To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to include levees in the list of critical infrastructure sectors.
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Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 456 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
March 13, 2007
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Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 456 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
March 13, 2007
Senate amendment proposed (on the floor): Amendment SA 456 proposed by Senator Lieberman for Senator Landrieu to Amendment SA 275.(consideration: CR S3034-3041; text: CR S3041)
March 13, 2007
Amendment SA 456 proposed by Senator Lieberman for Senator Landrieu to Amendment SA 275. (consideration: CR S3034-3041; text: CR S3041) To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to include levees in the list of critical infrastructure sectors.
March 13, 2007
Amendment SA 456 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
March 13, 2007
Senate amendment submitted
March 9, 2007
Text
Submitted
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS SA 442. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 364 submitted Mrs. Hutchison and intended to be proposed to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. __ ENHANCEMENT OF DOMESTIC NURSING SUPPLY (a) Enhancement of Domestic Nursing Supply.-- (1) Each employer who files a petition for one or more aliens to enter the United States to perform labor as a nurse for whom labor certification is required under INA Sec. 212(a)(5)(A) shall pay to the Secretary of Homeland Security a fee of $1,500 for each alien for whom a petition is approved. (2) There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account which shall be known as the ``Domestic Nursing Enhancement Account.'' Notwithstanding any other section of this title, there shall be [[Page S2978]] deposited as offsetting receipts into the account all fees collected under paragraph (1) above. (3) Grants.--Part D of title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 296p) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 832. CAPITATION GRANTS. ``(a) In General.--For the purpose described in subsection (b), the Secretary, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall award a grant each fiscal year in an amount determined in accordance with subsection (c) to each eligible school of nursing that submits an application in accordance with this section. ``(b) Purpose.--A funding agreement for a grant under this section is that the eligible school of nursing involved will expend the grant to increase the number of nursing faculty and students at the school, including by hiring new faculty, retaining current faculty, purchasing educational equipment and audiovisual laboratories, enhancing clinical laboratories, repairing and expanding infrastructure, or recruiting students. ``(c) Grant Computation.-- ``(1) Amount per student.--Subject to paragraph (2), the amount of a grant to an eligible school of nursing under this section for a fiscal year shall be the total of the following: ``(A) $1,800 for each full-time or part-time student who is enrolled at the school in a graduate program in nursing that-- ``(i) leads to a master's degree, a doctoral degree, or an equivalent degree; and ``(ii) prepares individuals to serve as faculty through additional course work in education and ensuring competency in an advanced practice area. ``(B) $1,405 for each full-time or part-time student who-- ``(i) is enrolled at the school in a program in nursing leading to a bachelor of science degree, a bachelor of nursing degree, a graduate degree in nursing if such program does not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A), or an equivalent degree; and ``(ii) has not more than 3 years of academic credits remaining in the program. ``(C) $966 for each full-time or part-time student who is enrolled at the school in a program in nursing leading to an associate degree in nursing or an equivalent degree. ``(2) Limitation.--In calculating the amount of a grant to a school under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not make a payment with respect to a particular student-- ``(A) for more than 2 fiscal years in the case of a student described in paragraph (l)(A) who is enrolled in a graduate program in nursing leading to a master's degree or an equivalent degree; ``(B) for more than 4 fiscal years in the case of a student described in paragraph (1)(A) who is enrolled in a graduate program in nursing leading to a doctoral degree or an equivalent degree; ``(C) for more than 3 fiscal years in the case of a student described in paragraph (1)(B); or ``(D) for more than 2 fiscal years in the case of a student described in paragraph (1)(C). ``(d) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible school of nursing' means a school of nursing that-- ``(1) is accredited by a nursing accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education; ``(2) has a passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses of not less than 80 percent for each of the 3 school years preceding submission of the grant application; and ``(3) has a graduation rate (based on the number of students in a class who graduate relative to, for a baccalaureate program, the number of students. who were enrolled in the class at the beginning of junior year or, for an associate degree program, the number of students who were enrolled in the class at the end of the first year) of not less than 80 percent for each of the 3 school years preceding submission of the grant application. ``(e) Requirements.--The Secretary may award a grant under this section to an eligible school of nursing only if the school gives assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that, for each school year for which the grant is awarded, the school will comply with the following: ``(1) The school will maintain a passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses of not less than 80 percent. ``(2) The school will maintain a graduation rate (as described in subsection (d)(3)) of not less than 80 percent. ``(3)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the first- year enrollment of full-time nursing students in the school will exceed such enrollment for the preceding school year by 5 percent or 5 students, whichever is greater. ``(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the first school year for which a school receives a grant under this section. ``(C) With respect to any school year, the Secretary may waive application of subparagraph (A) if-- ``(i) the physical facilities at the school involved limit the school from enrolling additional students; or ``(ii) the school has increased enrollment in the school (as described in subparagraph (A)) for each of the 2 preceding school years. ``(4) Not later than 1 year after receipt of the grant, the school will formulate and implement a plan to accomplish at least 2 of the following: ``(A) Establishing or significantly expanding an accelerated baccalaureate degree nursing program designed to graduate new nurses in 12 to 18 months. ``(B) Establishing cooperative intradis- ciplinary education among schools of nursing with a view toward shared use of technological resources, including information technology. ``(C) Establishing cooperative interdisciplinary training between schools of nursing and schools of allied health, medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, or veterinary medicine, including training for the use of the interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of health services. ``(D) Integrating core competencies on evidence-based practice, quality improvements, and patient-centered care. ``(E) Increasing admissions, enrollment, and retention of qualified individuals who are financially disadvantaged. ``(F) Increasing enrollment of minority and diverse student populations. ``(G) Increasing enrollment of new graduate baccalaureate nursing students in graduate programs that educate nurse faculty members. ``(H) Developing post-baccalaureate residency programs to prepare nurses for practice in specialty areas where nursing shortages are most severe. ``(I) Increasing integration of geriatric content into the core curriculum. ``(J) Partnering with economically disadvantaged communities to provide nursing education. ``(K) Expanding the ability of nurse managed health centers to provide clinical education training sites to nursing students. ``(5) The school will submit an annual report to the Secretary that includes updated information on the school with respect to student enrollment, student retention, graduation rates, passage rates on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, the number of graduates employed as nursing faculty or nursing care providers within 12 months of graduation, and the number of students who are accepted into graduate programs for further nursing education. ``(6) The school will allow the Secretary to make on-site inspections, and will comply with the Secretary's requests for information, to determine the extent to which the school is complying with the requirements of this section. ``(f) Reports to Congress.--The Secretary shall evaluate the results of grants under. this section and submit to the Congress-- ``( 1) not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this section, an interim report on such results; and ``(2) not later than the end of fiscal year 2017, a final report on such results. ``(g) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, a school of nursing shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. ``(h) Funding.--Amounts deposited into the Domestic Nursing Enhancement Account established by the Improving America's Security Act of 2007 shall remain available to the Secretary until expended for the costs of carrying out this section. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--For any additional costs of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary. ``(2) Administrative costs.