Summary:
Comprehensive Labor Evaluation and Research Act or the CLEAR Act

This bill establishes in the Department of Labor an Office of Labor Evaluation and Research to collaborate with federal agencies to ensure that evaluations of labor issues meet evidence-based research standards and that the results are disseminated in forms that are usable or adaptable by practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public.

Labor must appoint a Chief Evaluation Officer as the head of the office to: (1) manage and conduct scientifically valid evaluation and research of labor issues, (2) assist in establishing and refining structures for programs and activities, (3) measure impacts of programs, (4) carry out data analytics to strengthen management, (5) solicit stakeholder recommendations, (6) identify long-term priority topics, (7) coordinate activities with other federal agencies, and (8) disseminate information to stakeholders.

The Chief Evaluation Officer must maintain a Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research that: (1) reviews whether labor evaluations and research meet evidence-based research standards; (2) promotes accessibility and public awareness of results that meet the standards; (3) encourages the use of reviewed evaluations and research to inform policies, programs, and activities; (4) assesses the quality of evaluations that examine the effectiveness of particular programs; and (5) acts to synthesize evaluations and research within a topic area, highlight gaps in literature, and identify areas for further research.

The Chief Evaluation Officer may award grants, enter contracts and cooperative agreements, and provide technical assistance to Labor agencies and other entities to carry out this bill.

comprehensive labor evaluation research_act clear act bill establishes department_of_labor office labor evaluation research collaborate federal agencies ensure evaluations labor issues meet evidence based research standards results disseminated forms usable practitioners researchers policymakers public labor appoint chief evaluation officer head office manage conduct scientifically valid evaluation research labor issues assist establishing refining structures programs activities measure impacts programs carry data analytics strengthen management solicit stakeholder recommendations identify long term priority topics coordinate activities federal agencies disseminate information stakeholders chief evaluation officer maintain clearinghouse labor evaluation research reviews labor evaluations research meet evidence based research standards promotes accessibility public awareness results meet standards encourages use reviewed evaluations research inform policies programs activities assesses quality evaluations examine effectiveness particular programs acts synthesize evaluations research topic area gaps literature identify areas research chief evaluation officer award grants enter contracts cooperative agreements provide technical assistance labor agencies entities carry bill


Summary: Building a Stronger America Act - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to award grants for the development of feasibility studies and plans for the construction of new or expansion of existing science parks. Allows the Secretary to guarantee up to 80% of the loan amount for loans exceeding $10 million for projects for the construction of such infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) under which NAS shall evaluate, every three years, such development. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with NAS to study the successes of international partnerships among governments, industry, and academia in advancing the capabilities of science and technology in conjunction with a corresponding increase in business opportunities.

building stronger america act_-_amends stevenson-wydler_technology innovation_act direct secretary commerce award grants development feasibility studies plans construction new expansion existing science parks allows secretary guarantee loan loans exceeding million projects construction infrastructure directs secretary enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas nas shall evaluate years development requires director national_science_foundation nsf enter agreement nas study successes international partnerships governments industry academia advancing capabilities science_and_technology conjunction corresponding increase business opportunities


Summary: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable to: (1) any amount collected or received as federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.

amends communications act federal provisions prohibit obligation expenditure funds excess appropriated amounts violation sequestration orders balanced_budget emergency deficit control act inapplicable collected received federal universal service contributions expenditure obligation amounts attributable contributions


Summary: Health Care and Training for Older Workers Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend COBRA continuation coverage for certain older workers. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to revise: (1) statewide employment and training activities, adding developing strategies for serving hard-to-serve populations and coordinating programs among one-stop partners; (2) local employment and training activities, with respect to intensive services and training services, and adding customer support for members of hard-to-serve populations, including individuals with disabilities; and (3) performance measures, data, and reporting.

health_care training older workers act_-_amends employee retirement income security act erisa extend cobra continuation coverage certain older workers amends workforce investment act revise statewide employment training activities adding developing strategies serving hard serve populations coordinating programs stop partners local employment training activities respect intensive services training services adding customer support members hard serve populations including individuals disabilities performance measures data reporting


Summary: E-Government Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the E-Government Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) the integrated Internet-based system providing public access to government information and services (federal Internet portal); (2) the governmentwide repository and website; (3) the study of best practices at community technology centers, development and dissemination of the online tutorial, and promotion of community technology centers; (4) common protocols for geographic information systems; and (5) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) electronic government services, and federal management and promotion of such services. Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) coordination of federal information policy (information security); (2) the E-Government Fund; and (3) the Information Exchange Program. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to extend the Computer Standards Program through FY2012. Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) develop best practices for agencies to follow in conducting privacy impact assessments; and (2) ensure that publicly available online federal government information and services are made more accessible to external search capabilities, including commercial and governmental.

government reauthorization act amends government act reauthorize appropriations fy2012 integrated internet based system providing public access government information services federal internet portal governmentwide repository website study best practices community technology centers development dissemination online tutorial promotion community technology centers common protocols geographic information systems office_of_management_and_budget omb electronic government services federal management promotion services extends authorization appropriations fy2012 coordination federal information policy information security government fund information exchange program amends national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act extend computer standards program fy2012 amends paperwork reduction act require director office_of_science_and_technology_policy develop best practices agencies follow conducting privacy impact assessments ensure publicly available online federal_government information services accessible external search capabilities including commercial governmental


Summary: Efficiency in Decision Making Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make a decision that either grants or denies a Petition for Reconsideration and issue a Memorandum Opinion and Order not later than one year after the submission of the petition. Deems a petition granted if the FCC fails to act within that time limit.

efficiency decision making act requires federal_communications_commission fcc decision grants denies petition reconsideration issue memorandum opinion order later year submission petition deems petition granted fcc fails act time limit


Summary: Protecting Consumers through Proper Forbearance Procedures Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant or deny, within one year, a petition by one or more telecommunications carriers or classes of carriers requesting that the FCC forbear from applying any regulation or provision under the Act. (Current law deems such a petition granted if not denied within one year.)

protecting_consumers proper forbearance procedures act_-_amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc grant deny year petition telecommunications carriers classes carriers requesting fcc applying regulation provision act current law deems petition granted denied year


