Summary:
No Exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act

This bill requires Members of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and executive branch political appointees to purchase health insurance through a health insurance exchange. These officials may receive a federal subsidy or contribution to the costs of coverage only if the subsidy or contribution is otherwise available to individuals at a similar income level.

exemption washington obamacare act bill requires members congress president vice president executive branch political appointees purchase health insurance health insurance exchange officials receive federal subsidy contribution costs coverage subsidy contribution available individuals similar income level


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Equitable Employee Accountability Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) suspend a VA employee without pay if the employee's performance or misconduct is a clear and direct threat to public health or safety; and (2) remove a suspended employee when, after investigation and review, removal is determined necessary for public health or safety interests.

A suspended employee is entitled, after suspension and before removal, to:

 a written statement of the specific charges and an opportunity to answer the charges and submit affidavits, a case review by the VA before a decision adverse to the employee is made final, and a written statement of the VA's decision. A VA employee who is suspended or removed is entitled to: (1) appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board; and (2) back pay, less amounts otherwise earned during such period, if the suspension or removal is determined to be unwarranted.

The VA shall:

 conduct an annual performance plan for each political appointee that is similar to that conducted for VA Senior Executive Service employees; provide managers with training on the rights of whistle blowers and how to address reports of hostile work environment, reprisal, or harassment; and develop a promotional track for technical expert employees that allows for career advancement without being required to transition to management positions. Evaluation of VA managers shall include actions taken to address employee performance.

Before terminating VA employment an official who has participated personally and substantially in a VA acquisition that exceeds $1 million or held a key acquisitions position at the VA shall obtain a written opinion from a VA ethics counselor regarding any restrictions on activities that the official may undertake on behalf of a contractor during the two-year period after the official terminates VA employment.

A contractor may not knowingly provide compensation to such an individual during the two-year period unless the contractor determines that the individual has obtained or requested such written opinion.

The VA may not place an individual subject to disciplinary action on administrative leave for more than 14 business days during any 365-day period.

department_of_veterans_affairs equitable employee accountability_act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs suspend employee pay employee performance misconduct clear direct threat public health safety remove suspended employee investigation review removal determined necessary public health safety interests suspended employee entitled suspension removal written statement specific charges opportunity answer charges submit affidavits case review decision adverse employee final written statement decision employee suspended removed entitled appeal merit_systems_protection_board pay amounts earned period suspension removal determined unwarranted shall conduct annual performance plan political appointee similar conducted va_senior_executive_service employees provide managers training rights whistle blowers address reports hostile work environment reprisal harassment develop promotional track technical expert employees allows career advancement required transition management positions evaluation managers shall include actions taken address employee performance terminating employment official participated personally substantially acquisition exceeds million held key acquisitions position shall obtain written opinion ethics counselor restrictions activities official undertake behalf contractor year period official terminates employment contractor knowingly provide compensation individual year period contractor determines individual obtained requested written opinion place individual subject disciplinary action administrative leave business days day period


Summary:
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2015 or the Fair Chance Act

 (Sec. 2) This bill prohibits an executive agency, including the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Regulatory Commission, and the Executive Office of the President, from requesting an applicant for federal employment to disclose criminal history record information before a conditional offer of employment is made to the applicant. Exceptions to this prohibition are allowed for positions that, by law, require consideration of criminal history, that involve sensitive or classified information, that are law enforcement positions, or that are positions identified in regulations by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as requiring consideration of criminal history information. The OPM regulations must be consistent with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other relevant federal civil rights laws.

OPM must develop, implement, and publish a policy to assist agency employees in complying with the disclosure prohibition and a complaint process for employment applicants who are improperly asked to disclose their criminal history information. OPM shall take adverse action against any agency employee who violates the disclosure prohibition.

The bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the federal judicial code to apply the disclosure prohibition to the legislative and judicial branches, respectively.

 (Sec. 3) The bill: (1) prohibits an executive agency from requiring an individual or sole proprietor who submits a bid for a civilian agency or defense contract to disclose criminal history record information before a conditional offer is made with respect to such contract; and (2) requires, as a condition of receiving a contract and payments, that a contractor may not request the disclosure of criminal history record information about an applicant for a position related to work under such contract before the contractor extends a conditional offer to the applicant. Exceptions to the prohibition include sensitive positions, positions that, by law, require consideration of criminal history, and other positions identified in General Services Administration regulations as requiring consideration of criminal history information.

(Sec. 4) The Bureau of Justice Statistics in the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Bureau of the Census, must design and initiate a study on the employment of individuals (not including aliens who have been or will be removed from the United States for a violation of the immigration laws) who have completed a prison term for a federal criminal offense. The study must use demographic data and data on employment and earnings of such individuals who are denied employment, including the reasons for denial. The Bureau must report on such study to specified congressional committees not later than two years after the enactment of this Act and every five years thereafter. Such report may not include any personally identifiable information.

fair chance compete jobs_act fair chance act sec bill prohibits executive agency including postal_service postal_regulatory_commission executive_office president requesting applicant federal employment disclose criminal history record information conditional offer employment applicant exceptions prohibition allowed positions law require consideration criminal history involve sensitive classified information law enforcement positions positions identified regulations office_of_personnel_management opm requiring consideration criminal history information opm regulations consistent civil rights act relevant federal civil rights laws opm develop implement publish policy assist agency employees complying disclosure prohibition complaint process employment applicants improperly asked disclose criminal history information opm shall adverse action agency employee violates disclosure prohibition bill amends congressional_accountability_act federal judicial code apply disclosure prohibition legislative judicial branches respectively sec bill prohibits executive agency requiring individual sole submits bid civilian agency defense contract disclose criminal history record information conditional offer respect contract requires condition receiving contract payments contractor request disclosure criminal history record information applicant position related work contract contractor extends conditional offer applicant exceptions prohibition include sensitive positions positions law require consideration criminal history positions identified general_services_administration regulations requiring consideration criminal history information sec bureau_of_justice_statistics office_of_justice_programs_of_the_department_of_justice coordination bureau_of_the_census design initiate study employment individuals including aliens removed united_states violation immigration laws completed prison term federal criminal offense study use demographic data data employment earnings individuals denied employment including reasons denial bureau report study specified congressional committees later years enactment act years report include personally identifiable information


Summary:
Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2015

This bill requires federal employees furloughed or required to work due to a lapse in appropriations beginning on or after October 1, 2015, to be compensated after the lapse in appropriations ends. Employees required to work during the lapse in appropriations are permitted to use leave. The bill addresses a lapse in appropriations scheduled to occur if FY2016 appropriations legislation is not enacted prior to the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1, 2015.

federal employee fair treatment act bill requires federal employees required work lapse appropriations beginning october compensated lapse appropriations ends employees required work lapse appropriations permitted use leave bill addresses lapse appropriations scheduled occur fy2016 appropriations legislation enacted prior beginning fiscal year october


Summary:
No Government No Pay Act of 2015

 A Member of Congress may not receive pay, during a government shutdown, equal to the product of the Member's daily rate of pay and the number of 24-hour periods during which the government shutdown is in effect. This prohibition shall apply on and after the convening of the 115th Congress.

government pay act member congress receive pay government shutdown equal product member daily rate pay number hour periods government shutdown effect prohibition shall apply convening congress


Summary:
Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2015

TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY

(Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies to give priority to a request for a transfer submitted by an employee if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPD) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall submit a report about retaliation against employees in probationary status.

(Sec. 103) The OSC, in carrying out duties to protect employees and applicants, is authorized to: (1) have access to all material available to an agency that relates to a matter within the OSC's jurisdiction, and (2) request necessary information or assistance from any agency.

(Sec. 104) The bill prohibits federal employees with authority over personnel actions from accessing the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment in retaliation for the employee's or applicant's: (1) disclosure of information reasonably believed to evidence any violation of any law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; (2) disclosure to, or cooperation with, the OSC or an agency inspector general; (3) exercise of an appeal, complaint, or grievance right; (4) testimony for, or assistance to, an individual exercising such rights; or (5) refusal to obey an order or regulation that would require the individual to violate a law.

