Summary:
Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014-FY2023: (1) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (2) to procure an SSBN-X submarine (and prohibits the use of such funds for FY2024 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines); or (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated for FY2014 or thereafter for DOD or the Department of Energy (DOE): (1) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; (2) until the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy jointly certify that the total cost of the B61 life extension program has been reduced to not more than $5 billion; (3) for the W78 life extension program; (4) for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project; (5) to replace the chemistry and metallurgy research building at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; or (6) for the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Prohibits Navy forces, beginning in FY2020, from including more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment.

Prohibits the use of DOD funds for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, or (2) for the medium extended air defense system.

Requires initial and annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act.

Directs the President to submit to Congress an annual report containing a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report for the life cycle of such weapon or program.

smarter approach nuclear expenditures act prohibits obligation expenditure funds authorized appropriated department_of_defense dod fy2014-fy2023 research development test evaluation procurement long range penetrating bomber aircraft procure submarine prohibits use funds fy2024 procure submarines procurement new intercontinental ballistic missile prohibits obligation expenditure funds authorized appropriated fy2014 dod department_of_energy doe f-35 joint strike fighter aircraft capable carrying nuclear weapons secretary defense secretary energy jointly certify total cost life extension program reduced billion life extension program mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project replace chemistry research building national_laboratory new_mexico uranium processing facility national security complex oak ridge tennessee prohibits navy forces beginning fy2020 including operational ballistic missile submarines available deployment prohibits use dod funds fy2014 maintain submarine launched ballistic missiles medium extended air defense system requires initial annual reports secretaries_of_defense energy outlining respective plans carry requirements act directs president submit congress annual report containing comprehensive accounting director office_of_management_and_budget omb amounts obligated expended federal_government nuclear weapon related nuclear program fiscal year covered report life cycle weapon program


Summary:
Cutting Contractor Use and Taxpayer Savings Act of 2014 - Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD) to submit to the congressional defense committees, and make publicly available, an annual comprehensive analysis of the global inventory of DOD service contractors.

Requires the Defense Contract Audit Agency, in conducting audits of defense contracts, to distinguish service contracts in its analysis, including by distinguishing the percentage of payment awarded for service elements on contracts containing both manufacturing and service elements. Directs the Agency to submit to the congressional defense committees, and make publicly available, an annual report on its findings.

Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to submit a plan to the congressional defense committees to improve the acquisition of services by DOD.

Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to the congressional defense and intelligence committees an annual inventory of the service contractors used by each element of the intelligence community.

Prohibits civilian or defense contracts from allowing compensation of contractor and subcontractor employees for a fiscal year to exceed the annual salary of the President (currently, $400,000). Allows an exception to such limitation for scientists, engineers, or other specialists who are needed to ensure that an executive agency has continued access to needed skills and capabilities.

Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on contractor compensation, including the number of contractor employees who were exempt in the preceding fiscal year from this Act's compensation limits.

Prohibits the aggregate amount obligated and expended by DOD for service contracts in each fiscal year through FY2024 from exceeding the lesser of: (1) 67% of the aggregate amount expended for service contracts in FY2014, or (2) 67% of the amount appropriated for DOD for the current fiscal year that is available for service contracts. Makes the latter limitation inapplicable if the Secretary certifies to Congress in writing that DOD will not exceed the prior limitation.

Prohibits the aggregate amount obligated and expended by DOD for service contracts in each fiscal year after FY2023 from exceeding the amount obligated or expended by DOD on service contracts in FY2002 (adjusted for inflation).

cutting contractor use taxpayer savings act directs inspector_general department_of_defense dod submit congressional defense committees publicly available annual comprehensive analysis global inventory dod service contractors requires defense contract audit agency conducting audits defense contracts distinguish service contracts analysis including distinguishing percentage payment awarded service elements contracts containing manufacturing service elements directs agency submit congressional defense committees publicly available annual report findings directs secretary defense acquisition technology logistics submit plan congressional defense committees improve acquisition services dod requires director national_intelligence submit congressional defense intelligence committees annual inventory service contractors element intelligence_community prohibits civilian defense contracts allowing compensation contractor subcontractor employees fiscal year exceed annual salary president currently allows exception limitation scientists engineers specialists needed ensure executive agency continued access needed skills capabilities requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb submit annual report specified congressional committees contractor compensation including number contractor employees exempt preceding fiscal year act compensation limits prohibits aggregate obligated expended dod service contracts fiscal year fy2024 exceeding lesser aggregate expended service contracts fy2014 appropriated dod current fiscal year available service contracts makes limitation inapplicable secretary certifies congress writing dod exceed prior limitation prohibits aggregate obligated expended dod service contracts fiscal year fy2023 exceeding obligated expended dod service contracts adjusted inflation


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

Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015

(Sec. 4) This bill requires the head of each federal agency to encourage the use of remanufactured vehicle components to mantain federal vehicles if using such components reduces the cost, while maintaining the quality, of such vehicles.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure federal vehicle repair cost savings act sec bill requires head federal agency encourage use vehicle components federal vehicles components reduces cost maintaining quality vehicles


Summary:
National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Defense to provide for the establishment of a reliable land-based positioning, navigation, and timing system to complement and back up the global positioning system (GPS) to ensure the availability of uncorrupted or non-degraded signals for military and civilian users if GPS signals are corrupted, degraded, unreliable, or otherwise unavailable.

Requires the system to: (1) be wireless, terrestrial, and wide-area; (2) provide a precise, high-power 100 kilohertz signal; (3) be able to penetrate underground and inside buildings; (4) take advantage of existing, unused government long-range navigation system (LORAN) infrastructure and work in concert with enhanced long-range navigation systems (eLORAN); and (5) incorporate private sector expertise.

national positioning navigation timing resilience security act directs department_of_defense provide establishment reliable land based positioning navigation timing system complement global_positioning_system gps ensure availability non degraded signals military civilian users gps signals degraded unreliable unavailable requires system wireless terrestrial wide area provide precise high power signal able underground inside buildings advantage existing unused government long range navigation system loran infrastructure work concert enhanced long range navigation systems incorporate private sector expertise


Summary: This bill directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) designate a senior DOD official to procure wide band satellite communications necessary to meet DOD requirements, including those for military and commercial satellite communications; and (2) submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to meet such requirements.

bill directs secretary defense dod designate senior dod official procure wide band satellite communications necessary meet dod requirements including military commercial satellite communications submit congressional defense committees plan meet requirements


Summary:
David's Sling Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense carry out activities relating to the research, development, test, and evaluation and procurement of the David's Sling weapons program.

It is the sense of Congress that:

 the United States and Israel should enter into a production agreement that specifies the terms of coproduction, program schedule, and an itemization of costs for the David's Sling weapons program production; such production agreement should strive for optimal coproduction of the David's Sling components; and reaching such a bilateral production agreement, which includes funds disbursement policy, should be a priority.

david authorization act fiscal year bill authorizes secretary defense carry activities relating research development test evaluation procurement david weapons program sense congress united_states israel enter production agreement specifies terms program schedule itemization costs david weapons program production production agreement strive optimal david components reaching bilateral production agreement includes funds disbursement policy priority


Summary:
Make It At Home Act

It is the sense of Congress that it shall be the goal of the Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretaries of the military services, to ensure the management of the manufacturing workload of the military arsenals to maintain critical capabilities and ensure cost efficiency and technical competence in peacetime, while preserving the ability to provide an effective and timely response to mobilizations, national defense contingency situations, and other emergent requirements.