Summary: National Innovation and Job Creation Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a National Innovation Council, to be responsible for formulating and advocating for the federal government's innovation policy. Requires the Council to collaborate with major statistical agencies, collect data concerning the impact on productivity of the Council's programs, and annually report to Congress on national innovation and productivity. Places the Council under the direction of a National Innovation Council Board.Transfers to the Council specified research and innovation programs of the National Institute of Standards of Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Labor.Establishes within the Council the CLUSTER Information Center to promote the collection, development, and dissemination of data and analysis on industry clusters (geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses and associated institutions in a particular field).Requires the Council to award grants for: (1) operation of CLUSTER Initiatives (formal efforts to promote cluster growth and competitiveness through collaborative activities); (2) research partnerships between academic institutions and industry research alliances; (3) early-stage research, by academic institutions and joint ventures, into methods of increasing productivity and innovation; (4) state innovation-based economic development partnerships; and (5) diffusion of technological innovations by manufacturing extension partnership centers.

national innovation job creation act establishes executive_office president national innovation council responsible formulating advocating federal_government innovation policy requires council collaborate major statistical agencies collect data concerning impact productivity council programs annually report congress national innovation productivity places council direction national innovation council board transfers council specified research innovation programs national institute standards technology national_science_foundation department_of_labor establishes council cluster information center promote collection development dissemination data analysis industry clusters geographic concentrations interconnected businesses associated institutions particular council award grants operation cluster initiatives formal efforts promote cluster growth competitiveness collaborative activities research partnerships academic institutions industry research alliances early stage research academic institutions joint ventures methods increasing productivity innovation state innovation based economic development partnerships diffusion technological innovations manufacturing extension partnership centers


Summary: Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to extend the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to certain transactions in derivatives involving specified energy commodities ("included energy transactions"), including those on foreign boards of trade.Defines "included energy transaction" as a contract, agreement, or transaction in an energy commodity for future delivery that: (1) provides for a delivery point in the United States; or (2) is transacted on a computer terminal located in the United States.Prohibits the CFTC from exempting from regulation any "included energy transaction" unless certain notice to Congress and public comment requirements are met. Declares null and void any CFTC "no-action letter" exemptions from CEA requirements for "included energy transactions."Requires the CFTC to establish uniform limits on the aggregate number of positions with respect to "included energy transactions" which may be held by any person for the prompt month, for each month, and for all months in all markets subject to CFTC jurisdiction.Excludes swaps involving "included energy transactions" from any CEA exemption for bona fide hedging transactions.Defines "bilateral included energy transaction" as an included energy transaction executed or traded other than on or through a trading facility. Exempts such transactions from the requirement that transactions be made on or through a designated contract market. Applies to "bilateral included energy transactions" certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements.Instructs the CFTC to publish monthly on its website: (1) the aggregate number and value of long and short positions held by a person in any portfolio constructed to match or track the components of an index of all commodities; and (2) the portion of the positions that are net long positions in "included energy transactions."Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Federal Power Act to set forth enforcement powers of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including cease-and-desist proceedings, temporary orders, and general implementation authority.

prevent unfair manipulation prices act amends commodity_exchange_act cea extend regulatory authority commodity_futures_trading_commission cftc certain transactions derivatives involving specified energy commodities included energy transactions including foreign boards trade defines included energy transaction contract agreement transaction energy commodity future delivery provides delivery point united_states computer terminal located united_states prohibits cftc exempting regulation included energy transaction certain notice congress public comment requirements met declares null void cftc action letter exemptions cea requirements included energy transactions cftc establish uniform limits aggregate number positions respect included energy transactions held person prompt month month months markets subject cftc jurisdiction excludes swaps involving included energy transactions cea exemption bona fide hedging transactions defines bilateral included energy transaction included energy transaction executed traded trading facility exempts transactions requirement transactions designated contract market applies bilateral included energy transactions certain reporting recordkeeping requirements instructs cftc publish monthly website aggregate number value long short positions held person portfolio constructed match track components index commodities portion positions net long positions included energy transactions natural gas act federal power act set forth enforcement powers federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc including cease desist proceedings temporary orders general implementation authority


