Summary:
No Welfare for Weed Act of 2015

This bill amends: (1) the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude marijuana products from items that may be purchased with food stamps; and (2) part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require states to maintain policies that prevent the use of TANF in any electronic benefit transfer transaction in any establishment that offers marijuana for sale.

States that have not reported to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on their implementation of the policies and practices required by this Act, or which have not implemented such policies and practices, shall have the amount of their family assistance grants reduced by 5%.

welfare weed act bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 exclude marijuana products items purchased food stamps temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act require states maintain policies prevent use tanf electronic benefit transfer transaction establishment offers marijuana sale states reported secretary health_and_human_services implementation policies practices required act implemented policies practices shall family assistance grants reduced


Summary:
Nutritious Options for Meals Act of 2015

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to apply nutritional standards for the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to foods purchased for USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program), with the addition of lean meat and poultry.

Foods purchased for SNAP must be of the kind prescribed by USDA in implementing WIC requirements that: (1) food contain nutrients determined by nutritional research to be lacking in the diets of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, or children; or (2) food promote the health of the population served by the program. Examples of foods acceptable under the bill include vegetables, fruits, milk, juice, breakfast cereal, cheese, eggs, yogurt, peanut butter, legumes, whole grain bread, and lean meat or poultry.

nutritious options meals act bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 apply nutritional standards department_of_agriculture usda special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic foods purchased usda supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program addition lean meat poultry foods purchased snap kind prescribed usda implementing wic requirements food contain nutrients determined nutritional research lacking pregnant breastfeeding postpartum women infants children food promote health population served program examples foods acceptable bill include vegetables fruits milk juice breakfast cheese eggs peanut grain lean meat poultry


Summary:
School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015

This bill revises the requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and other Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

The bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to permit schools participating in the NSLP to offer students low-fat flavored milk containing no more than 150 calories per 8-ounce serving.

For students who cannot consume fluid milk because of a medical or other dietary need, schools may offer a nondairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent to low-fat milk and meets USDA nutritional standards, including fortification of calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin B-12. (Under current law, the substitute is only required to include fortification of calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D to levels found in cow's milk.)

In establishing national school nutritional standards, USDA must provide that containers of all beverages sold in schools have the same maximum volume.

USDA must also: (1) study and report to Congress on recent trends in fluid milk consumption in schools; (2) carry out a pilot program to test and demonstrate strategies by which schools can increase the consumption of fluid milk; (3) make lactose-free milk with an extended shelf life available to schools; and (4) allow women participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to receive reduced fat milk for themselves and their children upon request.

school milk nutrition act bill revises requirements milk provided national school lunch program department_of_agriculture usda programs bill amends richard national school lunch act permit schools participating offer students low fat milk containing calories serving students consume fluid milk medical dietary need schools offer beverage equivalent low fat milk meets usda nutritional standards including fortification calcium protein magnesium phosphorus potassium current law substitute required include fortification calcium protein levels found cow milk establishing national school nutritional standards usda provide containers beverages sold schools maximum volume usda study report congress recent trends fluid milk consumption schools carry pilot program test demonstrate strategies schools increase consumption fluid milk free milk extended shelf life available schools allow women participating special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic receive reduced fat milk children request


Summary:
Healthy School Meals Flexibility Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing any regulation that would require a reduction in the quantity of sodium contained in federally reimbursed meals, foods, and snacks sold in schools below specified July 2014 maximum levels allowed in school breakfasts for school year 2014-2015.

With respect to grain contents, USDA shall only require that half of all grains in such food items are whole grain-rich. School food authorities must comply with the applicable grain component or standard with respect to the school lunch or school breakfast program in effect before July 1, 2014.

healthy school meals flexibility act bill amends richard national school lunch act prohibit department_of_agriculture usda implementing regulation require reduction quantity sodium contained federally reimbursed meals foods snacks sold schools specified july maximum levels allowed school breakfasts school year respect grain contents usda shall require half grains food items grain rich school food authorities comply applicable grain component standard respect school lunch school breakfast program effect july


Summary:
Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish and implement a plan, including through a five-year program of competitive grants, to promote the use of salad bars in schools participating in the school lunch program.

Priority in the award of grants may be given to entities that: (1) serve schools in which at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches or that are located in food deserts, or (2) provide nutrition education. (A food desert is an area without ready access to fresh, healthful, and affordable food.)

USDA shall revise the March 27, 2013, policy memorandum SP 31-2013, "Salad Bars in the National School Lunch Program," in light of recommendations submitted to Congress under this Act.

salad bars schools expansion act bill amends richard national school lunch act require department_of_agriculture usda establish implement plan including year program competitive grants promote use salad bars schools participating school lunch program priority award grants given entities serve schools students eligible free reduced price lunches located food provide nutrition education food desert area ready access fresh healthful affordable food usda shall revise march policy memorandum salad bars national school lunch program light recommendations submitted congress act


Summary:
Wise Investment in our Children Act or the WIC Act

This bill amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the allowable age from five to six for children to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

investment children act wic act bill amends child nutrition act title xix medicaid social_security_act increase allowable age children participate special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic


Summary:
Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Department of Agriculture to establish a program providing eligible households with summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in order to give children access to food during the summer months to: (1) reduce or eliminate children's food insecurity and hunger, and (2) improve their nutritional status.

An "eligible household" is a household that includes one or more children who are eligible to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs.

The amount on each summer EBT card is set at $150 per child in 2017, with adjustments thereafter reflecting changes in reimbursement rates for school meals under the school lunch program.

If children are enrolled to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs, they must be enrolled in this program without further application.

Summer EBT cards may be used only to purchase food from retail food stores that have been approved for participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program).

stop child summer hunger act bill amends richard national school lunch act require department_of_agriculture establish program providing eligible households summer electronic benefits transfer ebt cards order children access food summer months reduce eliminate children food insecurity hunger improve nutritional status eligible household household includes children eligible receive free reduced price meals school lunch breakfast programs summer ebt card set child adjustments reflecting changes reimbursement rates school meals school lunch program children enrolled receive free reduced price meals school lunch breakfast programs enrolled program application summer ebt cards purchase food retail food stores approved participation supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program


Summary:
Preserving Welfare for Needs Not Weed Act

This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a state receiving a TANF grant to maintain policies and practices necessary to prevent assistance under the TANF program from being used in any electronic benefit transfer (via a card) at any establishment that offers marijuana for sale.

preserving welfare needs weed act bill amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act require state receiving tanf grant maintain policies practices necessary prevent assistance tanf program electronic benefit transfer card establishment offers marijuana sale


Summary:
School Lunch Affordability Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by repealing its paid lunch equity requirements (which generally require schools to charge students for paid meals at a price that is, on average, equal to to the difference between free meal reimbursement and paid meal reimbursement).

school lunch affordability act bill amends richard national school lunch act repealing paid lunch equity requirements generally require schools charge students paid meals price average equal difference free meal reimbursement paid meal reimbursement


Summary:
School Food Modernization Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue loan guarantees to local educational agencies (LEAs), school food authorities, and other eligible entities to finance infrastructure improvements or equipment purchases to facilitate their provision of healthy meals through the school lunch program. USDA must give preference to applicants that demonstrate a substantial or disproportionate need for food service infrastructure or durable equipment, and shall establish fees for the loan guarantee program that are sufficient to cover the federal government's administrative costs in operating the program.

USDA must also award competitive matching grants to assist LEAs, school food authorities, and other eligible entities in purchasing the durable equipment and infrastructure they need to serve healthier meals and improve food safety. In doing so, USDA must give grant priority to applicants that: (1) have identified and are reasonably expected to meet an unmet local or community need, and (2) are located in states that have enacted funding measures to assist them with such purchases.

