Summary:
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize for FY2017-FY2021 the Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Under a five-year action plan, the initiative must prioritize and carry out programs and projects for Great Lakes protection and restoration, including: (1) the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern, (2) the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts, (3) the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution, and (4) habitat and wildlife protection and restoration.

Funding made available to implement the initiative may not be used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) for which funding is made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program. Federal agencies must: (1) maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities without regard to funding under the initiative, and (2) identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the initiative and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

great_lakes restoration initiative act sec bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise reauthorize fy2017-fy2021 environmental_protection_agency great_lakes restoration initiative year action plan initiative prioritize carry programs projects great_lakes protection restoration including remediation toxic substances areas concern prevention control invasive species impacts protection restoration near shore health prevention mitigation nonpoint source pollution habitat wildlife protection restoration funding available implement initiative water infrastructure activity green infrastructure project improves habitat ecosystem functions great_lakes funding available clean water drinking water state revolving fund program federal agencies maintain base level funding great_lakes activities regard funding initiative identify new activities support environmental goals initiative great_lakes_water_quality_agreement


Summary:
Complete America's Great Trails Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the fair market value of any National Scenic Trail conservation contribution. Requires the Department of the Interior to study and report on the efficacy of such tax credit in completing, extending, and increasing the number of National Scenic Trails and the feasibility and cost of making such credit refundable and transferable.

complete america great trails act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit fair market value national scenic trail conservation contribution requires department_of_the_interior study report efficacy tax credit completing extending increasing number national scenic trails feasibility cost making credit refundable transferable


Summary:
Federal Water Quality Protection Act

(Sec. 2) This bill states as the policy of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) cooperative federalism and consultation with states in the protection of water resources.

(Sec. 3) The bill defines new terms used in this bill, including "body of water," "interstate waters," "traditional navigable water," and "wetlands".

(Sec. 4) The bill nullifies a revision to or guidance on a regulatory definition of the term "navigable waters" or "waters of the United States" promulgated or issued pursuant to the Clean Water Act after February 4, 2015: (1) unless the revision adheres to the principles in this bill, and (2) until after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carry out the requirements of this bill.

In promulgating a revised regulatory definition, the Corps of Engineers and the EPA must adhere to three principles. First, the Clean Water Act is an Act to protect traditional navigable waters from water pollution.

Second, the definition of "waters of the United States" should identify bodies of water subject to federal jurisdiction and should include:

 traditional navigable waters and interstate waters; certain lengths of streams that are drinking water source protection areas; certain lengths of streams with surface flow in a normal year of sufficient volume, duration, and frequency that pollutants in that length of stream would degrade the water quality of a connected traditional navigable water, based on a quantifiable and statistically valid measure of flow; and wetlands situated next to a water of the United States that, in a normal year, prevent the movement of pollutants to a navigable water. Third, the definition should not include the following:

 water located below the surface of the land; water not located within a body of water; natural or man-made isolated ponds; water management systems used for collecting, conveying, holding or treating stormwater, wastewater, water supplies, agricultural water, or silvicultural water; lengths of streams that do not have enough surface flow of volume, duration, and frequency in a normal year to degrade the water quality of a traditional navigable water; prior converted cropland; and water removed from the waters of the United States pursuant to a permit for construction of structures in or over any navigable water of the United States or a permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at specified disposal sites. The bill outlines the circumstances in which some water management systems may still be considered to be waters of the United States.

In promulgating a revised definition of waters of the United States, the Corps of Engineers and the EPA must consider that a basis for establishing federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act is not created by:

 the use of a body of water by an organism, including a migratory bird; the supply of water to a groundwater aquifer and the storage of water in an isolated body of water; and the connection of all water through the water cycle. The Corps of Engineers and the EPA should identify waters of the United States on maps to promote certainty and transparency in jurisdictional determinations.

The bill outlines the process that the EPA and the Corps of Engineers must follow in proposing or promulgating a rule revising a definition.

The Corps of Engineers and the EPA must ensure compliance with the federalism policy making criteria and consultation requirements in accordance with Executive Order 13132, regardless of whether they determine that the rule would have any substantial and direct effect on states, the relationship between the federal government and the states, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

Before publishing a rule with a revised regulatory definition, the Corps of Engineers and the EPA must consult on alternative approaches to the proposal by seeking input from Governors, state departments with authority over water supply and quality, state departments of agriculture, and local governments. The topics of consultation must include: categories of waters that should be subject to federal jurisdiction, role of the states, and whether channels in which water is present only during or for a short time after a precipitation event are correctly categorized as geomorphological features rather than hydrologic features.

In proposing and promulgating such rule, the Corps of Engineers and the EPA must:

 conduct a regulatory flexibility analyses and gather comments from small entities as required under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, regardless of whether the rule would significantly impact a substantial number of small entities; evaluate the intergovernmental and private sector impacts of the rule under title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, regardless of whether they consider the impacts of the rule to be direct or indirect, or whether they determine the expenditures resulting from the rules would meet the monetary thresholds established under that Act; follow Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 with respect to improving regulation and regulatory review, regardless of whether they consider the rule to be a significant regulatory action or whether the rule will have a significant effect on state, local and tribal governments; and consider Executive Order 13604 with respect to federal permitting and review of infrastructure projects. The Corps of Engineers and the EPA must report on compliance with those regulatory review and process requirements 30 days before issuing proposed regulations.

(Sec. 5) After providing public notice and an opportunity for comment, the Corps of Engineers must establish quantifiable and statistically valid measures of the volume, duration, and frequency of flow in streams in different geographic areas that would, in a normal year, allow pollutants in lengths of streams in those geographic areas to flow to and degrade the water quality of a traditional navigable water.

(Sec. 6) The Government Accountability Office must issue a report on jurisdictional determinations every three years, including descriptions of the interpretations of the regulation by the districts of the Corps of Engineers and the EPA's regional offices, measures to reduce any inconsistent interpretations, and the impacts of those interpretations on federal permitting and review of infrastructure projects.