Summary: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations to accelerate the initial operational capability of a U.S.-owned human spacecraft capability.(Sec. 4) Affirms congressional support for the broad goals of U.S. space exploration policy, utilization of lunar exploration, activity related to Mars exploration, and international participation and cooperation (as well as commercial involvement in exploration).(Sec. 5) Revises requirements for a compliance report on replacement of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Limits authority of the NASA Administrator to retire the Space Shuttle and requires a report on recertification of continued flightworthiness through FY2015.Expresses the sense of Congress concerning contributions of the commercial space sector. Requires, with respect to the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project: (1) an assessment of the effects of increased funding under this Act upon development of project capabilities; and (2) a competition for completion of the COTS crewed vehicle demonstration project by the end of FY2011, or as soon thereafter as is practicable.(Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to: (1) submit a plan to Congress for disposition of the remaining Space Shuttle Orbiters and related hardware and facilities after retirement of the fleet; and (2) establish a Space Shuttle Transition Liaison Office to assist communities affected by termination of the Shuttle program.(Sec. 7) Requires an analysis of facilities and human capital resources that will become available as a result of the retirement of the Space Shuttle program and identify programs and projects that could use such facilities and resources.(Sec. 8) Requires a report on a plan to support the operations of the International Space Station (ISS) beyond FY2015 for a period of not less than five years.(Sec. 9) Requires the Administrator to report a plan for continuing the activities described in the operation plan of the ISS National Laboratory submitted to Congress in May 2007 and a budget plan that reflects the anticipated use of such activities and the amount projected to be required for FY2010-FY2020 to accomplish the objectives of such activities.Requires establishment of an International Space Station Utilization Advisory Committee and development of an implementation plan for a structure for management of national laboratory research. Establishes in the Treasury an International Space Station Research Fund.(Sec. 10) Requires the planning and carrying out of an additional Shuttle mission for the scientific utilization of the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory by the delivery of launch-ready scientific payloads, such as the alpha magnetic spectrometer, as soon as the assembly of the ISS is completed.(Sec. 11) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning use of the Space Life Sciences Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center as an asset in ISS National Laboratory capability.(Sec. 12) Reaffirms congressional support for well-balanced scientific research support by NASA and for nanotechnology research and development and application. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning emphasis on fundamental and basic research and the transition to application development and concerning use by NASA's nanotechnology policy for ongoing research and development in green nanoscience and nanomanufacturing.(Sec. 13) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning aeronautics research and the impact of sonic booms.Requires the following research initiatives: (1) development of technologies to achieve the environmental goals delineated in the Energy and Environment component of the National Plan for Aeronautics Research and Development and Related Infrastructure submitted to the President in accordance with Executive Order 13419; (2) alignment of the fundamental aeronautics research program to address high-priority technology challenges described in the 2006 report of the National Research Council entitled "Decadal Survey of Civil Aeronautics"; (3) sonic boom impact research; (4) independent review of NASA aviation-safety related research; and (5) implementation of the Climate Change Research Initiative as described in the report of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program for FY2008 entitled "Our Changing Planet."Requires research and development activities performed by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate with the primary objective of assisting in the development of a flight project in another Mission Directorate of the Agency to be funded by the Mission Directorate seeking assistance.Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish one or more Centers for Research on Aviation Training under cooperative agreements with appropriate NASA Centers.(Sec. 14) Requires the Administrator to develop an enhanced-use lease policy that is based upon sound business practices and lessons learned from the demonstration centers and establishes controls and procedures to ensure accountability and protect the government's interests. Revises procedures for the retention of cash consideration received by NASA field centers. Requires studies on the leasing practices of all field centers and project assignment and work allocation at such centers.(Sec. 17) Requires establishment of an interagency commission to study the establishment of a space launch range and facilities dedicated to commercial space missions.(Sec. 18) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning appointment by the President of members to the National Space Council in accordance with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989.(Sec. 19) Requires the Administrator to review and report on NASA suborbital mission capabilities.(Sec. 20) Requires the Administrator to initiate discussions with appropriate representatives of other space-faring countries to determine an appropriate framework under which information intended to promote safe access into outer space, operations in outer space, and return from outer space to Earth free from physical or radio-frequency interference can be shared.(Sec. 21) Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to study the impact of current export control policies and implementation directives on national security, the U.S. aerospace industry, and the ability of federal agencies to carry out cooperative activities in science and technology and human space flight, including the impact on research carried out under the sponsorship of such agencies.(Sec. 22) Reaffirms the policy set forth in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 relating to surveying near-Earth asteroids and comets. Affirms support of the Near-Earth Object Survey program required by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005. Expresses the sense of Congress that near-Earth object program activities will provide benefits to NASA scientific and exploration activities. Requires the Administrator to issue requests for information on missions for: (1) rendezvous with and characterization of the Apophis asteroid; and (2) detection of near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter.Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) develop a policy for notifying federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat, if near term public safety is at risk; and (2) recommend an agency or agencies to be responsible for protection of the United States from a near-Earth object that is expected to collide with Earth and implementing a deflection campaign, should one be necessary.Requires maintenance of a planetary radar comparable to the capability provided through the Deep Space Network Goldstone facility.(Sec. 23) Requires development of a plan for utilizing the International Space Station in support of educational activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires establishment as a goal the funding of sounding-rockets, high-altitude balloon, suborbital flight, and small satellite payload opportunities directly linked to programs that provide significant hands-on training, learning, and research opportunities for students and instructors in higher education.Requires continuance of a program of unmanned aerial vehicle development and applications.Authorizes not less than $20 million in FY2009 for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and not less than $32 million for the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.(Sec. 24) Requires establishment of an Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation.(Sec. 25) Requires an inventory of natural methane stocks and fluxes in the Polar Region of the United States.(Sec. 26) Prohibits NASA from initiating or implementing a reduction-in-force of permanent, non-Senior Executive Service, civil servant employees.(Sec. 27) Limits the number of term positions.(Sec. 28) Expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should not dilute, distort, suppress, or impede scientific research or the dissemination thereof. Requires the Comptroller General to: (1) determine whether regulations concerning release to news and information media are effective in ensuring that the sense of Congress expressed in this section is being observed; and (2) report to Congress with respect to establishing and carrying out a policy that addresses both the dissemination of scientific research and agency media policy.

national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act sec authorizes appropriations national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa fy2009 science aeronautics exploration education space operations cross agency support programs inspector_general authorizes additional appropriations accelerate initial operational capability human affirms congressional support broad goals space exploration policy utilization exploration activity related exploration international participation cooperation commercial involvement revises requirements compliance report replacement space limits authority nasa administrator retire space requires report recertification continued sense congress concerning contributions commercial space sector requires respect commercial transportation services project assessment effects increased funding act development project capabilities competition completion vehicle demonstration project end fy2011 soon requires administrator submit plan congress disposition remaining space related hardware facilities retirement fleet establish space transition liaison office assist communities affected termination requires analysis facilities human capital resources available result retirement space program identify programs projects use facilities requires report plan support operations international space station fy2015 period requires administrator report plan continuing activities described operation plan national_laboratory submitted congress budget plan reflects anticipated use activities projected required fy2010 fy2020 accomplish objectives activities requires establishment international space station utilization advisory_committee development implementation plan structure management national_laboratory research establishes treasury international space station research requires planning carrying additional mission scientific utilization portion national_laboratory delivery launch ready scientific alpha magnetic soon assembly expresses sense congress concerning use space life sciences laboratory kennedy space center asset national_laboratory reaffirms congressional support balanced scientific research support nasa nanotechnology research development application expresses sense congress concerning emphasis fundamental basic research transition application development concerning use nasa nanotechnology policy ongoing research development green expresses sense congress concerning aeronautics research impact booms requires following research initiatives development technologies achieve environmental goals delineated energy environment component national plan aeronautics research development related infrastructure submitted president accordance executive order alignment fundamental aeronautics research program address high priority technology challenges described report national_research_council entitled survey civil aeronautics boom impact research independent review nasa aviation safety related research implementation climate change research initiative described report climate change science program fy2008 entitled changing research development activities performed aeronautics research mission directorate primary objective assisting development flight project mission directorate agency funded mission directorate seeking assistance requires administrator award grants institutions higher education establish centers research aviation training cooperative agreements appropriate nasa requires administrator develop enhanced use lease policy based sound business practices lessons learned demonstration_centers establishes controls procedures ensure accountability protect government interests revises procedures retention cash consideration received nasa field centers requires studies leasing practices field centers project assignment work allocation requires establishment interagency commission study establishment space launch range facilities dedicated commercial space expresses sense congress concerning appointment president members national space council accordance national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act fiscal year requires administrator review report nasa mission requires administrator initiate discussions appropriate representatives space countries determine appropriate framework information intended promote safe access outer space operations outer space return outer space earth free physical radio frequency interference requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy study impact current export control policies implementation directives national security aerospace industry ability federal agencies carry cooperative activities science_and_technology human space flight including impact research carried sponsorship reaffirms policy set forth national aeronautics space act relating surveying near earth affirms support near earth object survey program required national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act expresses sense congress near earth object program activities provide benefits nasa scientific exploration activities requires administrator issue requests information missions characterization detection near earth objects equal greater meters diameter requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy develop policy notifying federal agencies relevant emergency response institutions impending near earth object threat near term public safety risk recommend agency agencies responsible protection united_states near earth object expected earth implementing campaign necessary requires maintenance radar comparable capability provided deep space network requires development plan utilizing international space station support educational activities areas science technology engineering mathematics requires establishment goal funding high altitude balloon flight small satellite opportunities directly linked programs provide significant hands training learning research opportunities students instructors higher education requires continuance program unmanned aerial vehicle development applications authorizes million fy2009 experimental_program stimulate competitive research million national space grant college fellowship requires establishment office program analysis requires inventory natural methane stocks polar region united prohibits nasa initiating implementing reduction force permanent non senior_executive_service civil limits number term expresses sense congress nasa suppress impede scientific research dissemination thereof requires comptroller_general determine regulations concerning release news information media effective ensuring sense congress expressed section observed report congress respect establishing carrying policy addresses dissemination scientific research agency media policy


