To establish the Advisory Committee on Risk-Sharing Mechanisms.
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Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 3551 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 0. Record Vote Number: 230.
July 17, 2014
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Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 3551 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 0. Record Vote Number: 230.
July 17, 2014
Roll call votes on amendments in Senate: Amendment SA 3551 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 0. Record Vote Number: 230.
July 17, 2014
Senate amendment proposed (on the floor): Amendment SA 3551 proposed by Senator Flake.
July 17, 2014
Amendment SA 3551 proposed by Senator Flake. (consideration: CR S4582-4584, S4588-4589; text: CR S4582) To establish the Advisory Committee on Risk-Sharing Mechanisms.
July 17, 2014
Amendment SA 3551 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 0. Record Vote Number: 230.
July 17, 2014
Senate amendment submitted
July 10, 2014
Votes
1 roll call on this amendment
Text
Submitted
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS ______ SA 3531. Mr. PRYOR submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title I, add the following: SEC. 1____. OVERNIGHT PARKING AT UNITS OF THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), the Secretary of the Interior shall issue to covered individuals described in subsection (b) permits to park for a period of not more than 72 consecutive hours unattended off-highway vehicles in any area of a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System in which parking is permitted. (b) Covered Individual.--A covered individual referred to in subsection (a) is an individual that is-- (1) at least 65 years of age; (2) a veteran with a service-connected disability (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code); or (3) entitled to benefits under section 223 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 423). ______ SA 3532. Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Grassley) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, insert the following: TITLE III--RURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2014 SEC. 301. SPECIAL RULE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF QUALIFIED CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTIONS MADE PERMANENT. (a) In General.-- (1) Individuals.--Subparagraph (E) of section 170(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking clause (vi). (2) Corporations.--Subparagraph (B) of section 170(b)(2) of such Code is amended by striking clause (iii). (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to contributions made in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013. SEC. 302. ELIMINATION OF CHARITABLE DEDUCTION FOR EASEMENTS ON GOLF COURSES. (a) In General.--Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(7) Exception for easements for golf courses.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified conservation contribution' shall not include any contribution of an easement for use on, or intended for use on, a golf course.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to contributions made after the date of the enactment of this Act. ______ SA 3533. Mr. VITTER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title I, add the following: SEC. 1____. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING AND CONSERVATION STAMP. (a) Increase in Price of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp to Fund Acquisition of Conservation Easements for Migratory Birds.--The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act is amended-- (1) in section 2(b) (16 U.S.C. 718b(b))-- (A) by striking ``1990, and'' and inserting ``1990,''; and (B) by striking ``for each hunting year thereafter'' and inserting ``for hunting years 1991 through 2013, and $25 for each hunting year thereafter''; (2) by adding at the end of section 2 (16 U.S.C. 718b) the following: ``(c) Reduction in Price of Stamp.--The Secretary may reduce the price of each stamp sold under the provisions of this section for a hunting year if the Secretary determines that the increase in the price of the stamp after hunting year 2013 resulted in a reduction in revenues deposited into the fund;''; and (3) in section 4 (16 U.S.C. 718d)-- (A) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting before the period the following: ``, in which there shall be a subaccount to which the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer all amounts in excess of $15 that are received from the sale of each stamp sold for each hunting year after hunting year 2013''; (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``So much'' and inserting ``except as provided in paragraph (4), so much''; (C) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3) and (4)''; and (D) by adding at the end of subsection (b) the following: ``(4) Conservation easements.--Amounts in the subaccount referred to in subsection (a)(3) shall be used by the Secretary solely to acquire easements in real property for conservation of migratory birds.''. (b) Annual Report on Expenditures.--Section 4 of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (16 U.S.C. 718d) is further amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking so much as precedes ``The Secretary may'' and inserting the following: ``(c) Promotion of Stamp Sales.--''; and (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall include in each annual report of the Commission under section 3 of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715b)-- ``(1) a description of activities conducted under subsection (c) in the year covered by the report; and ``(2) an annual assessment of the status of wetlands conservation projects for migratory bird conservation purposes, including a clear and accurate accounting of-- ``(A) all expenditures by Federal and State agencies under this section; ``(B) all expenditures made for fee-simple acquisition of Federal lands in the United States, including the amount paid and acreage of each parcel acquired in each acquisition.''. ______ SA 3534. Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Burr, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Graham, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Portman, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Heinrich, and Ms. Ayotte) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of the bill, add the following: SEC. ___. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND. (a) Findings.--The Senate finds the following: (1) The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund under section 2 of the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-5) (referred to in this subsection as the ``Fund''), the most successful and enduring conservation and outdoor recreation program of the United States. (2) The Fund will expire in 2015 unless Congress takes action to renew this important program. (3) The Fund has protected outdoor recreation sites in every State and nearly every county in the United States by ensuring access to hunting and fishing areas, protecting the most historic sites of the United States, supporting working forests and ranches, creating national scenic and historic trails, and conserving critical habitats. (4) The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) has a 50-year history of bipartisan support as, with the overwhelming support of Congress-- (A) support for the Act began during the Eisenhower Administration; [[Page S4420]] (B) the Act was proposed to Congress by President Kennedy; and (C) the Act was signed into law by President Johnson. (5) The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) is fully funded, without relying on tax dollars, through the annual collection of $900,000,000 by the Treasury of the United States from a small percentage of royalties from offshore drilling and other Federal energy revenue sources. (6) The Fund honors the principles of fiscal conservatism by reinvesting revenues from the sale of 1 national resource to protect other natural resources and ensure outdoor recreation for all people of the United States. (7) Over the 50-year history of the Fund, more than half the amount credited to the Fund account has been diverted for other purposes. (8) Continued investments in the Fund will stimulate the economy of the United States, create jobs, and strengthen infrastructure. (9) Outdoor recreation and conservation activities are important economic contributors and support jobs in communities across the United States. (10) The Fund drives local economies by growing recreational land to match increases in population and development pressure while also creating and protecting jobs in working forests and on working farms and ranches. (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that-- (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) should be reauthorized; and (2) full, permanent, and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund would keep the promise that was made to the people of the United States in 1964 to invest a small portion of the proceeds from natural resource development in conservation and outdoor recreation. ______ SA 3535. Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Burr, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Graham, Mr. Wyden, and Mr. Alexander) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of the bill, add the following: SEC. ___. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND. (a) Findings.--The Senate finds the following: (1) The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund under section 2 of the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-5) (referred to in this subsection as the ``Fund''), the most successful and enduring conservation and outdoor recreation program of the United States. (2) The Fund will expire in 2015 unless Congress takes action to renew this important program. (3) The Fund has protected outdoor recreation sites in every State and nearly every county in the United States by ensuring access to hunting and fishing areas, protecting the most historic sites of the United States, supporting working forests and ranches, creating national scenic and historic trails, and conserving critical habitats. (4) The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) has a 50-year history of bipartisan support as, with the overwhelming support of Congress-- (A) support for the Act began during the Eisenhower Administration; (B) the Act was proposed to Congress by President Kennedy; and (C) the Act was signed into law by President Johnson. (5) The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) is fully funded, without relying on tax dollars, through the annual collection of $900,000,000 by the Treasury of the United States from a small percentage of royalties from offshore drilling and other Federal energy revenue sources. (6) The Fund honors the principles of fiscal conservatism by reinvesting revenues from the sale of 1 national resource to protect other natural resources and ensure outdoor recreation for all people of the United States. (7) Over the 50-year history of the Fund, more than half the amount credited to the Fund account has been diverted for other purposes. (8) Continued investments in the Fund will stimulate the economy of the United States, create jobs, and strengthen infrastructure. (9) Outdoor recreation and conservation activities are important economic contributors and support jobs in communities across the United States. (10) The Fund drives local economies by growing recreational land to match increases in population and development pressure while also creating and protecting jobs in working forests and on working farms and ranches. (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that-- (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) should be reauthorized; and (2) full, permanent, and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund would keep the promise that was made to the people of the United States in 1964 to invest a small portion of the proceeds from natural resource development in conservation and outdoor recreation. ______ SA 3536. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: Strike section 203 and insert the following: SEC. 203. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 7(c) of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4406(c)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and''; (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(6) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2019.''. (b) Certain Proposed Rule.--For the purposes of implementing this Act, during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2019, the proposed rule entitled ``Definition of `Waters of the United States' Under the Clean Water Act'' (79 Fed. Reg. 22188 (April 21, 2014)) shall not apply. ______ SA 3537. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. __. STATE AND TRIBAL MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF WILD FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS. Public Law 92-195 (16 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act'') is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 12. STATE AND TRIBAL MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION. ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (c), at the request of a State legislature, Governor of a State, or the governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe, the Secretary shall allow the State or federally recognized Indian tribe to assume all management and protection functions under this Act with respect to wild free-roaming horses and burros on land within the boundaries of the State or federally recognized Indian tribe. ``(b) Management.--Beginning on the date on which a State or federally recognized Indian tribe assumes the functions under subsection (a), the State or federally recognized Indian tribe shall manage wild free-roaming horses and burros on land within the boundaries of the State or federally recognized Indian tribe-- ``(1) in accordance with this Act; and ``(2) in the same manner as any other non-federally regulated species with respect to functions not specified in this Act. ``(c) Inventory.--Notwithstanding the assumption of functions by a State or federally recognized Indian tribe under subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall continue to maintain the inventory required by section 3(b)(1).''. ______ SA 3538. Mr. JOHANNS (for himself and Mrs. Fischer) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title II, add the following: SEC. 2____. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN CONSERVATION AREAS. No funds made available under section 101 or the amendments made by section 201 or 203 shall be used by the Secretary of the Interior to acquire any land or interests in land for the Niobrara Confluence and Ponca Bluffs Conservation Areas unless the Secretary of the Interior solicits input from, and receives the consent of, the Governor and legislature of the State in which the land is located with respect to the acquisition. ______ SA 3539. Mr. HOEVEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title I, add the following: SEC. 1____. NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY SYSTEM. In administering the National Fish Hatchery System, the Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service) shall give priority to increasing recreational fishing opportunities for the public. ______ SA 3540. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and [[Page S4421]] shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: TITLE III--ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2014''. SEC. 302. ANTI-STRAW PURCHASING AND FIREARMS TRAFFICKING AMENDMENTS. (a) In General.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 932. Straw purchasing of firearms ``(a) For purposes of this section-- ``(1) the term `crime of violence' has the meaning given that term in section 924(c)(3); ``(2) the term `drug trafficking crime' has the meaning given that term in section 924(c)(2); and ``(3) the term `purchase' includes the receipt of any firearm by a person who does not own the firearm-- ``(A) by way of pledge or pawn as security for the payment or repayment of money; or ``(B) on consignment. ``(b) It shall be unlawful for any person (other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed collector, or licensed dealer) to knowingly purchase, or attempt or conspire to purchase, any firearm in or otherwise affecting interstate or foreign commerce-- ``(1) from a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed collector, or licensed dealer for, on behalf of, or at the request or demand of any other person, known or unknown; or ``(2) from any person who is not a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed collector, or licensed dealer for, on behalf of, or at the request or demand of any other person, known or unknown, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such other person-- ``(A) is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year; ``(B) is a fugitive from justice; ``(C) is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)); ``(D) has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution; ``(E) is an alien who-- ``(i) is illegally or unlawfully in the United States; or ``(ii) except as provided in section 922(y)(2), has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(26) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(26)); ``(F) has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions; ``(G) having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship; ``(H) is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, except that this subparagraph shall only apply to a court order that-- ``(i) was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and ``(ii)(I) includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or ``(II) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury; ``(I) has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; ``(J) intends to-- ``(i) use, carry, possess, or sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm or ammunition in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; or ``(ii) export the firearm or ammunition in violation of law; ``(K)(i) does not reside in any State; and ``(ii) is not a citizen of the United States; or ``(L) intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm or ammunition to a person described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (K). ``(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both. ``(2) If a violation of subsection (b) is committed knowing or with reasonable cause to believe that any firearm involved will be used to commit a crime of violence, the person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 25 years. ``(d) Subsection (b)(1) shall not apply to any firearm that is lawfully purchased by a person-- ``(1) to be given as a bona fide gift to a recipient who provided no service or tangible thing of value to acquire the firearm, unless the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such recipient is prohibited by Federal law from possessing, receiving, selling, shipping, transporting, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the firearm; or ``(2) to be given to a bona fide winner of an organized raffle, contest, or auction conducted in accordance with law and sponsored by a national, State, or local organization or association, unless the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such recipient is prohibited by Federal law from possessing, purchasing, receiving, selling, shipping, transporting, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the firearm. ``Sec. 933. Trafficking in firearms ``(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to-- ``(1) ship, transport, transfer, cause to be transported, or otherwise dispose of a firearm to another person in or otherwise affecting interstate or foreign commerce, if the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm by the transferee would be in violation of, or would result in a violation of, any Federal law punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding 1 year; ``(2) receive from another person a firearm in or otherwise affecting interstate or foreign commerce, if the recipient knows or has reasonable cause to believe that such receipt would be in violation of, or would result in a violation of, any Federal law punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding 1 year; or ``(3) attempt or conspire to commit the conduct described in paragraph (1) or (2). ``(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subsection (a) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both. ``(2) If a violation of subsection (a) is committed by a person in concert with 5 or more other persons with respect to whom such person occupies a position of organizer, leader, supervisor, or manager, the person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 25 years. ``Sec. 934. Forfeiture and fines ``(a)(1) Any person convicted of a violation of section 932 or 933 shall forfeit to the United States, irrespective of any provision of State law-- ``(A) any property constituting, or derived from, any proceeds the person obtained, directly or indirectly, as the result of such violation; and ``(B) any of the person's property used, or intended to be used, in any manner or part, to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, such violation. ``(2) The court, in imposing sentence on a person convicted of a violation of section 932 or 933, shall order, in addition to any other sentence imposed pursuant to section 932 or 933, that the person forfeit to the United States all property described in paragraph (1). ``(b) A defendant who derives profits or other proceeds from an offense under section 932 or 933 may be fined not more than the greater of-- ``(1) the fine otherwise authorized by this part; and ``(2) the amount equal to twice the gross profits or other proceeds of the offense under section 932 or 933.''. (b) Title III Authorization.--Section 2516(1)(n) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 922 and 924'' and inserting ``section 922, 924, 932, or 933''. (c) Racketeering Amendment.--Section 1961(1)(B) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``section 932 (relating to straw purchasing), section 933 (relating to trafficking in firearms),'' before ``section 1028''. (d) Money Laundering Amendment.--Section 1956(c)(7)(D) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 924(n)'' and inserting ``section 924(n), 932, or 933''. (e) Directive to Sentencing Commission.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this section, the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and amend its guidelines and policy statements to ensure that persons convicted of an offense under section 932 or 933 of title 18, United States Code, and other offenses applicable to the straw purchases and trafficking of firearms are subject to increased penalties in comparison to those currently provided by the guidelines and policy statements for such straw purchasing and firearms trafficking offenses. The Commission shall also review and amend its guidelines and policy statements to reflect the intent of Congress that a person convicted of an offense under section 932 or 933 of title 18, United States Code, who is affiliated with a gang, cartel, organized crime ring, or other such enterprise should be subject to higher penalties than an otherwise unaffiliated individual. (f) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections of chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``932. Straw purchasing of firearms. ``933. Trafficking in firearms. ``934. Forfeiture and fines.''. SEC. 303. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 922(D). Section 922(d) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``or'' at the end; (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by striking the matter following paragraph (9) and inserting the following: ``(10) intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm or ammunition to a person described in any of paragraphs (1) through (9); or ``(11) intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm or ammunition in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense or to export the firearm or ammunition in violation of law. [[Page S4422]] This subsection shall not apply with respect to the sale or disposition of a firearm or ammunition to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector who pursuant to subsection (b) of section 925 is not precluded from dealing in firearms or ammunition, or to a person who has been granted relief from disabilities pursuant to subsection (c) of section 925.''. SEC. 304. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 924(A). Section 924(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(d), (g),''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(8) Whoever knowingly violates subsection (d) or (g) of section 922 shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.''. SEC. 305. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 924(H). Section 924 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: ``(h)(1) Whoever knowingly receives or transfers a firearm or ammunition, or attempts or conspires to do so, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such firearm or ammunition will be used to commit a crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)), a drug trafficking crime (as defined in subsection (c)(2)), or a crime under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), or section 212(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(C)) shall be imprisoned not more than 25 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both. ``(2) No term of imprisonment imposed on a person under this subsection shall run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed on the person under section 932.''