(Sec. 7) Nothing in this Act:

 limits the authority of the Corps of Engineers or the EPA to require a permit for any discharge of pollutants to a navigable water under the Clean Water Act, or to take any enforcement action with respect to an unpermitted discharge under that Act; affects a determination of whether the transfer of water from one body of water to another requires a permit under the national pollutant discharge elimination system; and limits the scope of water subject to state jurisdiction under state law.

federal water quality protection act sec bill states policy federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cooperative consultation states protection water resources sec bill defines new terms bill including body water interstate waters traditional navigable water wetlands sec bill nullifies revision guidance regulatory definition term navigable waters waters united_states promulgated issued pursuant clean water act february revision adheres principles bill army_corps_of_engineers corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency epa carry requirements bill promulgating revised regulatory definition corps_of_engineers epa adhere principles clean water act act protect traditional navigable waters water pollution second definition waters united_states identify bodies water subject federal jurisdiction include traditional navigable waters interstate waters certain lengths streams drinking water source protection areas certain lengths streams surface flow normal year sufficient volume duration frequency pollutants length stream degrade water quality connected traditional navigable water based quantifiable statistically valid measure flow wetlands situated water united_states normal year prevent movement pollutants navigable water definition include following water located surface land water located body water natural man isolated water management systems collecting conveying holding treating stormwater wastewater water supplies agricultural water silvicultural water lengths streams surface flow volume duration frequency normal year degrade water quality traditional navigable water prior converted cropland water removed waters united_states pursuant permit construction structures navigable water united_states permit discharge dredged fill material navigable waters specified disposal sites bill outlines circumstances water management systems considered waters united_states promulgating revised definition waters united_states corps_of_engineers epa consider basis establishing federal jurisdiction clean water act created use body water organism including migratory bird supply water groundwater aquifer storage water isolated body water connection water water cycle corps_of_engineers epa identify waters united_states maps promote certainty transparency jurisdictional determinations bill outlines process epa corps_of_engineers follow proposing promulgating rule revising definition corps_of_engineers epa ensure compliance policy making criteria consultation requirements accordance executive order regardless determine rule substantial direct effect states relationship federal_government states distribution power responsibilities levels government publishing rule revised regulatory definition corps_of_engineers epa consult alternative approaches proposal seeking input governors state departments authority water supply quality state departments_of_agriculture local governments topics consultation include categories waters subject federal jurisdiction role states channels water present short time precipitation event correctly categorized features hydrologic features proposing promulgating rule corps_of_engineers epa conduct regulatory flexibility analyses gather comments small entities required regulatory flexibility act regardless rule significantly impact substantial number small entities evaluate intergovernmental private sector impacts rule title unfunded mandates reform_act regardless consider impacts rule direct indirect determine expenditures resulting rules meet monetary thresholds established act follow executive orders respect improving regulation regulatory review regardless consider rule significant regulatory action rule significant effect state local tribal governments consider executive order respect federal permitting review infrastructure projects corps_of_engineers epa report compliance regulatory review process requirements days issuing proposed regulations sec providing public notice opportunity comment corps_of_engineers establish quantifiable statistically valid measures volume duration frequency flow streams different geographic areas normal year allow pollutants lengths streams geographic areas flow degrade water quality traditional navigable water sec government_accountability_office issue report jurisdictional determinations years including descriptions interpretations regulation districts corps_of_engineers epa regional offices measures reduce inconsistent interpretations impacts interpretations federal permitting review infrastructure projects sec act limits authority corps_of_engineers epa require permit discharge pollutants navigable water clean water act enforcement action respect discharge act affects determination transfer water body water requires permit national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system limits scope water subject state jurisdiction state law


Summary:
Defending Rivers from Overreaching Policies Act of 2015

This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a Supplemental Scientific Review Panel to make recommendations regarding metrics to quantify the connection between any body of water or wetland and a traditionally navigable water, and (2) an Ephemeral and Intermittent Streams Advisory Commission to develop criteria to define whether a body of water or wetland has a significant nexus to a traditional navigable water using the metrics developed by the review panel.

The commission must report to the Army Corps and the EPA on the criteria after a public comment period and release public versions of the reports.

The Army Corps and the EPA may not develop, finalize, adopt, implement, apply, administer, or enforce the proposed rule entitled, "Definition of 'Waters of the United States' Under the Clean Water Act" and published on April 21, 2014, or begin the drafting of any substantially similar rule, until they receive a final report from the commission.

defending rivers policies act bill requires army_corps_of_engineers army corps environmental_protection_agency epa establish supplemental scientific review panel recommendations metrics quantify connection body water wetland traditionally navigable water intermittent streams advisory commission develop criteria define body water wetland significant nexus traditional navigable water metrics developed review panel commission report army corps epa criteria public comment period release public versions reports army corps epa develop finalize adopt implement apply administer enforce proposed rule entitled definition waters united_states clean water act published april begin substantially similar rule receive final report commission


Summary:
Columbia River Basin Restoration Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Columbia River Basin Restoration Program to reduce toxic contamination and clean up contaminated sites. The program must be collaborative and stakeholder-based.

The EPA must: (1) assess trends in water quality and toxic contamination or toxics reduction; (2) collect, characterize and assess data on toxics and water quality to identify possible causes of environmental problems; (3) update the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Plan (Action Plan) and the Estuary Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (Estuary Plan) and ensure that the plans form a coherent toxic contamination reduction strategy; and (4) provide technical assistance in implementing and updating the Action Plan.

The EPA must establish a Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Working Group to: (1) participate in developing updates to the Action Plan, (2) recommend and prioritize projects and actions for the Action Plan, and (3) review progress made.

The Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership has to perform those duties and fulfill those responsibilities of the Working Group relating to the Lower Columbia River Estuary.

The EPA must establish a Columbia River Basin toxics grant program to provide funding to develop or implement projects to implement the Action Plan and the Estuary Plan.

columbia_river_basin restoration act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require environmental_protection_agency epa establish columbia_river_basin restoration program reduce toxic contamination clean contaminated sites program collaborative stakeholder based epa assess trends water quality toxic contamination toxics reduction collect characterize assess data toxics water quality identify possible causes environmental problems update columbia_river_basin toxics reduction plan action plan estuary partnership comprehensive conservation management plan estuary plan ensure plans form coherent toxic contamination reduction strategy provide technical assistance implementing updating action plan epa establish columbia_river_basin toxics reduction working_group participate developing updates action plan recommend prioritize projects actions action plan review progress lower_columbia river estuary partnership perform duties fulfill responsibilities working_group relating lower_columbia river estuary epa establish columbia_river_basin toxics grant program provide funding develop implement projects implement action plan estuary plan


Summary:
This bill prohibits the President, in designating a national monument, from reserving any implied or expressed water rights associated with it.

