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OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

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Floor Speech

By: Steny Hoyer

Date: Sept. 29, 2022

Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 10 of House Resolution 1396, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bills: H.R. 1638, H.R. 3304, H.R. 4081, H.R. 4821, H.R. 6889, H.R. 6967, H.R. 8163, H.R. 8510, H.R. 8681, H.R. 8875, H.R. 8956, and S. 1198, and concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5641.

The Clerk read the title of the bills and the Senate amendments to H.R. 5641.

The text of the bills and the Senate amendments to H.R. 5641 are as follows: Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act H.R. 1638

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to approximately 266 acres of National Forest System land within the Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Boundary, as generally depicted on the map.

(2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act'' and dated August 20, 2020.

(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.

(4) State.--The term ``State'' means State of South Dakota. SEC. 3. LAND CONVEYANCE.

(a) In General.--Subject to the terms and conditions described in this Act, if the State submits to the Secretary an offer to acquire the Federal land for the market value, as determined by the appraisal under subsection (c), the Secretary shall convey the Federal land to the State.

(b) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under subsection (a) shall be--

(1) subject to valid existing rights;

(2) made by quitclaim deed; and

(3) subject to any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.

(1) In general.--After the State submits an offer under subsection (a), the Secretary shall complete an appraisal to determine the market value of the Federal land.

(2) Standards.--The appraisal under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with--

(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and

(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

(d) Map.--

(1) Availability of map.--The map shall be kept on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Forest Service.

(2) Correction of errors.--The Secretary may correct any errors in the map.

(e) Consideration.--As consideration for the conveyance under subsection (a), the State shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the market value of the Federal land, as determined by the appraisal under subsection (c).

(f) Survey.--The State shall prepare a survey that is satisfactory to the Secretary of the exact acreage and legal description of the Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a).

(g) Costs of Conveyance.--As a condition on the conveyance under subsection (a), the State shall pay all costs associated with the conveyance, including the cost of--

(1) the appraisal under subsection (c); and

(2) the survey under subsection (f).

(h) Proceeds From the Sale of Land.--Any proceeds received by the Secretary from the conveyance under subsection (a) shall be--

(1) deposited in the fund established under Public Law 90- 171 (commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a); and

(2) available to the Secretary, only to the extent and in the amount provided in advance in appropriations Acts, for the maintenance and improvement of land or administration facilities in the Black Hills National Forest in the State.

(i) Environmental Conditions.--Notwithstanding section 120(h)(3)(A) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)(A)), the Secretary shall not be required to provide any covenant or warranty for the Federal land conveyed to the State under this Act. SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities for Veterans Act H.R. 3304

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities for Veterans Act'' or the ``AUTO for Veterans Act''. SEC. 2. ELIGIBILITY FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL AUTOMOBILE OR OTHER ADAPTED EQUIPMENT.

Section 3903(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(3) The Secretary may provide or assist in providing an eligible person with an additional automobile or other conveyance under this chapter--

``(A) if more than 25 years have elapsed since the eligible person most recently received an automobile or other conveyance under this chapter; or

``(B) beginning on the day that is 10 years after date of the enactment of the AUTO for Veterans Act, if more than 10 years have elapsed since the eligible person most recently received an automobile or other conveyance under this chapter.''. SEC. 3. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TREATMENT OF CERTAIN VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS AS MEDICAL SERVICES.

Section 1701(6) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

``(I) The provision of medically necessary van lifts, raised doors, raised roofs, air-conditioning, and wheelchair tiedowns for passenger use.''. SEC. 4. MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN HOUSING LOAN FEE.

(a) Extension.--The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``January 14, 2031'' each place it appears and inserting ``May 16, 2031''. SEC. 5. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act H.R. 4081

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act''. SEC. 2. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE OF A CAMERA OR RECORDING CAPABILITY IN CERTAIN INTERNET-CONNECTED DEVICES.

Each manufacturer of a covered device shall disclose whether the covered device manufactured by the manufacturer contains a camera or microphone as a component of the covered device. SEC. 3. ENFORCEMENT BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.

(a) Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices.--A violation of section 2 shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).

(b) Actions by the Commission.--

(1) In general.--The Federal Trade Commission shall prevent any person from violating this Act or a regulation promulgated under this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act.

(2) Penalties and privileges.--Any person who violates this Act or a regulation promulgated under this Act shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).

(c) Commission Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission, through outreach to relevant private entities, shall issue guidance to assist manufacturers in complying with the requirements of this Act, including guidance about best practices for making the disclosure required by section 2 as clear and conspicuous as practicable.

(d) Tailored Guidance.--A manufacturer of a covered device may petition the Commission for tailored guidance as to how to meet the requirements of section 2.

(e) Limitation on Commission Guidance.--No guidance issued by the Commission with respect to this Act shall confer any rights on any person, State, or locality, nor shall operate to bind the Commission or any person to the approach recommended in such guidance. In any enforcement action brought pursuant to this Act, the Commission shall allege a specific violation of a provision of this Act. The Commission may not base an enforcement action on, or execute a consent order based on, practices that are alleged to be inconsistent with any such guidelines, unless the Commission determines such practices expressly violate section 2. SEC. 4. DEFINITION OF COVERED DEVICE.

As used in this Act, the term ``covered device''--

(1) means a consumer product, as defined by section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)) that is capable of connecting to the internet, a component of which is a camera or microphone; and

(2) does not include--

(A) a telephone (including a mobile phone), a laptop, tablet, or any device that a consumer would reasonably expect to have a microphone or camera;

(B) any device that is specifically marketed as a camera, telecommunications device, or microphone; or

(C) any device or apparatus described in sections 255, 716, and 718, and subsections (aa) and (bb) of section 303 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 255; 617; 619; and 303(aa) and (bb)), and any regulations promulgated thereunder. SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall apply to all devices manufactured after the date that is 180 days after the date on which guidance is issued by the Commission under section 3(c), and shall not apply to devices manufactured or sold before such date, or otherwise introduced into interstate commerce before such date. SEC. 6. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

Combating the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act H.R. 4821

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Combating the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:

(1) According to the Department of State's International Religious Freedom (IRF) report estimates, Buddhists comprise 18.2 percent of the country's total population, Christians, 5.1 percent, Muslims, 1.8 percent, followers of folk religions, 21.9 percent, and atheists or unaffiliated persons, 52.2 percent, with Hindus, Jews, and Taoists comprising less than one percent.

(2) The Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) recognizes five official religions, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Protestantism, and Catholicism (according to the State Department's IRF report) and only religious groups belonging to one of the five sanctioned ``patriotic religious associations'' representing these religions are permitted to register with the government and hold worship service, excluding all other faiths and denying the ability to worship without being registered with the government.

(3) The activities of state-sanctioned religious organizations are regulated by the Chinese Communist Party, which manages all aspects of religious life.

(4) The Chinese Communist Party is actively seeking to control, govern, and manipulate all aspects of faith through the ``Sinicization of Religion'', a process intended to shape religious traditions and doctrines so they conform with the objectives of the Chinese Communist Party.

(5) On February 1, 2018, the PRC Government implemented new religious regulations that imposed restrictions on Chinese contacts with overseas religious organizations, required government approval for religious schools, websites, and any online religious service, and effectively banned unauthorized religious gatherings and teachings.

(6) There are numerous reports that authorities forced closures of Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, and Taoist houses of worship and destroyed public displays of religious symbols throughout the country.

(7) Authorities arrested and detained religious leaders trying to hold services online.