In addition, USDA must award competitive matching grants to experienced third-party training institutions to provide school food service personnel with the training and technical assistance they need to: (1) meet school lunch program nutrition standards, and (2) improve the efficacy and efficiency of the school lunch and breakfast programs.

The bill authorizes these grant and loan programs through FY2021 and, as an offset, rescinds $35 million of the Department of Education's unobligated balance available for administrative expenses. USDA must complete a study on the use of state administrative expense funds.

school food modernization act bill amends richard national school lunch act direct department_of_agriculture usda issue loan guarantees local educational agencies leas school food authorities eligible entities finance infrastructure improvements equipment purchases facilitate provision healthy meals school lunch program usda preference applicants demonstrate substantial disproportionate need food service infrastructure durable equipment shall establish fees loan guarantee program sufficient cover federal_government administrative costs operating program usda award competitive matching grants assist leas school food authorities eligible entities purchasing durable equipment infrastructure need serve healthier meals improve food safety usda grant priority applicants identified reasonably expected meet unmet local community need located states enacted funding measures assist purchases addition usda award competitive matching grants experienced party training institutions provide school food service personnel training technical assistance need meet school lunch program nutrition standards improve efficacy efficiency school lunch breakfast programs bill authorizes grant loan programs fy2021 offset rescinds million department_of_education unobligated balance available administrative expenses usda complete study use state administrative expense funds


Summary: This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from funding any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for developing or evaluating a video game to train parents in food parenting practices, including “Kiddio: Food Fight--Training Vegetable Parenting Practices.” Unobligated balances of amounts made available for "Kiddio: Food Fight--Training Vegetable Parenting Practices" are rescinded.

bill prohibits department_of_health_and_human_services funding grant contract cooperative agreement developing evaluating video game train parents food parenting practices including food fight training vegetable parenting practices unobligated balances amounts available food fight training vegetable parenting practices rescinded


Summary:
Grandparents Tax Credit Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow grandparents of a minor child whose family adjusted gross income does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level a refundable tax credit for up to $500 of the cost of household items (i.e., food, clothing, and other items typically used by or for the benefit of the child) paid for the benefit of such child in a taxable year.

grandparents tax credit act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow grandparents minor child family adjusted gross income exceed federal poverty level refundable tax credit cost household items food clothing items typically benefit child paid benefit child taxable year


Summary:
Fruit and Vegetables Access for Children Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow federal grant-funded fresh fruit and vegetable programs carried out by states to include canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fruits and vegetables.

fruit vegetables access children act bill amends richard national school lunch act allow federal grant funded fresh fruit vegetable programs carried states include dried frozen fruits vegetables


Summary:
Food Security Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) benefits to be calculated using a low-cost food plan.

The Department of Agriculture must determine the requirements for the low-cost food plan using the diet described in the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion's publication entitled "The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans, 2007" and adjustments specified in this bill.

The bill revises the amounts of nutrition assistance block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa and requires the amounts to be modified based on adjustments to the low-cost food plan.

food security improvement act bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 require supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program benefits calculated low cost food plan department_of_agriculture determine requirements low cost food plan diet described center nutrition policy promotion publication entitled low cost moderate cost liberal food plans adjustments specified bill bill revises amounts nutrition assistance block grants puerto_rico american_samoa requires amounts modified based adjustments low cost food plan


Summary:
Nutrition Education Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require a local educational agency that participates in a school lunch or breakfast program to require each student to receive 50 hours of nutrition education per school year. Such instruction must be consistent with applicable school meal program requirements as well as meet certain other standards with respect to content and delivery.

nutrition education act bill amends richard national school lunch act require local educational agency participates school lunch breakfast program require student receive hours nutrition education school year instruction consistent applicable school meal program requirements meet certain standards respect content delivery


Summary:
Improving School Nutrition Training Act

This bill amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to add requirements regarding the availability of training that the Department of Agriculture provides under current law for local food service personnel.

The training must be scheduled primarily during paid working hours, offered in-person when appropriate, and incorporate hands-on training techniques.

If the training is scheduled outside of working hours, food service personnel must be informed about the necessity of scheduling the program and compensated for attending the program. Personnel may not be penalized for failing to attend a program outside of working hours.

improving school nutrition training_act bill amends child nutrition act add requirements availability training department_of_agriculture provides current law local food service personnel training scheduled primarily paid working hours offered person appropriate incorporate hands training techniques training scheduled outside working hours food service personnel informed necessity scheduling program compensated attending program personnel penalized failing attend program outside working hours


Summary:
Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to revise several provisions related to the child and adult care food program.

Under current law: (1) an institution that provides child or day care under the program may be reimbursed for up to two meals and one supplement per day per child; and (2) a family or group day care home sponsoring organization may receive the same maximum reimbursement, but only with respect to a child maintained in a child care setting for at least eight hours per day. The bill eliminates this distinction between institutions and sponsoring organizations, and increases maximum reimbursement for both to: (1) two meals and one supplement or one meal and two supplements per day per child; or (2) three meals and one supplement or two meals and two supplements per day per child, for each child maintained in a child care setting for at least eight hours per day.

A determination of a for-profit day care center's eligibility to participate in the program shall be in effect for six months.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must issue guidance and, as appropriate, regulations to assist in ensuring a fair and effective process for the identification, review, and correction of serious program deficiencies.

USDA shall establish an advisory committee to examine the feasibility of reducing unnecessary or duplicative paperwork for those participating or seeking to participate in the program.

early childhood nutrition improvement act bill amends richard national school lunch act revise provisions related child adult care food program current law institution provides child day care program reimbursed meals supplement day child family group day care home sponsoring organization receive maximum reimbursement respect child maintained child care setting hours day bill eliminates distinction institutions sponsoring organizations increases maximum reimbursement meals supplement meal supplements day child meals supplement meals supplements day child child maintained child care setting hours day determination profit day care center eligibility participate program shall effect months department_of_agriculture usda issue guidance appropriate regulations assist ensuring fair effective process identification review correction program deficiencies usda shall establish advisory_committee examine feasibility reducing unnecessary duplicative paperwork participating seeking participate program


Summary:
Anti-hunger Empowerment Act of 2015

This bill reduces administrative requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program), authorizes funding to increase access to SNAP offices, and authorizes grants for community-based nonprofits to expand anti-hunger activities.

The bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal existing provisions regarding administrative costs and authorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay 75% of the administrative costs for state agencies to increase the operating hours of SNAP offices, reduce wait times, accept online applications, upgrade technology, and provide a checklist of required documents.

If a state agency believes that information provided by a SNAP applicant is incorrect or incomplete, the agency must notify the applicant in writing and include instructions for providing the required information. Unless the information is not provided in response to the request or it cannot be verified, a state must not require an applicant to appear in person. State agencies must not require fingerprints for any member of a household to participate in SNAP or receive benefits.

USDA must report annually to Congress on the comparative progress of states in improving access to SNAP.

Beyond the Soup Kitchen Grants Program Act of 2015

The Beyond the Soup Kitchen Pilot Program is established to provide grants to community-based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups for programs to reduce hunger, increase the use of nutrition assistance and anti-poverty programs, bolster food security, assist individuals and families to develop assets, promote economic independence, improve nutrition, and reduce obesity.

anti hunger empowerment act bill reduces administrative requirements supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program authorizes funding increase access snap offices authorizes grants community based nonprofits expand anti hunger activities bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 repeal existing provisions administrative costs authorize department_of_agriculture usda pay administrative costs state agencies increase operating hours snap offices reduce wait times accept online applications upgrade technology provide checklist required documents state agency believes information provided snap applicant incorrect incomplete agency notify applicant writing include instructions providing required information information provided response request verified state require applicant appear person state agencies require fingerprints member household participate snap receive benefits usda report annually congress comparative progress states improving access snap kitchen grants program act kitchen pilot program established provide grants community based nonprofit feeding anti hunger groups programs reduce hunger increase use nutrition assistance anti poverty programs bolster food security assist individuals families develop assets promote economic independence improve nutrition reduce obesity


Summary:
Food Recovery Act of 2015

This bill amends the following to provide funding, expand tax deductions, and establish requirements to reduce food waste: the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; the Internal Revenue Code; the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; the Solid Waste Disposal Act; and several agricultural laws.

