain COVID-19 funds may be used; and extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct spectrum auctions and require the FCC to conduct certain auctions. DIVISION J--APPROPRIATIONS This division provides appropriations for FY2022 for the departments and agencies included in this division. Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Appropriations Act TITLE I--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES This title provides appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Specifically, the title provides appropriations to the NRCS for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations, the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The title provides appropriations to the RUS for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and the Broadband Program. In addition, the title provides appropriations to implement a pilot program to study the benefits of using agricultural commodities in the production of construction and consumer products. TITLE II--COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES This title provides appropriations to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; the Broadband Connectivity Fund; Digital Equity; and Middle Mile Deployment. It also provides appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for Operations, Research, and Facilities; Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction; and Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery. TITLE III--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES This title provides appropriations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies. Specifically, the title provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, the Regulatory Program, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, Expenses, and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. The title provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. Within DOE, the title provides appropriations for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response; Electricity; Nuclear Energy; Fossil Energy and Carbon Management; the Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program; the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations; and the Western Area Power Administration. The title also provides appropriations for several independent agencies, including: the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Delta Regional Authority, the Denali Commission, the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, and the Southwest Border Regional Commission. TITLE IV--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT This title provides appropriations for the Office of the National Cyber Director, the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Fund, and the Environmental Review Improvement Fund. It also provides appropriations to the General Services Administration for construction and acquisition, repairs, and alterations of border stations and land ports of entry. TITLE V--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY This title provides appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Science and Technology Directorate. TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES This title provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Departmental Offices, Wildland Fire Management, and an Energy Community Revitalization Program. The title provides appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency for Environmental Programs and Management, Hazardous Substance Superfund, and State and Tribal Assistance Grants. In addition, the title provides appropriations to the Forest Service for Forest and Rangeland Research, State and Private Forestry, the National Forest System, Capital Improvement and Maintenance, and Wildland Fire Management. Within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the title provides appropriations for the Indian Health Service. TITLE VII--LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES This title provides appropriations to HHS for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. TITLE VIII--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES This title provides appropriations to the Department of Transportation for the Office of the Secretary, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Maritime Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. TITLE IX--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS DIVISION This title exempts the budgetary effects of specified provisions of this bill from (1) the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), (2) the Senate PAYGO rule, and (3) certain budget score keeping rules. DIVISION K--MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Minority Business Development Act of 2021 This division provides statutory authority for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and establishes the Office of Business Centers within the MBDA. The MBDA works to facilitate the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. TITLE I--EXISTING INITIATIVES This title provides statutory authority for market development, research, and information gathering initiatives in collaboration with public and private sector entities to assist and promote minority businesses in domestic and foreign markets. The title also provides statutory authority for the MBDA Business Center Program, which establishes a national network of public-private partnerships that assist minority business enterprises in accessing capital, contracts, and grants, creating and maintaining jobs, providing counseling and mentoring, and facilitating the growth of minority business enterprises by promoting trade. TITLE II--NEW INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC RESILIENCY FOR MINORITY BUSINESSES This title establishes initiatives to promote the economic resiliency of minority businesses, including requiring the MBDA to (1) conduct a government-business forum to review problems and programs relating to capital formation by minority businesses, (2) study and report on opportunities for providing alternative financing solutions to minority businesses, and (3) promote the education and training of socially or economically disadvantaged individuals in subjects directly relating to business administration and management. TITLE III--RURAL MINORITY BUSINESS CENTER PROGRAM This title authorizes the MBDA to establish rural business centers, in partnership with minority-serving institutions or consortia of such institutions that are led by a minority-serving institution, to serve rural minority businesses and to focus on issues such as broadband adoption, advanced manufacturing, and job creation. TITLE IV--MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS This title establishes the Minority Business Development grant program to award grants to nonprofit organizations that support the development, growth, or retention of minority businesses. TITLE V--MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES ADVISORY COUNCIL This title requires the MBDA to establish the Minority Business Enterprises Advisory Council to serve as a resource for socially or economically disadvantaged businesses. TITLE VI--FEDERAL COORDINATION OF MINORITY BUSINESS PROGRAMS This title authorizes the MBDA to coordinate federal plans, programs, and operations that affect the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of socially or economically disadvantaged businesses. Further, it requires the MBDA to take steps to facilitate the participation of federal departments and agencies in supporting such businesses. TITLE VII--ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS OF THE AGENCY; MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS This title provides administrative authorities, allows the MBDA to provide certain federal assistance (e.g., grants) to public and private sector entities to carry out existing initiatives targeting minority businesses, and establishes record keeping and reporting requirements.
Peter A. DeFazio (D) · 5 co-sponsors
signed · United States · House Aug 3, 2022