(Sec. 105) If an agency head, an administrative law judge, the MSPB, the OSC, an adjudicating body under a union contract, a federal judge, or an agency inspector general determines that a supervisor committed certain prohibited personnel actions against a whistleblower, the agency shall propose a minimum 12-day suspension for a first violation or removal for a second violation. An agency must carry out the suspension or removal if, after providing the supervisor an opportunity to answer and furnish evidence, the agency determines that the supervisor's evidence is insufficient to reverse the proposed suspension or removal.

(Sec. 106) Agencies must refer employee suicides to the OSC if: (1) prior to death, the employee made certain whistleblower disclosures; and (2) after the disclosure, a personnel action was taken against the employee.

(Sec. 107) Agencies must train supervisors regarding how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistleblower protections.

(Sec. 108) Each agency must: (1) provide information regarding whistleblower protections to new employees during the probationary period, (2) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistleblower protection, and (3) make information about such protections available on the agency's website.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES

(Sec. 201) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must submit a plan to prevent access to the medical records of VA employees by other VA employees who are not authorized to access such records. The plan must describe: (1) the circumstances in which a VA employee who is not a health care provider would be authorized to access such records, and (2) the steps the VA will take to ensure that a VA employee may not access such records to retrieve demographic information that is available in another location or through another format.

(Sec. 202) The VA must conduct an outreach program to inform its employees of available mental health services, including telemedicine options.

(Sec. 203) The VA must ensure protocols are in effect to address threats from individuals receiving VA health care directed towards VA employees who are providing such care.

(Sec. 204) The GAO shall assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of the VA police officers at VA medical centers.

whistleblower protection act title employees generally sec bill directs federal agencies priority request transfer submitted employee merit systems protections board grants stay personnel action request office_of_special_counsel determines personnel action taken taken result prohibited personnel practice employee individual probationary status seeks corrective action government_accountability_office gao shall submit report retaliation employees probationary status sec carrying duties protect employees applicants authorized access material available agency relates matter jurisdiction request necessary information assistance agency sec bill prohibits federal employees authority personnel actions accessing medical records employee applicant employment retaliation employee applicant disclosure information reasonably believed evidence violation law rule regulation gross mismanagement gross waste funds abuse authority substantial specific danger public health safety disclosure cooperation agency inspector_general exercise appeal complaint grievance right testimony assistance individual exercising rights refusal obey order regulation require individual violate law sec agency head administrative law judge mspb adjudicating body union contract federal judge agency inspector_general determines supervisor committed certain prohibited personnel actions whistleblower agency shall propose minimum day suspension violation removal second violation agency carry suspension removal providing supervisor opportunity answer furnish evidence agency determines supervisor evidence insufficient reverse proposed suspension removal sec agencies refer employee suicides prior death employee certain whistleblower disclosures disclosure personnel action taken employee sec agencies train supervisors respond complaints alleging violation whistleblower protections sec agency provide information whistleblower protections new employees probationary period inform employees role mspb regard whistleblower protection information protections available agency website title department_of_veterans_affairs employees sec department_of_veterans_affairs submit plan prevent access medical records employees employees authorized access records plan describe circumstances employee health_care provider authorized access records steps ensure employee access records retrieve demographic information available location format sec conduct outreach program inform employees available mental health services including telemedicine options sec ensure protocols effect address threats individuals receiving health_care directed employees providing care sec gao shall assess reporting staffing accountability chain command structure police officers medical centers


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill limits the term of the Librarian of Congress to 10 years.

The individual appointed to the position may be reappointed in accordance with this requirement.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated librarian congress succession modernization act sec bill limits term librarian congress years individual appointed position reappointed accordance requirement


Summary:
Administrative Leave Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill expresses the sense of Congress that:

 federal agency use of administrative leave has exceeded reasonable amounts, resulting in significant cost to the federal government; administrative leave should be used sparingly; an agency should consider other actions to address personnel issues, including temporary reassignment, transfer, and telework; an agency should prioritize and expeditiously conclude an investigation in which an employee is placed in administrative leave so that the employee is returned to duty status or an appropriate personnel action is taken by the conclusion of the leave period; there are too many examples of employees placed in administrative leave for six months or longer; an agency should ensure accurate and consistent recording of the use of administrative leave so that such leave can be managed and overseen effectively; and other forms of excused absence authorized by law should be recorded separately from administrative leave. (Sec. 3) The bill: (1) prohibits an agency from placing an employee in administrative leave for more than five consecutive days; (2) requires agencies to record administrative leave separately from other types of leave; (3) requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations with respect to acceptable agency uses of, and proper recording of, administrative leave and other leave authorized by law; (4) directs agencies to revise and implement their internal policies to meet the requirements of this bill; and (5) requires OPM to report to specified congressional committees on agency use of administrative leave.

(Sec. 4) In lieu of administrative leave, agencies may place an employee in investigative or notice leave if the employee is under investigation or the target of an adverse action. An agency may not place an employee in investigative or notice leave unless the continued presence of the employee in the workplace may pose a threat, cause loss of, or damage to, government property, or otherwise jeopardize legitimate government interests. Before placing an employee on investigative or notice leave, an agency must consider other options, including reassigning the employee, allowing the employee to take available leave, allowing the employee to telework, or treating the employee as absent without leave. The day after a period of investigative leave ends, the agency shall take one of such options, return the employee to regular duty status, propose or initiate an adverse action against the employee, or extend the period of investigative leave. The bill sets forth requirements for extending such leave.

The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall issue guidance on best practices for consultation between an investigator and an agency on the need to place an employee in investigative leave.

(Sec. 5) Agencies may grant leave to employees without loss of or reduction in pay, other leave, or credit for time or service if, due to an act of God, a terrorist attack, or another condition, such employees are prevented from safely traveling to or performing work at an approved location.

(Sec. 6) OPM must report to Congress within three years on whether agency policies comply with the requirements of this bill.

administrative leave act sec bill expresses sense congress federal agency use administrative leave exceeded reasonable amounts resulting significant cost federal_government administrative leave agency consider actions address personnel issues including temporary reassignment transfer telework agency prioritize expeditiously conclude investigation employee placed administrative leave employee returned duty status appropriate personnel action taken conclusion leave period examples employees placed administrative leave months longer agency ensure accurate consistent recording use administrative leave leave managed overseen effectively forms absence authorized law recorded separately administrative leave sec bill prohibits agency placing employee administrative leave consecutive days requires agencies record administrative leave separately types leave requires office_of_personnel_management opm prescribe regulations respect acceptable agency uses proper recording administrative leave leave authorized law directs agencies revise implement internal policies meet requirements bill requires opm report specified congressional committees agency use administrative leave sec lieu administrative leave agencies place employee investigative notice leave employee investigation target adverse action agency place employee investigative notice leave continued presence employee workplace pose threat cause loss damage government property jeopardize legitimate government interests placing employee investigative notice leave agency consider options including employee allowing employee available leave allowing employee telework treating employee absent leave day period investigative leave ends agency shall options return employee regular duty status propose initiate adverse action employee extend period investigative leave bill sets forth requirements extending leave council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency shall issue guidance best practices consultation investigator agency need place employee investigative leave sec agencies grant leave employees loss reduction pay leave credit time service act god terrorist attack condition employees prevented safely traveling performing work approved location sec opm report congress years agency policies comply requirements bill


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct.

 A determination that the performance or misconduct warrants removal or demotion may consist of any of the following:

 neglect of duty; malfeasance; failure to accept a directed reassignment or transfer of function; violation of VA policy; violation of law; insubordination; overprescription of medication; or purposeful omission, including by a supervisor, from an electronic wait list of the name of one or more veterans waiting for VA health care. The VA may also remove such individual from the civil service or demote the individual through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate.

