SWMissourian

Yea

You need to give credit for the provisions used from RL. In this case, it looks like much of the bill comes from U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. 

Senator Clarke, for himself and others (and with thanks to Senator Blunt), introduced the following bill:

A BILL

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2017”.

 

SEC. 2. Findings.

Congress finds the following:

(1) Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other houses of worship throughout communities nationwide play an essential role in the daily lives of the communities.

(2) The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (referred to in this section as “FEMA”) public assistance program provides financial grants for the repair of various types of private nonprofit facilities.

(3) Among the types of nonprofits to which FEMA provides such grants are those in which citizens gather and engage in a variety of educational, enrichment, and social activities. These activities are essential to community building and occur in houses of worship.

(4) Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), FEMA’s disaster relief program is a general government program under which assistance is provided in the wake of a natural disaster using criteria that are neutral with regard to religion.

(5) Congress has previously enacted legislation providing financial assistance to religious nonprofit institutions, including houses of worship, on terms equal to other eligible nonprofit institutions.

(6) Such legislation is consistent with recent precedents of the Supreme Court of the United States and legal opinions issued by the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice.

 

SEC. 3. Inclusion of houses of worship as private nonprofit facilities eligible for disaster relief.

(a) Definition of private nonprofit facility.—Section 102(11)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(11)(B)) is amended to read as follows:

“(B) ADDITIONAL FACILITIES.—In addition to the facilities described in subparagraph (A), the term ‘private nonprofit facility’ includes any private nonprofit facility that provides essential services of a governmental nature to the general public (including museums, zoos, performing arts facilities, community arts centers, community centers, including houses of worship exempt from taxation under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, libraries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers, rehabilitation facilities, shelter workshops, and facilities that provide health and safety services of a governmental nature), as defined by the President.”.

(b) Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities.—Section 406(a)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(C) HOUSES OF WORSHIP.—A church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other house of worship, and a private nonprofit facility operated by a religious organization, shall be eligible for contributions under paragraph (1)(B), without regard to the religious character of the facility or the primary religious use of the facility.”.

(c) Applicability.—This section and the amendments made by this section shall apply to the provision of assistance in response to a major disaster or emergency declared on or after October 28, 2012.

 

PES:

This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include community centers, including tax-exempt houses of worship, as "private nonprofit facilities" for purposes of disaster relief and emergency assistance eligibility under such Act.

 

A church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other house of worship, and a private nonprofit facility operated by a religious organization, are eligible for federal contributions for the repair, restoration, and replacement of facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster, without regard to the religious character of the facility or the primary religious use of the facility.

 

This bill is applicable to the provision of assistance in response to a major disaster or emergency declared on or after October 28, 2012.

Senator Clarke, for himself and others (and with thanks to Senator Graham), introduced the following bill:

A BILL

To condition assistance to the West Bank and Gaza on steps by the Palestinian Authority to end violence and terrorism against Israeli citizens and United States Citizens.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Taylor Force Act”.

 

SEC. 2. Findings.

Congress makes the following findings:

(1) The Palestinian Authority’s practice of paying salaries to terrorists serving in Israeli prisons, as well as to the families of deceased terrorists, is an incentive to commit acts of terror.

(2) The United States does not provide direct budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority. The United States does pay certain debts held by the Palestinian Authority and fund programs which the Palestinian Authority would otherwise be responsible for.

 

SEC. 3. Sense of Congress.

Congress—

(1) calls on the Palestinian Authority to stop these payments and repeal the laws authorizing them;

(2) calls on all donor countries providing budgetary assistance to the Palestinian Authority to cease direct budgetary support until the Palestinian Authority stops all payments incentivizing terror;

(3) supports the creation of a general welfare system, available to all Palestinian citizens within the jurisdictional control of the Palestinian Authority;

(4) urges the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use that position to highlight the issue of Palestinian Authority payments for acts of terrorism and to urge other member nations of the Security Council and the General Assembly to join the United States in calling on the Palestinian Authority to end this system immediately; and

(5) urges the Department of State to use its bilateral and multilateral engagements with all governments and organizations committed to the cause of peace to highlight the issue of Palestinian Authority payments for acts of terrorism and join the United States in calling on the Palestinian Authority to end this system immediately.