--For the costs of administering this section, including the costs of evaluating the results of grants and submitting reports to the Congress, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary.''. SEC. __. GLOBAL HEALTHCARE COOPERATION. (a) Global Healthcare Cooperation.--Title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 317 the following: ``SEC. 317A. TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF ALIENS PROVIDING HEALTHCARE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall allow an eligible alien and the spouse or child of such alien to reside in a candidate country during the period that the eligible alien is working as a physician or other healthcare worker in a candidate country. During such period the eligible alien and such spouse or child shall be considered-- ``(1) to be physically present and residing in the United States for purposes of naturalization under section 316(a); and ``(2) to meet the continuous residency requirements under section 316(b). ``(b) Definitions.--In this section: ``(I) Candidate country.--The term `candidate country' means a country that the Secretary of State determines is-- ``(A) eligible for assistance from the International Development Association, in which the per capita income of the country is equal to or less than the historical ceiling of the International Development Association for the applicable fiscal year, as defined by the International Bank. for Reconstruction and Development; ``(B) classified as a lower middle income country in the then most recent edition of the World Development Report for Reconstruction and Development published by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and having an income greater [[Page S2979]] than the historical ceiling for International Development Association eligibility for the applicable fiscal year; or ``(C) qualifies to be a candidate country due to special circumstances, including natural disasters or public health emergencies. ``(2) Eligible alien.--The term `eligible alien' means an alien who-- ``(A) has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; and ``(B) is a physician or other healthcare worker. ``(c) Consultation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with the Secretary of State in carrying out this subsection. ``(d) Publication.--The Secretary of State shall publish-- ``(1) not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, a list of candidate countries; and ``(2) an immediate amendment to such list at any time to include any country that qualifies as a candidate country due to special circumstances under subsection (b)(I)(C).''. (b) Rulemaking.-- (1) Requipment.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. (2) Content.--The regulations required by paragraph (1) shall-- (A) permit an eligible alien (as defined in section 317A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by subsection (a)) and the spouse or child of the eligible alien to reside in a foreign country to work as a physician or other healthcare worker as described in subsection (a) of such section 317A for not less than a 12-month period and not more than a 24-month period, and shall permit the Secretary to extend such period for an additional period not to exceed 12 months, if the Secretary determines that such country has a continuing need for such a physician or other healthcare worker; (B) provide for the issuance of documents by the Secretary to such eligible alien, and such spouse or child, if appropriate, to demonstrate that such eligible alien, and such spouse or child, if appropriate, is authorized to reside in such country under such section 317A; and (C) provide for an expedited process through which the Secretary shall review applications for such an eligible alien to reside in a foreign country pursuant to subsection (a) of such section 317A if the Secretary of State determines a country is a candidate country pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(C) of such section 317A. (c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended as follows: (1) Section 101(a)(13)(C)(ii) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(13)(C)(ii)) is amended by adding at the end ``except in the case of an eligible alien, or the spouse or child of such alien, authorized to be absent from the United States pursuant to section 317A''. (2) Section 211 (b) (8 U.S.C. 1181 (b)) is amended by inserting, ``including an eligible alien authorized to reside in a foreign country pursuant to section 317A and the spouse or child of such eligible alien, if appropriate, after 101(a)(27)(A),''. (3) Section 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(7)(A)(i)(I)) is amended by inserting ``other than an eligible alien authorized to reside in a foreign country pursuant to section 317A and the spouse or child of such eligible alien, if appropriate,'' after ``Act,''. (4) Section 319(b)(I)(B) (8 U.S.C. 1430(b)(I)(B)) is amended by inserting ``an eligible alien who is residing or has resided in a foreign country pursuant to section 317A'' before ``and'' at the end. (5) The table of contents is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 317 the following: ``Sec. 317A. Temporary absence of aliens providing healthcare in developing countries.''. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section. SEC. __. ATTESTATION BY HEALTHCARE WORKERS. (a) Requirement for Attestation.--Section 212(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Healthcare workers with other obligations.-- ``(i) In general.--An alien who seeks to enter the United States for the purpose of performing labor as a physician or other healthcare worker is inadmissible unless the alien submits to the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State, as appropriate, an attestation that the alien is not seeking to enter the United States for such purpose during any period in which the alien has an outstanding obligation to the government of the alien's country of origin or the alien's country of residence. ``(ii) Obligation defined.--In this subparagraph, the term `obligation' means an obligation incurred as part of a valid, voluntary individual agreement in which the alien received financial assistance to defray the costs of education or training to qualify as a physician or other healthcare worker in consideration for a commitment to work as a physician or other healthcare worker in the alien's country of origin or the alien's country of residence. ``(iii) Waiver.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive a finding of inadmissibility under clause (i) if the Secretary determines that-- ``(I) the obligation was incurred by coercion or other improper means; ``(II) the alien and the government of the country to which the alien has an outstanding obligation have reached a valid, voluntary agreement, pursuant to which the alien's obligation has been deemed satisfied, or the alien has shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the alien has been unable to reach such an agreement because of coercion or other improper means; or ``(III) the obligation should not be enforced due to other extraordinary circumstances, including undue hardship that would be suffered by the alien in the absence of a waiver.''. (b) Effective Date and Application.-- (1) Effective date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall become effective 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Application by the secretary.--The Secretary shall begin to carry out the subparagraph (E) of section 212(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)), as added by subsection (a), not later than the effective date described in paragraph (1), including the requirement for the attestation and the granting of a waiver described in such subparagraph, regardless of whether regulations to implement such subparagraph have been promulgated. ______ SA 443. Mr. COBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 411 submitted by Mr. Lieberman (for himself and Mr. McCain) and intended to be proposed to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 7 of the matter proposed, between lines 9 and 10, insert the following: (c) Exception.--A Democracy Fellow may not be assigned to any congressional office until the Secretary of Defense certifies to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that the request of the Commander of the United States Central Command for the Department of State for personnel and foreign service officers has been fulfilled. SEC. 1612A. TRANSPARENCY OF UNITED STATES BROADCASTING TO ASSIST IN OVERSIGHT AND ENSURE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTS. (a) Transcripts.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall transcribe into English all original broadcasting content. (b) Public Transparency.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall post all English transcripts from its broadcasting content on a publicly available website within 30 days of the original broadcast. (c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``broadcasting content'' includes programming produced or broadcast by United States international broadcasters including the following: (1) Voice of America. (2) Alhurra. (3) Radio Sawa. (4) Radio Farda. (5) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (6) Radio Free Asia. (7) The Office of Cuba Broadcasting. ______ SA 444. Mr. SESSIONS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 398 submitted by Mr. Bingaman (for himself, Mr. Domenici, and Ms. Cantwell) and intended to be proposed to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 8, strike lines 8 through 13 and insert the following: SEC. __. LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OF STATES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF STATES. (a) Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, law enforcement personnel of a State, or a political subdivision of a State, have the inherent authority of a sovereign entity to investigate, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to Federal custody (including the transportation across State lines to detention centers) an alien for the purpose of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States in the normal course of carrying out the law enforcement duties of such personnel. This State authority has never been displaced or preempted by a Federal law. [[Page S2980]] (b) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to require law enforcement personnel of a State or a political subdivision to assist in the enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States. SEC. __. LISTING OF IMMIGRATION VIOLATORS IN THE NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER DATABASE. (a) Provision of Information to the National Crime Information Center.