A demoted individual: (1) shall be paid at the demoted rate as of the date of demotion, (2) may not be placed on administrative leave or any other category of paid leave while an appeal is ongoing, and (3) may only receive pay and other benefits if the individual reports for duty.

The VA shall notify Congress of, and the reason for, any removal or demotion.

An employee shall have the right to an appeal before the Merit Systems Protection Board within seven days of removal or demotion. An administrative law judge shall have to make a final decision within 45 days of such appeal or the original decision becomes final. The Board or an administrative judge may not stay any removal or demotion.

Between the date on which an individual appeals a removal from the civil service and the date on which the administrative judge issues a final decision on the appeal, the individual may not receive any pay, awards, bonuses, incentives, allowances, differentials, student loan repayments, special payments, or benefits.

The VA may not remove or demote an employee without the approval of the Special Counsel if the individual seeks corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel based on an alleged prohibited personnel practice.

The Special Counsel may terminate an investigation of a prohibited personnel practice alleged by a VA employee or former employee after it has given the individual a written statement of the reasons for the termination.

 The Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network may contract with an entity specializing in civilian accreditation or health care evaluation to investigate any medical center within the Network to assess deficiencies at such medical center.

 The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on VA implementation of the Veterans Choice Program.

department_of_veterans_affairs accountability_act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs remove demote employee based performance misconduct determination performance misconduct warrants removal demotion consist following neglect duty failure accept directed reassignment transfer function violation policy violation law medication omission including supervisor electronic wait list veterans waiting health_care remove individual civil service demote individual reduction grade annual pay rate demoted individual shall paid demoted rate date demotion placed administrative leave category paid leave appeal ongoing receive pay benefits individual reports duty shall notify congress reason removal demotion employee shall right appeal merit_systems_protection_board seven days removal demotion administrative law judge shall final decision days appeal original decision final board administrative judge stay removal demotion date individual appeals removal civil service date administrative judge issues final decision appeal individual receive pay awards bonuses incentives allowances differentials student loan repayments special payments benefits remove demote employee approval special_counsel individual seeks corrective action office_of_special_counsel based alleged prohibited personnel practice special_counsel terminate investigation prohibited personnel practice alleged employee employee given individual written statement reasons termination director veterans_integrated_service_network contract entity specializing civilian accreditation health_care evaluation investigate medical center network assess deficiencies medical center government_accountability_office shall report congress implementation veterans_choice_program


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 22, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Federal Aviation Administration Veteran Transition Improvement Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill applies federal civil service requirements to leave used by disabled armed forces veterans in the personnel management system of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

To verify that leave credited to such an employee is used for treating a service-connected disability, the employee shall certify to FAA Human Resource Management that the employee used that leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for that disability by a health care provider.

measure amended passed senate september summary version repeated federal_aviation_administration veteran transition improvement act sec bill applies federal civil service requirements leave disabled armed_forces veterans personnel management system federal_aviation_administration faa verify leave credited employee treating service connected disability employee shall certify faa human resource management employee leave purposes furnished treatment disability health_care provider


Summary:
Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act of 2016 or the FAIR Act

This bill increases by 5.3% in FY2017 the rate of basic pay for federal employees under the statutory pay systems (relating to the General Schedule, the U.S. Foreign Service, and the Veterans Health Administration) and for prevailing rate employees.

federal adjustment income rates act fair act bill increases fy2017 rate basic pay federal employees statutory pay systems relating general_schedule foreign_service veterans_health_administration prevailing rate employees


Summary:
FDA and NIH Workforce Authorities Modernization Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the Silvio O. Conte Senior Biomedical Research Service to: (1) increase the limit on the number of members, (2) expand eligibility for appointment, (3) set a maximum pay rate, and (4) remove the option for members to contribute to the retirement system of an institution of higher education. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on these amendments.

(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) additional hiring authority for scientific, technical, or professional positions that support the development, review, and regulation of medical products. The FDA must report on its need for qualified individuals for such positions and must include a recruitment and retention plan. The GAO must report on the FDA’s ability to hire, train, and retain qualified staff.

(Sec. 4) The FDA must establish one or more Intercenter Institutes. Each institute must coordinate activities applicable to a major disease area among the FDA centers that review products. Activities may include coordinating staff with relevant expertise, streamlining product review, and enhancing interactions with patients, sponsors, and the biomedical community.

(Sec. 5) Scientific meetings directly related to the duties of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) professional must not be considered conferences for purposes of certain reporting requirements and restrictions on conference travel. Each division of HHS must report on scientific meeting attendance and related travel spending.

(Sec. 6) The bill revises Board of Directors membership, Executive Director compensation, and accounting for the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA.

(Sec. 7) The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to National Institutes of Health research.

(Sec. 9) For certain indications, the FDA may rely upon a summary of clinical data to approve a supplemental application for a drug.

(Sec. 10) The bill revises provisions regarding: (1) FDA screening of the Adverse Event Reporting System, and (2) evaluation of elements to assure safe use of drugs.

The FDA must publish: (1) best practices for using the Adverse Event Reporting System, (2) criteria for publishing adverse event information, and (3) best practices for drug safety surveillance activities for newly approved medications. The FDA no longer must prepare a summary analysis of adverse drug reaction reports for recently approved drugs.

(Sec. 11) Biological products are not subject to provisions that refer to an official compendium of drug information.

(Sec. 12) The manufacturer or distributor of an investigational drug for a serious condition must publish a policy for compassionate use of the drug.

(Sec. 13) HHS must finalize the guidance entitled “Expanded Access to Investigational Drugs for Treatment Use--Qs & As.” The guidance must explain how HHS uses adverse drug event data from compassionate use.

(Sec. 14) This bill amends the Orphan Drug Act to authorize HHS to defray all the costs of development of orphan drugs (drugs for rare conditions), instead of only certain testing expenses.

(Sec. 15) HHS must facilitate the development of standards to support development and review of regenerative medicine and advanced therapies.

(Sec. 16) FDA guidance must include specified information, including the statutory provisions or regulations that are the basis for policy decisions.

(Sec. 17) The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to voluntary collection of information during a public health emergency or while determining whether there is a public health emergency.

(Sec. 18) The bill revises provisions regarding:

 movement of impounded drugs, pediatric study plans, reporting on drug shortages, reporting on inspections of establishments manufacturing drugs or medical devices, requests to classify medical devices, priority review of qualified infectious disease products, use of clinical investigation data from outside the United States, and medical gasses. The bill makes technical changes to various provisions regarding medical products.

fda nih workforce authorities modernization act sec bill amends public_health_service_act revise senior biomedical research service increase limit number members expand eligibility appointment set maximum pay rate remove option members contribute retirement system institution higher education government_accountability_office gao report amendments sec bill amends federal food drug cosmetic act grant food_and_drug_administration fda additional hiring authority scientific technical professional positions support development review regulation medical products fda report need qualified individuals positions include recruitment retention plan gao report fda ability hire train retain qualified staff sec fda establish institutes institute coordinate activities applicable major disease area fda centers review products activities include coordinating staff relevant expertise streamlining product review enhancing interactions patients sponsors biomedical community sec scientific meetings directly related duties department_of_health_and_human_services hhs professional considered conferences purposes certain reporting requirements restrictions conference travel division hhs report scientific meeting attendance related travel spending sec bill revises board_of_directors membership executive director compensation accounting reagan udall foundation fda sec paperwork reduction act apply national_institutes_of_health research sec certain indications fda rely summary clinical data approve supplemental application drug sec bill revises provisions fda screening adverse event reporting system evaluation elements assure safe use drugs fda publish best practices adverse event reporting system criteria publishing adverse event information best practices drug safety surveillance activities newly approved medications fda longer prepare summary analysis adverse drug reaction reports recently approved drugs sec biological products subject provisions refer official drug information sec manufacturer distributor investigational drug condition publish policy compassionate use drug sec hhs finalize guidance entitled expanded access investigational drugs treatment use guidance explain hhs uses adverse drug event data compassionate use sec bill amends orphan drug act authorize hhs defray costs development orphan drugs drugs rare conditions instead certain testing expenses sec hhs facilitate development standards support development review medicine advanced therapies sec fda guidance include specified information including statutory provisions regulations basis policy decisions sec paperwork reduction act apply voluntary collection information public health emergency determining public health emergency sec bill revises provisions movement drugs pediatric study plans reporting drug shortages reporting inspections establishments manufacturing drugs medical devices requests classify medical devices priority review qualified infectious disease products use clinical investigation data outside united_states medical bill makes technical changes provisions medical products