The Secretary shall report to Congress on the equipment, weapons, weapons systems, components, subcomponents, and end-items purchased from foreign entities and identify: (1) those items which could be manufactured in U.S. military arsenals or military depots to meet such goals, as well as (2) a plan for moving that workload into U.S. military arsenals or depots.

home act sense congress shall goal secretary defense conjunction secretaries military services ensure management manufacturing workload military maintain critical capabilities ensure cost efficiency technical competence peacetime preserving ability provide effective timely response national defense contingency situations emergent requirements secretary shall report congress equipment weapons weapons systems components end items purchased foreign entities identify items manufactured military military meet goals plan moving workload military


Summary:
Preserving National Guard Combat Readiness Act of 2015

This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 to eliminate certain authority of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army to prepare for and transfer up to 48 AH-64 Apache helicopters from the Army National Guard to the regular Army.

preserving national_guard combat readiness act bill amends national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year eliminate certain authority secretary defense secretary army prepare transfer apache helicopters army_national_guard regular army


Summary:
Drone Reform Act

Prohibits operations involving the use of an armed unmanned aerial vehicle from being carried out under the authority of federal agency other than the Department of Defense (DOD).

Defines "unmanned aerial vehicle" (UAV) as an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, including drones, unmanned aircraft or aerial systems, remotely piloted aircraft or vehicles, remotely operated aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

Authorizes only uniformed members of the Armed Forces to: (1) operate, or order the operation of, an armed UAV; or (2) operate or fire, or order the operation or firing of, any weapon or other munition carried on an armed UAV.

Subjects the operation and use of armed UAVs to the requirements of laws applicable to the Armed Forces.

Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) limit or expand the authority of a component of the federal government to provide intelligence to the DOD, or (2) create or expand any authority for the federal government to kill any person.

drone reform_act prohibits operations involving use armed unmanned aerial vehicle carried authority federal agency department_of_defense dod defines unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft operated possibility direct human intervention aircraft including drones unmanned aircraft aerial systems remotely piloted aircraft vehicles remotely operated aircraft unmanned aerial vehicle systems authorizes uniformed members armed_forces operate order operation armed operate fire order operation firing weapon carried armed subjects operation use armed requirements laws applicable armed_forces prohibits act construed limit expand authority component federal_government provide intelligence dod create expand authority federal_government kill person


Summary:
Acquisition Agility Act

This bill requires all major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs) initiated after October 1, 2018, to be designed and developed with a modular open system architecture, which is an integrated business and technical strategy that:

 employs system interfaces between a major system platform (such as a ship, airplane, or ground vehicle) and its major system components; ensures that major system interfaces comply with widely supported and consensus-based standards; and allows components to be incrementally added, removed, or replaced throughout the platform's life cycle. Program capabilities development and acquisition weapon system design shall address modular open system architecture.

Each military department shall:

 coordinate with the other military departments, the defense agencies, defense and other private sector entities, and national standards-setting organizations with respect to the development of platform interfaces and standards; ensure that interfaces incorporate commercial standards; and ensure that sufficient systems engineering, development expertise, workforce training, and budgeting resources are made available. An MDAP initiated after October 1, 2018, shall include only technical development that the milestone decision authority (a designated individual with overall program responsibility) determines would not delay a program's fielding target.

Each military department shall establish or appoint an oversight board or group to manage prototype weapon system components and other technologies and subsystems.

A prototype project shall: (1) be completed within three years; (2) be selected in a merit-based process; (3) be funded through contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions; and (4) be funded initially for not more than $5 million.

Specified weapon system component or technology prototype projects (including projects that address a high war fighter priority) may be selected for a follow-on production contract or other transaction without competitive procedures. Special funding transfers are authorized.

The Department of Defense (DOD) shall assign program cost and fielding targets when MDAPs are initiated. The military department concerned shall ensure that supporting MDAP cost and fielding documents are realistic before being submitted for Joint Requirements Oversight Council approval.

The United States shall have unlimited rights to use technical data pertaining to an external interface, or to release such data to persons outside the government or permit its use by such persons, in the case of an interface that is developed: (1) with a mix of federal and private funds, or (2) exclusively with private funds.

The United States shall negotiate for data rights when items or processes are developed with a mix of federal and private funds, except if DOD determines that negotiations would not be practicable.

Deferred ordering by the United States of technical data from a private contact partner is limited to: (1) the later of five years after acceptance of the last contract item, or the date of contract termination; and (2) technical data generated in the performance of the contract.

acquisition act bill requires major defense acquisition programs mdaps initiated october designed developed modular open system architecture integrated business technical strategy employs system interfaces major system platform ship airplane ground vehicle major system components ensures major system interfaces comply widely supported consensus based standards allows components incrementally added removed replaced platform life cycle program capabilities development acquisition weapon system design shall address modular open system architecture military department shall coordinate military departments defense agencies defense private sector entities national standards setting organizations respect development platform interfaces standards ensure interfaces incorporate commercial standards ensure sufficient systems engineering development expertise workforce training budgeting resources available mdap initiated october shall include technical development milestone_decision_authority designated individual overall program responsibility determines delay program fielding target military department shall establish appoint oversight board group manage prototype weapon system components technologies prototype project shall completed years selected merit based process funded contracts cooperative agreements transactions funded initially million specified weapon system component technology prototype projects including projects address high war fighter priority selected follow production contract transaction competitive procedures special funding transfers authorized department_of_defense dod shall assign program cost fielding targets mdaps initiated military department concerned shall ensure supporting mdap cost fielding documents submitted joint requirements oversight council approval united_states shall unlimited rights use technical data pertaining external interface release data persons outside government permit use persons case interface developed mix federal private funds exclusively private funds united_states shall negotiate data rights items processes developed mix federal private funds dod determines negotiations practicable deferred ordering united_states technical data private contact partner limited later years acceptance contract item date contract termination technical data generated performance contract


Summary:
U.S.-Israel Security Cooperation Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation activities on a joint basis with Israel to establish directed energy capabilities to detect and defeat ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, mortars, and improvised explosive devices.

Activities carried out pursuant to such authority shall be conducted in a manner that protects sensitive information and U.S. and Israeli national security interests.

DOD's Missile Defense Agency shall be lead agency in carrying out these activities.

security cooperation act bill authorizes department_of_defense dod carry research development test evaluation activities joint basis israel establish directed energy capabilities detect defeat ballistic missiles cruise missiles unmanned aerial vehicles improvised explosive devices activities carried pursuant authority shall conducted manner protects sensitive information israeli national security interests dod missile_defense_agency shall lead agency carrying activities


Summary:
Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016

This bill amends the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to state that, if supplies or support services are urgently needed to eliminate a deficiency in directed energy weapon systems, the Department of Defense (DOD) may use specified rapid acquisition procedures to acquire and deploy needed offensive or defensive directed energy weapon systems capabilities, supplies, and associated support services.

"Directed energy weapon system" means military action using highly focused sound, electromagnetic, or particle-beam energy to incapacitate, damage, or destroy enemy equipment, facilities, or personnel.

The bill redesignates DOD's High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office as the Joint Directed Energy Program Office.

The Office shall: (1) develop a strategic plan for development and transition of directed energy weapons capabilities, and (2) use new and revised DOD policies to accelerate the development and transition of directed energy capabilities toward fielding.

directed energy weapon systems acquisition act bill amends bob stump national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year state supplies support services needed eliminate deficiency directed energy weapon systems department_of_defense dod use specified rapid acquisition procedures acquire deploy needed offensive defensive directed energy weapon systems capabilities supplies associated support services directed energy weapon system means military action highly focused sound electromagnetic particle beam energy damage destroy enemy equipment facilities personnel bill redesignates dod high energy laser joint technology office joint directed energy program_office office shall develop strategic plan development transition directed energy weapons capabilities use new revised dod policies accelerate development transition directed energy capabilities fielding


Summary: This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1)identify DOD equipment that would be appropriate for farm use and could be used in an equipment sharing program without jeopardizing military readiness, and (2) establish a three-year pilot program to lend such equipment to new and beginning farmers.

bill directs department_of_defense dod dod equipment appropriate farm use equipment sharing program jeopardizing military readiness establish year pilot program lend equipment new beginning farmers


