Summary:
Leveling the Playing Field Act

 Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to the administration and enforcement of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders.

 Declares that neither the administering authority (the Secretary of Commerce, or another U.S. officer given the responsibility by law) nor the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), as the case may be, is required to determine, or make any adjustments to, a countervailable subsidy rate or weighted average dumping margin based on any assumptions about information the interested party would have provided if it had complied with a request for information.

Prohibits the judicial review of any administering authority or USITC determination made in selecting facts or using an inference that is adverse to an interested party in AD and CVD proceedings.

Prescribes additional economic factors for the USITC to evaluate when determining whether imports have caused or threatened material injury to a domestic industry. Requires such factors to be evaluated within the context of the business cycle and conditions of competition that are distinct to the affected industry.

Repeals the requirement that, in the course of a review of an AD or CVD order for merchandise a new exporter or producer claims it did not export to the United States, the administering authority direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to allow the importer to post a bond or security in lieu of a cash deposit for each entry of the subject merchandise.

Declares that an exporter or producer may be eligible for an individual weighted average dumping margin or individual countervailing duty rate in such a review only if the exporter or producer: (1) is not affiliated with an exporter or producer who exported subject merchandise during the review period or any period; and (2) demonstrates that sales of subject merchandise in the United States, or for exportation to the United States, during the period in question are bona fide and the buyer is not affiliated with that exporter or producer.

Authorizes the administering authority to require an importer of merchandise into the U.S. customs territory to provide a certification that such merchandise is not subject to an AD or CVD duty. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the requirement.

Specifies factors for the administering authority to consider when deciding, in CVD or AD investigations and reviews, whether it would be unduly burdensome to: (1) accept voluntary responses from exporters or producers not initially selected for examination, and so (2) determine not to establish an individual countervailable subsidy rate or an individual weighted average dumping margin for them.

Authorizes the administering authority, in valuing the factors of production to determine the normal value of merchandise exported from a nonmarket economy country, to disregard price or cost values if there is reason to believe or suspect that an input for the subject merchandise is subsidized or dumped.

Requires the administering authority to take into account, when determining whether a foreign country has a nonmarket economy, to consider the extent to which the country's government enforces and administers its laws, legal and administrative procedures, and other policies in an open and transparent manner that affords all parties, whether foreign or domestic, due process and equal and non-discriminatory treatment.

Applies the requirements of this Act to goods from Canada and Mexico.

playing field act amends tariff act respect administration enforcement antidumping countervailing duty orders declares administering authority secretary commerce officer given responsibility law international_trade_commission usitc case required determine adjustments countervailable subsidy rate weighted average dumping margin based assumptions information interested party provided complied request information prohibits judicial review administering authority usitc determination selecting facts inference adverse interested party proceedings prescribes additional economic factors usitc evaluate determining imports caused threatened material injury domestic industry requires factors evaluated context business cycle conditions competition distinct affected industry repeals requirement course review order merchandise new exporter producer claims export united_states administering authority direct customs border_protection allow importer post bond security lieu cash deposit entry subject merchandise declares exporter producer eligible individual weighted average dumping margin individual countervailing duty rate review exporter producer affiliated exporter producer exported subject merchandise review period period demonstrates sales subject merchandise united_states exportation united_states period question bona fide buyer affiliated exporter producer authorizes administering authority require importer merchandise customs territory provide certification merchandise subject duty prescribes civil criminal penalties failure comply requirement specifies factors administering authority consider deciding investigations reviews unduly burdensome accept voluntary responses exporters producers initially selected examination determine establish individual countervailable subsidy rate individual weighted average dumping margin authorizes administering authority valuing factors production determine normal value merchandise exported nonmarket economy country disregard price cost values reason believe suspect input subject merchandise subsidized requires administering authority account determining foreign country nonmarket economy consider extent country government enforces administers laws legal administrative procedures policies open transparent manner affords parties foreign domestic process equal non discriminatory treatment applies requirements act goods canada mexico


Summary:
Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) Declares the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States with respect to any agreement with a foreign country to reduce or eliminate existing tariffs or nontariff barriers of that country or the United States that are unduly burdening and restricting U.S. trade. Includes among such objectives:

 more open, equitable, and reciprocal market access; the reduction or elimination of trade barriers and distortions that are directly related to trade and investment and that decrease market opportunities for U.S. exports or otherwise distort U.S. trade; stronger international trade and investment disciplines and procedures, including dispute settlement; enhanced U.S. competitiveness; protection of the environment; respect for worker and children rights consistent with International Labor Organization core labor standards; and equal access of small businesses to international markets. Declares the principal trade negotiating objectives of the United States with respect to:

 goods and services; agriculture; foreign investment; intellectual property; digital goods and services, as well as cross-border data flows; regulatory practices; state-owned and state-controlled enterprises; localization barriers to trade; labor and the environment; currency; the World Trade Organization (WTO) and multilateral trade agreements; trade institution transparency; anti-corruption; dispute settlement and enforcement; trade remedy laws; border taxes; textile negotiations; commercial partnerships, especially with Israel; and good governance, transparency, operation of legal regimes, and the rule of law of U.S. trading partners. Directs the President, in order to maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global economy, to engage in specified capacity building activities with respect to foreign countries that seek to enter into trade agreements with the United States.

(Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries for the reduction or elimination of tariff or nontariff barriers before July 1, 2018, or before July 1, 2021, if trade authorities procedures are extended to implementing bills (congressional approval) with respect to such agreements.

Authorizes the President to proclaim necessary or appropriate modifications or continuation of any existing duty, continuation of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or additional duties to carry out any such agreement.

(Sec. 4) Subjects trade agreements to congressional oversight and approval, consultations, and access to information requirements.

Requires the convening each Congress of the House and the Senate Advisory Groups on Negotiations to consult with and advise the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the formulation of specific objectives, negotiating strategies and positions, the development of the applicable trade agreement, and compliance and enforcement of the negotiated commitments under the trade agreement.

Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Office of the USTR the position of Chief Transparency Officer to consult with Congress on transparency policy, coordinate transparency in trade negotiations, engage and assist the public, and advise the USTR on transparency policy.

(Sec. 5) Specifies presidential notifications, consultations, reports, and other actions and their deadlines that must take place for any trade agreement to enter into force.

Specifies requirements for negotiations regarding agriculture, the fishing industry, and textiles.

(Sec. 6) Prescribes procedures for resolutions of disapproval in the House and the Senate before the President enters into any trade agreement.

Declares that trade authorities procedures shall not apply to any implementing bill submitted with respect to a trade agreement:

 if both chambers of Congress agree by a certain deadline to a procedural disapproval resolution for lack of notice or consultations, and with a country which does not fully comply and is not making significant efforts to comply with minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking ("tier 3" country). (Sec. 7) Prescribes requirements for the treatment of trade agreements entered into under the auspices of the WTO or with the Trans-Pacific Partnership countries or the European Union which result from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act.

(Sec. 8) Declares that any provision of a trade agreement that is inconsistent with any U.S. laws shall be null and void.

(Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of Congress that the USTR should facilitate participation of small businesses in the trade negotiation process.

bipartisan congressional trade priorities accountability_act sec declares overall trade negotiating objectives united_states respect agreement foreign country reduce eliminate existing tariffs nontariff barriers country united_states unduly restricting trade includes objectives open equitable reciprocal market access reduction elimination trade barriers directly related trade investment decrease market opportunities exports trade stronger international_trade investment disciplines procedures including dispute settlement enhanced competitiveness protection environment respect worker children rights consistent international labor organization core labor standards equal_access small businesses international markets declares principal trade negotiating objectives united_states respect goods services agriculture foreign investment intellectual property digital_goods services cross border data flows regulatory practices state owned state controlled enterprises barriers trade labor environment currency world_trade_organization wto multilateral trade agreements trade institution transparency anti corruption dispute settlement enforcement trade remedy laws border taxes textile negotiations commercial partnerships especially israel good governance transparency operation legal regimes rule law trading partners directs president order maintain competitiveness global economy engage specified capacity building activities respect foreign countries seek enter trade agreements united_states sec authorizes president enter trade agreements foreign countries reduction elimination tariff nontariff barriers july july trade authorities procedures extended implementing bills congressional approval respect agreements authorizes president proclaim necessary appropriate modifications continuation existing duty continuation existing duty free excise treatment additional duties carry agreement sec subjects trade agreements congressional oversight approval consultations access information requirements requires convening congress house senate advisory groups negotiations consult advise united_states_trade_representative ustr formulation specific objectives negotiating strategies positions development applicable trade agreement compliance enforcement negotiated commitments trade agreement amends trade act establish office ustr position chief transparency officer consult congress transparency policy coordinate transparency trade negotiations engage assist public advise ustr transparency policy sec specifies presidential notifications consultations reports actions deadlines place trade agreement enter force specifies requirements negotiations agriculture fishing industry textiles sec prescribes procedures resolutions disapproval house senate president enters trade agreement declares trade authorities procedures shall apply implementing bill submitted respect trade agreement chambers congress agree certain deadline procedural disapproval resolution lack notice consultations country fully comply making significant efforts comply minimum standards elimination human trafficking tier country sec prescribes requirements treatment trade agreements entered wto trans pacific partnership countries european_union result negotiations commenced enactment act sec declares provision trade agreement inconsistent laws shall null void sec expresses sense congress ustr facilitate participation small businesses trade negotiation process


Summary:
Trade Adjustment Assistance Enhancement Act of 2015

 Amends the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 to repeal the declaration that trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program requirements in effect as of February 13, 2011, under the Trade Act of 1974 shall apply to petitions for certification to apply for TAA for workers, firms, and farmers that are filed before January 1, 2014.

 Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through June 30, 2021:

 the TAA program, and the reemployment trade adjustment assistance (RTAA) program. Makes funds available for FY2015-FY2021 for training of adversely affected workers as well as (through June 30, 2021) reemployment and case management services.

Reauthorizes appropriations:

 through June 30, 2021, for the TAA program for workers; and for FY2015-FY2021 for the TAA program for firms and farmers. Revises and replaces core indicators of performance with primary indicators of performance. Adds among other factors the percentage and number of workers receiving TAA benefits who are in:

 unsubsidized employment, and an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary schooling credential or employment and who are achieving measurable gains in skills toward that credential or employment. Specifies criteria the Department of Labor must use to determine the eligibility of workers to apply for TAA if no determination has been made, upon enactment of this Act, as to whether to certify a group of workers or firms as eligible pursuant to a petition filed between January 1, 2014, and enactment of this Act. Requires the Department to reconsider any determination made before enactment of this Act not to certify such workers or firms, and to certify them as eligible if they meet the specified requirements.

 Increases from 52 to 65 additional weeks of TAA payments in a 78-week period the length of additional time permissible to complete training.

trade adjustment assistance enhancement_act amends trade adjustment assistance extension act repeal declaration trade adjustment assistance taa program requirements effect february trade act shall apply petitions certification apply taa workers firms farmers filed january amends trade act extend june taa program reemployment trade adjustment assistance program makes funds available fy2015 fy2021 training adversely affected workers june reemployment case management services reauthorizes appropriations june taa program workers fy2015 fy2021 taa program firms farmers revises replaces core indicators performance primary indicators performance adds factors percentage number workers receiving taa benefits unsubsidized employment education training program leads recognized postsecondary schooling credential employment achieving measurable gains skills credential employment specifies criteria department_of_labor use determine eligibility workers apply taa determination enactment act certify group workers firms eligible pursuant petition filed january enactment act requires department reconsider determination enactment act certify workers firms certify eligible meet specified requirements increases additional weeks taa payments week period length additional time permissible complete training


Summary:
AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to extend through FY2025 the duty-free treatment of the products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under those Acts.

The extended period also applies to:

 the preferential treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or components knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries from yarns originating in the United States or one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries or former beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, or both; and the third-country fabric program granting duty-free treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles. This bill amends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to revise rules of origin for duty-free treatment of articles of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.

The President must not terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country unless, at least 60 days before termination, the President notifies Congress and the country of that intention.

The President, instead of terminating the designation, may withdraw, suspend, or limit the duty-free treatment for any article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country if that would be more effective in promoting the country's compliance with certain requirements, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism.

The President shall:

 publish annually in the Federal Register a notice of review and request for public comments on whether beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries are meeting the eligibility requirements for preferential treatment under AGOA and the Trade Act of 1974, and establish a process for interested persons to file a petition with the United States Trade Representative regarding the compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with such requirements. It is the sense of Congress that beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries should develop strategies biennially for more effective utilization of AGOA trade benefits.

It is U.S. policy to continue to seek to deepen and expand trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African and the United States through specified actions.

This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the GSP through December 31, 2017.

The President may designate certain cotton articles as eligible for duty-free treatment only for least-developed beneficiary developing countries.

The competitive need limitation and waiver requirements under the GSP shall apply to certain import-sensitive articles exported (directly or indirectly) from beneficiary developing countries to the United States during calendar 2014.

 This bill amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to extend through December 19, 2025, the duty-free entry of apparel articles, including woven articles and certain knit articles, assembled in Haiti and imported from Haiti or the Dominican Republic to the United States.

The special duty-free rules for Haiti shall now extend through September 30, 2025.

This bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1958 to extend customs user fees for certain customs services performed through July 7, 2025.

 The required installment of corporate estimated tax payments for a corporation with assets of at least $1 billion which is otherwise due in the third quarter of 2020 shall be increased by 5.25%.

extension enhancement_act bill amends trade act african_growth opportunity act extend fy2025 duty free treatment products beneficiary sub saharan african countries acts extended period applies preferential treatment apparel articles wholly assembled components knit shape wholly assembled beneficiary sub saharan african countries yarns originating united_states beneficiary sub saharan african countries beneficiary sub saharan african countries country fabric program granting duty free treatment apparel articles wholly assembled knit shape wholly assembled lesser developed beneficiary sub saharan african countries regardless country origin fabric yarn articles bill amends generalized_system_of_preferences gsp revise rules origin duty free treatment articles beneficiary sub saharan african countries president terminate designation country beneficiary sub saharan african country days termination president notifies congress country intention president instead terminating designation withdraw suspend limit duty free treatment article growth product manufacture beneficiary sub saharan african country effective promoting country compliance certain requirements including market based economy rule law protection human rights internationally recognized worker rights elimination trade barriers united_states non engagement activities undermine national security foreign policy interests support acts international terrorism president shall publish annually federal_register notice review request public comments beneficiary sub saharan african countries meeting eligibility requirements preferential treatment trade act establish process interested persons file petition united_states_trade_representative compliance sub saharan african countries requirements sense congress beneficiary sub saharan african countries develop strategies biennially effective utilization trade benefits policy continue seek expand trade investment ties sub saharan african united_states specified actions bill amends trade act extend duty free treatment gsp december president designate certain cotton articles eligible duty free treatment developed beneficiary developing countries competitive need limitation waiver requirements gsp shall apply certain import sensitive articles exported directly indirectly beneficiary developing countries united_states calendar bill amends caribbean_basin_economic_recovery_act extend december duty free entry apparel articles including woven articles certain knit articles assembled haiti imported haiti dominican_republic united_states special duty free rules haiti shall extend september bill amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend customs user fees certain customs services performed july required installment corporate estimated tax payments corporation assets billion quarter shall increased


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

Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015

TITLE I--EXTENSION OF AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015

(Sec. 103) This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to extend through FY2025 the duty-free treatment of the products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under those Acts.

The extended period also applies to:

 the preferential treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or components knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries from yarns originating in the United States or one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries or former beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, or both; and the third-country fabric program granting duty-free treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles. (Sec. 104) This bill amends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to revise rules of origin for duty-free treatment of articles of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.