Water rights for an associated national monument may only be acquired in accordance with the laws of the state in which the water rights are to be located.

bill prohibits president designating national_monument reserving implied expressed water rights associated water rights associated national_monument acquired accordance laws state water rights located


Summary:
Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ban cosmetics that contain synthetic plastic microbeads beginning on January 1, 2018.

free waters act bill amends federal food drug cosmetic act ban cosmetics contain synthetic plastic beginning january


Summary:
Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act

This bill address issues related to preventing and responding to oil spills.

This bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to extend the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico until June 30, 2027.

This bill sets forth provisions concerning Coast Guard responsibilities, including designating areas that are at heightened risk of oil spills and implementing measures to ameliorate that risk.

 This bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to establish a Gulf Coast Regional Citizens' Advisory Council to advise on facilities and tank vessels.

 This bill makes an owner of oil responsible for oil spill cleanup. Currently, owners of oil are only responsible if the oil is being transported in a single-hull vessel.

This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permit the Coast Guard or the Department of Commerce to request a National Transportation Safety Board investigation of any accident occurring in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Commerce must establish an inspection fee for OCS facilities for the cost of inspections of facilities and other duties.

This bill requires a comprehensive review of the capacity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to oil spills. NOAA must develop and maintain oil spill trajectory modeling capability.

 The Coast Guard must evaluate and validate oil pollution containment and removal methods and technologies.

NOAA must carry out long-term marine environment monitoring and research program for the Gulf of Mexico.

The bill requires the Coast Guard to publish within 12 hours an Incident Action Plan in response to an oil spill.

marine oil spill prevention act bill address issues related preventing responding oil spills bill amends gulf_of_mexico_energy_security_act extend moratorium oil gas leasing certain areas gulf_of_mexico june bill sets forth provisions concerning coast_guard responsibilities including designating areas heightened risk oil spills implementing measures ameliorate risk bill amends oil pollution act establish gulf_coast regional citizens advisory_council advise facilities tank vessels bill makes owner oil responsible oil spill cleanup currently owners oil responsible oil transported single hull vessel bill amends outer_continental_shelf_lands_act permit coast_guard department_of_commerce request national_transportation_safety_board investigation accident occurring outer_continental_shelf ocs commerce establish inspection fee ocs facilities cost inspections facilities duties bill requires comprehensive review capacity national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa respond oil spills noaa develop maintain oil spill trajectory modeling capability coast_guard evaluate validate oil pollution containment removal methods technologies noaa carry long term marine environment monitoring research program gulf_of_mexico bill requires coast_guard publish hours incident action plan response oil spill


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

 Sensible Environmental Protection Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state from requiring a permit under the Clean Water Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of:

 a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA, or a residue resulting from the application of the pesticide. Point source pollution is waste discharged from a distinct place, such as a pipe, channel, and tunnel.

The EPA or a state may require a permit for the following discharges containing a pesticide:

 a discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of FIFRA that is relevant to protecting water quality, if the discharge would not have occurred without the violation, or if the amount of pesticide or residue contained in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation; a stormwater discharge regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and a discharge of manufacturing or industrial effluent (wastewater), treatment works effluent, or a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including discharges from ballast water operations or vessel biofouling prevention. The EPA must report on: (1) coordination between the Office of Water and the Office of Pesticide Programs regarding streamlining information collection, standards of review, and data use relating to water quality impacts from the registration and use of pesticides; (2) the effectiveness of regulatory actions relating to pesticide registration and use aimed at protecting water quality; and (3) recommendations on modifying FIFRA in order to improve the protection of water quality and human health.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sensible environmental protection act sec bill amends federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit environmental_protection_agency epa state requiring permit clean water act discharge point source navigable waters pesticide authorized sale distribution use fifra residue resulting application pesticide point source pollution waste discharged distinct place pipe channel tunnel epa state require permit following discharges containing pesticide discharge resulting application pesticide violation fifra relevant protecting water quality discharge occurred violation pesticide residue contained discharge greater occurred violation stormwater discharge regulated national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes discharge manufacturing industrial effluent wastewater treatment works effluent discharge incidental normal operation vessel including discharges ballast water operations vessel prevention epa report coordination office_of_water office pesticide programs streamlining information collection standards review data use relating water quality impacts registration use pesticides effectiveness regulatory actions relating pesticide registration use aimed protecting water quality recommendations modifying fifra order improve protection water quality human health


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on April 26, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise the National Estuary Program by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to make competitive awards to address urgent and challenging issues that threaten the economic and ecological well-being of coastal areas, including:

 extensive seagrass habitat losses, recurring harmful algae blooms, unusual marine mammal mortalities, invasive exotic species, jellyfish proliferation limiting community access to water during peak tourism seasons, flooding that may be related to sea level rise or wetland degradation or loss, and low dissolved oxygen conditions in estuarine waters and related nutrient management. (Sec. 2) The bill authorizes appropriations for FY2017-FY2021 for: (1) EPA administrative expenses relating to a grant or award, and (2) making grants and awards. The bill allocates funding for conservation and management plans for estuaries and for competitive awards.

measure amended passed house april summary version repeated sec bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise national_estuary_program requiring environmental_protection_agency competitive awards address urgent challenging issues threaten economic ecological coastal areas including extensive habitat losses recurring harmful algae blooms unusual marine mammal invasive exotic species proliferation limiting community access water peak tourism flooding related sea level rise wetland degradation loss low dissolved oxygen conditions estuarine waters related nutrient management sec bill authorizes appropriations fy2017-fy2021 epa administrative expenses relating grant award making grants awards bill allocates funding conservation management plans estuaries competitive awards


Summary:
Great Lakes Water Protection Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) from discharging untreated or partially treated sewage into the Great Lakes or a tributary of the Great Lakes when the discharge is the result of the POTW intentionally diverting waste streams to bypass any portion of a treatment facility. A bypass is allowed if: (1) it is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage, there is no feasible alternative, and the treatment works provides notice; or (2) it does not cause effluent (waste) limitations to be exceeded and is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the treatment facility.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must work with relevant states to create requirements for providing immediate notice to the public about discharges.

The EPA must establish procedures to ensure that permits issued to POTWs under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System include requirements to comply with this bill.