The bill expands and establishes federal grant and loan programs to:

 improve the nutritional health of children and raise awareness about food waste, improve cooperation between agricultural producers and emergency feeding organizations, assist schools in using food from farms that would otherwise go to waste and providing farms with compostable materials, and install facilities that include composting or anaerobic digesters that use food or crop waste to produce energy. Recipients of grants to install anaerobic digesters that use waste to produce energy must meet specified requirements regarding environmental laws and the distribution of certain food to hunger-serving organizations.

USDA must: (1) establish an Office of Food Recovery to coordinate federal programs to measure and reduce food waste, and (2) study techniques for decreasing food waste and estimating the amount of food wasted by farms.

The bill provides that composting is a conservation practice eligible for support under USDA's conservation programs.

The bill extends and expands tax deductions for the donation of food to charitable organizations.

"Sell-by" dates included on food labeling must indicate that the dates are only the manufacturer's suggestion and use uniform language.

Companies that receive food service contracts with the federal government must donate surplus food to nonprofit organizations that assist food-insecure people.

food recovery_act bill amends following provide funding expand tax deductions establish requirements reduce food waste richard national school lunch act internal_revenue_code federal food drug cosmetic act solid_waste disposal act agricultural laws bill expands establishes federal grant loan programs improve nutritional health children raise awareness food waste improve cooperation agricultural producers emergency feeding organizations assist schools food farms waste providing farms materials install facilities include anaerobic digesters use food crop waste produce energy recipients grants install anaerobic digesters use waste produce energy meet specified requirements environmental laws distribution certain food hunger serving organizations usda establish office food recovery coordinate federal programs measure reduce food waste study techniques decreasing food waste estimating food wasted farms bill provides conservation practice eligible support usda conservation programs bill extends expands tax deductions donation food charitable organizations sell dates included food labeling indicate dates manufacturer use uniform language companies receive food service contracts federal_government donate surplus food nonprofit organizations assist food people


Summary:
No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2016

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to make convicted terrorists ineligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program).

welfare terrorists act bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 convicted terrorists ineligible participate supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program


Summary:
SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to permit states to use drug test results for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants to states to treat individuals who test positive.

The bill increases from $20 to $50 the amount of annual benefits received under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 or a similar energy assistance program which qualifies a SNAP applicant to use a standard utility allowance to document heating and cooling costs for calculating benefits.

snap empowerment accountability_act bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act permit states use drug test results determining eligibility supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration award grants states treat individuals test positive bill increases annual benefits received low income home energy assistance_act similar energy assistance program qualifies snap applicant use standard utility allowance document heating cooling costs calculating benefits


Summary: This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require a school food authority that purchases fish or fish products for a school lunch or breakfast program to purchase, to the maximum extent practicable, fish harvested within U.S. waters or tuna harvested by a U.S.-flag vessel.

bill amends richard national school lunch act require school food authority purchases fish fish products school lunch breakfast program purchase maximum extent practicable fish harvested waters tuna harvested vessel


Summary:
Food Stamp Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act

Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to disqualify from the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) any person who has been found to have intentionally used an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card issued to a household of which the person is not a member.

Requires an EBT card to include a list of the members of a household eligible to use the card, if a state agency does not require the card to include a photograph. Requires a member of a household using an EBT card to show photographic identification at the point of sale.

food stamp fraud prevention accountability_act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 disqualify supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program person found intentionally electronic benefit transfer ebt card issued household person member requires ebt card include list members household eligible use card state agency require card include photograph requires member household ebt card photographic identification point sale


Summary:
School Food Modernization Act

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue loan guarantees to local educational agencies (LEAs) or school food authorities administering or operating a school lunch program, tribal organizations, or consortia of such entities to finance the construction, remodeling, or expansion of infrastructure or the purchase of durable equipment that will facilitate their provision of healthy meals through the school lunch program.

 Requires USDA to give a preference to applicants that demonstrate a substantial or disproportionate need for food service infrastructure or durable equipment. Prohibits a loan guarantee from covering more than 80% of a loan's principal.

Requires USDA to establish fees for the loan guarantee program that: (1) are sufficient to cover the federal government's administrative costs in operating the program, and (2) may be based on the risk premium associated with the particular loan or loan guarantee.

Directs USDA to award competitive matching grants to assist LEAs or school food authorities administering or operating a school lunch program, tribal organizations, or consortia of such entities in purchasing the durable equipment and infrastructure they need to serve healthier meals and improve food safety.

Requires USDA to give grant priority to applicants that: (1) have identified and are reasonably expected to meet an unmet local or community need, and (2) are located in states that have enacted funding measures to assist them with such purchases.

Prohibits such a grant from covering more than 80% of the total cost of the durable equipment and infrastructure.

Directs USDA to award competitive matching grants to experienced third-party training institutions to provide school food service personnel with the training and technical assistance they need to: (1) meet school lunch program nutrition standards, and (2) improve the efficacy and efficiency of the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Prohibits such a grant from covering more than 80% of the total cost of the training and technical assistance.

school food modernization act amends richard national school lunch act direct department_of_agriculture usda issue loan guarantees local educational agencies leas school food authorities administering operating school lunch program tribal organizations consortia entities finance construction remodeling expansion infrastructure purchase durable equipment facilitate provision healthy meals school lunch program requires usda preference applicants demonstrate substantial disproportionate need food service infrastructure durable equipment prohibits loan guarantee covering loan principal requires usda establish fees loan guarantee program sufficient cover federal_government administrative costs operating program based risk premium associated particular loan loan guarantee directs usda award competitive matching grants assist leas school food authorities administering operating school lunch program tribal organizations consortia entities purchasing durable equipment infrastructure need serve healthier meals improve food safety requires usda grant priority applicants identified reasonably expected meet unmet local community need located states enacted funding measures assist purchases prohibits grant covering total cost durable equipment infrastructure directs usda award competitive matching grants experienced party training institutions provide school food service personnel training technical assistance need meet school lunch program nutrition standards improve efficacy efficiency school lunch breakfast programs prohibits grant covering total cost training technical assistance


Summary:
Farm to School Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to reauthorize the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Farm to School Program through FY2021 and modify the program. The program currently provides grants and technical assistance to schools, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and nonprofit entities to improve access to local foods in schools.

The bill makes schools participating in the Summer Food Service Program for children, the early care and afterschool portions of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the School Breakfast Program eligible to participate in the program. It also permits USDA to provide land-grant colleges and universities with grants, research, and technical assistance under the program.

The purposes for grants awarded under the program are expanded to include agricultural literacy and nutrition education. The bill requires USDA to provide technical assistance, research, and information to increase awareness of and participation in farm to school programs among agricultural producers.

In awarding grants, USDA must improve local food procurement and distribution options for agricultural producers and eligible schools. USDA is permitted to fund projects that include innovative approaches to aggregation, processing, transportation, and distribution.

The bill establishes new limitations on the amount and duration of grants.