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to the head of the National Crime Information Center of the Department of Justice the information that the Secretary has or maintains related to any alien-- (A) against whom a final order of removal has been issued; (B) who enters into a voluntary departure agreement, or is granted voluntary departure by an immigration judge, whose period for departure has expired under subsection (a)(2) of section 240B of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229c), subsection (b)(2) of such section 240B, or who has violated a condition of a voluntary departure agreement under such section 240B; (C) whom a Federal immigration officer has confirmed to be unlawfully present in the United States; or (D) whose visa has been revoked. (2) Removal of information.--The head of the National Crime Information Center should promptly remove any information provided by the Secretary under paragraph (1) related to an alien who is granted lawful authority to enter or remain legally in the United States. (3) Procedure for removal of erroneous information.--The Secretary, in consultation with the head of the National Crime Information Center of the Department of Justice, shall develop and implement a procedure by which an alien may petition the Secretary or head of the National Crime Information Center, as appropriate, to remove any erroneous information provided by the Secretary under paragraph (1) related to such alien. Under such procedures, failure by the alien to receive notice of a violation of the immigration laws shall not constitute cause for removing information provided by the Secretary under paragraph (1) related to such alien, unless such information is erroneous. Notwithstanding the 180-day time period set forth in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not provide the information required under paragraph (1) until the procedures required by this paragraph are developed and implemented. (b) Inclusion of Information in the National Crime Information Center Database.--Section 534(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: ``(4) acquire, collect, classify, and preserve records of violations of the immigration laws of the United States; and''. ______ SA 445. Mr. SESSIONS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 295 proposed by Ms. Landrieu to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 1, line 2, strike ``FEDERAL SHARE'' and all that follows through the end of the amendment and insert the following: EMERGENCY AND MAJOR DISASTER FRAUD PENALTIES. (a) Fraud in Connection With Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 1040. Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits ``(a) Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b) of this section, knowingly-- ``(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device any material fact; or ``(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, in any matter involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with a major disaster declaration under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) or an emergency declaration under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), or in connection with any procurement of property or services related to any emergency or major disaster declaration as a prime contractor with the United States or as a subcontractor or supplier on a contract in which there is a prime contract with the United States, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both. ``(b) A circumstance described in this subsection is any instance where-- ``(1) the authorization, transportation, transmission, transfer, disbursement, or payment of the benefit is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce; ``(2) the benefit is transported in the mail at any point in the authorization, transportation, transmission, transfer, disbursement, or payment of that benefit; or ``(3) the benefit is a record, voucher, payment, money, or thing of value of the United States, or of any department or agency thereof. ``(c) In this section, the term `benefit' means any record, voucher, payment, money or thing of value, good, service, right, or privilege provided by the United States, a State or local government, or other entity.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``1040. Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.''. (b) Increased Criminal Penalties for Engaging in Wire, Radio, and Television Fraud During and Relation to a Presidentially Declared Major Disaster or Emergency.--Section 1343 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting: ``occurs in relation to, or involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with, a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency (as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)), or'' after ``If the violation''. (c) Increased Criminal Penalties for Engaging in Mail Fraud During and Relation to a Presidentially Declared Major Disaster or Emergency.--Section 1341 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting: ``occurs in relation to, or involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with, a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency (as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)), or'' after ``If the violation''. (d) Directive to Sentencing Commission.-- (1) In general.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this subsection, the United States Sentencing Commission forthwith shall-- (A) promulgate sentencing guidelines or amend existing sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of fraud or theft offenses in connection with a major disaster declaration under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) or an emergency declaration under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191); and (B) submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives an explanation of actions taken by the Commission pursuant to subparagraph (A) and any additional policy recommendations the Commission may have for combating offenses described in that subparagraph. (2) Requirements.--In carrying out this subsection, the Sentencing Commission shall-- (A) ensure that the sentencing guidelines and policy statements reflect the serious nature of the offenses described in paragraph (1) and the need for aggressive and appropriate law enforcement action to prevent such offenses; (B) assure reasonable consistency with other relevant directives and with other guidelines; (C) account for any aggravating or mitigating circumstances that might justify exceptions, including circumstances for which the sentencing guidelines currently provide sentencing enhancements; (D) make any necessary conforming changes to the sentencing guidelines; and (E) assure that the guidelines adequately meet the purposes of sentencing as set forth in section 3553(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code. (3) Emergency authority and deadline for commission action.--The Commission shall promulgate the guidelines or amendments provided for under this subsection as soon as practicable, and in any event not later than the 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 21(a) of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1987, as though the authority under that Act had not expired. ______ SA 446. Mr. ENSIGN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 294 proposed by Mr. Coburn to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: [[Page S2981]] SEC. 15__. LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE FORCE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Law Enforcement Assistance Force to facilitate the contributions of retired law enforcement officers and agents during major disasters. (b) Eligible Participants.--An individual may participate in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force if that individual-- (1) has experience working as an officer or agent for a public law enforcement agency and left that agency in good standing; (2) holds current certifications for firearms, first aid, and such other skills determined necessary by the Secretary; (3) submits to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, that authorizes the Secretary to review the law enforcement service record of that individual; and (4) meets such other qualifications as the Secretary may require. (c) Liability; Supervision.--Each eligible participant shall, upon acceptance of an assignment under this section-- (A) be detailed to a Federal, State, or local government law enforcement agency; and (B) work under the direct supervision of an officer or agent of that agency. (d) Mobilization.-- (1) In general.--In the event of a major disaster, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies, may request eligible participants to volunteer to assist the efforts of those agencies responding to such emergency and assign each willing participant to a specific law enforcement agency. (2) Acceptance.--If the eligible participant accepts an assignment under this subsection, that eligible participant shall agree to remain in such assignment for a period equal to not less than the shorter of-- (A) the period during which the law enforcement agency needs the services of such participant; (B) 30 days; (C) such other period of time agreed to between the Secretary and the eligible participant. (3) Refusal.--An eligible participant may refuse an assignment under this subsection without any adverse consequences. (e) Expenses.