Summary:
Security Clearance Oversight and Accountability Act

This bill requires the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, rather than the Inspector General of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to exercise the duties and responsibilities of an Inspector General under the Inspector General Act of 1978 with respect to OPM's National Background Investigation Bureau.

security clearance oversight accountability_act bill requires inspector_general department_of_defense inspector_general office_of_personnel_management opm exercise duties responsibilities inspector_general inspector_general act respect opm national background investigation bureau


Summary:
Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to extend specified whistle-blower protections to employees of congressional offices and committees, the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of the Attending Physician, the Office of Compliance, the Government Accountability Office, and the Library of Congress.

congressional whistleblower protection act bill amends congressional_accountability_act extend specified whistle blower protections employees congressional offices committees office congressional accessibility services capitol_police congressional_budget_office office architect capitol office attending physician office_of_compliance government_accountability_office library_of_congress


Summary:
Flexible Hiring and Improving Recruitment, Retention, and Education Act of 2016 or the Flexible HIRE Act

This bill allows the President to authorize agencies to appoint candidates directly to positions that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has determined are in geographic areas affected by a unique situation or circumstance that has directly and significantly affected employee recruitment and retention.

In areas within the continental United States in which recruitment and retention have become a severe challenge as the direct result of a dramatic economic development, hardship, or remoteness, the President may permit agencies to appoint candidates without using the statutory preference eligible veteran procedures that would otherwise require such agencies to provide experience credits, award examination points, or restrict competition to certain veterans and families of disabled or deceased veterans. Agencies must still prioritize the hiring of veterans by following regulatory principles regarding the appointment of qualified veterans to competitive service positions.

For positions in such areas, the OPM may establish higher minimum rates of pay and authorize agencies to pay bonuses for recruitment, relocation, or retention.

The OPM must replace the $10 per day cap on the commuting allowance for employees assigned to remote worksites with the mileage reimbursement rate prescribed by the General Services Administration for the use of privately owned automobiles for official government business.

Agencies may pay an allowance to employees assigned to sites remote from: (1) established communities, suitable residences, or affordable housing; (2) medical care, child care, or schools; (3) employment options for spouses; or (4) consumer goods and services.

The OPM must establish a permanent hiring working group to help agencies prepare and deal with such geographic areas.

Agencies must: (1) create pilot programs to increase the number of new employees placed in these unique geographic areas; (2) develop strategies to aide employees' spouses and families; and (3) enhance recruiting methods targeting colleges, veterans transition centers, and job placement programs in such areas.

The OPM must establish a centralized electronic database of individuals completing a federal internship program who are seeking full-time federal employment.

flexible hiring improving recruitment retention education act flexible hire act bill allows president authorize agencies appoint candidates directly positions office_of_personnel_management opm determined geographic areas affected unique situation circumstance directly significantly affected employee recruitment retention areas continental united_states recruitment retention severe challenge direct result economic development hardship president permit agencies appoint candidates statutory preference eligible veteran procedures require agencies provide experience credits award examination points restrict competition certain veterans families disabled deceased veterans agencies prioritize hiring veterans following regulatory principles appointment qualified veterans competitive service positions positions areas opm establish higher minimum rates pay authorize agencies pay bonuses recruitment relocation retention opm replace day cap commuting allowance employees assigned remote worksites mileage reimbursement rate prescribed general_services_administration use privately owned automobiles official government business agencies pay allowance employees assigned sites remote established communities suitable residences affordable housing medical care child care schools employment options spouses consumer goods services opm establish permanent hiring working_group help agencies prepare deal geographic areas agencies create pilot programs increase number new employees placed unique geographic areas develop strategies aide employees spouses families enhance recruiting methods targeting colleges veterans transition centers job placement programs areas opm establish centralized electronic database individuals completing federal internship program seeking time federal employment


Summary: This bill exempts retired air traffic controllers from a reduction to their Federal Employees Retirement System annuity supplement (on account of their earnings for work performed while entitled to the annuity after their separation from federal service) during any period in which they are employed full time as air traffic control instructors under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.

bill exempts retired air traffic controllers reduction federal_employees_retirement_system annuity supplement account earnings work performed entitled annuity separation federal service period employed time air traffic control instructors contract federal_aviation_administration


Summary:
Modernizing Government Travel Act

This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to prescribe regulations to provide for the reimbursement of federal employees traveling on official business for the use of a transportation network company or an innovative mobility technology company. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall prescribe such regulations regarding the reimbursement of judicial branch employees.

An "innovative mobility technology company" is an entity that applies technology to expand and enhance available transportation choices, better manage demand for transportation services, and provide alternatives to driving alone. A "transportation network company" is an entity that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers.

Each agency shall submit to the General Services Administration (GSA) by November 31 of each year an analysis of the total costs of transportation service by type and of the total number of trips using each transportation type for official travel.

By January 31 of each year, the GSA shall submit to the OMB and specified congressional committees:

 an examination of the data and analyses on employee travel and transportation submitted by specified federal departments and agencies with Chief Financial Officers, a survey of such data and analyses for other agencies, and a description of any regulations or changes in employee travel and transportation regulations promulgated during the previous year.

modernizing government travel act bill requires general_services_administration gsa prescribe regulations provide reimbursement federal employees traveling official business use transportation network company innovative mobility technology company administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts shall prescribe regulations reimbursement judicial_branch employees innovative mobility technology company entity applies technology expand enhance available transportation choices better manage demand transportation services provide alternatives driving transportation network company entity uses digital network connect riders drivers agency shall submit general_services_administration gsa november year analysis total costs transportation service type total number trips transportation type official travel january year gsa shall submit omb specified congressional committees examination data analyses employee travel transportation submitted specified federal departments agencies chief financial officers survey data analyses agencies description regulations changes employee travel transportation regulations promulgated previous year


Summary:
Death Gratuity Equity Act of 2016

This bill requires federal agencies to pay a death gratuity of $100,000 per employee for the death of civilian employees resulting from injuries sustained in the line of duty that did not result from natural causes or the employee's serious and willful misconduct. The bill also allows an additional payment of up to $8,800 for funeral and burial expenses. (Currently, funeral and burial payments may not exceed $800 per employee and the combination of payments for death gratuity, funeral, burial, and other compensation and reimbursements may not exceed $10,000 per employee.)

The amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation. For tax purposes, a death gratuity payment shall not be considered gross income to the person receiving payment.

The death gratuity remains at $100,000 for an employee who dies of injuries incurred in connection with service with an Armed Force in a contingency operation, except that employees who are noncitizens and nonresidents of the United States or Canada, and their dependents, are subject to the Department of Labor's authority to modify payments that are substantially disproportionate to compensation for disability or death payable in similar cases under local laws or customs at the place outside the continental United States or Canada where the employee is working at the time of injury. The bill also allows such death gratuities in connection with such Armed Force service to be paid in addition to any other amounts paid under U.S. law based on the same death.

The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to make death gratuities payable to the surviving beneficiaries (currently, dependents) of U.S. Foreign Service employees, or individuals in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency in support of a diplomatic mission, who die as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad. But the Foreign Service death gratuity is reduced by the amount of any federal civilian employee death gratuity paid under this bill for the same death.