The bill also establishes reporting requirements and limits funds that may be used for administrative costs.

farm school act bill amends richard national school lunch act reauthorize department_of_agriculture usda farm school program fy2021 modify program program currently provides grants technical assistance schools state local agencies indian tribal organizations agricultural producers nonprofit entities improve access local foods schools bill makes schools participating summer food service program children early care afterschool portions child adult care food program school breakfast program eligible participate program permits usda provide land grant colleges universities grants research technical assistance program purposes grants awarded program expanded include agricultural literacy nutrition education bill requires usda provide technical assistance research information increase awareness participation farm school programs agricultural producers awarding grants usda improve local food procurement distribution options agricultural producers eligible schools usda permitted fund projects include innovative approaches aggregation processing transportation distribution bill establishes new limitations duration grants bill establishes reporting requirements limits funds administrative costs


Summary:
Summer Meals Act of 2015

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to redefine "areas in which poor economic conditions exist," where the summer food service program for children may operate, as areas in which at least 40% (currently, 50%) of the children have been determined to be eligible for free or reduced price school meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Reimburses service institutions (other than school food authorities) for up to one meal and one snack per child each day during after-school hours, weekends, and school holidays during the regular school calendar. (Currently, such institutions are reimbursed for meals and snacks served to children over the summer months or to children who are on vacation under a continuous school calendar.)

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to service institutions to increase participation in the summer food service program for children at congregate feeding sites through innovative approaches to limited transportation and mobile meal trucks.

Allows service institutions that are participating in the summer food service program for children to serve up to three meals, or two meals and one snack, during each day of operation. (Currently, this option is reserved for camps and service institutions that serve meals primarily to migrant children.)

summer meals act amends richard national school lunch act redefine areas poor economic conditions exist summer food service program children operate areas currently children determined eligible free reduced price school meals school lunch breakfast programs reimburses service institutions school food authorities meal snack child day school hours weekends school holidays regular school calendar currently institutions reimbursed meals snacks served children summer months children vacation continuous school calendar authorizes secretary agriculture award competitive grants service institutions increase participation summer food service program children congregate feeding sites innovative approaches limited transportation mobile meal trucks allows service institutions participating summer food service program children serve meals meals snack day operation currently option reserved camps service institutions serve meals primarily migrant children


Summary:
Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory by limiting the reduction in such deduction to the amount by which the fair market valuation of the contributed food exceeds twice the basis of such food, and (2) make such deduction permanent.

good samaritan hunger relief tax incentive extension act amends_the_internal_revenue_code modify tax deduction charitable contributions food inventory limiting reduction deduction fair market valuation contributed food exceeds twice basis food deduction permanent


Summary:
Healthy School Meals Flexibility Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing any regulation that would require a reduction in the quantity of sodium contained in federally reimbursed meals, foods, and snacks sold in schools below specified July 2014 maximum levels allowed in school breakfasts for school year 2014-2015.

With respect to grain contents, USDA shall only require that half of all grains in such food items are whole grain-rich. School food authorities must comply with the applicable grain component or standard with respect to the school lunch or school breakfast program in effect before July 1, 2014.

healthy school meals flexibility act bill amends richard national school lunch act prohibit department_of_agriculture usda implementing regulation require reduction quantity sodium contained federally reimbursed meals foods snacks sold schools specified july maximum levels allowed school breakfasts school year respect grain contents usda shall require half grains food items grain rich school food authorities comply applicable grain component standard respect school lunch school breakfast program effect july


Summary:
Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Department of Agriculture to establish a program providing eligible households with summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in order to give children access to food during the summer months to: (1) reduce or eliminate children's food insecurity and hunger, and (2) improve their nutritional status.

An "eligible household" is a household that includes one or more children who are eligible to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs.

The amount on each summer EBT card is set at $150 per child in 2017, with adjustments thereafter reflecting changes in reimbursement rates for school meals under the school lunch program.

If children are enrolled to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs, they must be enrolled in this program without further application.

Summer EBT cards may be used only to purchase food from retail food stores that have been approved for participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program).

stop child summer hunger act bill amends richard national school lunch act require department_of_agriculture establish program providing eligible households summer electronic benefits transfer ebt cards order children access food summer months reduce eliminate children food insecurity hunger improve nutritional status eligible household household includes children eligible receive free reduced price meals school lunch breakfast programs summer ebt card set child adjustments reflecting changes reimbursement rates school meals school lunch program children enrolled receive free reduced price meals school lunch breakfast programs enrolled program application summer ebt cards purchase food retail food stores approved participation supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program


Summary:
Wise Investment in our Children Act of 2015 or the WIC Act

This bill amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid) to permit the age limit for children participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to be increased from five to six if a state agency determines it is necessary to accommodate the unique circumstances of an individual child. The bill also permits states to certify infants (under one year of age) participating in the program for a period of up to two years.

investment children act wic act bill amends child nutrition act title xix social_security_act medicaid permit age limit children participating special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic increased state agency determines necessary accommodate unique circumstances individual child bill permits states certify infants year age participating program period years


Summary:
School Lunch Price Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to alter the formula that school food authorities are required to use to establish the price for a paid lunch (a lunch provided to children who are not eligible for free or reduced price meals). Specifically, the bill makes the formula applicable only to school food authorities that had a negative balance in their nonprofit school food service account for the previous school year.

school lunch price protection act bill amends richard national school lunch act alter formula school food authorities required use establish price paid lunch lunch provided children eligible free reduced price meals specifically bill makes formula applicable school food authorities negative balance nonprofit school food service account previous school year


Summary:
Access to Healthy Food for Young Children Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to modify the food program for child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes.

The bill increases the payment rate for program meals relative to the national average payment rate for meals served in schools. However, an eligible child care center operating a free-of-charge program in a high-poverty area may elect to instead receive special payments calculated using a blended per-meal rate.

Additionally, the bill: (1) increases the reimbursement factor for meals and supplements served by a family or group day care home; (2) raises the per-child limit on the number of meals and supplements for which such a home may receive reimbursement; and (3) reduces the percentage of area children who must come from low-income households in order for a day care home in that area to be excused from specified documentation requirements.

With respect to administrative expenses, the bill increases the reimbursement factor for each day care home and prohibits negative adjustments to reimbursement levels. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must develop procedures under which up a specified percentage of funds reserved by the sponsoring organization of a day care home for administrative expenses may remain available in the succeeding fiscal year.

USDA must also: (1) provide state agencies with funding to implement the revised food program, as specified by the bill; and (2) complete a study on reducing paperwork and improving program administration.

access healthy food young children act bill amends richard national school lunch act modify food program child adult care institutions family group day care homes bill increases payment rate program meals relative national average payment rate meals served schools eligible child care center operating free charge program high poverty area elect instead receive special payments calculated blended meal rate additionally bill increases reimbursement factor meals supplements served family group day care home raises child limit number meals supplements home receive reimbursement reduces percentage area children come low income households order day care home area specified documentation requirements respect administrative expenses bill increases reimbursement factor day care home prohibits negative adjustments reimbursement levels department_of_agriculture usda develop procedures specified percentage funds reserved sponsoring organization day care home administrative expenses remain available succeeding fiscal year usda provide state agencies funding implement revised food program specified bill complete study reducing paperwork improving program administration


Summary:
Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Act to allow an Indian tribe to assume, from a nearby local educational agency (LEA) and in lieu of a state, responsibility for administration of the school breakfast program, the school lunch program, the child and adult care food program, or the summer food service program for children. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must identify, for optional use in LEAs on or near Indian reservations, alternatives to current program requirements related to the daily counting of meals by category, the use of annual applications to determine program eligibility, and the use of universal meal service. USDA may implement such alternatives, as limited by the bill, as well as further test them in demonstration projects.