Summary: Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008 - Allows a receiving agent (designated by the Librarian of Congress to collect royalties that ultimately are disbursed to sound recording copyright owners and performers) to enter into agreements with webcasters that establish royalty terms for the performance of sound recordings over the Internet. Provides that such agreements, which may be effective for a period of up to 11 years following January 1, 2005, are to be binding on all copyright owners of sound recordings and other persons entitled to payment, in lieu of any determination of compulsory license rates by the Copyright Royalty Judges.Terminates the authority to negotiate settlement agreements under this Act on February 15, 2009.Declares that nothing in this Act (or any agreement entered into under this Act) shall be taken into account by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in its review of the May 1, 2007, determination of royalty rates by the Copyright Royalty Judges.

settlement act allows receiving agent designated librarian congress collect royalties ultimately disbursed sound recording copyright owners enter agreements establish royalty terms performance sound recordings internet provides agreements effective period years following january binding copyright owners sound recordings persons entitled payment lieu determination compulsory license rates copyright royalty judges terminates authority negotiate settlement agreements act february act agreement entered act shall taken account court_of_appeals district_of_columbia circuit review determination royalty rates copyright royalty judges


Summary: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include Head Start agencies in the universal support program, which makes them eligible for discounts for advanced telecommunications services.

amends communications act include head_start agencies universal support program makes eligible discounts advanced telecommunications services


Summary: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), subject to exception, to promulgate regulations requiring before adopting, modifying, or deleting a final regulation: (1) publication of the specific regulation language; and (2) specific time periods for comments, replying to comments, and deadlines for comments. Requires the FCC to: (1) ensure adequate review time; (2) establish action deadlines; (3) publish any actions within 30 days; and (4) submit specified notifications to specified congressional committees. Requires the FCC to annually publish the release schedule for all regular or intermittent FCC statistical reports and to notify the chairpersons and ranking members of specified congressional committees of the reason for any delay.

amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc subject exception promulgate regulations requiring adopting modifying deleting final regulation publication specific regulation language specific time periods comments comments deadlines comments requires fcc ensure adequate review time establish action deadlines publish actions days submit specified notifications specified congressional committees requires fcc annually publish release schedule regular intermittent fcc statistical reports notify chairpersons ranking members specified congressional committees reason delay


Summary: Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy grant program, which shall provide for: (1) global research competitions to address global challenges and collaborative research; (2) science and engineering institutional capacity building; (3) nonproliferation research and training; and (4) online access to worldwide science journals. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Embassy Science Fellows Program to: (1) pay for the costs of federal scientists to serve for up to three years in the Department of State; and (2) enhance scientists' role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Jefferson Science Fellows Program to: (1) provide an opportunity for tenured research-active scientists and engineers from the U.S academic community to serve in the Department of State for one year; and (2) enhance the availability at the Department of up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to foreign policy and international relations. Directs the Secretary to establish the Scientific Envoys Program under which the Secretary shall appoint scientists and engineers to serve as envoys on behalf of the United States to: (1) represent the U.S. commitment to promote, in collaboration with other countries, the advancement of science and technology; and (2) facilitate partnerships with eligible countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor should be further integrated into Department activities; and (2) relevant federal agencies should work to improve the visa process to ensure that the United States remains a central destination for scientific conferences and programs.

global science program security competitiveness diplomacy act directs secretary state establish global science program security competitiveness diplomacy grant program shall provide global research competitions address global challenges collaborative research science engineering institutional capacity building nonproliferation research training online access worldwide science authorizes secretary establish embassy science fellows program pay costs federal scientists serve years department_of_state enhance scientists role diplomatic efforts authorizes secretary establish jefferson science fellows program provide opportunity research active scientists engineers academic community serve department_of_state year enhance availability department date scientific knowledge relevant foreign policy international relations directs secretary establish scientific program secretary shall appoint scientists engineers serve behalf united_states represent commitment promote collaboration countries advancement science_and_technology facilitate partnerships eligible countries expresses sense congress office science_and_technology advisor integrated department activities relevant federal agencies work improve visa process ensure united_states remains central destination scientific conferences programs


Summary: FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her respective field of expertise.

fcc commissioners technical resource enhancement act_-_amends communications act permit commissioner appoint electrical engineer computer scientist provide technical consultation interface office engineering technology federal_communications_commission fcc bureaus technical staff requires engineer scientist hold undergraduate graduate degree respective field expertise


Summary: National Institute of Standards and Technology Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for: (1) scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities; (2) facilities construction and maintenance; and (3) industrial technology services activities, including the Technology Innovation Program (TIP), Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP), and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program. Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and requires the Under Secretary to conduct policy analysis on innovation and technical standards to improve and promote U.S. competitiveness. Requires the Director to reorganize the scientific and technical research and services laboratory program as specified. Directs the Secretary to promote collaboration among federal departments and agencies and private sector stakeholders. Requires the Director to establish, within the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program, an innovative services initiative to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in: (1) reducing their energy usage and environmental waste; and (2) accelerating the domestic commercialization of new product technologies, including components for renewable energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish appropriate criteria to be considered in determining the cost share of a Hollings Manufacturing Extension Center, but in no case shall it exceed half of the costs incurred by such Center. Revises the funding for a Center under the Program after the sixth year of operation. Requires the Director to establish a bioscience research program. Authorizes the Director to establish university research centers at institutions of higher education to conduct research to further the program's objectives.

