Summary: American Fuel Protection Act of 2010 - Deems a claim for liability against a qualified entity as a claim against the United States for damages resulting from, or aggravated by, the use of transportation fuel containing ethanol in concentrations greater than 10% to operate an internal combustion engine. Abrogates U.S. sovereign immunity and makes the United States exclusively liable for such claims. Limits awards to actual damages sustained by a claimant. Defines "qualified entity" to mean an entity engaged in the manufacture, use, sale, or distribution of: (1) transportation fuel or renewable fuel; or (2) products which use transportation fuel. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction of any civil actions on such claims.

american fuel protection act deems claim liability qualified entity claim united_states damages resulting aggravated use transportation fuel containing ethanol concentrations greater operate internal combustion engine abrogates sovereign immunity makes united_states exclusively liable claims limits awards actual damages sustained claimant defines qualified entity mean entity engaged manufacture use sale distribution transportation fuel renewable fuel products use transportation fuel grants district_courts exclusive jurisdiction civil actions claims


Summary: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese descent. Directs the Commission to: (1) extend the study of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to investigate U.S. relocation, internment, and (in some cases) deportation to Axis countries of Latin Americans of Japanese descent held in U.S. custody from December 1941 through February 1948; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies to Congress based on preliminary findings by the original Commission and new discoveries. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its report to Congress (as required by this Act). Authorizes appropriations.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

commission wartime relocation internment latin americans japanese descent act establishes_the_commission wartime relocation internment latin americans japanese descent directs commission extend study commission wartime relocation internment civilians investigate relocation internment cases deportation countries latin americans japanese descent held custody december february recommend appropriate remedies congress based preliminary findings original commission new discoveries terminates commission days submission report congress required act authorizes appropriations


Summary: Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act - Ratifies the Salmon Lake Area Land Ownership and Consolidation Agreement, which was initially executed by the United States, the state of Alaska, and the Bering Straits Native Corporation on July 18, 2007. Requires the conveyance to include specified easements developed and agreed upon by the parties. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out all actions required by the Agreement.

salmon lake land selection resolution act ratifies salmon lake area land ownership consolidation agreement initially executed united_states state alaska bering_straits_native_corporation july requires conveyance include specified easements developed agreed parties directs secretary interior carry actions required agreement


Summary: Appropriates to the Department of Agriculture $1.15 billion to carry out the terms of a Settlement Agreement executed by In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation that is approved by a court order that has become final and nonappealable, and that is comprehensive and provides for the final settlement of all remaining Pigford claims (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture). Provides that the $1.15 billion shall be in addition to the $100 million in funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) made available for the payment of Pigford claims and are available only after such CCC funds have been fully obligated. Provides that if such Settlement Agreement is not executed and approved as provided above, then the sole funding available for Pigford claims shall be the $100 million of CCC funds.

appropriates department_of_agriculture billion carry terms settlement agreement executed black farmers discrimination litigation approved court order final comprehensive provides final settlement remaining claims relating racial discrimination action department_of_agriculture provides billion shall addition million funds commodity_credit_corporation ccc available payment claims available ccc funds fully obligated provides settlement agreement executed approved provided sole funding available claims shall million ccc funds


Summary: Pigford and Individual Indian Money Account Litigation Settlement Act of 2010 - Appropriates to the Department of Agriculture $1.15 billion to carry out the terms of a Settlement Agreement executed by In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation that is approved by a court order that has become final and nonappealable, and that is comprehensive and provides for the final settlement of all remaining Pigford claims (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture). Provides that the $1.15 billion shall be in addition to the $100 million in funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) made available for the payment of Pigford claims and are available only after such CCC funds have been fully obligated. Provides that if such Settlement Agreement is not executed and approved as provided above, then the sole funding available for Pigford claims shall be the $100 million of CCC funds. Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Class Action Settlement Agreement dated December 7, 2009, in the case entitled Elouise Cobell et al. v. Ken Salazar et al. Establishes the Trust Land Consolidation Fund, and provides for the deposit of $2 billion in the Fund, on final approval of the Settlement, with funds being made available to the Secretary of the Interior: (1) to conduct the Land Consolidation Program (a program under which the Secretary may purchase fractional interests in trust or restricted land); and (2) for other costs of the Settlement. Establishes, on final approval of the Settlement, the Indian Education Scholarship Holding Fund to provide scholarships for Native Americans through an Indian Education Scholarship Fund. Excludes amounts received by an individual Indian as a lump sum or a periodic payment pursuant to the Settlement from: (1) gross income and adjusted gross income under the Internal Revenue Code; and (2) being considered for purposes of determining eligibility or level of benefits under any federal or federally assisted program, during the one-year period beginning on the date of receipt. Provides for the determination of incentive awards, fees, expenses, and costs under the Settlement.

individual indian money account litigation settlement act appropriates department_of_agriculture billion carry terms settlement agreement executed black farmers discrimination litigation approved court order final comprehensive provides final settlement remaining claims relating racial discrimination action department_of_agriculture provides billion shall addition million funds commodity_credit_corporation ccc available payment claims available ccc funds fully obligated provides settlement agreement executed approved provided sole funding available claims shall million ccc funds authorizes ratifies confirms class action settlement agreement dated december case entitled salazar establishes trust land consolidation fund provides deposit billion fund final approval settlement funds available secretary interior conduct land consolidation program program secretary purchase fractional interests trust restricted land costs settlement establishes final approval settlement indian education scholarship holding fund provide scholarships native americans indian education scholarship fund excludes amounts received individual indian lump sum periodic payment pursuant settlement gross income adjusted gross income internal_revenue_code considered purposes determining eligibility level benefits federal federally assisted program year period beginning date receipt provides determination incentive awards fees expenses costs settlement


Summary: Appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out the Settlement Agreement (dated February 18, 2010, between plaintiffs and the Secretary to resolve claims that were raised or that could have been raised in the cases consolidated in In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation, including Pigford claims) if the Agreement is approved by a court order that is or becomes final and nonappealable. States that: (1) such funds are in addition to certain Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds and shall be available only after the CCC funds are fully obligated; and (2) if the Agreement is not approved the CCC funds shall be the sole funding for Pigford claims. Permits an eligible complaint alleging discrimination in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act involving a USDA credit program to file a civil action or request administrative review as provided for by this Act.

appropriates funds secretary agriculture usda carry settlement agreement dated february plaintiffs secretary resolve claims raised raised cases consolidated black farmers discrimination litigation including claims agreement approved court order final states funds addition certain commodity_credit_corporation ccc funds shall available ccc funds fully obligated agreement approved ccc funds shall sole funding claims permits eligible complaint alleging discrimination violation equal_credit_opportunity_act involving usda credit program file civil action request administrative review provided act


Summary: Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 to extend the period for the submission by members of the Armed Forces of claims for retroactive stop-loss special pay (paid to members whose enlistment or period of obligated service was extended, or whose eligibility for retirement was suspended, by the President in time or war or national emergency) from one to two years after the date on which implementing rules for such payments take effect. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to include in a required report concerning such payments a plan describing DOD outreach and informational efforts to promote and increase awareness of the special pay. Provides funding for the outreach and informational efforts, with a funding limit of $10 million. Requires, in subsequent reports concerning the stop-loss payments, descriptions and assessments of the outreach and informational efforts.

amends supplemental appropriations act extend period submission members armed_forces claims retroactive stop loss special pay paid members enlistment period obligated service extended eligibility retirement suspended president time war national emergency years date implementing rules payments effect directs secretary defense dod include required report concerning payments plan describing dod outreach informational efforts promote increase awareness special pay provides funding outreach informational efforts funding limit million requires subsequent reports concerning stop loss payments descriptions assessments outreach informational efforts


