Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Pulp and Paper Energy Security Task Force to: (1) identify the energy needs of the forest product industry and similar manufacturing operations, and programs and services provided by the federal and state governments, as well as nongovernment organizations, that may serve to lower energy costs; and (2) assess the extent to which such programs and services serve those needs. Requires the Task Force to make recommendations to the Secretary on: (1) how to more effectively serve such needs; (2) how to promote recommended new programs and services; (3) creation of a permanent advisory board and establishment of an Internet website to receive and dispense relevant information and resources; and (4) development of additional education materials and programs. Requires the Task Force to organize and distribute existing materials that inform and educate with respect to such energy needs of the forest product industry and similar manufacturing operations.

directs secretary energy establish pulp paper energy security task_force identify energy needs forest product industry similar manufacturing operations programs services provided federal state governments nongovernment organizations serve lower energy costs assess extent programs services serve needs requires task_force recommendations secretary effectively serve needs promote recommended new programs services creation permanent advisory_board establishment internet website receive dispense relevant information resources development additional education materials programs requires task_force organize distribute existing materials inform educate respect energy needs forest product industry similar manufacturing operations


Summary: LIHEAP Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 governing state allotments under the low-income energy assistance program (LIHEAP) to limit to 50% the earmark for home heating purposes of amounts appropriated for program implementation.

equity act amends low income home energy assistance_act governing state allotments low income energy assistance program limit earmark home heating purposes amounts appropriated program implementation


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for paying certain affected participants a one-time lump sum payment. Defines affected participants as persons who retired from active employment at one of the gaseous diffusion plants of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), or are employed by USEC's operating contractor, on or before its privatization date as vested participants in a pension plan maintained either by USEC's operating contractor or by a contractor employed prior to July 1, 1993, by the Department of Energy to operate a gaseous diffusion plant. Prescribes a formula for the determination of such payments, based on the total recoverable amount of accrued pension benefits.

directs secretary energy establish program paying certain affected participants time lump sum payment defines affected participants persons retired active employment gaseous diffusion plants united_states enrichment corporation usec employed usec operating contractor privatization date vested participants pension plan maintained usec operating contractor contractor employed prior july department_of_energy operate gaseous diffusion plant prescribes formula determination payments based total recoverable accrued pension benefits


Summary: USEC Privatization Amendments Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for paying certain affected participants a one-time lump sum payment. Defines affected participants as persons who retired from active employment at one of the gaseous diffusion plants of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), or are employed by USEC's operating contractor, on or before its privatization date as vested participants in a pension plan maintained either by USEC's operating contractor or by a contractor employed prior to July 1, 1993, by the Department of Energy to operate a gaseous diffusion plant. Prescribes a formula for the determination of such payments, based on the total recoverable amount of accrued pension benefits. Authorizes any affected participant who receives such a payment to make one or more rollover contributions up to the payment amount to a regular (non-Roth) individual retirement account (IRA), which shall be excluded from gross income for tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. Includes in gross income any such rollover into a Roth IRA.

usec privatization amendments act directs secretary energy establish program paying certain affected participants time lump sum payment defines affected participants persons retired active employment gaseous diffusion plants united_states enrichment corporation usec employed usec operating contractor privatization date vested participants pension plan maintained usec operating contractor contractor employed prior july department_of_energy operate gaseous diffusion plant prescribes formula determination payments based total recoverable accrued pension benefits authorizes affected participant receives payment rollover contributions payment regular non roth individual retirement account ira shall excluded gross income tax purposes internal_revenue_code includes gross income rollover roth ira


Summary: Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI [sic]: Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - (Sec. 3101) Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2010 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in carrying out programs necessary for national security, with specified allocations for weapons activities, defense nuclear nonproliferation activities, naval reactors, and the Office of the Administrator for Nuclear Security (Administrator); and (2) environmental restoration and waste management activities and plant projects in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental cleanup, other defense activities, and defense nuclear waste disposal. (Sec. 3105) Provides that the amounts authorized under this title shall be available for programs, projects, and activities in the amounts provided in a specified funding table. Subtitle B: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - (Sec. 3111) Amends provisions of the Atomic Energy Defense Act relating to the nuclear weapons stockpile life extension program to: (1) implement the program through the NNSA; and (2) direct the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to develop a long-term plan to extend the life of the weapons in the nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear weapons testing. Outlines plan elements, and requires the Secretary to annually update the plan and to submit updated plans to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should include in each fiscal year budget sufficient funds to carry out activities under the program that are specified in the latest updated plan. (Sec. 3112) Amends the Atomic Energy Defense Act to: (1) eliminate the exemption of the above program from the requirement to request specific funds within the President's annual budget; and (2) repeal the reliable replacement warhead program. (Sec. 3114) Allows the Secretary to obligate no more than 10% of the funds authorized for the International Nuclear Materials Protection and Cooperation program in a fiscal year to provide assistance for or otherwise carry out bilateral or multilateral activities relating to nonproliferation or disarmament. Authorizes the expenditure of such funds only if, at least 15 days earlier: (1) the Secretary notifies the congressional defense and appropriations committees of the intent to obligate or expend such funds; and (2) the President certifies to such committees that obligating or expending such funds is necessary to support U.S. national security objectives. (Sec. 3115) Amends the Atomic Energy Defense Act to: (1) repeal a prohibition on funding activities associated with the international cooperative stockpile stewardship program (which no longer exists); (2) increase from $5 million to $7 million the minor construction threshold for DOE plant projects; and (3) extend through FY2011 DOE authority to employ scientific, engineering, and technical personnel performing duties related to safety at nuclear facilities. (Sec. 3118) Amends the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 to repeal the September 30, 2010, deadline for consolidation of the counterintelligence programs of DOE and the NNSA. Subtitle C: Other Matters - (Sec. 3131) Directs the Administrator and the Under Secretary of Energy for Science to develop and submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan to use and fund, over a ten-year period, four specified DOE facilities. Requires the Secretary to specify in DOE budget requests the source of funds for each facility. (Sec. 3132) Requires the: (1) Secretary to appoint an independent panel of experts to review the management and operation of the Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories; (2) panel to report review results to the Secretary; and (3) Secretary to submit such report to the defense committees. (Sec. 3133) Directs the Secretary to include in the 2010 stockpile stewardship plan specified information relating to stewardship criteria. (Sec. 3134) Requires the Comptroller General (CG) to: (1) conduct phase one, two, and three reviews of projects carried out by DOE's Office of Environmental Management using American Recovery and Reinvestment Funds; and (2) report to the defense and appropriations committees on the status and results of each review. (Sec. 3135) Directs the Secretary to include in annual DOE budget justification materials specific identification as a budget line item of amounts required to meet pension obligations for contractor employees at each DOE facility using amounts authorized for DOE. (Sec. 3136) Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to require the Ombudsman of the Department of Labor, in carrying out duties under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation program, to work with the individual employed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to serve as an ombudsman to individuals making claims under subtitle B of the above Act. (Sec. 3137) Directs the CG to: (1) conduct a study of the stockpile stewardship program established under the Atomic Energy Defense Act to determine if the program was functioning, as of December 2008, as envisioned when established; and (2) report study results to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 3138) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, including Mo-99 and its derivatives, are essential components of medical tests that help diagnose and treat life-threatening diseases affecting millions of people each year; and (2) the Secretary should continue and expand a program to meet the need to ensure a source of MO-99 and its derivatives for use in medical tests to help ensure the health security of the United States and around the world and promote peaceful nuclear industries through the use of low-enriched uranium. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - (Sec. 3201) Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: Maritime Administration - (Sec. 3301) Revises generally organizational matters within the Maritime Administration.