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible participant shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while carrying out an assignment under subsection (d). (2) Source of funds.--Expenses incurred under paragraph (1) shall be paid from amounts appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (f) Termination of Assistance.--The availability of eligible participants of the Law Enforcement Assistance Force shall continue for a period equal to the shorter of-- (1) the period of the major disaster; or (2) 1 year. (g) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``eligible participant'' means an individual participating in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force; (2) the term ``Law Enforcement Assistance Force'' means the Law Enforcement Assistance Force established under subsection (a); and (3) the term ``major disaster'' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. ______ SA 447. Mr. ENSIGN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 321 proposed by Ms. Landrieu to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. 15__. LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE FORCE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Law Enforcement Assistance Force to facilitate the contributions of retired law enforcement officers and agents during major disasters. (b) Eligible Participants.--An individual may participate in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force if that individual-- (1) has experience working as an officer or agent for a public law enforcement agency and left that agency in good standing; (2) holds current certifications for firearms, first aid, and such other skills determined necessary by the Secretary; (3) submits to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, that authorizes the Secretary to review the law enforcement service record of that individual; and (4) meets such other qualifications as the Secretary may require. (c) Liability; Supervision.--Each eligible participant shall, upon acceptance of an assignment under this section-- (A) be detailed to a Federal, State, or local government law enforcement agency; and (B) work under the direct supervision of an officer or agent of that agency. (d) Mobilization.-- (1) In general.--In the event of a major disaster, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies, may request eligible participants to volunteer to assist the efforts of those agencies responding to such emergency and assign each willing participant to a specific law enforcement agency. (2) Acceptance.--If the eligible participant accepts an assignment under this subsection, that eligible participant shall agree to remain in such assignment for a period equal to not less than the shorter of-- (A) the period during which the law enforcement agency needs the services of such participant; (B) 30 days; (C) such other period of time agreed to between the Secretary and the eligible participant. (3) Refusal.--An eligible participant may refuse an assignment under this subsection without any adverse consequences. (e) Expenses.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible participant shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while carrying out an assignment under subsection (d). (2) Source of funds.--Expenses incurred under paragraph (1) shall be paid from amounts appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (f) Termination of Assistance.--The availability of eligible participants of the Law Enforcement Assistance Force shall continue for a period equal to the shorter of-- (1) the period of the major disaster; or (2) 1 year. (g) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``eligible participant'' means an individual participating in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force; (2) the term ``Law Enforcement Assistance Force'' means the Law Enforcement Assistance Force established under subsection (a); and (3) the term ``major disaster'' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. ______ SA 448. Mr. ENSIGN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 337 submitted by Mr. Schumer (for himself and Mrs. Clinton) to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. 15__. LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE FORCE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Law Enforcement Assistance Force to facilitate the contributions of retired law enforcement officers and agents during major disasters. (b) Eligible Participants.--An individual may participate in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force if that individual-- (1) has experience working as an officer or agent for a public law enforcement agency and left that agency in good standing; (2) holds current certifications for firearms, first aid, and such other skills determined necessary by the Secretary; (3) submits to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, that authorizes the Secretary to review the law enforcement service record of that individual; and (4) meets such other qualifications as the Secretary may require. (c) Liability; Supervision.--Each eligible participant shall, upon acceptance of an assignment under this section-- (A) be detailed to a Federal, State, or local government law enforcement agency; and (B) work under the direct supervision of an officer or agent of that agency. (d) Mobilization.-- (1) In general.--In the event of a major disaster, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies, may request eligible participants to volunteer to assist the efforts of those agencies responding to such emergency and assign each willing participant to a specific law enforcement agency. (2) Acceptance.--If the eligible participant accepts an assignment under this subsection, that eligible participant shall agree to remain in such assignment for a period equal to not less than the shorter of-- [[Page S2982]] (A) the period during which the law enforcement agency needs the services of such participant; (B) 30 days; or (C) such other period of time agreed to between the Secretary and the eligible participant. (3) Refusal.--An eligible participant may refuse an assignment under this subsection without any adverse consequences. (e) Expenses.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible participant shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while carrying out an assignment under subsection (d). (2) Source of funds.--Expenses incurred under paragraph (1) shall be paid from amounts appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (f) Termination of Assistance.--The availability of eligible participants of the Law Enforcement Assistance Force shall continue for a period equal to the shorter of-- (1) the period of the major disaster; or (2) 1 year. (g) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``eligible participant'' means an individual participating in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force; (2) the term ``Law Enforcement Assistance Force'' means the Law Enforcement Assistance Force established under subsection (a); and (3) the term ``major disaster'' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. ______ SA 449. Mr. ENSIGN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 383 proposed by Mr. Biden to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. 15__. LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE FORCE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Law Enforcement Assistance Force to facilitate the contributions of retired law enforcement officers and agents during major disasters. (b) Eligible Participants.--An individual may participate in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force if that individual-- (1) has experience working as an officer or agent for a public law enforcement agency and left that agency in good standing; (2) holds current certifications for firearms, first aid, and such other skills determined necessary by the Secretary; (3) submits to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, that authorizes the Secretary to review the law enforcement service record of that individual; and (4) meets such other qualifications as the Secretary may require. (c) Liability; Supervision.--Each eligible participant shall, upon acceptance of an assignment under this section-- (A) be detailed to a Federal, State, or local government law enforcement agency; and (B) work under the direct supervision of an officer or agent of that agency. (d) Mobilization.-- (1) In general.--In the event of a major disaster, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies, may request eligible participants to volunteer to assist the efforts of those agencies responding to such emergency and assign each willing participant to a specific law enforcement agency. (2) Acceptance.--If the eligible participant accepts an assignment under this subsection, that eligible participant shall agree to remain in such assignment for a period equal to not less than the shorter of-- (A) the period during which the law enforcement agency needs the services of such participant; (B) 30 days; or (C) such other period of time agreed to between the Secretary and the eligible participant. (3) Refusal.--An eligible participant may refuse an assignment under this subsection without any adverse consequences. (e) Expenses.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible participant shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while carrying out an assignment under subsection (d). (2) Source of funds.--Expenses incurred under paragraph (1) shall be paid from amounts appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (f) Termination of Assistance.--The availability of eligible participants of the Law Enforcement Assistance Force shall continue for a period equal to the shorter of-- (1) the period of the major disaster; or (2) 1 year. (g) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``eligible participant'' means an individual participating in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force; (2) the term ``Law Enforcement Assistance Force'' means the Law Enforcement Assistance Force established under subsection (a); and (3) the term ``major disaster'' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. ______ SA 450. Mr. ENSIGN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 389 proposed by Mr. Bond (for himself, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Warner, and Mr. Burr) to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. 