 

SEC. 4. Limitation on assistance to the West Bank and Gaza.

(a) In general.—Funds appropriated or otherwise made available for assistance under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2346 et seq.; relating to Economic Support Fund) and available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza that directly benefit the Palestinian Authority may only be made available for such purpose if the Secretary of State certifies in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that the Palestinian Authority—

(1) is taking credible steps to end acts of violence against Israeli citizens and United States citizens that are perpetrated by individuals under its jurisdictional control, such as the March 2016 attack that killed former United States Army officer Taylor Force, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan;

(2) has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against Israeli citizens and United States citizens to any individual, after being fairly tried, who has been imprisoned for such acts of terrorism and to any individual who died committing such acts of terrorism, including to a family member of such individuals; and

(3) has revoked any law, decree, regulation, or document authorizing or implementing a system of compensation for imprisoned individuals that uses the sentence or period of incarceration of an individual to determine the level of compensation paid.

(b) Exception.—The limitation on assistance under subsection (a) shall not apply to payments made to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network.

(c) Rule of construction.—Amounts withheld pursuant to this section shall be deemed to satisfy any similar withholding or reduction required under any other provision of law.

 

SEC. 5. Continuous certification.

Funds appropriated or otherwise made available for assistance under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2346 et seq.; relating to Economic Support Fund) and available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza may only be made available for such purpose if, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State certifies in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that the Palestinian Authority is taking credible and verifiable steps to end acts of violence against Israeli citizens and United States citizens that are perpetrated by individuals under its jurisdictional control.

 

SEC. 6. Annual report.

(a) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report including at a minimum the following elements:

(1) An estimate of the amount expended by the Palestinian Authority during the previous calendar year as payments for acts of terrorism by individuals who are imprisoned for such acts.

(2) An estimate of the amount expended by the Palestinian Authority during the previous calendar year as payments to the families of deceased individuals who committed an act of terrorism.

(3) An overview of Palestinian laws, decrees, regulations, or documents in effect the previous calendar year that authorize or implement any payments reported under paragraphs (1) and (2).

(4) A description of United States Government policy, efforts, and engagement with the Palestinian Authority in order to confirm the revocation of any law, decree, regulation, or document in effect the previous calendar year that authorizes or implements any payments reported under paragraphs (1) and (2).

(5) A description of United States Government policy, efforts, and engagement with other governments, and at the United Nations, to highlight the issue of Palestinian payments for acts of terrorism and to urge other nations to join the United States in calling on the Palestinian Authority to end this system immediately.

(b) Form of report.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

 

SEC. 7. Appropriate congressional committees defined.

In this Act, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(1) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

 

PES:

(Sec. 3) This bill: (1) calls on the Palestinian Authority's (PA) to stop making payments to terrorists in Israeli prisons and to the families of deceased terrorists, (2) calls on countries to cease providing direct budgetary assistance to the PA until it stops all payments incentivizing terror, (3) urges the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) and the Department of State to highlight the issue and urge other nations to call for an end to such payments, and (4) expresses support for creation of a general welfare system for all Palestinian citizens.

(Sec. 4) Certain assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that directly benefits the PA may not be made available for the West Bank and Gaza unless the State Department certifies that the PA:

• is taking steps to end acts of violence against U.S. and Israeli citizens perpetrated by individuals under its jurisdictional control, such as the March 2016 attack that killed former Army officer Taylor Force;
• has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against U.S. and Israeli citizens to any individual who has been fairly tried and imprisoned for such acts, to any individual who died committing such acts, and to family members of such an individual;
• has revoked any law, decree, or document authorizing or implementing a system of compensation for imprisoned individuals that uses the sentence or incarceration period to determine compensation; and
• is publicly condemning such acts and is taking steps to investigate or is cooperating in investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

This assistance limitation shall not apply to payments made to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network.

(Sec. 5) Certain assistance under such Act for the West Bank and Gaza may not be made available unless the State Department certifies every 180 days that the PA is taking verifiable steps to end acts of violence against Israeli and U.S. citizens by individuals under its jurisdictional control.