This bill establishes a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 per day for violations of the bill occurring on or after January 1, 2035. The penalties must be deposited into the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund, which is established by this bill. The Fund must be used for improving wastewater discharges.

great_lakes water protection act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit publicly owned treatment works potw discharging untreated partially treated sewage great_lakes tributary great_lakes discharge result potw intentionally diverting waste streams bypass portion treatment facility bypass allowed unavoidable prevent loss life personal injury severe property damage feasible alternative treatment works provides notice cause effluent waste limitations exceeded essential maintenance ensure efficient operation treatment facility environmental_protection_agency epa work relevant states create requirements providing immediate notice public discharges epa establish procedures ensure permits issued potws national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system include requirements comply bill bill establishes maximum civil penalty day violations bill occurring january penalties deposited great_lakes cleanup fund established bill fund improving wastewater discharges


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to expand the duties of the Office of Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study to include: (1) a study on environmental impacts on the Long Island Sound watershed; (2) planning initiatives for the Long Island Sound; (3) developing and implementing strategies to increase public education and awareness about the ecological health and water quality conditions of the Long Island Sound; and (4) monitoring of progress toward meeting goals, actions, and schedules of the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Grants in support of the Conservation and Management Plan (other than citizen involvement and education grants) must not exceed 60% (currently 50%) of the cost of research, studies, or work.

The bill revises the Offices's biennial reporting requirement with respect to the implementation of the Conservation and Management Plan and requires that reports be made available to the public.

The President must submit in the President's annual budget information about the involvement of each federal department and agency in the protection and restoration of the Long Island Sound watershed, including an interagency budget for each department and agency.

The Environmental Protection Agency must coordinate the actions of all federal departments and agencies that impact water quality in the Long Island Sound watershed to improve the water quality and living resources of the watershed.

The bill: (1) extends the Long Island Sound Stewardship Advisory Committee through 2020, and (2) exempts the Advisory Committee from requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

(Sec. 3) The bill reauthorizes through FY2020 the Office of Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006, the Long Island Sound Grants, and the Long Island Sound Stewardship grants.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure long_island_sound restoration stewardship act sec bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act expand duties office management conference long_island_sound study include study environmental impacts long_island_sound watershed planning initiatives long_island_sound developing implementing strategies increase public education awareness ecological health water quality conditions long_island_sound monitoring progress meeting goals actions schedules long_island_sound comprehensive conservation management plan grants support conservation management plan citizen involvement education grants exceed currently cost research studies work bill revises offices biennial reporting requirement respect implementation conservation management plan requires reports available public president submit president annual budget information involvement federal department agency protection restoration long_island_sound watershed including interagency budget department agency environmental_protection_agency coordinate actions federal departments agencies impact water quality long_island_sound watershed improve water quality living resources watershed bill extends long_island_sound_stewardship_advisory_committee exempts advisory_committee requirements federal_advisory_committee_act sec bill reauthorizes fy2020 office management conference long_island_sound study long_island_sound_stewardship_act long_island_sound_grants long_island_sound stewardship grants


Summary:
Mitigation Facilitation Act of 2015

This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish a mitigation loan and loan guarantee program to enable political subdivisions of states to: (1) purchase credits from mitigation banks or in-lieu fee programs, or (2) acquire interests in property that are acquired pursuant to a mitigation project required by the Corps of Engineers under a Clean Water Act permit to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.

Mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs are designed to compensate for lost functions of waters of the United States resulting from activities under those permits.

The authority provided by the bill expires in 10 years.

mitigation facilitation act bill requires army_corps_of_engineers establish mitigation loan loan guarantee program enable political subdivisions states purchase credits mitigation banks lieu fee programs acquire interests property acquired pursuant mitigation project required corps_of_engineers clean water act permit discharge dredged fill material waters united_states mitigation banks lieu fee programs designed compensate lost functions waters united_states resulting activities permits authority provided bill expires years


Summary:
Infrastructure Rehabilitation Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to forgo providing notice or opportunity for public hearings when issuing permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at specified disposal sites in the event of a natural disaster that has damaged transportation infrastructure, if immediate construction is required to restore the infrastructure to working order.

infrastructure rehabilitation act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act allow army_corps_of_engineers forgo providing notice opportunity public hearings issuing permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters specified disposal sites event natural disaster damaged transportation infrastructure immediate construction required restore infrastructure working order


Summary:
Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act

 This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2019 the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.

The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is a network of federal and regional entities that provide information about the nation's coasts and oceans, as well as the Great Lakes.

 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must: (1) serve as the lead federal agency for the implementation of the IOOS, and (2) establish an IOOS Program Office to oversee daily operations and coordination of the IOOS. The bill outlines the requirements for NOAA as the lead agency.

 The bill establishes a process for regional associations to certify their regional coastal observing systems.

 The Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and Technology Council must: (1) conduct an Ocean Chemistry Coastal Community Vulnerability Assessment on ocean acidification within a year and every five years thereafter; and (2) develop a plan to deploy ocean acidification sensors prioritized by the threat to coastal economies and ecosystems, gaps in data on ocean acidification, and research needs.

 The National Science Foundation's research on ocean acidification must include research on: (1) impacts of multiple stressors on ecosystems exhibiting hypoxia (a dead zone that is depleted of oxygen), harmful algal blooms (rapid accumulation of algae), or sediment delivery; and (2) the effects of those impacts combined with changes in ocean chemistry.

coordinated ocean monitoring research_act bill revises reauthorizes fy2019 integrated coastal ocean observation system act integrated ocean observing system network federal regional entities provide information nation coasts oceans great_lakes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa serve lead federal agency implementation establish program_office oversee daily operations coordination bill outlines requirements noaa lead agency bill establishes process regional associations certify regional coastal observing systems joint subcommittee ocean science_and_technology national_science_and_technology_council conduct ocean chemistry coastal community vulnerability assessment ocean acidification year years develop plan deploy ocean acidification sensors prioritized threat coastal economies ecosystems gaps data ocean acidification research needs national_science_foundation research ocean acidification include research impacts multiple ecosystems exhibiting hypoxia dead zone depleted oxygen harmful algal blooms rapid accumulation algae sediment delivery effects impacts combined changes ocean chemistry


Summary:
Commonsense Permitting for Job Creation Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise requirements for permit guidelines applicable to the designation of disposal sites for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Those guidelines may not prohibit the designation of a disposal site due to the lack of a final site plan because there is not an identified end user, industry, or industrial classification for the site.

commonsense permitting job creation act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise requirements permit guidelines applicable designation disposal sites discharges dredged fill material waters united_states guidelines prohibit designation disposal site lack final site plan identified end user industry industrial classification site


Summary:
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Assessment Act of 2015

 This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assess and report on the cultural and historic resources in the waters of the Great Lakes. NOAA must make recommendations in the report on whether: (1) underwater geographic areas in the Great Lakes should be designated as national marine sanctuaries to protect resources of historical and archeological significance; and (2) the designation of a network of underwater Great Lakes areas that protect those resources could bring significant educational opportunities, economic development, jobs, and tourism to the Great Lakes region.

great_lakes maritime heritage assessment act bill requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa assess report cultural historic resources waters great_lakes noaa recommendations report underwater geographic areas great_lakes designated national marine sanctuaries protect resources historical archeological significance designation network underwater great_lakes areas protect resources bring significant educational opportunities economic development jobs tourism great_lakes region


Summary:
National Oceans and Coastal Security Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Commerce and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund as a tax exempt fund for supporting programs and activities to protect, conserve, and restore ocean and coastal resources and coastal infrastructure.