Summary:
Export Control Reform Act

This bill requires all of the following items that are on the United States Munitions List and the import or export of which is controlled by the President under the Arms Export Control Act on the date of this bill's enactment to be transferred to the Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations:

 non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms, including all rifles, carbines, pistols, revolvers, and shotguns; non-automatic and non-semi-automatic rifles, carbines, revolvers, or pistols of a caliber greater than .50 inches (12.7 mm) up to and including .72 inches (18.0 mm); ammunition for such firearms excluding caseless ammunition; silencers, mufflers, and sound and flash suppressors; rifle scopes; barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames), or complete breech mechanisms; and related components, parts, accessories, attachments, tooling, and equipment.

export control reform_act bill requires following items united_states_munitions_list import export controlled president arms_export_control_act date bill enactment transferred commerce control list dual use items export administration regulations non automatic semi automatic firearms including rifles pistols shotguns non automatic non semi automatic rifles pistols caliber greater inches including inches ammunition firearms excluding ammunition sound rifle barrels cylinders receivers frames complete mechanisms related components parts accessories attachments equipment


Summary:
Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act

Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2015-FY2024: (1) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (2) to procure an SSBN-X submarine (and prohibits the use of such funds for FY2025 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines); or (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated for FY2015 or thereafter for DOD or the Department of Energy: (1) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; (2) until the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy jointly certify that the total cost of the B61 life extension program has been reduced to not more than $4 billion; (3) for the W78 life extension program; (4) for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project; (5) for the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; or (6) for RDT&E of a new air-launched cruise missile or for the W80 warhead life extension program.

Prohibits Navy forces, beginning in FY2021, from including more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment.

Requires initial and annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act.

Directs the President to submit to Congress an annual report containing a comprehensive accounting by the Office of Management and Budget of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report for the life cycle of such weapon or program.

smarter approach nuclear expenditures act prohibits obligation expenditure funds authorized appropriated department_of_defense dod fy2015 fy2024 research development test evaluation procurement long range penetrating bomber aircraft procure submarine prohibits use funds fy2025 procure submarines procurement new intercontinental ballistic missile prohibits obligation expenditure funds authorized appropriated fy2015 dod department_of_energy f-35 joint strike fighter aircraft capable carrying nuclear weapons secretary defense secretary energy jointly certify total cost life extension program reduced billion life extension program mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project uranium processing facility national security complex oak ridge tennessee new air launched cruise missile life extension program prohibits navy forces beginning fy2021 including operational ballistic missile submarines available deployment requires initial annual reports secretaries_of_defense energy outlining respective plans carry requirements act directs president submit congress annual report containing comprehensive accounting office_of_management_and_budget amounts obligated expended federal_government nuclear weapon related nuclear program fiscal year covered report life cycle weapon program


Summary:
Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act of 2016

This bill permits the use of appropriations authorized for electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems and electronic warfare in order to develop and field electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems and electronic warfare capabilities.

The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 is amended to include electronic warfare programs in the rapid acquisition authority program.

Electronic warfare is military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy, and includes electromagnetic spectrum warfare, which encompasses military communications and sensing operations that occur in the electromagnetic operational domain.

The Department of Defense shall delegate to the senior electronic warfare executive the authority to review and validate all Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System documents for electronic warfare acquisition programs.

The Electronic Warfare Executive Committee shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategic plan with measurable and timely objectives to achieve its mission according to specified metrics.

electronic warfare capabilities enhancement_act bill permits use appropriations authorized electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems electronic warfare order develop field electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems electronic warfare capabilities bob stump national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year amended include electronic warfare programs rapid acquisition authority program electronic warfare military action involving use electromagnetic directed energy control electromagnetic spectrum attack enemy includes electromagnetic spectrum warfare encompasses military communications sensing operations occur electromagnetic operational domain department_of_defense shall delegate senior electronic warfare executive authority review validate joint capabilities integration development system documents electronic warfare acquisition programs electronic warfare executive committee shall submit congressional defense committees strategic plan measurable timely objectives achieve mission according specified metrics


Summary:
Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016

This bill amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to require that the Defense Research and Development Rapid Innovation program be coordinated with the senior acquisition executives of the departments, agencies, and components of the Department of Defense (DOD).

For FY2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, DOD shall obligate for eligible program technologies a minimum of 1% of the aggregate DOD research, development, test, and evaluation budget available for projects and activities at the level of Advanced Component Development Prototypes and above.

DOD shall: (1) provide Congress with annual project briefings, and (2) issue additional program operations guidelines.

"Eligible technology" means:

 a technology that has received a phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research program or the Small Business Technology Transfer program, a technology developed by a nontraditional defense contractor, a technology developed by the defense laboratories, or any other innovative technology as determined by DOD.

rapid innovation_fund enhancement_act bill amends ike skelton national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year require defense research development rapid innovation program coordinated senior acquisition executives departments agencies components department_of_defense dod fy2017 fiscal year dod shall obligate eligible program technologies minimum aggregate dod research development test evaluation budget available projects activities level advanced component development prototypes dod shall provide congress annual project briefings issue additional program operations guidelines eligible technology means technology received phase_ii award small_business_innovation_research program small_business_technology_transfer program technology developed nontraditional defense contractor technology developed defense laboratories innovative technology determined dod


Summary:
Missile Defense Defend and Deter Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) Missile Defense Agency to administer an intercept flight test of the ground-based midcourse defense element of the ballistic missile defense system at least once each fiscal year.

Each test shall provide for:

 validation of the defense element's operational effectiveness; use of assets in their operational configuration against an inventory of targets to assess performance in a variety of flight test regimes; use of operational doctrine and real-world constraints; evaluation of new concepts of operations, tactics, and techniques; and mechanisms to assure the confidence of members of the Armed Forces in the basic design of the ground-based midcourse defense element, its hit-to-kill effectiveness, and its operational capability. The Agency may forgo a test if:

 it would jeopardize national security, not be successful due to specific ground-based midcourse defense components needing a non-intercept test, and likely fail due to impractical time considerations; or funding is insufficient. The Agency also may forgo a test if DOD determines that the testing is detrimental to U.S. national security interests and provides notice to Congress.

missile defense defend deter act bill requires department_of_defense dod missile_defense_agency administer intercept flight test ground based defense element ballistic missile defense system fiscal year test shall provide validation defense element operational effectiveness use assets operational configuration inventory targets assess performance variety flight test regimes use operational doctrine real world constraints evaluation new concepts operations tactics techniques mechanisms assure confidence members armed_forces basic design ground based defense element hit kill effectiveness operational capability agency forgo test jeopardize national security successful specific ground based defense components needing non intercept test likely fail time considerations funding insufficient agency forgo test dod determines testing detrimental national security interests provides notice congress


Summary:
Small Business National Security Innovation Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of the Navy to establish a pilot program for the commercialization of products and services produced by covered small business concerns under which the Department shall set up a multiple task or delivery order contract for those products and services.

 Nothing in this bill shall be construed to prevent the commercialization of products and services produced by a small business concern under a federal agency Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program through:

 direct awards for Phase III of an SBIR or STTR program; awards made under the Rapid Innovation Fund (for accelerating the fielding of innovative technologies developed using Department of Defense [DOD] research funding, and expedient DOD use of such technologies in defense acquisition programs); or any other contract vehicle.

small business national security innovation_act bill directs department_of_the_navy establish pilot program commercialization products services produced covered small business concerns department shall set multiple task delivery order contract products services bill shall construed prevent commercialization products services produced small business concern federal agency small_business_innovation_research sbir small_business_technology_transfer sttr program direct awards phase_iii sbir sttr program awards rapid innovation_fund accelerating fielding innovative technologies developed department_of_defense dod research funding dod use technologies defense acquisition programs contract vehicle


Summary: This bill directs the Department of Defense, in order to mitigate the risk posed to U.S. nuclear forces by the failure to replace the UH-1N helicopter, to make (and implement within 60 days) a decision for securing land-based missile fields using alternative helicopters, or making a change in security posture, until the acquisition process for a replacement helicopter has concluded.

bill directs department_of_defense order mitigate risk posed nuclear forces failure replace helicopter implement days decision securing land based missile fields alternative helicopters making change security posture acquisition process replacement helicopter concluded