(Sec. 6) The bill establishes the Palestinian Authority Accountability Fund, which shall consist of amounts withheld under this bill. Such amounts may be made available upon a State Department certification that the PA has met the conditions for which they were withheld.

(Sec. 7) The State Department shall report to Congress annually with respect to: (1) PA expenditures as payments to individuals and families for acts of terrorism; (2) Palestinian laws, decrees, regulations, or documents that authorize or implement such payments and U.S. policy and engagement with the PA to confirm their revocation; and (3) U.S. policy and engagement with other governments and the U.N. to highlight such payments and urge other nations to join the United States in calling on the PA to end them.

Senator Clarke, for himself and others (and with thanks to Senator Whitehouse), introduced the following bill:

A BILL

To encourage the research and use of innovative materials and associated techniques in the construction and preservation of the domestic transportation and water infrastructure system, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Innovative Materials for America's Growth and Infrastructure Newly Expanded Act of 2017” or the “IMAGINE Act”.

 

SEC. 2. Purposes.

The purposes of this Act are—

(1) to encourage the research and use of innovative materials, in concert with traditional materials, and associated techniques in the construction and preservation of the domestic infrastructure network;

(2) to accelerate the deployment and extend the service life, improve the performance, and reduce the cost of infrastructure projects; and

(3) to improve the economy, resilience, maintainability, sustainability, and safety of the domestic infrastructure network.

 

SEC. 3. Definition of innovative material.

In this Act, the term “innovative material”, with respect to an infrastructure project, includes high performance asphalt mixtures and concrete formulations, geosynthetic materials, advanced alloys and metals, reinforced polymer composites, including any coating or other corrosion prevention method used in conjunction with those materials, advanced polymers, and any other material or aggregate materials, as determined by the appropriate agency or department head.

 

SEC. 4. Interagency innovative materials standards task force.

(a) Establishment.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall establish an Interagency Innovative Materials Standards Task Force (referred to in this section as the “Task Force”) composed of the heads of Federal agencies responsible for significant civil infrastructure projects, including—

(A) the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration;

(B) the Commanding General and Chief of Engineers of the Corps of Engineers;

(C) the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; and

(D) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(2) CHAIRPERSON.—The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall serve as Chairperson of the Task Force.

(b) Purpose.—The Task Force shall coordinate and improve, with respect to infrastructure construction, retrofitting, rehabilitation, and other improvements—

(1) Federal testing standards;

(2) Federal design and use guidelines; and

(3) other applicable standards.

(c) Report.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Task Force shall conduct, and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the results of, a study—

(A) to assess the standards for the use of innovative materials in infrastructure projects; and

(B) to identify any barriers relating to the standards described in subparagraph (A) that preclude the use of certain products or associated techniques.

(2) REPORT.—The report under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) identify any non-Federal entities or other organizations, including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, that develop relevant standards; and

(B) outline a strategy to improve coordination and information sharing between the entities described in subparagraph (A) and any relevant Federal agencies.

(d) Improved coordination.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Task Force shall collaborate with any non-Federal entity identified under subsection (c)(2)(A)—

(1) to identify and carry out appropriate research, testing methods, and processes relating to the development and use of innovative materials;

(2) to develop new methods and processes relating to the development and use of innovative materials, as the applicable agency head determines to be necessary; and

(3) to contribute to the development of standards and guidelines for the use of innovative materials and approaches in civil infrastructure projects.

 

SEC. 5. Innovative material innovation hubs.

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) HUB.—The term “Hub” means an Innovative Material Innovation Hub established under this section.

(2) QUALIFYING ENTITY.—The term “qualifying entity” means—

(A) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)));

(B) an appropriate Federal or State entity, including a federally funded research and development center of the Department of Transportation;

(C) a university transportation center under section 5505 of title 49, United States Code;

(D) an Innovative Material Innovation Hub in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; and

(E) any other relevant entity the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(3) SECRETARY.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.

(b) Authorization of program.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry out a program to enhance the development of innovative materials in the United States by making awards to consortia for establishing and operating new Hubs, to be known as “Innovative Material Innovation Hubs”, to conduct and support multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of innovative materials.