department_of_energy national security act fiscal year division department_of_energy national security authorizations authorizations title sic department_of_energy national security programs subtitle national security programs authorizations sec authorizes appropriations department_of_energy doe fy2010 activities national_nuclear_security_administration nnsa carrying programs necessary national security specified allocations weapons activities defense nuclear nonproliferation activities naval reactors office administrator nuclear security administrator environmental restoration waste management activities plant projects carrying national security programs specified allocations defense environmental cleanup defense activities defense nuclear waste disposal sec provides amounts authorized title shall available programs projects activities amounts provided specified funding table subtitle program authorizations restrictions limitations sec amends provisions atomic energy defense act relating nuclear weapons stockpile life extension program implement program nnsa direct secretary energy secretary develop long term plan extend life weapons nuclear weapons stockpile nuclear weapons testing outlines plan elements requires secretary annually update plan submit updated plans congress expresses sense congress president include fiscal year budget sufficient funds carry activities program specified latest updated plan sec amends atomic energy defense act eliminate exemption program requirement request specific funds president annual budget repeal reliable replacement program sec allows secretary obligate funds authorized international nuclear materials protection cooperation program fiscal year provide assistance carry bilateral multilateral activities relating nonproliferation disarmament authorizes expenditure funds days earlier secretary notifies congressional defense appropriations committees intent obligate expend funds president certifies committees obligating expending funds necessary support national security objectives sec amends atomic energy defense act repeal prohibition funding activities associated international cooperative stockpile stewardship program longer exists increase million million minor construction threshold doe plant projects extend fy2011 doe authority employ scientific engineering technical personnel performing duties related safety nuclear facilities sec amends john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year repeal september deadline consolidation counterintelligence programs doe nnsa subtitle matters sec directs administrator secretary energy science develop submit defense appropriations committees plan use fund year period specified doe facilities requires secretary specify doe budget requests source funds facility sec requires secretary appoint independent panel experts review management operation lawrence national_laboratories panel report review results secretary secretary submit report defense committees sec directs secretary include stockpile stewardship plan specified information relating stewardship criteria sec requires comptroller_general conduct phase reviews projects carried doe office environmental management american recovery reinvestment funds report defense appropriations committees status results review sec directs secretary include annual doe budget justification materials specific identification budget line item amounts required meet pension obligations contractor employees doe facility amounts authorized doe sec amends energy_employees_occupational_illness_compensation_program_act require ombudsman department_of_labor carrying duties energy_employees_occupational_illness_compensation_program work individual employed national_institute_for_occupational_safety_and_health serve ombudsman individuals making claims subtitle act sec directs conduct study stockpile stewardship program established atomic energy defense act determine program functioning december established report study results defense appropriations committees sec expresses sense senate including derivatives essential components medical tests help diagnose treat life threatening diseases affecting people year secretary continue expand program meet need ensure source derivatives use medical tests help ensure health security united_states world promote peaceful nuclear industries use low enriched uranium title defense_nuclear_facilities_safety_board sec authorizes appropriations fy2010 defense_nuclear_facilities_safety_board title maritime_administration sec revises generally organizational matters maritime_administration


Summary: American Renewable Energy Jobs Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to change from a requirement to discretionary the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to make a grant in lieu of tax credits to each person who places in service specified energy property. Subjects any such grants to Buy American requirements without regard to whether the specified energy property involves a public building or public work. Prohibits the Secretary from making any grant payment unless the Secretary analyzes and takes into consideration domestic job preservation and creation provided by a specified energy property, including domestic job preservation and creation related to: (1) production of equipment for the property; (2) installation of equipment for the property; and (3) operation of the property. Requires submission of a copy of such analysis to specified congressional committees.

american renewable energy jobs_act_-_amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act arra change requirement discretionary authority secretary treasury grant lieu tax credits person places service specified energy property subjects grants buy american requirements regard specified energy property involves public building public work prohibits secretary making grant payment secretary analyzes takes consideration domestic job preservation creation provided specified energy property including domestic job preservation creation related production equipment property installation equipment property operation property requires submission copy analysis specified congressional committees


Summary: Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project offices to: (1) specify Field Office for each of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Offices designated; and (2) replace the Miles City, Montana, field office with the Montana/Dakotas State Office, Montana (Billings).

amends energy policy act revise federal permit streamlining pilot project offices specify field office bureau_of_land_management blm offices designated replace miles city montana field office montana state office montana billings


Summary:
This bill directs the Department of Energy to develop and report to specified congressional committees, after public notice and comment, recommended U.S. energy security valuation methods.

The report shall:

 evaluate and define U.S. energy security to reflect modern domestic and global energy markets and the collective needs of the United States and its allies and partners; identify procedures and criteria to ensure that energy-related actions that significantly affect the supply, distribution, or use of energy are evaluated with respect to their potential impact on energy security, consumers and the economy, energy supply diversity and resiliency, well-functioning and competitive energy markets, the U.S. trade balance, and national security objectives; and recommend an implementation strategy meeting specified requirements.

bill directs department_of_energy develop report specified congressional committees public notice comment recommended energy security valuation methods report shall evaluate define energy security reflect modern domestic global energy markets collective needs united_states allies partners identify procedures criteria ensure energy related actions significantly affect supply distribution use energy evaluated respect potential impact energy security consumers economy energy supply diversity resiliency functioning competitive energy markets trade balance national security objectives recommend implementation strategy meeting specified requirements


Summary:
Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "crude oil" for purposes of the excise tax on petroleum and petroleum products to include any bitumen or bituminous mixture, any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture (tar sands), and any oil derived from kerogen-bearing sources (oil shale).

The bill also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to classify as crude oil or as a petroleum product subject to such tax any fuel feedstock or finished fuel product transported by pipeline, vessel, railcar, or tanker truck if the Secretary determines that such classification is consistent with the definition of oil under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and such fuel feedstock or finished fuel product is produced in sufficient commercial quantities as to pose a significant risk of hazard in the event of a discharge.

tar_sands tax loophole elimination act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code expand definition crude oil purposes excise tax petroleum petroleum products include bitumen bituminous mixture oil derived bitumen bituminous mixture tar_sands oil derived bearing sources oil_shale bill authorizes secretary treasury classify crude oil petroleum product subject tax fuel feedstock finished fuel product transported pipeline vessel tanker truck secretary determines classification consistent definition oil oil pollution act fuel feedstock finished fuel product produced sufficient commercial quantities pose significant risk hazard event discharge


Summary: Transportation Flexible Savings Accounts Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employer-provided transportation benefits (i.e., commuting and parking costs, transit passes) under tax-qualified flexible spending arrangements.

transportation flexible savings_accounts act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow certain employer provided transportation benefits commuting parking costs transit passes tax qualified flexible spending arrangements


Summary: Authorizes a state agency with jurisdiction over the operation of a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility to permit vehicles operated by active duty members of the Armed Forces (including reserve components) and vehicles operated by law enforcement officials to use HOV lane highways, subject to certain requirements.

authorizes state agency jurisdiction operation high occupancy vehicle hov facility permit vehicles operated active duty members armed_forces including reserve components vehicles operated law enforcement officials use hov lane highways subject certain requirements


Summary: Holocaust Rail Justice Act - Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity. Declares that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action; and (2) no such action shall be barred because a statute of limitations has expired. Makes this Act applicable to any action pending on or commenced after January 1, 2002. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the status of access to wartime records and archives concerning the wartime activities of any such railroad that engaged in the deportation of such persons to Nazi concentration camps.

holocaust rail justice act grants district_courts original jurisdiction civil action damages personal injury death arose deportation persons nazi concentration camps january december brought behalf person railroad owned operated trains persons deported organized separate legal entity declares law limiting jurisdiction courts shall preclude action action shall barred statute limitations expired makes act applicable action pending commenced january directs secretary state report congress status access wartime records archives concerning wartime activities railroad engaged deportation persons nazi concentration camps


Summary: Waives compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) minimum retroreflectivity standards by existing traffic control devices on or before the compliance dates established by the FHWA. Exempts from this waiver (thus requiring compliance with such standards by) traffic control devices installed on or after enactment of this Act. (Replacement of regulatory, warning, and post-mounted guide [except street name] signs is required by January 22, 2015. Replacement of street name signs and overhead guide signs is required by January 22, 2018.)