HR 3359: Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act of 2021

Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act of 2021 This bill establishes a framework for immediate family members of a victim of murder under federal law to request a review of the victim's case file if the murder was committed more than three years prior, the murder was investigated by a federal law enforcement entity, all probative investigative leads have been exhausted, and no likely perpetrator has been identified.
Eric Swalwell (D) · 17 co-sponsors
signed · United States · House Aug 3, 2022

HR 1842: Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act

Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the legacy of Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist. The Secretary may issue coins under this bill only during the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid equally to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in Auburn, New York, for the purpose of accomplishing and advancing their missions.
Gregory W. Meeks (D) · 299 co-sponsors
signed · United States · House Aug 3, 2022

HR 1057: Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act

National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. All surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.
Marcy Kaptur (D) · 302 co-sponsors
signed · United States · Senate Jul 29, 2022

S 144: Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center Access Improvement Act

Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center Access Improvement Act This bill authorizes the Indian Health Service (IHS) to purchase certain private land in Hemet, California, at fair market value and then construct a paved road on that land to facilitate access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center. The IHS shall maintain the road or enter an agreement with Riverside County, California, to maintain the road.
Dianne Feinstein (D) · 2 co-sponsors
signed · United States · House Jul 21, 2022

HR 8351: Formula Act

Formula Act This bill provides through December 31, 2022, duty-free treatment to infant formula. During this time period, articles of infant formula shall not be subject to (1) any additional safeguard duties that may be imposed under subchapter IV of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule; or (2) any other import quotas, tariff-rate quotas, additional duties, or any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges that otherwise would apply to such articles. Importers shall provide the applicable and anticipated tariff classifications for articles of infant formula on applicable customs entry documents.
Earl Blumenauer (D) · 28 co-sponsors
signed · United States · Senate Jun 25, 2022