. SEC. 306. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 924(K). Section 924 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (k) and inserting the following: ``(k)(1) A person who, with intent to engage in or to promote conduct that-- ``(A) is punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or chapter 705 of title 46; ``(B) violates any law of a State relating to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802); or ``(C) constitutes a crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)), smuggles or knowingly brings into the United States, a firearm or ammunition, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years, fined under this title, or both. ``(2) A person who, with intent to engage in or to promote conduct that-- ``(A) would be punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or chapter 705 of title 46, if the conduct had occurred within the United States; or ``(B) would constitute a crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)) for which the person may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, if the conduct had occurred within the United States, smuggles or knowingly takes out of the United States, a firearm or ammunition, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years, fined under this title, or both.''. ______ SA 3541. Mr. COBURN (for himself and Mr. Warner) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: TITLE III--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM DONOR CONTRIBUTION ACKNOWLEDGMENT SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``National Park System Donor Contribution Acknowledgment Act of 2014''. SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Donor acknowledgment.-- (A) In general.--The term ``donor acknowledgment'' means a statement, logo, trademark, proper legal name, or other reasonable form of credit acknowledging a contribution by a donor. (B) Exclusions.--The term ``donor acknowledgment'' does not include-- (i) a sign or other fixture that would block or obstruct a natural or historic site or view; or (ii) a statement or credit that promotes a political candidate or issue. (2) Eligible structure.-- (A) In general.--The term ``eligible structure'' means a structure at a unit of the National Park System. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``eligible structure'' includes-- (i) a visitor center; (ii) an administrative structure; and (iii) a specific room or section of a visitor center or an administrative structure. (C) Exclusion.--The term ``eligible structure'' does not include a commemorative work (as defined in section 8902(a) of title 40, United States Code). (3) Landscape feature.-- (A) In general.--The term ``landscape feature'' means a component that conveys the historic character or significance of a landscape. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``landscape feature'' includes-- (i) an original component of, a replacement of an original component of, a compatible alteration to, or a new addition to the landscape; (ii) a component that ranges in scale from a single specimen tree to-- (I) a group of plantings (such as a hedge or an allee of trees); and (II) an entire orchard; and (iii) a pathway, stairway, or plaza. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 303. DONOR CONTRIBUTION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AT NON-HISTORIC STRUCTURES IN UNITS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM. (a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall allow the display of donor acknowledgments at eligible structures, fixtures, and landscape fixtures within the National Park System. (b) Eligible Fixtures.-- (1) In general.--Donor acknowledgments under subsection (a) may be affixed to benches, furnishings, bricks, and vehicles. (2) Limitation.--Any donor acknowledgment under subsection (a) associated with a landscape feature, an item in a museum collection, or a historic structure shall-- (A) be freestanding; and (B) not be affixed to the landscape feature, item, or structure. (c) Requirements.--Donor acknowledgments under subsection (a) shall be displayed-- (1) in a manner that is approved by the Secretary, in consultation with the Superintendent at the unit of the National Park System in which the eligible structure is located, after taking into account any input from the donating entity; and (2) for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Superintendent at the unit of the National Park System in which the eligible structure is located, that is commensurate with the amount of the contribution and the life of the eligible structure. (d) Expansion of Donor Acknowledgments.--The Secretary may authorize the use of donor acknowledgments under this section to include donor acknowledgments on digital and media platforms, including online applications and web-based product downloads relating to a specific unit of the National Park System. (e) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall implement this section. (f) Effect of Section.--Nothing in this section requires the Secretary to accept a donation. SEC. 304. DONOR CONTRIBUTION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TO BE DISPLAYED AT COMMEMORATIVE WORKS. Section 8905 of title 40, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Donor Contributions.-- ``(1) Acknowledgment of donor contribution.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Secretary of the Interior or Administrator of General Services, as applicable, may permit a sponsor to acknowledge donor contributions at the commemorative work. ``(2) Requirements.--An acknowledgment under paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) be displayed inside an ancillary structure associated with the commemorative work; and ``(B) conform to applicable National Park Service or General Services Administration guidelines for donor recognition, as applicable. ``(3) Limitations.--An acknowledgment under paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) be limited to an appropriate statement or credit recognizing the contribution; ``(B) be displayed in a form approved by the National Mall and Memorial Parks Donor Recognition Plan and General Services Administration guidelines; ``(C) be displayed for a period of up to 10 years, with the display period to be commensurate with the level of the contribution, as determined in accordance with the plan and guidelines described in subparagraph (B); ``(D) be freestanding; and ``(E) not be affixed to-- ``(i) any landscape feature at the commemorative work; or ``(ii) any object in a museum collection. ``(4) Cost.--The sponsor shall bear all expenses related to the display of donor acknowledgments under paragraph (1). ``(5) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply to any commemorative work dedicated after January 1, 2010.''. ______ SA 3542. Mr. VITTER (for himself, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Barrasso, and Mr. Crapo) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: [[Page S4423]] TITLE III--TERMINATION OF OPERATION CHOKE POINT SECTION 301. TERMINATION OF OPERATION CHOKE POINT. (a) In General.--No agency of the Federal Government may initiate, undertake, or continue-- (1) any investigation pursuant to section 951 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 1833a) for the purpose of carrying out Operation Choke Point; (2) any industry-wide investigation of nondepository lenders, payment processors, or persons licensed pursuant to chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, that are regulated by the Federal Government or a State government to engage in lawful activities, as such investigations were described in a presentation made by the Department of Justice to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council on September 17, 2013; and (3) any enforcement action under section 8(a) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 (U.S.C. 1818(a)), any cease and desist order, or any bank examination for the purpose of terminating the relationship between a bank and any legally authorized business based on the products or services provided by that business. (b) Definition of State.--For purposes of this section, the term ``State'' means any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the United States Virgin Islands or any Indian tribe included on the list published by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a-1). ______ SA 3543. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: TITLE III--FOREST MANAGEMENT Subtitle A--FLAME Act Amendment SEC. 301. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) over the past 2 decades, wildfires have increased dramatically in size and costs; (2) existing budget mechanisms for estimating the costs of wildfire suppression are not keeping pace with the actual costs for wildfire suppression due in part to improper budget estimation methodology; (3) the FLAME Funds have not been adequate in supplementing wildland fire management funds in cases in which wildland fire management accounts are exhausted; and (4) the practice of transferring funds from other agency funds (including the hazardous fuels treatment accounts) by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior to pay for wildfire suppression activities, commonly known as ``fire-borrowing'', does not support the missions of the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior with respect to protecting human life and property from the threat of wildfires. SEC. 302. FLAME ACT AMENDMENT. (a) Funding.--Section 502(d) of the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a(d)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``shall consist of'' and all that follows through ``appropriated to'' in subparagraph (A) and inserting ``shall consist of such amounts as are appropriated to''; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B); and (2) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5). (b) Use of Flame Fund.--Section 502(e) of the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a(e)) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Amounts appropriated to a FLAME Fund, in accordance with section 251(b)(2)(E) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 902(b)(2)(E)), shall be available to the Secretary concerned for wildfire suppression operations if the Secretary concerned issues a declaration and notifies the relevant congressional committees that a wildfire suppression event is eligible for funding from the FLAME Fund. ``(2) Declaration criteria.--A declaration by the Secretary concerned under paragraph (1) may be issued only if-- ``(A) an individual wildfire incident meets the objective indicators of an extraordinary wildfire situation, including-- ``(i) a wildfire that the Secretary concerned determines has required an emergency Federal response based on the significant complexity, severity, or threat posed by the fire to human life, property, or a resource; ``(ii) a wildfire that covers 1,000 or more acres; or ``(iii) a wildfire that is within 10 miles of an urbanized area (as defined in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code); or ``(B) the cumulative costs of wildfire suppression and Federal emergency response activities, as determined by the Secretary concerned, would exceed, within 30 days, all of the amounts otherwise previously appropriated (including amounts appropriated under an emergency designation, but excluding amounts appropriated to the FLAME Fund) to the Secretary concerned for wildfire suppression and Federal emergency response.''. (c) Treatment of Anticipated and Predicted Activities.-- Section 502(f) of the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a(f)) is amended by striking ``(e)(2)(B)(i)'' and inserting ``(e)(2)(A)''. (d) Prohibition on Other Transfers.--Section 502 of the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a) is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: ``(g) Prohibition on Other Transfers.--The Secretary concerned shall not transfer funds provided for activities other than wildfire suppression operations to pay for any wildfire suppression operations.''. (e) Accounting and Reports.--Section 502(h) of the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a(h)) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: ``(2) Estimates of wildfire suppression operations costs to improve budgeting and funding.-- ``(A) Budget submission.--Consistent with section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the President shall include in each budget for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior information on estimates of appropriations for wildfire suppression costs based on an out-year forecast that uses a statistically valid regression model. ``(B) Requirements.--The estimate of anticipated wildfire suppression costs under subparagraph (A) shall be developed using the best available-- ``(i) climate, weather, and other relevant data; and ``(ii) models and other analytic tools. ``(C) Independent review.