waives compliance federal_highway_administration fhwa minimum retroreflectivity standards existing traffic control devices compliance dates established fhwa exempts waiver requiring compliance standards traffic control devices installed enactment act replacement regulatory warning post mounted guide street signs required january replacement street signs overhead guide signs required january


Summary: Stopping Intrusive Government Now Act of 2011 or SIGN Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) from promulgating, implementing, or enforcing a minimum retroreflectivity level standard for a traffic control device under the jurisdiction of a state or local government. Directs the Secretary to modify the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition, to eliminate federal minimum retroreflectivity level standards for traffic control devices and the schedule for their implementation. (Replacement of regulatory, warning, and post-mounted guide [except street name] signs is required by January 22, 2015. Replacement of street name signs and overhead guide signs is required by January 22, 2018.) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary revise the Manual to include a federal standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity for pavement markings and signs on all public roads.

stopping intrusive government act sign act prohibits secretary transportation dot promulgating implementing enforcing minimum retroreflectivity level standard traffic control device jurisdiction state local government directs secretary modify manual uniform traffic control devices streets highways eliminate federal minimum retroreflectivity level standards traffic control devices schedule implementation replacement regulatory warning post mounted guide street signs required january replacement street signs overhead guide signs required january repeals requirement secretary revise manual include federal standard minimum level retroreflectivity pavement markings signs public roads


Summary:
Commute Less Act of 2013 - Requires metropolitan planning organization (MPO) transportation plans to include, among other things, employer and transportation management organization outreach activities and strategies to help create and expand employer-based commuter programs.

Defines "employer-based commuter program" to mean a program implemented by employers to provide their employees with alternatives to driving to and from work in a vehicle occupied by a single individual.

Requires each MPO to establish an employer advisory council consisting of representatives of employers in the transportation management area. Requires each council to develop and maintain a commuter trip reduction plan that identifies area goals for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled during peak commuting hours.

Requires MPO transportation improvement programs (TIPs) to include, among other things, a list of projects identified in a commuter trip reduction plan that help achieve such reduction goals.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make a grant to a national nonprofit organization or other entity engaged in efforts relating to employer-based commuter programs to establish and operate an information clearinghouse for employer investment in transportation and employer-based commuter programs.

Requires recipients of federal assistance for the construction of federal-aid highway projects costing $75 million or more, or that will reduce traffic flow for more than 120 days, to prepare congestion mitigation plans that include funding for projects to reduce vehicle miles traveled during peak commuting hours along impacted corridors.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan to expand and promote employer-based commuter programs; and (2) report to Congress recommendations on how to better integrate such programs into disaster emergency planning, preparedness, and response activities.

commute act requires metropolitan planning organization mpo transportation plans include things employer transportation management organization outreach activities strategies help create expand employer based commuter programs defines employer based commuter program mean program implemented employers provide employees alternatives driving work vehicle occupied single individual requires mpo establish employer advisory_council consisting representatives employers transportation management area requires council develop maintain commuter trip reduction plan identifies area goals reduction vehicle miles traveled peak commuting hours requires mpo transportation improvement programs tips include things list projects identified commuter trip reduction plan help achieve reduction goals authorizes secretary transportation dot grant national nonprofit organization entity engaged efforts relating employer based commuter programs establish operate information clearinghouse employer investment transportation employer based commuter programs requires recipients federal assistance construction federal aid highway projects million reduce traffic flow days prepare congestion mitigation plans include funding projects reduce vehicle miles traveled peak commuting hours impacted corridors requires secretary develop implement plan expand promote employer based commuter programs report congress recommendations better integrate programs disaster emergency planning preparedness response activities


Summary:
Securing America's Facilities, Equipment and Rail: Taking Responsibility for American National Security in Transit Act or the SAFER TRANSIT Act

This bill amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to reauthorize through FY2020 the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) program and other specified activities related to public transportation security. (Authorization for the VIPR program expired after FY2011.)

The Department of Homeland Security must: (1) develop a Local Transit Security Instructor Training Program, and (2) take steps necessary to ensure that the Federal Air Marshal Service uses its resources to cover the highest-risk flights.

securing_america facilities equipment rail taking responsibility american national security transit act safer transit act bill amends implementing recommendations commission act reauthorize fy2020 visible intermodal prevention response program specified activities related public transportation security authorization program expired fy2011 department_of_homeland_security develop local transit security instructor training program steps necessary ensure federal_air_marshal_service uses resources cover highest risk flights


Summary:
Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Program

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that states give preference, under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, to eligible projects located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways, other federally owned roads open for public travel, passenger rail, and public transportation for the purpose of providing transportation alternatives related to the closure of transportation infrastructure in such areas.

DOT shall: (1) carry out a competitive grant program to support community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives; and (2) give grant preference to projects located in such areas. Entities eligible for grants include state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and rural planning organizations.

Grants may be used to plan for, facilitate, and provide initial support for:

 transportation demand management programs; carpool or telecommuting projects; and planning, design, acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, improvement, and management of streets, pathways, and public transportation facilities to facilitate expanded bicycle and pedestrian mobility and access.

increase transportation alternatives investment program bill directs department_of_transportation dot ensure states preference surface_transportation block grant program eligible projects located areas undergoing extensive repair reconstruction federal aid highways federally owned roads open public travel passenger rail public transportation purpose providing transportation alternatives related closure transportation infrastructure areas dot shall carry competitive grant program support community efforts invest transportation alternatives grant preference projects located areas entities eligible grants include state local governments metropolitan planning organizations rural planning organizations grants plan facilitate provide initial support transportation demand management programs projects planning design acquisition rights way construction improvement management streets pathways public transportation facilities facilitate expanded bicycle pedestrian mobility access


Summary: Stop the Treasury Office Nationalization of the Economy Act of 2008 or STONE - Ends the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to purchase troubled assets. Makes $100 billion of the unused funding for such program available to meet specified critical infrastructure needs of the United States, clean water grants, and certain flood control and water resource activities.

stop treasury office economy act stone ends authority secretary treasury emergency_economic_stabilization_act purchase troubled assets makes billion unused funding program available meet specified critical infrastructure needs united_states clean water grants certain flood control water resource activities


Summary: Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act of 2008 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to grant the Special Inspector General (SIG) authority to conduct, supervise, and coordinate an audit or investigation of any action taken with regard to the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that the SIG deems appropriate. Prohibits any audit or investigation, however, of any action related to: (1) graduated authorization to purchase troubled assets; (2) oversight and audits by the Comptroller General; (3) the Comptroller General's study and report on margin authority; and (4) the Congressional Oversight Panel. Authorizes the SIG to exercise specified employment authorities for additional personnel, but not after six months following enactment of this Act. Prohibits any period of appointment from exceeding the date on which the Office of the SIG terminates. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) either take action to address deficiencies identified by a report or investigation of the SIG or other auditor engaged by the TARP; or (2) certify to congressional committees that no action is necessary or appropriate. Instructs the SIG to work with Inspectors General of designated federal agencies to: (1) avoid duplication of effort; and (2) ensure comprehensive oversight of TARP. Requires the SIG to: (1) report to Congress by July 1, 2009, on the use of any funds received by a financial institution under TARP; and (2) make such report available to the public, including on the home page of the SIG's website within 24 hours after its submission to Congress. Requires funds for the office of the SIG to be made available not later than seven days after the SIG's nomination is first confirmed by the Senate.