S 2938: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act This act makes various changes to federal firearms laws, including to expand background check requirements, broaden the scope of existing restrictions, and establish new criminal offenses. The act also reauthorizes, funds, and supports various programs, grants, and activities to promote access to behavioral and mental health services, enhance school safety and security initiatives, and address gun violence in communities. (Sec. 1) This section designates the federal building and U.S. courthouse located at 111 North Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse and Federal Building. (Sec. 2) This section designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 120 4th Street in Petaluma, California, as the Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building. DIVISION A--MENTAL HEALTH AND FIREARMS PROVISIONS TITLE I--CHILDREN AND FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES This title reauthorizes, funds, and supports programs, grants, and activities that provide access to mental and behavioral health. (Sec. 11001) This section extends through September 30, 2025, the Medicaid demonstration program for certified community behavioral health clinics. It also expands the program by increasing the number of states that may participate and increasing the length of the demonstration programs. It provides funding for planning grants, technical assistance, and the demonstration programs. (Sec. 11002) This section requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide technical assistance and issue guidance to states on ways to improve access to telehealth under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). (Sec. 11003) This section requires and provides funding for the CMS to (1) issue guidance to support the delivery of medical assistance to Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries in school-based settings; and (2) establish a technical assistance center to expand the capacity of state Medicaid agencies, local educational agencies, and school-based entities to provide assistance under Medicaid. This section also authorizes grants for states to implement, enhance, or expand non-health related services through school-based entities under Medicaid and CHIP. (Sec. 11004) This section requires and provides funding for the CMS to regularly review and report on states' implementation of federal requirements to provide early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for children enrolled in Medicaid. The review must address the provision of the services by managed care plans. Additionally, this section requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on state compliance with the requirements to provide early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for children enrolled in Medicaid. (Sec. 11005) This section reauthorizes through FY2027 pediatric mental health care access grants and allows grants to be used to provide information, support, training, and technical assistance to emergency departments, educational agencies, and schools. TITLE II--FIREARMS This title makes various changes to federal firearms laws, including to expand background check requirements for persons who are under 21 years of age, to establish new criminal offenses for straw purchasing of firearms and trafficking in firearms, and to extend federal firearms-related restrictions to individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors against dating partners. (Sec. 12001) This section establishes additional requirements for firearms-related background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for prospective purchasers who are 18 to 21 years of age. Specifically, if a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) contacts the NICS to initiate a firearms-related background check on a person who is 18 to 21 years of age, then this section requires the NICS to contact additional record systems—state criminal history or juvenile justice repositories, state custodians of mental health records, and local law enforcement agencies—for possibly disqualifying juvenile records. Current law already requires the NICS to query national data systems for disqualifying records of an individual who is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm. Additionally, if cause exists to further investigate a possibly disqualifying juvenile record of a person who is 18 to 21 years of age, then this section allows a firearm transfer to be delayed for up to 10 business days. The requirement for the NICS to contact additional record systems expires in 10 years. (Sec. 12002) This section revises the definition of engaged in the business as applicable to a firearms dealer who is required to be federally licensed. Specifically, it provides that a person who sells firearms to predominantly earn a profit (currently, who sells firearms with the principal objective of livelihood and profit) is engaged in the business of dealing in firearms and is therefore required to be federally licensed. (Sec. 12003) This section allows grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to be used to implement state crisis intervention programs or initiatives, including mental health courts, drug courts, veterans' courts, and extreme risk protection order programs (i.e., red flag laws). (Sec. 12004) This section establishes a federal statutory framework to prohibit straw purchasing of firearms, trafficking in firearms, and related conduct. A violator is subject to criminal and civil penalties, including the seizure and forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition involved in the offense, property constituting or derived from proceeds from the offense, and property used to commit or facilitate the offense. The section authorizes law enforcement to investigate straw purchasing and trafficking in firearms offenses using wiretaps (i.e., authorized interceptions of wire, electronic, or oral communications) and makes the offenses predicate offenses (i.e., underlying offenses) for prosecutions under the federal money laundering statute and the federal racketeering statute. (Sec. 12005) This section extends federal firearms-related restrictions to individuals who are convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an individual in a current or recent former dating relationship. Currently, the restrictions generally only apply to individuals who are convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor against a co-parent of a child, a current or former spouse, a current or former cohabitant as a spouse, or a person similarly situated to a spouse. The term dating relationship means a continuing relationship of a serious or intimate nature, as determined based on the length of the relationship, the nature of the relationship, and the frequency and type of interaction between the individuals involved in the relationship. This section specifies that for individuals who are convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against a dating partner, the federal firearms-related restrictions apply only to convictions on or after the date of enactment and expire five years after the conviction date if certain conditions are met. TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS Subtitle A--Extension of Moratorium (Sec. 13101) This section delays for one year the implementation of regulations relating to the treatment of certain Medicare prescription drug benefit rebates from drug manufacturers for purposes of federal anti-kickback laws. Subtitle B--Medicare Improvement Fund (Sec. 13201) This section appropriates funds for the Medicare Improvement Fund in FY2022. Subtitle C--Luke and Alex School Safety Act of 2022 Luke and Alex School Safety Act of 2022 (Sec. 13302) This section provides statutory authority for the federal clearinghouse of school safety resources. The clearinghouse identifies and publishes best practices and recommendations for school safety for use by state and local educational and law enforcement agencies, institutions of higher education, health professionals, and the public. (Sec. 13303) This section requires the Department of Health and Human Services and the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Education to notify their state and local counterparts and other partners about the clearinghouse. (Sec. 13304) This section requires the clearinghouse or the external advisory board to review and report on federal grant programs that could be used to implement best practices and recommendations. This section also requires the clearinghouse to identify state agencies, state grant programs, and other resources that may be used to implement best practices and recommendations. Subtitle D--Amendment on ESEA Funding (Sec. 13401) This section prohibits the use of elementary and secondary education funds to provide any person with a dangerous weapon or training in the use of a dangerous weapon. DIVISION B--APPROPRIATIONS Bipartisan Safer Communities Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 This division provides FY2022 supplemental appropriations to various federal departments and agencies for programs and activities to support behavioral and mental health. The supplemental appropriations are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. Specifically, this division provides appropriations to agencies and programs within the Department of Justice for additional resource needs of the NICS, JAG grants for states to implement crisis intervention programs or initiatives, grants for states to upgrade criminal and mental health records for the NICS, a community violence intervention and prevention initiative, and grants to improve school security. Additionally, the division provides appropriations for agencies and programs within the Department of Health and Human Services for block grants for community mental health services; the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, which provides early intervention services and treatments with a focus on high-risk or medically underserved populations that experience violence-related stress; activities and services under Project Aware, which promotes access to mental health services among school-aged youth and their families; mental health awareness training; the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; grants to provide mental and behavioral health care training to providers who serve pediatric and other vulnerable populations; grants to promote access to pediatric mental health care services in primary care settings; and grants for states to implement, enhance, or expand non-health related services through school-based entities under Medicaid and CHIP. The division provides appropriations for agencies and programs within the Department of Education for activities to support safe and healthy students, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, grants for school-based mental health services, and demonstration grants for school-based mental health services professionals. Finally, the act exempts the budgetary effects of each division of the act from (1) the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), (2) the Senate PAYGO rule, and (3) certain budget scorekeeping rules.
Marco Rubio (R) · 1 co-sponsor
signed · United States · Senate Jun 25, 2022