--The methodology for developing the estimates of wildfire suppression costs under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to periodic independent review to ensure compliance with subparagraph (B). ``(D) Submission to congress.-- ``(i) In general.--Consistent with the schedule described in clause (ii) and in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Secretary concerned shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives an updated estimate of wildfire suppression costs for the applicable fiscal year. ``(ii) Schedule.--The Secretary concerned shall submit the updated estimates under clause (i) during-- ``(I) March of each year; ``(II) May of each year; ``(III) July of each year; and ``(IV) if a bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service for the following fiscal year has not been enacted by September 1, September of each year. ``(3) Reports.--Annually, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that-- ``(A) provides a summary of the amount of appropriations made available during the previous fiscal year, which specifies the source of the amounts and the commitments and obligations made under this section; ``(B) describes the amounts obligated to individual wildfire events that meet the criteria specified in subsection (e)(2); and ``(C) includes any recommendations that the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior may have to improve the administrative control and oversight of the FLAME Fund.''. SEC. 303. WILDFIRE DISASTER FUNDING AUTHORITY. (a) In General.--Section 251(b)(2) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(E) Flame wildfire suppression.-- ``(i)(I) The adjustments for a fiscal year shall be in accordance with clause (ii) if-- ``(aa) a bill or joint resolution making appropriations for a fiscal year is enacted that-- ``(AA) specifies an amount for wildfire suppression operations in the Wildland Fire Management accounts at the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior; and ``(BB) specifies a total amount to be used for the purposes described in subclause (II) in the Wildland Fire Management accounts at the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior that is not less than 50 percent of the amount described in subitem (AA); and ``(bb) as of the day before the date of enactment of the bill or joint resolution all amounts in the FLAME Fund established under section 502 of the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a) have been expended. ``(II) The purposes described in this subclause are-- ``(aa) hazardous fuels reduction projects and other activities of the Secretary of the Interior, as authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a); and ``(bb) forest restoration and fuel reduction activities carried out outside of the wildland urban interface that are on condition class 3 Federal land or condition class 2 Federal land located within fire regime I, fire regime II, or fire regime III. ``(ii) If the requirements under clause (i)(I) are met for a fiscal year, the adjustments for [[Page S4424]] that fiscal year shall be the amount of additional new budget authority provided in the bill or joint resolution described in clause (i)(I)(aa) for wildfire suppression operations for that fiscal year, but shall not exceed $1,000,000,000 in additional new budget authority in each of fiscal years 2015 through 2021. ``(iii) As used in this subparagraph-- ``(I) the term `additional new budget authority' means the amount provided for a fiscal year in an appropriation Act and specified to pay for the costs of wildfire suppression operations that is equal to the greater of the amount in excess of-- ``(aa) 100 percent of the average costs for wildfire suppression operations over the previous 5 years; or ``(bb) the estimated amount of anticipated wildfire suppression costs at the upper bound of the 90 percent confidence interval for that fiscal year calculated in accordance with section 502(h)(3) the FLAME Act of 2009 (43 U.S.C. 1748a(h)(3)); and ``(II) the term `wildfire suppression operations' means the emergency and unpredictable aspects of wildland firefighting including support, response, and emergency stabilization activities; other emergency management activities; and funds necessary to repay any transfers needed for these costs. ``(iv) The average costs for wildfire suppression operations over the previous 5 years shall be calculated annually and reported in the President's Budget submission under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for each fiscal year.''. (b) Disaster Funding.--Section 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(D)) is amended-- (1) in clause (i)-- (A) in subclause (I), by striking ``and'' and inserting ``plus''; (B) in subclause (II), by striking the period and inserting ``; less''; and (C) by adding the following: ``(III) the additional new budget authority provided in an appropriation Act for wildfire suppression operations pursuant to subparagraph (E) for the preceding fiscal year.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(v) Beginning in fiscal year 2016 and in subsequent fiscal years, the calculation of the `average funding provided for disaster relief over the previous 10 years' shall not include the additional new budget authority provided in an appropriation Act for wildfire suppression operations pursuant to subparagraph (E).''. Subtitle B--Forest Treatment Projects SEC. 311. DEFINITIONS. In this subtitle: (1) Covered project.--The term ``covered project'' means a project that involves the management or sale of national forest material within a Forest Management Emphasis Area. (2) Forest management emphasis area.-- (A) In general.--The term ``Forest Management Emphasis Area'' means National Forest System land identified as suitable for timber production in a forest management plan in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Exclusions.--The term ``Forest Management Emphasis Area'' does not include National Forest System land-- (i) that is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; or (ii) on which removal of vegetation is specifically prohibited by Federal law. (3) National forest material.--The term ``national forest material'' means trees, portions of trees, or forest products, with an emphasis on sawtimber and pulpwood, derived from National Forest System land. (4) National forest system.-- (A) In general.--The term ``National Forest System'' has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)). (B) Exclusion.--The term ``National Forest System'' does not include-- (i) the national grasslands and land utilization projects administered under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010 et seq.); or (ii) National Forest System land east of the 100th meridian. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture. SEC. 312. PROJECTS IN FOREST MANAGEMENT EMPHASIS AREAS. (a) Conduct of Covered Projects Within Forest Management Emphasis Areas.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary may conduct covered projects in Forest Management Emphasis Areas, subject to paragraphs (2) through (4). (2) Designating timber for cutting.-- (A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 14(g) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a(g)), the Secretary may use designation by prescription or designation by description in conducting covered projects under this subtitle. (B) Requirement.--The designation methods authorized under subparagraph (A) shall be used in a manner that ensures that the quantity of national forest material that is removed from the Forest Management Emphasis Area is verifiable and accountable. (3) Contracting methods.-- (A) In general.--Timber sale contracts under section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) shall be the primary means of carrying out covered projects under this subtitle. (B) Record.--If the Secretary does not use a timber sale contract under section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) to carry out a covered project under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide a written record specifying the reasons that different contracting methods were used. (4) Acreage treatment requirements.-- (A) Total acreage requirements.--The Secretary shall identify, prioritize, and carry out covered projects in Forest Management Emphasis Areas that mechanically treat a total of at least 7,500,000 acres in the Forest Management Emphasis Areas during the 15-year period beginning on the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Secretary assigns the acreage treatment requirements under subparagraph (B). (B) Assignment of acreage treatment requirements to individual units of the national forest system.-- (i) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act and subject to clause (ii), the Secretary, in the sole discretion of the Secretary, shall assign the acreage treatment requirements that shall apply to the Forest Management Emphasis Areas of each unit of the National Forest System. (ii) Limitation.--Notwithstanding clause (i), the acreage treatment requirements assigned to a specific unit of the National Forest System under that clause may not apply to more than 25 percent of the acreage to be treated in any unit of the National Forest System in a Forest Management Emphasis Area during the 15-year period described in subparagraph (A). (b) Environmental Analysis and Public Review Process for Covered Projects in Forest Management Emphasis Areas.-- (1) Environmental assessment.--The Secretary shall comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) by completing an environmental assessment that assesses the direct environmental effects of each covered project proposed to be conducted within a Forest Management Emphasis Area, except that the Secretary shall not be required to study, develop, or describe more than the proposed agency action and 1 alternative to the proposed agency action for purposes of that Act. (2) Public notice and comment.--In preparing an environmental assessment for a covered project under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide-- (A) public notice of the covered project; and (B) an opportunity for public comment on the covered project. (3) Length.--The environmental assessment prepared for a covered project under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 100 pages in length. (4) Inclusion of certain documents.--The Secretary may incorporate, by reference, into an environmental assessment any documents that the Secretary, in the sole discretion of the Secretary, determines are relevant to the assessment of the environmental effects of the covered project. (5) Deadline for completion.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary has published notice of a covered project in accordance with paragraph (2), the Secretary shall complete the environmental assessment for the covered project. (c) Compliance With Endangered Species Act.--To comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Secretary shall use qualified professionals on the staff of the Forest Service to make determinations required under section 7 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1536). (d) Limitation on Revision of National Forest Plans.--The Secretary may not, during a revision of a forest plan under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604), reduce the acres designated as suitable for timber harvest under a covered project, unless the Secretary determines, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, that the reduction in acreage is necessary to prevent a jeopardy finding under section 7(b) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)). SEC. 313. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW; ARBITRATION. (a) Administrative Review.--Administrative review of a covered project shall occur only in accordance with the special administrative review process established by section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515). (b) Arbitration.-- (1) In general.--There is established in the Department of Agriculture a pilot program that-- (A) authorizes the use of arbitration instead of judicial review of a decision made following the special administrative review process for a covered project described in subsection (a); and (B) shall be the sole means to challenge a covered project in a Forest Management Emphasis Area during the 15-year period beginning on the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Secretary assigns the acreage treatment requirements under section 312(a)(4)(B). (2) Arbitration process procedures.-- (A) In general.--Any person who sought administrative review for a covered project in accordance with subsection (a) and who is not satisfied with the decision made under the administrative review process may file a demand for arbitration in accordance with-- (i) chapter 1 of title 9, United States Code; and (ii) this paragraph. [[Page S4425]] (B) Requirements for demand.