The bill also amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require USDA to increase the amount of administrative funds paid to an Indian tribe that agrees to assume responsibility for the administration of one of the aforementioned food programs.

tribal nutrition improvement act bill amends richard national school act allow indian tribe assume nearby local educational agency lea lieu state responsibility administration school breakfast program school lunch program child adult care food program summer food service program children department_of_agriculture usda identify optional use leas near indian reservations alternatives current program requirements related daily counting meals category use annual applications determine program eligibility use universal meal service usda implement alternatives limited bill test demonstration projects bill amends child nutrition act require usda increase administrative funds paid indian tribe agrees assume responsibility administration aforementioned food programs


Summary:
Hunger Free Summer for Kids Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish electronic benefit (EBT) cards and off-site consumption as two alternative delivery options for schools and service institutions in the summer food service program for children.

These options shall be available to a child only if the child lives either in a rural area or outside of an area in which poor economic conditions exist, or, in the case of off-site consumption, if the summer program is available to the child at a congregate feeding site but the site is inaccessible, as specified by the bill. A state may not operate the EBT card option and the off-site consumption option simultaneously in the same area.

Each state desiring to participate in the summer food service program shall include in its annual management and administration plan the state's plans for using one or both of these alternative delivery options.

hunger free summer kids act bill amends richard national school lunch act establish electronic benefit ebt cards site consumption alternative delivery options schools service institutions summer food service program children options shall available child child lives rural area outside area poor economic conditions exist case site consumption summer program available child congregate feeding site site inaccessible specified bill state operate ebt card option site consumption option simultaneously area state desiring participate summer food service program shall include annual management administration plan state plans alternative delivery options


Summary:
Social Security Earned Benefits Payment Act

This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require allocations to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund equal to: (1) 2.65% of the amount of wages and self-employment income paid between December 31, 2015, and January 1, 2021; and (2) 1.80% of wages and self-employment income paid after December 31, 2020.

social_security earned benefits payment act bill amends title old age survivors disability_insurance oasdi social_security_act require allocations federal_disability_insurance_trust_fund equal wages self employment income paid december january wages self employment income paid december


Summary:
Fruit and Vegetables Access for Children Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow federal grant-funded fresh fruit and vegetable programs carried out by states to include canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fruits and vegetables.

fruit vegetables access children act bill amends richard national school lunch act allow federal grant funded fresh fruit vegetable programs carried states include dried frozen fruits vegetables


Summary:
SNAP Work Opportunities and Veteran Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exempt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) beneficiaries from work requirements if they are not offered a position in a state job training or workfare program.

The bill also exempts from work requirements veterans who are participating in certain programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a state to further employment or rehabilitation goals. The bill permits the Department of Agriculture to allocate specified funds to states for the employment programs.

snap work opportunities veteran protection act bill amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 exempt supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program beneficiaries work requirements offered position state job training program bill exempts work requirements veterans participating certain programs administered department_of_veterans_affairs state employment rehabilitation goals bill permits department_of_agriculture allocate specified funds states employment programs


Summary:
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study and report to Congress on state administrative expense funds, including:

 the use of the funds by state agencies; policies, practices, and training methods being implemented using the funds; factors that interfere with the ability of a state agency to use the funds effectively; and ways the funds are being used to encourage the implementation of effective and consistent school nutrition workforce training and technical assistance. USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion must study and report to Congress on the effectiveness and level of coordination between nutrition education in the child nutrition programs and other federal programs that include nutrition education.

bill requires department_of_agriculture usda study report congress state administrative expense funds including use funds state agencies policies practices training methods implemented funds factors interfere ability state agency use funds effectively ways funds encourage implementation effective consistent school nutrition workforce training technical assistance usda center nutrition policy promotion study report congress effectiveness level coordination nutrition education child nutrition programs federal programs include nutrition education


Summary: This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require a school food authority that purchases fish or fish products for a school lunch or breakfast program to purchase, to the maximum extent practicable, fish harvested within U.S. waters or tuna harvested by a U.S.-flag vessel.

bill amends richard national school lunch act require school food authority purchases fish fish products school lunch breakfast program purchase maximum extent practicable fish harvested waters tuna harvested vessel


Summary:
Enhancing and Modernizing Pathways to Opportunity through Work, Education, and Responsibility Act of 2016 or the EMPOWER Act of 2016

This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to reauthorize through FY2021: (1) state family assistance grants, (2) tribal family assistance grants, and (3) child care entitlement grants.

The purposes of the TANF program are amended to include: (1) reduction of child poverty, including the incidence of children living in families with incomes of less than 50% of the poverty line; and (2) encouragement of employment entry, retention, retention, and advancement.

The bill repeals the separate and higher participation rate for two-parent families (marriage penalty).

The bill renames individual responsibility plans as individualized employment plans (IDPs), and revises their requirements.

The bill revises mandatory work requirements to:

 limit the use of the caseload reduction credit in the formula for calculating a state's work participation rate, allow states to include subsidized employment in calculating participation rates, reformulate the penalty for failure to satisfy minimum participation rates, eliminate the distinction between core and non-core work activities, allow states to receive partial credit for families participating for less than the minimum hours required for work activities, allow states to request an alternative work participation rate calculation, count as a work activity certain job search activities, replace child care assistance to a community service participant as a separate work activity with job readiness assistance, eliminate the age 20 cap on participation in secondary school attendance, eliminate the limitation on the number of persons who may be treated as engaged in work because of participation in education activities, limit to six months (unless the IDP specifies otherwise) the period in which an individual shall be considered engaged in work because of participation in a job readiness activity, and count certain disabled individuals as engaged in work if participating in work activities according to the IDP. A state shall not use federal TANF funds for families with income greater than 200% of the federal poverty line.

The bill establishes a minimum spending requirement on TANF core activities along with an associated penalty.

The bill replaces current pre-reauthorization state-by-state reports on engagement in additional work activities and expenditures for other benefits and services with requirements that each state:

 establish robust performance indicators and targets, and report annually on outcomes achieved. In determining eligibility for TANF assistance or any other state program funded with qualified state expenditures, a state to which a family assistance grant is made shall exclude from:

 a family's financial resources the value of any funds in a qualified tuition program or a Coverdell account; and a family's income and assets any income or resources of a dependent child receiving benefits under SSAct title XVI (Supplemental Security Income).

enhancing modernizing pathways opportunity work education responsibility act empower act bill amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act ssact reauthorize fy2021 state family assistance grants tribal family assistance grants child care entitlement grants purposes tanf program amended include reduction child poverty including incidence children living families incomes poverty line encouragement employment entry retention retention advancement bill repeals separate higher participation rate parent families marriage penalty bill renames individual responsibility plans individualized employment plans revises requirements bill revises mandatory work requirements limit use caseload reduction credit formula calculating state work participation rate allow states include subsidized employment calculating participation rates penalty failure satisfy minimum participation rates eliminate distinction core non core work activities allow states receive partial credit families participating minimum hours required work activities allow states request alternative work participation rate calculation count work activity certain job search activities replace child care assistance community service participant separate work activity job readiness assistance eliminate age cap participation secondary school attendance eliminate limitation number persons treated engaged work participation education activities limit months specifies period individual shall considered engaged work participation job readiness activity count certain disabled individuals engaged work participating work activities according state shall use federal tanf funds families income greater federal poverty line bill establishes minimum spending requirement tanf core activities associated penalty bill replaces current pre reauthorization state state reports engagement additional work activities expenditures benefits services requirements state establish robust performance indicators targets report annually outcomes achieved determining eligibility tanf assistance state program funded qualified state expenditures state family assistance grant shall exclude family financial resources value funds qualified tuition program coverdell account family income assets income resources dependent child receiving benefits ssact title xvi supplemental security income


Summary:
Poverty Measurement Improvement Act

This bill requires the Bureau of the Census, for each of FY2017-FY2027, in order to more accurately determine the extent of poverty in the United States and the anti-poverty effectiveness of federal means-tested benefit and tax programs, to conduct a new survey of income and poverty in the United States and supplement and verify the information obtained using data from the most recent available Current Population Survey (CPS), data furnished by state and federal agencies that administer such benefits, and income tax data.