15__. LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE FORCE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Law Enforcement Assistance Force to facilitate the contributions of retired law enforcement officers and agents during major disasters. (b) Eligible Participants.--An individual may participate in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force if that individual-- (1) has experience working as an officer or agent for a public law enforcement agency and left that agency in good standing; (2) holds current certifications for firearms, first aid, and such other skills determined necessary by the Secretary; (3) submits to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, that authorizes the Secretary to review the law enforcement service record of that individual; and (4) meets such other qualifications as the Secretary may require. (c) Liability; Supervision.--Each eligible participant shall, upon acceptance of an assignment under this section-- (A) be detailed to a Federal, State, or local government law enforcement agency; and (B) work under the direct supervision of an officer or agent of that agency. (d) Mobilization.-- (1) In general.--In the event of a major disaster, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies, may request eligible participants to volunteer to assist the efforts of those agencies responding to such emergency and assign each willing participant to a specific law enforcement agency. (2) Acceptance.--If the eligible participant accepts an assignment under this subsection, that eligible participant shall agree to remain in such assignment for a period equal to not less than the shorter of-- (A) the period during which the law enforcement agency needs the services of such participant; (B) 30 days; or (C) such other period of time agreed to between the Secretary and the eligible participant. (3) Refusal.--An eligible participant may refuse an assignment under this subsection without any adverse consequences. (e) Expenses.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible participant shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while carrying out an assignment under subsection (d). (2) Source of funds.--Expenses incurred under paragraph (1) shall be paid from amounts appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (f) Termination of Assistance.--The availability of eligible participants of the Law Enforcement Assistance Force shall continue for a period equal to the shorter of-- (1) the period of the major disaster; or (2) 1 year. (g) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``eligible participant'' means an individual participating in the Law Enforcement Assistance Force; (2) the term ``Law Enforcement Assistance Force'' means the Law Enforcement Assistance Force established under subsection (a); and (3) the term ``major disaster'' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such [[Page S2983]] sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. ______ SA 451. Mr. COBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 325 proposed by Mr. Coburn to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 2, strike line 8 and all that follows and insert the following: (b) Requirement for Compliance Certification and Report.-- (1) In general.--Except for grants under section 1809 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by this Act, the Secretary shall not award any grants or distribute any grant funds on or after October 1, 2008, under any grant program under this Act or an amendment made by this Act, until the Secretary submits a report to the appropriate committees that-- (A) contains a certification that the Department has, for each program and activity of the Department (except for the grant program under section 1809 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by this Act), performed and completed a risk assessment to determine programs and activities that are at significant risk of making improper payments; and (B) for each program and activity of the Department, describes the actions to be taken to achieve compliance with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note), including benchmarks and an estimated date of such compliance. (2) Estimates of improper payments.--The Secretary shall not award any grants or distribute any grant funds on or after October 1, 2010, under any grant program under this Act or an amendment made by this Act, until the Secretary submits a report to the appropriate committees that contains a certification that the Department has, for each program and activity of the Department, estimated the total number of improper payments for each program and activity determined to be at significant risk of making improper payments. ______ SA 452. Mr. COBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 361 submitted by Mr. Lieberman (for himself and Mr. McCain) and intended to be proposed to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted, insert the following: TITLE XVI--ADVANCEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES SECTION 1601. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Advance Democratic Values, Address Non-democratic Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of 2007'' or the ``ADVANCE Democracy Act of 2007''. SEC. 1602. FINDINGS. Congress finds that in order to support the expansion of freedom and democracy in the world, the foreign policy of the United States should be organized in support of transformational diplomacy that seeks to work through partnerships to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respect human rights and respond to the needs of their people and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system. SEC. 1603. STATEMENT OF POLICY. It should be the policy of the United States-- (1) to promote freedom and democracy in foreign countries as a fundamental component of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) to affirm internationally recognized human rights standards and norms and to condemn offenses against those rights; (3) to use instruments of United States influence to support, promote, and strengthen democratic principles, practices, and values, including the right to free, fair, and open elections, secret balloting, and universal suffrage; (4) to protect and promote fundamental freedoms and rights, including the freedom of association, of expression, of the press, and of religion, and the right to own private property; (5) to protect and promote respect for and adherence to the rule of law; (6) to provide appropriate support to nongovernmental organizations working to promote freedom and democracy; (7) to provide political, economic, and other support to countries that are willingly undertaking a transition to democracy; (8) to commit to the long-term challenge of promoting universal democracy; and (9) to strengthen alliances and relationships with other democratic countries in order to better promote and defend shared values and ideals. SEC. 1604. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Annual report on advancing freedom and democracy.--The term ``Annual Report on Advancing Freedom and Democracy'' refers to the annual report submitted to Congress by the Department of State pursuant to section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note), in which the Department reports on actions taken by the United States Government to encourage respect for human rights and democracy. (2) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary'' means the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. (3) Community of democracies and community.--The terms ``Community of Democracies'' and ``Community'' mean the association of democratic countries committed to the global promotion of democratic principles, practices, and values, which held its First Ministerial Conference in Warsaw, Poland, in June 2000. (4) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of State. (5) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means the Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs. Subtitle A--Liaison Officers and Fellowship Program to Enhance the Promotion of Democracy SEC. 1611. DEMOCRACY LIAISON OFFICERS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall establish and staff Democracy Liaison Officer positions, under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary, who may be assigned to the following posts: (1) United States missions to, or liaison with, regional and multilateral organizations, including the United States missions to the European Union, African Union, Organization of American States and any other appropriate regional organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations and its relevant specialized agencies, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (2) Regional public diplomacy centers of the Department. (3) United States combatant commands. (4) Other posts as designated by the Secretary of State. (b) Responsibilities.--Each Democracy Liaison Officer should-- (1) provide expertise on effective approaches to promote and build democracy; (2) assist in formulating and implementing strategies for transitions to democracy; and (3) carry out other responsibilities as the Secretary of State and the Assistant Secretary may assign. (c) New Positions.--The Democracy Liaison Officer positions established under subsection (a) should be new positions that are in addition to existing officer positions with responsibility for other human rights and democracy related issues and programs. (d) Relationship to Other Authorities.