special inspector_general troubled_asset_relief_program act amends emergency_economic_stabilization_act grant special inspector_general sig authority conduct supervise coordinate audit investigation action taken regard troubled_asset_relief_program tarp sig deems appropriate prohibits audit investigation action related graduated authorization purchase troubled assets oversight audits comptroller_general comptroller_general study report margin authority congressional_oversight_panel authorizes sig exercise specified employment authorities additional personnel months following enactment act prohibits period appointment exceeding date office sig terminates requires secretary treasury action address deficiencies identified report investigation sig auditor engaged tarp certify congressional committees action necessary appropriate instructs sig work inspectors_general designated federal agencies avoid duplication effort ensure comprehensive oversight tarp requires sig report congress july use funds received financial institution tarp report available public including home page sig website hours submission congress requires funds office sig available later seven days sig nomination confirmed senate


Summary: Energy and Commerce Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Title I: Broadband Communications - (Sec. 1001) Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop and maintain a map showing where broadband service is deployed and available in each state and to make such map publicly available.(Sec. 1002) Provides for grants for wireless deployment and broadband deployment. Requires NTIA to develop and maintain a website to make publicly available information about such grants. Sets forth provisions concerning grant requirements, applications, and selection. Requires reports form the NTIA.(Sec. 1003) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report on a national broadband plan.Title II: Energy - (Sec. 2001) Makes technical corrections to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to: (1) revise fund allocations to states and local governmental units; and (2) repeal specified funding requirements.(Sec. 2002) Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary in this title), when implementing smart grid regional demonstration initiatives, to provide financial support to projects in urban, suburban, and rural areas, including areas where electric system assets are controlled by tax-exempt entities (as under current law) and areas where electric system assets are controlled by investor-owned utilities.Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish a smart grid information clearinghouse to make data from projects and other sources available to the public; and (2) precondition funding upon utilization by such demonstration projects of available open Internet-based protocols and standards.Extends the authorization of appropriations for the smart grid regional demonstration initiative indefinitely.Increases from 20% to 50% the federal reimbursement match for qualifying smart grid investments under the Smart Grid Investment Matching Grant Program.Repeals the requirement that, in making such grants, the Secretary seek to reward innovation and early adaptation, even if success is not complete, rather than deployment of proven and commercially viable technologies.Revises the exclusion from qualifying smart grid investments of expenditures for technologies, devices, or equipment that are eligible for specific tax credits or deductions. Applies the exclusion only to technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize such tax credits or deductions.Revamps the rules and procedures governing the federal matching fund for smart grid investment costs. Requires as a condition of receiving a grant that recipients utilize Internet-based or other open protocols and standards, if available and appropriate.(Sec. 2003) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to set forth a temporary program for rapid deployment of renewable energy and electric power transmission projects. Restricts federal guarantees to specified commercial technology projects that commence construction by September 30, 2011.Makes eligible for federal support any projects for: (1) renewable energy systems; (2) electric power transmission systems; and (3) leading edge biofuel projects that will use technologies performing at the pilot or demonstration scale that are likely to become commercial and will produce transportation fuels that substantially reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to other transportation fuels.Prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements for such projects in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act.(Sec. 2004) Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to: (1) increase from 150% to 200% of the poverty level the income eligibility level for the Weatherization Assistance Program; (2) increase the maximum assistance per dwelling unit from $2,500 to $5,000; and (3) authorize the Secretary to encourage states to give priority to using Program funds for cost-effective efficiency activities, including attic insulation.(Sec. 2005) Instructs the Secretary to include in the 2009 National Electric Transmission Congestion Study analyses of: (1) significant potential sources of renewable energy that are constrained in accessing appropriate market areas by lack of adequate transmission capacity; (2) the reasons for failure to develop the adequate transmission capacity; (3) the extent to which legal challenges filed at the state and federal level are delaying the construction of transmission necessary to access renewable energy; and (4) assumptions and projections made in the Study.(Sec. 2006) Makes certain funds available for additional appropriations for the State Energy Program. Requires the Secretary to make grants with such funds in excess of the state's base allocation only if the state governor ensures that specified regulatory policies, building codes, and other requirements for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs will be implemented.(Sec. 2007) Declares specified limitations inapplicable to grants funded with appropriations provided by this Act. Limits the use of funds, however, to 80% of the costs of a project.Title III: Health Insurance Assistance for the Unemployed - Health Insurance Assistance for the Unemployed Act of 2009 - (Sec. 3002) Treats an individual as having paid the amount of the premium for any COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) if such individual pays 35% of the amount of such premium. Sets forth: (1) eligibility periods for such premium assistance; (2) eligibility requirements; and (3) procedures for expedited review of any denial of assistance.Requires notices of eligibility for COBRA coverage to include notice of availability of premium reduction. Sets forth notification requirements.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide such rules, procedures, regulations, and other guidance as may be necessary and appropriate to prevent fraud and abuse under this title.Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide public education and enrollment assistance relating to premium reduction. Sets forth reporting requirements.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for reimbursement to an entity of premiums not paid by plan beneficiaries by treating such amounts as a credit against the requirement of such entity to make deposits of payroll taxes. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to such entity the amount of premiums not paid by plan beneficiaries if it exceeds the amount of such taxes. Sets forth reporting requirements for such entities.Establishes a penalty for a person's failure, if so required, to notify a group health plan that he or she is no longer eligible for a premium reduction. Prohibits a penalty from being imposed for any such failure that is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.Provides that gross income does not include any premium reduction provided for under this title.Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to allow COBRA coverage to continue past required termination dates for an employee who has attained age 55 or has completed 10 or more years of service.(Sec. 3003) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to certain unemployed individuals and their families, including: (1) individuals who are receiving unemployment compensations benefits; (2) individuals who have exhausted such unemployment compensation benefits; (3) individuals who are involuntarily unemployed and were involuntarily separated from employment between specified dates and whose family gross income does not exceed a specified percentage of the income official poverty line; (4) individuals who are involuntarily unemployed and were involuntarily separated from employment between specified dates and who are members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Makes the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) 100% for items and services furnished to individuals eligible based on this section.Title IV: Health Information Technology - Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act or the HITECH Act - Subtitle A: Promotion of Health Information Technology - Part I: Improving Health Care Quality, Safety, and Efficiency - (Sec. 4101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to: (1) review and determine whether to endorse each standard, implementation specification, and certification criterion for the electronic exchange and use of health information that is recommended by the HIT Standards Committee; (2) coordinate health information technology policy and programs of HHS with other relevant executive branch agencies; (3) maintain and update the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan; (4) maintain and update an Internet website with information to ensure transparency in the promotion of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure; and (5) develop a program for the voluntary certification of health information technology as being in compliance with applicable certification criteria.Requires the National Coordinator to: (1) report to Congress on any additional funding or authority required to evaluate and develop standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria or to achieve full participation of stakeholders in the adoption of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure that allows for the electronic use and exchange of health information; (2) prepare a report that identifies lessons learned from major public and private health care systems in their implementation of health information technology; (3) assess and publish the impact of health information technology in communities with health disparities and in areas with a high proportion of individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved and identify practices to increase the adoption of such technology by health care providers in such communities; (4) evaluate and publish evidence on the benefits and costs of the electronic use and exchange of health information and assess to whom these benefits and costs accrue; and (5) estimate and publish resources required annually to reach the goal of utilization of an electronic health record (EHR) for each person in the United States by 2014.Authorizes the National Coordinator to provide financial assistance to defray the costs to consumer advocacy groups and not-for-profit entities that work in the public interest of participating under the National Technology Transfer Act of 1995.Requires the National Coordinator to establish a governance mechanism for the nationwide health information network.Provides for the detail of federal employees to the Office.Directs the Secretary of HHS (Secretary in this title) to appoint a Chief Privacy Officer of the Office of the National Coordinator to advise the National Coordinator on privacy, security, and data stewardship of electronic health information and to coordinate with other federal agencies, state and regional efforts, and foreign countries with regard to the privacy, security, and data stewardship of electronic individually identifiable health information.Establishes a HIT Policy Committee to make policy recommendations to the National Coordinator relating to the implementation of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure. Requires such Committee to: (1) recommend a policy framework for the development and adoption of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure; (2) recommend the areas in which standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria are needed for the electronic exchange and use of health information; and (3) recommend an order or priority for the development, harmonization, and recognition of such standards, specifications, and criteria.Establishes the HIT Standards Committee to: (1) recommend to the National Coordinator for adoption standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for the electronic exchange and use of health information; and (2) provide for testing of such standards and specifications by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Requires the Secretary to review and determine whether to adopt such standards, specifications, and criteria. Provides that any standard or implementation specification adopted shall be voluntary with respect to private entities.Directs the National Coordinator to support the development, routine updating, and provision of qualified EHR technology unless the Secretary determines that the needs and demands of providers are being substantially and adequately met through the marketplace. Authorizes the National Coordinator to impose a nominal fee for the adoption by a health care provider of the health information technology system developed and certified.Transfers functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of: (1) the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology appointed under a Executive Order No. 13335 to the National Coordinator appointed under this Act; and (2) the National eHealth Collaborative to the HIT Policy Committee or the HIT Standards Committee.Provides that this title has no effect on the authorities of the Secretary under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) privacy and security laws.Authorizes appropriations to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.(Sec. 4102) Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the SSA to make a technical change to the definition of "health plan."(Sec. 4103) Requires that any funds made available to carry out this title be used to purchase health information technology only if such technology is manufactured, including the engineering and programming of any software, in the United States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States.Part II: Application and Use of Adopted Health Information Technology Standards; Reports - (Sec. 4111) Requires each federal agency, as it implements, acquires, or upgrades health information technology systems, to utilize systems and products that meet adopted standards and implementation specifications.Directs the President to take measures to ensure that federal activities involving the broad collection and submission of health information are consistent with standards or implementation specifications within three years of adoption.(Sec. 4112) Directs each agency to require in contracts or agreements that health care providers, health plans, or health insurance issuers, as they implement, acquire, or upgrade health information technology systems, utilize systems and products that meet standards and implementation specifications.(Sec. 4113) Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) actions taken by federal and private entities to facilitate the adoption of a nationwide system for the electronic use and exchange of health information; (2) barriers to the adoption of such a system; and (3) recommendations to achieve full implementation of such a system.Provides for studies and reports to Congress on: (1) methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and free clinics; and (2) the potential use of new aging services technology to assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers throughout the aging process.Subtitle B: Testing of Health Information Technology - (Sec. 4201) Requires the Director of NIST to: (1) test standards and implementation specifications developed under this Act to ensure their efficient implementation and use; and (2) support the establishment of a conformance testing infrastructure that may include a program to accredit independent, nonfederal laboratories to perform testing.