The Bureau shall produce tables and graphs showing for each year the poverty rates and related data calculated using the survey responses and other data collected, including:

 the total family income for survey respondents (the sum of all money income and federal means-tested benefits minus state and federal income and payroll taxes of household members); a breakdown of the amount of income taxes and payroll taxes paid by survey respondents; and for 2018 and subsequent years, poverty rates calculated using updated poverty thresholds. For 2018 and subsequent years, the Bureau shall adjust the poverty thresholds for determining poverty rates by using the personal consumer expenditure price index.

The Bureau shall create a database that contains data from the survey, data from the most recent available CPS, and data furnished by administering agencies. The bill applies specified security, disclosure, and confidentiality restrictions to personally identifiable information obtained under this bill and makes data contained in a response to a survey conducted pursuant to this bill inadmissible as evidence in any court or agency proceeding.

The bill requires: (1) state administering agencies to report to federal administering agencies on federal means-tested benefits received by each household, (2) the Bureau to provide summary statistics comparing income levels to consumption habits of respondents to the Consumer Expenditure Survey, and (3) the Government Accountability Office to submit a report comparing the income measure created under this bill to the income measure used by the Bureau for calculating the supplemental poverty measure.

poverty measurement improvement act bill requires bureau_of_the_census fy2017 fy2027 order accurately determine extent poverty united_states anti poverty effectiveness federal means tested benefit tax programs conduct new survey income poverty united_states supplement verify information obtained data recent available current population survey data furnished state federal agencies administer benefits income tax data bureau shall produce tables showing year poverty rates related data calculated survey responses data collected including total family income survey respondents sum money income federal means tested benefits minus state federal income payroll taxes household members breakdown income taxes payroll taxes paid survey respondents subsequent years poverty rates calculated updated poverty thresholds subsequent years bureau shall adjust poverty thresholds determining poverty rates personal consumer expenditure price index bureau shall create database contains data survey data recent available data furnished administering agencies bill applies specified security disclosure confidentiality restrictions personally identifiable information obtained bill makes data contained response survey conducted pursuant bill inadmissible evidence court agency proceeding bill requires state administering agencies report federal administering agencies federal means tested benefits received household bureau provide summary statistics comparing income levels consumption habits respondents consumer expenditure survey government_accountability_office submit report comparing income measure created bill income measure bureau calculating supplemental poverty measure


Summary: Requires the Architect of the Capitol to establish and display in a prominent location within the Capitol Visitor Center suitable exhibits which: (1) depict the congressional careers, accomplishments, and contributions of the 22 African-American Members of Congress who served during the Reconstruction and Post-Reconstruction Eras, including the two African-American Senators, beginning with Congressman Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina (1870-1879) and ending with Congressman George H. White of North Carolina (1897-1901); and (2) acknowledge the use of slave labor in the construction of the U.S. Capitol.

requires architect capitol establish display prominent location capitol visitor center suitable exhibits congressional careers accomplishments contributions african american members congress served reconstruction post reconstruction including african american senators beginning joseph south_carolina ending george white north_carolina acknowledge use labor construction capitol


Summary: Congressional Lawmaking Authority Protection Act of 2007 - Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Executive Office of the President, or to any executive agency, to produce, publish, or disseminate any presidential statement made contemporaneously with the signing of any legislation by him (signing statement). Applies this prohibition only to signing statements that contradict, or are inconsistent with, the intent of Congress in enacting a measure or that otherwise encroach upon the congressional prerogative to make laws. Prohibits a governmental entity from taking into consideration any presidential signing statement for purposes of construing or applying any Act of Congress.

congressional authority protection act prohibits use funds available executive_office president executive agency produce publish disseminate presidential statement signing legislation signing statement applies prohibition signing statements inconsistent intent congress enacting measure congressional laws prohibits governmental entity taking consideration presidential signing statement purposes construing applying act congress


Summary: Establishes as an independent office within the legislative branch the Office of Public Integrity to: (1) oversee financial disclosure and other reports filed by Members of Congress, congressional officers and employees, and registered lobbyists; (2) investigate alleged violations of any applicable rule or other standard of conduct; (3) present a case of probable ethics violations to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct or the Senate Select Committee on Ethics (ethics committees); and (4) make recommendations about reporting to the appropriate federal or state authorities any substantial evidence of a violation. Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) and Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, as well as the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (EGA of 1978), the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA), to conform to this Act.

establishes independent office legislative branch office public integrity oversee financial disclosure reports filed members congress congressional officers employees registered lobbyists investigate alleged violations applicable rule standard conduct present case probable ethics violations house committee_on_standards_of_official_conduct senate select committee ethics ethics committees recommendations reporting appropriate federal state authorities substantial evidence violation amends rule procedures committees unfinished business rule organization committees rules house_of_representatives ethics_in_government_act ethics reform_act lobbying disclosure act lda conform act


Summary: House Page Board Revision Act of 2007 - Amends House Resolution 611, 97th Congress, agreed to November 30, 1982, as enacted into permanent law, to increase from one to two the number of Members of the House appointed to the House Page Board by the House minority leader. Requires the one-year (renewable) appointment to the Page Board, jointly by the Speaker and the minority leader, of: (1) one individual who, at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of his or her appointment, is or was a parent of a page participating in the program; and (2) one individual who is a former page of the House, but who is not a Member of the House or the parent of a page. Requires a vacancy in the position held by such Member to be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Requires the individual appointed to fill a vacancy to serve for the remainder of the original term. Permits such individual to be reappointed in accordance with this Act. Authorizes per diem travel payments to such individuals for attending Board meetings away from home or business. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Page Board to meet regularly, in accordance with a schedule established jointly by the Speaker and minority leader.

house page board revision act amends house resolution congress agreed november enacted permanent law increase number members house appointed house page board house minority leader requires year renewable appointment page board jointly speaker minority leader individual time year period ending date appointment parent page participating program individual page house member house parent page requires vacancy position held member filled manner original appointment requires individual appointed fill vacancy serve remainder original term permits individual reappointed accordance act authorizes diem travel payments individuals attending board meetings away home business authorizes appropriations requires page board meet regularly accordance schedule established jointly speaker minority leader


Summary: Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 - Provides that, if there is a deficit in a fiscal year, then: (1) any pay adjustment (including a cost of living adjustment) for Members of Congress scheduled to take effect in the succeeding calendar year shall be null and void; and (2) rates of pay for Members shall be reduced by a specified percentage, but not below zero. Specifies the mandatory pay rate reduction at: (1) 5%, for the first year; or (2) 10%, for any consecutive subsequent year that expenditures exceed revenues. Specifies conditions for restoration of the original pay rate, together with otherwise scheduled adjustments. Vests authority in the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to make determinations of whether or not a deficit exists in any fiscal year. States that, in making any such determination, the Director shall exclude any budget outlays which directly relate to a military conflict that lasts over 30 days or that is in direct response to a terrorist attack on the United States.

fiscal responsibility act provides deficit fiscal year pay adjustment including cost living adjustment members congress scheduled effect succeeding calendar year shall null void rates pay members shall reduced specified percentage zero specifies mandatory pay rate reduction year consecutive subsequent year expenditures exceed revenues specifies conditions restoration original pay rate scheduled adjustments vests authority director congressional_budget_office determinations deficit exists fiscal year states making determination director shall exclude budget outlays directly relate military conflict days direct response terrorist attack united_states


Summary: Presidential Succession Act of 2007 - Modifies the presidential succession list to include, following the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Ambassador to the United Nations, the Ambassador to Great Britain, the Ambassador to Russia, the Ambassador to China, and the Ambassador to France. Revises the provision specifying how long an acting President shall serve to provide that an acting President shall continue to serve as such until the expiration of the then current Presidential term or until the disability of the President or Vice-President is removed. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) votes by electors after the death or incapacity of nominees; and (2) the continuity of government and the transition of executive power.