--A demand for arbitration under subparagraph (A) shall-- (i) be filed not more than 30 days after the date on which the special administrative review decision is issued under subsection (a); and (ii) include a proposal containing the modifications sought to the covered project. (C) Intervening parties.-- (i) Deadline for submission; requirements.--Any person that submitted a public comment on the covered project subject to the demand for arbitration may intervene in the arbitration under this subsection by submitting a proposal endorsing or modifying the covered project by the date that is 30 days after the date on which the demand for arbitration is filed under subparagraph (A). (ii) Multiple parties.--Multiple objectors or intervening parties that meet the requirements of clause (i) may submit a joint proposal under that clause. (D) Appointment of arbitrator.--The United States District Court in the district in which a covered project subject to a demand for arbitration filed under subparagraph (A) is located shall appoint an arbitrator to conduct the arbitration proceedings in accordance with this subsection. (E) Selection of proposals.-- (i) In general.--An arbitrator appointed under subparagraph (D)-- (I) may not modify any of the proposals submitted under this paragraph; and (II) shall select to be conducted-- (aa) a proposal submitted by an objector under subparagraph (B)(ii) or an intervening party under subparagraph (C); or (bb) the covered project, as approved by the Secretary. (ii) Selection criteria.--An arbitrator shall select the proposal that best meets the purpose and needs described in the environmental assessment conducted under section 312(b)(1) for the covered project. (iii) Effect.--The decision of an arbitrator with respect to a selection under clause (i)(II)-- (I) shall not be considered a major Federal action; (II) shall be binding; and (III) shall not be subject to judicial review. (F) Deadline for completion.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which a demand for arbitration is filed under subparagraph (A), the arbitration process shall be completed. SEC. 314. DISTRIBUTION OF REVENUE. (a) Payments to Counties.-- (1) In general.--Effective for fiscal year 2015 and each fiscal year thereafter until the termination date under section 316, the Secretary shall provide to each county in which a covered project is carried out annual payments in an amount equal to 25 percent of the amounts received for the applicable fiscal year by the Secretary from the covered project. (2) Limitation.--A payment made under paragraph (1) shall be in addition to any payments the county receives under the payment to States required by the sixth paragraph under the heading ``Forest service'' in the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260; 16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (36 Stat. 963; 16 U.S.C. 500). (b) Deposit in Knutson-Vandenberg and Salvage Sale Funds.-- After compliance with subsection (a), the Secretary shall use amounts received by the Secretary from covered projects during each of the fiscal years during the period described in subsection (a) to make deposits into the fund established under section 3 of the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the ``Knutson-Vandenberg Act'') (16 U.S.C. 576b) and the fund established under section 14(h) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a(h)) in contributions equal to the amounts otherwise collected under those Acts for projects conducted on National Forest System land. (c) Deposit in General Fund of the Treasury.--After compliance with subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall deposit into the general fund of the Treasury any remaining amounts received by the Secretary for each of the fiscal years referred to in those subsections from covered projects. SEC. 315. PERFORMANCE MEASURES; REPORTING. (a) Performance Measures.--The Secretary shall develop performance measures that evaluate the degree to which the Secretary is achieving-- (1) the purposes of this subtitle; and (2) the minimum acreage requirements established under section 312(a)(4). (b) Annual Reports.--Annually, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives-- (1) a report that describes the results of evaluations using the performance measures developed under subsection (a); and (2) a report that describes-- (A) the number and substance of the covered projects that are subject to administrative review and arbitration under section 313; and (B) the outcomes of the administrative review and arbitration under that section. SEC. 316. TERMINATION. The authority of this subtitle terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle C--Forest Stewardship Contracting SEC. 321. CANCELLATION CEILINGS. Section 604(d) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c(d)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: ``(5) Cancellation ceilings.-- ``(A) In general.--The Chief and the Director may obligate funds to cover any potential cancellation or termination costs for an agreement or contract under subsection (b) in stages that are economically or programmatically viable. ``(B) Notice.-- ``(i) Submission to congress.--Not later than 30 days before entering into a multiyear agreement or contract under subsection (b) that includes a cancellation ceiling in excess of $25,000,000, but does not include proposed funding for the costs of cancelling the agreement or contract up to the cancellation ceiling established in the agreement or contract, the Chief and the Director shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a written notice that includes-- ``(I)(aa) the cancellation ceiling amounts proposed for each program year in the agreement or contract; and ``(bb) the reasons for the cancellation ceiling amounts proposed under item (aa); ``(II) the extent to which the costs of contract cancellation are not included in the budget for the agreement or contract; and ``(III) a financial risk assessment of not including budgeting for the costs of agreement or contract cancellation. ``(ii) Transmittal to omb.--At least 14 days before the date on which the Chief and Director enter into an agreement or contract under subsection (b), the Chief and Director shall transmit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a copy of the written notice submitted under clause (i).''. ______ SA 3544. Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and Mr. Tester) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of the bill, add the following: TITLE III--PROTECTION OF TREATIES AND RIGHTS OF INDIAN TRIBES SEC. 3____. PROTECTION OF TREATIES AND RIGHTS OF INDIAN TRIBES. (a) Definition of Indian Tribe.--In this section, the term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). (b) Effect of Act.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act affects or modifies any treaty or other right of any Indian tribe, including the protection of sacred and cultural areas. (c) Duties of the Secretaries With Respect to Treaty Rights.--In carrying out this Act or the amendments made by this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall take appropriate measures to uphold treaty and other rights of Indian tribes, including protecting and preserving sacred and cultural areas of Indian tribes located on Federal public land. ______ SA 3545. Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Thune, Mr. Blunt, and Mr. Barrasso) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. __. CONSTITUTIONAL CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2014. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2014''. (b) Reciprocity for the Carrying of Certain Concealed Firearms.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 926C the following: ``Sec. 926D. Reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any provision of the law of any State or political subdivision thereof to the contrary-- ``(1) an individual who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document and a valid license or permit which is issued pursuant to the law of a State and which permits the individual to carry a concealed firearm, may possess or carry a concealed handgun (other than a machinegun or destructive device) that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce in any State other than the State of residence of the individual that-- ``(A) has a statue that allows residents of the State to obtain licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms; or ``(B) does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms by residents of the State for lawful purposes; and [[Page S4426]] ``(2) an individual who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document and is entitled and not prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in the State in which the individual resides otherwise than as described in paragraph (1), may possess or carry a concealed handgun (other than a machinegun or destructive device) that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce in any State other than the State of residence of the individual that-- ``(A) has a statute that allows residents of the State to obtain licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms; or ``(B) does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms by residents of the State for lawful purposes. ``(b) Conditions and Limitations.--The possession or carrying of a concealed handgun in a State under this section shall be subject to the same conditions and limitations, except as to eligibility to possess or carry, imposed by or under Federal or State law or the law of a political subdivision of a State, that apply to the possession or carrying of a concealed handgun by residents of the State or political subdivision who are licensed by the State or political subdivision to do so, or not prohibited by the State from doing so. ``(c) Unrestricted License or Permit.--In a State that allows the issuing authority for licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms to impose restrictions on the carrying of firearms by individual holders of such licenses or permits, an individual carrying a concealed handgun under this section shall be permitted to carry a concealed handgun according to the same terms authorized by an unrestricted license of or permit issued to a resident of the State. ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt any provision of State law with respect to the issuance of licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 926C the following: ``926D. Reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms.''. (3) Severability.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, if any provision of this section, or any amendment made by this section, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, this section and amendments made by this section and the application of such provision or amendment to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (4) Effective date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. ______ SA 3546. Mr. WALSH (for himself, Mr. Udall of Colorado, and Mr. Heinrich) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3456 submitted by Mr. Cruz and intended to be proposed to the bill S. 2363, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed to be added, add the following: SEC. ___. POINT OF ORDER AGAINST SELLING FEDERAL LAND IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE DEFICIT. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, amendment between the houses, or conference report that sells any Federal land and uses the proceeds of the sale to reduce the Federal deficit. (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to the sale of Federal land as part of a program that acquires land in the same State that is of comparable value or contains exceptional resources. (c) Supermajority Waiver and Appeal in the Senate.-- (1) Waiver.--This section may be waived or suspended only by the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. (2) Appeal.--An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under this section. ______ SA 3547. Mr. REED submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2410, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2015 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle B of title V, add the following: SEC. 515. RIGHTS OF APPEAL IN CERTAIN ADVERSE PERSONNEL ACTIONS FOR MILITARY TECHNICIANS. (a) Rights of Grievance, Arbitration, Appeal, and Review Beyond AG.