Summary: Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the public on a website the following information with regard to any payment made by the United States under a judgment, award, or compromise settlement with respect to a claim against the United States, unless the disclosure of such information is otherwise prohibited by law or court order: (1) the name of the plaintiff or claimant and counsel; (2) the name of the agency that submitted the claim; (3) a brief description of the facts that gave rise to it; and (4) the amount paid representing principal, attorney fees, and interest, if applicable.

judgment fund transparency_act requires secretary treasury available public website following information regard payment united_states judgment award compromise settlement respect claim united_states disclosure information prohibited law court order plaintiff claimant counsel agency submitted claim brief description facts gave rise paid representing principal attorney fees interest applicable


Summary: Prohibits any entity that receives funds from the federal government from using such funds to file a class action lawsuit involving the residents of an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR) unless the resident (or the resident's legal representative), after receiving notice of the proposed class action lawsuit, has the opportunity to elect not to have the action apply to the resident. Directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consult with ICF/MR residents among all other interested parties before taking actions (including investigations and actions under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Civil Rights for Institutionalized Persons Act) involving such residents. Permits a resident to intervene in any such DOJ action. Prohibits this Act from requiring a state to include ICFs/MR services as an option under its Medicaid plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

prohibits entity receives funds federal_government funds file class action lawsuit involving residents intermediate care facility mentally retarded resident resident legal representative receiving notice proposed class action lawsuit opportunity elect action apply resident directs department_of_justice doj consult residents interested parties taking actions including investigations actions americans disabilities act civil rights institutionalized persons act involving residents permits resident intervene doj action prohibits act requiring state include services option medicaid plan title xix medicaid social_security_act


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to the Pottawatomi Nation in Canada in settlement and full satisfaction of certain claims. Excludes such payment from the provisions of the Indian Tribal Judgment Funds Use or Distribution Act.

directs secretary treasury pay specified sum nation canada settlement satisfaction certain claims excludes payment provisions indian tribal judgment funds use distribution act


Summary: Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act of 2012 - Amends federal bankruptcy law concerning a trust formed under a plan of reorganization following the discharge in bankruptcy of a debtor corporation in order to assume the debtor's liability with respect to claims seeking recovery for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage allegedly caused by the presence of, or exposure to, asbestos or asbestos-containing products. Requires such trust to file with the bankruptcy court quarterly reports, available on the public docket, which describe each demand the trust has received from a claimant and the basis for any payment made to that claimant (excluding any confidential medical record or the claimant's full Social Security number). Requires such reports, upon written request and subject to payment (demanded at the option of the trust) for reasonable costs, to provide any information related to payment from, and demands for payment from, the trust to any party to any action in law or equity if the subject concerns liability for asbestos exposure.

furthering asbestos claim transparency fact act amends federal bankruptcy law concerning trust formed plan reorganization following discharge bankruptcy debtor corporation order assume debtor liability respect claims seeking recovery personal injury wrongful death property damage allegedly caused presence exposure asbestos asbestos containing products requires trust file bankruptcy court quarterly reports available public docket describe demand trust received claimant basis payment claimant excluding confidential medical record claimant social_security number requires reports written request subject payment demanded option trust reasonable costs provide information related payment demands payment trust party action law equity subject concerns liability asbestos exposure


Summary: John Hope Franklin Tulsa-Greenwood Race Riot Claims Accountability Act of 2012 - Declares that any person (including the state of Oklahoma) who, in connection with the Greenwood community of Tulsa, Oklahoma, race riot of 1921 and its aftermath, acted under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of the state of Oklahoma to subject, or cause to be subjected, any person to the deprivation, on account of race, of any right secured at the time of the deprivation by Oklahoma law, shall be liable to the party injured in a civil action for redress (thereby allowing claims for damages notwithstanding the federal court decision in Alexander v. State of Oklahoma, which found that such claims were time-barred and not to be determined on the merits). Prohibits the commencement of such a civil action more than five years after enactment of this Act.

john hope franklin tulsa race claims accountability_act declares person including state oklahoma connection community tulsa oklahoma race acted color statute ordinance regulation custom usage state oklahoma subject cause subjected person deprivation account race right secured time deprivation oklahoma law shall liable party injured civil action redress allowing claims damages notwithstanding federal court decision state oklahoma found claims time barred determined merits prohibits commencement civil action years enactment act


Summary: Justice for the American Diplomats Held Hostage in Tehran Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a common fund to be administered by the class representatives and agents for the former American hostages in Iran and their survivors (case number 1:08-CV-00487 (EGS) of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia) in order to pay claims to the American hostages and to family members identified as class members. Finances the fund from: (1) fines and penalties for violations of activities with respect to any government or person by reason of a connection with Iran, and (2) seized or frozen Iranian assets or assets from persons or entities subject to Iran-related sanctions. Sets forth payment priority and amount provisions. States that the United States shall be fully subrogated with respect to payments to all rights of each individual paid under this Act against the government of Iran or the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

justice american diplomats held hostage tehran act_-_directs secretary treasury establish common fund administered class representatives agents american hostages iran survivors case number district_court district_of_columbia order pay claims american hostages family members identified class members finances fund fines penalties violations activities respect government person reason connection iran seized frozen iranian assets assets persons entities subject iran related sanctions sets forth payment priority provisions states united_states shall fully respect payments rights individual paid act government iran iranian revolutionary_guard_corps irgc


Summary: Government Litigation Savings Act - Revises provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) and the federal judicial code relating to the fees and other expenses of parties in agency proceedings and court cases against the federal government to: (1) restrict awards of fees and other expenses under such Act to prevailing parties with a direct and personal monetary interest in an adjudication, including because of personal injury, property damage, or an unpaid agency disbursement; (2) require the reduction or denial of awards commensurate with pro bono hours and related fees and expenses to parties who have acted in an obdurate, dilatory, mendacious, or oppressive manner or in bad faith; (3) limit awards to not more than $200,000 in any single adversary adjudication or for more than three adversary adjudications in the same calendar year (unless the adjudicating officer or judge determines that a higher award is required to avoid severe and unjust harm to the prevailing party); and (4) expand the reporting requirements of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States with respect to fees and other expenses awarded to prevailing parties during the preceding fiscal year. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the implementation of EAJA for the years 1995 through the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted.

government litigation savings act revises provisions equal_access justice act eaja federal judicial code relating fees expenses parties agency proceedings court cases federal_government restrict awards fees expenses act prevailing parties direct personal monetary interest adjudication including personal injury property damage unpaid agency disbursement require reduction denial awards commensurate pro bono hours related fees expenses parties acted oppressive manner bad faith limit awards single adjudication adjudications calendar year adjudicating officer judge determines higher award required avoid severe unjust harm prevailing party expand reporting requirements chairman administrative_conference_of_the_united_states respect fees expenses awarded prevailing parties preceding fiscal year requires comptroller_general audit implementation eaja years end calendar year act enacted


Summary: Transparency in Judgment Payments Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, not later than 30 days after the payment of a final judgment, award, or compromise settlement involving a federal agency, to publish electronically: (1) the agency responsible for the payment; (2) a citation to the law under which the claim was made; (3) the amount  to be paid, including any interest and attorney fees; and (4) the court in which such claim was filed and the court case number. Requires each federal agency to submit annual reports to Congress describing: (1) any civil action filed or pending against such agency or an agency employee, and (2) any settlements entered by, or final judgments entered against, such agency or an agency employee.