presidential succession act modifies presidential succession list include following secretary homeland_security ambassador united_nations ambassador great ambassador russia ambassador china ambassador france revises provision specifying long acting president shall serve provide acting president shall continue serve expiration current presidential term disability president vice president removed expresses sense congress respect votes electors death incapacity nominees continuity government transition executive power


Summary: Stimulating Leadership in Limiting Expenditures Act (or SLICE Act) of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose, at any time and in any manner provided in this Act, the rescission of any budget authority in an appropriation Act. Prohibits funds made available for obligation under this procedure from being proposed for rescission again. Sets forth requirements for: (1) the President's transmittal to Congress of a special message regarding a proposed rescission; and (2) expedited consideration of such proposal.

leadership limiting expenditures act act amends congressional_budget impoundment control act authorize president propose time manner provided act rescission budget authority appropriation act prohibits funds available obligation procedure proposed rescission sets forth requirements president transmittal congress special message proposed rescission expedited consideration proposal


Summary: Declares Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency," to be null and void.Prohibits the use of funds for the promulgation or enforcement of an executive order that creates an entitlement to services provided in a language other than English.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

declares executive order improving access services persons limited english proficiency null void prohibits use funds promulgation enforcement executive order creates entitlement services provided language english


Summary: Accountability in Government Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal agency head from continuing in office without reappointment by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, in any case in which the Comptroller General's annual report under the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996 states that the agency is not in substantial compliance with federal financial management systems requirements, applicable accounting standards, and the U.S. Government Standard Ledger at the transaction level.

accountability government act prohibits federal agency head continuing office reappointment president advice consent senate case comptroller_general annual report federal financial management improvement act states agency substantial compliance federal financial management systems requirements applicable accounting standards government standard transaction level


Summary: Iraq and Afghanistan Contractor Sunshine Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide Congress with: (1) copies and descriptions of contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million for work to be performed or that was performed beginning on October 1, 2001, in Iraq and Afghanistan; and (2) a report describing the number of persons working in Iraq and Afghanistan under contracts, the cost of such contracts, the number of persons wounded or killed working under such contracts, and information on laws that may have been broken and disciplinary actions taken by the contractor, the U.S. government, the government of Iraq, or the government of Afghanistan.

iraq afghanistan contractor sunshine act_-_requires secretary defense secretary state secretary interior administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid provide congress copies descriptions contracts task orders excess million work performed performed beginning october iraq afghanistan report describing number persons working iraq afghanistan contracts cost contracts number persons wounded killed working contracts information laws broken disciplinary actions taken contractor government government iraq government afghanistan


Summary: Ethics Reform Act of 2007 - Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House to abolish the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Establishes within the legislative branch an Independent Ethics Commission to perform the duties of the Committee. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to transfer functions of the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House to the Commission with respect to: (1) registration of lobbyists; (2) disclosure and enforcement; (3) penalties; and (4) rules of construction. Requires quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosure reports with the Commission in an electronic form to made available to the public free of charge over the Internet. Requires the Commission to continue any investigations pending before the Committee six months after the enactment of this Act. Sets forth House procedures for consideration of Commission recommendations.

ethics reform_act amends rule organization committees rules house abolish committee_on_standards_of_official_conduct establishes legislative branch independent ethics commission perform duties committee amends lobbying disclosure act transfer functions secretary senate clerk house commission respect registration lobbyists disclosure enforcement penalties rules construction requires quarterly instead semiannual filing lobbying disclosure reports commission electronic form available public free charge internet requires commission continue investigations pending committee months enactment act sets forth house procedures consideration commission recommendations


Summary: Iraq Contingency Planning Act - Requires the President by June 30, 2007, to report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees detailing U.S. and U.S. Armed Forces contingency plans to respond to the following three scenarios regarding future developments in Iraq as identified by the most recent National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq: (1) chaos leading to partition; (2) emergence of a Shia strongman; and (3) anarchic fragmentation of power.

iraq contingency planning act_-_requires president june report house senate armed services committees detailing armed_forces contingency plans respond following scenarios future developments iraq identified recent national_intelligence estimate iraq leading partition fragmentation power


Summary: Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2007 - Recognizes the inherent authority of the People of Puerto Rico to call a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing a Self-Determination Option for a new or modified commonwealth status, statehood, or independence. Requires such proposal, if approved by the people of Puerto Rico in a referendum, to be presented to Congress, which shall enact a joint resolution approving it and providing for its implementation. Requires a proposal that is changed or amended by Congress to be submitted to the people of Puerto Rico for approval in a referendum before it shall become effective.Authorizes the Constitutional Convention: (1) if a self-determination proposal is rejected by Congress or by the people of Puerto Rico, to reconvene for the purpose of deliberating to adopt another proposal; and (2) to remain in session until a proposal is enacted.

puerto_rico self determination act recognizes inherent authority people puerto_rico constitutional convention purpose proposing self determination option new modified commonwealth status statehood independence requires proposal approved people puerto_rico referendum presented congress shall enact joint resolution approving providing implementation requires proposal changed amended congress submitted people puerto_rico approval referendum shall effective authorizes constitutional convention self determination proposal rejected congress people puerto_rico purpose adopt proposal remain session proposal enacted


Summary: Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007 - Amends federal law regarding presidential archival depositories to require any presidential library fundraising organization to submit quarterly reports to the National Archives and Records Administration and specified congressional committees on every contributor who: (1) respecting a Presidential archival depository (including a depository of a President who currently holds the Office of President) for which the Archivist of the United States has not accepted, taken title to, or entered into an agreement to use any land or facility for the archival depository, gave a contribution or contributions (whether monetary or in-kind) totaling $200 or more for a quarterly period; or (2) respecting such a depository for which the Archivist has accepted, taken title to, or entered into an agreement to use any land or facility for the archival depository, gave the organization a contribution or contributions (whether monetary or in-kind) totaling $1, 250 or more for a quarterly period. Requires the submission of such information to continue to apply to a Presidential library fundraising organization during the lifetime of the President whose archives benefit from such fundraising. Requires the Archivist to make such information available to the public through the Internet (or a successor technology readily available to the public) as soon as is practicable after each quarterly filing. Requires that such information be made available without a fee or other access charge, in a searchable, sortable, and downloadable database. Prohibits knowing and willful submissions of false information or omissions of material information by contributors or the fundraising organization. Prescribes criminal penalties for violation of such prohibitions. Prohibits any person from knowingly and willfully: (1) making a contribution described above in the name of another person; (2) permitting his or her name to be used to effect such a contribution; and (3) accepting such a contribution that is made by one person in the name of another person. Prescribes penalties for violation of such prohibition. Requires the Archivist to promulgate regulations to carry out this Act. Makes this Act: (1) applicable to an organization established to raise funds for creating, maintaining, expanding, or conducting activities at a Presidential archival depository or any facilities related to such a depository; and (2) only applicable with respect to contributions (whether monetary or in-kind) made after enactment of this Act.

presidential library donation reform_act amends federal law presidential archival depositories require presidential library fundraising organization submit quarterly reports national_archives_and_records_administration specified congressional committees contributor respecting presidential archival depository including depository president currently holds office president archivist united_states accepted taken title entered agreement use land facility archival depository gave contribution contributions monetary kind totaling quarterly period respecting depository archivist accepted taken title entered agreement use land facility archival depository gave organization contribution contributions monetary kind totaling quarterly period requires submission information continue apply presidential library fundraising organization lifetime president archives benefit fundraising requires archivist information available public internet successor technology readily available public soon practicable quarterly filing requires information available fee access charge searchable downloadable database prohibits knowing willful submissions false information omissions material information contributors fundraising organization prescribes criminal penalties violation prohibitions prohibits person knowingly willfully making contribution described person permitting effect contribution accepting contribution person person prescribes penalties violation prohibition requires archivist promulgate regulations carry act makes act applicable organization established raise funds creating maintaining expanding conducting activities presidential archival depository facilities related depository applicable respect contributions monetary kind enactment act