Additional amounts are authorized to be appropriated for death gratuity payments under this bill if an agency and the Office of Management and Budget determine that a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other incident results in the inability of the agency to meet these death gratuity payment requirements. An authorized payment that exceeds the amount available to the agency without additional appropriations may be made only if Congress makes the additional appropriations for that purpose.

death gratuity equity act bill requires federal agencies pay death gratuity employee death civilian employees resulting injuries sustained line duty result natural causes employee willful misconduct bill allows additional payment funeral burial expenses currently funeral burial payments exceed employee combination payments death gratuity funeral burial compensation reimbursements exceed employee amounts adjusted annually inflation tax purposes death gratuity payment shall considered gross income person receiving payment death gratuity remains employee dies injuries incurred connection service armed force contingency operation employees noncitizens nonresidents united_states canada dependents subject department_of_labor authority modify payments substantially disproportionate compensation disability death payable similar cases local laws customs place outside continental united_states canada employee working time injury bill allows death gratuities connection armed force service paid addition amounts paid law based death foreign_service act amended death gratuities payable surviving beneficiaries currently dependents foreign_service employees individuals special category serving uncompensated capacity agency support diplomatic mission die result injuries sustained performance duty abroad foreign_service death gratuity reduced federal civilian employee death gratuity paid bill death additional amounts authorized appropriated death gratuity payments bill agency office_of_management_and_budget determine natural disaster act terrorism incident results inability agency meet death gratuity payment requirements authorized payment exceeds available agency additional appropriations congress makes additional appropriations purpose


Summary:
CBP Hiring and Retention Act of 2016 or the CBP HiRe Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pay a retention bonus to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees performing activities that are critical to border security upon determining that such an employee would otherwise likely leave federal service or leave for a different position.

A retention bonus service agreement shall include the length of required service and the amount and method of payment of the bonus.

DHS may pay a special rate of pay (up to 125% of basic pay) to such CBP employees whose permanent duty stations are located in remote locations or other geographic areas for which finding employees is difficult. Such special pay authority terminates after two years but may be extended for another two years.

If an applicant for a CBP position does not successfully complete a required polygraph examination, the CBP may not disclose the polygraph results to any other federal agency or DHS component and such other agency or component may not use the results in determining whether to appoint such individual. Such limitations terminate after one year but may be extended for another year.

DHS shall provide each CBP applicant who will be required to successfully complete a polygraph examination before his or her appointment a list of disqualifying actions or conduct of, or events relating to, the applicant.

cbp hiring retention act cbp hire act bill authorizes department_of_homeland_security dhs pay retention bonus customs border_protection cbp employees performing activities critical border_security determining employee likely leave federal service leave different position retention bonus service agreement shall include length required service method payment bonus dhs pay special rate pay basic pay cbp employees permanent duty stations located remote locations geographic areas finding employees difficult special pay authority terminates years extended years applicant cbp position successfully complete required polygraph examination cbp disclose polygraph results federal agency dhs component agency component use results determining appoint individual limitations terminate year extended year dhs shall provide cbp applicant required successfully complete polygraph examination appointment list disqualifying actions conduct events relating applicant


Summary:
Federal Supervisor Training Act of 2016

This bill requires federal agencies to establish supervisor training programs that: (1) require supervisors and management officials to have individual development plans for training on actions, options, and strategies to use for supervisory functions regarding the performance and productivity of agency employees; (2) train supervisors on prohibited personnel practices and employee rights; and (3) provide experienced supervisor mentors to advise new or underperforming supervisors.

The bill expands manager training program requirements for employee performance appraisals, mentoring, and management of unacceptable employee performance into mandatory supervisor and manager training programs that also include supervisor training on:

 fostering equal opportunities and fairness in the workplace; using probationary periods to examine whether employees are performing at an acceptable level to continue their employment; addressing reports of hostile work environment, retaliation, or harassment; meeting supervisor competencies established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the employing agency; and collaborating with human resources to recruit, select, appraise, and reward employees based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. After initial training on each program component, supervisors must complete subsequent training every three years.

Agencies must develop a career track for mission critical technical expert employees that affords such employees the opportunity for career advancement without being required to be appointed to a management or supervisory position.

The OPM must issue guidance to agencies on competencies supervisors are expected to meet in order to effectively manage the performance of employees. Each agency must assess the performance of supervisors and the overall capacity of its supervisors.

federal supervisor training_act bill requires federal agencies establish supervisor training programs require supervisors management officials individual development plans training actions options strategies use supervisory functions performance productivity agency employees train supervisors prohibited personnel practices employee rights provide experienced supervisor mentors advise new underperforming supervisors bill expands manager training program requirements employee performance appraisals mentoring management unacceptable employee performance mandatory supervisor manager training programs include supervisor training fostering equal opportunities fairness workplace probationary periods examine employees performing acceptable level continue employment addressing reports hostile work environment retaliation harassment meeting supervisor competencies established office_of_personnel_management opm employing agency collaborating human resources recruit select appraise reward employees based organizational goals budget considerations staffing needs initial training program component supervisors complete subsequent training years agencies develop career track mission critical technical expert employees affords employees opportunity career advancement required appointed management supervisory position opm issue guidance agencies competencies supervisors expected meet order effectively manage performance employees agency assess performance supervisors overall capacity supervisors


Summary: Renames the basic employment eligibility verification pilot program established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 as the Employment Eligibility Verification System. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for permanent nationwide implementation of the System. Requires entities hiring individuals for employment in the United States to participate in such System. Phases in compliance requirements over a seven-year period according to the number of persons employed by the entity. Establishes sanctions for noncompliance. Provides for voluntary participation by entities not required to participate.

renames basic employment eligibility verification pilot program established illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act employment eligibility verification system directs secretary homeland_security provide permanent nationwide implementation system requires entities hiring individuals employment united_states participate system phases compliance requirements seven year period according number persons employed entity establishes sanctions noncompliance provides voluntary participation entities required participate


Summary: Rail Worker Emergency Training Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, to make grants to railroad carriers for costs incurred in instituting a rail worker emergency training program. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue detailed guidelines for a rail worker emergency training program to enhance rail worker training in preparation for and response to potential or actual terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a letter of noncompliance to rail carriers that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act.

rail worker emergency training_act directs secretary homeland_security coordination secretary transportation grants railroad carriers costs incurred instituting rail worker emergency training program directs secretary homeland_security issue detailed guidelines rail worker emergency training program enhance rail worker training preparation response potential actual terrorist attacks natural disasters emergencies authorizes secretary homeland_security issue letter noncompliance rail carriers fail comply requirements act


Summary: American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) trade adjustment assistance; (2) data collection; (3) industry-wide certifications; (4) trade adjustment assistance for farmers; (5) trade adjustment assistance for firms; and (6) trade adjustment assistance for service workers and firms and industries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and increase the health care tax credit. Establishes in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. Extends the trade adjustment assistance program through FY2012.

american competitiveness adjustment act_-_amends trade act respect trade adjustment assistance data collection industry wide certifications trade adjustment assistance farmers trade adjustment assistance firms trade adjustment assistance service workers firms industries amends_the_internal_revenue_code revise increase health_care tax credit establishes international_trade_administration department_of_commerce office trade adjustment assistance extends trade adjustment assistance program fy2012


Summary: Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants to regional consortia meeting specified criteria to improve the job skills necessary for employment in specific industries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to establish and support entities that provide business incubator services (necessary to initiate and sustain operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. Directs the Comptroller General to study how rural infrastructure, venture capital, and federal programs can enhance rural areas. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require employer notification of federal and state elected officials (as well as local ones) before dislocation of workers. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require submission of H-1B labor condition applications at same time as H-1B nonimmigrant classification petitions.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude certain amounts of severance payments from gross income; and (2) expand the work opportunity tax credit to include qualified small business employees.