(Sec. 105) The President must not terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country unless, at least 60 days before termination, the President notifies Congress and the country of that intention.

The President, instead of terminating the designation, may withdraw, suspend, or limit the duty-free treatment for any article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country if that would be more effective in promoting the country's compliance with certain requirements, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism.

The President may not withdraw, suspend, or limit the duty-free treatment before notifying Congress and the country in question of that intention at least 60 days in advance.

The President shall:

 publish annually in the Federal Register a notice of review and request for public comments on whether beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries are meeting the eligibility requirements for preferential treatment under AGOA and the Trade Act of 1974, and establish a process for interested persons to file a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with such requirements. The President may also, at any time, initiate an out-of-cycle review of whether a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country is making continual progress in meeting preferential treatment eligibility requirements.

(Sec. 106) To be eligible for preferential treatment a sub-Saharan African country must make progress toward establishing a market-based economy that protects the private property rights of women as well as those of men.

(Sec. 107) It is the sense of Congress that beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries should develop strategies biennially for more effective utilization of AGOA trade benefits.

It is further the sense of Congress that the biennial AGOA utilization strategies should:

 review potential exports under AGOA and identify opportunities and obstacles to increased trade and investment and enhanced poverty reduction, set out a strategy to promote small business, eliminate obstacles to regional trade and promote greater utilization of AGOA trade benefits and establish a plan to fully implement the Agreement on Trade Facilitation of the World Trade Organization, and be published on the appropriate websites of each sub-Saharan African country and the USTR. (Sec. 108) It is U.S. policy to continue to seek to deepen and expand trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan Africa and the United States through specified actions.

(Sec. 109) This bill amends the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 to direct the President, now through the Department of Agriculture, to identify any eligible sub-Saharan African country (currently only 10) having the greatest potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States and the greatest need for agricultural technical assistance, particularly with respect to developing food safety standards. The President must also assign 30 (currently 20) fulltime personnel to provide this assistance to these countries to ensure that their exports of agricultural products, particularly from businesses and sectors that engage women farmers and entrepreneurs, meet U.S. requirements.

The President shall take any measures necessary to ensure adequate coordination of federal agencies relating to agricultural technical assistance for sub-Saharan Africa.

(Sec. 110) The President shall report biennially to Congress, starting not later than one year after enactment of this Act, on trade and investment between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries and implementation of this Act.

The USTR shall report every five years to Congress, starting not later than one year after enactment of this Act, on sub-Saharan African countries that have expressed an interest in entering into a free trade agreement with the United States.

TITLE II--EXTENSION OF GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES

(Sec. 201) Duty-free treatment under the GSP is extended under the Trade Act of 1974 through December 31, 2017.

Requires the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) on duty-free articles that entered into the United States after July 31, 2013, and before the 30th day after enactment of this Act.

(Sec. 202) The President may designate certain cotton articles as eligible for duty-free treatment only for least-developed beneficiary developing countries.

(Sec. 203) The competitive need limitation and waiver requirements under the GSP shall apply to certain import-sensitive articles exported (directly or indirectly) from beneficiary developing countries to the United States during calendar 2014.

(Sec. 204) The President may now designate handbags, luggage, and flat goods as eligible articles from all beneficiary developing countries.

TITLE III--EXTENSION OF PREFERENTIAL DUTY TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR HAITI

 (Sec. 301) This bill amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to extend through December 19, 2025, the duty-free entry of apparel articles, including woven articles and certain knit articles, assembled in Haiti and imported from Haiti or the Dominican Republic to the United States.

The special duty-free rules for Haiti shall now extend through September 30, 2025.

TITLE IV--TARIFF CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN ARTICLES

(Sec. 401) This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain recreational performance outerwear as well as of certain specialized athletic footwear.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

(Sec. 501) The President shall report to Congress on the contribution of U.S. trade preference programs to reducing poverty and eliminating hunger.

TITLE VI--OFFSETS

(Sec. 601) This bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1958 to extend customs user fees for certain customs services performed through July 7, 2025.

The United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act is also amended to extend through June 30, 2025, the increase from 0.21% ad valorem to 0.3464% ad valorem in the customs user fees for the processing of merchandise formally entered or released into the United States which is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2015.

 (Sec. 602) The required installment of corporate estimated tax payments for a corporation with assets of at least $1 billion which is otherwise due in the third quarter of 2020 shall be increased by 5.25%.

(Sec. 603) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that every person who makes or receives interest payments aggregating $10 or more report it on his or her income tax return, and so requires the report of any interest paid or received, no matter how small.

Every person holding a reportable deposit (non-interest bearing deposit) during any calendar year must make a tax return about it.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure trade preferences extension act title extension african_growth opportunity act extension enhancement_act sec bill amends trade act african_growth opportunity act extend fy2025 duty free treatment products beneficiary sub saharan african countries acts extended period applies preferential treatment apparel articles wholly assembled components knit shape wholly assembled beneficiary sub saharan african countries yarns originating united_states beneficiary sub saharan african countries beneficiary sub saharan african countries country fabric program granting duty free treatment apparel articles wholly assembled knit shape wholly assembled lesser developed beneficiary sub saharan african countries regardless country origin fabric yarn articles sec bill amends generalized_system_of_preferences gsp revise rules origin duty free treatment articles beneficiary sub saharan african countries sec president terminate designation country beneficiary sub saharan african country days termination president notifies congress country intention president instead terminating designation withdraw suspend limit duty free treatment article growth product manufacture beneficiary sub saharan african country effective promoting country compliance certain requirements including market based economy rule law protection human rights internationally recognized worker rights elimination trade barriers united_states non engagement activities undermine national security foreign policy interests support acts international terrorism president withdraw suspend limit duty free treatment notifying congress country question intention days advance president shall publish annually federal_register notice review request public comments beneficiary sub saharan african countries meeting eligibility requirements preferential treatment trade act establish process interested persons file petition united_states_trade_representative ustr compliance sub saharan african countries requirements president time initiate cycle review beneficiary sub saharan african country making continual progress meeting preferential treatment eligibility requirements sec eligible preferential treatment sub saharan african country progress establishing market based economy protects private property rights women men sec sense congress beneficiary sub saharan african countries develop strategies biennially effective utilization trade benefits sense congress biennial utilization strategies review potential exports identify opportunities obstacles increased trade investment enhanced poverty reduction set strategy promote small business eliminate obstacles regional trade promote greater utilization trade benefits establish plan fully implement agreement trade facilitation world_trade_organization published appropriate websites sub saharan african country ustr sec policy continue seek expand trade investment ties sub saharan africa united_states specified actions sec bill amends acceleration act direct president department_of_agriculture identify eligible sub saharan african country currently having greatest potential increase marketable exports agricultural products united_states greatest need agricultural technical assistance particularly respect developing food safety standards president assign currently personnel provide assistance countries ensure exports agricultural products particularly businesses sectors engage women farmers entrepreneurs meet requirements president shall measures necessary ensure adequate coordination federal agencies relating agricultural technical assistance sub saharan africa sec president shall report biennially congress starting later year enactment act trade investment united_states sub saharan african countries implementation act ustr shall report years congress starting later year enactment act sub saharan african countries expressed interest entering free trade agreement united_states title extension generalized_system_of_preferences sec duty free treatment gsp extended trade act december requires liquidation reliquidation refund duties duty free articles entered united_states july 30th day enactment act sec president designate certain cotton articles eligible duty free treatment developed beneficiary developing countries sec competitive need limitation waiver requirements gsp shall apply certain import sensitive articles exported directly indirectly beneficiary developing countries united_states calendar sec president designate luggage flat goods eligible articles beneficiary developing countries title iii extension preferential duty treatment program haiti sec bill amends caribbean_basin_economic_recovery_act extend december duty free entry apparel articles including woven articles certain knit articles assembled haiti imported haiti dominican_republic united_states special duty free rules haiti shall extend september title tariff classification certain articles sec bill amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states provide duty free treatment certain recreational performance outerwear certain specialized athletic footwear title miscellaneous provisions sec president shall report congress contribution trade preference programs reducing poverty eliminating hunger title offsets sec bill amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend customs user fees certain customs services performed july united_states korea free trade agreement implementation act amended extend june increase valorem valorem customs user fees processing merchandise formally entered released united_states scheduled begin december sec required installment corporate estimated tax payments corporation assets billion quarter shall increased sec bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code eliminate requirement person makes receives interest payments aggregating report income tax return requires report interest paid received matter small person holding reportable deposit non interest bearing deposit calendar year tax return


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

Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 to repeal the declaration that trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program requirements in effect as of February 13, 2011, under the Trade Act of 1974 shall apply to petitions for certification to apply for TAA for workers, firms, and farmers that are filed before January 1, 2014.