transparency judgment payments act requires secretary treasury later days payment final judgment award compromise settlement involving federal agency publish electronically agency responsible payment citation law claim paid including interest attorney fees court claim filed court case number requires federal agency submit annual reports congress describing civil action filed pending agency agency employee settlements entered final judgments entered agency agency employee


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to require the Attorney General to submit to Congress and make publicly available online an annual report regarding the amount of attorney's fees, expenses for expert witnesses, and other fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year to certain prevailing parties other than the United States in civil actions (other than tort cases) brought by or against the United States.

amends federal judicial code require attorney general submit congress publicly available online annual report attorney fees expenses expert witnesses fees expenses awarded preceding fiscal year certain prevailing parties united_states civil actions tort cases brought united_states


Summary: Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2012 or FACT Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law concerning a trust formed under a plan of reorganization following the discharge in bankruptcy of a debtor corporation in order to assume the debtor's liability with respect to claims seeking recovery for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage allegedly caused by the presence of, or exposure to, asbestos or asbestos-containing products. Requires such a trust to file with the bankruptcy court and the U.S. Trustee quarterly reports, available on the public docket, which describe each demand the trust has received from a claimant and the basis for any payment made to that claimant (excluding any confidential medical record or the claimant's full Social Security number). Requires such reports also to provide any information relating to payment from, and demands for payment from, the trust to any party to any action in law or equity if the subject concerns liability for asbestos exposure.

furthering asbestos claim transparency_act fact act_-_amends federal bankruptcy law concerning trust formed plan reorganization following discharge bankruptcy debtor corporation order assume debtor liability respect claims seeking recovery personal injury wrongful death property damage allegedly caused presence exposure asbestos asbestos containing products requires trust file bankruptcy court trustee quarterly reports available public docket describe demand trust received claimant basis payment claimant excluding confidential medical record claimant social_security number requires reports provide information relating payment demands payment trust party action law equity subject concerns liability asbestos exposure


Summary:
Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the public on a website, as soon as practicable but within 30 days after a payment under this Act is tendered, the following information with regard to any payment made by the United States under a judgment, award, or compromise settlement with respect to a claim against the United States, unless the disclosure of such information is otherwise prohibited by law or court order:

 the name of the specific federal agency or entity whose actions gave rise to the claim or judgment; the name of the plaintiff or claimant and counsel; the amount paid representing principal liability, and any amounts paid representing any ancillary liability, including attorney fees, costs, and interest; a brief description of the facts that gave rise to the claim; a copy of the original or amended complaint or written claim, and any written answer given by the federal government to it; a copy of the final action by a court regarding the claim (whether by decree, approval of settlement, or otherwise), or of the settlement agreement in any action not involving a court; and the name of the agency that submitted the claim.

judgment fund transparency_act requires secretary treasury available public website soon practicable days payment act following information regard payment united_states judgment award compromise settlement respect claim united_states disclosure information prohibited law court order specific federal agency entity actions gave rise claim judgment plaintiff claimant counsel paid representing principal liability amounts paid representing ancillary liability including attorney fees costs interest brief description facts gave rise claim copy original amended complaint written claim written answer given federal_government copy final action court claim decree approval settlement settlement agreement action involving court agency submitted claim


Summary:
Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equity Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the exclusion of residents of Puerto Rico from deemed enrollment under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits) and thus apply it to them.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for a special seven-month enrollment period for such residents.

Requires recalculation of the late enrollment penalty to 15% of the usual penalty for residents of Puerto Rico who are current enrollees or who enroll during a specified transition period.

puerto_rico medicare equity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act repeal exclusion residents puerto_rico deemed enrollment supplementary_medical_insurance benefits apply directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide special seven month enrollment period residents requires recalculation late enrollment penalty usual penalty residents puerto_rico current enrollees enroll specified transition period


Summary:
Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act of 2013 - Amends federal bankruptcy law concerning a trust formed under a reorganization plan following the discharge in bankruptcy of a debtor corporation in order to assume the debtor's liability with respect to claims seeking recovery for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage allegedly caused by the presence of, or exposure to, asbestos or asbestos-containing products.

Requires such a trust to file with the bankruptcy court quarterly reports, available on the public docket, which describe each demand the trust has received from a claimant and the basis for any payment made to that claimant (excluding any confidential medical record or the claimant's full Social Security number).

Requires such reports, upon written request, and subject to payment (demanded at the option of the trust) for any reasonable cost incurred by it, to provide any information related to payment from, and demands for payment from, the trust to any party to any action in law or equity concerning liability for asbestos exposure.

furthering asbestos claim transparency fact act amends federal bankruptcy law concerning trust formed reorganization plan following discharge bankruptcy debtor corporation order assume debtor liability respect claims seeking recovery personal injury wrongful death property damage allegedly caused presence exposure asbestos asbestos containing products requires trust file bankruptcy court quarterly reports available public docket describe demand trust received claimant basis payment claimant excluding confidential medical record claimant social_security number requires reports written request subject payment demanded option trust reasonable cost incurred provide information related payment demands payment trust party action law equity concerning liability asbestos exposure


Summary:
Government Litigation Savings Act - Revises provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) and the federal judicial code relating to the fees and other expenses of parties in agency proceedings and court cases against the federal government.

Restricts awards of fees and other expenses under EAJA to prevailing parties with a direct and personal interest in an adjudication, including because of medical costs, property damage, determination of benefits, an unpaid disbursement, and other expenses of adjudication, or because of a policy interest.

Requires (currently, authorizes) the reduction or denial of an award if the party during the course of the proceedings engaged in conduct which unduly or unreasonably (currently, unduly and unreasonably) protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy.

Increases to $200 per hour the cap on attorney fees awarded under EAJA and eliminates the cost-of-living and special factor considerations for allowing an increase in the hourly rate for such fees.

Eliminates the net worth exemption for determining eligibility for fees and expenses under EAJA for tax-exempt organizations and cooperative associations under the Agricultural Marketing Act.

government litigation savings act revises provisions equal_access justice act eaja federal judicial code relating fees expenses parties agency proceedings court cases federal_government restricts awards fees expenses eaja prevailing parties direct personal interest adjudication including medical costs property damage determination benefits unpaid disbursement expenses adjudication policy interest requires currently authorizes reduction denial award party course proceedings engaged conduct unduly unreasonably currently unduly unreasonably protracted final resolution matter controversy increases hour cap attorney fees awarded eaja eliminates cost living special factor considerations allowing increase hourly rate fees eliminates net worth exemption determining eligibility fees expenses eaja tax exempt organizations cooperative associations agricultural_marketing_act


Summary: Stop Deducting Damages Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a tax deduction for any amount paid or incurred for compensatory or punitive damages in connection with any judgment in, or settlement of, any action against a government; and (2) include in gross income any amount paid as insurance or otherwise due to liability for punitive damages.

stop deducting damages act amends_the_internal_revenue_code deny tax deduction paid incurred compensatory punitive damages connection judgment settlement action government include gross income paid insurance liability punitive damages


Summary:
Truth in Settlements Act of 2014 - Sets forth new requirements for the public disclosure of any covered settlement agreement entered into by a federal executive agency.  Defines "covered settlement agreement" as a settlement agreement (including a consent decree) that: (1) is entered into by an executive agency, (2) relates to an alleged violation of federal civil or criminal law, and (3) requires the payment of not less than $1 million by one or more non-federal persons (entities not within the federal government).