Donations from a foreign government may not be deposited into the fund.

Commerce must prioritize projects that have non-federal partners sharing the project costs.

According to a specified allocation formula, the Foundation must award a minimum percentage of funds as grants to eligible coastal states while awarding a lesser percentage of funds to entities including states, Indian tribes, regional bodies, associations, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions.

The bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require the President to ensure that a certain percent of offshore energy revenues are deposited into the fund.

national oceans coastal security act bill authorizes department_of_commerce national_fish_and_wildlife_foundation establish national oceans coastal security fund tax exempt fund supporting programs activities protect conserve restore ocean coastal resources coastal infrastructure donations foreign government deposited fund commerce prioritize projects non federal partners sharing project costs according specified allocation formula foundation award minimum percentage funds grants eligible coastal states awarding lesser percentage funds entities including states indian tribes regional bodies associations non governmental organizations academic institutions bill amends outer_continental_shelf_lands_act require president ensure certain percent offshore energy revenues deposited fund


Summary:
This bill extends the authorization of appropriations for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through FY2025.

Appropriations deposited into the LWCF shall be allocated in the ratio of 60% and 40% for state and federal purposes, respectively.

bill extends authorization appropriations land_and_water_conservation_fund fy2025 appropriations deposited shall allocated ratio state federal purposes respectively


Summary:
Digital Coast Act

(Sec.4)This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a constituent-driven Digital Coast program. (This program currently exists under NOAA to provide data, tools, and training that communities use to manage their coastal resources.) The program must: (1) provide an online resource that integrates geospatial data, decision-support tools, training, and best practices to address coastal management issues and needs, and to enhance resilient communities, ecosystem values, and coastal economic growth and development; and (2) provide for the documentation, dissemination, and archiving of the data.

NOAA must focus on filling data needs and gaps for critical coastal management issues and support continued improvement in existing efforts to coordinate the acquisition and integration of key data sets needed for coastal management, and other purposes. NOAA may enter into financial agreements to carry out the program. NOAA may enter into contracts with private sector entities as may be necessary to collect, process, and provide remote sensing and other geospatial data and products.

Additionally, NOAA may establish public tools that are capable of tracking ocean and Great Lakes economy data for each coastal state.

digital_coast act bill requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa establish constituent driven digital_coast program program currently exists noaa provide data tools training communities use manage coastal resources program provide online resource integrates geospatial data decision support tools training best practices address coastal management issues needs enhance resilient communities ecosystem values coastal economic growth development provide documentation dissemination archiving data noaa focus filling data needs gaps critical coastal management issues support continued improvement existing efforts coordinate acquisition integration key data sets needed coastal management purposes noaa enter financial agreements carry program noaa enter contracts private sector entities necessary collect process provide remote sensing geospatial data products additionally noaa establish public tools capable tracking ocean great_lakes economy data coastal state


Summary:
Beach Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize through FY2020 a grant program for monitoring, and notifying the public of, any pathogens in coastal recreation waters bordering public beaches.

The bill reauthorizes through FY2018 the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000.

The bill establishes requirements with respect to: (1) using rapid testing methods to detect unsafe levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators in those waters, and (2) notifying governmental agencies when pathogens exceed water quality standards. Those methods must provide testing results within four hours of receiving a sample. Communication with governments must occur within two hours of the receipt of the results of water quality samples.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess state and local compliance with coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification legal requirements and grant conditions. The bill limits federal support of grants to non-compliant state or local governments. The Government Accountability Office must review the EPA's compliance assessments and corrective actions.

States with coastal recreation waters must adopt the most protective water quality criteria and standards practicable for pathogens.

The EPA must: (1) update the national list of beaches that are used by the public regardless of the presence of a lifeguard within 12 months and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically); (2) study the long-term impact of climate change on pathogenic contamination of coastal recreation waters; and (3) study the impacts of excess nutrients on coastal recreation waters.

beach act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise reauthorize fy2020 grant program monitoring notifying public pathogens coastal recreation waters bordering public beaches bill reauthorizes fy2018 beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act bill establishes requirements respect rapid testing methods detect unsafe levels pathogens pathogen indicators waters notifying governmental agencies pathogens exceed water quality standards methods provide testing results hours receiving sample communication governments occur hours receipt results water quality samples environmental_protection_agency epa assess state local compliance coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification legal requirements grant conditions bill limits federal support grants non compliant state local governments government_accountability_office review epa compliance assessments corrective actions states coastal recreation waters adopt protective water quality criteria standards practicable pathogens epa update national list beaches public regardless presence months biennially currently periodically study long term impact climate change pathogenic contamination coastal recreation waters study impacts excess nutrients coastal recreation waters


Summary:
Everglades for the Next Generation Act

This bill amends the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to authorize the Department of the Army, after completing an implementation report prepared for a project under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and without any further congressional authorization, to carry out: (1) any project identified in the Plan for which a project implementation report is completed that is in accordance with an integrated delivery schedule approved by the Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, provided that the report is completed by five years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) any group of projects under the Plan that the Corps determines will provide regional or watershed ecosystem or water supply benefits if constructed in accordance with a project implementation report approved by the Corps and the District by such date.

everglades generation act bill amends water_resources_development_act authorize department_of_the_army completing implementation report prepared project comprehensive everglades restoration plan congressional authorization carry project identified plan project implementation report completed accordance integrated delivery schedule approved corps_of_engineers south_florida_water_management_district provided report completed years date enactment act group projects plan corps determines provide regional watershed ecosystem water supply benefits constructed accordance project implementation report approved corps district date


Summary:
Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016

This bill amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act to authorize the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to carry out, either individually or cooperatively, prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation. The prize competitions should be designed to help the United States achieve its goal of developing new and effective ways to advance the understanding, monitoring, and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

Priority is given to establish programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems.

coral reef sustainability innovation_act bill amends coral_reef_conservation_act authorize federal agencies coral reef task_force includes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration carry individually cooperatively prize competitions promote coral reef research conservation prize competitions designed help united_states achieve goal developing new effective ways advance understanding monitoring sustainability coral reef ecosystems priority given establish programs address communities environments industries distress decline degradation coral reef ecosystems


Summary:
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow a permittee under the Act to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements for discharging dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States (permitted activity) by entering into a preservation lease with a state or Indian tribe whose wetlands are affected.