(Sec. 3) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through June 30, 2021:

 the TAA program, and the reemployment trade adjustment assistance (RTAA) program. Makes funds available for FY2015-FY2021 for training of adversely affected workers as well as (through June 30, 2021) reemployment and case management services.

Reauthorizes appropriations:

 through June 30, 2021, for the TAA program for workers; and for FY2015-FY2021 for the TAA program for firms and farmers. (Sec. 4) Revises and replaces core indicators of performance with primary indicators of performance. Adds among other factors the percentage and number of workers receiving TAA benefits who are in:

 unsubsidized employment, and an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary schooling credential or employment and who are achieving measurable gains in skills toward that credential or employment. Revises and adds to elements of mandatory reporting of data on training:

 the average cost per workers of receiving training, and the percentage of workers who receive training as well as obtained unsubsidized employment related to it. (Sec. 5) Specifies criteria the Department of Labor must use to determine the eligibility of workers to apply for TAA if no determination has been made, upon enactment of this Act, as to whether to certify a group of workers or firms as eligible pursuant to a petition filed between January 1, 2014, and enactment of this Act. Requires the Department to reconsider any determination made before enactment of this Act not to certify such workers or firms, and to certify them as eligible if they meet the specified requirements.

(Sec. 6) Increases from 52 to 65 additional weeks of TAA payments in a 78-week period the length of additional time permissible to complete training.

(Sec. 7) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for health insurance costs of a taxpayer and qualifying family members through 2020. The tax credit for health insurance costs is a refundable tax credit equal to 72.5% of the cost of qualified health coverage paid by an eligible individual (defined as an individual who is receiving a trade adjustment allowance, is eligible for the alternative trade adjustment assistance program, or is over age 55 and receives pension benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC]).

Requires a taxpayer to make an election to have the tax credit apply for any eligible coverage month during a taxable year. Declares that an eligible coverage month is one in which an eligible individual is covered by qualified health insurance, does not have other specified coverage, and is not imprisoned.

Directs the Departments of the Treasury, of Health and Human Services (HHS), and of Labor and the PBGC to conduct a public outreach, including on the Internet, to inform individuals eligible for the tax credit for health insurance costs on the extension of such credit and the availability of the election to claim such credit retroactively for coverage months beginning after December 31, 2013.

(Sec. 8) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend the charging of specified customs user fees through FY2025.

Amends the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to increase from 0.21% ad valorem to 0.3464% ad valorem, for the period between July 15, 2025, and September 30, 2025, the customs user fees for the processing of merchandise formally entered or released into the United States.

(Sec. 9) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that the requirement making a portion of the child care expense tax credit refundable shall not apply to a taxpayer that elects to exclude foreign earned income from gross income.

(Sec. 10) Increases by 2.75% the required estimated income tax payments otherwise due in the third quarter of 2020 for corporations with assets of at least $1 billion. Requires the next required installment to be appropriately reduced to reflect the amount of this increase.

(Sec. 11) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare payment of renal dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2017, by a renal dialysis facility or provider of services paid to an individual with an acute kidney injury. Requires this payment to be adjusted by any applicable geographical adjustment factor, and allows HHS to adjust it also by any other adjustment factor.

(Sec. 12) Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), with respect to the implementation of direct spending reductions, to require the President to order a sequestration for FY2024 that increases from 0.0% to 0.25% the reduction of Medicare payments for the second six months of the order.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure trade adjustment assistance reauthorization act sec amends trade adjustment assistance extension act repeal declaration trade adjustment assistance taa program requirements effect february trade act shall apply petitions certification apply taa workers firms farmers filed january sec amends trade act extend june taa program reemployment trade adjustment assistance program makes funds available fy2015 fy2021 training adversely affected workers june reemployment case management services reauthorizes appropriations june taa program workers fy2015 fy2021 taa program firms farmers sec revises replaces core indicators performance primary indicators performance adds factors percentage number workers receiving taa benefits unsubsidized employment education training program leads recognized postsecondary schooling credential employment achieving measurable gains skills credential employment revises adds elements mandatory reporting data training average cost workers receiving training percentage workers receive training obtained unsubsidized employment related sec specifies criteria department_of_labor use determine eligibility workers apply taa determination enactment act certify group workers firms eligible pursuant petition filed january enactment act requires department reconsider determination enactment act certify workers firms certify eligible meet specified requirements sec increases additional weeks taa payments week period length additional time permissible complete training sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend tax credit health insurance costs taxpayer qualifying family members tax credit health insurance costs refundable tax credit equal cost qualified health coverage paid eligible individual defined individual receiving trade adjustment allowance eligible alternative trade adjustment assistance program age receives pension benefits pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc requires taxpayer election tax credit apply eligible coverage month taxable year declares eligible coverage month eligible individual covered qualified health insurance specified coverage imprisoned directs departments treasury health_and_human_services hhs labor pbgc conduct public outreach including internet inform individuals eligible tax credit health insurance costs extension credit availability election claim credit retroactively coverage months beginning december sec amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend charging specified customs user fees fy2025 amends united_states korea free trade agreement implementation act increase valorem valorem period july september customs user fees processing merchandise formally entered released united_states sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code declare requirement making portion child care expense tax credit refundable shall apply taxpayer elects exclude foreign earned income gross income sec increases required estimated income tax payments quarter corporations assets billion requires required installment appropriately reduced reflect increase sec amends title xviii medicare social_security_act require medicare payment renal dialysis services furnished january renal dialysis facility provider services paid individual acute kidney injury requires payment adjusted applicable geographical adjustment factor allows hhs adjust adjustment factor sec amends balanced_budget emergency deficit control act gramm rudman hollings act respect implementation direct spending reductions require president order sequestration fy2024 increases reduction medicare payments second months order


Summary:
African Free Trade Initiative Act

This bill amends the African Growth and Opportunity Act to revise certain plan and reporting requirements relating to the President's negotiating and entering into free trade agreements with interested beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.

The President shall develop a plan for negotiating and entering into one or more free trade agreements with 15 of the sub-Saharan African countries that are most ready for a free trade agreement with the United States.

The United States Trade Representative and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shall coordinate with the Millennium Challenge Corporation regarding countries with shared development objectives that have entered into a Millennium Challenge Compact in order to develop and carry out such plans.