Summary: National Commission on Detainee Treatment Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Commission on Detainee Treatment to: (1) conduct a comprehensive review of matters relating to the capture, custody, judicial proceedings, and repatriation of suspected unlawful enemy combatants; and (2) prepare and submit to Congress and the President a final report on Commission recommendations, findings, and conclusions.

national_commission detainee_treatment_act establishes national_commission detainee treatment conduct comprehensive review matters relating capture custody judicial proceedings repatriation suspected unlawful enemy combatants prepare submit congress president final report commission recommendations findings conclusions


Summary: Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at increased levels for FY2010-FY2015. Requires the LSC Board of Directors to include at least one individual with financial or audit experience. Eliminates state advisory councils. Increases the maximum pay level for LSC officers and employees. Requires the LSC to establish: (1) a protocol for the receipt of donations; (2) an audit committee, a finance committee, and a governance and performance review committee; (3) a continuity of operations plan; and (4) an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Requires the LSC to promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff members for all grantees, contractees, or recipients of financial assistance through the Pilot Loan Repayment Assistance Program or other appropriate programs. Limits the coverage of prohibited purpose provisions of federal law only to recipient use of funds from the LSC itself. (Thus lifts such restrictions, except those related to abortion litigation, on the use of state and local funds and private donations.) Revises eligibility requirements for LSC grantees and funds recipients, extending specific eligibility to those seeking assistance with matters relating to home foreclosure or mortgage default or delinquency. Requires distribution of LSC funds on the basis of a system of competitive bidding, as well as specific allocations for all geographic areas, Native American communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Prohibits the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to: (1) litigation relating to prison conditions; (2) the defense of an individual in a proceeding to evict him or her from a public housing project in connection with a drug offense; or (3) all but certain aliens. Authorizes the LSC to allow use of a portion of the funds provided under the grant or contract to acquire and develop information technology to promote full access to high-quality, efficient legal representation and materials for self-representation. Directs the LSC to require an audit of each recipient in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

civil access justice act amends legal_services_corporation act reauthorize legal_services_corporation increased levels fy2010 fy2015 requires board_of_directors include individual financial audit experience eliminates state advisory councils increases maximum pay level officers employees requires establish protocol receipt donations audit committee finance committee governance performance review committee continuity operations plan adequate internal control structure procedures financial reporting requires promote recruitment retention highly qualified staff members grantees recipients financial assistance pilot loan repayment assistance program appropriate programs limits coverage prohibited purpose provisions federal law recipient use funds lifts restrictions related abortion litigation use state local funds private donations revises eligibility requirements grantees funds recipients extending specific eligibility seeking assistance matters relating home foreclosure mortgage default delinquency requires distribution funds basis system competitive bidding specific allocations geographic areas native american communities migrant seasonal farm workers prohibits use funds provide legal assistance respect litigation relating prison conditions defense individual proceeding evict public housing project connection drug offense certain aliens authorizes allow use portion funds provided grant contract acquire develop information technology promote access high quality efficient legal representation materials self representation directs require audit recipient accordance generally accepted auditing standards


Summary: Service Member Second Amendment Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense (DOD) from prohibiting, issuing any requirement relating to, or collecting or recording any information relating to the otherwise lawful acquisition, possession, ownership, carrying, or other use of a privately-owned firearm, privately-owned ammunition, or another privately-owned weapon by a member of the Armed Forces or a DOD civilian employee on property that is not owned or operated by DOD. Nullifies any existing DOD regulation promulgated prior to enactment of this Act that restricts weapon ownership or use in violation of this Act. Requires the destruction of any record containing information about weapon ownership or use that was collected prior to enactment of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act limits the authority of the Secretary to: (1) regulate the possession, carrying, or other use of a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon by a member of the Armed Forces or by a DOD civilian employee while engaged in official duties or while wearing the uniform of an Armed Force; or (2) create or maintain records relating to an investigation, prosecution, or adjudication of any alleged violation of law.

service member second amendment protection act prohibits secretary defense dod prohibiting issuing requirement relating collecting recording information relating lawful acquisition possession ownership carrying use privately owned firearm privately owned ammunition privately owned weapon member armed_forces dod civilian employee property owned operated dod nullifies existing dod regulation promulgated prior enactment act restricts weapon ownership use violation act requires destruction record containing information weapon ownership use collected prior enactment act provides act limits authority secretary regulate possession carrying use firearm ammunition weapon member armed_forces dod civilian employee engaged official duties wearing uniform armed force create maintain records relating investigation prosecution adjudication alleged violation law


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the use of extrajudicial force against a citizen of the United States. Prohibits anyone, including the President, from instructing an employee or an agent of the United States from engaging in, or conspiring to engage in, the extrajudicial killing of a U.S. citizen. Requires the President to submit to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate: (1) a report on the identity of each U.S. citizen that is on the list of the Joint Special Operations Command or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a high value individual or a high value target; and (2) a written assurance that no U.S. citizens are being added to such list. Defines "extrajudicial killing" to mean a premeditated and intentional use of lethal force against a U.S. citizen, but excludes from such definition the use of force in certain circumstances, including against a U.S. citizen whose guilt has been adjudicated consistent with due process of law, who directly participates in armed hostilities against the United States, and against whom force is required for purposes of self defense, defense of others, or for enabling the release of hostages.

expresses sense congress respect use extrajudicial force citizen united_states prohibits including president instructing employee agent united_states engaging conspiring engage extrajudicial killing citizen requires president submit permanent select committee intelligence house_of_representatives select committee intelligence senate report identity citizen list joint special operations command central_intelligence_agency cia high value individual high value target written assurance citizens added list defines extrajudicial killing mean intentional use lethal force citizen excludes definition use force certain circumstances including citizen adjudicated consistent process law directly participates armed hostilities united_states force required purposes self defense defense enabling release hostages


Summary: Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and to set penalties for: (1) creating or attempting to create a human-animal hybrid (a being with human and non-human tissue as specified in this Act); (2) transferring or attempting to transfer a human embryo into a non-human womb, or a non-human embryo into a human womb; or (3) transporting or receiving for any purpose a human-animal hybrid.

human animal hybrid prohibition act amends federal criminal code prohibit set penalties creating attempting create human animal hybrid human non human tissue specified act transferring attempting transfer human embryo non human non human embryo human transporting receiving purpose human animal hybrid


Summary:
Marriage and Religious Freedom Act - Prohibits the federal government from taking an adverse action against a person on the basis that such person acts in accordance with a religious belief that: (1) marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

Defines "adverse action" as any federal government action to discriminate against such person, including: (1) denying or revoking certain tax exemptions or disallowing a deduction of any charitable contribution made to or by such person; (2) denying or excluding such person from receiving any federal grant, contract, cooperative agreement, loan, license, certification, accreditation, employment, or similar position or status; or (3) denying or withholding any benefit under a federal benefit program.

Permits a person to assert an actual or threatened violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding and to obtain compensatory damages or other appropriate relief against the federal government.

Authorizes the Attorney General (DOJ) to bring actions to enforce this Act.