national_institute_of_standards_and_technology authorization act authorizes appropriations fy2011 fy2015 secretary commerce national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist scientific technical research services laboratory activities facilities construction maintenance industrial technology services activities including technology innovation program tip manufacturing extension partnership program national quality award program establishes department_of_commerce secretary commerce standards technology requires secretary conduct policy analysis innovation technical standards improve promote competitiveness requires director reorganize scientific technical research services laboratory program specified directs secretary promote collaboration federal departments agencies private sector stakeholders requires director establish hollings manufacturing partnership program innovative services initiative assist small- medium sized manufacturers reducing energy usage environmental waste accelerating domestic commercialization new product technologies including components renewable energy systems directs secretary establish appropriate criteria considered determining cost share hollings manufacturing extension center case shall exceed half costs incurred center revises funding center program sixth year operation requires director establish research program authorizes director establish university research centers institutions higher education conduct research program objectives


Summary: National Economic Competitiveness and Innovation Strategy Act of 2010 - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to conduct a comprehensive study and report to Congress on the economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States. Requires the report to include: (1) findings; (2) a list of the type of measurements needed to evaluate economic competitiveness and innovation over time; and (3) a national competitiveness strategy for strengthening the innovative and competitive capacity of the federal government, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector, including proposed legislative changes and actions, specified proposed actions, and a proposal for monitoring and oversight of the government's progress in improving conditions for innovation and competitiveness.

national economic competitiveness innovation strategy act requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp conduct comprehensive study report congress economic competitiveness innovative capacity united_states requires report include findings list type measurements needed evaluate economic competitiveness innovation time national competitiveness strategy strengthening innovative competitive capacity federal_government state local governments institutions higher education private sector including proposed legislative changes actions specified proposed actions proposal monitoring oversight government progress improving conditions innovation competitiveness


Summary: Universal Service Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 regarding the review of universal service requirements to require: (1) the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to complete recommendations for changes within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete consideration of such recommendations within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Revises universal service principles. Sets forth methodology provisions for assessing contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Directs the FCC to develop: (1) a new cost model for the provision of high-cost support to eligible communications service providers for universal service in rural, insular, and high cost areas; and (2) a mechanism for reducing or eliminating the high-cost support provided to an incumbent local exchange carrier in the competitive portions of such carrier's service areas. Prohibits the FCC from reducing high-cost support to tribal lands absent a finding that such reductions are in the public interest. Revises the eligibility criteria communications service providers must meet in order to receive universal service support. Authorizes the FCC to waive minimum data rate requirements under specified circumstances. States that a recipient of universal service support in any service area prior to the date of enactment of this Act that relinquishes its eligible telecommunications carrier or eligible communications service provider designation shall continue to offer and receive support for providing life-line and link-up service throughout its service area unless another provider is so designated. Directs the FCC to establish the amount of high-cost support to be distributed to all mobile wireless communications service providers designated as eligible communications service providers through a competitive bidding process. Eliminates specified limitations on universal service support and the individual caps imposed upon carriers. Prohibits the FCC from limiting the distribution and use of high-cost support to a single connection or primary line. Authorizes a state to adopt regulations not inconsistent with FCC rules to preserve and advance universal service. Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt a minimum data rate requirement for high-speed broadband service; (2) establish outcome-oriented performance goals for each universal service support program; (3) establish audit methodology for recipients of universal service support; and (4) submit specified reports to Congress. Grants the FCC authority to reform intercarrier compensation systems for both interstate and intrastate traffic. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service providers that transport or terminate the traffic. Prohibits access charge recovery when an entity that has a business, financial, or contractual relationship with a local exchange carrier relating to switched access revenues from such services offers a free or below cost service. Directs the FCC to require a communications service provider to provide covered services for the provision of health care services to any rural public or not-for-profit health care provider at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in the state's urban areas.

universal service reform_act amends communications act review universal service requirements require federal state joint board universal service complete recommendations changes months date enactment act federal_communications_commission fcc complete consideration recommendations months date enactment act includes high speed broadband services universal service revises universal service principles sets forth methodology provisions assessing contributions universal service support mechanisms communications service providers provides support contribution limits directs fcc develop new cost model provision high cost support eligible communications service providers universal service rural insular high cost areas mechanism reducing eliminating high cost support provided incumbent local exchange carrier competitive portions carrier service areas prohibits fcc reducing high cost support tribal lands absent finding reductions public interest revises eligibility criteria communications service providers meet order receive universal service support authorizes fcc waive minimum data rate requirements specified circumstances states recipient universal service support service area prior date enactment act relinquishes eligible telecommunications carrier eligible communications service provider designation shall continue offer receive support providing life line link service service area provider designated directs fcc establish high cost support distributed mobile wireless communications service providers designated eligible communications service providers competitive bidding process eliminates specified limitations universal service support individual caps imposed carriers prohibits fcc limiting distribution use high cost support single connection primary line authorizes state adopt regulations inconsistent fcc rules preserve advance universal service directs fcc adopt minimum data rate requirement high speed broadband service establish outcome oriented performance goals universal service support program establish audit methodology recipients universal service support submit specified reports congress grants fcc authority reform compensation systems interstate intrastate traffic requires communications service providers ensure traffic contains preserves sufficient information allow traffic identification communications service providers transport terminate traffic prohibits access charge recovery entity business financial contractual relationship local exchange carrier relating access revenues services offers free cost service directs fcc require communications service provider provide covered services provision health_care services rural public profit health_care provider rates reasonably comparable rates charged similar services state urban areas


Summary: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security: (1) to study and report to Congress on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) in conducting the study, to utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities.Requires the study to: (1) include a review of the importance of amateur radio emergency communications in furtherance of homeland security missions relating to disasters, severe weather, and other threats to lives and property in the United States, as well as recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees and improved integration of amateur radio operators in the planning and furtherance of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiatives; and (2) identify impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications and make recommendations regarding such impediments.

amateur radio emergency communications enhancement_act directs secretary homeland_security study report congress uses capabilities amateur radio service communications emergencies disaster relief conducting study utilize expertise stakeholder entities organizations including amateur radio emergency response disaster communications communities requires study include review importance amateur radio emergency communications furtherance homeland_security missions relating disasters severe weather threats lives property united_states recommendations enhancements voluntary deployment amateur radio licensees improved integration amateur radio operators planning furtherance department_of_homeland_security dhs initiatives identify impediments enhanced amateur radio service communications recommendations impediments


Summary: FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her respective field of expertise. Directs the FCC Chairman to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to complete a specified study of, and report on, FCC technical policy decisionmaking and the technical personnel at the FCC.

fcc commissioners technical resource enhancement act_-_amends communications act permit commissioner appoint electrical engineer computer scientist provide technical consultation interface office engineering technology federal_communications_commission fcc bureaus technical staff requires engineer scientist hold undergraduate graduate degree respective field expertise directs fcc chairman enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences complete specified study report fcc technical policy decisionmaking technical personnel fcc


Summary: FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other FCC bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her field of expertise.