USAID long-term development assistance funds for sub-Saharan Africa may be used to:

 carry out plans, including deployment of resources in individual eligible sub-Saharan African countries to assist them in the development of institutional capacities to carry out those plans; and coordinate U.S. efforts to establish free trade agreements in order to increase trade between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries, as well as investment in those countries.

african free trade initiative act bill amends african_growth opportunity act revise certain plan reporting requirements relating president negotiating entering free trade agreements interested beneficiary sub saharan african countries president shall develop plan negotiating entering free trade agreements sub saharan african countries ready free trade agreement united_states united_states_trade_representative agency international_development usaid shall coordinate millennium challenge corporation countries shared development objectives entered millennium challenge compact order develop carry plans usaid long term development assistance funds sub saharan africa carry plans including deployment resources individual eligible sub saharan african countries assist development institutional capacities carry plans coordinate efforts establish free trade agreements order increase trade united_states sub saharan african countries investment countries


Summary:
Trade Transparency Act of 2015

This bill declares that expedited congressional procedures for consideration (fast track for approval) of implementing bills for trade agreements shall not apply to such bills unless the President makes available to the public the scrubbed bracketed text of the trade agreement at least 60 days before enactment of an Act giving the President trade promotion authority.

trade transparency_act bill declares expedited congressional procedures consideration fast track approval implementing bills trade agreements shall apply bills president makes available public text trade agreement days enactment act giving president trade promotion authority


Summary:
Millennium Compacts for Regional Economic Integration Act or the M-CORE Act

(Sec. 3) This bill amends he Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 to provide that a country that is eligible for assistance under such Act and the United States may enter into and have in effect at the same time not more than one additional compact if:

 one or both of the compacts are or will be for purposes of regional economic integration, increased regional trade, or cross-border collaborations; and the country is making considerable and demonstrable progress in implementing the terms of any existing compacts. (Sec. 4) The bill provides that a country qualifying for candidate status as an eligible country with a per capita income that changes in the fiscal year such that the country would be reclassified from a low income country to a lower middle income country, or from a lower middle income country to a low income country, shall retain its candidacy status in its former income classification for such fiscal year and the two subsequent fiscal years.

(Sec. 5) A member of the corporation's board who is not a federal officer may continue to serve in each initial or additional appointment for up to one year until his or her successor is appointed.

(Sec. 6) The board, after entering into a compact, shall publish in the Federal Register a notice that the compact's summary and text are available on the corporation's Internet website and provide the website's address. (The board is currently required to publish a compact's summary and text in the Federal Register and on the corporation's Internet website.)

(Sec. 7) The bill prohibits assistance for a country that does not qualify as a candidate country for the fiscal year when such assistance is provided. (A candidate country is a country that: (1) satisfies specified low income- and assistance-related requirements; and (2) demonstrates a significant commitment to, but fails to meet, specified political, economic, and social criteria.)

(Sec. 8) Before the board selects an eligible country for a compact, the corporation shall provide the board with information on the country's treatment of civil society.

(Sec. 9) The corporation shall submit a study within 180 days assessing the feasibility of developing partnerships at the subnational level within candidate countries that would be complementary to and concurrent with national or regional investments.

millennium compacts regional economic integration act core act sec bill amends millennium challenge act provide country eligible assistance act united_states enter effect time additional compact compacts purposes regional economic integration increased regional trade cross border collaborations country making demonstrable progress implementing terms existing compacts sec bill provides country qualifying candidate status eligible country capita income changes fiscal year country reclassified low income country lower middle income country lower middle income country low income country shall retain candidacy status income classification fiscal year subsequent fiscal years sec member corporation board federal officer continue serve initial additional appointment year successor appointed sec board entering compact shall publish federal_register notice compact summary text available corporation internet website provide website address board currently required publish compact summary text federal_register corporation internet website sec bill prohibits assistance country qualify candidate country fiscal year assistance provided candidate country country satisfies specified low assistance related requirements demonstrates significant commitment fails meet specified political economic social criteria sec board selects eligible country compact corporation shall provide board information country treatment civil society sec corporation shall submit study days assessing feasibility developing partnerships level candidate countries complementary concurrent national regional investments


Summary:
Trade Enforcement Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to direct the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to consider expanded factors when determining whether imports of merchandise receiving a countervailable subsidy from an exporting country substantially weaken the remedial effect of any countervailing duty order. These factors shall include:

 an increase in the U.S. market share of those imports after the filing by domestic manufacturers or unions of a petition for remedies, an increase in underselling of the domestic like product by the frequency or magnitude of such imports after the filing of the petition, and a weakening of the industry of the domestic like product after the petition filing. The ITC shall consider the same expanded factors when determining whether imports of merchandise at less than fair value substantially weaken the remedial effect of any antidumping duty order.

The ITC may determine that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury if imminent future imports of subject merchandise will likely render the industry's performance materially worse than it would otherwise have been.

The Department of Homeland Security may publish semiannually in the Federal Register a list of any producer, manufacturer, supplier, seller, exporter, or other person located outside the U.S. customs territory to which the ITC has issued a penalty claim for customs violations involving fraud.

These violations include any practices aiding or abetting the transshipment, through a country not the country of origin, of textile, apparel, or any goods subject to antidumping or countervailing duty orders, in a manner concealing their true origin or permitting evasion of import quotas or duties.

 The President may publish an annual list of countries:

 in which illegal activities have occurred involving transshipped goods or activities designed to evade U.S. quotas or duties; and whose governments fail to demonstrate a good faith effort to cooperate with U.S. authorities in halting such activities.

trade enforcement improvement act bill amends tariff act direct international_trade_commission itc consider expanded factors determining imports merchandise receiving countervailable subsidy exporting country substantially weaken remedial effect countervailing duty order factors shall include increase market share imports filing domestic manufacturers unions petition remedies increase domestic like product frequency magnitude imports filing petition industry domestic like product petition filing itc shall consider expanded factors determining imports merchandise fair value substantially weaken remedial effect antidumping duty order itc determine industry threatened material injury imminent future imports subject merchandise likely render industry performance materially department_of_homeland_security publish semiannually federal_register list producer manufacturer supplier seller exporter person located outside customs territory itc issued penalty claim customs violations involving fraud violations include practices aiding abetting transshipment country country origin textile apparel goods subject antidumping countervailing duty orders manner concealing true origin permitting evasion import quotas duties president publish annual list countries illegal activities occurred involving transshipped goods activities designed evade quotas duties governments fail demonstrate good faith effort cooperate authorities activities


Summary: This bill directs the Department of State to: (1) develop a strategy to obtain membership status for India in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, including participation in related meetings, working groups, activities, and mechanisms; and (2) urge APEC member states to support India's membership.

bill directs department_of_state develop strategy obtain membership status india asia-pacific_economic_cooperation apec forum including participation related meetings working groups activities mechanisms urge apec member states support india membership


Summary: This bill authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.

bill authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products kazakhstan


Summary: One Strike and You're Out! Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exempt a tenant in public housing or housing assisted under the section 8 rental assistance program from the eviction for criminal or drug-related criminal activity provisions if such activity was engaged in by a member under the tenant's control and the tenant: (1) is elderly or disabled; (2) did not know and should not have known of the activity; or (3) the tenant or member of household was the victim of the criminal activity. Requires public housing agencies to report annually on the number of such evictions.

strike act amends united_states_housing_act exempt tenant public housing housing assisted section rental assistance program eviction criminal drug related criminal activity provisions activity engaged member tenant control tenant elderly disabled know known activity tenant member household victim criminal activity requires public housing agencies report annually number