(Sec. 4202) Requires the Director of NIST to establish a program of assistance to institutions of higher education to establish multidisciplinary Centers for Health Care Information Enterprise Integration.Directs the National High-Performance Computing Program to coordinate federal research and development programs related to the development and deployment of health information technology, including activities related to: (1) computer infrastructure; (2) data security; and (3) development of large-scale, distributed, reliable computing systems.Subtitle C: Incentives for the Use of Health Information Technology - Part I: Grants and Loans Funding - (Sec. 4301) Requires the Secretary to: (1) invest in the infrastructure necessary to allow for and promote the electronic exchange and use of health information for each individual in the United States consistent with the goals outlined in the strategic plan developed by the National Coordinator; and (2) ensure that funds are used for the acquisition of health information technology that meets adopted standards and certification criteria. Directs the Secretary to invest funds through different agencies with expertise in such goals to support: (1) health information technology architecture that will support the nationwide electronic exchange and use of health information; (2) development and adoption of appropriate certified EHRs; (3) training on best practices to integrate health information technology; and (4) infrastructure and tools for the promotion of telemedicine.Directs the Secretary, acting through the Office of the National Coordinator, to establish a health information technology extension program to provide health information technology assistance services.Requires the Secretary to: (1) create a Health information Technology Research Center to provide technical assistance and develop or recognize best practices to support health information technology; and (2) provide assistance for the creation of regional centers to provide technical assistance and information to support health information technology. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial support to any such regional center.Requires the Secretary, acting through the National Coordinator, to establish a program to facilitate and expand the electronic movement and use of health information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards. Allows the Secretary to award planning and implementation matching grants to a state or qualified state-designated entity.Authorizes the National Coordinator to award grants to states or Indian tribes for the establishment of programs for loans to health care providers to support certified EHR technology.Authorizes the Secretary to award matching grants to carry out demonstration projects to develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology in the clinical education of health professionals.Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to institutions of higher education to establish or expand medical heath informatics education programs for both health care and information technology students to ensure the rapid and effective utilization and development of heath information technologies.Requires the National Coordinator to annually evaluate activities under this subtitle and implement the lessons learned.Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013.Part II: Medicare Program - (Sec. 4311) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSA to establish specified incentive payments for certain eligible physicians who adopt and use certified EHR technology meaningfully beginning in FY2011.Reduces Medicare payments for any eligible professional who is not a meaningful EHR user beginning in 2016, except in certain circumstances where compliance with meaningful EHR requirements would result in a significant hardship.Applies such payment incentives for certain Medicare+Choice (MedicareAdvantage) organizations for adoption and meaningful use of such technology.(Sec. 4312) Establishes incentive payments for certain eligible hospitals that adopt and meaningfully use certified EHR technology beginning in FY2011.Reduces the market basket update for any eligible hospital that has not adopted a certified system beginning in 2016, except in certain circumstances where compliance with meaningful EHR requirements would result in a significant hardship.(Sec. 4313) Prohibits taking payment incentives made by this Act into account for computation of monthly Medicare premiums for individuals.Makes the Medicare Improvement Fund available for increases in the conversion factor in the formula for determining the payment for physicians' services.Makes appropriations for FY2009-FY2019 to the Secretary for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management Account for implementation of this part.(Sec. 4314) Instructs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the extent to which and manner in which payment incentives and other funding for implementing and using certified EHR technology should be made to health care providers receiving minimal or no payment incentives or other funding under this Act, under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid), or otherwise, for such purposes.Part III: Medicaid Funding - (Sec. 4321) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to establish incentive payments to encourage the adoption and use by Medicaid providers of certified EHR technology that are certified as meeting certain standards. Places limitations on such payments and on the allowable purchase and maintenance costs of such records on which such payments are based. Makes fully reimbursable by the federal government any state spending for payments to providers for adoption and operation of certified EHR technology.Makes 90% of the state costs in administering the program also reimbursable by the federal government.Makes appropriations for FY2009-FY2019 to the Secretary for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management Account for implementation of this part.Subtitle D: Privacy - Part I: Improved Privacy Provisions and Security Provisions - (Sec. 4401) Applies regulations establishing safeguards for the protection of electronic protected health information to business associates of a covered entity.Applies to business associates penalties for failure to comply with requirements regarding protection of health information.Requires the Secretary, annually, to issue guidance on the most effective and appropriate technical safeguards and security standards for use in protecting health information.(Sec. 4402) Requires an entity that handles unsecured protected health information to notify each individual of any security breach of such information. Applies such requirements to business associates of such entities. Sets forth requirements for notifications, including requirements concerning timeliness, method, and content. Requires notice to the Secretary of breaches, including immediate notice of breaches involving 500 or more individuals.Requires the Secretary to annually report to Congress on breaches of protected health information.(Sec. 4403) Requires the Secretary to designate an individual in each HHS regional office to offer guidance and education to covered entities, business associates, and individuals on their rights and responsibilities related to federal privacy and security requirements for protected health information.Directs the Office for Civil Rights within HHS to develop and maintain a national education initiative to enhance public transparency regarding the uses of protected health information.(Sec. 4404) Treats business associates in the same manner as covered entities for purposes of the protection of health information.(Sec. 4405) Requires a covered entity to comply with an individual's request to restrict the disclosure of protected health information if: (1) the disclosure is to a health plan for purposes of carrying out payment or health care operations; and (2) the protected health information pertains solely to a health care item or service for which the health care provider involved has been paid out of pocket in full.Requires covered entities to limit the use, disclosure, or request of protected health information to the limited data set or the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose. Gives individuals a right to an accounting of the disclosures of their EHR, including disclosures to carry out treatment, payment, and health care operations. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to eliminate from the definition of health care operations those activities that can reasonably and efficiently be conducted through the use of information that is de-identified or that should require a valid authorization for use or disclosure. Prohibits the sale of any protected health information of an individual unless the covered entity obtained from the individual a valid authorization that includes a specification of whether the protected health information can be further exchanged for remuneration by the entity receiving it. Sets forth exceptions, including for information used for: (1) research or public health activities; (2) treatment of the individual; or (3) health care operations.Gives individuals the right to obtain their electronic medical records in an electronic format.(Sec. 4406) Prohibits a covered entity or business associate from receiving direct or indirect payment in exchange for certain types of communication without a valid authorization from the recipient of such information.(Sec. 4407) Sets forth requirements for notification of individuals and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following the discovery of a breach of security of identifiable health information in a personal health record. Deems a violation of such requirements an unfair and deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.(Sec. 4408) Requires organizations that provide data transmission of protected health information and that require routine access to such information to enter into written contracts and to be treated as a business associate. Applies such requirement to vendors that allow a covered entity to offer a personal health record to patients as part of its EHR. (Sec. 4409) Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the SSA to consider a person (including an employee or other individual) to have obtained or disclosed individually identifiable health information in violation of HIPAA if the information is maintained by a covered entity and the individual obtained or disclosed such information without authorization.(Sec. 4410) Requires the Secretary to: (1) impose a penalty for violations of HIPAA privacy provisions due to willful neglect; and (2) formally investigate any complaint of a violation if a preliminary investigation indicates a possible violation due to willful neglect.Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Secretary a report including recommendations for a methodology under which an individual who is harmed by a HIPAA violation may receive a percentage of any civil monetary penalty or monetary settlement collected with respect to such offense. Directs the Secretary to establish such a methodology.Sets forth varying financial penalties for HIPAA violations based on culpability.Provides for enforcement of HIPAA provisions by state attorneys general through civil action. Sets forth damages for such a suit. Requires prior written notice of any such action to the Secretary.(Sec. 4411) Requires the Secretary to provide for periodic audits to ensure that covered entities and business associates are complying with privacy requirements.(Sec. 4412) Requires a covered entity or business associate to use a technology standard that renders protected health information unusable, unreadable, or indecipherable to unauthorized individuals and is developed or endorsed by an accredited standards developing organization to secure individually identifiable health information that is transmitted in the nationwide health information network or physically transported outside of a covered entity's or business associate's secured, physical perimeter, including information transported on removable media and on portable devices. (Sec. 4413) Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent a pharmacist from collecting and sharing information with patients in order to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety as long as any remuneration received for making such communication is reasonable and cost-based.Part II: Relationship to Other Laws; Regulatory References; Effective Date; Reports - (Sec. 4421) Applies HIPAA preemption of state law provisions to this Act. Provides that the standards governing the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information promulgated by the Secretary under HIPAA remain in effect to the extent they are consistent with this Act. (Sec. 4424) Requires the Secretary to annually prepare a report concerning complaints of alleged violations of health information provisions that are received by the Secretary.Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress recommendations to: (1) identify requirements relating to security, privacy, and notification in the case of a breach of security or privacy that should be applied to various entities, including vendors of personal health records; and (2) determine which federal agency is best equipped to enforce such requirements.Requires the Secretary to issue guidance on how best to implement the requirements for the de-identification of protected health information.Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the best practices related to the disclosure among health care providers of protected health information of an individual for purposes of treatment.Title V: Medicaid Provisions - (Sec. 5001) Establishes a temporary increase in the FMAP with respect to Medicaid payments for FY2009-FY2011 for eligible states. Makes a general 4.9% increase in the FMAP for each state for calendar quarters during the recession adjustment period, plus an additional adjustment for high unemployment states.Gives Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa the option of a 20% increase in their medical assistance cap amount or a 4.9% increase in their FMAP plus a 10% increase in their cap.Applies the temporary increase in FMAP (except the additional adjustment for high unemployment states) to payments under title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of the SSA. Prohibits application of such increase to Medicaid payments to disproportionate share hospitals or to payments under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under SSA title XXI.(Sec. 5002) Extends from March 31, 2009, through June 30, 2009, the current moratoria on implementation of specified Medicaid and SCHIP regulations relating to cost limits for government-operated providers, the integrity of the federal-state Medicaid financial partnership, graduate medical education payments, Medicaid provider taxes, rehabilitative services, optional state plan case management services, and school-based administration and school-based transportation services.Imposes a moratorium through June 30, 2009, on implementation of a final regulation published on November 7, 2008, relating to Medicaid outpatient hospital services.(Sec. 5003) Extends transitional medical assistance (TMA) from June 30, 2009, through December 31, 2010.Gives states the option of: (1) extending the six-month TMA eligibility period for another six months; and (2) waiving the requirement that a family have received medical assistance for at least three months to qualify for a TMA extension.Directs each state to collect and submit to the Secretary of HHS information, and the Secretary to report annually to Congress, on: (1) average monthly enrollment and average monthly participation rates for adults and children; and (2) the number and percentage of children who become ineligible for medical assistance whose medical assistance is continued under another eligibility category or who are enrolled under SCHIP.(Sec. 5004) Gives states the option of providing, during a presumptive eligibility period, Medicaid coverage for family planning services and supplies to individuals who are not pregnant and whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level for pregnant women established under the state's Medicaid or SCHIP programs.(Sec. 5005) Prohibits state Medicaid programs from imposing cost-sharing requirements on Indians or Alaska Natives when the beneficiary is receiving an item or service directly from an Indian health care provider or through referral from a Contract Health Services provider.Requires the state to disregard certain property from resources for purposes of determining the eligibility of an Indian under Medicaid and SCHIP.Requires estate recovery procedures used by state Medicaid programs to exempt certain income, resources, and property already exempt as of April 1, 2003, under specified manual instructions.(Sec. 5006) Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) to repeal establishment of the National Commission on Children. Directs the Secretary to maintain within the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services a Tribal Technical Advisory Group , including representatives of the Urban Indian Organization and the Indian health service.Requires state Medicaid and SCHIP programs to provide a process for seeking advice on a regular, ongoing basis from Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations on all matters likely to have a direct effect on such Programs and Organizations, including plan amendments, waiver requests, and proposals for demonstration projects.(Sec. 5007) Prescribes a temporary increase in state allotments for payments to Medicaid disproportionate share hospitals.