Specifies that the term "person" includes any person regardless of religious affiliation, as well as corporations and other entities regardless of for-profit or nonprofit status.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

marriage religious freedom act prohibits federal_government taking adverse action person basis person acts accordance religious belief marriage recognized union man woman sexual relations properly reserved marriage defines adverse action federal_government action discriminate person including denying revoking certain tax exemptions deduction charitable contribution person denying excluding person receiving federal grant contract cooperative agreement loan license certification accreditation employment similar position status denying withholding benefit federal benefit program permits person assert actual threatened violation act claim defense judicial proceeding obtain compensatory damages appropriate relief federal_government authorizes attorney general doj bring actions enforce act specifies term person includes person regardless religious affiliation corporations entities regardless profit nonprofit status


Summary: Home Owners Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a (mortgage) claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage.Permits the bankruptcy court, in the case of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income), to consider certain interest, late fees, or other fees to be a voidable transfer if the court finds there was a substantial failure to disclose material terms regarding such interest or fees related to a mortgage claim.Authorizes delay of the prerequisite that debtor obtain counseling from an approved credit counseling agency before filing the petition in bankruptcy, if the debtor submits to the court a certification that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence has initiated foreclosure on that residence.Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of allowing bankruptcy judges to restructure principal residence mortgages on the secondary market for mortgages.

home owners mortgage equity savings act homes act_-_amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans authorize modification mortgage claim secured interest real property initiated september debtor principal residence allows principal mortgage loan fair market value real property securing loan time submission debtor plan payment debts permits waiver applicable early repayment prepayment penalties permits prohibition delay adjustments rate interest case adjustable rate mortgage permits bankruptcy court case chapter debtor individual regular income consider certain interest late fees fees transfer court finds substantial failure disclose material terms interest fees related mortgage claim authorizes delay prerequisite debtor obtain counseling approved credit counseling agency filing petition bankruptcy debtor submits court certification holder claim secured debtor principal residence initiated foreclosure residence directs comptroller_general study report congress impact allowing bankruptcy judges restructure principal residence mortgages secondary market mortgages


Summary: Amends the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 to prohibit the bankruptcy court from dismissing or converting a case based on means testing while the debtor: (1) is either on active duty or performing a homeland defense activity for at least 60 days; or (2) was either called to active duty or performed homeland defense activity as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or a member of the National Guard after September 11, 2001.

amends bankruptcy abuse prevention consumer protection act prohibit bankruptcy court dismissing converting case based means testing debtor active duty performing homeland defense activity days called active duty performed homeland defense activity member reserve component armed_forces member national_guard september


Summary: Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. Permits the bankruptcy court, in the case of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income), to consider certain interest, late fees, or other fees to be a voidable transfer if the court finds there was a substantial failure to disclose material terms regarding such interest or fees related to a mortgage claim. Authorizes delay of the prerequisite that debtor obtain counseling from an approved credit counseling agency before filing the petition in bankruptcy, if the debtor submits to the court a certification that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence has initiated foreclosure on that residence. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of allowing bankruptcy judges to restructure principal residence mortgages on the secondary market for mortgages.

home owners mortgage equity savings act homes act_-_amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans authorize modification mortgage agreed writing debtor meeting specified requirements holder claim secured interest real property initiated september debtor principal residence allows principal mortgage loan fair market value real property securing loan time submission debtor plan payment debts permits waiver applicable early repayment prepayment penalties permits prohibition delay adjustments rate interest case adjustable rate mortgage permits bankruptcy court case chapter debtor individual regular income consider certain interest late fees fees transfer court finds substantial failure disclose material terms interest fees related mortgage claim authorizes delay prerequisite debtor obtain counseling approved credit counseling agency filing petition bankruptcy debtor submits court certification holder claim secured debtor principal residence initiated foreclosure residence directs comptroller_general study report congress impact allowing bankruptcy judges restructure principal residence mortgages secondary market mortgages


Summary: Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2008 - Title I: Minimizing Foreclosures - (Sec. 102) Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by a nontraditional mortgage, or a subprime mortgage, and any lien subordinate to such claim, on the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan, at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, for a period that is the longer of 30 years (reduced by the period for which the loan has been outstanding) or the remaining term of such loan, beginning on the date of the order for relief. Provides that, if a claim has been modified to an amount below the original principal of the loan, and the debtor's principal residence is sold during the term of the plan, the holder of the claim shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the unpaid portion of the allowed secured claim, the net proceeds of the sale, or the amount of the holder's allowed unsecured claim, whichever is less. (Sec. 103) Exempts a chapter 13 debtor from the requirement for credit counseling if the court receives certification that debtor's principal residence has been scheduled for a foreclosure sale. Title II: Providing Other Debtor Protections - (Sec. 201) Declares that the plan need not provide for the payment of, and the debtor, the debtor's property, and property of the estate shall not be liable for, any fee, cost, or charge that arises in connection with a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence, if the event that gives rise to the fee, cost, or charge occurs while the case is pending but before the discharge order, except to the extent that: (1) notice to the court is filed within a specified deadline; and (2) such fees, costs, or charges are lawful, reasonable, and provided for in the agreement under which such claim or security interest arose. Permits a bankruptcy plan to provide for waiver of any prepayment penalty contained on a claim secured by debtor's principal residence.(Sec. 202) Authorizes the trustee in bankruptcy to request joinder or substitution for the debtor as the real party in interest in any action in state or federal court regarding a claim or defense asserted by an individual debtor that was not scheduled in the debtor's petition. Permits the debtor to proceed as the real party in interest if the trustee does not make such a request.(Sec. 203) Amends the judicial code to authorize the court in any core proceeding under bankruptcy law to hear and determine a proceeding in lieu of referral to arbitration if the case involves an individual debtor whose debts are primarily consumer debts.(Sec. 204) Exempts from the estate in bankruptcy up to $75,000 of the debtor's aggregate interest in real property used as debtor's principal residence if the debtor is age 55 or older (homestead exemption).(Sec. 205) Prohibits the court from allowing a claim that is subject to any remedy for damages or rescission due to failure to comply with the Truth in Lending Act or any other state or federal consumer protection law.

helping families save homes bankruptcy act title minimizing foreclosures sec amends federal bankruptcy law permit bankruptcy plan modify loan secured nontraditional mortgage subprime mortgage lien subordinate claim principal residence mortgage chapter debtor individual regular income provide payment loan fixed annual percentage rate interest period longer years reduced period loan outstanding remaining term loan beginning date order relief provides claim modified original principal loan debtor principal residence sold term plan holder claim shall entitled receive addition unpaid portion allowed secured claim net proceeds sale holder allowed unsecured claim whichever sec exempts chapter debtor requirement credit counseling court receives certification debtor principal residence scheduled foreclosure sale title providing debtor protections sec declares plan need provide payment debtor debtor property property estate shall liable fee cost charge arises connection claim secured debtor principal residence event gives rise fee cost charge occurs case pending discharge order extent notice court filed specified deadline fees costs charges lawful reasonable provided agreement claim security interest arose permits bankruptcy plan provide waiver prepayment penalty contained claim secured debtor principal authorizes trustee bankruptcy request substitution debtor real party interest action state federal court claim defense asserted individual debtor scheduled debtor petition permits debtor proceed real party interest trustee amends judicial code authorize court core proceeding bankruptcy law hear determine proceeding lieu referral arbitration case involves individual debtor debts primarily consumer exempts estate bankruptcy debtor aggregate interest real property debtor principal residence debtor age older prohibits court allowing claim subject remedy damages rescission failure comply truth lending act state federal consumer protection law


Summary: Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment; (3) civil aviation research and development (R&D); (4) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs; (5) certain other aviation programs; and (6) administrative expenses for certain airport programs. Revises passenger facility charge (PFC) provisions granting an eligible public agency that controls a commercial service airport the authority to impose a PFC on passengers boarding an aircraft. Establishes an alternative PFC collection pilot program. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to carry out a pilot program for certain airports to take over operational responsibility for airport terminal area air navigation equipment. Revises the federal share of costs for certain airport improvement projects. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out an environmental mitigation demonstration pilot program to reduce the impact of aircraft in the vicinity of airports. Establishes an Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program for non-federal acquisition of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) ground stations. Requires: (1) the FAA Administrator to make recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to assist in the transition to next generation facilities; and (2) the head of a participating department or federal agency to establish an office to coordinate its Next Generation Air Transportation System activities with other departments or federal agencies. Requires each air carrier to submit for the Secretary's approval a contingency service plan to provide passengers with: (1) adequate food, potable water, and restroom facilities in cases of a substantially delayed flight departure or disembarkment; and (2) an option to deplane if more than three hours have elapsed, and during any subsequent three-hour periods of delay. Increases additional funding for each fiscal year for the essential air service program.Extends the small community air service development program through FY2011. Establishes an advisory committee for aviation consumer protection. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) installation of systems to alert controllers and flight crews to potential runway incursions; (2) the reduction of aircraft fuel tank flammability; and (3) research grant programs to reduce civilian aircraft noise and emissions and to develop jet fuel from clean coal. Establishes pilot projects for the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to waive the prohibition against commercial air tour operations over a national park or tribal lands when there are 100 or fewer such operations conducted in a year, or there is a voluntary agreement to manage such operations over the park. American Infrastructure Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2011: (1) the excise tax on the transportation by air of persons and property; and (2) Airport and Airway Trust Fund expenditure authority. Modifies the excise tax on aviation-grade kerosene. Establishes the Air Traffic Control System Modernization Account. Imposes a surtax on fuel used in aircraft which is part of a fractional ownership program.