Summary: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007 - Title I: New Construction Reforms - (Sec. 101) Amends the Housing Act of 1959 regarding project rental assistance for supportive housing for the elderly. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to adjust the annual amount of a contract for project rental assistance to provide for reasonable project costs (including adequate reserves, supportive services, and service coordinators). States that contract amounts not used by a project during a contract term shall not be available for such adjustments upon renewal. Requires increased contract amounts, subject to reasonable review and limitations, in emergency situations outside the owner's control. (Sec. 102) Modifies selection criteria. Requires the Secretary's selection criteria to include the extent to which the applicant has ensured that a service coordinator will be employed or retained who has the managerial capacity and responsibility for: (1) assessing the service needs of residents on an ongoing basis; and (2) coordinating the provision of supportive services, as well as tailoring them to the individual needs of residents. Directs the Secretary, in issuing a capital advance for specified kinds of construction, rehabilitation, or real property acquisition and related projects, to delegate review and processing of selected capital advance projects to a state or local housing agency meeting certain criteria within 30 days of the award of the capital advance. Requires the Secretary to retain the authority to process capital advances if no state or local housing agency has either applied to provide delegated processing, or agreed with the Secretary to serve as a delegated processing agency. Instructs the Secretary to develop a schedule of reasonable fees to be paid to delegated processing agencies. (Sec. 104) States that owner deposits shall be used only to cover operating deficits during the first three years of operations and shall not be used to cover construction shortfalls or inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts.(Sec. 105) Allows a national private, nonprofit owner of multiple housing projects to satisfy local governing board requirements by adding a local advisory board to its national governing board. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary, subject to certain requirements, to permit an owner of assisted supportive housing for the elderly to apply for a preference in tenant selection for homeless elderly. (Sec. 107) Modifies requirements for allocation of funds to nonmetropolitan areas to direct the Secretary either to operate a national competition for the nonmetropolitan funds, or to make allocations to regional offices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Title II: Refinancing - (Sec. 201) Amends the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 to revise requirements governing prepayment of debt for project-based rental housing assistance programs. Declares that a project sponsor's prepayment of indebtedness to the Secretary may involve refinancing of the loan if such refinancing results in a transaction in which the project owner will address the physical needs of the project, but only if as a result of the refinancing: (1) the rent charges for unassisted families residing in the project do not increase or such families are provided rental assistance under a senior preservation rental assistance contract; and (2) the overall cost for providing section 8 rental assistance for the project (if any) does not increase. (Sec. 202) Directs (current law merely authorizes) the Secretary, for purposes of underwriting a loan insured under the National Housing Act, to assume that any section 8 rental assistance contract relating to a project will be renewed for the term of such loan. Requires the Secretary to make the same assumption when approving the standards used by authorized lenders to underwrite a loan refinanced with risk sharing. (In effect, authorizes new lenders to underwrite loans refinanced with risk sharing loans.) (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for use of unexpended amounts. Requires the Secretary to make available at least 50% of the annual savings resulting from reduced section 8 or other rental housing assistance contracts in a manner that is either: (1) advantageous to the tenants (as under existing law); or (2) used in the provision of affordable rental housing and related social services for elderly persons by the private nonprofit organization's project owner, sponsor, or developer. Eliminates the 15% limitation on the use of unexpended funds for supportive services. Allows the use of unexpended funds for: (1) the cost of reducing and reconfiguring obsolete units; (2) the payment of a developer's fee, determined in specified ways; and (3) the payment of equity, calculated on the basis of the project's appraised value, in the case of sale or refinance. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the use of residual receipts held for a project, in connection with a prepayment or refinancing, in excess of $500 per unit for activities to increase the availability or provision of supportive services or other purposes approved by the Secretary. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to provide 20-year project-based rental assistance for a project under a senior preservation rental assistance contract in order to: (1) prevent displacement of elderly project residents in the case of refinancing or recapitalization; and (2) further project preservation and affordability. (Sec. 206) Instructs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) a cost-benefit analysis of implementing a program under which the Secretary may sell mortgages associated with specified loans for supportive housing for the elderly; and (2) implementation of a demonstration program for sales of portfolios of such mortgages to housing finance agencies in three states. Title III: Assisted Living Facilities - (Sec. 301) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise the definition of "assisted living facility" to mean one owned by a private nonprofit organization, and either: (1) is licensed and regulated by the state or municipality or other political subdivision in which the facility is located; or (2) makes supportive services available to assist residents in carrying out the activities of daily living (ADLs), and provides separate dwelling units for residents, each of which may contain a full kitchen and bathroom. (Sec. 302) Revises requirements for the monthly rental assistance on behalf of a family that uses an assisted living facility as a principal place of residence. Provides that a family may be required at the time it initially receives such assistance to pay rent in an amount exceeding 40% of its monthly adjusted income. Title IV: Facilitating Affordable Housing Preservation Transactions - (Sec. 401) Prohibits the Secretary from imposing conditions upon the proceeds from the sale or refinancing of a multifamily housing project, or the transfer of an assistance contract on such property, where the Secretary's approval of prepayment is required, unless such condition is expressly authorized by an existing contract entered into between the Secretary and the project owner before enactment of this Act. Declares any such condition previously imposed by the Secretary after January 1, 2005, at the project owner's option, to be considered void and unenforceable. Requires any agreement containing such a condition to be rescinded, and permits its subsequent re-issuance without the void condition.

section supportive housing elderly act title new construction reforms sec amends housing act project rental assistance supportive housing elderly changes discretionary mandatory authority secretary housing_and_urban_development adjust annual contract project rental assistance provide reasonable project costs including adequate reserves supportive services service coordinators states contract amounts project contract term shall available adjustments renewal requires increased contract amounts subject reasonable review limitations emergency situations outside owner control sec modifies selection criteria requires secretary selection criteria include extent applicant service coordinator employed retained managerial capacity responsibility assessing service needs residents ongoing basis coordinating provision supportive services individual needs residents directs secretary issuing capital advance specified kinds construction rehabilitation real property acquisition related projects delegate review processing selected capital advance projects state local housing agency meeting certain criteria days award capital advance requires secretary retain authority process capital advances state local housing agency applied provide delegated processing agreed secretary serve delegated processing agency instructs secretary develop schedule reasonable fees paid delegated processing agencies sec states owner deposits shall cover operating deficits years operations shall cover construction shortfalls inadequate initial project rental assistance allows national private nonprofit owner multiple housing projects satisfy local governing_board requirements adding local advisory_board national governing_board sec directs secretary subject certain requirements permit owner assisted supportive housing elderly apply preference tenant selection homeless elderly sec modifies requirements allocation funds nonmetropolitan areas direct secretary operate national competition nonmetropolitan funds allocations regional offices department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud title refinancing sec amends american homeownership economic opportunity act revise requirements governing prepayment debt project based rental housing assistance programs declares project sponsor prepayment indebtedness secretary involve refinancing loan refinancing results transaction project owner address physical needs project result refinancing rent charges families residing project increase families provided rental assistance senior preservation rental assistance contract overall cost providing section rental assistance project increase sec directs current law merely authorizes secretary purposes underwriting loan insured national housing act assume section rental assistance contract relating project renewed term loan requires secretary assumption approving standards authorized lenders underwrite loan refinanced risk sharing effect authorizes new lenders underwrite loans refinanced risk sharing loans sec revises requirements use unexpended amounts requires secretary available annual savings resulting reduced section rental housing assistance contracts manner advantageous tenants existing law provision affordable rental housing related social_services elderly persons private nonprofit organization project owner sponsor developer eliminates limitation use unexpended funds supportive services allows use unexpended funds cost reducing obsolete units payment developer fee determined specified ways payment equity calculated basis project appraised value case sale refinance sec authorizes use residual receipts held project connection prepayment refinancing excess unit activities increase availability provision supportive services purposes approved secretary sec directs secretary provide year project based rental assistance project senior preservation rental assistance contract order prevent displacement elderly project residents case refinancing recapitalization project preservation affordability sec instructs secretary study report congress cost benefit analysis implementing program secretary sell mortgages associated specified loans supportive housing elderly implementation demonstration program sales portfolios mortgages housing finance agencies states title iii assisted living facilities sec amends united_states_housing_act revise definition assisted living facility mean owned private nonprofit organization licensed regulated state municipality political subdivision facility located makes supportive services available assist residents carrying activities daily living adls provides separate dwelling units residents contain kitchen bathroom sec revises requirements monthly rental assistance behalf family uses assisted living facility principal place residence provides family required time initially receives assistance pay rent exceeding monthly adjusted income title facilitating affordable housing preservation transactions sec prohibits secretary imposing conditions proceeds sale refinancing multifamily housing project transfer assistance contract property secretary approval prepayment required condition expressly authorized existing contract entered secretary project owner enactment act declares condition previously imposed secretary january project owner option considered void unenforceable requires agreement containing condition rescinded permits subsequent issuance void condition