(2) LOCATION OF HUBS.—To the extent practicable, each Hub shall be located at 1 centralized location.

(3) TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FOCUS.—The Secretary shall designate for each new Hub a unique innovative material focus, such as material development, infrastructure applications, and other focus areas identified by the Secretary.

(4) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall ensure the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities of each Hub with the activities of—

(A) other research entities of the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration;

(B) the National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801));

(C) the Corps of Engineers;

(D) the Environmental Protection Agency;

(E) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

(F) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;

(G) the Department of Defense;

(H) an industry consortium meeting the requirements under subsection (c)(1); and

(I) any other Federal agencies or industry consortia conducting substantially similar work.

(c) Application process.—

(1) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive an award for the establishment and operation of a Hub under subsection (b)(1), a consortium shall—

(A) be composed of not fewer than 2 qualifying entities;

(B) operate subject to a binding agreement, entered into by each member of the consortium, that documents—

(i) the proposed partnership agreement, including the governance and management structure of the Hub;

(ii) measures the consortium will undertake to enable cost-effective implementation of activities under the program described in subsection (b)(1); and

(iii) a proposed budget, including financial contributions from non-Federal sources; and

(C) operate as a nonprofit organization.

(2) APPLICATION.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—A consortium seeking to establish and operate a Hub under subsection (b)(1) shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a detailed description of—

(i) each element of the consortium agreement required under paragraph (1)(B); and

(ii) any existing facilities the consortium intends to provide for Hub activities.

(B) REQUIREMENT.—If the consortium members will not be located at 1 centralized location, the application under subparagraph (A) shall include a communications plan that ensures close coordination and integration of Hub activities.

(3) SELECTION.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall select consortia for awards for the establishment and operation of Hubs through a competitive selection process.

(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In selecting consortia under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider—

(i) the information disclosed by the consortium under this subsection;

(ii) any existing facilities a consortium will provide for Hub activities; and

(iii) maintaining regional variety in locations of selected Hubs.

(d) Term.—An award made to a Hub under this section shall be for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations, after which the award may be renewed, subject to a rigorous merit review.

(e) Hub Operations.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Each Hub shall conduct or provide for multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of innovative materials within the technology development focus designated under subsection (b)(3).

(2) ACTIVITIES.—Each Hub shall—

(A) encourage collaboration and communication among the member qualifying entities of the consortium as described in subsection (c)(1) and awardees;

(B) develop and publish proposed plans and programs on a publicly accessible website;

(C) submit to the Department of Transportation an annual report summarizing the activities of the Hub, including information—

(i) detailing organizational expenditures; and

(ii) describing each project undertaken by the Hub; and

(D) monitor project implementation and coordination.

(3) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.—Each Hub shall maintain conflict of interest procedures, consistent with the conflict of interest procedures of the Department of Transportation.

(4) PROHIBITION ON CONSTRUCTION.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B)—

(i) no funds provided under this section may be used for construction of new buildings or facilities for Hubs; and

(ii) construction of new buildings or facilities shall not be considered as part of the non-Federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement.

(B) TEST BED AND RENOVATION EXCEPTION.—Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the use of funds provided under this section or non-Federal cost share funds for the construction of a test bed or renovations to existing buildings or facilities for the purposes of research if the Secretary determines that the test bed or renovations are limited to a scope and scale necessary for the research to be conducted.

 

SEC. 6. Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center.

Section 503(b)(7) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(C) INNOVATIVE MATERIALS.—

“(i) DEFINITION OF INNOVATIVE MATERIAL.—In this subparagraph, the term ‘innovative material’ includes high performance asphalt mixtures and concrete formulations, geosynthetic materials, advanced alloys and metals, reinforced polymer composites, including any coating or other corrosion prevention method used in conjunction with those materials, advanced polymers, and any other material or aggregate materials, as determined by the appropriate agency or department head.

“(ii) COLLABORATION WITH STATES AND TRIBES.—The Secretary shall expand the capacity of the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center to collaborate with relevant State and Tribal agencies—

“(I) with respect to the use of innovative materials in construction projects carried out by the State and Tribal agencies; and

“(II) to understand and identify—

“(aa) the needs of the State and Tribal agencies; and

“(bb) innovative materials that may be further researched, developed, and used to meet those needs.