(8) There are credible reports of Chinese authorities raiding house churches and other places of religious worship, removing and confiscating religious paraphernalia, installing surveillance cameras on religious property, pressuring congregations to sing songs of the Chinese Communist Party and display the national flag during worship, forcing churches to replace images of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary with pictures of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and banning children and students from attending religious services.

(9) It has been reported that the PRC is rewriting and will issue a version of the Bible with the ``correct understanding'' of the text according to the Chinese Communist Party. Authorities continued to restrict the printing and distribution of the Bible, Quran, and other religious literature, and penalized publishing and copying businesses that handled religious materials.

(10) According to the Department of State's IRF reports, the PRC Government has imprisoned thousands of individuals of all faiths for practicing their religious beliefs and often labels them as ``cults''.

(11) The Political Prisoner Database maintained by the human rights NGO Dui Hua Foundation counted 3,492 individuals imprisoned for ``organizing or using a `cult' to undermine implementation of the law.'' Prisoners include--

(A) the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, who has been held captive along with his parents since May 17, 1995;

(B) Pastor Zhang Shaojie, a Three-Self church pastor from Nanle County in central Henan was sentenced in July 2014 to 12 years in prison for ``gathering a crowd to disrupt the public order'';

(C) Pastor John Cao, a United States permanent resident from Greensboro, North Carolina, who was sentenced for 7 years in prison in March 2018 under contrived charges of organizing illegal border crossings; and

(D) Pastor Wang Yi of the Early Rain Covenant Church who was arrested and sentenced to 9 years in prison for ``inciting to subvert state power'' and ``illegal business operations''.

(12) Authorities continue to detain Falun Gong practitioners and subject them to harsh and inhumane treatment.

(13) Since 1999, the Department of State has designated the PRC as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

(14) The National Security Strategy of the United States, issued in 2017, 2015, 2006, 2002, 1999, 1998, and 1997, committed the United States to promoting international religious freedom to advance the security, economic, and other national interests of the United States. SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

(a) Holding PRC Officials Responsible for Religious Freedom Abuses Targeting Chinese Christians or Other Religious Minorities.--It is the policy of the United States to consider senior officials of the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) who are responsible for or have directly carried out, at any time, persecution of Christians or other religious minorities in the PRC to have committed--

(1) a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights for purposes of imposing sanctions with respect to such officials under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 2656 note); and

(2) a particularly severe violation of religious freedom for purposes of applying section 212(a)(2)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(G)) with respect to such officials.

(b) Department of State Programming to Promote Religious Freedom in the People's Republic of China.--The Ambassador- at-Large for International Religious Freedom should support efforts to protect and promote international religious freedom in the PRC and for programs to protect Christians and other religious minorities in the PRC.

(c) Designation of the People's Republic of China as a Country of Particular Concern.--It is the policy of the United States to continue to designate the PRC as a ``country of particular concern'', as long as the PRC continues to engage in systematic and egregious religious freedom violations, as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-292). SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

It is the sense of Congress that the United States should promote religious freedom in the PRC by--

(1) strengthening religious freedom diplomacy on behalf of Christians and other religious minorities facing restrictions in the PRC;

(2) raising cases relating to religious or political prisoners at the highest levels with PRC officials because experience demonstrates that consistently raising prisoner cases can result in improved treatment, reduced sentences, or in some cases, release from custody, detention, or imprisonment;

(3) encouraging Members of Congress to ``adopt'' a prisoner of conscience in the PRC through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission's ``Defending Freedom Project'', raise the case with PRC officials, and work publicly for their release;

(4) calling on the PRC Government to unconditionally release religious and political prisoners or, at the very least, ensure that detainees are treated humanely with access to family, the lawyer of their choice, independent medical care, and the ability to practice their faith while in detention;

(5) encouraging the global faith community to speak in solidarity with the persecuted religious groups in the PRC; and

(6) hosting, once every two years, the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom organized by the Department of State in order to bring together leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges facing religious freedom, identify means to address religious persecution and discrimination worldwide, and promote great respect for and preservation of religious liberty. SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ACTIONS AT UNITED NATIONS.

It is the sense of Congress that the United Nations Human Rights Council should issue a formal condemnation of the People's Republic of China for the ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups, as well as for its persecution of Christians, Falun Gong, and other religious groups.

Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to hold accountable senior officials of the Government of the People's Republic of China who are responsible for or have directly carried out, at any time, persecution of Christians or other religious minorities in China, and for other purposes.''. Credit Union Board Modernization Act H.R. 6889

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Credit Union Board Modernization Act''. SEC. 2. FREQUENCY OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS.

Section 113 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1761b) is amended--

(1) by striking ``monthly'' each place such term appears;

(2) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``The board of directors'' and inserting the following:

``(a) In General.--The board of directors'';

(3) in subsection (a) (as so designated), by striking ``shall meet at least once a month and''; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

``(b) Meetings.--The board of directors of a Federal credit union shall meet as follows:

``(1) With respect to a de novo Federal credit union, not less frequently than monthly during each of the first five years of the existence of such Federal credit union.

``(2) Not less than six times annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter, with respect to a Federal credit union--

``(A) with composite rating of either 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system); and

``(B) with a capability of management rating under such composite rating of either 1 or 2.

``(3) Not less frequently than once a month, with respect to a Federal credit union--

``(A) with composite rating of either 3, 4, or 5 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system); or

``(B) with a capability of management rating under such composite rating of either 3, 4, or 5.''. SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to amend the Federal Credit Union Act to modify the frequency of board of directors meetings, and for other purposes.''. Chance to Compete Act of 2022 H.R. 6967

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Chance to Compete Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

(a) Terms Defined in Section 3304 of Title 5, United States Code.--In this Act, the terms ``agency'', ``Director'', ``examining agency'', ``Office'', ``subject matter expert'', and ``technical assessment'' have the meanings given those terms in subsection (c)(1) of section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 3(a).

(b) Other Terms.--In this Act, the term ``competitive service'' has the meaning given the term in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 3. DEFINING THE TERM ``EXAMINATION'' FOR PURPOSES OF HIRING IN THE COMPETITIVE SERVICE.

(a) Examinations; Technical Assessments.--

(1) In general.--Section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--

(A) by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively; and

(B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

``(c) Examinations.--

``(1) Definitions.--

``(A) Examination.--

``(i) In this chapter, the term `examination'--

``(I) means an opportunity to directly demonstrate knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies, through an assessment;

``(II) includes a resume review that is--

``(aa) conducted by a subject matter expert; and

``(bb) based upon indicators that--

``(AA) are derived from a job analysis; and

``(BB) bear a rational relationship to performance in the position for which the examining agency is hiring; and

``(III) on and after the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of the Chance to Compete Act of 2022, does not include a self-assessment from an automated examination, a resume review (except as provided in subclause (II)), or any other method of determining the experience or level of educational attainment of an individual, alone.

``(ii)(I) An agency's Chief Human Capital Officer may waive clause (i)(III) if the Officer provides a written report to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management within 30 days of authorizing the waiver that justifies the need for such waiver and articulates the data, evidence, and circumstances for such need.

``(II) The Director is authorized to provide agencies guidance and instruction on the data, evidence, and circumstances that should be included in the waiver described in subclause (I) and shall post any waiver on a public website within 30 days of receipt of the waiver.

``(III) A waiver shall not be considered in effect until it is posted on the public website pursuant to subclause (II).