Summary: Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the costs of reducing lead hazards in U.S. homes built before 1960 in which certain low-income children less than six years of age and women of child-bearing age reside. Allows a maximum credit of $3,000 for lead abatement costs and $1,000 for the cost of interim lead control measures.

home lead safety tax credit act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit percent costs reducing lead hazards homes built certain low income children years age women child bearing age reside allows maximum credit lead abatement costs cost interim lead control measures


Summary: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2008 - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 regarding project rental assistance for supportive housing for the elderly. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to adjust the annual amount of a contract for project rental assistance to provide for reasonable project costs. Directs the Secretary to delegate review and processing of selected capital advance projects to a state or local housing agency meeting specified criteria. States that owner deposits shall be used only to cover operating deficits during the first three years of operations and shall not be used to cover construction shortfalls or inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts. Allows a national private nonprofit organization that owns multiple housing projects assisted under such Act to satisfy the local governing board requirement by having a local advisory board to its national governing board. Requires the Secretary to permit an owner of assisted housing to give a preference in tenant selection to the homeless elderly. Amends the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 to revise requirements governing: (1) prepayment of debt for project-based rental housing assistance programs; (2) use of unexpended amounts; and (3) use of project residual receipts. Sets forth requirements governing senior preservation rental assistance contracts in order to: (1) prevent displacement of elderly project residents in the case of refinancing or recapitalization; and (2) further project preservation and affordability. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to sell to state housing finance agencies portfolios of mortgages associated with loans related to supportive housing for the elderly. Expands the definition of assisted living facility with respect to grants for conversion of elderly housing to such facilities. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to rental assistance on behalf of a family that uses an assisted living facility as a principal place of residence. Provides that a family may be required at the time it initially receives such assistance to pay rent in an amount exceeding 40% of its monthly adjusted income. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing conditions that restrict the use of sale or refinancing proceeds, or require the filing of a financial report, in connection with a sale or refinancing of a multifamily housing project, or the transfer of an assistance contract on such a property, that requires HUD approval unless such condition is: (1) expressly authorized by an existing contract between the Secretary and the project owner; or (2) a general condition for new financing with a mortgage insured by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish and operate a national senior housing clearinghouse.

section supportive housing elderly act amends housing act project rental assistance supportive housing elderly changes discretionary mandatory authority secretary housing_and_urban_development hud adjust annual contract project rental assistance provide reasonable project costs directs secretary delegate review processing selected capital advance projects state local housing agency meeting specified criteria states owner deposits shall cover operating deficits years operations shall cover construction shortfalls inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts allows national private nonprofit organization owns multiple housing projects assisted act satisfy local governing_board requirement having local advisory_board national governing_board requires secretary permit owner assisted housing preference tenant selection homeless elderly amends american homeownership economic opportunity act revise requirements governing prepayment debt project based rental housing assistance programs use unexpended amounts use project residual receipts sets forth requirements governing senior preservation rental assistance contracts order prevent displacement elderly project residents case refinancing recapitalization project preservation affordability directs secretary carry demonstration program sell state housing finance agencies portfolios mortgages associated loans related supportive housing elderly expands definition assisted living facility respect grants conversion elderly housing facilities amends united_states_housing_act respect rental assistance behalf family uses assisted living facility principal place residence provides family required time initially receives assistance pay rent exceeding monthly adjusted income prohibits secretary imposing conditions restrict use sale refinancing proceeds require filing financial report connection sale refinancing multifamily housing project transfer assistance contract property requires hud approval condition expressly authorized existing contract secretary project owner general condition new financing mortgage insured secretary requires secretary establish operate national senior housing clearinghouse


Summary: Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (the Act) to revise requirements for supportive housing for persons with disabilities. (Retains authority to provide such assistance to private nonprofit organizations to expand the supply of such housing.) Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide tenant-based rental assistance directly to eligible persons with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance under section 8 (rental voucher program) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 for persons with disabilities in FY2009. Modifies project rental assistance contract requirements, including renewal of, and increases in, annual contract amounts. Requires initial contracts with the sponsor of a project assisted with any low-income housing tax credit or with any tax-exempt housing bonds to have an initial term of up to 360 months and to provide funding for 60 months. Revises the requirement that all units in housing assisted by capital advances and project rental assistance contracts be made available for occupancy by very low-income persons with disabilities for at least 40 years. Requires the Secretary, within 30 days of issuing certain capital advances for multifamily projects (except group homes or independent living facilities), to delegate review and processing of such projects to a state or local housing agency meeting specified criteria. Revises tenant selection procedures. Requires a lease between a tenant and a housing owner to be for at least one year. Revises the application of cost limitations developed by the Secretary to supportive housing. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such limitations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a minimum percentage of capital advances per fiscal year for multifamily projects; and (2) carry out a project rental assistance competitive demonstration program to expand the supply of supportive housing for non-elderly adults with disabilities and with extremely low-incomes or for extremely low-income households that include at least one disabled person. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the program's adequacy and effectiveness in assisting households of persons with disabilities.

frank supportive housing investment act amends cranston gonzalez national affordable housing act act revise requirements supportive housing persons disabilities retains authority provide assistance private nonprofit organizations expand supply housing repeals authority secretary housing_and_urban_development provide tenant based rental assistance directly eligible persons disabilities authorizes appropriations assistance section rental voucher program united_states_housing_act persons disabilities fy2009 modifies project rental assistance contract requirements including renewal increases annual contract amounts requires initial contracts sponsor project assisted low income housing tax credit tax exempt housing bonds initial term months provide funding months revises requirement units housing assisted capital advances project rental assistance contracts available occupancy low income persons disabilities years requires secretary days issuing certain capital advances multifamily projects group homes independent living facilities delegate review processing projects state local housing agency meeting specified criteria revises tenant selection procedures requires lease tenant housing owner year revises application cost limitations developed secretary supportive housing authorizes secretary waive limitations requires secretary establish minimum percentage capital advances fiscal year multifamily projects carry project rental assistance competitive demonstration program expand supply supportive housing non elderly adults disabilities extremely low incomes extremely low income households include disabled person requires comptroller_general study report congress program adequacy effectiveness assisting households persons disabilities


Summary: Home Energy Assistance Targeted for Seniors Act - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to rename it the Low-Income and Senior Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981. Redefines low-income households as households with incomes which do not exceed that of state median income, with at least 50% of the household income attributable to persons who are at least 65 years old.

home energy assistance targeted seniors act_-_amends low income home energy assistance_act rename low income senior home energy assistance_act redefines low income households households incomes exceed state median income household income attributable persons years old