fcc commissioners technical resource enhancement act_-_amends communications act permit commissioner federal_communications_commission fcc appoint electrical engineer computer scientist provide technical consultation interface office engineering technology fcc bureaus technical staff requires engineer scientist hold undergraduate graduate degree field expertise


Summary: FCC "ABCs" Act of 2011 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include in each notice of proposed rule making and in each final rule issued by the FCC an analysis of the benefits and costs of such proposed rule or final rule. Prohibits any appropriations for the express purpose of carrying out this Act.

fcc act requires federal_communications_commission fcc include notice proposed rule making final rule issued fcc analysis benefits costs proposed rule final rule prohibits appropriations express purpose carrying act


Summary: Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy, which shall provide for: (1) global, regional, or country-specific research competitions to address global challenges and collaborative research, including programs to employ scientists in research for peaceful purposes; (2) science and engineering institutional capacity building; (3) nonproliferation research and training; and (4) online access to worldwide science journals. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Advisory Panel on International Scientific Cooperation to facilitate Program implementation. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Embassy Science Fellows Program to: (1) pay for the costs of federal scientists to serve in the Department of State, and (2) enhance scientists' role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Jefferson Science Fellows Program to: (1) provide an opportunity for tenured research-active scientists and engineers from the U.S academic community to serve in the Department of State for one year, and (2) enhance the availability at the Department of up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to foreign policy and international relations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Scientific Envoys Program under which the Secretary shall appoint scientists and engineers to serve as envoys on behalf of the United States to: (1) represent the U.S. commitment to promote, in collaboration with other countries, the advancement of science and technology; and (2) facilitate partnerships with eligible countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor should be further integrated into Department activities, and (2) relevant federal agencies should work to improve the visa process to ensure that the United States remains a central destination for scientific conferences and programs.

global science program security competitiveness diplomacy act authorizes secretary state establish global science program security competitiveness diplomacy shall provide global regional country specific research competitions address global challenges collaborative research including programs employ scientists research peaceful purposes science engineering institutional capacity building nonproliferation research training online access worldwide science authorizes secretary establish advisory_panel international scientific cooperation facilitate program implementation authorizes secretary establish embassy science fellows program pay costs federal scientists serve department_of_state enhance scientists role diplomatic efforts authorizes secretary establish jefferson science fellows program provide opportunity research active scientists engineers academic community serve department_of_state year enhance availability department date scientific knowledge relevant foreign policy international relations authorizes secretary establish scientific program secretary shall appoint scientists engineers serve behalf united_states represent commitment promote collaboration countries advancement science_and_technology facilitate partnerships eligible countries expresses sense congress office science_and_technology advisor integrated department activities relevant federal agencies work improve visa process ensure united_states remains central destination scientific conferences programs


Summary: Cyber Security and American Cyber Competitiveness Act of 2011 - Calls for the enactment of bipartisan legislation to secure the United States against cyber attack, enhance American competitiveness and create jobs in the information technology industry, and protect the identities and sensitive information of American citizens and businesses by: (1) enhancing the security and resiliency of U.S. government communications and information networks against cyber attack; (2) incentivizing the private sector to quantify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks to networks; (3) promoting investments in the American information technology sector; (4) improving the capability of the government and the private sector to assess cyber risks and prevent, detect, and respond to cyber attacks; (5) preventing and mitigating identity theft; (6) enhancing U.S. diplomatic capacity and international cooperation to respond to emerging cyber threats; (7) protecting and increasing the resiliency of U.S critical infrastructure and assets against cyber attacks; (8) expanding resources for investigating and prosecuting cyber crimes in a manner that respects privacy rights and civil liberties and promotes American innovation; and (9) maintaining robust protections of the privacy of American citizens and their on-line activities and communications.

cyber security american cyber competitiveness act calls enactment bipartisan legislation secure united_states cyber attack enhance american competitiveness create jobs information technology industry protect identities sensitive information american citizens businesses enhancing security resiliency government communications information networks cyber attack incentivizing private sector quantify assess mitigate cyber risks networks promoting investments american information technology sector improving capability government private sector assess cyber risks prevent detect respond cyber attacks preventing mitigating identity theft enhancing diplomatic capacity international cooperation respond emerging cyber threats protecting increasing resiliency critical infrastructure assets cyber attacks expanding resources investigating prosecuting cyber crimes manner respects privacy rights civil liberties promotes american innovation maintaining robust protections privacy american citizens line activities communications


Summary: Innovate America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the definition of "basic research," for purposes of the research tax credit, to remove the prohibition against such research having a specific commercial objective; and (2) provide a tax credit for charitable contributions of equipment to secondary schools and technical and community colleges. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the the Innovation Technology Development Loan Guarantee Program to help small and medium-sized high growth technology companies operating in a business life cycle phase in which technological, market, or regulatory uncertainty constrains available capital, and unable to progress to the next phase because of such constraints. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to state educational agencies in order to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) secondary schools. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide awards to four-year degree-granting educational institutions which have: (1) dramatically increased their percentage and number of students intending to major in a STEM subject and who graduate with a degree in such subject; and (2) sustained such increase for more than five years. Directs the President to ensure that not less than 10% of all federal funds available each fiscal year for undergraduate student research opportunities are used to fund research opportunities for postsecondary students during the students' first academic year or the summer following such year. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a website that connects federally funded researchers who have ideas for technologies they believe could be commercialized with persons expressing an interest in working with such researchers. Requires the NSF Director to administer a Technology Commercialization Awards Pilot Program through which promising technology advances derived from NSF research grants shall be eligible for funding to move the technology through the prototype and demonstration phases. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a manufacturing assistance program for small and medium-sized domestic manufacturers to promote the manufacturing of goods in the United States and enable those manufacturers to be competitive in global markets. Requires a report from the Under Secretary for International Trade of the Department of Commerce on the removal of export barriers for U.S. industries. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Trade Representative for resolving disputes relating to market access barriers with certain foreign countries. Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to devise a strategy to reduce overall government printing costs over a 10-year period; and (2) each federal department and agency to issue guidance on the appropriate use of award and incentive fees in their programs.