A preservation lease is an agreement under which a permittee leases wetlands or other aquatic sites on state or Indian land for the sole purpose of preserving the wetlands or other aquatic sites in an undisturbed state during the term of the lease to mitigate for a permitted activity. The term of the lease must not be less than the life of the permitted activity and must be adjusted to account for the cessation of the impacts caused by such activity.

If a permittee enters into a preservation lease and subsequently ceases to maintain the permitted activity, or seeks to abandon the permitted activity without a good faith transfer, the permittee must obtain a permit modification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which may require restoration and rehabilitation of the area.

bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act allow permittee act satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements discharging dredged fill material waters united_states permitted activity entering preservation lease state indian tribe wetlands affected preservation lease agreement permittee leases wetlands aquatic sites state indian land sole purpose preserving wetlands aquatic sites state term lease mitigate permitted activity term lease life permitted activity adjusted account cessation impacts caused activity permittee enters preservation lease subsequently ceases maintain permitted activity seeks abandon permitted activity good faith transfer permittee obtain permit modification army_corps_of_engineers require restoration rehabilitation area


Summary:
Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act or the FUELS Act

This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ease the application of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule on certain farms.

The rule requires certain non-transportation-related facilities to prevent, prepare, and respond to oil discharges that may reach navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. Among other requirements, the rule requires those facilities to: (1) certify compliance with their SPCC plans; and (2) based on the plan, construct containment facilities that would hold the contents of aboveground oil storage tanks if they should spill.

The bill increases the oil storage thresholds that necessitate compliance with those requirements by raising the aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity thresholds for: (1) farms required to have an SPCC plan, (2) farms that self-certify their SPCC plan, and (3) farms that require a certification of their SPCC plan from a professional engineer.

The bill also raises the aboveground oil storage capacity of containers that must be included in calculating the aggregate aboveground storage capacity. The calculations of the aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity of a farm and the aboveground storage capacity of an individual oil tank on a farm must not include containers holding animal feed ingredients that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in livestock feed.

farmers undertake environmental land stewardship act fuels act bill directs environmental_protection_agency epa ease application spill prevention control countermeasure rule certain farms rule requires certain non transportation related facilities prevent prepare respond oil discharges reach navigable waters adjoining shorelines requirements rule requires facilities certify compliance plans based plan construct containment facilities hold contents oil storage tanks spill bill increases oil storage thresholds compliance requirements raising aggregate oil storage capacity thresholds farms required plan farms self certify plan farms require certification plan professional engineer bill raises oil storage capacity containers included calculating aggregate storage capacity calculations aggregate oil storage capacity farm storage capacity individual oil tank farm include containers holding animal feed ingredients approved food_and_drug_administration use livestock feed


Summary:
Coastal Coordination Act of 2016

TITLE I--COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972 AMENDMENTS

(Sec.101)This bill amends the findings in the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA) about the national interest in coastal zones to include coastal resilience, tourism, and energy development. The revised findings also state that the participation and coordination of local governments are important to protecting state coastal interests.

(Sec. 103) The Coastal Resource Improvement Program under CZMA is expanded to add to its grant objectives the preservation or redevelopment of working waterfronts.

(Sec. 104) Interstate compacts are authorized for the management of state coastal zones and shared interstate resources. NOAA may provide mediation for disputes between a federal agency and a coastal state or two or more coastal states.

(Sec. 105) Objectives for coastal zone enhancement grants under CZMA are expanded to include interstate water resource and coastal management planning, policies to ensure sufficient state response to the environmental, economic, and social impacts of oil spills or other accidents, and maximizing the efficiency of processing permits for coastal zone activities.

(Sec. 106) NOAA is required to evaluate the National Estuarine Research Reserve System periodically to determine if any of the protected areas in the estuarine reserves should be expanded.

(Sec. 107) NOAA must submit to Congress a report summarizing any actions it takes in accordance with this bill for five consecutive fiscal years.

TITLE II--GULF OF MEXICO REGIONAL COORDINATION

(Sec.202) The purposes of this title are to: (1) expand and strengthen the cooperative voluntary efforts to conserve and restore the Gulf of Mexico; (2) recognize and enable the Gulf of Mexico Alliance as a coordinating entity; and (3) enable grant funding for coordination management, scientific research, conservation, and restoration activities.

(Sec.203)This title also authorizes eligible entities (i.e., a consortium of the five states that have a shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico), in consultation with NOAA, to develop strategies for the conservation and restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and to develop and implement action plans to carry out such strategies.

TITLE III--COASTAL ZONE IMPACTS

(Sec.301)The bill amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to add NOAA, the Department of Commerce, and any potentially impacted coastal state to the list of entities that can be consulted under the Act.Impacted coastal states may provide recommendations to mitigate impacts to fisheries, wildlife, and wildlife resources.

coastal coordination act title coastal_zone_management_act amendments bill amends findings coastal_zone_management_act national interest coastal zones include coastal resilience tourism energy development revised findings state participation coordination local governments important protecting state coastal interests sec coastal resource improvement program expanded add grant objectives preservation redevelopment working waterfronts sec interstate compacts authorized management state coastal zones shared interstate resources noaa provide mediation disputes federal agency coastal state coastal states sec objectives coastal zone enhancement grants expanded include interstate water resource coastal management planning policies ensure sufficient state response environmental economic social impacts oil spills accidents maximizing efficiency processing permits coastal zone activities sec noaa required evaluate national estuarine research reserve system periodically determine protected areas estuarine reserves expanded sec noaa submit congress report summarizing actions takes accordance bill consecutive fiscal years title gulf_of_mexico regional coordination purposes title expand strengthen cooperative voluntary efforts conserve restore gulf_of_mexico recognize enable gulf_of_mexico alliance coordinating entity enable grant funding coordination management scientific research conservation restoration activities title authorizes eligible entities consortium states shoreline gulf_of_mexico consultation noaa develop strategies conservation restoration gulf_of_mexico ecosystem develop implement action plans carry strategies title iii coastal zone impacts bill amends fish wildlife coordination act add noaa department_of_commerce potentially impacted coastal state list entities consulted act impacted coastal states provide recommendations mitigate impacts fisheries wildlife wildlife resources