rural america job assistance creation act_-_directs secretary labor matching grants regional consortia meeting specified criteria improve job skills necessary employment specific industries directs secretary commerce grants establish support entities provide business incubator services necessary initiate sustain operations newly established business including legal intellectual property technology services planning small- medium sized businesses directs comptroller_general study rural infrastructure venture capital federal programs enhance rural areas amends worker adjustment retraining notification act require employer notification federal state elected officials local ones workers amends immigration_and_nationality_act require submission h-1b labor condition applications time h-1b nonimmigrant classification petitions amends_the_internal_revenue_code exclude certain amounts severance payments gross income expand work opportunity tax credit include qualified small business employees


Summary: Green Jobs Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to: (1) establish an energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program that targets certain persons (including individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, veterans, unemployed workers, and at-risk youth) and sectors of the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries; and (2) establish a national research program to collect and analyze labor market data to track workforce trends resulting from energy-related initiatives under this Act. Directs the Secretary to award: (1) National Energy Training Partnerships Grants on a competitive basis to nonprofit partnerships to carry out training programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and develop an energy efficiency and renewable energy industries workforce; (2) grants to states to administer, in coordination with a one-stop delivery system, labor market and labor exchange programs that include funding to state agencies to identify job openings, administer skill and aptitude testing, and provide counseling and case management services; (3) energy training partnership program grants to states to administer renewable energy and energy efficiency workforce development programs; and (4) at least 10 Pathways Out of Poverty Demonstration Program competitive grants to community based nonprofit organizations to carry out training that leads to impoverished families gaining economic self-sufficiency. Applies certain worker protection and nondiscrimination requirements to the programs carried out in this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the training program established by this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

green jobs_act amends workforce investment act direct secretary labor secretary establish energy efficiency renewable energy worker training program targets certain persons including individuals need updated training related energy efficiency renewable energy industries veterans unemployed workers risk youth sectors energy efficiency renewable energy industries establish national research program collect analyze labor market data track workforce trends resulting energy related initiatives act directs secretary award national energy training partnerships grants competitive basis nonprofit partnerships carry training programs lead economic self sufficiency develop energy efficiency renewable energy industries workforce grants states administer coordination stop delivery system labor market labor exchange programs include funding state agencies identify job administer skill testing provide counseling case management services energy training partnership program grants states administer renewable energy energy efficiency workforce development programs pathways poverty demonstration program competitive grants community based nonprofit organizations carry training leads impoverished families gaining economic self sufficiency applies certain worker protection nondiscrimination requirements programs carried act directs secretary report congress training program established act authorizes appropriations


Summary: Forewarn Act of 2007 - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," and "mass layoff" for purposes of the Act to, among other things, make the Act applicable to employers of 50 or more employees (under current law, 100 employees). Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees and appropriate state and government officials before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; and (2) give notice of such closing or layoff to the Secretary of Labor (including the number of employees), to U.S. and state Senators and Representatives who represent the area in which the plant is located, and to the Governor of the state in which the plant is located and to the chief elected official of the unit of local government within such closing or layoff is to occur. Revises criteria used in determining whether a plant closing or mass layoff has occurred or will occur. Makes an employer who violates such notice requirements liable to the employee for two days of pay multiplied by the number of days short of the 90-days notice provided before such closing or layoff (under current law, for back pay) for each day of the violation for up to 90 days (under current law, 60 days). Authorizes the Secretary to bring a civil action on behalf of one or more employees for certain relief under the Act. Directs the Secretary to make educational materials concerning employee rights and employer responsibilities available to the general public and employers.

act amends worker adjustment retraining notification act act redefine terms employer plant closing mass layoff purposes act things act applicable employers employees current law employees requires employer day written notice current law day employees appropriate state government officials ordering plant closing mass layoff notice closing layoff secretary labor including number employees state senators representatives represent area plant located governor state plant located chief elected official unit local government closing layoff occur revises criteria determining plant closing mass layoff occurred occur makes employer violates notice requirements liable employee days pay multiplied number days short days notice provided closing layoff current law pay day violation days current law days authorizes secretary bring civil action behalf employees certain relief act directs secretary educational materials concerning employee rights employer responsibilities available general public employers


Summary: Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to revise requirements and reauthorize appropriations for: (1) WIA title I, workforce investment systems for job training and employment services; and (2) WIA title II, adult basic skills and family literacy education programs (renamed as the Adult Education, Basic Skills, and Family Literacy Education Act). Revises and reauthorizes workforce investment systems with respect to: (1) state and local planning, allocation, work force investment board membership, and performance accountability; (2) one-stop centers; (3) consolidated funding for adult program activities, including job training, dislocated worker retraining, the employment service system, and reemployment grants; (4) training programs for both out-of-school and in-school youth, including challenge grants; and (5) national job training programs, including the Job Corps and programs for Native Americans, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and veterans. Exempts religious organizations, with respect to their employment of individuals of a particular religion, from WIA nondiscrimination requirements. Sets forth provisions for the approval of state Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) plans for the carrying out of certain workforce development activities. Repeals Wagner-Peyser Act provisions relating to the U.S. Employment Service. Revises requirements and reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (2) the Helen Keller National Center Act.

workforce investment improvement act amends workforce investment act revise requirements reauthorize appropriations title workforce investment systems job training employment services title adult basic skills family literacy education programs renamed adult_education basic skills family literacy education act revises reauthorizes workforce investment systems respect state local planning allocation work force investment board membership performance accountability stop centers consolidated funding adult program activities including job training dislocated worker retraining employment service system reemployment grants training programs school school youth including challenge grants national job training programs including job_corps programs native americans migrant seasonal farmworkers veterans exempts religious organizations respect employment individuals particular religion nondiscrimination requirements sets forth provisions approval state workforce innovation regional economic development plans carrying certain workforce development activities repeals wagner act provisions relating employment service revises requirements reauthorizes appropriations vocational rehabilitation services rehabilitation act national center act


Summary: Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," "mass layoff", and "employees" for purposes of the Act. Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees (including part-time employees) and appropriate state and local governments before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; (2) notify the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) of such closing or layoff; and (3) provide affected employees with information regarding benefits and services available to them, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance, COBRA benefits, and certain other services. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who represent the area where such closing or mass layoff is to occur. Makes an employer who violates such notice requirements liable to the employee for, among other things, two days pay (under current law, back pay for each day of violation) multiplied by the number of days short of the required 90 day notice that was not given, including interest on such pay. Authorizes an affected employee to file a complaint against the employer individually and/or with the Secretary alleging a violation of the notice requirements. Requires the Secretary to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints of violations committed by an employer. Authorizes the Secretary to bring an action in court to recover on behalf of an affected employee any backpay, interest, benefits, and liquidated damages due to the employee. Requires an employer to post conspicuously upon its premises pertinent provisions of this Act and information on the filing of a complaint. Sets forth a civil penalty for willful violation of such requirement. Provides that the rights and remedies provided in this Act can't be waived. Requires the Secretary to maintain a guide on the benefits and services available to affected employees. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend COBRA continuation coverage for certain qualified Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) eligible employees.

early warning health_care workers affected act_-_amends worker adjustment retraining notification act act redefine terms employer plant closing mass layoff employees purposes act requires employer day written notice current law day employees including time employees appropriate state local governments ordering plant closing mass layoff notify secretary labor secretary closing layoff provide affected employees information benefits services available including unemployment compensation trade adjustment assistance cobra benefits certain services requires secretary notify appropriate senators members house_of_representatives represent area closing mass layoff occur makes employer violates notice requirements liable employee things days pay current law pay day violation multiplied number days short required day notice given including interest pay authorizes affected employee file complaint employer individually secretary alleging violation notice requirements requires secretary investigate attempt resolve complaints violations committed employer authorizes secretary bring action court recover behalf affected employee backpay interest benefits liquidated damages employee requires employer post conspicuously premises pertinent provisions act information filing complaint sets forth civil penalty willful violation requirement provides rights remedies provided act waived requires secretary maintain guide benefits services available affected employees amends employee retirement income security act erisa extend cobra continuation coverage certain qualified trade adjustment assistance taa eligible employees