aviation investment modernization act amends federal transportation law authorize appropriations fy2008 fy2011 federal_aviation_administration faa operations faa air navigation facilities equipment civil aviation research development airport planning development noise compatibility planning programs certain aviation programs administrative expenses certain airport programs revises passenger facility charge pfc provisions granting eligible public agency controls commercial service airport authority impose pfc passengers boarding aircraft establishes alternative pfc collection pilot program authorizes faa_administrator carry pilot program certain airports operational responsibility airport terminal area air navigation equipment revises federal share costs certain airport improvement projects directs secretary transportation carry environmental mitigation demonstration pilot program reduce impact aircraft vicinity airports establishes air traffic control modernization oversight board authorizes secretary carry pilot program non federal acquisition automatic dependent surveillance broadcast ads ground stations requires faa_administrator recommendations realignment faa services facilities assist transition generation facilities head participating department federal agency establish office coordinate generation_air_transportation_system activities departments federal agencies requires air carrier submit secretary approval contingency service plan provide passengers adequate food potable water restroom facilities cases substantially delayed flight departure option deplane hours elapsed subsequent hour periods delay increases additional funding fiscal year essential_air_service program extends small community air service development program fy2011 establishes advisory_committee aviation consumer protection sets forth requirements respect installation systems alert controllers flight crews potential runway incursions reduction aircraft fuel tank flammability research grant programs reduce civilian aircraft noise emissions develop jet fuel clean coal establishes pilot projects safe integration unmanned aerial systems national_airspace_system extends secretary authority provide insurance reinsurance loss damage arising risk operation domestic foreign aircraft authorizes secretary interior waive prohibition commercial air tour operations national park tribal lands fewer operations conducted year voluntary agreement manage operations park american infrastructure investment improvement act amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend fy2011 excise tax transportation air persons property airport airway_trust_fund expenditure authority modifies excise tax aviation grade kerosene establishes air traffic control system modernization account imposes surtax fuel aircraft fractional ownership program


Summary: Consumer Credit Fairness Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing equitable subordination of claims in a bankruptcy case to: (1) subordinate a claim arising from a high cost consumer credit transaction to all other claims; and (2) require transfer to the estate in bankruptcy of any lien securing a subordinated claim. Defines "high cost consumer credit transaction" as an extension of credit by a creditor resulting in a consumer debt with an applicable annual percentage rate (APR), including related costs and fees, that exceeds the lesser of: (1) the sum of 15% and the yield on U.S. Treasury securities having a 30-year period of maturity; or (2) 36%. Excludes a debtor's petition for relief resulting from a high cost consumer credit transaction from mandatory consideration for dismissal, or conversion to a case under chapter 11 or 13, based upon a finding of substantial abuse.

consumer credit fairness act_-_amends federal bankruptcy law governing equitable subordination claims bankruptcy case subordinate claim arising high cost consumer credit transaction claims require transfer estate bankruptcy lien securing subordinated claim defines high cost consumer credit transaction extension credit creditor resulting consumer debt applicable annual percentage rate apr including related costs fees exceeds lesser sum yield treasury securities having year period maturity excludes debtor petition relief resulting high cost consumer credit transaction mandatory consideration dismissal conversion case chapter based finding substantial abuse


Summary: Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law to cite circumstances under which a medically distressed debtor may elect to exempt from the property of the estate in bankruptcy up to $250,000 of the debtor's aggregate interest in specified real or personal property that the debtor (or debtor's dependent) uses as a residence, in a cooperative, or in a burial plot for the debtor or a dependent.Revises requirements for dismissal or conversion of a Chapter 7 case to prohibit the court or specified parties in interest from filing a motion to dismiss or convert to Chapter 11 or 13 if the debtor is a medically distressed debtor or an economically distressed caregiver.

medical bankruptcy fairness act_-_amends federal bankruptcy law cite circumstances medically distressed debtor elect exempt property estate bankruptcy debtor aggregate interest specified real personal property debtor debtor dependent uses residence cooperative burial plot debtor dependent revises requirements dismissal conversion chapter case prohibit court specified parties interest filing motion dismiss convert chapter debtor medically distressed debtor economically distressed caregiver


Summary: Business Reorganization and Job Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends federal bankruptcy law with respect to the deemed rejection by the trustee in bankruptcy of an unexpired lease of nonresidential real property under which the debtor is the lessee and the immediate surrender of that nonresidential real property to the lessor. Revises the formula for the deadline for assumption or rejection of the unexpired lease before a rejection shall be deemed. Repeals the alternative date of the entry of an order confirming a plan, if that is the earlier of two dates. Fixes the period before deeming at 60 (currently 120) days after the order for relief. Repeals the current discretionary extension period the bankruptcy court may allow. Allows the bankruptcy court to fix another deadline for assumption or rejection, but only within the 60-day period after the order for relief. Reduces from 45 days to 10 days after a debtor's receipt of goods while insolvent the deadline by which a seller must demand reclamation of the goods in writing. Authorizes the court to deny reclamation to a seller with a right of reclamation that has made such a demand, but only if the court: (1) grants the seller's claim priority as an administrative expense; or (2) secures such claim by a lien.

business reorganization job preservation act amends federal bankruptcy law respect deemed rejection trustee bankruptcy unexpired lease nonresidential real property debtor lessee immediate surrender nonresidential real property lessor revises formula deadline assumption rejection unexpired lease rejection shall deemed repeals alternative date entry order confirming plan earlier dates fixes period deeming currently days order relief repeals current discretionary extension period bankruptcy court allow allows bankruptcy court fix deadline assumption rejection day period order relief reduces days days debtor receipt goods insolvent deadline seller demand reclamation goods writing authorizes court deny reclamation seller right reclamation demand court grants seller claim priority administrative expense secures claim lien


Summary: Savannah's Law - Amends federal bankruptcy law to declare nondischargeable in bankruptcy any debts for a personal injury that results in a permanent disability.

law amends federal bankruptcy law declare bankruptcy debts personal injury results permanent disability


Summary: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to: (1) increase the limits governing trustee compensation in a case under chapter 7; and (2) authorize the court, in determining the amount of reasonable compensation to be awarded to a trustee under chapter 7, to treat such compensation as a commission.

chapter bankruptcy administration improvement act amends federal bankruptcy law increase limits governing trustee compensation case chapter authorize court determining reasonable compensation awarded trustee chapter treat compensation commission


Summary: Bankruptcy Technical Corrections Act of 2010 - Makes technical corrections to federal bankruptcy law, relating to amendments made by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, with respect to: (1) the power of the court; (2) waiver of sovereign immunity; (3) public access to papers; (4) who may be a debtor; (5) penalties for fraudulent or negligent preparation of bankruptcy petitions; (6) debtor reporting requirements; (7) automatic stay; (8) case administration; (9) determination of tax liability; (10) priorities of creditors and claims; (11) debtor's duties; (12) exceptions to a discharge; (13) restrictions on debt relief agencies; (14) property of the estate; (15) abandonment of property of the estate; (16) treatment of certain liens; and (17) conversion or dismissal. Makes technical corrections to the federal criminal code relating to bankruptcy fraud. Makes technical corrections to the federal judicial code relating to appeals and to bankruptcy statistics.