S 2089: Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022

Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022 This bill provides funding for and makes changes to school meal programs and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It also rescinds certain funds provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Specifically, the bill increases the reimbursement rate for school lunches by 40 cents and for school breakfasts by 15 cents for the school year beginning in July 2022. The bill extends the authority of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements for the school meal programs and the CACFP to address COVID-19. In particular, the bill extends authority through September 30, 2022, for USDA to grant waivers related to summer food service programs; through June 30, 2022, for USDA to grant waivers of requirements to allow non-congregate feeding in the CACFP for purposes of providing meals and snacks with appropriate safety measures with respect to COVID-19; and through June 30, 2023, for USDA to grant waivers related to the nutritional content of meals served in child nutrition programs if it determines the waiver is necessary to provide meals and snacks, and there is a food supply chain disruption due to COVID-19. The bill authorizes USDA to establish a nationwide waiver of statutory and regulatory requirements under child nutrition programs for the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, the bill increase the reimbursement rate for meals and snacks under the CACFP by 10 cents for the school year beginning in July 2022. Further, the bill increases the reimbursement of tier II family or group day care homes to tier I amounts for the 2022-2023 school year. The bill rescinds certain funding provided to USDA, the Department of Education, and the Small Business Administration. Finally, the bill requires USDA to ensure that technical assistance is made available to states and school food authorities for assisting parents and school leaders with transitioning to the operation of school meal programs without certain waivers.
Jeanne Shaheen (D) · 3 co-sponsors
Showing 577 to 588 of 744 bills
Previous 1 48 49 50 62 Next