--Nothing in this section may be construed as removing any authority or responsibility of a chief of mission or other employee of a diplomatic mission of the United States provided under any other provision of law, including any authority or responsibility for the development or implementation of strategies to promote democracy. SEC. 1612. DEMOCRACY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. (a) Requirement for Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of State shall establish a Democracy Fellowship Program to enable Department officers to gain an additional perspective on democracy promotion abroad by working on democracy issues in congressional committees with oversight over the subject matter of this title, including the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and in nongovernmental organizations involved in democracy promotion. (2) Exception.--A Democracy Fellow may not be assigned to any congressional office until the Secretary of Defense certifies to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that the request of the Commander of the United States Central Command for the Department of State for personnel and foreign service officers has been fulfilled. (b) Selection and Placement.--The Assistant Secretary shall play a central role in the selection of Democracy Fellows and facilitate their placement in appropriate congressional offices and nongovernmental organizations. Subtitle B--Annual Report on Advancing Freedom and Democracy SEC. 1621. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) Report Title.--Section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note) is amended in the first sentence by inserting ``entitled the Advancing Freedom and Democracy Report'' before the period at the end. (b) Schedule for Submission.--If a report entitled the Advancing Freedom and Democracy Report pursuant to section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003, as amended by subsection (a), is submitted under such section, such report [[Page S2984]] shall be submitted not later than 90 days after the date of submission of the report required by section 116(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d)). (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228; 2151n note) is amended by striking ``30 days'' and inserting ``90 days''. SEC. 1622. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TRANSLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should continue to ensure and expand the timely translation of Human Rights and International Religious Freedom reports and the Annual Report on Advancing Freedom and Democracy prepared by personnel of the Department of State into the principal languages of as many countries as possible. Translations are welcomed because information on United States support for universal enjoyment of freedoms and rights serves to encourage individuals around the globe seeking to advance the cause of freedom in their countries. Subtitle C--Advisory Committee on Democracy Promotion and the Internet Website of the Department of State SEC. 1631. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRACY PROMOTION. Congress commends the Secretary of State for creating an Advisory Committee on Democracy Promotion, and it is the sense of Congress that the Committee should play a significant role in the Department's transformational diplomacy by advising the Secretary of State regarding United States efforts to promote democracy and democratic transition in connection with the formulation and implementation of United States foreign policy and foreign assistance. SEC. 1632. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE INTERNET WEBSITE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of State should continue and further expand the Secretary's existing efforts to inform the public in foreign countries of the efforts of the United States to promote democracy and defend human rights through the Internet website of the Department of State; (2) the Secretary of State should continue to enhance the democracy promotion materials and resources on that Internet website, as such enhancement can benefit and encourage those around the world who seek freedom; and (3) such enhancement should include where possible and practical, translated reports on democracy and human rights prepared by personnel of the Department, narratives and histories highlighting successful nonviolent democratic movements, and other relevant material. Subtitle D--Training in Democracy and Human Rights; Promotions SEC. 1641. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TRAINING IN DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of State should continue to enhance and expand the training provided to foreign service officers and civil service employees on how to strengthen and promote democracy and human rights; and (2) the Secretary of State should continue the effective and successful use of case studies and practical workshops addressing potential challenges, and work with non-state actors, including nongovernmental organizations that support democratic principles, practices, and values. SEC. 1642. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ADVANCE DEMOCRACY AWARD. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of State should further strengthen the capacity of the Department to carry out result-based democracy promotion efforts through the establishment of awards and other employee incentives, including the establishment of an annual award known as Outstanding Achievements in Advancing Democracy, or the ADVANCE Democracy Award, that would be awarded to officers or employees of the Department; and (2) the Secretary of State should establish the procedures for selecting recipients of such award, including any financial terms, associated with such award. SEC. 1643. PROMOTIONS. The precepts for selection boards responsible for recommending promotions of foreign service officers, including members of the senior foreign service, should include consideration of a candidate's experience or service in promotion of human rights and democracy. SEC. 1644. PROGRAMS BY UNITED STATES MISSIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND ACTIVITIES OF CHIEFS OF MISSION. It is the sense of Congress that each chief of mission should provide input on the actions described in the Advancing Freedom and Democracy Report submitted under section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note), as amended by section 1621, and should intensify democracy and human rights promotion activities. SEC. 1645. TRANSPARENCY OF UNITED STATES BROADCASTING TO ASSIST IN OVERSIGHT AND ENSURE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTS. (a) Transcripts.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall transcribe into English all original broadcasting content. (b) Public Transparency.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall post all English transcripts from its broadcasting content on a publicly available website within 30 days of the original broadcast. (c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``broadcasting content'' includes programming produced or broadcast by United States international broadcasters including the following: (1) Voice of America. (2) Alhurra. (3) Radio Sawa. (4) Radio Farda. (5) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (6) Radio Free Asia. (7) The Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Subtitle E--Alliances With Democratic Countries SEC. 1651. ALLIANCES WITH DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES. (a) Establishment of an Office for the Community of Democracies.--The Secretary of State should, and is authorized to, establish an Office for the Community of Democracies with the mission to further develop and strengthen the institutional structure of the Community of Democracies, develop interministerial projects, enhance the United Nations Democracy Caucus, manage policy development of the United Nations Democracy Fund, and enhance coordination with other regional and multilateral bodies with jurisdiction over democracy issues. (b) Sense of Congress on International Center for Democratic Transition.--It is the sense of Congress that the International Center for Democratic Transition, an initiative of the Government of Hungary, serves to promote practical projects and the sharing of best practices in the area of democracy promotion and should be supported by, in particular, other European countries with experiences in democratic transitions, the United States, and private individuals. Subtitle F--Funding for Promotion of Democracy SEC. 1661. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE UNITED NATIONS DEMOCRACY FUND. It is the sense of Congress that the United States should work with other countries to enhance the goals and work of the United Nations Democracy Fund, an essential tool to promote democracy, and in particular support civil society in their efforts to help consolidate democracy and bring about transformational change. SEC. 1662. THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY FUND. The purpose of the Human Rights and Democracy Fund should be to support innovative programming, media, and materials designed to uphold democratic principles, support and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights and the rule of law, and build civil societies in countries around the world. ______ SA 453. Mr. COBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 411 submitted by Mr. Lieberman (for himself and Mr. McCain) and intended to be proposed to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 7 of the matter proposed, between lines 9 and 10, insert the following: (c) Exception.--A Democracy Fellow may not be assigned to any congressional office until the Secretary of Defense certifies to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that the request of the Commander of the United States Central Command for the Department of State for personnel and foreign service officers has been fulfilled. SEC. 1612A. TRANSPARENCY OF UNITED STATES BROADCASTING TO ASSIST IN OVERSIGHT AND ENSURE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTS. (a) Transcripts.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall transcribe into English all original broadcasting content. (b) Public Transparency.