``(B) Other definitions.--In this subsection--

``(i) the term `agency' means an agency described in section 901(b) of title 31;

``(ii) the term `Director' means the Director of the Office;

``(iii) the term `examining agency' means--

``(I) the Office; or

``(II) an agency to which the Director has delegated examining authority under section 1104(a)(2) of this title;

``(iv) the term `subject matter expert' means an employee or selecting official--

``(I) who possesses understanding of the duties of, and knowledge, skills, and abilities required for, the position for which the employee or selecting official is developing or administering an assessment; and

``(II) whom the agency that employs the employee or selecting official designates to assist in the development and administration of technical assessments under paragraph (2); and

``(v) the term `technical assessment' means an assessment developed under paragraph (2)(A)(i) that--

``(I) allows for the demonstration of job-related technical skills, abilities, and knowledge;

``(II)(aa) is based upon a job analysis; and

``(bb) is relevant to the position for which the assessment is developed; and

``(III) may include--

``(aa) a structured interview;

``(bb) a work-related exercise;

``(cc) a custom or generic procedure used to measure an individual's employment or career-related qualifications and interests; or

``(dd) another assessment that meets the criteria under subclauses (I) and (II).

``(2) Technical assessments.--

``(A) In general.--For the purpose of conducting an examination for a position in the competitive service, an individual or individuals whom an agency determines to have an expertise in the subject and job field of the position, as affirmed and audited by the Chief Human Capital Officer or Human Resources Director (as applicable) of that agency, may--

``(i) develop, in partnership with human resources employees of the examining agency, a position-specific assessment that is relevant to the position; and

``(ii) administer the assessment developed under clause (i) to--

``(I) determine whether an applicant for the position has demonstrated qualification for the position; or

``(II) rank applicants for the position for category rating purposes under section 3319.

``(B) Sharing and customization of assessments.--

``(i) Sharing.--An examining agency may share a technical assessment with another examining agency if each agency maintains appropriate control over examination material.

``(ii) Customization.--An examining agency with which a technical assessment is shared under clause (i) may customize the assessment as appropriate, provided that the resulting assessment satisfies the requirements under part 300 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).

``(iii) Platform for sharing and customization.--

``(I) In general.--The Director shall establish and operate an online platform on which examining agencies can share and customize technical assessments under this subparagraph.

``(II) Online platform.--The Director shall--

``(aa) not be responsible for independently validating the utility of the content and technical assessments shared in the online platform described in subclause (I); and

``(bb) ensure that such online platform includes the ability of its users to rate the utility of the content and technical assessments shared in the online platform to allow for a ranking of such contents.

``(3) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Chance to Compete Act of 2022, the Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe regulations necessary for the administration of this subsection with respect to employees in each agency.''.

(2) Alternative ranking and selection procedures.--Section 3319(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``To be placed in a quality category under the preceding sentence, an applicant shall be required to have passed an examination in accordance with section 3304(b), subject to the exceptions in that section.''.

(3) Technical and conforming amendment.--Section 3330a(a)(1)(B) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 3304(f)(1)'' and inserting ``section 3304(g)(1)''.

(b) OPM Reporting.--

(1) Public online tool.--

(A) In general.--The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall maintain and periodically update a publicly available online tool that, with respect to each position in the competitive service for which an examining agency examined applicants during the applicable period, includes--

(i) the type of assessment used, such as--

(I) a behavioral off-the-shelf assessment;

(II) a resume review conducted by a subject matter expert;

(III) an interview conducted by a subject matter expert;

(IV) a technical off-the-shelf assessment; or

(V) a cognitive ability test;

(ii) whether or not the agency selected a candidate for the position; and

(iii) the hiring authority used to fill the position.

(B) Timing.--

(i) Initial data.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall update the online tool described in subparagraph (A) with data for positions in the competitive service for which an examining agency examined applicants during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date of submission of the report.

(ii) Subsequent updates.--Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the online tool is initially updated under clause (i), the Director shall update the online tool described in subparagraph (A) with data for positions in the competitive service for which an examining agency examined applicants during the preceding fiscal year.

(2) Annual progress report.--

(A) In general.--Each year, the Director, in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), shall make publicly available and submit to Congress an overall progress report that includes summary data from examinations that are closed, audited, and anonymous on the use of examinations (as defined in subsection (c)(1)(A) of section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section) for the competitive service, including technical assessments.

(B) Categories; baseline data.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Director shall--

(i) break the data down by applicant demographic indicator, including veteran status, race, gender, disability, and any other measure the Director determines appropriate; and

(ii) use the data available as of October 1, 2020, as a baseline.

(C) Limitations.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Director may only make publicly available and submit to Congress data relating to examinations for which--

(i) the related announcement is closed;

(ii) certificates have been audited; and

(iii) all hiring processes are completed.

(c) GAO Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that--

(1) assesses the implementation of this section and the amendments made by this section;

(2) assesses the impact and modifications to the hiring process for the competitive service made by this section and the amendments made by this section; and

(3) makes recommendations for the improvement of the hiring process for the competitive service. SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO COMPETITIVE SERVICE ACT OF 2015.

(a) Platforms for Sharing Certificates of Eligibles.--

(1) In general.--Section 3318(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``240-day'' and inserting ``1-year'';

(B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and

``(5) Online tool for sharing resumes of individuals on certificates of eligibles.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Chance to Compete Act of 2022, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish and operate an online tool on which an appointing authority can share, with other appointing authorities and the Chief Human Capital Officers Council established under section 1303 of the Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 (5 U.S.C. 1401 note; Public Law 107-296), the resumes of individuals who are on a certificate of eligibles requested by the appointing authority. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director shall consult with the Chief Human Capital Officers Counsel and its membership to develop a plan to establish such online tool.''.

(2) Plan.--Not later than 270 days year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall provide to Congress a plan to develop the online tool required in paragraph (5) of section 3318(b) of title 5, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1) of this subsection. Such plan shall--

(A) incorporate the input and feedback collected during the required consultation under such paragraph; and

(B) include estimated costs for building and operating the online tool for ten years.

(b) Maximizing Sharing of Applicant Information.--Section 2 of the Competitive Service Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-137; 130 Stat. 310) is amended--

(1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and

(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

``(c) Exploring the Benefits of Maximizing Sharing of Applicant Information.--

``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--

``(A) the terms `agency', `Director', and `Office' have the meanings given those terms in section 3304(c)(1) of title 5, United States Code; and

``(B) the term `competitive service' has the meaning given the term in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code.

``(2) Maximizing sharing.--The Director shall research the benefits of maximizing the sharing of information among agencies regarding qualified applicants for positions in the competitive service, including by--

``(A) providing for the delegation to other agencies of the authority of the Office to host multi-agency hiring actions to increase the return on investment on high-quality pooled announcements; and

``(B) sharing certificates of eligibles and accompanying resumes for appointment.''.

(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall provide a written report to Congress on the findings of the research required by the amendment made by subsection (b)(2). Such report shall include a plan to implement the most effective methods of maximizing the sharing of qualified candidates for positions in the competitive service. SEC. 5. MODERNIZING AND REFORMING THE ASSESSMENT AND HIRING OF FEDERAL JOB CANDIDATES.

(a) OPM Review.--The Director shall conduct a review of all examinations for hiring for a position that the Office or any other examining agency has determined requires a minimum educational requirement because of the nature of the duties of such position is of a scientific, technical, or professional position pursuant to section 3308 of title 5, United States Code, to determine whether there are data, evidence, or other information that justifies the need for educational requirements for such position. The Director shall consult with appropriate agencies, employee representatives, external experts, and other stakeholders when making any such determinations.