Requires the head of each executive agency to make publicly available on the agency website a list of each covered settlement agreement entered into by the agency, which shall include: (1) the names of the parties to the settlement agreement and the date of such agreement; (2) a description of the claims that were settled under the agreement; (3) the amount each party to the agreement is obligated to pay under the terms of the agreement and the total amounts required to be paid; and (4) for each settling party, the amount the settling party is obligated to pay that has been designated as a civil penalty or fine. Requires: (1) such information to remain publicly available for five years after the date of the agreement, and (2) a copy of a covered settlement agreement to remain publicly available until at least one year after the date of the agreement, or until five years after such date for an agreement under which a non-federal person is required to pay not less than $50 million.

Limits the disclosure of provisions of a covered settlement agreement that are subject to a confidentiality agreement.

Requires the issuer of securities subject to reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to describe in required reports any claim of a tax deduction relating to a payment under a covered settlement agreement.

truth settlements act sets forth new requirements public disclosure covered settlement agreement entered federal executive agency defines covered settlement agreement settlement agreement including consent decree entered executive agency relates alleged violation federal civil criminal law requires payment million non federal persons entities federal_government requires head executive agency publicly available agency website list covered settlement agreement entered agency shall include names parties settlement agreement date agreement description claims settled agreement party agreement obligated pay terms agreement total amounts required paid settling party settling party obligated pay designated civil penalty fine requires information remain publicly available years date agreement copy covered settlement agreement remain publicly available year date agreement years date agreement non federal person required pay million limits disclosure provisions covered settlement agreement subject confidentiality agreement requires issuer securities subject reporting requirements securities_exchange_act describe required reports claim tax deduction relating payment covered settlement agreement


Summary:
Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2013 - Establishes in the Treasury the American Hostages in Iran Compensation Fund for the purpose of making payments to the 52 Americans held hostage in the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, from November 3, 1979-January 20, 1981.

Imposes a surcharge, to be deposited into the Fund, of 30% on the amount of: (1) any fine or monetary penalty assessed on a person for violation of a law or regulation penalizing any economic activity relating to Iran that is administered by the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice (DOJ), or the Department of Commerce; or (2) the monetary amount of a settlement entered into by a person regarding a suspected violation of such a law or regulation.

 Requires Fund payments of $150,000 plus $5,000 for each day of captivity first to each living former hostage and then to the estate of each deceased former hostage.

Requires a payment recipient to waive and forever release all existing claims against Iran and the United States arising out of the hostage events.

Directs the Secretary to notify each individual qualified to receive a payment of the individual's claim status.

States that: (1) if a claim is denied or approved for less than the full amount, the individual shall be entitled to submit additional information; (2) the Secretary may affirm, modify, or revise the former action; and (3) the Secretary's actions in identifying claimants and in disbursing Fund amounts shall be final on all questions of law and fact, and shall not be subject to review by any other U.S. official, agency, or court.

Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the status of the Fund until the date: (1) on which all amounts have been made to all recipients, or (2) five years after the date of enactment of this Act.

justice american hostages iran act establishes treasury american hostages iran compensation fund purpose making payments americans held hostage embassy tehran iran november january imposes surcharge deposited fund fine monetary penalty assessed person violation law regulation penalizing economic activity relating iran administered department_of_the_treasury department_of_justice doj department_of_commerce monetary settlement entered person suspected violation law regulation requires fund payments plus day captivity living hostage estate deceased hostage requires payment recipient waive forever release existing claims iran united_states arising hostage events directs secretary notify individual qualified receive payment individual claim status states claim denied approved individual shall entitled submit additional information secretary affirm modify revise action secretary actions identifying claimants disbursing fund amounts shall final questions law fact shall subject review official agency court directs secretary report annually congress status fund date amounts recipients years date enactment act


Summary:
Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the public on a website, as soon as practicable but within 30 days after a payment under this Act is tendered, the following information with regard to any payment made by the United States under a judgment, award, or compromise settlement with respect to a claim against the United States, unless the disclosure of such information is otherwise prohibited by law or court order:

 the name of the specific agency or entity whose actions gave rise to the claim or judgment; the name of the plaintiff or claimant and counsel; the amount paid representing principal liability, and any amounts paid representing any ancillary liability, including attorney fees, costs, and interest; a brief description of the facts that gave rise to the claim; and the name of the agency that submitted the claim.

judgment fund transparency_act requires secretary treasury available public website soon practicable days payment act following information regard payment united_states judgment award compromise settlement respect claim united_states disclosure information prohibited law court order specific agency entity actions gave rise claim judgment plaintiff claimant counsel paid representing principal liability amounts paid representing ancillary liability including attorney fees costs interest brief description facts gave rise claim agency submitted claim


Summary:
Truth in Settlements Act of 2014 - Sets forth new requirements for the public disclosure of any covered settlement agreement entered into by a federal executive agency.  Defines "covered settlement agreement" as a settlement agreement (including a consent decree) that: (1) is entered into by an executive agency, (2) relates to an alleged violation of federal civil or criminal law, and (3) requires the payment of not less than $1 million by one or more non-federal persons (a person that is not an entity within the federal government).

Requires the head of each executive agency to make publicly available on the agency website a list of each covered settlement agreement entered into by the agency, which shall include: (1) the names of the parties to the settlement agreement and the date of such agreement; (2) a description of the claims that were settled under the agreement; (3) the amount each party to the agreement is obligated to pay under the terms of the agreement and the total amounts required to be paid; and (4) for each settling party, the amount the settling party is obligated to pay that is expressly specified as a civil or criminal penalty or fine or as not tax deductible. Requires: (1) such information to remain publicly available for at least five years after the date of the agreement, and (2) a copy of a covered settlement agreement to remain publicly available until at least one year after the date of the agreement, or until five years after such date for an agreement under which a non-federal person is required to pay not less than $50 million.

Requires an executive agency head who determines that a confidentiality provision in a covered settlement agreement, or the sealing of an agreement, is required to protect the public interest, to issue a public statement explaining why such action is necessary, what interests confidentially protects, and why the interest protected outweighs the public's interest in knowing about the conduct of the federal government and the expenditure of federal resources.

Requires any written public statement issued by an executive agency that refers to an amount to be paid by a non-federal person under a covered settlement agreement to: (1) specify which portion of the amount to be paid is expressly specified as a civil or criminal penalty or fine to be paid for a violation of federal law or is not tax deductible; and (2) describe in detail, if no portion paid under the settlement agreement is expressly specified as a civil or criminal penalty or fine, any actions the non-federal person shall take under the agreement in lieu of payment to the federal government or a state or local government and any payments or compensation the non-federal person shall make to other non-federal persons under the agreement.

Requires: (1) the head of an executive agency to report to all congressional committees that have jurisdiction over the agency's activities on how many covered settlement agreements the agency entered into during the fiscal year and how many such agreements had terms or conditions required to be kept confidential; and (2) the issuer of securities subject to reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to describe in required reports any claim of a tax deduction relating to a payment under a covered settlement agreement.

Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on how executive agencies determine whether the terms of a settlement agreement or its existence will be treated as confidential.

truth settlements act sets forth new requirements public disclosure covered settlement agreement entered federal executive agency defines covered settlement agreement settlement agreement including consent decree entered executive agency relates alleged violation federal civil criminal law requires payment million non federal persons person entity federal_government requires head executive agency publicly available agency website list covered settlement agreement entered agency shall include names parties settlement agreement date agreement description claims settled agreement party agreement obligated pay terms agreement total amounts required paid settling party settling party obligated pay expressly specified civil criminal penalty fine tax deductible requires information remain publicly available years date agreement copy covered settlement agreement remain publicly available year date agreement years date agreement non federal person required pay million requires executive agency head determines confidentiality provision covered settlement agreement sealing agreement required protect public interest issue public statement explaining action necessary interests confidentially protects interest protected outweighs public interest knowing conduct federal_government expenditure federal resources requires written public statement issued executive agency refers paid non federal person covered settlement agreement specify portion paid expressly specified civil criminal penalty fine paid violation federal law tax deductible describe detail portion paid settlement agreement expressly specified civil criminal penalty fine actions non federal person shall agreement lieu payment federal_government state local government payments compensation non federal person shall non federal persons agreement requires head executive agency report congressional committees jurisdiction agency activities covered settlement agreements agency entered fiscal year agreements terms conditions required kept confidential issuer securities subject reporting requirements securities_exchange_act describe required reports claim tax deduction relating payment covered settlement agreement requires comptroller_general report congress executive agencies determine terms settlement agreement existence treated confidential


Summary:
Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act - Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act and the federal judicial code to require the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to submit to Congress and make publicly available on an Internet website an annual report on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded to prevailing parties other than the United States in certain administrative proceedings and civil action court cases (excluding tort cases) to which the United States is a party, including settlement agreements. Requires such reports to describe the number, nature, and amount of the awards, the claims involved in the controversy, and any other relevant information that may aid Congress in evaluating the scope and impact of such awards.

Directs the Chairman to create and maintain a searchable database on an Internet website containing specified information with respect to each award, including:

 if available, the case name and number of, as well as a hyperlink to, any case in which the party other than the agency is not an individual; the name of the agency involved; for an award to an individual, a statement that excludes any personally identifiable information but indicates that the award was made to an individual; for an award made to a party other than an individual, the name of the party; the amount of the award; and the basis for finding that the position of the agency concerned was not substantially justified. Directs the head of each agency (including, with respect to court cases, the Attorney General [DOJ] and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts) to provide the Chairman all information requested to produce such reports.

open book equal_access justice act_-_amends equal_access justice act federal judicial code require chairman administrative_conference_of_the_united_states submit congress publicly available internet website annual report fees expenses awarded prevailing parties united_states certain administrative proceedings civil action court cases excluding tort cases united_states party including settlement agreements requires reports describe number nature awards claims involved controversy relevant information aid congress evaluating scope impact awards directs chairman create maintain searchable database internet website containing specified information respect award including available case number hyperlink case party agency individual agency involved award individual statement excludes personally identifiable information indicates award individual award party individual party award basis finding position agency concerned substantially justified directs head agency including respect court cases attorney general doj director administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts provide chairman information requested produce reports


Summary:
Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act

Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act and the federal judicial code to require the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to report to Congress annually on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded to prevailing parties other than the United States in certain administrative proceedings and civil action court cases (excluding tort cases) to which the United States is a party, including settlement agreements. Requires that such reports: (1) describe the number, nature, and amount of the awards, the claims involved in the controversy, and any other relevant information that may aid Congress in evaluating the scope and impact of such awards; and (2) be made available to the public online.

Directs the Chairman to create and maintain online a searchable database containing specified information with respect to each award, including the name of the agency involved, the name of each party to whom the award was made, the amount of the award, and the basis for finding that the position of the agency concerned was not substantially justified.

Directs the head of each agency, including the Attorney General, to provide the Chairman all information requested to comply with such requirements.

open book equal_access justice act amends equal_access justice act federal judicial code require chairman administrative_conference_of_the_united_states report congress annually fees expenses awarded prevailing parties united_states certain administrative proceedings civil action court cases excluding tort cases united_states party including settlement agreements requires reports describe number nature awards claims involved controversy relevant information aid congress evaluating scope impact awards available public online directs chairman create maintain online searchable database containing specified information respect award including agency involved party award award basis finding position agency concerned substantially justified directs head agency including attorney general provide chairman information requested comply requirements


Summary:
Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to disclose details after payments are made from the Judgment Fund. The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States, including awards, compromise settlements, and related interest and costs.

Unless the disclosure is prohibited by law or a court order, Treasury must make available to the public on a website:

 the name of the agency or entity whose actions gave rise to the claim or judgment, the plaintiff or claimant, the counsel for the plaintiff or claimant, the amount paid, a description of the facts that gave rise to the claim, and the name of the agency that submitted the claim.

judgment fund transparency_act bill requires department_of_the_treasury disclose details payments judgment fund judgment fund permanent indefinite appropriation pay judgments united_states including awards compromise settlements related interest costs disclosure prohibited law court order treasury available public website agency entity actions gave rise claim judgment plaintiff claimant counsel plaintiff claimant paid description facts gave rise claim agency submitted claim


Summary:
Truth in Settlements Act of 2015

 Sets forth new requirements for the public disclosure of any covered settlement agreement entered into by a federal executive agency.  Defines "covered settlement agreement" as a settlement agreement (including a consent decree) that: (1) is entered into by an executive agency, (2) relates to an alleged violation of federal civil or criminal law, and (3) requires the payment of not less than $1 million by one or more non-federal persons (entities not within the federal government).

Requires the head of each executive agency to make publicly available on the agency website a list of each covered settlement agreement entered into by the agency, which shall include: (1) the names of the parties to the settlement agreement and the date of such agreement; (2) a description of the claims that were settled under the agreement; (3) the amount each party to the agreement is obligated to pay under the terms of the agreement and the total amounts required to be paid; and (4) for each settling party, the amount the settling party is obligated to pay that has been expressly specified as a civil penalty or fine and as not deductible for tax purposes. Requires: (1) such information to remain publicly available for not less than 5 years, beginning on the date of the agreement; and (2) a copy of a covered settlement agreement to remain publicly available for a period of not less than 1 year, beginning on the date of the agreement, or for not less than 5 years for an agreement under which a non-federal person is required to pay not less than $50 million.

Limits the disclosure of provisions of a covered settlement agreement that are subject to a confidentiality agreement.

Requires the issuer of securities subject to reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to describe in required reports any claim of a tax deduction relating to a payment under a covered settlement agreement.

truth settlements act sets forth new requirements public disclosure covered settlement agreement entered federal executive agency defines covered settlement agreement settlement agreement including consent decree entered executive agency relates alleged violation federal civil criminal law requires payment million non federal persons entities federal_government requires head executive agency publicly available agency website list covered settlement agreement entered agency shall include names parties settlement agreement date agreement description claims settled agreement party agreement obligated pay terms agreement total amounts required paid settling party settling party obligated pay expressly specified civil penalty fine deductible tax purposes requires information remain publicly available years beginning date agreement copy covered settlement agreement remain publicly available period year beginning date agreement years agreement non federal person required pay million limits disclosure provisions covered settlement agreement subject confidentiality agreement requires issuer securities subject reporting requirements securities_exchange_act describe required reports claim tax deduction relating payment covered settlement agreement


Summary:
Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Equal Access to Justice Act and the federal judicial code to require the Administrative Conference of the United States to report to Congress annually for a specified period on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded to prevailing parties other than the United States in certain administrative proceedings and civil action court cases (excluding tort cases) to which the United States is a party, including settlement agreements. The reports must: (1) describe the number, nature, and amount of the awards, the claims involved in the controversy, and any other relevant information that may aid Congress in evaluating the scope and impact of such awards; and (2) be made available to the public online.

The Administrative Conference must create and maintain online searchable databases containing specified information with respect to each award, including the name of the agency involved, the name of each party to whom the award was made, the amount of the award, and the basis for finding that the position of the agency concerned was not substantially justified.