bankruptcy technical corrections act makes technical corrections federal bankruptcy law relating amendments bankruptcy abuse prevention consumer protection act respect power court waiver sovereign immunity public access papers debtor penalties fraudulent negligent preparation bankruptcy petitions debtor reporting requirements automatic stay case administration determination tax liability priorities creditors claims debtor duties exceptions discharge restrictions debt relief agencies property estate abandonment property estate treatment certain liens conversion dismissal makes technical corrections federal criminal code relating bankruptcy fraud makes technical corrections federal judicial code relating appeals bankruptcy statistics


Summary: Protecting Homeowners and Foreclosure Stabilization Act of 2010 - Amends the bankruptcy code to make an exception to the requirement that the bankruptcy court grant relief from a stay, on the request of a party in interest, by terminating, annulling, modifying, or conditioning the stay for cause, including the lack of adequate protection of an interest in property of that party in interest. Excludes from mandatory relief from a stay on these grounds any stay of the foreclosure of the debtor's principal residence. Amends Chapter 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) of the bankruptcy code with respect to discretionary contents of the debtor's plan for adjustments of his or her debts. Allows the plan, subject to certain conditions, to modify the rights of the holder of a claim for a loan: (1) originated before the effective date of this Act, and (2) secured by a security interest (including a subordinate security interest) in the debtor's principal residence that is the subject of a notice that a foreclosure on the loan may be commenced. Specifies as such conditions that the plan: (1) prohibits, reduces, or delays any otherwise permissible adjustments to the interest rate applicable on and after the date of the filing of the plan; (2) modifies the terms and conditions of the loan to provide for the payment of interest accruing after the date of the order for relief at a fixed annual rate equal to a specified rate, plus a reasonable premium for risk; and (3) provides for payments of the modified loan directly to the claim holder. Allows a claim to be reduced under this Act only on the condition that, if the debtor sells the principal residence securing the claim before receiving a discharge from debt, and receives net proceeds from that sale, then the debtor agrees to pay the claim holder 30% of the capital gains if the residence is sold within 10 years after the plan's effective date. Extends from 14 to 30 days the deadline, under the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, for the filing of a debtor's plan after the filing of a Chapter 13 petition, if the debtor's plan would modify the rights of a claim holder pursuant to this Act. Exempts from the credit counseling requirement any debtor whose principal residence is the subject of a notice of foreclosure (or similar notice under state law). Makes it one of the duties of a debtor in a voluntary case under chapter 13, in which a debt is secured by a lien on the debtor's principal residence, to certify under penalty of perjury that, before the filing of the petition, the debtor requested the holder of the claim for such debt to modify the debt.

protecting homeowners foreclosure stabilization act amends bankruptcy code exception requirement bankruptcy court grant relief stay request party interest terminating modifying conditioning stay cause including lack adequate protection interest property party interest excludes mandatory relief stay grounds stay foreclosure debtor principal residence amends chapter adjustment debts individual regular income bankruptcy code respect discretionary contents debtor plan adjustments debts allows plan subject certain conditions modify rights holder claim loan originated effective date act secured security interest including subordinate security interest debtor principal residence subject notice foreclosure loan commenced specifies conditions plan prohibits reduces delays permissible adjustments interest rate applicable date filing plan modifies terms conditions loan provide payment interest accruing date order relief fixed annual rate equal specified rate plus reasonable premium risk provides payments modified loan directly claim holder allows claim reduced act condition debtor sells principal residence securing claim receiving discharge debt receives net proceeds sale debtor agrees pay claim holder capital gains residence sold years plan effective date extends days deadline federal rules bankruptcy procedure filing debtor plan filing chapter petition debtor plan modify rights claim holder pursuant act exempts credit counseling requirement debtor principal residence subject notice foreclosure similar notice state law makes duties debtor voluntary case chapter debt secured lien debtor principal residence certify penalty perjury filing petition debtor requested holder claim debt modify debt


Summary: Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Act of 2009 - Prohibits a foreclosure consultant from: (1) receiving compensation from a homeowner for services performed regarding residential real property until such consultant has fully performed each service contracted for; (2) holding power of attorney from any homeowner, except to inspect documents; (3) receiving consideration from a third party in connection with services rendered to a homeowner regarding the foreclosure, unless such consideration is fully, clearly, and conspicuously disclosed before such services are rendered; (4) accepting any security to secure compensation for services rendered regarding foreclosure of the residential real property; or (5) acquiring any interest in the residence of a homeowner with whom the consultant has contracted. Sets forth contract requirements. Permits a homeowner to cancel such contract without penalty or obligation.Declares void and unenforceable: (1) any waiver by a homeowner of the protections provided in this Act; and (2) any contract that does not comply with this Act.Requires a loan servicer to notify a homeowner of the dangers of fraudulent activities associated with foreclosure if the servicer finds that the homeowner has failed to make two consecutive payments on a residential mortgage loan at risk of foreclosure.Subjects a foreclosure consultant who fails to comply with this Act to liability for actual and punitive damages and for attorneys' fees. Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the states to enforce this Act.

foreclosure rescue fraud act prohibits foreclosure consultant receiving compensation homeowner services performed residential real property consultant fully performed service contracted holding power attorney homeowner inspect documents receiving consideration party connection services rendered homeowner foreclosure consideration fully clearly conspicuously disclosed services rendered accepting security secure compensation services rendered foreclosure residential real property acquiring interest residence homeowner consultant contracted sets forth contract requirements permits homeowner cancel contract penalty obligation declares void unenforceable waiver homeowner protections provided act contract comply act requires loan servicer notify homeowner dangers fraudulent activities associated foreclosure servicer finds homeowner failed consecutive payments residential mortgage loan risk foreclosure subjects foreclosure consultant fails comply act liability actual punitive damages attorneys fees empowers_the_federal_trade_commission ftc states enforce act


Summary: Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2010 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing expenses and claims to increase to $20,000: (1) allowed unsecured claims in the fourth order of priority (wages, salaries, or commissions); and (2) the factor multiplied by the number of employees covered with respect to employee benefit plan contributions in the fifth order of priority. Includes within the scope of a claim in bankruptcy certain equity securities held in a defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain individuals, but only if an employer or plan sponsor who has commenced a case in bankruptcy has committed fraud regarding the plan or has otherwise breached a duty to the participant that has proximately caused the loss of value. Allows as an administrative expense: (1) severance pay owed to certain employees of the debtor for layoff or termination (which pay shall be deemed earned in full); and (2) damages as a result of violation of law by the debtor. Includes among prerequisites for confirmation of a business reorganization bankruptcy plan (Chapter 11) provision for: (1) recovery of damages payable for the rejection of a collective bargaining agreement, or other financial returns as negotiated by the debtor and the authorized representative; (2) continued payment of retiree benefits maintained or established by the debtor before the petition filing date if no modifications are made before confirmation of the plan; and (3) recovery of claims arising from the modification of retiree benefits or for certain financial returns, as negotiated by the debtor and the authorized representative. Revises requirements governing: (1) rejection of collective bargaining agreements; (2) payment of insurance benefits to retired employees, including benefit modifications proposed by the trustee; and (3) a trustee's administrative power to dispose of property. Requires the court, in approving a sale of business assets, to consider the extent to which a bidder has offered to maintain existing jobs, preserve terms and conditions of employment, and assume or match pension and retiree health benefit obligations in determining whether an offer constitutes the highest or best offer for such property. Requires the bankruptcy court to allow certain claims asserted by an active or retired participant, or by a labor organization representing such participant, for any shortfall in pension benefits accrued as a result of the termination of the plan and limitations upon the payment of certain statutory benefits. States that, if employees have not received wages and benefits for services rendered on and after the date of the commencement of the case in bankruptcy, such unpaid obligations shall be deemed necessary costs and expenses of preserving, or disposing of, property securing an allowed secured claim and shall be recovered even if the trustee has otherwise waived certain provisions under an agreement with the holder of the allowed secured claim. Allows reduction of a debtor's time frame for filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan in the event of: (1) the filing of a motion seeking rejection of a collective bargaining agreement if a plan based upon an alternative proposal by the labor organization is reasonably likely to be confirmed within a reasonable time; or (2) the proposed filing of a plan by a proponent other than the debtor, which incorporates the terms of a settlement with a labor organization, if such plan is reasonably likely to be confirmed within a reasonable time. Modifies requirements for confirmation of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan to prohibit approval of: (1) payments or other distributions for the benefit of insiders, senior executive officers, and certain highly compensated employees or consultants providing services to the debtor, except as part of those generally applicable to the debtor's employees if the court determines that such payments are not excessive or disproportionate compared to distributions to the debtor's nonmanagement workforce; and (2) insider compensation unless approved by the court as reasonable according to specified criteria. Restricts: (1) certain executive compensation enhancements as part of the allowance of administrative expenses; (2) trustee assumption of certain deferred compensation arrangements for the benefit of insiders, senior executive officers, or certain highly compensated employees of the debtor; and (3) trustee assumption of retiree benefits for insiders, senior executive officers, or certain highly compensated employees of the debtor if the debtor has obtained relief to impose reductions in retiree benefits, or health benefits of active employees of the debtor, or has reduced or eliminated health benefits for active or retired employees within 180 days before the date of the commencement of the case. Requires the court, where a debtor has obtained relief by which it reduces the cost of its obligations under a collective bargaining agreement or a retiree plan, fund, or program of retiree benefits, to determine before granting relief the percentage diminution in the value of the obligations when compared to the debtor's obligations under the collective bargaining agreement, or with respect to retiree benefits. Authorizes the trustee in bankruptcy to avoid a transfer made in anticipation of bankruptcy to or for the benefit of an insider, including certain consultants who were formerly insiders and who are retained to provide services to an entity that becomes a debtor. Grants a labor organization creditor status for purposes of filing a proof of claim. Declares that the filing of a petition for relief does not operate as an automatic stay of the commencement or continuation of a dispute resolution proceeding established by a collective bargaining agreement that was or could have been commenced against the debtor before the filing of a petition, including payment or enforcement of an award or settlement under such proceeding.