Summary: Requires the Joint Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement with the Foundation of Hellenes under which the Foundation shall provide a statue of Constantino Brumidi to be displayed in the Capitol Visitor Center. Authorizes the Committee to delegate such requirement to the Architect of the Capitol (AOC).

requires joint_committee library enter agreement foundation foundation shall provide statue displayed capitol visitor center authorizes committee delegate requirement architect capitol aoc


Summary: Enumerated Powers Act - Requires each Act of Congress to contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act. Declares that failure to comply with this requirement shall give rise to a point of order in either chamber of Congress.

enumerated powers act_-_requires act congress contain concise definite statement constitutional authority relied enactment portion act declares failure comply requirement shall rise point order chamber congress


Summary: Appropriations Transparency Act of 2007 - Allows a point of order to be made by any Member in the House of Representatives or the Senate against consideration of a conference report that includes any earmark or tax earmark not committed to conference by either chamber. Defines "tax earmark" as any revenue-losing provision that provides a federal tax deduction, credit, exclusion, or preference to only one beneficiary (determined with respect to either present law or any provision of which the provision is a part) under the Internal Revenue Code in any year for which the provision is in effect.

appropriations transparency_act allows point order member house_of_representatives senate consideration conference report includes earmark tax earmark committed conference chamber defines tax earmark revenue losing provision provides federal tax deduction credit exclusion preference beneficiary determined respect present law provision provision internal_revenue_code year provision effect


Summary: Requires the President to submit to the congressional foreign relations committees a report that identifies and includes a brief description of every federal program that authorizes or requires the gathering of information on individuals in the United States, established whether in whole or in part pursuant to the "all necessary and appropriate force" clause contained in the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

requires president submit congressional foreign relations committees report identifies includes brief description federal program authorizes requires gathering information individuals united_states established pursuant necessary appropriate force clause contained authorization use military force


Summary: State Admission Day Recognition Act of 2007 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to honor a state's anniversary of admission to the Union by flying its flag over the Capitol each year on that anniversary. Provides that if a state's anniversary falls on the same day as another state's, the AOC shall fly the flag of each such state on that day. Requires the AOC to: (1) fly the first such flag on the first September 9 which occurs after the enactment of this Act, in honor of California's anniversary; and (2) present it to the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.

state admission day recognition_act requires architect capitol aoc honor state anniversary admission union flying flag capitol year anniversary provides state anniversary falls day state aoc shall fly flag state day requires aoc fly flag september occurs enactment act honor california anniversary present native sons daughters golden west


Summary: Amends federal postal law to prohibit a Member of the House of Representatives from sending as part of a mass mailing: (1) the usual and customary congressional newsletter or press release which may deal with such matters as the impact of laws and decisions on state and local governments and individual citizens, reports on public and official actions taken by Members of Congress, and discussions of proposed or pending legislation or governmental actions and the positions of the Members of Congress on, and arguments for or against, such matters; (2) the usual and customary congressional questionnaire seeking public opinion on any law, pending or proposed legislation, public issue, or subject; or (3) mail matter expressing congratulations to a person who has achieved some public distinction.

amends federal postal law prohibit member house_of_representatives sending mass mailing usual customary congressional press release deal matters impact laws decisions state local governments individual citizens reports public official actions taken members congress discussions proposed pending legislation governmental actions positions members congress arguments matters usual customary congressional questionnaire seeking public opinion law pending proposed legislation public issue subject mail matter expressing person achieved public distinction


Summary: Franking Reform Adds Needed Knowledge Act of 2007, or the FRANK Act - Prohibits a Member of the House of Representatives, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to Congress (Member) from mailing any mass mailing as franked mail unless each piece included in such mailing contains a statement of the aggregate cost of this mailing to the taxpayer to produce and mail it. Requires the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards, upon request of a Member, to assist the individual in obtaining such required information to be included in the mass mailing.

reform adds needed knowledge act frank act prohibits member house_of_representatives delegate resident commissioner congress member mailing mass mailing mail piece included mailing contains statement aggregate cost mailing taxpayer produce mail requires house commission congressional mailing standards request member assist individual obtaining required information included mass mailing


Summary: Presidential Signing Statements Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state or federal court from relying on or deferring to a presidential signing statement as a source of authority when determining the meaning of any Act of Congress. Requires any federal or state court, in any action, suit, or proceeding regarding the construction or constitutionality, or both, of any Act of Congress in which a presidential signing statement was issued, to permit the Senate, through the Office of Senate Legal Counsel, or the House, through the Office of General Counsel for the House, or both, to participate as an amicus curiae, and to present an oral argument on the question of the Act's construction or constitutionality, or both. Authorizes the full Congress, in any such suit, to pass a concurrent resolution declaring its view of the proper interpretation of the Act of Congress at issue, clarifying Congress's intent or its findings of fact, or both. Requires the federal or state court in question to permit Congress, through the Office of Senate Legal Counsel, to submit any such passed resolution into the record of the case as a matter of right. Makes it the duty of each federal or state court, including the U.S. Supreme Court, to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of any matter brought under this Act.

presidential signing statements act prohibits state federal court relying deferring presidential signing statement source authority determining meaning act congress requires federal state court action suit proceeding construction constitutionality act congress presidential signing statement issued permit senate office senate legal counsel house office general counsel house participate amicus curiae present oral argument question act construction constitutionality authorizes congress suit pass concurrent resolution declaring view proper interpretation act congress issue clarifying congress intent findings fact requires federal state court question permit congress office senate legal counsel submit passed resolution record case matter right makes duty federal state court including supreme_court advance docket expedite greatest possible extent disposition matter brought act


Summary: Congressional Responsibility and Accountability Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to: (1) require each agency, before adopting a rule, to determine whether compliance with the rule will result in a specified economic impact; and (2) prohibit an agency from enforcing a rule it determines will result in such impact until its requirements are enacted into law.Requires each agency: (1) annually, to determine whether its rules have resulted in a specified economic impact in the preceding year; and (2) not later than 365 days after making such determination, to no longer enforce such a rule until its requirements are enacted into law.Defines "specified economic impact" as: (1) costs to any individual of $5,000 or more in a year; (2) costs to any partnership, corporation, association, or public or private organization of $25,000 or more in a year; (3) costs to all persons (not including the federal government or a state government) in the aggregate of $250,000 or more in a year; or (4) the loss by one or more U.S. citizens of existing employment in a year.

congressional responsibility accountability act_-_amends administrative procedure act require agency adopting rule determine compliance rule result specified economic impact prohibit agency enforcing rule determines result impact requirements enacted law requires agency annually determine rules resulted specified economic impact preceding year later days making determination longer enforce rule requirements enacted law defines specified economic impact costs individual year costs partnership corporation association public private organization year costs persons including federal_government state government aggregate year loss citizens existing employment year


Summary: AMERICA Act of 2007: A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again - Expresses the sense of Congress that since Members of Congress swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States, write laws regarding the powers granted to the government, and propose constitutional amendments, they should be required to read this important document, including its amendments. Directs every Senator and Representative to obtain copies of the Constitution, distribute them to their staff, and require the staff to read it at least once during each session of Congress.

america act effort read constitution expresses sense congress members congress uphold constitution united_states write laws powers granted government propose constitutional amendments required read important document including amendments directs senator representative obtain copies constitution distribute staff require staff read session congress