--Section 709 of title 32, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (f)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law and under'' and inserting ``Under''; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a right of appeal'' and inserting ``subject to subsection (j), a right of appeal''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(j)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (f)(4) or any other provision of law, a technician and a labor organization that is the exclusive representative of a bargaining unit including the technician shall have the rights of grievance, arbitration, appeal, and review extending beyond the adjutant general of the jurisdiction concerned and to the Merit Systems Protection Board and thereafter to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in the same manner as provided in sections 4303, 7121, and 7701-7703 of title 5, with respect to a performance-based or adverse action imposing removal, suspension for more than 14 days, furlough for 30 days or less, or reduction in pay or pay band (or comparable reduction). ``(2) This subsection does not apply to a technician who is serving under a temporary appointment or in a trial or probationary period.''. (b) Adverse Actions Covered.--Subsection (g) of such section is amended by striking ``, 3502, 7511, and 7512'' and inserting ``and 3502''. (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 7511(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking paragraph (5); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (10) as paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively. ______ SA 3548. Mr. MURPHY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2410, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2015 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle H of title X, add the following: SEC. 1087. METHODS FOR VALIDATING CERTAIN SERVICE CONSIDERED TO BE ACTIVE SERVICE BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Merchant Marine Act, 1936 established the United States Maritime Commission, and stated as a matter of policy that the United States should have a merchant marine that is ``capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency''. (2) The Social Security Act Amendments of 1939 (Public Law 76-379) expanded the definition of employment to include service ``on or in connection with an American vessel under contract of service which is entered into within the United States or during the performance of which the vessel touches at a port in the United States, if the employee is employed on and in connection with such vessel''. (3) The Joint Resolution to repeal sections 2, 3, and 6 of the Neutrality Act of 1939, and for other purposes (Public Law 77-294; 55 Stat. 764) repealed section 6 of the Neutrality Act of 1939 (related to the arming of United States vessels) and authorized the President during the national emergency to arm or permit to arm any United States vessel. (4) On February 7, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, through Executive Order Number 9054, established the War Shipping Administration that was charged with building or purchasing, and operating the civilian shipping vessels needed for the war effort. (5) During World War II, United States merchant mariners transported goods and materials through ``contested waters'' to the various combat theaters. (6) At the conclusion of World War II, United States merchant mariners were responsible for transporting several million members of the United States Armed Forces back to the United States. (7) The GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202) provided that the Secretary of Defense could determine that service for the Armed Forces by organized groups of civilians, or contractors, be considered ``active service'' for benefits administered by the Veterans Administration. (8) Department of Defense Directive 1000.20 directed that the determination be made by the Secretary of the Air Force, and established the Civilian/Military Service Review Board and Advisory Panel. (9) In 1987, three merchant mariners along with the AFL-CIO sued Edward C. Aldridge, Secretary of the Air Force, challenging the denial of their application for veterans status. In Schumacher v. Aldridge (665 F. Supp. 41 (D.D.C. 1987)), the Court determined that Secretary Aldridge had failed to ``articulate clear and intelligible criteria for the administration'' of the application approval process. (10) During World War II, women were repeatedly denied issuance of official documentation affirming their merchant marine seamen status by the War Shipping Administration. [[Page S4427]] (11) Coast Guard Information Sheet #77 (April 1992) identifies the following acceptable forms of documentation for eligibility meeting the requirements set forth in GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202) and Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-368): (A) Certificate of shipping and discharge forms. (B) Continuous discharge books (ship's deck or engine logbooks). (C) Company letters showing vessel names and dates of voyages. (12) Coast Guard Commandant Order of 20 March, 1944, relieved masters of tugs, towboats, and seagoing barges of the responsibility of submitting reports of seamen shipped or discharged on forms, meaning certificates of shipping and discharge forms are not available to all eligible individuals seeking to document their eligibility. (13) Coast Guard Information Sheet #77 (April 1992) states that ``deck logs were traditionally considered to be the property of the owners of the ships. After World War II, however, the deck and engine logbooks of vessels operated by the War Shipping Administration were turned over to that agency by the ship owners, and were destroyed during the 1970s'', meaning that continuous discharge books are not available to all eligible individuals seeking to document their eligibility. (14) Coast Guard Information Sheet #77 (April 1992) states ``some World War II period log books do not name ports visited during the voyage due to wartime security restrictions'', meaning that company letters showing vessel names and dates of voyages are not available to all eligible individuals seeking to document their eligibility. (b) In General.--For the purposes of verifying that an individual performed service under honorable conditions that satisfies the requirements of a coastwise merchant seaman who is recognized pursuant to section 401 of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202; 38 U.S.C. 106 note) as having performed active duty service for the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall accept the following: (1) In the case of an individual who served on a coastwise merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom no applicable Coast Guard shipping or discharge form, ship logbook, merchant mariner's document or Z-card, or other official employment record is available, the Secretary shall provide such recognition on the basis of applicable Social Security Administration records submitted for or by the individual, together with validated testimony given by the individual or the primary next of kin of the individual that the individual performed such service during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946. (2) In the case of an individual who served on a coastwise merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom the applicable Coast Guard shipping or discharge form, ship logbook, merchant mariner's document or Z-card, or other official employment record has been destroyed or otherwise become unavailable by reason of any action committed by a person responsible for the control and maintenance of such form, logbook, or record, the Secretary shall accept other official documentation demonstrating that the individual performed such service during period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946. (3) For the purpose of determining whether to recognize service allegedly performed during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946, the Secretary shall recognize masters of seagoing vessels or other officers in command of similarly organized groups as agents of the United States who were authorized to document any individual for purposes of hiring the individual to perform service in the merchant marine or discharging an individual from such service. (c) Treatment of Other Documentation.--Other documentation accepted by the Secretary of Homeland Security pursuant to subsection (b)(2) shall satisfy all requirements for eligibility of service during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946. (d) Benefits Allowed.-- (1) Burial benefits eligibility.--Service of an individual that is considered active duty pursuant to subsection (b) shall be considered as active duty service with respect to providing burial benefits under chapters 23 and 24 of title 38, United States Code, to the individual. (2) Medals, ribbons, and decorations.--An individual whose service is recognized as active duty pursuant to subsection (b) may be awarded an appropriate medal, ribbon, or other military decoration based on such service. (3) Status of veteran.--An individual whose service is recognized as active duty pursuant to subsection (b) shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled by reason of such recognized service to any benefit that is not described in this subsection. (e) Determination of Coastwise Merchant Seaman.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall verify that an individual performed service under honorable conditions that satisfies the requirements of a coastwise merchant seaman pursuant to this section without regard to the sex, age, or disability of the individual during the period in which the individual served as such a coastwise merchant seaman. (f) Definition of Primary Next of Kin.--In this section, the term ``primary next of kin'' with respect to an individual seeking recognition for service under this section means the closest living relative of the individual who was alive during the period of such service. (g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. ______ SA 3549. Mr. COBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2244, to extend the termination date of the Terrorism Insurance Program established under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 4, line 21, strike ``(i)''. On page 4, between lines 21 and 22, insert the following: (i) in clause (i)-- On page 4, line 22, strike ``(i)'' and insert ``(I)'' and move such subclause 2 ems to the right. On page 4, line 23, strike ``(I)'' and insert ``(aa)''and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 1, strike ``(II)'' and insert ``(bb)'' and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 3, strike ``(ii)'' and insert ``(II)'' and move such subclause 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 4, strike ``(I)'' and insert ``(aa)'' and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 6, strike ``(II)'' and insert ``(bb)'' and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 8, strike ``(III)'' and insert ``(cc)'' and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 10, strike ``(iii)'' and insert ``(III)'' and move such subclause 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 11, strike ``(I)'' and insert ``(aa)'' and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 13, strike ``(II)'' and insert ``(bb)'' and move such item 2 ems to the right. On page 5, line 14, strike the period at the end and insert ``; and''. On page 5, between lines 14 and 15, insert the following: (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(iii) Deadline extensions.-- ``(I) In general.--If the mandatory recoupment amount under subparagraph (A) is more than $1,000,000,000 in any given calendar year, the Secretary may extend the applicable deadline for collecting terrorism loss risk-spreading premiums under clause (i) for a period not to exceed more than 10 years after the date on which such act of terrorism occurred. ``(II) Determination.--Any determination by the Secretary to grant an extension under subclause (I) shall be based on-- ``(aa) the economic conditions in the commercial marketplace, including the capitalization, profitability, and investment returns of the insurance industry and the current cycle of the insurance markets; ``(bb) the affordability of commercial insurance for small- and medium-sized businesses; and ``(cc) such other factors as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(III) Report.--If the Secretary grants an extension under subclause (I), the Secretary shall promptly submit to Congress a report-- ``(aa) justifying the reason for such extension; and ``(bb) detailing a plan for the collection of the required terrorism loss risk-spreading premiums.''. ______ SA 3550. Mr. VITTER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2244, to extend the termination date of the Terrorism Insurance Program established under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 13, after line 22, add the following: SEC. 8. MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM. (a) In General.--The first undesignated paragraph of section 10 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 241) is amended by inserting after the second sentence the following: ``In selecting members of the Board, the President shall appoint at least 1 member with demonstrated primary experience working in or supervising community banks having less than $10,000,000,000 in total assets.