Agencies, including the Department of Justice, must provide the Administrative Conference all information requested to comply with such requirements.

open book equal_access justice act sec bill amends equal_access justice act federal judicial code require administrative_conference_of_the_united_states report congress annually specified period fees expenses awarded prevailing parties united_states certain administrative proceedings civil action court cases excluding tort cases united_states party including settlement agreements reports describe number nature awards claims involved controversy relevant information aid congress evaluating scope impact awards available public online administrative conference create maintain online searchable databases containing specified information respect award including agency involved party award award basis finding position agency concerned substantially justified agencies including department_of_justice provide administrative conference information requested comply requirements


Summary:
Puerto Rico Investor Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to repeal the exemption from coverage by the Act that is granted to investment companies created under the laws of a U.S. possession, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

puerto_rico investor protection act bill amends investment company act repeal exemption coverage act granted investment companies created laws possession including puerto_rico virgin_islands


Summary:
Judgment Fund Taxpayer Accountability Act

This bill requires the Financial Management Service, by January 1 of each year, to report the following information to Congress with respect to payments by federal agencies for judgments, awards, and compromise settlements against the United States: (1) the total amount paid in reimbursement by the agency for such payments during the preceding fiscal year, (2) the total amount still due from the agency in reimbursement, and (3) the name of the plaintiff or claimant to whom a payment was made from agency funds.

judgment fund taxpayer accountability_act bill requires financial management service january year report following information congress respect payments federal agencies judgments awards compromise settlements united_states total paid reimbursement agency payments preceding fiscal year total agency reimbursement plaintiff claimant payment agency funds


Summary:
Halting Government Overreach Act of 2015

This bill removes exceptions that prohibit a prevailing party other than the United States from being awarded fees and expenses incurred in a civil action (other than a tort action) brought by or against the United States, or in an agency adjudicatory proceeding, if the position of the United States was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust.

The fees and expenses may be awarded if the prevailing party has a direct and personal interest in the action because of an injury that gave rise to the action.

The bill also removes requirements that make parties ineligible for such an award if their net worth exceeds a specified amount at the time the action was filed or the adjudication was initiated. Under the bill, parties may seek an award of fees and expenses regardless of their net worth.

government overreach act bill removes exceptions prohibit prevailing party united_states awarded fees expenses incurred civil action tort action brought united_states agency adjudicatory proceeding position united_states substantially justified special circumstances award unjust fees expenses awarded prevailing party direct personal interest action injury gave rise action bill removes requirements parties ineligible award net worth exceeds specified time action filed adjudication initiated bill parties seek award fees expenses regardless net worth


Summary:
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill prohibits government officials from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement resolving a civil action on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions to allow payments that remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment or that constitute payment for services rendered in connection with the case.

Government officials or agents who violate this prohibition may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for such purposes to which they may otherwise be entitled.

Federal agencies must report annually for seven years to the Congressional Budget Office about the parties, funding sources, and distribution of funds for their settlement agreements permitted by the exceptions in this bill.

Agency inspectors general must report annually to Congress about any of their agency's settlement agreements that violate this bill.

stop settlement funds act sec bill prohibits government officials entering enforcing settlement agreement resolving civil action behalf united_states provides payment person entity united_states bill provides exceptions allow payments remedy actual harm including environment caused party making payment constitute payment services rendered connection case government officials agents violate prohibition removed office required forfeit government money hold purposes entitled federal agencies report annually seven years congressional_budget_office parties funding sources distribution funds settlement agreements permitted exceptions bill agency inspectors_general report annually congress agency settlement agreements violate bill


Summary:
Stop Taxpayer Obamacare Payouts "STOP" Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the Judgment Fund from being used to make payments for any claim pertaining to the risk corridor program established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States, including awards, compromise settlements, and related interest and costs. The risk corridor program is a mechanism that adjusts payments to health plans based on the ratio of the allowable costs of the plan to the plan's aggregate premiums.)

stop taxpayer obamacare stop act bill prohibits judgment fund payments claim pertaining risk corridor program established patient_protection affordable care act judgment fund permanent indefinite appropriation pay judgments united_states including awards compromise settlements related interest costs risk corridor program mechanism adjusts payments health plans based ratio allowable costs plan plan aggregate premiums


Summary: This bill prohibits the Judgment Fund from being used to make payments for any compromise settlement in connection with any proceeding brought against the government under the risk corridor program established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States, including awards, compromise settlements, and related interest and costs. The risk corridor program is a mechanism that adjusts payments to health plans based on the ratio of the allowable costs of the plan to the plan's aggregate premiums.)

bill prohibits judgment fund payments compromise settlement connection proceeding brought government risk corridor program established patient_protection affordable care act judgment fund permanent indefinite appropriation pay judgments united_states including awards compromise settlements related interest costs risk corridor program mechanism adjusts payments health plans based ratio allowable costs plan plan aggregate premiums


Summary:
Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to disclose details after payments are made from the Judgment Fund. The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States. Unless the disclosure is prohibited by law or a court order, Treasury is required to make available to the public on a website: the agency or entity whose actions gave rise to the claim or judgment, the plaintiff or claimant, the counsel for the plaintiff or claimant, the amount paid, a description of the facts that gave rise to the claim, and the agency that submitted the claim.

judgment fund transparency_act bill requires department_of_the_treasury disclose details payments judgment fund judgment fund permanent indefinite appropriation pay judgments united_states disclosure prohibited law court order treasury required available public website agency entity actions gave rise claim judgment plaintiff claimant counsel plaintiff claimant paid description facts gave rise claim agency submitted claim


Summary:
Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2015

Establishes in the Treasury the American Hostages in Iran Compensation Fund to: (1) make payments to the Americans held hostage in Iran, and to their families, who are identified as members of the proposed class in case number 1:00-CV-03110 (ESG) of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; and (2) satisfy their claims against Iran relating to the taking of hostages and treatment of personnel of the U.S. embassy in Tehran between November 3, 1979, and January 20, 1981.

Imposes a surcharge, to be deposited into the Fund, of 30% on the amount of: (1) any fine or penalty imposed for a violation (committed on or after enactment of this Act) of a law or regulation penalizing any economic activity relating to Iran that is administered by the Departments of State, Treasury, Justice, Commerce, or Energy; or (2) the monetary amount of a settlement entered into by a person regarding a suspected violation of such a law or regulation.

 Requires Fund payments to members of the proposed class in the following order of priority:

 $10,000 for each day of captivity first to each living former hostage and then to the estate of each deceased former hostage, and $5,000 to each spouse and child of a former hostage for each day of captivity of the former hostage. Prohibits a payment recipient from maintaining an action against Iran in any federal or state court for any claims relating to the hostage events. Waives and forever releases all existing claims against Iran for those events upon payment from the Fund to all designated recipients.

Requires the State Department to submit recommendations to Congress if Fund amounts will be insufficient to pay all recipients within 444 days after enactment of this Act.

justice american hostages iran act establishes treasury american hostages iran compensation fund payments americans held hostage iran families identified members proposed class case number district_court district_of_columbia satisfy claims iran relating taking hostages treatment personnel embassy tehran november january imposes surcharge deposited fund fine penalty imposed violation committed enactment act law regulation penalizing economic activity relating iran administered departments_of_state treasury justice commerce energy monetary settlement entered person suspected violation law regulation requires fund payments members proposed class following order priority day captivity living hostage estate deceased hostage spouse child hostage day captivity hostage prohibits payment recipient maintaining action iran federal state court claims relating hostage events waives forever releases existing claims iran events payment fund designated recipients requires state_department submit recommendations congress fund amounts insufficient pay recipients days enactment act


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 21, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Truth in Settlements Act of 2015

Sets forth new requirements for the public disclosure of any covered settlement agreement entered into by a federal executive agency.