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall post all English transcripts from its broadcasting content on a publicly available website within 30 days of the original broadcast. (c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``broadcasting content'' includes programming produced or broadcast by United States international broadcasters including the following: (1) Voice of America. (2) Alhurra. (3) Radio Sawa. (4) Radio Farda. (5) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (6) Radio Free Asia. (7) The Office of Cuba Broadcasting. ______ SA 454. Mr. CARPER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 325 proposed by Mr. Coburn to the amendment SA 275 proposed by Mr. Reid (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Ms. Collins) to the bill S. 4, to make the United States [[Page S2985]] more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 1, line 5, strike all through page 3, line 4, and insert the following: (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``appropriate committees'' means-- (1) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives. (b) Report by Secretary.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate committees that-- (1) details the actions the Department is taking to comply with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note); and (2) includes-- (A) goals and timelines for compliance with the requirements of that Act; and (B) recommendations for improving compliance with that Act. (c) Report by OMB.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit a report to the appropriate committees that includes-- (1) a discussion of the problems agencies have had in complying with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note) with respect to programs involving non- Federal funds recipients, including grant programs; (2) a description of the actions the Office of Management and Budget has taken to assist agencies in coming into compliance with that Act with respect to the programs involving non-Federal funds recipients; and (3) recommendations for improving the compliance of agencies with that Act. ______ SA 455. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. ___. COMPENSATION FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS TAKEN HOSTAGE BY TERRORISTS OR STATE SPONSORS OF TERRORISM. (a) In General.--In accordance with such procedures as the President may by regulation establish, the President or his designee shall receive the claims of, and pay compensation to, any national of the United States, or to the estate of any such national, who-- (1) as of the date of enactment of this Act has a claim pending in a court of the United States against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) at any time on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110(EGS) in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. (b) Limit on Amount of Award.--The amount that may be awarded to any person seeking compensation under this section shall not exceed $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, from the date on which the hostage-taking occurred to the date on which compensation is paid. (c) Type of Award.--Subject to the limit in subsection (b), any person seeking compensation for hostage-taking under this section shall be awarded the following amounts with respect to which the United States shall enjoy full subrogation rights in the event such person obtains any recovery in litigation or otherwise as a result of such hostage-taking: (1) In the case of any person who has been issued a final judgment for compensatory damages, the unsatisfied amount of such judgment. (2) In the case of any person who survived his captivity and who has not been issued a final judgment for compensatory damages, $10,000 per day for each day that such person was held or, if he died or was tortured during the course of his captivity, the maximum amount in subsection (b). (d) Prohibition on Civil Actions Against Foreign States.--A person who has accepted compensation under subsection (c)(2) may not commence or maintain in a court of the United States a civil action seeking compensation for such injuries or damages associated with such hostage taking against a foreign state or its agencies or instrumentalities. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Hostage taking.--The term ``hostage taking'' has the meaning given that term in Article 1 of the International Convention Against the Taking of the Hostages and includes any act that caused a person to be in ``hostage status'' within the meaning of section 599C(d)(1) of Public Law 101- 513. (2) Terrorist party.--The term ``terrorist party'' has the meaning given that term in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (section 201(d)(4) of Public Law 107-297) and includes any person, organization, or foreign state that was designated as such either at the time or as a result of the act of hostage- taking for which compensation is sought. (f) Funding.--Funds sufficient to pay persons to whom compensation is due under this section shall be made available from the Hostage Victims Fund, into which the President shall direct deposits, in proportions the President so allocates in the discretion of the President, from-- (1) the ``blocked assets'' of terrorist parties, as that term is defined in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (section 201(d)(2) of Public Law 107-297); (2) amounts received by the United States by reason of any legal action taken by the United States against any person relating to improper conduct in connection with the Oil for Food Program of the United Nations, including any fines, forfeitures, or disgorgements of amounts received through any activity related to said Program; or (3) amounts received as a result of any fine or forfeiture obtained from any person or entity in connection with a violation of-- (A) the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); (B) section 5(b) of the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App 5(b)); (C) the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-56; 115 Stat. 272); (D) the Bank Secrecy Act (codified at title 12 U.S.C. 1829 (b) and 1951-1959 and 31 U.S.C. 5311-5313 and 5316-5332); (E) the Export Administration Act (50 U.S.C. App. 2401- 2410); or (F) any regulations promulgated under an Act listed in subparagraphs (A) through (E). (g) Additional Compensation for Victims of Iranian Hostage Taking in Tehran.--In addition to any amounts that may be awarded under subsection (c), the President or his designee shall from monies deposited for Iran in the Iran Foreign Military Sales Fund account within the Foreign Military Sales Fund (including any amounts accrued as interest thereon)-- (1) pay any person who qualifies for payment under subsection (a)(3) who was taken hostage by the Islamic Republic of Iran on November 4, 1979 or who was taken hostage by Hezbollah on December 4, 1984 and flown to Tehran additional compensation of $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, from the date on which the hostage taking occurred to the date on which the compensation is paid; and (2) pay any person who was, at the time of such hostage- taking, the spouse or child of such person, 50 percent of the total amount of compensation paid to the hostage. ______ SA 456. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place insert ``The Secretary shall include levees in the Department's list of critical infrastructure sectors''. ______ SA 457. Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 54, strike line 5 and all that follows through page 57, line 9, and insert the following: ``(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary, through the Administrator, may award grants to State, local, and tribal governments for the purposes of this title. ``(b) Programs Not Affected.--This title shall not be construed to affect any authority to award grants under any of the following Federal programs: ``(1) The firefighter assistance programs authorized under section 33 and 34 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229 and 2229a). ``(2) The Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). ``(3) Grants to protect critical infrastructure, including port security grants authorized under section 70107 of title 46, United States Code, and the grants authorized in title XIII and XIV of the Improving America's Security Act of 2007. ``(4) The Metropolitan Medical Response System authorized under section 635 of the [[Page S2986]] Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 723). ``(5) Grant programs other than those administered by the Department. ``(c) Relationship to Other Laws.-- ``(1) In general.--The grant programs authorized under this title shall supercede all grant programs authorized under section 1014 of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 3714). ``(2) Program integrity.--Each grant program under this title, section 1809 of this Act, or section 662 of the Post- Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763) shall include, consistent with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note), policies and procedures for-- ``(A) identifying activities funded under any such grant program that are susceptible to significant improper payments; and ``(B) reporting the incidence of improper payments to the Department. ``(3) Allocation.--Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the allocation of grants authorized under this title shall be governed by the terms of this title and not by any other provision of law. ``(d) Minimum Performance Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall-- ``(A) establish minimum performance requirements for entities that receive homeland security grants; ``(B) conduct, in coordination with State, regional, local, and tribal governments receiving grants under this title, section 1809 of this Act, or section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763), simulations and exercises to test the minimum performance requirements established under subparagraph (A) for-- On page 66, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following: ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section-- ``(1) for fiscal year 2007, such sums as are necessary; ``(2) for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, $1,278,639,000; and ``(3) for fiscal year 2011, and each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as are necessary. On page 77, strike line 3 and all that follows through page 80, line 7, and insert the following: ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section-- ``(1) for fiscal year 2007, such sums as are necessary; ``(2) for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, $913,180,500; and ``(3) for fiscal year 2011, and each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as are necessary. ``SEC. 2005. TERRORISM PREVENTION. On page 84, strike line 19 and insert the following: ``SEC. 2006. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF FUNDS. On page 85, line 25, strike ``611(j)(8)'' and insert ``611(j)(9)''. On page 86, line 2, strike ``5196(j)(8))'' and insert ``5196(j)(9))''. On page 87, strike line 22 and insert the following: ``SEC. 2007. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION. On page 89, line 7, strike ``under this title'' and insert ``under section 2003 or 2004''. On page 91, strike line 16 and insert the following: ``SEC. 2008. ACCOUNTABILITY. On page 94, lines 13 and 14, strike ``the Homeland Security Grant Program'' and insert ``grants made under this title''. On page 97, strike lines 7 and 8 and insert the following: ``SEC. 2009. AUDITING. ``(a) Audits of Grants.-- On page 104, strike line 7 and all that follows through page 105, line 9, and insert the following: ``(d) Definition.--In this section, the term `Emergency Management Performance Grants Program' means the Emergency Management Performance Grants Program under section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763; Public Law 109-295). ``SEC. 2010. SENSE OF THE SENATE. ``It is the sense of the Senate that, in order to ensure that the Nation is most effectively able to prevent, prepare for, protect against, respond to, recovery from, and mitigate against all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters-- ``(1) the Department should administer a coherent and coordinated system of both terrorism-focused and all-hazards grants, the essential building blocks of which include-- ``(A) the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program established under this title (including funds dedicated to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities); ``(B) the Emergency Communications Operability and Interoperable Communications Grants established under section 1809; and ``(C) the Emergency Management Performance Grants Program authorized under section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763); and ``(2) to ensure a continuing and appropriate balance between terrorism-focused and all-hazards preparedness, the amounts appropriated for grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative, State Homeland Security Grant Program, and Emergency Management Performance Grants Program in any fiscal year should be in direct proportion to the amounts authorized for those programs for fiscal year 2008 under the amendments made by titles II and IV, as applicable, of the Improving America's Security Act of 2007.''. On page 106, strike lines 1 through 9, and insert the following: (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by striking the items relating to title XVIII and sections 1801 through 1806, as added by the SAFE Port Act (Public Law 109-347; 120 Stat. 1884), and inserting the following: ``TITLE XIX--DOMESTIC NUCLEAR DETECTION OFFICE ``Sec. 1901. Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. ``Sec. 1902. Mission of Office. ``Sec. 1903. Hiring authority. ``Sec. 1904. Testing authority. ``Sec. 1905. Relationship to other Department entities and Federal agencies. ``Sec. 1906. Contracting and grant making authorities. ``TITLE XX--HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS ``Sec. 2001. Definitions. ``Sec. 2002. Homeland Security Grant Program. ``Sec. 2003. Urban Area Security Initiative. ``Sec. 2004. State Homeland Security Grant Program. ``Sec. 2005. Terrorism prevention. ``Sec. 2006. Restrictions on use of funds. ``Sec. 2007. Administration and coordination. ``Sec. 2008. Accountability. ``Sec. 2009. Auditing. ``Sec. 2010. Sense of the Senate.''. TITLE III--COMMUNICATIONS OPERABILITY AND INTEROPERABILITY On page 126, between lines 14 and 15, insert the following: TITLE IV--EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANTS PROGRAM SEC. 401. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANTS PROGRAM. Section 622 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 622. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANTS PROGRAM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Population.--The term `population' means population according to the most recent United States census population estimates available at the start of the relevant fiscal year. ``(2) State.--The term `State' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101). ``(b) In General.--There is an Emergency Management Performance Grants Program to make grants to States to assist State, local, and tribal governments in preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against all hazards. ``(c) Application.-- ``(1) In general.--Each State may apply for a grant under this section, and shall submit such information in support of an application as the Administrator may reasonably require. ``(2) Annual applications.--Applicants for grants under this section shall apply or reapply on an annual basis for grants distributed under the program. ``(d) Allocation.--Funds available under the Emergency Management Performance Grants Program shall be allocated as follows: ``(1) Baseline amount.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), each State shall receive an amount equal to 0.75 percent of the total funds appropriated for grants under this section. ``(B) Territories.--American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands each shall receive an amount equal to 0.25 percent of the amounts appropriated for grants under this section. ``(2) Per capita allocation.--The funds remaining for grants under this section after allocation of the baseline amounts under paragraph (1) shall be allocated to each State in proportion to its population. ``(3) Consistency in allocation.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), in any fiscal year in which the appropriation for grants under this section is equal to or greater than the appropriation for Emergency Management Performance Grants in fiscal year 2007, no State shall receive an amount under this section for that fiscal year less than the amount that State received in fiscal year 2007. ``(e) Allowable Uses.--Grants awarded under this section may be used to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all hazards through-- ``(1) any activity authorized under title VI or section 201 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5195 et seq. and 5131); ``(2) any activity permitted under the Fiscal Year 2007 Program Guidance of the Department for Emergency Management Performance Grants; and ``(3) any other activity approved by the Administrator that will improve the emergency management capacity of State, local, or tribal governments to coordinate, integrate, and enhance preparedness for, response to, recovery from, or mitigation against all-hazards. [[Page S2987]] ``(f) Cost Sharing.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (i), the Federal share of the costs of an activity carried out with a grant under this section shall not exceed 50 percent. ``(2) In-kind matching.--Each recipient of a grant under this section may meet the matching requirement under paragraph (1) by making in-kind contributions of goods or services that are directly linked with the purpose for which the grant is made. ``(g) Distribution of Funds.--The Administrator shall not delay distribution of grant funds to States under this section solely because of delays in or timing of awards of other grants administered by the Department. ``(h) Local and Tribal Governments.-- ``(1) In general.--In allocating grant funds received under this section, a State shall take into account the needs of local and tribal governments. ``(2) Indian tribes.--States shall be responsible for allocating grant funds received under this section to tribal governments in order to help those tribal communities improve their capabilities in preparing for, responding to, recovering from, or mitigating against all hazards. Tribal governments shall be eligible for funding directly from the States, and shall not be required to seek funding from any local government. ``(i) Emergency Operations Centers Improvement Program.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may award grants to States under this section to plan for, equip, upgrade, or construct all-hazards State, local, or regional emergency operations centers. ``(2) Requirements.--No grant awards under this section (including for the activities specified under this subsection) shall be used for construction unless such construction occurs under terms and conditions consistent with the requirements under section 611(j)(9) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196(j)(9). ``(3) Cost sharing.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the costs of an activity carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent. ``(B) In kind matching.--Each recipient of a grant for an activity under this section may meet the matching requirement under subparagraph (A) by making in-kind contributions of goods or services that are directly linked with the purpose for which the grant is made. ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section-- ``(1) for fiscal year 2007, such sums as are necessary; ``(2) for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, $913,180,500; and ``(3) for fiscal year 2011, and each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as are necessary.''. ____________________