“(iii) ACTIVITIES.—The collaboration described in clause (ii) may include—

“(I) the development of new training for State and Tribal agencies; and

“(II) the expansion of technical training that involves State or Tribal departments of transportation in the development of new construction designs for innovative materials at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center.

“(iv) PRIORITY RESEARCH.—The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center shall prioritize research relating to—

“(I) the use of innovative materials in—

“(aa) bridges with a span equal to or greater than 50 feet;

“(bb) highway reconstruction and rehabilitation; and

“(cc) rural road infrastructure; and

“(II) coastal resiliency.

“(v) FUNDING.—Of the amounts made available to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall set aside $8,000,000 to carry out this subparagraph.

“(D) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 an amount equal to the sum of—

“(i) the amount appropriated to carry out this paragraph for fiscal year 2017; and

“(ii) $8,000,000.”.

 

SEC. 7. Innovative Bridge Program.

(a) Definition of Administrator.—In this section, the term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.

(b) Establishment.—The Administrator shall establish a grant program, to be known as the “Innovative Bridge Program”, to provide grants to State departments of transportation, Tribal governments, or units of local government for coastal and rural infrastructure bridge projects.

(c) Applications.—To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (b), a State department of transportation or unit of Tribal or local government shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(d) Eligible projects.—To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (b) or (g), a coastal or rural infrastructure bridge project or a value engineering project shall—

(1) be for the purpose of construction, preservation, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of a bridge with a span equal to or greater than 50 feet;

(2) be carried out in a manner so as to reduce traffic impact;

(3) use innovative materials that—

(A) are resistant to corrosion; and

(B) extend the service life of the bridge; and

(4) reduce preservation costs, as compared to conventionally designed and constructed bridges.

(e) Preferences.—In providing grants under this section, the Administrator shall give preference to proposed projects that—

(1) use materials that are domestically produced and sourced;

(2) use nontraditional production techniques, such as factory prefabrication; and

(3) retrofit a bridge.

(f) Special consideration for at-Risk areas.—In providing grants under this section, the Administrator shall give special consideration to projects located in rural areas or areas prone to coastal or inland flooding due to severe storms (such as hurricanes or rain bursts), storm surges, or projected sea level rise during the projected lifetime of the project.

(g) Value engineering using innovative materials.—Of the amounts made available to carry out this section, the Administrator shall set aside $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 to provide funding to 1 or more State departments of transportation or units of Tribal or local government that submit to the Administrator an application to carry out value engineering of a standard bridge design to enhance the performance of the bridge (including extending the service life of the bridge, increasing resistance to corrosion, and reducing construction and preservation costs) through the use of innovative materials.

(h) Reports.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and make publicly available a report describing the status of each project carried out using funds awarded under this section.

(i) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022.

 

SEC. 8. Water Infrastructure Innovation Program.

(a) Establishment.—The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the “Administrator”) shall establish a grant program, to be known as the “Water Infrastructure Innovation Program”, to provide grants for the design and installation of water infrastructure projects, including wastewater transport and treatment systems and drinking water treatment and distribution systems, that use innovative materials to reduce total costs, including operation and preservation expenses, and extend the service life of installed structures.

(b) Applications.—To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an applicant shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(c) Eligible projects.—To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), a water infrastructure project shall—

(1) serve a community with a population between 3,301 and 99,999; and

(2) use innovative materials that—

(A) are resistant to degradation;

(B) extend service life; or

(C) provide long-term protection of water facilities and systems.

(d) Preference.—In providing grants under this section, the Administrator shall give preference to proposed projects that use materials that are domestically produced and sourced.

(e) Special consideration for at-Risk areas.—In providing grants under this section, the Administrator shall give special consideration to projects located in areas that are prone to saltwater intrusion or flooding due to severe storms, rain bursts, storm surges, or projected sea level rise during the projected lifetime of the project.

(f) Reports.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and make publicly available a report describing the status of each project carried out using funds awarded under this section.

(g) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022.