Summary: This bill amends the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to direct the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a comprehensive assessment and management plan to restore aquatic ecosystems in the North Atlantic coast region. (Current law requires the Corps to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects to restore such ecosystems.)

bill amends water_resources_reform_and_development_act direct army_corps_of_engineers develop comprehensive assessment management plan restore aquatic ecosystems north_atlantic coast region current law requires corps determine feasibility carrying projects restore ecosystems


Summary:
Improving Access to Farm Conservation Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to exempt certain recipients of Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation assistance from specified reporting requirements. The bill exempts producers or landowners eligible to participate in any USDA conservation program from reporting requirements related to subawards, executive compensation, the Universal Identifier, and the System for Award Management.

improving access farm conservation act bill amends food security act exempt certain recipients department_of_agriculture usda conservation assistance specified reporting requirements bill exempts producers landowners eligible participate usda conservation program reporting requirements related executive compensation universal identifier system award management


Summary: This bill requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting as chair of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, to appoint a coordinator to work with appropriate governments to address harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes.

bill requires administrator environmental_protection_agency acting chair great_lakes interagency_task_force appoint coordinator work appropriate governments address harmful algal blooms great_lakes


Summary: Department of Peace and Nonviolence Act - Establishes a Department of Peace and Nonviolence, which shall be headed by a Secretary of Peace and Nonviolence appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the mission of the Department, including to: (1) hold peace as an organizing principle; (2) endeavor to promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights; and (3) develop policies that promote national and international conflict prevention, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and structured mediation of conflict. Establishes in the Department the Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace and Nonviolence, which shall provide assistance and make recommendations to the Secretary and the President concerning intergovernmental policies relating to peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. Transfers to the Department the functions, assets, and personnel of various federal agencies. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Peace and Nonviolence. Establishes Peace Day. Urges all citizens to observe and celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on such day.

department peace act establishes department peace shall headed secretary peace appointed president advice consent senate sets forth mission department including hold peace organizing principle endeavor promote justice democratic principles expand human rights develop policies promote national international conflict prevention nonviolent intervention mediation peaceful resolution conflict structured mediation conflict establishes department intergovernmental advisory_council peace shall provide assistance recommendations secretary president concerning intergovernmental policies relating peace nonviolent conflict resolution transfers department functions assets personnel federal agencies establishes federal interagency_committee peace establishes peace day urges citizens observe peace endeavor create peace day


Summary: Advance Democratic Values, Address Nondemocratic Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of 2007 or ADVANCE Democracy Act of 2007 - Title I: Department of State Activities - (Sec. 101) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide that the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor shall also be responsible for matters relating to the development of democracy in nondemocratic countries. Requires that there be at least one office in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (Bureau) of the Department of State responsible for working with democratic movements and facilitating the transition of countries to democracy. Directs the Secretary of State to establish Democracy Liaison Officer positions. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that the Secretary: (1) should collect information on the assets of leaders of non-democratic countries; and (2) shall seek to ensure that 50% of Bureau nonadministrative employees are Foreign Service members. (Sec. 102) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that Department Country Reports on Human Rights Practices include long-term strategies for ending serious human rights violations, and achieving a transition to full democracy with respect to nondemocratic and democratic transition countries. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to establish a democracy fellowship program to enable Department officers to gain an additional perspective on democracy promotion abroad by working in appropriate congressional committees and in nongovernmental organizations involved in democracy promotion. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 104) Directs the Advisory Committee on Democracy Promotion to conduct studies of: (1) U.S. democracy assistance; and (2) Department personnel and training practices relating to democracy promotion. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a global democracy and human rights Internet site. (Sec. 106) Directs the chief of mission in each country designated as nondemocratic to develop a democracy promotion strategy and to support nongovernmental organizations, individuals, and movements in that country that are committed to democratic principles. (Sec. 107) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to include training in democracy and the promotion of democracy and human rights in provisions respecting Foreign Service training, performance pay, promotions, and chief-of-mission appointments. Title II: Cooperation with Other Democratic Countries - (Sec. 202) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Community of Democracies should establish a more formal mechanism for carrying out work between ministerial meetings, such as the creation of a permanent secretariat and staff. Authorizes the Secretary to detail personnel to such a secretariat or any country that is a member of the Convening Group of the Community of Democracies. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) regional groups within the Community of Democracies should be strengthened; (2) the United States should support Hungary and other European countries to establish an International Center for Democratic Transition (authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations); and (3) the Secretary should establish an office of multilateral democracy promotion to address democracy promotion activities in international organizations. (Sec. 203) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should continue to: (1) support a Democracy Caucus at the United Nations and that the creation of a Democracy Caucus in each international organization and multilateral institution of which the United States is a member will improve their internal governance and strengthen democracy and human rights commitments; and (2) work with other countries to enhance the United Nations Democracy Fund. Authorizes FY2008-FY2009 appropriations for a U.S. contribution to the United Nations Democracy Fund. Title III: Funding for Promotion of Democracy - (Sec. 301) States that it shall be U.S. policy to provide financial assistance to eligible entities and individuals in order to promote democracy in nondemocratic countries and democratic transition countries. (Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Human Rights and Democracy Fund should continue to be used for innovative approaches to promoting democracy and human rights and to support democracy and human rights strategies in nondemocratic countries and democratic transition countries. Directs the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting the status of the Human Rights and Democracy Fund. Authorizes FY2008-FY2009 appropriations for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund. (Sec. 303) Expresses the sense of Congress that Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should develop guidelines to clarify the appropriate roles for nongovernmental organizations and contractors with respect to democracy assistance. Title IV: Presidential Actions - (Sec. 401) Directs the President to: (1) collect information regarding incidents that may constitute crimes against humanity, genocide, slavery, or other violations of international humanitarian law by leaders or other government officials of nondemocratic countries or democratic transition countries; and (2) consider what actions can be taken to ensure accountability for such incidents.