(Sec. 2) Defines "covered settlement agreement" as a settlement agreement (including a consent decree) that: (1) is entered into by an executive agency, relates to an alleged violation of federal civil or criminal law, and requires the payment of not less than $1 million by one or more non-federal persons (entities not within the federal government); or (2) relates to the rulemaking process or an alleged failure of an executive agency to engage in such process and requires the payment of not less than $200,000 in attorney fees, costs, or expenses by an executive agency to a non-federal person.

Requires agency heads to make publicly available on the agency website a copy of each covered settlement agreement entered into by the agency and a list for each agreement, which shall include:

 the names of the parties to the settlement agreement and the date of such agreement; a description of the claims that were settled under the agreement; the amount each party to the agreement is obligated to pay under the terms of the agreement and the total amounts required to be paid; for each settling party, the amount the settling party is obligated to pay that has been expressly specified as a civil or criminal penalty or fine and any amount expressly specified as not deductible for tax purposes; and a description of where amounts collected under the agreement will be deposited. Requires each agency to ensure that: (1) such information remains publicly available for not less than 5 years beginning on the date of the agreement, and (2) a copy of a covered settlement agreement remains publicly available for not less than 1 year beginning on such date or for not less than 5 years in the case of an agreement under which a non-federal person is required to pay at least $50 million.

Exempts the provisions of a covered settlement agreement that are subject to a confidentiality agreement from disclosure. Directs an agency to issue a public statement explaining any determination that confidentiality of an agreement is required to protect U.S. interests.

Requires agencies to submit an annual report indicating:

 how many covered settlement agreements the agency entered into during the previous fiscal year; how many of such agreements had terms or conditions that were required to be kept confidential; the total amount of attorney fees, costs, and expenses paid to non-federal persons under such agreements; and the number of such agreements between the agency and non-federal persons that involved regulatory action or regulatory changes during that fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on how agencies determine whether the terms or existence of a settlement agreement will be treated as confidential.

measure amended passed senate september summary version repeated truth settlements act sets forth new requirements public disclosure covered settlement agreement entered federal executive agency sec defines covered settlement agreement settlement agreement including consent decree entered executive agency relates alleged violation federal civil criminal law requires payment million non federal persons entities federal_government relates rulemaking process alleged failure executive agency engage process requires payment attorney fees costs expenses executive agency non federal person requires agency heads publicly available agency website copy covered settlement agreement entered agency list agreement shall include names parties settlement agreement date agreement description claims settled agreement party agreement obligated pay terms agreement total amounts required paid settling party settling party obligated pay expressly specified civil criminal penalty fine expressly specified deductible tax purposes description amounts collected agreement deposited requires agency ensure information remains publicly available years beginning date agreement copy covered settlement agreement remains publicly available year beginning date years case agreement non federal person required pay million exempts provisions covered settlement agreement subject confidentiality agreement disclosure directs agency issue public statement explaining determination confidentiality agreement required protect interests requires agencies submit annual report indicating covered settlement agreements agency entered previous fiscal year agreements terms conditions required kept confidential total attorney fees costs expenses paid non federal persons agreements number agreements agency non federal persons involved regulatory action regulatory changes fiscal year directs comptroller_general report congress agencies determine terms existence settlement agreement treated confidential


Summary:
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016

This bill prohibits government officials from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement resolving a civil action on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions for payments that remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment or that constitute payment for services rendered in connection with the case.

Government officials or agents who violate this prohibition may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for such purposes to which they may otherwise be entitled.

stop settlement funds act bill prohibits government officials entering enforcing settlement agreement resolving civil action behalf united_states provides payment person entity united_states bill provides exceptions payments remedy actual harm including environment caused party making payment constitute payment services rendered connection case government officials agents violate prohibition removed office required forfeit government money hold purposes entitled


Summary:
Agency Accountability Act of 2016

This bill requires any agency that receives a fee, fine, penalty, or proceeds from a settlement to deposit the amount in the general fund of the Treasury. The funds may not be used unless the funding is provided in advance in an appropriations bill.

Any amounts deposited during the fiscal year in which this bill is enacted may not be obligated during the fiscal year and must be used for deficit reduction.

The bill amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require offsetting receipts and collections to be treated as revenue. (Offsetting receipts and collections are funds collected by agencies from other government accounts or from the public in businesslike or market-oriented transactions. Under current law, the collections are treated as negative budget authority and outlays rather than revenue and may be used to offset spending for budget enforcement purposes.)

The requirements of the bill do not apply to the U.S. Postal Service or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the USPTO must submit annually to Congress a report describing any fee, fine, penalty, or proceeds from a settlement collected by the USPTO during the previous year.

agency accountability_act bill requires agency receives fee fine penalty proceeds settlement deposit general_fund_of_the_treasury funds funding provided advance appropriations bill amounts deposited fiscal year bill enacted obligated fiscal year deficit reduction bill amends congressional_budget impoundment control act require offsetting receipts collections treated revenue offsetting receipts collections funds collected agencies government accounts public market oriented transactions current law collections treated negative budget authority outlays revenue offset spending budget enforcement purposes requirements bill apply postal_service patent trademark_office uspto secretary commerce intellectual property director uspto submit annually congress report describing fee fine penalty proceeds settlement collected uspto previous year


Summary:
Judgment Fund Transparency and Terrorism Financing Prevention Act

This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to disclose details after payments are made from the Judgment Fund. (The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States.)

Unless the disclosure is prohibited by law or a court order, Treasury must disclose to the public on a website:

 the agency or entity whose actions gave rise to the claim or judgment, the plaintiff or claimant, the counsel for the plaintiff or claimant, the amount paid, a description of the facts that gave rise to the claim, and the agency that submitted the claim. If the payment is made to a foreign state, Treasury must also disclose:

 the method of payment; the currency denomination used for the payment; and the name and location of each financial institution owned or controlled by a foreign state or an agent of a foreign state through which the payment passed, from which the payment was withdrawn, or that is holding the payment. No payments from the fund may be made to a state sponsor of terrorism.

judgment fund transparency terrorism financing prevention act bill requires department_of_the_treasury disclose details payments judgment fund judgment fund permanent indefinite appropriation pay judgments united_states disclosure prohibited law court order treasury disclose public website agency entity actions gave rise claim judgment plaintiff claimant counsel plaintiff claimant paid description facts gave rise claim agency submitted claim payment foreign state treasury disclose method payment currency denomination payment location financial institution owned controlled foreign state agent foreign state payment passed payment withdrawn holding payment payments fund state sponsor terrorism


Summary: Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act of 2007 - Prohibits, with a limited presidential national security waiver, U.S. military force levels in Iraq after the date of the enactment of this Act from exceeding such levels as of January 1, 2007. Prohibits appropriations for security and reconstruction assistance to the government of Iraq 90 days after enactment of this Act unless the President provides Congress with a specified certification respecting Iraq's: (1) security forces; (2) oil revenue distribution; (3) civil rights and political accommodation concerning its ethnic and sectarian groups; and (4) policy towards the participation of former Baath party members in the Iraqi government. Terminates authority for the use of U.S. military forces in Iraq 90 days after enactment of this Act unless the use of such forces is specifically authorized by Congress in a statute enacted after enactment of this Act or the President provides Congress with a specified certification respecting: (1) U.S. redeployment and mission transition; (2) Iraq's security forces; (3) oil revenue distribution; (4) civil rights and political accommodation concerning Iraq's ethnic and sectarian groups; (5) the participation of former Baath party members in the Iraqi government; and (6) the convening of an international conference on Iraq. States that the termination shall: (1) continue in effect if Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the President's certification; and (2) not be construed to prohibit the use of U.S. military forces in Iraq for force protection, force security, or similar purposes during the U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds to deploy U.S. military forces to Iraq unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such forces are adequately equipped and trained for their missions.