(b) Online Tool Regarding Position Duties.--

(1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall create and maintain an online tool that lists each of the duties determined to require minimum educational requirements and the data, evidence, or other information that justifies the need for these educational requirements. This online tool shall include a mechanism to receive feedback regarding data, evidence, or information that could affect the determination that a duty requires a minimum educational requirement.

(2) Hiring practices.--Not later than one year after the creation of the online tool under paragraph (1), the Director and the head of any other examining agency shall amend the hiring practices of the Office or the other examining agency, respectively, in accordance with the findings of the review made by subsection (a).

(c) Online Tool Regarding Recruiting.--Upon the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish and maintain an online tool that provides Federal agencies guidance on, and information about, all programs and authorities that help agencies attract, recruit, hire, and retain individuals. SEC. 6. TALENT TEAMS.

(a) Federal Agency Talent Teams.--

(1) In general.--An agency may establish one or more talent teams (referred to in this section as ``agency talent teams''), including at the component level.

(2) Duties.--An agency talent team shall provide hiring support to the agency and other agencies, including by--

(A) improving examinations (as defined in subsection (c)(1)(A) of section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 3(a));

(B) facilitating writing job announcements for the competitive service;

(D) facilitating hiring for the competitive service using examinations (as defined in such subsection (c)(1)(A)) and subject matter experts.

(b) Office of Personnel Management.--The Director may establish a Federal talent team to support agency talent teams in facilitating pooled hiring actions across the Federal Government, providing training, and creating technology platforms to facilitate hiring for the competitive service, including--

(1) the development of technical assessments; and

(2) the sharing of certificates of eligibles and accompanying resumes under sections 3318(b) and 3319(c) of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 7. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act H.R. 8163

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act''. SEC. 2. TRAUMA CARE REAUTHORIZATION.

(a) In General.--Section 1201 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d) is amended--

(1) in subsection (a)--

(A) in paragraph (3)--

(i) by inserting ``analyze,'' after ``compile,''; and

(ii) by inserting ``and medically underserved areas'' before the semicolon;

(B) in paragraph (4), by adding ``and'' after the semicolon;

(D) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5);

(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and

(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:

``(b) Trauma Care Readiness and Coordination.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, shall support the efforts of States and consortia of States to coordinate and improve emergency medical services and trauma care during a public health emergency declared by the Secretary pursuant to section 319 or a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Such support may include--

``(1) developing, issuing, and updating guidance, as appropriate, to support the coordinated medical triage and evacuation to appropriate medical institutions based on patient medical need, taking into account regionalized systems of care;

``(2) disseminating, as appropriate, information on evidence-based or evidence-informed trauma care practices, taking into consideration emergency medical services and trauma care systems, including such practices identified through activities conducted under subsection (a) and which may include the identification and dissemination of performance metrics, as applicable and appropriate; and

``(3) other activities, as appropriate, to optimize a coordinated and flexible approach to the emergency response and medical surge capacity of hospitals, other health care facilities, critical care, and emergency medical systems.''.

(b) Grants To Improve Trauma Care in Rural Areas.--Section 1202 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d-3) is amended--

(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: ``grants to improve trauma care in rural areas'';

(2) by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of carrying out research and demonstration projects to support the improvement of emergency medical services and trauma care in rural areas through the development of innovative uses of technology, training and education, transportation of seriously injured patients for the purposes of receiving such emergency medical services, access to prehospital care, evaluation of protocols for the purposes of improvement of outcomes and dissemination of any related best practices, activities to facilitate clinical research, as applicable and appropriate, and increasing communication and coordination with applicable State or Tribal trauma systems.

``(b) Eligible Entities.--

``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall be a public or private entity that provides trauma care in a rural area.

``(2) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that will provide services under the grant in any rural area identified by a State under section 1214(d)(1).''; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

``(d) Reports.--An entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary such reports as the Secretary may require to inform administration of the program under this section.''.

(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: ``pilot grants for trauma centers'';

(2) in subsection (a)--

(A) by striking ``not fewer than 4'' and inserting ``10'';

(B) by striking ``that design, implement, and evaluate'' and inserting ``to design, implement, and evaluate new or existing'';

(D) by inserting ``, and improve access to trauma care within such systems'' before the period;

(3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:

``(A) a State or consortia of States;

``(B) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act);

``(C) a consortium of level I, II, or III trauma centers designated by applicable State or local agencies within an applicable State or region, and, as applicable, other emergency services providers; or

``(D) a consortium or partnership of nonprofit Indian Health Service, Indian Tribal, and urban Indian trauma centers.'';

(4) in subsection (c)--

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--

(i) by striking ``that proposes a pilot project''; and

(ii) by striking ``an emergency medical and trauma system that--'' and inserting ``a new or existing emergency medical and trauma system. Such eligible entity shall use amounts awarded under this subsection to carry out 2 or more of the following activities:'';

(B) in paragraph (1)--

(i) by striking ``coordinates'' and inserting ``Strengthening coordination and communication''; and

(ii) by striking ``an approach to emergency medical and trauma system access throughout the region, including 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points and emergency medical dispatch;'' and inserting ``approaches to improve situational awareness and emergency medical and trauma system access.'';

(i) by striking ``includes'' and inserting ``Providing'';

(ii) by inserting ``support patient movement to'' after ``region to''; and

(iii) by striking the semicolon and inserting a period;

(D) in paragraph (3)--

(i) by striking ``allows for'' and inserting ``Improving''; and

(ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period;

(E) in paragraph (4), by striking ``includes a consistent'' and inserting ``Supporting a consistent''; and

(F) by adding at the end the following:

``(5) Establishing, implementing, and disseminating, or utilizing existing, as applicable, evidence-based or evidence-informed practices across facilities within such emergency medical and trauma system to improve health outcomes, including such practices related to management of injuries, and the ability of such facilities to surge.

``(6) Conducting activities to facilitate clinical research, as applicable and appropriate.'';

(5) in subsection (d)(2)--

(A) in subparagraph (A)--

(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the proposed'' and inserting ``the applicable emergency medical and trauma system'';

(ii) in clause (i), by inserting ``or Tribal entity'' after ``equivalent State office''; and

(iii) in clause (vi), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon;

(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and

``(B) for eligible entities described in subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection (b)(1), a description of, and evidence of, coordination with the applicable State Office of Emergency Medical Services (or equivalent State Office) or applicable such office for a Tribe or Tribal organization; and'';

(6) in subsection (f), by striking ``population in a medically underserved area'' and inserting ``medically underserved population'';

(7) in subsection (g)--

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``described in'';

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the system characteristics that contribute to'' and inserting ``opportunities for improvement, including recommendations for how to improve'';

(D) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively;

(E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon;

(F) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and

(G) by adding at the end the following:

``(6) any evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies developed or utilized pursuant to subsection (c)(5).''; and

(8) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:

``(h) Dissemination of Findings.--Not later than 1 year after the completion of the final project under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing the information contained in each report submitted pursuant to subsection (g) and any additional actions planned by the Secretary related to regionalized emergency care and trauma systems.''.

(d) Program Funding.--Section 1232(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d-32(a)) is amended by striking ``2010 through 2014'' and inserting ``2023 through 2027''. Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act H.R. 8510

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act''. SEC. 2. COUNSEL OF OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.

Subsection (e) of section 323 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Office''; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(2) The Assistant Secretary shall appoint a Counsel of the Office, who shall be a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service and shall report to the Assistant Secretary. The Counsel shall provide the Assistant Secretary with legal advice on all matters relating to the Office. In accordance with subsection (e), the Assistant Secretary may hire the appropriate staff for the Counsel to provide such legal advice.''. SEC. 3. MODIFICATIONS TO FUNCTIONS OF OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.

Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended--

(1) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B);

(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (G) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively;

(3) in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by inserting ``and allegations of whistleblower retaliation'' after ``disclosures'';

(4) by striking subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, and inserting the following new subparagraph:

``(B) Referring employees of the Department to the Office of Special Counsel so the Office of Special Counsel may receive whistleblower disclosures and allegations of whistleblower retaliation.''; and

(5) by striking subparagraphs (H) and (I). SEC. 4. EXPANSION OF WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS.

(a) Clarification of Prohibited Personnel Action.--Section 731(c) of such title is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1)--

(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or threatening to take or fail to take,'' after ``failing to take''; and

(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or with respect to an allegation of such a disclosure'' before the semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, making a referral to boards of licensure,'' after ``negative peer review''.

(b) Function of Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.--Section 323(g) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(4) The term `prohibited personnel action' has the meaning given such term in section 731(c) of this title.''. SEC. 5. TRACKING AND ENFORCEMENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS REGARDING WHISTLEBLOWERS.

Subsection (c) of section 323 of such title, as amended by section 4, is further amended--

(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

``(I) Tracking the negotiation, implementation, and enforcement of settlement agreements entered into by the Secretary regarding claims of whistleblower retaliation, including with respect to the work of the General Counsel of the Department regarding such settlements.

``(J) Tracking the determinations made by the Special Counsel regarding claims of whistleblower retaliation, including--

``(i) any disciplinary action for the individual who engaged in whistleblower retaliation; and

``(ii) determinations regarding the need for settlement as identified by the Special Counsel, and any settlement resolving claims of whistleblower retaliation entered into by the Secretary with the whistleblower.''; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(4)(A) In carrying out subparagraph (I) of paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall, in consultation with the General Counsel, establish metrics and standards regarding--

``(i) the timely implementation of settlement agreements entered into by the Secretary regarding whistleblower retaliation; and

``(ii) reasonable restitution and restoration of employment, and other relief for whistleblowers; and

``(B) The Assistant Secretary shall establish a secure electronic system to carry out subparagraphs (I) and (J) of paragraph (1) in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the identity of a whistleblower.''. SEC. 6. TRAINING AND INFORMATION.

Section 323 of such title is further amended--

(1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``receive anonymous whistleblower disclosures'' and inserting ``provide information to employees of the Department regarding the rights of and procedures for whistleblowers'';

(2) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (i); and

(3) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsections:

``(g) Training.--The Assistant Secretary shall--

``(1) develop, in consultation with the Special Counsel, annual training on whistleblower protection and related issues;

``(2) provide and make such training available to employees of the Department; and

``(3) disseminate training materials and information to employees on whistleblower rights, whistleblower disclosures, and allegations of whistleblower retaliation, including any materials created pursuant to section 733 of this title.''. SEC. 7. IMPROVEMENTS TO ANNUAL REPORTS.

Subsection (f) of section 323 of such title is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking ``subsection (C)(1)(G)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(1)(E)'';

(2) in paragraph (2)--

(A) by striking ``under subsection (c)(1)(I)'' and inserting ``by the Special Counsel''; and

(B) by inserting ``not later than 60 days after such date'' before ``the Secretary shall''; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(3) Not later than June 30, 2023, and semiannually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on settlements described in paragraph (1)(I) of subsection (c), including, with respect to the period covered by the report--

``(A) the number of settlements under negotiation or executed, and the number of executed settlements that have not been fully implemented;

``(B) the explanation as to why any such executed settlement has not been fully implemented;

``(C) a description of the metrics described in paragraph (4)(A) of such subsection; and

``(D) identification of settlement agreements that are not meeting such metrics and standards, or for which the Assistant Secretary is aware of a determination that a breach of agreement has been found.''. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act of 2022 H.R. 8681

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. JOHN LEWIS CIVIL RIGHTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 115. JOHN LEWIS CIVIL RIGHTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

``(a) Establishment.--There is established the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program (referred to in this section as the `Fellowship Program') within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program.

``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Fellowship Program are--

``(1) to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis by promoting a greater understanding of the history and tenets of nonviolent civil rights movements; and

``(2) to advance foreign policy priorities of the United States by promoting studies, research, and international exchange in the subject of nonviolent movements that established and protected civil rights around the world.

``(c) Administration.--The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (referred to in this section as the `Bureau') shall administer the Fellowship Program in accordance with policy guidelines established by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, in consultation with the binational Fulbright Commissions and United States Embassies.

``(d) Selection of Fellows.--

``(1) In general.--The Board shall annually select qualified individuals to participate in the Fellowship Program. The Bureau may determine the number of fellows selected each year, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 25.

``(2) Outreach.--To the extent practicable, the Bureau shall conduct outreach at institutions the Bureau determines are likely to produce a range of qualified applicants.

``(e) Fellowship Orientation.--The Bureau shall organize and administer a fellowship orientation that shall--

``(1) be held in Washington, DC, or at another location selected by the Bureau;

``(2) include programming to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis; and

``(3) be held on an annual basis.

``(f) Structure.--

``(1) Work plan.--To carry out the purposes described in subsection (b)(2)--

``(A) each fellow selected pursuant to subsection (d) shall arrange an internship or research placement--

``(i) with a nongovernmental organization, academic institution, or other organization approved by the Bureau; and

``(ii) in a country with an operational Fulbright U.S. Student Program; and

``(B) the Bureau shall, for each fellow, approve a work plan that identifies the target objectives for the fellow, including specific duties and responsibilities relating to those objectives.

``(2) Conferences; presentations.--Each fellow shall--

``(A) attend the fellowship orientation described in subsection (e);

``(B) not later than the date that is 1 year after the end of the fellowship period, attend a fellowship summit organized and administered by the Bureau, which, whenever feasible, shall be held in a location of importance to the civil rights movement in the United States and may coincide with other events facilitated by the Bureau; and

``(C) at such summit, give a presentation on lessons learned during the period of fellowship.

``(3) Fellowship period.--Each fellowship under this section shall continue for a period determined by the Bureau, which, whenever feasible, shall be not shorter than 10 months.

``(g) Fellowship Award.--The Bureau shall provide each fellow under this section with an allowance that is equal to the amount needed for--

``(1) the fellow's reasonable costs during the fellowship period; and

``(2) travel and lodging expenses related to attending the orientation and summit required under subsection (e)(2).

``(h) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of completion of the Fellowship Program by the initial cohort of fellows selected under subsection (d), and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report providing information on the implementation of the Fellowship Program, including on--

``(1) the demographics of the cohort of fellows who completed a fellowship during the preceding 1-year period;

``(2) a description of internship and research placements, and research projects selected, under the Fellowship Program, including participant feedback on program implementation and feedback of the Department on lessons learned;

``(3) a plan for factoring such lessons learned into future programming; and

``(4) an analysis of trends relating to the diversity of the cohorts of fellows and the topics of projects completed over the course of the Fellowship Program.''. SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE MUTUAL EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE ACT OF 1961A.

Section 112(a) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2460(a)) is amended--

(1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon;

(2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

``(10) the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program established under section 115, which provides funding for international internships and research placements for early- to mid-career individuals from the United States to study nonviolent civil rights movements in self-arranged placements with universities or nongovernmental organizations in foreign countries.''. SEC. 4. SUNSET.