advance democratic values address countries enhance democracy act advance democracy act title department_of_state activities sec amends state_department basic authorities act provide assistant secretary state democracy human rights labor shall responsible matters relating development democracy countries requires office bureau democracy human rights labor bureau department_of_state responsible working democratic movements facilitating transition countries democracy directs secretary state establish democracy liaison officer positions authorizes appropriations provides secretary collect information assets leaders non democratic countries shall seek ensure bureau employees foreign_service members sec amends foreign assistance_act require department country reports human rights practices include long term strategies ending human rights violations achieving transition democracy respect democratic transition countries sec directs secretary establish democracy fellowship program enable department officers gain additional perspective democracy promotion abroad working appropriate congressional committees nongovernmental organizations involved democracy promotion authorizes appropriations sec directs advisory_committee democracy promotion conduct studies democracy assistance department personnel training practices relating democracy promotion sec directs secretary establish maintain global democracy human rights internet site sec directs chief mission country designated develop democracy promotion strategy support nongovernmental organizations individuals movements country committed democratic principles sec amends foreign_service act include training democracy promotion democracy human rights provisions respecting foreign_service training performance pay promotions chief mission appointments title cooperation democratic countries sec expresses sense congress community establish formal mechanism carrying work meetings creation permanent staff authorizes secretary detail personnel country member convening group community expresses sense congress regional groups community strengthened united_states support european countries establish international center democratic transition authorizes fy2008 fy2010 appropriations secretary establish office multilateral democracy promotion address democracy promotion activities international organizations sec expresses sense congress united_states continue support democracy caucus united_nations creation democracy caucus international organization multilateral institution united_states member improve internal governance strengthen democracy human rights commitments work countries enhance united_nations democracy fund authorizes fy2008 fy2009 appropriations contribution united_nations democracy fund title iii funding promotion democracy sec states shall policy provide financial assistance eligible entities individuals order promote democracy countries democratic transition countries sec expresses sense congress human rights democracy fund continue innovative approaches promoting democracy human rights support democracy human rights strategies countries democratic transition countries directs assistant secretary state democracy human rights labor report annually appropriate congressional committees respecting status human rights democracy fund authorizes fy2008 fy2009 appropriations human rights democracy fund sec expresses sense congress secretary administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid develop guidelines clarify appropriate roles nongovernmental organizations contractors respect democracy assistance title presidential actions sec directs president collect information incidents constitute crimes humanity genocide slavery violations international humanitarian law leaders government officials countries democratic transition countries consider actions taken ensure accountability incidents


Summary: Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, if in the U.S. national interest, to furnish assistance to assist in stabilizing and reconstructing a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Requires specified pre-notification by the President before making assistance available. Limits: (1) program authority to FY2008-FY2010; and (2) annual fiscal year expenditures to $100 million. (Sec. 5) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State an Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. Sets forth Office functions. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish: (1) a Response Readiness Corps (containing an active and standby component consisting of trained U.S. government personnel, including Department and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) employees) to provide stabilization and reconstruction activities in foreign countries or regions that are at risk, in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife; and (2) a volunteer Civilian Reserve Corps (authorizes such individuals' employment and training). Authorizes FY2007-FY2010 appropriations. Prohibits the establishment and deployment of any Civilian Reserve Corps from substantively impairing state and local capacity and readiness. Directs the Secretary to ensure the use of existing Department and USAID training and education programs. (Sec. 6) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary or the head of any U.S. agency, with respect to agency personnel, to extend to any individual assigned or deployed under this Act certain death gratuity, training, and travel benefits that are provided to Foreign Service members; and (2) the Secretary to accept detailees or assignments from other agencies and state or local employees on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to develop an interagency strategy to respond to reconstruction and stabilization operations. Sets forth strategy contents. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to report annually (for six years) to the appropriate congressional committees respecting implementation of this Act. Sets forth report requirements.

reconstruction stabilization civilian management act sec amends foreign assistance_act authorize president national interest furnish assistance assist stabilizing reconstructing country region transition conflict civil strife requires specified pre notification president making assistance available limits program authority fy2008 fy2010 annual fiscal year expenditures million sec amends state_department basic authorities act establish department_of_state office coordinator reconstruction stabilization sets forth office functions authorizes secretary state establish response readiness corps containing active standby component consisting trained government personnel including department united_states_agency international_development usaid employees provide stabilization reconstruction activities foreign countries regions risk transition conflict civil strife volunteer civilian reserve corps authorizes individuals employment training authorizes fy2007 fy2010 appropriations prohibits establishment deployment civilian reserve corps impairing state local capacity readiness directs secretary ensure use existing department usaid training education programs sec authorizes secretary head agency respect agency personnel extend individual assigned deployed act certain death gratuity training travel benefits provided foreign_service members secretary accept assignments agencies state local employees reimbursable non reimbursable basis sec directs secretary develop interagency strategy respond reconstruction stabilization operations sets forth strategy contents sec directs secretary report annually years appropriate congressional committees respecting implementation act sets forth report requirements


Summary: Global Poverty Act of 2007 - Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the U.S. foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide who live on less than $1 per day. Sets forth reporting requirements.

global poverty act directs president secretary state develop implement comprehensive strategy foreign policy objective promoting reduction global poverty elimination extreme global poverty achievement united_nations millennium development goal reducing half proportion people worldwide live day sets forth reporting requirements


Summary: Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007 - Defines "child soldier." Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for specified military and related areas from being obligated or otherwise made available to the government of a country identified by the Department of State as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense forces, that recruit or use child soldiers. Directs the Secretary of State to notify any government so identified. Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future use of child soldiers and to ensure that no children are recruited, conscripted, or otherwise compelled to serve as child soldiers. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for programs that implement measures to demobilize child soldiers and for programs to support professionalization of the military.

child soldier prevention act defines child soldier prohibits national interest waiver funds appropriated available specified military related areas obligated available government country identified department_of_state having governmental armed_forces government supported armed groups including militias civil defense forces recruit use child soldiers directs secretary state notify government identified authorizes president reinstate assistance certifying congress government implementing compliance measures mechanisms prohibit future use child soldiers ensure children recruited compelled serve child soldiers authorizes president provide assistance country international_military_education training prohibited act certifying congress assistance programs implement measures child soldiers programs support military