iraq troop protection reduction act prohibits limited presidential national security waiver military force levels iraq date enactment act exceeding levels january prohibits appropriations security reconstruction assistance government iraq days enactment act president provides congress specified certification respecting iraq security forces oil revenue distribution civil rights political accommodation concerning ethnic sectarian groups policy participation party members iraqi government terminates authority use military forces iraq days enactment act use forces specifically authorized congress statute enacted enactment act president provides congress specified certification respecting redeployment mission transition iraq security forces oil revenue distribution civil rights political accommodation concerning iraq ethnic sectarian groups participation party members iraqi government convening international conference iraq states termination shall continue effect congress enacts joint resolution disapproving president certification construed prohibit use military forces iraq force protection force security similar purposes military withdrawal iraq prohibits obligation expenditure funds deploy military forces iraq secretary defense certifies congress forces adequately equipped trained missions


Summary: Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Turkey, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates GEORGE PHILIP and SIDES; and (2) Lithuania, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships CORMORANT and KINGFISHER. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis to: (1) Taiwan, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships ORIOLE and FALCON; and (2) Turkey, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship SHRIKE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.

naval vessels transfer act authorizes president transfer grant basis turkey oliver_hazard perry class guided missile frigates george lithuania class coastal ships authorizes president transfer sale basis taiwan class coastal ships falcon turkey class coastal ship states value vessels transferred grant basis shall counted aggregate value excess defense articles transferred countries fiscal year foreign assistance_act transfer costs shall charged recipient maximum extent practicable country vessel transferred shall necessary vessel repair refurbishment carried shipyards including navy shipyards terminates transfer authority years enactment act


Summary: Title I: Naval Vessel Transfer - Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 - (Sec. 102) Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Pakistan, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigate MCINERNEY; (2) Chile, the KAISER class oiler ANDREW J. HIGGINS; and (3) Peru, the NEWPORT class amphibious tank landing ships FRESNO and RACINE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act. Title II: United States Arms Exports - (Sec. 201) Directs the President to: (1) carry out an ongoing assessment of the extent to which Israel possesses a qualitative military edge (as defined by this Act) over military threats; (2) use such assessment in reviewing applications to sell defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act to a Middle Eastern country other than Israel; and (3) submit an initial report on such assessment to the appropriate congressional committees by June 30, 2009, and then every four years thereafter. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require any certification relating to a proposed sale or export of defense articles or services to a Middle Eastern country other than Israel to include a determination that such sale or export will not adversely affect Israel's qualitative military edge (as defined by this Act for purposes of this provision) over military threats. (Sec. 202) Makes specified foreign military financing program funds for FY2009 available on a grant basis for Israel. Authorizes funding in FY2009 for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, including research and development, by Israel. (Sec. 203) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide the Republic of Korea with special foreign military sales status, including expedited congressional review for export of U.S. defense items and services.

title naval vessel transfer naval vessel transfer act sec authorizes president transfer grant basis pakistan oliver_hazard perry class guided missile class class tank landing ships fresno states value vessels transferred grant basis shall counted aggregate value excess defense articles transferred countries fiscal year foreign assistance_act transfer costs shall charged recipient maximum extent practicable country vessel transferred shall necessary vessel repair refurbishment carried shipyards including navy shipyards terminates transfer authority years enactment act title united_states arms exports sec directs president carry ongoing assessment extent israel possesses qualitative military edge defined act military threats use assessment reviewing applications sell defense articles services arms_export_control_act middle eastern country israel submit initial report assessment appropriate congressional committees june years amends arms_export_control_act require certification relating proposed sale export defense articles services middle eastern country israel include determination sale export adversely affect israel qualitative military edge defined act purposes provision military threats sec makes specified foreign military financing program funds fy2009 available grant basis israel authorizes funding fy2009 procurement advanced weapons systems including research development israel sec amends arms_export_control_act provide republic_of_korea special foreign military sales status including expedited congressional review export defense items services


Summary: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Treatment Act - Allows taxpayers who are plaintiffs in the civil action In re Exxon Valdez, No. 89-095-CV (HRH) (Consolidated) (D. Alaska), or their heirs or dependents, to: (1) elect to average, for income tax purposes, income received in settlement of such civil action for the period beginning on January 1, 1994, and ending on December 31 of the year in which any settlement income is received; and (2) make contributions of any amount of such settlement income to certain tax-exempt retirement plans in the year such income is received.

valdez oil spill tax treatment act allows taxpayers plaintiffs civil action valdez consolidated alaska heirs dependents elect average income tax purposes income received settlement civil action period beginning january ending december year settlement income received contributions settlement income certain tax exempt retirement plans year income received


Summary: Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2007 - Places specified restrictions on the sale, transfer, or use of cluster munitions.

cluster_munitions_civilian_protection act places specified restrictions sale transfer use cluster munitions


Summary: Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Pakistan, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigate MCINERNEY; (2) Greece, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships OSPREY and ROBIN; (3) Chile, the KAISER class oiler ANDREW J. HIGGINS; and (4) Peru, the NEWPORT class amphibious tank landing ships FRESNO and RACINE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.

naval vessel transfer act authorizes president transfer grant basis pakistan oliver_hazard perry class guided missile class coastal ships class class tank landing ships fresno states value vessels transferred grant basis shall counted aggregate value excess defense articles transferred countries fiscal year foreign assistance_act transfer costs shall charged recipient maximum extent practicable country vessel transferred shall necessary vessel repair refurbishment carried shipyards including navy shipyards terminates transfer authority years enactment act


Summary: Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, U.S. military assistance to be provided to Pakistan unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Pakistan is: (1) making Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan available for U.S. questioning; and (2) providing adequate assurances that it will monitor Khan's activities in order to prevent his participation in any efforts to disseminate nuclear technology.

prohibits national interest waiver military assistance provided pakistan president certifies congress government pakistan making available questioning providing adequate assurances monitor activities order prevent participation efforts disseminate nuclear technology


Summary: Strengthening America's Satellite Industry Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should increase U.S. diplomatic efforts to strengthen arms export controls to ensure that such controls are supportive of U.S. arms export controls, particularly with respect to countries of concern to the United States. Requires the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees for five years regarding such diplomatic activities. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that information regarding certain defense items exported without a license under the Arms Control and Export Act be included in the annual military assistance report. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to direct the President to report to Congress, by country and by international organization, regarding the total dollar value of major defense equipment and defense articles exported pursuant to licenses for the previous fiscal year. Authorizes the President to remove satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List, except for any satellite or related component that may be transferred to, or launched into outer space by, the People's Republic of China (PRC). Directs the Inspector General of the Department of State to: (1) review Department investigations of possible misuse of U.S.-origin defense items; and (2) and report to Congress. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress regarding placing the export licensing functions of the Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls on a self-financing basis.

strengthening_america satellite industry act expresses sense congress president increase diplomatic efforts strengthen arms export controls ensure controls supportive arms export controls particularly respect countries concern united_states requires president report annually appropriate congressional committees years diplomatic activities amends foreign assistance_act require information certain defense items exported license arms control export act included annual military assistance report amends arms_export_control_act direct president report congress country international organization total dollar value major defense equipment defense articles exported pursuant licenses previous fiscal year authorizes president remove satellites related components united_states_munitions_list satellite related component transferred launched outer space people republic china prc directs inspector_general department_of_state review department investigations possible misuse defense items report congress directs secretary state report congress placing export licensing functions department directorate defense trade controls self financing basis