protecting_employees retirees business bankruptcies act amends federal bankruptcy law governing expenses claims increase allowed unsecured claims fourth order priority wages salaries commissions factor multiplied number employees covered respect employee benefit plan contributions fifth order priority includes scope claim bankruptcy certain equity securities held defined contribution plan benefit certain individuals employer plan sponsor commenced case bankruptcy committed fraud plan breached duty participant proximately caused loss value allows administrative expense severance pay owed certain employees debtor layoff termination pay shall deemed earned damages result violation law debtor includes prerequisites confirmation business reorganization bankruptcy plan chapter provision recovery damages payable rejection collective bargaining agreement financial returns negotiated debtor authorized representative continued payment retiree benefits maintained established debtor petition filing date modifications confirmation plan recovery claims arising modification retiree benefits certain financial returns negotiated debtor authorized representative revises requirements governing rejection collective bargaining agreements payment insurance benefits retired employees including benefit modifications proposed trustee trustee administrative power dispose property requires court approving sale business assets consider extent bidder offered maintain existing jobs preserve terms conditions employment assume match pension retiree health benefit obligations determining offer constitutes highest best offer property requires bankruptcy court allow certain claims asserted active retired participant labor organization representing participant shortfall pension benefits accrued result termination plan limitations payment certain statutory benefits states employees received wages benefits services rendered date commencement case bankruptcy unpaid obligations shall deemed necessary costs expenses preserving disposing property securing allowed secured claim shall recovered trustee waived certain provisions agreement holder allowed secured claim allows reduction debtor time frame filing chapter bankruptcy plan event filing motion seeking rejection collective bargaining agreement plan based alternative proposal labor organization reasonably likely confirmed reasonable time proposed filing plan proponent debtor incorporates terms settlement labor organization plan reasonably likely confirmed reasonable time modifies requirements confirmation chapter bankruptcy plan prohibit approval payments distributions benefit insiders senior executive officers certain highly compensated employees consultants providing services debtor generally applicable debtor employees court determines payments excessive disproportionate compared distributions debtor workforce insider compensation approved court reasonable according specified criteria restricts certain executive compensation enhancements allowance administrative expenses trustee assumption certain deferred compensation arrangements benefit insiders senior executive officers certain highly compensated employees debtor trustee assumption retiree benefits insiders senior executive officers certain highly compensated employees debtor debtor obtained relief impose reductions retiree benefits health benefits active employees debtor reduced eliminated health benefits active retired employees days date commencement case requires court debtor obtained relief reduces cost obligations collective bargaining agreement retiree plan fund program retiree benefits determine granting relief percentage diminution value obligations compared debtor obligations collective bargaining agreement respect retiree benefits authorizes trustee bankruptcy avoid transfer anticipation bankruptcy benefit insider including certain consultants insiders retained provide services entity debtor grants labor organization creditor status purposes filing proof claim declares filing petition relief operate automatic stay commencement continuation dispute resolution proceeding established collective bargaining agreement commenced debtor filing petition including payment enforcement award settlement proceeding


Summary: Fairness for Struggling Students Act of 2010 - Revises federal bankruptcy law with respect to the exemption from the exception to discharge in bankruptcy for certain educational loans if excepting such debt from discharge would impose an undue hardship on the debtor and debtor's dependents. Limits such exemption to the existing ones for: (1) an educational benefit overpayment or loan made, insured, or guaranteed by a governmental unit or made under any program funded in whole or in part by a governmental unit; and (2) an obligation to repay funds received from a governmental unit as an educational benefit, scholarship, or stipend. Repeals the current exemption for: (1) any loan made under any program funded in whole or in part by a governmental unit or nonprofit institution; and (2) any other qualified education loan incurred by an individual debtor on behalf of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any dependent, including indebtedness used to refinance a qualified education loan. (Thus makes both kinds of loans nondischargeable in bankruptcy.)

fairness struggling students act revises federal bankruptcy law respect exemption exception discharge bankruptcy certain educational loans excepting debt discharge impose undue hardship debtor debtor dependents limits exemption existing ones educational benefit overpayment loan insured guaranteed governmental unit program funded governmental unit obligation repay funds received governmental unit educational benefit scholarship stipend repeals current exemption loan program funded governmental unit nonprofit institution qualified education loan incurred individual debtor behalf taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependent including indebtedness refinance qualified education loan makes kinds loans bankruptcy


Summary: Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2011 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit an individual debtor to exempt from the property of the estate in bankruptcy the debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed $3,000, in a single rifle, shotgun, or pistol or any combination of them.

protecting gun owners bankruptcy act amends federal bankruptcy law permit individual debtor exempt property estate bankruptcy debtor aggregate interest exceed single rifle shotgun pistol combination


Summary: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2011 - Amends the federal judicial code to require chapter 11 (Reorganization) bankruptcy cases filed by corporations to be commenced in the district court for the district in which: (1) the corporation's principal place of business or principal assets in the United States have been located for one year immediately preceding such commencement, or for a longer portion of such one-year period than such corporation's U.S. principal place of business or principal assets were located in any other district; or (2) an affiliate of such corporation has a liquidation case pending, if the affiliate owns, controls, or holds with power to vote over 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such corporation. Applies such venue requirements only to cases commenced on or after enactment of this Act.

chapter bankruptcy venue reform_act amends federal judicial code require chapter reorganization bankruptcy cases filed corporations commenced district_court district corporation principal place business principal assets united_states located year immediately preceding commencement longer portion year period corporation principal place business principal assets located district affiliate corporation liquidation case pending affiliate owns controls holds power vote outstanding voting securities corporation applies venue requirements cases commenced enactment act


Summary: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to: (1) increase the limits governing trustee compensation in a case under chapter 7; and (2) authorize the court, in determining the amount of reasonable compensation to be awarded to a trustee under chapter 7, to treat such compensation as a commission.