 

PES:

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish an Interagency Innovative Materials Standards Task Force to coordinate and improve, with respect to infrastructure construction, retrofitting, rehabilitation, and other improvements: (1) federal testing standards, (2) federal design and use guidelines, and (3) other applicable standards.

 

The task force shall collaborate with certain nonfederal entities to: (1) identify and carry out appropriate research, testing methods, and processes relating to the development and use of innovative materials; (2) develop new methods and processes relating to the development and use of innovative materials; and (3) contribute to the development of standards and guidelines for the use of innovative materials and approaches in civil infrastructure projects. The term "innovative material," with respect to an infrastructure project, includes high performance asphalt mixtures and concrete formulations, geosynthetic materials, advanced alloys and metals, reinforced polymer composites, including any coating or other corrosion prevention method used in conjunction with those materials, advanced polymers, and any other material or aggregate materials, as determined by the appropriate agency or department head.

 

The Department of Transportation shall carry out a program to enhance the development of innovative materials in the United States.

 

The Federal Highway Administration shall establish the Innovative Bridge Program to provide grants for coastal and rural infrastructure bridge projects.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency shall establish the Water Infrastructure Innovation Program to provide grants for the design and installation of water infrastructure projects.

Welcome back, Wilder! Long time no see!

Welcome!

Mr. President, 

 

I move for cloture and yield. 

Senator Clarke Discusses Bill to Expand CTC for Pregnant Moms in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO - US Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) visited Options for Women, a pregnancy resource center in Cape Girardeau, to discuss his bill to expand the Child Tax Credit to cover pregnant mothers. 
 

“Becoming pregnant, especially for the first time, it really changes your life. That’s how it was for my wife and me many years ago when she got pregnant with our oldest,” Senator Clarke said. “It was a tremendous blessing. All children are beautiful blessings from God. But it can be a scary experience too. One thing I want young parents to have to worry about less is finances, so they can focus on taking care of themselves and preparing for the baby.” 
 

Senator Clarke’s bill, the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, allows the Child Tax Credit to be claimed for eligible unborn children, giving young parents much more breathing room on their finances thanks to targeted tax relief. 
 

“I think that young parents need this support the most, arguably, but they don’t have children born yet to claim the credit. But I can’t tell you that a young mother who will bear her first child in a few months doesn’t deserve the same support. I think she does, and that’s why I introduced this bill.” 
 

The bill has received bipartisan support. Senator John Carlsen (D-IN) is an original co-sponsor, and Senators William Whitaker (R-KY), Anne Morello (R-ID), and David Stewart (R-PA) signed on as co-sponsors after the bill was introduced to the Senate. 
 

Senator Clarke also highlighted the important work of places like Options for Women. “Places like this exist all across our great state, and y’all do amazing work for mothers. From counseling to education to free health screenings and treatment and beyond, resource centers like this one are a blessing for countless mothers.” 
 

Senator Clarke was joined in his visit by his wife, Zoe. Together, they’ve had four children, the oldest of which is 23 and the youngest of which is 13. 

Nay

Yea

Yea

Yea

Senator Clarke Discusses Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act at Franklin Technology Center in Joplin

JOPLIN, MO - US Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) visited Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO, to discuss the vital work that institutions like Franklin Tech provide for students and adult education and their role in addressing future challenges related to automation in the workforce. Specifically, he related their work to the Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, a bill he sponsored to address these concerns, which is set to pass the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.

 

"We've seen the kind of problems that automation can bring to communities," Senator Clarke said in remarks given to local officials, educators, and students. "You have thriving, vibrant communities centered on good jobs in manufacturing, transportation, or other such industries, and just over a couple short decades, the jobs dry up and the community suffers. Why? The jobs were swept away by the rising tide of technology and automation, and there was no plan for the folks who got the short end of the stick. Right now, we're in the middle of a new industrial revolution as digital computing technology advances at a stunning pace. We should welcome innovation that breeds prosperity and opportunity, but we must also be ready for the negative changes that accompany the positive."

 

The Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act directs the Government Accountability Office to study barriers to providing, and opportunities for improving, training for workers in industries potentially threatened by automation. It also directs the Department of Labor to award grants that power partnerships for addressing these concerns in new, innovative programs, while also expanding existing grants for dislocated workers.