The authority to carry out the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program established under section 115 of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.), as added by section 2, shall expire on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act H.R. 8875

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act''. SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD FOR HOUSING LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

Section 3701(b)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``full-time National Guard duty'' and inserting ``active service''. SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``FedRAMP Authorization Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) Ensuring that the Federal Government can securely leverage cloud computing products and services is key to expediting the modernization of legacy information technology systems, increasing cybersecurity within and across departments and agencies, and supporting the continued leadership of the United States in technology innovation and job creation.

(2) According to independent analysis, as of calendar year 2019, the size of the cloud computing market had tripled since 2004, enabling more than 2,000,000 jobs and adding more than $200,000,000,000 to the gross domestic product of the United States.

(3) The Federal Government, across multiple presidential administrations and Congresses, has continued to support the ability of agencies to move to the cloud, including through--

(A) President Barack Obama's ``Cloud First Strategy'';

(B) President Donald Trump's ``Cloud Smart Strategy'';

(C) the prioritization of cloud security in Executive Order 14028 (86 Fed. Reg. 26633; relating to improving the nation's cybersecurity), which was issued by President Joe Biden; and

(D) more than a decade of appropriations and authorization legislation that provides agencies with relevant authorities and appropriations to modernize on-premises information technology systems and more readily adopt cloud computing products and services.

(4) Since it was created in 2011, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (referred to in this section as ``FedRAMP'') at the General Services Administration has made steady and sustained improvements in supporting the secure authorization and reuse of cloud computing products and services within the Federal Government, including by reducing the costs and burdens on both agencies and cloud companies to quickly and securely enter the Federal market.

(5) According to data from the General Services Administration, as of the end of fiscal year 2021, there were 239 cloud providers with FedRAMP authorizations, and those authorizations had been reused more than 2,700 times across various agencies.

(6) Providing a legislative framework for FedRAMP and new authorities to the General Services Administration, the Office of Management and Budget, and Federal agencies will--

(A) improve the speed at which new cloud computing products and services can be securely authorized;

(B) enhance the ability of agencies to effectively evaluate FedRAMP authorized providers for reuse;

(D) provide for more robust transparency and dialogue between industry and the Federal Government to drive stronger adoption of secure cloud capabilities, create jobs, and reduce wasteful legacy information technology. SEC. 3. TITLE 44 AMENDMENTS.

(a) Amendment.--Chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 3607. Definitions

``(a) In General.--Except as provided under subsection (b), the definitions under sections 3502 and 3552 apply to this section through section 3616.

``(b) Additional Definitions.--In this section through section 3616:

``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the Administrator of General Services.

``(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term `appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives.

``(3) Authorization to operate; federal information.--The terms `authorization to operate' and `Federal information' have the meaning given those term in Circular A-130 of the Office of Management and Budget entitled `Managing Information as a Strategic Resource', or any successor document.

``(4) Cloud computing.--The term `cloud computing' has the meaning given the term in Special Publication 800-145 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or any successor document.

``(5) Cloud service provider.--The term `cloud service provider' means an entity offering cloud computing products or services to agencies.

``(6) FedRAMP.--The term `FedRAMP' means the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program established under section 3608.

``(7) FedRAMP authorization.--The term `FedRAMP authorization' means a certification that a cloud computing product or service has--

``(A) completed a FedRAMP authorization process, as determined by the Administrator; or

``(B) received a FedRAMP provisional authorization to operate, as determined by the FedRAMP Board.

``(8) Fedramp authorization package.--The term `FedRAMP authorization package' means the essential information that can be used by an agency to determine whether to authorize the operation of an information system or the use of a designated set of common controls for all cloud computing products and services authorized by FedRAMP.

``(9) FedRAMP board.--The term `FedRAMP Board' means the board established under section 3610.

``(10) Independent assessment service.--The term `independent assessment service' means a third-party organization accredited by the Administrator to undertake conformity assessments of cloud service providers and the products or services of cloud service providers.

``(11) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Homeland Security. ``Sec. 3608. Federal Risk and Authorization Management

Program

``There is established within the General Services Administration the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. The Administrator, subject to section 3614, shall establish a Government-wide program that provides a standardized, reusable approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud computing products and services that process unclassified information used by agencies. ``Sec. 3609. Roles and responsibilities of the General

Services Administration

``(a) Roles and Responsibilities.--The Administrator shall--

``(1) in consultation with the Secretary, develop, coordinate, and implement a process to support agency review, reuse, and standardization, where appropriate, of security assessments of cloud computing products and services, including, as appropriate, oversight of continuous monitoring of cloud computing products and services, pursuant to guidance issued by the Director pursuant to section 3614;

``(2) establish processes and identify criteria consistent with guidance issued by the Director under section 3614 to make a cloud computing product or service eligible for a FedRAMP authorization and validate whether a cloud computing product or service has a FedRAMP authorization;

``(3) develop and publish templates, best practices, technical assistance, and other materials to support the authorization of cloud computing products and services and increase the speed, effectiveness, and transparency of the authorization process, consistent with standards and guidelines established by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and relevant statutes;

``(4) establish and update guidance on the boundaries of FedRAMP authorization packages to enhance the security and protection of Federal information and promote transparency for agencies and users as to which services are included in the scope of a FedRAMP authorization;

``(5) grant FedRAMP authorizations to cloud computing products and services consistent with the guidance and direction of the FedRAMP Board;

``(6) establish and maintain a public comment process for proposed guidance and other FedRAMP directives that may have a direct impact on cloud service providers and agencies before the issuance of such guidance or other FedRAMP directives;

``(7) coordinate with the FedRAMP Board, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and other entities identified by the Administrator, with the concurrence of the Director and the Secretary, to establish and regularly update a framework for continuous monitoring under section 3553;

``(8) provide a secure mechanism for storing and sharing necessary data, including FedRAMP authorization packages, to enable better reuse of such packages across agencies, including making available any information and data necessary for agencies to fulfill the requirements of section 3613;

``(9) provide regular updates to applicant cloud service providers on the status of any cloud computing product or service during an assessment process;

``(10) regularly review, in consultation with the FedRAMP Board--

``(A) the costs associated with the independent assessment services described in section 3611; and

``(B) the information relating to foreign interests submitted pursuant to section 3612;

``(11) in coordination with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director, the Secretary, and other stakeholders, as appropriate, determine the sufficiency of underlying standards and requirements to identify and assess the provenance of the software in cloud services and products;

``(12) support the Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee established pursuant to section 3616; and

``(13) take such other actions as the Administrator may determine necessary to carry out FedRAMP.

``(b) Website.--

``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall maintain a public website to serve as the authoritative repository for FedRAMP, including the timely publication and updates for all relevant information, guidance, determinations, and other materials required under subsection (a).

``(2) Criteria and process for fedramp authorization priorities.--The Administrator shall develop and make publicly available on the website described in paragraph (1) the criteria and process for prioritizing and selecting cloud computing products and services that will receive a FedRAMP authorization, in consultation with the FedRAMP Board and the Chief Information Officers Council.

``(c) Evaluation of Automation Procedures.--

``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary, shall assess and evaluate available automation capabilities and procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the issuance of FedRAMP authorizations, including continuous monitoring of cloud computing products and services.

``(2) Means for automation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and updated regularly thereafter, the Administrator shall establish a means for the automation of security assessments and reviews.

``(d) Metrics for Authorization.--The Administrator shall establish annual metrics regarding the time and quality of the assessments necessary for completion of a FedRAMP authorization process in a manner that can be consistently tracked over time in conjunction with the periodic testing and evaluation process pursuant to section 3554 in a manner that minimizes the agency reporting burden. ``Sec. 3610. FedRAMP Board

``(a) Establishment.--There is established a FedRAMP Board to provide input and recommendations to the Administrator regarding the requirements and guidelines for, and the prioritization of, security assessments of cloud computing products and services.