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and apply to appointments made on and after that effective date, excluding any nomination pending in the Senate on that date. ______ SA 3551. Mr. FLAKE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2244, to extend the termination date of the Terrorism Insurance Program established under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 13, after line 22, insert the following: SEC. 8. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RISK-SHARING MECHANISMS. (a) Finding; Rule of Construction.-- (1) Finding.--Congress finds that it is desirable to encourage the growth of nongovernmental, private market reinsurance [[Page S4428]] capacity for protection against losses arising from acts of terrorism. (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this Act, any amendment made by this Act, or the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 6701 note) shall prohibit insurers from developing risk-sharing mechanisms to voluntarily reinsure terrorism losses between and among themselves. (b) Advisory Committee on Risk-Sharing Mechanisms.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish and appoint an advisory committee to be known as the ``Advisory Committee on Risk-Sharing Mechanisms'' (referred to in this subsection as the ``Advisory Committee''). (2) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide advice, recommendations, and encouragement with respect to the creation and development of the nongovernmental risk-sharing mechanisms described under subsection (a). (3) Membership.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 9 members who are directors, officers, or other employees of insurers, reinsurers, or capital market participants that are participating or that desire to participate in the nongovernmental risk-sharing mechanisms described under subsection (a), and who are representative of the affected sectors of the insurance industry, including commercial property insurance, commercial casualty insurance, reinsurance, and alternative risk transfer industries. (c) Effective Date.--The provisions of this section shall take effect on January 1, 2015. ______ SA 3552. Mr. TESTER (for himself and Mr. Johanns) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2244, to extend the termination date of the Terrorism Insurance Program established under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: TITLE II--NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED AGENTS AND BROKERS SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2014''. SEC. 202. REESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED AGENTS AND BROKERS. (a) In General.--Subtitle C of title III of the Gramm- Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6751 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: ``Subtitle C--National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers ``SEC. 321. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED AGENTS AND BROKERS. ``(a) Establishment.--There is established the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (referred to in this subtitle as the `Association'). ``(b) Status.--The Association shall-- ``(1) be a nonprofit corporation; ``(2) not be an agent or instrumentality of the Federal Government; ``(3) be an independent organization that may not be merged with or into any other private or public entity; and ``(4) except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, be subject to, and have all the powers conferred upon, a nonprofit corporation by the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act (D.C. Code, sec. 29-301.01 et seq.) or any successor thereto. ``SEC. 322. PURPOSE. ``The purpose of the Association shall be to provide a mechanism through which licensing, continuing education, and other nonresident insurance producer qualification requirements and conditions may be adopted and applied on a multi-state basis without affecting the laws, rules, and regulations, and preserving the rights of a State, pertaining to-- ``(1) licensing, continuing education, and other qualification requirements of insurance producers that are not members of the Association; ``(2) resident or nonresident insurance producer appointment requirements; ``(3) supervising and disciplining resident and nonresident insurance producers; ``(4) establishing licensing fees for resident and nonresident insurance producers so that there is no loss of insurance producer licensing revenue to the State; and ``(5) prescribing and enforcing laws and regulations regulating the conduct of resident and nonresident insurance producers. ``SEC. 323. MEMBERSHIP. ``(a) Eligibility.-- ``(1) In general.--Any insurance producer licensed in its home State shall, subject to paragraphs (2) and (4), be eligible to become a member of the Association. ``(2) Ineligibility for suspension or revocation of license.--Subject to paragraph (3), an insurance producer is not eligible to become a member of the Association if a State insurance regulator has suspended or revoked the insurance license of the insurance producer in that State. ``(3) Resumption of eligibility.--Paragraph (2) shall cease to apply to any insurance producer if-- ``(A) the State insurance regulator reissues or renews the license of the insurance producer in the State in which the license was suspended or revoked, or otherwise terminates or vacates the suspension or revocation; or ``(B) the suspension or revocation expires or is subsequently overturned by a court of competent jurisdiction. ``(4) Criminal history record check required.-- ``(A) In general.--An insurance producer who is an individual shall not be eligible to become a member of the Association unless the insurance producer has undergone a criminal history record check that complies with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General of the United States under subparagraph (K). ``(B) Criminal history record check requested by home state.--An insurance producer who is licensed in a State and who has undergone a criminal history record check during the 2-year period preceding the date of submission of an application to become a member of the Association, in compliance with a requirement to undergo such criminal history record check as a condition for such licensure in the State, shall be deemed to have undergone a criminal history record check for purposes of subparagraph (A). ``(C) Criminal history record check requested by association.-- ``(i) In general.--The Association shall, upon request by an insurance producer licensed in a State, submit fingerprints or other identification information obtained from the insurance producer, and a request for a criminal history record check of the insurance producer, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. ``(ii) Procedures.--The board of directors of the Association (referred to in this subtitle as the `Board') shall prescribe procedures for obtaining and utilizing fingerprints or other identification information and criminal history record information, including the establishment of reasonable fees to defray the expenses of the Association in connection with the performance of a criminal history record check and appropriate safeguards for maintaining confidentiality and security of the information. Any fees charged pursuant to this clause shall be separate and distinct from those charged by the Attorney General pursuant to subparagraph (I). ``(D) Form of request.--A submission under subparagraph (C)(i) shall include such fingerprints or other identification information as is required by the Attorney General concerning the person about whom the criminal history record check is requested, and a statement signed by the person authorizing the Attorney General to provide the information to the Association and for the Association to receive the information. ``(E) Provision of information by attorney general.--Upon receiving a submission under subparagraph (C)(i) from the Association, the Attorney General shall search all criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including records of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, that the Attorney General determines appropriate for criminal history records corresponding to the fingerprints or other identification information provided under subparagraph (D) and provide all criminal history record information included in the request to the Association. ``(F) Limitation on permissible uses of information.--Any information provided to the Association under subparagraph (E) may only-- ``(i) be used for purposes of determining compliance with membership criteria established by the Association; ``(ii) be disclosed to State insurance regulators, or Federal or State law enforcement agencies, in conformance with applicable law; or ``(iii) be disclosed, upon request, to the insurance producer to whom the criminal history record information relates. ``(G) Penalty for improper use or disclosure.--Whoever knowingly uses any information provided under subparagraph (E) for a purpose not authorized in subparagraph (F), or discloses any such information to anyone not authorized to receive it, shall be fined not more than $50,000 per violation as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. ``(H) Reliance on information.--Neither the Association nor any of its Board members, officers, or employees shall be liable in any action for using information provided under subparagraph (E) as permitted under subparagraph (F) in good faith and in reasonable reliance on its accuracy. ``(I) Fees.--The Attorney General may charge a reasonable fee for conducting the search and providing the information under subparagraph (E), and any such fee shall be collected and remitted by the Association to the Attorney General. ``(J) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as-- ``(i) requiring a State insurance regulator to perform criminal history record checks under this section; or ``(ii) limiting any other authority that allows access to criminal history records. ``(K) Regulations.--The Attorney General shall prescribe regulations to carry out this paragraph, which shall include-- ``(i) appropriate protections for ensuring the confidentiality of information provided under subparagraph (E); and ``(ii) procedures providing a reasonable opportunity for an insurance producer to contest the accuracy of information regarding the insurance producer provided under subparagraph (E). ``(L) Ineligibility for membership.-- [[Page S4429]] ``(i) In general.--The Association may, under reasonably consistently applied standards, deny membership to an insurance producer on the basis of criminal history record information provided under subparagraph (E), or where the insurance producer has been subject to disciplinary action, as described in paragraph (2). ``(ii) Rights of applicants denied membership.--The Association shall notify any insurance producer who is denied membership on the basis of criminal history record information provided under subparagraph (E) of the right of the insurance producer to-- ``(I) obtain a copy of all criminal history record information provided to the Association under subparagraph (E) with respect to the insurance producer; and ``(II) challenge the denial of membership based on the accuracy and completeness of the information. ``(M) Definition.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `criminal history record check' means a national background check of criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. ``(b) Authority to Establish Membership Criteria.--The Association may establish membership criteria that bear a reasonable relationship to the purposes for which the Association was established. ``(c) Establishment of Classes and Categories of Membership.-- ``(1) Classes of membership.--The Association may establish separate classes of membership, with separate criteria, if the Association reasonably determines that performance of different duties requires different levels of education, training, experience, or other qualifications. ``(2) Business entities.--The Association shall establish a class of membership and membership criteria for business entities. A business entity that applies for membership shall be required to designate an individual Association member responsible for the compliance of the business entity with Association standards and the insurance laws, rules, and regulations of any State in which the business entity seeks to do business on the basis of Association membership. ``(3) Categories.-- ``(A) Separate categories for insurance producers permitted.--The Association may establish separate categories of membership for insurance producers and for other persons or entities within each class, based on the types of licensing categories that exist under State laws. ``(B) Separate treatment for depository institutions prohibited.--No special categories of membership, and no distinct membership criteria, shall be established for members that are depository institutions or for employees, agents, or affiliates of depository institutions. ``(d) Membership Criteria.