energy commerce recovery reinvestment act title broadband communications sec requires national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia develop maintain map showing broadband service deployed available state map publicly provides grants wireless deployment broadband deployment requires ntia develop maintain website publicly available information grants sets forth provisions concerning grant requirements applications selection requires reports form requires federal_communications_commission fcc report national broadband plan title energy sec makes technical corrections energy_independence_and_security_act revise fund allocations states local governmental units repeal specified funding directs secretary energy secretary title implementing smart grid regional demonstration initiatives provide financial support projects urban suburban rural areas including areas electric system assets controlled tax exempt entities current law areas electric system assets controlled investor owned utilities instructs secretary establish smart grid information clearinghouse data projects sources available public funding utilization demonstration projects available open internet based protocols standards extends authorization appropriations smart grid regional demonstration initiative indefinitely increases federal reimbursement match qualifying smart grid investments smart grid investment matching grant program repeals requirement making grants secretary seek reward innovation early adaptation success complete deployment proven commercially viable technologies revises exclusion qualifying smart grid investments expenditures technologies devices equipment eligible specific tax credits deductions applies exclusion technologies devices equipment utilize tax credits deductions rules procedures governing federal matching fund smart grid investment costs requires condition receiving grant recipients utilize internet based open protocols standards available amends energy policy act set forth temporary program rapid deployment renewable energy electric power transmission projects restricts federal guarantees specified commercial technology projects commence construction september eligible federal support projects renewable energy systems electric power transmission systems leading edge biofuel projects use technologies performing pilot demonstration scale likely commercial produce transportation fuels substantially reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared transportation fuels prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements projects accordance davis bacon amends energy_conservation_and_production_act increase poverty level income eligibility level weatherization_assistance_program increase maximum assistance dwelling unit authorize secretary encourage states priority program funds cost effective efficiency activities including instructs secretary include national electric transmission congestion study analyses significant potential sources renewable energy accessing appropriate market areas lack adequate transmission capacity reasons failure develop adequate transmission capacity extent legal challenges filed state federal level delaying construction transmission necessary access renewable energy assumptions projections makes certain funds available additional appropriations state energy program requires secretary grants funds excess state base allocation state governor ensures specified regulatory policies building codes requirements energy efficiency renewable energy programs declares specified limitations inapplicable grants funded appropriations provided act limits use funds costs project title iii health insurance assistance unemployed health insurance assistance unemployed act sec treats individual having paid premium cobra coverage health insurance continuation benefits consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act individual pays premium sets forth eligibility periods premium assistance eligibility requirements procedures expedited review denial assistance requires notices eligibility cobra coverage include notice availability premium reduction sets forth notification requirements directs secretary treasury provide rules procedures regulations guidance necessary appropriate prevent fraud abuse title directs secretary labor provide public education enrollment assistance relating premium reduction sets forth reporting requirements amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide reimbursement entity premiums paid plan beneficiaries treating amounts credit requirement entity deposits payroll taxes directs secretary treasury pay entity premiums paid plan beneficiaries exceeds taxes sets forth reporting requirements entities establishes penalty person failure required notify group health plan longer eligible premium reduction prohibits penalty imposed failure reasonable cause willful neglect provides gross income include premium reduction provided title amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal_revenue_code public_health_service_act allow cobra coverage continue past required termination dates employee attained age completed years amends title xix medicaid social_security_act ssa allow states provide medicaid coverage certain unemployed individuals families including individuals receiving unemployment benefits individuals exhausted unemployment compensation benefits individuals involuntarily unemployed involuntarily separated employment specified dates family gross income exceed specified percentage income official poverty line individuals involuntarily unemployed involuntarily separated employment specified dates members households participating supplemental nutrition assistance program established food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 makes federal medical assistance percentage fmap items services furnished individuals eligible based section title health information technology health information technology economic clinical health act act subtitle promotion health information technology improving health_care quality safety efficiency sec amends public_health_service_act establish department_of_health_and_human_services hhs office national coordinator health information technology review determine endorse standard implementation specification certification criterion electronic exchange use health information recommended hit standards committee coordinate health information technology policy programs hhs relevant executive branch agencies maintain update federal health strategic plan maintain update internet website information ensure transparency promotion nationwide health information technology infrastructure develop program voluntary certification health information technology compliance applicable certification criteria requires national coordinator report congress additional funding authority required evaluate develop standards implementation specifications certification criteria achieve participation stakeholders adoption nationwide health information technology infrastructure allows electronic use exchange health information prepare report identifies lessons learned major public private health_care systems implementation health information technology assess publish impact health information technology communities health disparities areas high proportion individuals uninsured medically underserved identify practices increase adoption technology health_care providers communities evaluate publish evidence benefits costs electronic use exchange health information assess benefits costs accrue estimate publish resources required annually reach goal utilization electronic health record ehr person united_states national coordinator provide financial assistance defray costs consumer advocacy groups profit entities work public interest participating national technology transfer act national coordinator establish governance mechanism nationwide health information network provides detail federal employees office directs secretary hhs secretary title appoint chief privacy officer office national coordinator advise national coordinator privacy security data stewardship electronic health information coordinate federal agencies state regional efforts foreign countries regard privacy security data stewardship electronic individually identifiable health information establishes hit policy committee policy recommendations national coordinator relating implementation nationwide health information technology infrastructure requires committee recommend policy framework development adoption nationwide health information technology infrastructure recommend areas standards implementation specifications certification criteria needed electronic exchange use health information recommend order priority development harmonization recognition standards specifications criteria establishes hit standards committee recommend national coordinator adoption standards implementation specifications certification criteria electronic exchange use health information provide testing standards specifications national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist requires secretary review determine adopt standards specifications criteria provides standard implementation specification adopted shall voluntary respect private entities directs national coordinator support development routine updating provision qualified ehr technology secretary determines needs demands providers substantially adequately met marketplace authorizes national coordinator impose nominal fee adoption health_care provider health information technology system developed certified transfers functions personnel assets liabilities national coordinator health information technology appointed executive order national coordinator appointed act national collaborative hit policy committee hit standards committee provides title effect authorities secretary health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act hipaa privacy security laws authorizes appropriations office national coordinator health information amends title general_provisions peer_review administrative simplification ssa technical change definition health plan requires funds available carry title purchase health information technology technology manufactured including engineering programming software united_states substantially articles materials supplies mined produced manufactured united_states application use adopted health information technology standards reports sec requires federal agency implements acquires upgrades health information technology systems utilize systems products meet adopted standards implementation specifications directs president measures ensure federal activities involving broad collection submission health information consistent standards implementation specifications years directs agency require contracts agreements health_care providers health plans health insurance issuers implement acquire upgrade health information technology systems utilize systems products meet standards implementation requires secretary report appropriate congressional committees actions taken federal private entities facilitate adoption nationwide system electronic use exchange health information barriers adoption system recommendations achieve implementation system provides studies reports congress methods create efficient reimbursement incentives improving health_care quality federally qualified health centers rural health clinics free clinics potential use new aging services technology assist seniors individuals disabilities caregivers aging process subtitle testing health information technology sec requires director nist test standards implementation specifications developed act ensure efficient implementation use support establishment conformance testing infrastructure include program accredit independent nonfederal laboratories perform requires director nist establish program assistance institutions higher education establish multidisciplinary centers health_care information enterprise integration directs national high performance computing program coordinate federal research development programs related development deployment health information technology including activities related computer infrastructure data_security development large scale distributed reliable computing systems subtitle incentives use health information technology grants loans funding sec requires secretary invest infrastructure necessary allow promote electronic exchange use health information individual