innovate america act amends_the_internal_revenue_code revise definition basic research purposes research tax credit remove prohibition research having specific commercial objective provide tax credit charitable contributions equipment secondary schools technical community colleges directs secretary commerce establish innovation technology development loan guarantee program help small medium sized high growth technology companies operating business life cycle phase technological market regulatory uncertainty available capital unable progress phase constraints directs secretary education award grants state educational agencies order expand science technology engineering mathematics stem secondary schools requires director national_science_foundation nsf provide awards year degree granting educational institutions increased percentage number students intending major stem subject graduate degree subject sustained increase years directs president ensure federal funds available fiscal year undergraduate student research opportunities fund research opportunities postsecondary students students academic year summer following year directs secretary commerce establish maintain website connects federally funded researchers ideas technologies believe persons expressing interest working researchers requires nsf director administer technology commercialization awards pilot program promising technology advances derived nsf research grants shall eligible funding technology prototype demonstration phases directs secretary commerce establish manufacturing assistance program small medium sized domestic manufacturers promote manufacturing goods united_states enable manufacturers competitive global markets requires report secretary international_trade department_of_commerce removal export barriers industries authorizes appropriations trade representative resolving disputes relating market access barriers certain foreign countries requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb devise strategy reduce overall government printing costs year period federal department agency issue guidance appropriate use award incentive fees programs


Summary: Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act of 2011 - Internet Freedom Act - Declares that neither the President, the Director of the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications, nor any officer or employee of the U.S. government shall have the authority to shut down the Internet. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Cyberspace Policy, which shall: (1) develop a national strategy to increase the security and resiliency of cyberspace; (2) oversee, coordinate, and integrate federal policies and activities relating to cyberspace security and resiliency; (3) ensure that all federal agencies comply with appropriate guidelines, policies, and directives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), other federal agencies with responsibilities relating to cyberspace security or resiliency, and the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications (established by this Act); and (4) ensure that federal agencies have access to, receive, and appropriately disseminate law enforcement, intelligence, terrorism, and any other information relevant to the security of specified federal, military, and intelligence information infrastructure. Requires the President to appoint a Director of Cyberspace Policy. Provides for access by the Director to specified cybersecurity-related information. Requires the Director to submit an annual report describing the activities, ongoing projects, and plans of the federal government designed to meet national strategy goals and objectives. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish within DHS a National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications (NCCC), which shall be headed by a Director, who shall: (1) work cooperatively with the private sector and lead the federal effort to secure, protect, and ensure the resiliency of the federal and national information infrastructure; and (2) work with the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection to coordinate the information, communications, and physical infrastructure protection responsibilities and activities of NCCC and the Office of Infrastructure Protection. Transfers to NCCC the National Cyber Security Division, the Office of Emergency Communications, and the National Communications System. Establishes within NCCC the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, which shall: (1) collect, coordinate, and disseminate information on risks to specified federal information infrastructure and security controls; and (2) establish a mechanism for engagement with the private sector. Requires the NCCC Director to: (1) establish a program for sharing information with and between NCCC and other federal agencies; (2) develop guidelines to protect the privacy and civil liberties of U.S. persons and intelligence sources and methods; (3) establish a program to promote and provide technical assistance relating to the implementation of best practices and related standards and guidelines for securing the national information infrastructure; and (4) identify and evaluate the cyber risks to covered critical infrastructure on a continuous and sector-by-sector basis and issue regulations establishing risk-based security performance requirements to secure covered critical infrastructure against cyber risks. Authorizes the President to issue a declaration of a national cyber emergency to covered critical infrastructure if there is an ongoing or imminent action by any individual or entity to exploit a cyber risk in a manner that attempts to disrupt the operation of the information infrastructure essential to the reliable operation of covered critical infrastructure. Requires the President to notify the owners and operators of the infrastructure of the nature of the emergency, consistent with the protection of intelligence sources and methods. Requires the NCCC Director to take specified steps, including immediately directing the owners and operators to implement required response plans and to ensure that emergency actions represent the least disruptive means feasible to operations. Prohibits any other federal entity, pursuant to such authority, from: (1) restricting or prohibiting communications over, and not specifically directed to or from, covered critical infrastructure unless the Director determines that no other emergency action will preserve the reliable operation of such infrastructure or the national information infrastructure; (2) controlling covered critical infrastructure; (3) compelling the disclosure of information unless specifically authorized by law; or (4) intercepting a wire, oral, or electronic communication, accessing a stored electronic or wire communication, installing or using a pen register or trap and trace device, or conducting electronic surveillance relating to an incident unless otherwise authorized by specified statutes. Requires the President to ensure that any declaration or extension is reported to the appropriate congressional committees before the Director mandates any emergency measure or actions. Terminates such an emergency measure or action 30 days after the President's declaration and authorizes extensions for not more than 3 additional 30-day periods under certain conditions if approved by a joint resolution by Congress. Requires each owner or operator of covered critical infrastructure to certify to the NCCC Director whether the owner or operator has developed and implemented approved security measures and any applicable emergency measures or actions required for any cyber risks and national cyber emergencies. Sets forth civil penalties for violations. Requires the DHS Secretary and the private sector to develop, periodically update, and implement a supply chain risk management strategy designed to ensure the security of the federal information infrastructure. Sets forth provisions regarding the information security authority and functions of the NCCC Director and executive agency responsibilities. Requires the Director to annually oversee, coordinate, and develop guidance for the effective implementation of operational evaluations of the federal information infrastructure and agency information security programs and practices to determine their effectiveness. Authorizes the Director to order the isolation of any component of the federal information infrastructure if: (1) an agency does not implement measures in an approved risk-based plan; and (2) the failure to comply presents a significant danger to the federal information infrastructure. Establishes in the executive branch a Federal Information Security Taskforce, which shall be the principal interagency forum for collaboration regarding best practices and recommendations for agency information security and the security of the federal information infrastructure. Requires each agency with an Inspector General appointed under the Inspector General Act of 1978 to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the information security program and evaluations. Requires the assessments to be performed in accordance with standards developed by the Government Accountability Office, in collaboration with the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, with assistance from the Taskforce. Provides for the delegation of the Director's authorities to the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under specified circumstances where unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information would have a debilitating impact on the missions of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the CIA. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the NCCC Director to assess the readiness and capacity of the federal workforce to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission of the federal government. Requires the OPM Director to develop a comprehensive workforce strategy that enhances the readiness, capacity, training, and recruitment and retention of federal cybersecurity personnel. Requires the head of each federal agency to: (1) develop a strategic cybersecurity workforce plan as part of its performance plan; and (2) measure and collect information on indicators of the effectiveness of the recruitment and hiring of a workforce needed to fulfill the agency's cybersecurity mission. Requires the OPM Director, in coordination with: (1) the NCCC Director, to develop and issue comprehensive occupation classifications for federal employees engaged in cybersecurity missions; and (2) the NCCC Director, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chief Information Officers Council (CIOC), to establish a cybersecurity awareness and education curriculum that shall be required for all federal employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, or operation of agency information infrastructure. Amends HSA to direct the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, in coordination with the NCCC Director, to carry out a research and development program for the purpose of improving the security of information infrastructure. Directs the DHS Secretary to establish a National Cybersecurity Advisory Council to advise the NCCC Director. Amends HSA to direct the Secretary: (1) in establishing and maintaining a prioritized critical information infrastructure list, to consider cyber risks and consequences by sector; and (2) to establish and maintain a list of systems or assets that constitute covered critical infrastructure. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) identification of covered critical infrastructure, compliance with requirements regarding such designation, and development of a process under which an owner or operator of a system or asset that may constitute covered critical infrastructure may request that it be identified as such; and (2) the use of acquisition authorities by NCCC and a semiannual reporting requirement. Requires the Administrator for Electronic Government and Information Technology, in coordination with CIOC, the Taskforce, and the Council on Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, to evaluate and report on agency adoption and implementation of appropriate information security related policies, memoranda, and directives issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