 

"Innovation is good. We can't keep the future from coming," Senator Clarke said. "But we can make sure we have a plan to ensure that the future is just as bright for the next generation as the present, if not brighter. That is the goal of the Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act. It will empower institutions like Franklin Tech and many others throughout Missouri and the nation to tackle these issues. By investing today, we can reap the rewards many times over in the future as our children and our children's children prosper in well-paying jobs that will support their own families and allow them to pursue the American Dream."

 

Franklin Technology Center is a post-secondary educational institution that partners with local high schools to provide practical knowledge in advanced fields, including nursing, medicine, STEM fields, child development, and more. It provides adults in the area with the opportunity to pursue high-quality education that enriches their career prospects and puts them on the path to higher economic well-being. Institutions like Franklin Tech will be vital in the fight to blaze new trails for workers in a more automated workforce.

 

"This isn't just about 'learn to code'," Senator Clarke said. "This is about building out new paths that anyone can follow the enrich themselves, acquire new skills, and make something for themselves and their family today and tomorrow."

11 hours ago, Garson said:

Great-Great-Grandfather was born enslaved in 1862 in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, but was freed during a slave riot in 1870.

Slavery was abolished in 1865. The Emancipation Proclamation also would have applied since slaves under Confederate authority were declared free in 1863, so he would have been freed by Union soldiers during the occupation of South Carolina by 1865. 

Yea

Yea

CS

CS

Clarke Bill to Protect Access to Generic Drugs Approved by Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bill to protect access to affordable generic medications by combating anti-competitive, anti-consumer, introduced by Senators Andrew Clarke (D-MO) and John Carlsen (D-IN) has passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to go after anti-competitive "pay-for-delay" agreements that prevent or delay generic versions of brand-name pharmaceuticals from being made available to consumers.

 

The bill was originally introduced by Senators Clarke and Carlsen and quickly gained co-sponsors from Sens. Heather James (D-WA), Camilo deSonido (I/D-CA), and Alex Fakhouri (D-MI). After Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri put the bill on the floor, he asked for the bill to be approved by unanimous consent. With no objections, it was approved by the Senate. It now awaits approval by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

 

Senator Clarke issued the following statement after the bill passed the Senate:

 

"This is a big win for consumers, especially those in low-income communities who need access to cheaper generic versions of brand-name medication. If you've ever seen the difference in price between a generic store over-the-counter pain medication and a brand-name one, you know how drastic the cost difference can be. These costs add up. Our markets thrive on competition and innovation. It is wrong to allow companies to abuse their power to rig the system in their favor, keeping prices high and leaving consumers out in the cold. That is not the spirit of capitalism or free markets. This is progress towards more affordable care for Americans across the country, in all communities, from all backgrounds. I call on the House of Representatives to swiftly act and pass the bill so President Xiomara de la Cruz can sign the bill into law."

Name: Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO)

Media/Outlet: MSNBC

Reason: SCOTUS Nomination of Paul Watford

• The Supreme Court is supposed to exist outside of ideological purity tests and partisan agendas. The Supreme Court exists to faithfully interpret the Constitution and federal law, regardless of the political preferences of any individual Justice. This is a proposition that most Americans absolutely agree with, and it is fundamental to our republic. Judge Watford has repeatedly expressed the importance of that during his hearing so far.
• This means that, whatever you think of Judge Watford's career before his time in the judiciary, his past is not that relevant. He has said that the precedent of the Court, including in cases that Republicans typically support like Heller v. D.C., is more important than his personal ideological opinions. That's how it should be. On top of his commitment to judicial impartiality and the rule of law, he has stellar professional qualifications, a sharp mind, and strong personal moral integrity.
• The American people were given a chance to speak on who they wanted to select the next Supreme Court nominee--and they even had a prospective candidate already named! In their wisdom, they chose President de la Cruz. I think we should respect their choice, and barring anything drastic, respect the process and tradition and confirm Judge Watford.
• I hope Republicans do not intend to hold this seat open for four or eight years or however long it takes until they have the White House and Senate. That is irresponsible and childish. It is behavior beneath the U.S. Senate and the standards expected of us by the people. We need a full, capable Supreme Court.

Yea

Yea

Yea

Nay