``(b) Membership.--The FedRAMP Board shall consist of not more than 7 senior officials or experts from agencies appointed by the Director, in consultation with the Administrator, from each of the following:

``(1) The Department of Defense.

``(2) The Department of Homeland Security.

``(3) The General Services Administration.

``(4) Such other agencies as determined by the Director, in consultation with the Administrator.

``(c) Qualifications.--Members of the FedRAMP Board appointed under subsection (b) shall have technical expertise in domains relevant to FedRAMP, such as--

``(1) cloud computing;

``(2) cybersecurity;

``(3) privacy;

``(4) risk management; and

``(5) other competencies identified by the Director to support the secure authorization of cloud services and products.

``(d) Duties.--The FedRAMP Board shall--

``(1) in consultation with the Administrator, serve as a resource for best practices to accelerate the process for obtaining a FedRAMP authorization;

``(2) establish and regularly update requirements and guidelines for security authorizations of cloud computing products and services, consistent with standards and guidelines established by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to be used in the determination of FedRAMP authorizations;

``(3) monitor and oversee, to the greatest extent practicable, the processes and procedures by which agencies determine and validate requirements for a FedRAMP authorization, including periodic review of the agency determinations described in section 3613(b);

``(4) ensure consistency and transparency between agencies and cloud service providers in a manner that minimizes confusion and engenders trust; and

``(5) perform such other roles and responsibilities as the Director may assign, with concurrence from the Administrator.

``(e) Determinations of Demand for Cloud Computing Products and Services.--The FedRAMP Board may consult with the Chief Information Officers Council to establish a process, which may be made available on the website maintained under section 3609(b), for prioritizing and accepting the cloud computing products and services to be granted a FedRAMP authorization. ``Sec. 3611. Independent assessment

``The Administrator may determine whether FedRAMP may use an independent assessment service to analyze, validate, and attest to the quality and compliance of security assessment materials provided by cloud service providers during the course of a determination of whether to use a cloud computing product or service. ``Sec. 3612. Declaration of foreign interests

``(a) In General.--An independent assessment service that performs services described in section 3611 shall annually submit to the Administrator information relating to any foreign interest, foreign influence, or foreign control of the independent assessment service.

``(b) Updates.--Not later than 48 hours after there is a change in foreign ownership or control of an independent assessment service that performs services described in section 3611, the independent assessment service shall submit to the Administrator an update to the information submitted under subsection (a).

``(c) Certification.--The Administrator may require a representative of an independent assessment service to certify the accuracy and completeness of any information submitted under this section. ``Sec. 3613. Roles and responsibilities of agencies

``(a) In General.--In implementing the requirements of FedRAMP, the head of each agency shall, consistent with guidance issued by the Director pursuant to section 3614--

``(1) promote the use of cloud computing products and services that meet FedRAMP security requirements and other risk-based performance requirements as determined by the Director, in consultation with the Secretary;

``(2) confirm whether there is a FedRAMP authorization in the secure mechanism provided under section 3609(a)(8) before beginning the process of granting a FedRAMP authorization for a cloud computing product or service;

``(3) to the extent practicable, for any cloud computing product or service the agency seeks to authorize that has received a FedRAMP authorization, use the existing assessments of security controls and materials within any FedRAMP authorization package for that cloud computing product or service; and

``(4) provide to the Director data and information required by the Director pursuant to section 3614 to determine how agencies are meeting metrics established by the Administrator.

``(b) Attestation.--Upon completing an assessment or authorization activity with respect to a particular cloud computing product or service, if an agency determines that the information and data the agency has reviewed under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a) is wholly or substantially deficient for the purposes of performing an authorization of the cloud computing product or service, the head of the agency shall document as part of the resulting FedRAMP authorization package the reasons for this determination.

``(c) Submission of Authorizations to Operate Required.-- Upon issuance of an agency authorization to operate based on a FedRAMP authorization, the head of the agency shall provide a copy of its authorization to operate letter and any supplementary information required pursuant to section 3609(a) to the Administrator.

``(d) Submission of Policies Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Director issues guidance in accordance with section 3614(1), the head of each agency, acting through the chief information officer of the agency, shall submit to the Director all agency policies relating to the authorization of cloud computing products and services.

``(e) Presumption of Adequacy.--

``(1) In general.--The assessment of security controls and materials within the authorization package for a FedRAMP authorization shall be presumed adequate for use in an agency authorization to operate cloud computing products and services.

``(2) Information security requirements.--The presumption under paragraph (1) does not modify or alter--

``(A) the responsibility of any agency to ensure compliance with subchapter II of chapter 35 for any cloud computing product or service used by the agency; or

``(B) the authority of the head of any agency to make a determination that there is a demonstrable need for additional security requirements beyond the security requirements included in a FedRAMP authorization for a particular control implementation. ``Sec. 3614. Roles and responsibilities of the Office of

Management and Budget

``The Director shall--

``(1) in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary, issue guidance that--

``(A) specifies the categories or characteristics of cloud computing products and services that are within the scope of FedRAMP;

``(B) includes requirements for agencies to obtain a FedRAMP authorization when operating a cloud computing product or service described in subparagraph (A) as a Federal information system; and

``(C) encompasses, to the greatest extent practicable, all necessary and appropriate cloud computing products and services;

``(2) issue guidance describing additional responsibilities of FedRAMP and the FedRAMP Board to accelerate the adoption of secure cloud computing products and services by the Federal Government;

``(3) in consultation with the Administrator, establish a process to periodically review FedRAMP authorization packages to support the secure authorization and reuse of secure cloud products and services;

``(4) oversee the effectiveness of FedRAMP and the FedRAMP Board, including the compliance by the FedRAMP Board with the duties described in section 3610(d); and

``(5) to the greatest extent practicable, encourage and promote consistency of the assessment, authorization, adoption, and use of secure cloud computing products and services within and across agencies. ``Sec. 3615. Reports to Congress; GAO report

``(a) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes the following:

``(1) During the preceding year, the status, efficiency, and effectiveness of the General Services Administration under section 3609 and agencies under section 3613 and in supporting the speed, effectiveness, sharing, reuse, and security of authorizations to operate for secure cloud computing products and services.

``(2) Progress towards meeting the metrics required under section 3609(d).

``(3) Data on FedRAMP authorizations.

``(4) The average length of time to issue FedRAMP authorizations.

``(5) The number of FedRAMP authorizations submitted, issued, and denied for the preceding year.

``(6) A review of progress made during the preceding year in advancing automation techniques to securely automate FedRAMP processes and to accelerate reporting under this section.

``(7) The number and characteristics of authorized cloud computing products and services in use at each agency consistent with guidance provided by the Director under section 3614.

``(8) A review of FedRAMP measures to ensure the security of data stored or processed by cloud service providers, which may include--

``(A) geolocation restrictions for provided products or services;

``(B) disclosures of foreign elements of supply chains of acquired products or services;

``(C) continued disclosures of ownership of cloud service providers by foreign entities; and

``(D) encryption for data processed, stored, or transmitted by cloud service providers.

``(b) GAO Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to the appropriate congressional committees an assessment of the following:

``(1) The costs incurred by agencies and cloud service providers relating to the issuance of FedRAMP authorizations.

``(2) The extent to which agencies have processes in place to continuously monitor the implementation of cloud computing products and services operating as Federal information systems.

``(3) How often and for which categories of products and services agencies use FedRAMP authorizations.