Summary: Private Sector Whistleblower Protection Streamlining Act of 2007 - Sets forth whistleblower protections for private sector, state, and municipal employees who are retaliated or discriminated against by an employer for disclosing threats to public safety or violations of federal law. Authorizes a whistleblower who has been discharged or discriminated against by an employer to seek appropriate relief either by: (1) filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor; or (2) bringing an action at law or equity in the appropriate U.S. district court. Prohibits restrictions on whistleblowing and relief provided under this Act. Establishes the Whistleblower Protection Office within the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. Makes conforming whistleblower amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

private sector whistleblower protection streamlining act sets forth whistleblower protections private sector state municipal employees discriminated employer disclosing threats public safety violations federal law authorizes whistleblower discharged discriminated employer seek appropriate relief filing complaint secretary labor bringing action law equity appropriate district_court prohibits restrictions relief provided act establishes whistleblower protection office employment standards administration department_of_labor makes conforming whistleblower amendments occupational_safety_and_health_act federal_mine_safety_and_health_act


Summary: Gulf Coast Civic Works Act - Establishes the Gulf Coast Recovery Authority (Corporation). Requires the Corporation to: (1) administer a Gulf Coast Civic Works Project that employs a minimum of 100,000 Gulf Coast region residents and evacuees for public works projects to rebuild, sustain, and develop the Gulf Coast region; (2) establish job training programs and apprenticeships to recruit and train qualified workers, including from the Gulf Coast region, for specific vacancies in recovery, rebuilding, and development projects; and (3) ensure that all workers are paid wages at not less than the prevailing locality rate (Davis-Bacon Act). Authorizes the Corporation to provide grants to Gulf Coast region residents that possess certain skills for: (1) artistic and cultural projects which reflect the history and culture of the Gulf Coast region; and (2) projects that chronicle the story of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

gulf_coast civic works act establishes gulf_coast recovery authority corporation requires corporation administer gulf_coast civic works project employs minimum gulf_coast region residents public works projects rebuild sustain develop gulf_coast region establish job training programs apprenticeships recruit train qualified workers including gulf_coast region specific vacancies recovery rebuilding development projects ensure workers paid wages prevailing locality rate davis-bacon_act authorizes corporation provide grants gulf_coast region residents possess certain skills artistic cultural projects reflect history culture gulf_coast region projects story hurricanes katrina rita


Summary: Maximizing the Use of Federal Funds for Job Creation Act of 2007 - Authorizes a state with an unemployment rate equal to or greater than 125% of the national unemployment rate to transfer, without limitation, any Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) amounts apportioned to the state to any state apportionments for certain named federal-aid highway programs (except, amounts for highway safety improvement programs).

maximizing use federal funds job creation act authorizes state unemployment rate equal greater national unemployment rate transfer limitation highway_trust_fund mass transit account amounts apportioned state state apportionments certain named federal aid highway programs amounts highway safety improvement programs


Summary: Maximizing the Use of Federal Funds for Job Training Act - Authorizes states with unemployment rates that equal or exceed 125% of the national unemployment rate to consolidate or transfer, without limitation, any funds made available to them under specified job training programs.

maximizing use federal funds job training act_-_authorizes states unemployment rates equal exceed national unemployment rate consolidate transfer limitation funds available specified job training programs


Summary: Pathways Advancing Career Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make formula matching grants to states with approved plans for programs that provide preparatory and supportive services, information on career and technical education, training, pre-apprenticeship assistance, and related services, including tuition assistance, to: (1) single parents and displaced homemakers; and (2) individuals pursuing nontraditional training and employment in fields where individuals from one gender compose less than 25% of workers. Requires the Secretary, through the award of competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with an independent institution of higher education, public or private nonprofit organization, or state agency, to conduct at least one multi-site evaluation of such programs. Requires eligible state agencies to administer such programs, make competitive subgrants to eligible entities, and identify certain core indicators of performance.

pathways advancing career training act_-_authorizes secretary labor formula matching grants states approved plans programs provide preparatory supportive services information career technical education training pre apprenticeship assistance related services including tuition assistance single parents displaced individuals pursuing nontraditional training employment fields individuals gender workers requires secretary award competitive grants contracts cooperative agreements independent institution higher education public private nonprofit organization state agency conduct multi site evaluation programs requires eligible state agencies administer programs competitive subgrants eligible entities identify certain core indicators performance


Summary: Prohibits any individual from purchasing or leasing any housing (or any dwelling unit in housing) acquired using federal loan or grant funds Congress appropriates for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, if he or she has been convicted under federal or state law of a felony drug-dealing offense (within the five-year period preceding the purchase or lease transaction date), a sex offense, or mortgage fraud.

prohibits individual purchasing leasing housing dwelling unit housing acquired federal loan grant funds congress appropriates purchase rehabilitation foreclosed housing neighborhood stabilization act convicted federal state law felony drug dealing offense year period preceding purchase lease transaction date sex offense mortgage fraud


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon the request of a public housing agency (PHA) which has a Moving to Work agreement (under the demonstration program authorized by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996), to extend it for a 12-month period under such terms as are or were in effect upon the agreement's expiration. Provides that, for a PHA that previously received an extension of its agreement and entered into a subsequent agreement after January 1, 2008, the Secretary shall, upon the PHA's request, invalidate such subsequent agreement and extend any agreement that was in effect as of such date also for a 12-month period under such terms as were in effect as of that date. Prohibits the Secretary from extending a Moving to Work agreement if a PHA is noncompliant with its agreement's terms. Expresses the sense of Congress that the maximum number of PHAs authorized to participate in the Moving to Work demonstration program should not be expanded until the demonstration program has been reformed and permanently authorized through enactment of a federal law.

requires secretary housing_and_urban_development request public housing agency pha moving work agreement demonstration program authorized departments_of_veterans_affairs housing_and_urban_development independent_agencies_appropriations_act extend month period terms effect agreement expiration provides pha previously received extension agreement entered subsequent agreement january secretary shall pha request invalidate subsequent agreement extend agreement effect date month period terms effect date prohibits secretary extending moving work agreement pha noncompliant agreement terms expresses sense congress maximum number phas authorized participate moving work demonstration program expanded demonstration program reformed permanently authorized enactment federal law


Summary: End the Pain at the Pump Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an excise tax credit between June 1, 2008, and May 30, 2011, for individuals commuting to work in a vehicle fueled primarily by gasoline or diesel fuel; (2) treat the income of partners performing investment management services as ordinary income and set forth tax rules for the treatment of partnership acquisition indebtedness and other partnership interests; and (3) require the inclusion in gross income for income tax purposes of employee compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of a nonqualified entity when there is no substantial risk of forfeiture of the rights to such compensation.Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon request of a state governor, to provide financial assistance to hire additional personnel with expertise in federal refinery authorizations.Directs the President to: (1) appoint a federal coordinator to implement federal refinery authorizations; and (2) designate certain closed military installations as potentially suitable refinery construction sites.Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain of Alaska.Repeals the prohibition against producing oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.Sets forth requirements for the sale of oil and natural gas leases in the Coastal Plain, environmental protection, and transportation easements. Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance to specified jurisdictions in Alaska.Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revise the outer Continental Shelf leasing program.Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for a natural resources enhancement program for the management of fish, wildlife, and natural resources. Terminates existing federal laws prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing or the issuance of a lease to any individual for any area of the outer Continental Shelf.Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends the OCSLA to authorize the Secretary to use decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for artificial reef and scientific research.Allows the cancellation and exchange of certain oil and gas leases within 100 miles of the coastline within the California or Florida Adjacent Zones.Repeals: (1) the requirement to conduct a comprehensive inventory of outer Continental Shelf oil and natural gas resources; (2) the coastal impact assistance program; and (3) the Oil Shale, Tar Sands, and Other Strategic Unconventional Fuels Act of 2005.Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal emission requirements with respect to the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels.