cybersecurity internet freedom act internet freedom act declares president director national center cybersecurity communications officer employee government shall authority shut internet establishes executive_office president office cyberspace policy shall develop national strategy increase security resiliency cyberspace oversee coordinate integrate federal policies activities relating cyberspace security resiliency ensure federal agencies comply appropriate guidelines policies directives department_of_homeland_security dhs federal agencies responsibilities relating cyberspace security resiliency national center cybersecurity communications established act ensure federal agencies access receive appropriately disseminate law enforcement intelligence terrorism information relevant security specified federal military intelligence information infrastructure requires president appoint director cyberspace policy provides access director specified cybersecurity related information requires director submit annual report describing activities ongoing projects plans federal_government designed meet national strategy goals objectives amends homeland_security act hsa establish dhs national center cybersecurity communications nccc shall headed director shall work cooperatively private sector lead federal effort secure protect ensure resiliency federal national information infrastructure work assistant secretary infrastructure protection coordinate information communications physical infrastructure protection responsibilities activities nccc office infrastructure protection transfers nccc national cyber security division office emergency communications national communications system establishes nccc united_states computer emergency readiness team shall collect coordinate disseminate information risks specified federal information infrastructure security controls establish mechanism engagement private sector requires nccc director establish program sharing information nccc federal agencies develop guidelines protect privacy civil liberties persons intelligence sources methods establish program promote provide technical assistance relating implementation best practices related standards guidelines securing national information infrastructure identify evaluate cyber risks covered critical infrastructure continuous sector sector basis issue regulations establishing risk based security performance requirements secure covered critical infrastructure cyber risks authorizes president issue declaration national cyber emergency covered critical infrastructure ongoing imminent action individual entity cyber risk manner attempts disrupt operation information infrastructure essential reliable operation covered critical infrastructure requires president notify owners operators infrastructure nature emergency consistent protection intelligence sources methods requires nccc director specified steps including immediately directing owners operators implement required response plans ensure emergency actions represent disruptive means feasible operations prohibits federal entity pursuant authority restricting prohibiting communications specifically directed covered critical infrastructure director determines emergency action preserve reliable operation infrastructure national information infrastructure controlling covered critical infrastructure compelling disclosure information specifically authorized law intercepting wire oral electronic communication accessing stored electronic wire communication installing pen register trap trace device conducting electronic surveillance relating incident authorized specified statutes requires president ensure declaration extension reported appropriate congressional committees director mandates emergency measure actions terminates emergency measure action days president declaration authorizes extensions additional day periods certain conditions approved joint resolution congress requires owner operator covered critical infrastructure certify nccc director owner operator developed implemented approved security measures applicable emergency measures actions required cyber risks national cyber emergencies sets forth civil penalties violations requires dhs secretary private sector develop periodically update implement supply chain risk management strategy designed ensure security federal information infrastructure sets forth provisions information security authority functions nccc director executive agency responsibilities requires director annually oversee coordinate develop guidance effective implementation operational evaluations federal information infrastructure agency information security programs practices determine effectiveness authorizes director order isolation component federal information infrastructure agency implement measures approved risk based plan failure comply presents significant danger federal information infrastructure establishes executive branch federal information security shall principal interagency forum collaboration best practices recommendations agency information security security federal information infrastructure requires agency inspector_general appointed inspector_general act assess adequacy effectiveness information security program evaluations requires assessments performed accordance standards developed government_accountability_office collaboration council_of_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency assistance provides delegation director authorities secretary defense director central_intelligence_agency cia specified circumstances unauthorized access use disclosure disruption modification destruction information debilitating impact missions department_of_defense dod cia requires director office_of_personnel_management opm nccc director assess readiness capacity federal workforce meet needs cybersecurity mission federal_government requires opm director develop comprehensive workforce strategy enhances readiness capacity training recruitment retention federal cybersecurity personnel requires head federal agency develop strategic cybersecurity workforce plan performance plan measure collect information indicators effectiveness recruitment hiring workforce needed fulfill agency cybersecurity mission requires opm director coordination nccc director develop issue comprehensive occupation classifications federal employees engaged cybersecurity missions nccc director director national_intelligence secretary defense chief information officers council establish cybersecurity awareness education curriculum shall required federal employees contractors engaged design development operation agency information infrastructure amends hsa direct secretary science_and_technology coordination nccc director carry research development program purpose improving security information infrastructure directs dhs secretary establish national cybersecurity advisory_council advise nccc director amends hsa direct secretary establishing maintaining prioritized critical information infrastructure list consider cyber risks consequences sector establish maintain list systems assets constitute covered critical infrastructure sets forth provisions identification covered critical infrastructure compliance requirements designation development process owner operator system asset constitute covered critical infrastructure request identified use acquisition authorities nccc semiannual reporting requirement requires administrator electronic government information technology coordination council inspectors_general integrity efficiency evaluate report agency adoption implementation appropriate information security related policies memoranda directives issued office_of_management_and_budget omb


Summary: FCC Technical Expertise Capacity Heightening Act or the FCC TECH Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff. Directs the FCC Chairman to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to complete a specified study of, and report on, FCC technical policy decisionmaking and the technical personnel at the FCC. Requires the FCC to biennially (currently, annually) review and report on competitive market conditions with respect to domestic and international satellite communications services.

fcc technical expertise capacity act fcc tech act_-_amends communications act permit commissioner appoint electrical engineer computer scientist provide technical consultation interface office engineering technology federal_communications_commission fcc bureaus technical staff directs fcc chairman enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences complete specified study report fcc technical policy decisionmaking technical personnel fcc requires fcc biennially currently annually review report competitive market conditions respect domestic international satellite communications services