united_states consistent goals outlined strategic plan developed national coordinator ensure funds acquisition health information technology meets adopted standards certification criteria directs secretary invest funds different agencies expertise goals support health information technology architecture support nationwide electronic exchange use health information development adoption appropriate certified training best practices integrate health information technology infrastructure tools promotion telemedicine directs secretary acting office national coordinator establish health information technology extension program provide health information technology assistance services requires secretary create health information technology research_center provide technical assistance develop recognize best practices support health information technology provide assistance creation regional centers provide technical assistance information support health information technology authorizes secretary provide financial support regional center requires secretary acting national coordinator establish program facilitate expand electronic movement use health information organizations according nationally recognized standards allows secretary award planning implementation matching grants state qualified state designated entity authorizes national coordinator award grants states indian tribes establishment programs loans health_care providers support certified ehr technology authorizes secretary award matching grants carry demonstration projects develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology clinical education health professionals directs secretary provide assistance institutions higher education establish expand medical heath informatics education programs health_care information technology students ensure rapid effective utilization development heath information technologies requires national coordinator annually evaluate activities subtitle implement lessons learned authorizes appropriations fy2009 medicare program sec amends title xviii medicare ssa establish specified incentive payments certain eligible physicians adopt use certified ehr technology meaningfully beginning medicare payments eligible professional meaningful ehr user beginning certain circumstances compliance meaningful ehr requirements result significant hardship applies payment incentives certain medicareadvantage organizations adoption meaningful use establishes incentive payments certain eligible hospitals adopt meaningfully use certified ehr technology beginning market basket update eligible hospital adopted certified system beginning certain circumstances compliance meaningful ehr requirements result significant prohibits taking payment incentives act account computation monthly medicare premiums individuals makes medicare_improvement_fund available increases conversion factor formula determining payment physicians services makes appropriations fy2009 fy2019 secretary center medicare medicaid_services program management account implementation instructs secretary study report congress extent manner payment incentives funding implementing certified ehr technology health_care providers receiving minimal payment incentives funding act ssa title xviii medicare xix medicaid purposes iii medicaid funding sec amends ssa title xix medicaid establish incentive payments encourage adoption use medicaid providers certified ehr technology certified meeting certain standards places limitations payments allowable purchase maintenance costs records payments based makes fully reimbursable federal_government state spending payments providers adoption operation certified ehr technology makes state costs administering program reimbursable federal_government makes appropriations fy2009 fy2019 secretary center medicare medicaid_services program management account implementation subtitle privacy improved privacy provisions security provisions sec applies regulations establishing safeguards protection electronic protected health information business associates covered entity applies business associates penalties failure comply requirements protection health information requires secretary annually issue guidance effective appropriate technical safeguards security standards use protecting health requires entity handles unsecured protected health information notify individual security breach information applies requirements business associates entities sets forth requirements notifications including requirements concerning timeliness method content requires notice secretary breaches including immediate notice breaches involving individuals requires secretary annually report congress breaches protected health requires secretary designate individual hhs regional office offer guidance education covered entities business associates individuals rights responsibilities related federal privacy security requirements protected health information directs office civil rights hhs develop maintain national education initiative enhance public transparency uses protected health treats business associates manner covered entities purposes protection health requires covered entity comply individual request restrict disclosure protected health information disclosure health plan purposes carrying payment health_care operations protected health information pertains solely health_care item service health_care provider involved paid pocket requires covered entities limit use disclosure request protected health information limited data set minimum necessary accomplish intended purpose gives individuals right accounting disclosures ehr including disclosures carry treatment payment health_care operations directs secretary promulgate regulations eliminate definition health_care operations activities reasonably efficiently conducted use information identified require valid authorization use disclosure prohibits sale protected health information individual covered entity obtained individual valid authorization includes specification protected health information exchanged remuneration entity receiving sets forth exceptions including information research public health activities treatment individual health_care operations gives individuals right obtain electronic medical records electronic prohibits covered entity business associate receiving direct indirect payment exchange certain types communication valid authorization recipient sets forth requirements notification individuals federal_trade_commission ftc following discovery breach security identifiable health information personal health record deems violation requirements unfair deceptive act practice violation federal_trade_commission requires organizations provide data transmission protected health information require routine access information enter written contracts treated business associate applies requirement vendors allow covered entity offer personal health record patients ehr sec amends title general_provisions peer_review administrative simplification ssa consider person including employee individual obtained disclosed individually identifiable health information violation hipaa information maintained covered entity individual obtained disclosed information requires secretary impose penalty violations hipaa privacy provisions willful neglect formally investigate complaint violation preliminary investigation indicates possible violation willful neglect directs comptroller_general submit secretary report including recommendations methodology individual harmed hipaa violation receive percentage civil monetary penalty monetary settlement collected respect offense directs secretary establish methodology sets forth varying financial penalties hipaa violations based provides enforcement hipaa provisions state attorneys general civil action sets forth damages suit requires prior written notice action requires secretary provide periodic audits ensure covered entities business associates complying privacy requires covered entity business associate use technology standard renders protected health information unusable unauthorized individuals developed endorsed accredited standards developing organization secure individually identifiable health information transmitted nationwide health information network physically transported outside covered entity business associate secured physical perimeter including information transported removable media portable devices sec provides act shall prevent pharmacist collecting sharing information patients order reduce medication errors improve patient safety long remuneration received making communication reasonable cost based relationship laws regulatory references effective date reports sec applies hipaa preemption state law provisions act provides standards governing privacy security individually identifiable health information promulgated secretary hipaa remain effect extent consistent act sec requires secretary annually prepare report concerning complaints alleged violations health information provisions received secretary directs secretary submit congress recommendations identify requirements relating security privacy notification case breach security privacy applied entities including vendors personal health records determine federal agency best equipped enforce requirements requires secretary issue guidance best implement requirements identification protected health information directs comptroller_general report congress best practices related disclosure health_care providers protected health information individual purposes treatment title medicaid provisions sec establishes temporary increase fmap respect medicaid payments fy2009 fy2011 eligible states makes general increase fmap state calendar quarters recession adjustment period plus additional adjustment high unemployment states gives puerto_rico virgin_islands guam northern_mariana_islands american_samoa option increase medical assistance cap increase fmap plus increase cap applies temporary increase fmap additional adjustment high unemployment states payments title foster care adoption assistance ssa prohibits application increase medicaid payments disproportionate share hospitals payments state children health insurance program schip ssa title extends march june current moratoria implementation specified medicaid schip regulations relating cost limits government operated providers integrity federal state medicaid financial partnership graduate medical education payments medicaid provider taxes rehabilitative services optional state plan case management services school based administration school based transportation services imposes moratorium june implementation final regulation published november relating medicaid outpatient hospital extends transitional medical assistance tma june december states option extending month tma eligibility period months waiving requirement family received medical assistance months qualify tma extension directs state collect submit secretary hhs information secretary report annually congress average monthly enrollment average monthly participation rates adults children number percentage children ineligible medical assistance medical assistance continued eligibility category enrolled gives states option providing presumptive eligibility period medicaid coverage family planning services supplies individuals pregnant income exceed highest income eligibility level pregnant women established state medicaid schip prohibits state medicaid programs imposing cost sharing requirements indians alaska_natives beneficiary receiving item service directly indian health_care provider referral contract health services provider requires state disregard certain property resources purposes determining eligibility indian medicaid estate recovery procedures state medicaid programs exempt certain income resources property exempt april specified manual amends ssa title general_provisions peer_review administrative simplification repeal establishment national_commission children directs secretary maintain centers medicaid medicare services tribal technical_advisory_group including representatives urban indian organization indian_health_service requires state medicaid schip programs provide process seeking advice regular ongoing basis indian health programs urban indian organizations matters likely direct effect programs organizations including plan amendments waiver requests proposals demonstration prescribes temporary increase state allotments payments medicaid disproportionate share hospitals