end pain pump act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow excise tax credit june individuals commuting work vehicle fueled primarily gasoline diesel fuel treat income partners performing investment management services ordinary income set forth tax rules treatment partnership acquisition indebtedness partnership interests require inclusion gross income income tax purposes employee compensation deferred nonqualified deferred compensation plan nonqualified entity substantial risk forfeiture rights compensation refinery permit process schedule act_-_authorizes administrator environmental_protection_agency epa request state governor provide financial assistance hire additional personnel expertise federal refinery authorizations directs president appoint federal coordinator implement federal refinery authorizations designate certain closed military installations potentially suitable refinery construction sites directs secretary interior establish implement competitive oil gas leasing program coastal_plain_of_alaska repeals prohibition producing oil gas arctic_national_wildlife_refuge sets forth requirements sale oil natural gas leases coastal_plain environmental protection transportation easements establishes coastal_plain_local_government_impact_aid_assistance_fund provide financial assistance specified jurisdictions alaska deep ocean energy resources act amends outer_continental_shelf_lands_act ocsla revise outer_continental_shelf leasing program federal energy natural resources enhancement_act authorizes appropriations natural resources enhancement program management fish wildlife natural resources terminates existing federal laws prohibiting spending appropriated funds conduct oil natural gas leasing issuance lease individual area outer_continental_shelf rigs reefs act amends ocsla authorize secretary use decommissioned offshore oil gas platforms artificial reef scientific research allows cancellation exchange certain oil gas leases miles coastline california florida adjacent zones repeals requirement conduct comprehensive inventory outer_continental_shelf oil natural gas resources coastal impact assistance program oil_shale tar_sands strategic unconventional fuels act energy_independence_and_security_act repeal emission requirements respect procurement acquisition alternative fuels


Summary: Green Jobs Improvement Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make nonunion training programs eligible for federal funding under the energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program (Green Jobs program). Applies certain worker protections and nondiscrimination requirements to such programs.

green jobs improvement act_-_amends workforce investment act training programs eligible federal funding energy efficiency renewable energy worker training program green jobs program applies certain worker protections nondiscrimination requirements programs


Summary: Online Job Training Act of 2008 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to make: (1) grants to states to assist them in implementing workforce investment programs that enable individuals to take courses on the Internet to enhance employment opportunities within the state workforce investment system; and (2) a grant to an eligible postsecondary educational institution to provide technical assistance to such states in implementing such programs.

online job training_act amends workforce investment act direct secretary labor grants states assist implementing workforce investment programs enable individuals courses internet enhance employment opportunities state workforce investment system grant eligible postsecondary educational institution provide technical assistance states implementing programs


Summary: Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Labor to certify an adversely affected secondary group of workers in a subdivision of a firm as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) if the Secretary determines that: (1) a significant number of workers have become, or are threatened to become, totally or partially separated; (2) the workers' subdivision is a seller of articles of the firm (or another subdivision) that employed a group of workers who received a certification of TAA eligibility and such sales are related to the article that was the basis for such certification; and (3) a loss of business by the workers' subdivision with the firm (or another subdivision) contributed to the workers' separation or threat of separation.

amends trade act require secretary labor certify adversely affected secondary group workers subdivision firm eligible apply trade adjustment assistance taa secretary determines significant number workers threatened totally partially separated workers subdivision seller articles firm subdivision employed group workers received certification taa eligibility sales related article basis certification loss business workers subdivision firm subdivision contributed workers separation threat separation


Summary: Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2017 for activities under the youth employment, adult employment and training, and dislocated worker employment and training programs.

amends workforce investment act authorize appropriations fy2010 fy2017 activities youth employment adult employment training dislocated worker employment training programs


Summary: Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a toll-free telephone- or electronic media-based employment eligibility verification system. Requires such system to: (1) provide verification or tentative non-verification of an individual's identity and employment eligibility within three days of an inquiry; and (2) provide, in the case of tentative non-verification, a secondary process for final verification or non-verification within 10 days. Provides that: (1) the Commissioner of Social Security shall develop a process for comparing names and social security numbers against appropriate databases in response to employer inquiries; and (2) the Secretary shall develop a process for comparing names and alien identification or authorization numbers and shall investigate uses of the same social security number that suggest fraud. Limits verification system-related individual relief to procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Prohibits class actions. Immunizes from civil or criminal liability a person or entity who takes action in good faith reliance on verification system information. Sets forth employer verification requirements with respect to an affirmative defense to liability for employment of unauthorized workers, including revision of attestation and retention of verification form provisions. Places limits on the collection and use of data from the verification system. Expands the employment eligibility verification system to include: (1) previously hired individuals; and (2) recruitment and referral. Provides for: (1) voluntary employer verification utilizing such system two years after enactment of this Act for previously hired individuals; (2) mandatory employer verification three years after enactment of this Act by federal, state, and local governments, and the military for employees not verified under such system working at federal, state or local government buildings, military bases, nuclear energy sites, weapons sites, airports, or critical infrastructure sites; and (3) mandatory employer verification six years after enactment of this Act for all employees not previously verified under such system. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the E-Verify program (formerly the basic pilot program) until two years after enactment of this Act. Applies employment eligibility verification requirements to labor service agencies. Revises civil and criminal penalty provisions. Establishes in the Treasury the Employment Verification Compensation Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly available contractor database. Requires the Commissioner to report to Congress on Social Security card-based verification, including requirements for: (1) durable and machine-readable cards; (2) a unified database that specifies work authorizations; and (3) employer verification of new hires using the new Social Security cards and an electronic mechanism to seek verification. Authorizes the Commissioner (subject to limits) to carry out verification responsibilities under this Act. Prohibits funds from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from being used to carry out such responsibilities. Sets forth other reporting requirements by the Secretary and the Commissioner.

electronic employment eligibility verification illegal immigration control act amends immigration_and_nationality_act direct secretary homeland_security establish toll free electronic media based employment eligibility verification system requires system provide verification tentative non verification individual identity employment eligibility days inquiry provide case tentative non verification secondary process final verification non verification days provides commissioner_of_social_security shall develop process comparing names social_security numbers appropriate databases response employer inquiries secretary shall develop process comparing names alien identification authorization numbers shall investigate uses social_security number suggest fraud limits verification system related individual relief procedures federal tort claims act prohibits class actions civil criminal liability person entity takes action good faith reliance verification system information sets forth employer verification requirements respect affirmative defense liability employment unauthorized workers including revision attestation retention verification form provisions places limits collection use data verification system expands employment eligibility verification system include previously hired individuals recruitment referral provides voluntary employer verification utilizing system years enactment act previously hired individuals mandatory employer verification years enactment act federal state local governments military employees verified system working federal state local government buildings military bases nuclear energy sites weapons sites airports critical infrastructure sites mandatory employer verification years enactment act employees previously verified system amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act extend e-verify_program basic pilot program years enactment act applies employment eligibility verification requirements labor service agencies revises civil criminal penalty provisions establishes treasury employment verification compensation fund directs secretary establish publicly available contractor database requires commissioner report congress social_security card based verification including requirements durable machine readable cards unified database specifies work authorizations employer verification new hires new social_security cards electronic mechanism seek verification authorizes commissioner subject limits carry verification responsibilities act prohibits funds federal_old-age_and_survivors_insurance_trust_fund federal_disability_insurance_trust_fund carry responsibilities sets forth reporting requirements secretary commissioner


Summary: Incumbent Worker Development Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a program of grants to states to assist employers to provide incumbent worker training to enhance the knowledge and skills of an employee in order to improve his or her job performance.

incumbent worker development act requires secretary labor establish program grants states assist employers provide incumbent worker training enhance knowledge skills employee order improve job performance