``(4) The unique costs and potential burdens incurred by cloud computing companies that are small business concerns (as defined in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)) as a part of the FedRAMP authorization process. ``Sec. 3616. Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee

``(a) Establishment, Purposes, and Duties.--

``(1) Establishment.--There is established a Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee') to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of agency adoption, use, authorization, monitoring, acquisition, and security of cloud computing products and services to enable agency mission and administrative priorities.

``(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Committee are the following:

``(A) To examine the operations of FedRAMP and determine ways that authorization processes can continuously be improved, including the following:

``(i) Measures to increase agency reuse of FedRAMP authorizations.

``(ii) Proposed actions that can be adopted to reduce the burden, confusion, and cost associated with FedRAMP authorizations for cloud service providers.

``(iii) Measures to increase the number of FedRAMP authorizations for cloud computing products and services offered by small businesses concerns (as defined by section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)).

``(iv) Proposed actions that can be adopted to reduce the burden and cost of FedRAMP authorizations for agencies.

``(B) Collect information and feedback on agency compliance with and implementation of FedRAMP requirements.

``(C) Serve as a forum that facilitates communication and collaboration among the FedRAMP stakeholder community.

``(3) Duties.--The duties of the Committee include providing advice and recommendations to the Administrator, the FedRAMP Board, and agencies on technical, financial, programmatic, and operational matters regarding secure adoption of cloud computing products and services.

``(b) Members.--

``(1) Composition.--The Committee shall be comprised of not more than 15 members who are qualified representatives from the public and private sectors, appointed by the Administrator, in consultation with the Director, as follows:

``(A) The Administrator or the Administrator's designee, who shall be the Chair of the Committee.

``(B) At least 1 representative each from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

``(C) At least 2 officials who serve as the Chief Information Security Officer within an agency, who shall be required to maintain such a position throughout the duration of their service on the Committee.

``(D) At least 1 official serving as Chief Procurement Officer (or equivalent) in an agency, who shall be required to maintain such a position throughout the duration of their service on the Committee.

``(E) At least 1 individual representing an independent assessment service.

``(F) At least 5 representatives from unique businesses that primarily provide cloud computing services or products, including at least 2 representatives from a small business concern (as defined by section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a))).

``(G) At least 2 other representatives of the Federal Government as the Administrator determines necessary to provide sufficient balance, insights, or expertise to the Committee.

``(2) Deadline for appointment.--Each member of the Committee shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section.

``(3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--

``(A) In general.--Each non-Federal member of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except that the initial terms for members may be staggered 1-, 2-, or 3-year terms to establish a rotation in which one-third of the members are selected each year. Any such member may be appointed for not more than 2 consecutive terms.

``(B) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Committee shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office.

``(c) Meetings and Rules of Procedures.--

``(1) Meetings.--The Committee shall hold not fewer than 3 meetings in a calendar year, at such time and place as determined by the Chair.

``(2) Initial meeting.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Committee shall meet and begin the operations of the Committee.

``(3) Rules of procedure.--The Committee may establish rules for the conduct of the business of the Committee if such rules are not inconsistent with this section or other applicable law.

``(d) Employee Status.--

``(1) In general.--A member of the Committee (other than a member who is appointed to the Committee in connection with another Federal appointment) shall not be considered an employee of the Federal Government by reason of any service as such a member, except for the purposes of section 5703 of title 5, relating to travel expenses.

``(2) Pay not permitted.--A member of the Committee covered by paragraph (1) may not receive pay by reason of service on the Committee.

``(e) Applicability to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Committee.

``(f) Detail of Employees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Committee without reimbursement from the Committee, and such detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of his or her regular employment without interruption.

``(g) Postal Services.--The Committee may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as agencies.

``(h) Reports.--

``(1) Interim reports.--The Committee may submit to the Administrator and Congress interim reports containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations as have been agreed to by the Committee.

``(2) Annual reports.--Not later than 540 days after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Committee shall submit to the Administrator and Congress a report containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations as have been agreed to by the Committee.''.

(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new items: ``3607. Definitions. ``3608. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. ``3609. Roles and responsibilities of the General Services Administration. ``3610. FedRAMP Board. ``3611. Independent assessment. ``3612. Declaration of foreign interests. ``3613. Roles and responsibilities of agencies. ``3614. Roles and responsibilities of the Office of Management and Budget. ``3615. Reports to Congress; GAO report. ``3616. Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee.''.

(1) In general.--Effective on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by striking sections 3607 through 3616.

(2) Conforming amendment.--Effective on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the table of sections for chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 3607 through 3616.

(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or any amendment made by this section shall be construed as altering or impairing the authorities of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or the Secretary of Homeland Security under subchapter II of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code. Solid Start Act of 2022 S. 1198

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Solid Start Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. SOLID START PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 63 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter: ``SUBCHAPTER II--OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES ``Sec. 6320. Solid Start program

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program, to be known as the `Solid Start program', under which the Secretary shall--

``(1) build the capacity of the Department to efficiently and effectively respond to the queries and needs of veterans who have recently separated from the Armed Forces; and

``(2) systemically integrate and coordinate efforts to assist veterans, including efforts--

``(A) to proactively reach out to newly separated veterans to inform them of their eligibility for programs of and benefits provided by the Department; and

``(B) to connect veterans in crisis to resources that address their immediate needs.

``(b) Activities of the Solid Start Program.--(1) The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out the Solid Start program of the Department by--

``(A) collecting up-to-date contact information during transition classes or separation counseling for all members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces, while explaining the existence and purpose of the Solid Start program;

``(B) calling each veteran, regardless of separation type or characterization of service, three times within the first year after separation of the veteran from the Armed Forces;

``(C) providing information about the Solid Start program on the website of the Department and in materials of the Department, especially transition booklets and other resources;

``(D) ensuring calls are truly tailored to the needs of each veteran's unique situation by conducting quality assurance tests;

``(E) prioritizing outreach to veterans who have accessed mental health resources prior to separation from the Armed Forces;

``(F) providing women veterans with information that is tailored to their specific health care and benefit needs;

``(G) as feasible, providing information on access to State and local resources, including Vet Centers and veterans service organizations; and

``(H) gathering and analyzing data assessing the effectiveness of the Solid Start program.

``(2) The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, may carry out the Solid Start program by--

``(A) encouraging members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning to civilian life to authorize alternate points of contact who can be reached should the member be unavailable during the first year following the separation of the member from the Armed Forces; and

``(B) following up missed phone calls with tailored mailings to ensure the veteran still receives similar information.

``(3) In this subsection:

``(A) The term `Vet Center' has the meaning given that term in section 1712A(h) of this title.

``(B) The term `veterans service organization' means an organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of this title.''.

(b) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 63 of such title, as amended by subsection (a), is further amended--

(1) by inserting before section 6301 the following: ``Subchapter I--Outreach Services Program''; and

(2) in sections 6301, 6303, 6304, 6305, 6306, and 6307, by striking ``this chapter'' each place it appears and inserting ``this subchapter''.

(1) by inserting before the item relating to section 6301 the following new item: ``subchapter i--outreach services program''; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new items: ``subchapter ii--other outreach programs and activities ``6320. Solid Start program.''.

Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster Recovery Act (1)On page 2, line 13, strike [``AND REPORT'' after ``REVIEW''] and insert ``and Report'' after ``Review''. (2)On page 3, after line 3, insert: SEC. 3. AUDIT AND REVIEW.

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall conduct an audit, and submit to Congress a report, on whether there has been waste and abuse as a result of the amendment made under section 2(a)(1).

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