Summary: Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to repeal the statement that the prohibition against bonus, retention award, or incentive compensation to recipients under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) shall not be construed to prohibit any bonus payment required to be paid pursuant to a written employment contract executed on or before February 11, 2009, as such valid employment contracts are determined by the Secretary of the Treasury (or designee). (Thus makes no exceptions to the prohibition.)

amends emergency_economic_stabilization_act eesa repeal statement prohibition bonus retention award incentive compensation recipients troubled_asset_relief_program tarp shall construed prohibit bonus payment required paid pursuant written employment contract executed february valid employment contracts determined secretary treasury designee makes exceptions prohibition


Summary: Responsible Use of Taxpayer Help Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to prohibit a financial institution from using any assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to: (1) purchase or invest in any foreign asset or business; (2) transfer money to, or invest in, a foreign subsidiary of the financial institution; (3) pay any type of compensation to an employee of the financial institution unless such employee is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; or (4) make any other purchase, payment, transfer, or investment, the primary effect of which is to benefit a foreign entity.

responsible use taxpayer help act_-_amends emergency_economic_stabilization_act eesa prohibit financial institution assistance troubled_asset_relief_program tarp purchase invest foreign asset business transfer money invest foreign subsidiary financial institution pay type compensation employee financial institution employee citizen lawful permanent resident purchase payment transfer investment primary effect benefit foreign entity