Summary: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2010 - Title I: New Construction Reforms - (Sec. 101) Amends the Housing Act of 1959 regarding capital advances and contracts for project rental assistance for supportive housing for the elderly. Includes in the selection criteria for such assistance the extent to which the applicant has ensured that a service coordinator will be employed or otherwise retained for the housing, who has the managerial capacity and responsibility for: (1) assessing on an ongoing basis the service needs of residents, and (2) coordinating and tailoring supportive services to a resident's need. (Sec. 102) Requires that the development cost limitations by market area the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must establish periodically for various types and sizes of supportive housing for the elderly be reasonable. (Sec. 103) Limits the use of amounts (of up to $25,000) that the Secretary must require an owner to deposit in a special escrow account to cover operating deficits during the first three years of operations. Prohibits the use of such amount to cover construction shortfalls or inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts. (Sec. 104) Redefines "private nonprofit organization" to revise the local governing board requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of a nonprofit sponsoring organization of multiple housing projects assisted under such Act, to determine the criteria or conditions under which administrative responsibilities exercised by a single-entity private nonprofit organization, that is the owner corporation responsible for the operation of an individual housing project, may be shared or transferred to the governing board of the sponsoring organization. Allows the sole general partner of a for-profit limited partnership to be a limited liability company wholly owned and controlled by one or more organizations meeting the requirements of such definition. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to comply with the requirement for allocation to nonmetropolitan areas of at least 15% of the funds available for assistance by either: (1) operating a national competition for the nonmetropolitan funds allocation of assistance for supportive housing for the elderly, or (2) making allocations to HUD regional offices. Title II: Refinancing - (Sec. 201) Amends the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 to revise requirements governing: (1) prepayment of debt for project-based rental housing assistance programs, (2) use of unexpended amounts, and (3) use of project residual receipts. (Sec. 204) Sets forth requirements governing senior preservation rental assistance contracts in order to: (1) prevent displacement of elderly project residents in the case of refinancing or recapitalization, and (2) further project preservation and affordability. Prohibits the Secretary from accepting an offer to prepay the loan for any project unless the project owner has: (1) notified the tenants of the owner's request for approval of a prepayment, (2) provided them with an opportunity to comment on it, and (3) responded to those comments in writing. Title III: Assisted Living Facilities and Service-Enriched Housing - (Sec. 301) Expands the definition of assisted living facility with respect to grants for conversion of elderly housing to such facilities. Includes among activities which may receive a conversion grant those designed to convert dwelling units in an eligible project to assisted-living (as under current law) or to service-enriched housing for elderly persons. Adds this requirement for alternative kinds of conversions to eligibility requirements for section 8 project-based assistance. (Sec. 302) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to rental assistance on behalf of a family that uses an assisted living facility as a principal place of residence. Provides that a family may be required at the time it initially receives such assistance to pay rent in an amount exceeding 40% of its monthly adjusted income. Title IV: Compliance with Statutory Pay-as-you-go Act of 2010 - Declares that the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

section supportive housing elderly act title new construction reforms sec amends housing act capital advances contracts project rental assistance supportive housing elderly includes selection criteria assistance extent applicant service coordinator employed retained housing managerial capacity responsibility assessing ongoing basis service needs residents coordinating supportive services resident need sec requires development cost limitations market area secretary housing_and_urban_development hud establish periodically types sizes supportive housing elderly reasonable sec limits use amounts secretary require owner deposit special escrow account cover operating deficits years operations prohibits use cover construction shortfalls inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts sec redefines private nonprofit organization revise local governing_board requirements authorizes secretary case nonprofit sponsoring organization multiple housing projects assisted act determine criteria conditions administrative responsibilities exercised single entity private nonprofit organization owner corporation responsible operation individual housing project shared transferred governing_board sponsoring organization allows sole general partner profit limited partnership limited liability company wholly owned controlled organizations meeting requirements definition sec directs secretary comply requirement allocation nonmetropolitan areas funds available assistance operating national competition nonmetropolitan funds allocation assistance supportive housing elderly making allocations hud regional offices title refinancing sec amends american homeownership economic opportunity act revise requirements governing prepayment debt project based rental housing assistance programs use unexpended amounts use project residual receipts sec sets forth requirements governing senior preservation rental assistance contracts order prevent displacement elderly project residents case refinancing recapitalization project preservation affordability prohibits secretary accepting offer prepay loan project project owner notified tenants owner request approval prepayment provided opportunity comment responded comments writing title iii assisted living facilities service enriched housing sec expands definition assisted living facility respect grants conversion elderly housing facilities includes activities receive conversion grant designed convert dwelling units eligible project assisted living current law service enriched housing elderly persons adds requirement alternative kinds conversions eligibility requirements section project based assistance sec amends united_states_housing_act respect rental assistance behalf family uses assisted living facility principal place residence provides family required time initially receives assistance pay rent exceeding monthly adjusted income title compliance statutory pay act declares budgetary effects act purpose complying statutory pay act shall determined reference latest statement titled budgetary effects paygo legislation act provided statement submitted prior vote passage


Summary: Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a program to provide up to five grants, on a need and competitive basis, to eligible nonprofit organizations for start-up and ongoing operational costs associated with providing specialized housing and social services for qualified relatives, age 65 or older, who are raising a child of which they are not a parent either by blood or marriage.

establishes department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud program provide grants need competitive basis eligible nonprofit organizations start ongoing operational costs associated providing specialized housing social_services qualified relatives age older raising child parent blood marriage


Summary: Senior Veterans Housing Assistance Act of 2011 - Allows an occupancy preference for very low-income elderly veterans in dwelling units in any supportive housing project for the elderly that: (1) is provided assistance by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and (2) is, or would be located on, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) property or is subject to a VA enhanced use lease.

senior veterans housing assistance_act allows occupancy preference low income elderly veterans dwelling units supportive housing project elderly provided assistance department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud located department_of_veterans_affairs property subject enhanced use lease


Summary: Elder Care Tax Credit Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax credit for dependent care expenses for parents (or ancestors of such parents) of the taxpayer who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care, regardless of whether such a parent has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year.

elder care tax credit act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit dependent care expenses parents ancestors parents taxpayer physically mentally incapable self care regardless parent principal place abode taxpayer half taxable year


Summary: Home-Based Health Services Training and Employment Act of 2012 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for the training of public housing residents as home health aides and providers of home-based health services to enable them to provide covered home-based health services (i.e., services for which medical assistance is available under a state Medicaid plan or for which financial assistance is available under this Act) to residents of: (1) public housing who are elderly, disabled, or both; and (2) federally-assisted rental housing who are elderly,disabled, or both, subject to criteria that the Secretary may establish. Authorizes the use of grant funds: (1) to establish or maintain and carry out a program to train public housing residents to provide covered home-based health care services to elderly and disabled public housing residents and to elderly and disabled residents of federally-assisted rental housing, (2) for the transportation and child care expenses of public housing residents in training, and (3) for the administrative expenses of carrying out such a program.Provides that for any resident of public housing who is trained as a home health aide or as a provider of home-based health services under the program, any income received for providing covered home-based health services shall apply towards eligibility for benefits under federal housing programs as specified, based on length of time following completion of the training.

home based health services training employment act amends united_states_housing_act direct secretary housing_and_urban_development hud establish pilot program grants competitive basis eligible entities training public housing residents home health aides providers home based health services enable provide covered home based health services services medical assistance available state medicaid plan financial assistance available act residents public housing elderly disabled federally assisted rental housing elderly disabled subject criteria secretary establish authorizes use grant funds establish maintain carry program train public housing residents provide covered home based health_care services elderly disabled public housing residents elderly disabled residents federally assisted rental housing transportation child care expenses public housing residents training administrative expenses carrying program provides resident public housing trained home health aide provider home based health services program income received providing covered home based health services shall apply eligibility benefits federal_housing programs specified based length time following completion training


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to qualify for such credit low-income housing units that are available to individuals who have attained the age of 62 and whose incomes are 140% or less of the income limitation required for occupants of such housing units.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect low income housing tax credit qualify credit low income housing units available individuals attained age incomes income limitation required occupants housing units


Summary:
Shelter Our Servicemembers Act - Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to jointly establish a two-year pilot program of grants to nonprofit organizations to provide elderly homeless veterans with non-transitional housing. Authorizes the Secretaries to award two grants of up to $25 million each under the program. Allows recipients to use such grant to: (1) purchase real property to provide up to 200 homeless veterans with non-transitional housing, and (2) refurbish or renovate such property.

Makes eligible for such housing veterans of at least 55 years of age who: (1) have been continuously homeless for a year or more or, during the last three years, had at least four separate periods of living on the streets, in an emergency shelter, or a combination thereof; and (2) have a condition that limits their ability to work or perform activities of daily living. Directs the VA Secretary to provide case management for elderly veterans receiving such assistance.

shelter servicemembers act_-_directs secretaries veterans_affairs housing_and_urban_development hud jointly establish year pilot program grants nonprofit organizations provide elderly homeless veterans non transitional housing authorizes secretaries award grants million program allows recipients use grant purchase real property provide homeless veterans non transitional housing renovate property makes eligible housing veterans years age continuously homeless year years separate periods living streets emergency shelter combination thereof condition limits ability work perform activities daily living directs secretary provide case management elderly veterans receiving assistance