-- ``(1) In general.--The Association may establish criteria for membership which shall include standards for personal qualifications, education, training, and experience. The Association shall not establish criteria that unfairly limit the ability of a small insurance producer to become a member of the Association, including imposing discriminatory membership fees. ``(2) Qualifications.--In establishing criteria under paragraph (1), the Association shall not adopt any qualification less protective to the public than that contained in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (referred to in this subtitle as the `NAIC') Producer Licensing Model Act in effect as of the date of enactment of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2014, and shall consider the highest levels of insurance producer qualifications established under the licensing laws of the States. ``(3) Assistance from states.-- ``(A) In general.--The Association may request a State to provide assistance in investigating and evaluating the eligibility of a prospective member for membership in the Association. ``(B) Authorization of information sharing.--A submission under subsection (a)(4)(C)(i) made by an insurance producer licensed in a State shall include a statement signed by the person about whom the assistance is requested authorizing-- ``(i) the State to share information with the Association; and ``(ii) the Association to receive the information. ``(C) Rule of construction.--Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed as requiring or authorizing any State to adopt new or additional requirements concerning the licensing or evaluation of insurance producers. ``(4) Denial of membership.--The Association may, based on reasonably consistently applied standards, deny membership to any State-licensed insurance producer for failure to meet the membership criteria established by the Association. ``(e) Effect of Membership.-- ``(1) Authority of association members.--Membership in the Association shall-- ``(A) authorize an insurance producer to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance in any State for which the member pays the licensing fee set by the State for any line or lines of insurance specified in the home State license of the insurance producer, and exercise all such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry out such activities, including claims adjustments and settlement to the extent permissible under the laws of the State, risk management, employee benefits advice, retirement planning, and any other insurance-related consulting activities; ``(B) be the equivalent of a nonresident insurance producer license for purposes of authorizing the insurance producer to engage in the activities described in subparagraph (A) in any State where the member pays the licensing fee; and ``(C) be the equivalent of a nonresident insurance producer license for the purpose of subjecting an insurance producer to all laws, regulations, provisions or other action of any State concerning revocation, suspension, or other enforcement action related to the ability of a member to engage in any activity within the scope of authority granted under this subsection and to all State laws, regulations, provisions, and actions preserved under paragraph (5). ``(2) Violent crime control and law enforcement act of 1994.--Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to alter, modify, or supercede any requirement established by section 1033 of title 18, United States Code. ``(3) Agent for remitting fees.--The Association shall act as an agent for any member for purposes of remitting licensing fees to any State pursuant to paragraph (1). ``(4) Notification of action.-- ``(A) In general.--The Association shall notify the States (including State insurance regulators) and the NAIC when an insurance producer has satisfied the membership criteria of this section. The States (including State insurance regulators) shall have 10 business days after the date of the notification in order to provide the Association with evidence that the insurance producer does not satisfy the criteria for membership in the Association. ``(B) Ongoing disclosures required.--On an ongoing basis, the Association shall disclose to the States (including State insurance regulators) and the NAIC a list of the States in which each member is authorized to operate. The Association shall immediately notify the States (including State insurance regulators) and the NAIC when a member is newly authorized to operate in one or more States, or is no longer authorized to operate in one or more States on the basis of Association membership. ``(5) Preservation of consumer protection and market conduct regulation.-- ``(A) In general.--No provision of this section shall be construed as altering or affecting the applicability or continuing effectiveness of any law, regulation, provision, or other action of any State, including those described in subparagraph (B), to the extent that the State law, regulation, provision, or other action is not inconsistent with the provisions of this subtitle related to market entry for nonresident insurance producers, and then only to the extent of the inconsistency. ``(B) Preserved regulations.--The laws, regulations, provisions, or other actions of any State referred to in subparagraph (A) include laws, regulations, provisions, or other actions that-- ``(i) regulate market conduct, insurance producer conduct, or unfair trade practices; ``(ii) establish consumer protections; or ``(iii) require insurance producers to be appointed by a licensed or authorized insurer. ``(f) Biennial Renewal.--Membership in the Association shall be renewed on a biennial basis. ``(g) Continuing Education.-- ``(1) In general.--The Association shall establish, as a condition of membership, continuing education requirements which shall be comparable to the continuing education requirements under the licensing laws of a majority of the States. ``(2) State continuing education requirements.--A member may not be required to satisfy continuing education requirements imposed under the laws, regulations, provisions, or actions of any State other than the home State of the member. ``(3) Reciprocity.--The Association shall not require a member to satisfy continuing education requirements that are equivalent to any continuing education requirements of the home State of the member that have been satisfied by the member during the applicable licensing period. ``(4) Limitation on the association.--The Association shall not directly or indirectly offer any continuing education courses for insurance producers. ``(h) Probation, Suspension and Revocation.-- ``(1) Disciplinary action.--The Association may place an insurance producer that is a member of the Association on probation or suspend or revoke the membership of the insurance producer in the Association, or assess monetary fines or penalties, as the Association determines to be appropriate, if-- ``(A) the insurance producer fails to meet the applicable membership criteria or other standards established by the Association; ``(B) the insurance producer has been subject to disciplinary action pursuant to a final adjudicatory proceeding under the jurisdiction of a State insurance regulator; ``(C) an insurance license held by the insurance producer has been suspended or revoked by a State insurance regulator; or ``(D) the insurance producer has been convicted of a crime that would have resulted in the denial of membership pursuant to subsection (a)(4)(L)(i) at the time of application, and the Association has received a copy of the final disposition from a court of competent jurisdiction. ``(2) Violations of association standards.--The Association shall have the power to investigate alleged violations of Association standards. [[Page S4430]] ``(3) Reporting.--The Association shall immediately notify the States (including State insurance regulators) and the NAIC when the membership of an insurance producer has been placed on probation or has been suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated, or when the Association has assessed monetary fines or penalties. ``(i) Consumer Complaints.-- ``(1) In general.--The Association shall-- ``(A) refer any complaint against a member of the Association from a consumer relating to alleged misconduct or violations of State insurance laws to the State insurance regulator where the consumer resides and, when appropriate, to any additional State insurance regulator, as determined by standards adopted by the Association; and ``(B) make any related records and information available to each State insurance regulator to whom the complaint is forwarded. ``(2) Telephone and other access.--The Association shall maintain a toll-free number for purposes of this subsection and, as practicable, other alternative means of communication with consumers, such as an Internet webpage. ``(3) Final disposition of investigation.--State insurance regulators shall provide the Association with information regarding the final disposition of a complaint referred pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), but nothing shall be construed to compel a State to release confidential investigation reports or other information protected by State law to the Association. ``(j) Information Sharing.--The Association may-- ``(1) share documents, materials, or other information, including confidential and privileged documents, with a State, Federal, or international governmental entity or with the NAIC or other appropriate entity referenced in paragraphs (3) and (4), provided that the recipient has the authority and agrees to maintain the confidentiality or privileged status of the document, material, or other information; ``(2) limit the sharing of information as required under this subtitle with the NAIC or any other non-governmental entity, in circumstances under which the Association determines that the sharing of such information is unnecessary to further the purposes of this subtitle; ``(3) establish a central clearinghouse, or utilize the NAIC or another appropriate entity, as determined by the Association, as a central clearinghouse, for use by the Association and the States (including State insurance regulators), through which members of the Association may disclose their intent to operate in 1 or more States and pay the licensing fees to the appropriate States; and ``(4) establish a database, or utilize the NAIC or another appropriate entity, as determined by the Association, as a database, for use by the Association and the States (including State insurance regulators) for the collection of regulatory information concerning the activities of insurance producers. ``(k) Effective Date.--The provisions of this section shall take effect on the later of-- ``(1) the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2014; and ``(2) the date of incorporation of the Association. ``SEC. 324. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a board of directors of the Association, which shall have authority to govern and supervise all activities of the Association. ``(b) Powers.--The Board shall have such of the powers and authority of the Association as may be specified in the bylaws of the Association. ``(c) Composition.-- ``(1) In general.--The Board shall consist of 13 members who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with the procedures established under Senate Resolution 116 of the 112th Congress, of whom-- ``(A) 8 shall be State insurance commissioners appointed in the manner provided in paragraph (2), 1 of whom shall be designated by the President to serve as the chairperson of the Board until the Board elects one such State insurance commissioner Board member to serve as the chairperson of the Board; ``(B) 3 shall have demonstrated expertise and experience with property and casualty insurance producer licensing; and ``(C) 2 shall have demonstrated expertise and experience with life or health insurance producer licensing. ``(2) State insurance regulator representatives.-- ``(A) Recommendations.--Before making any appointments pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), the President shall request a list of recommended candidates from the States through the NAIC, which shall not be binding on the President. If the NAIC fails to submit a list of recommendations not later than 15 business days after the date of the request, the President may make the requisite appointments without considering the views of the NAIC. ``(B) Political affiliation.--Not more than 4 Board members appointed under paragraph (1)(A) shall belong to the same political party. ``(C) Former state insurance commissioners.-- ``(i) In general.--If, after offering each currently serving State insurance commissioner an appointment to the Board, fewer than 8 State insurance commissioners have accepted appointment to the Board, the President may appoint the remaining State insurance commissioner Board members, as required under paragraph (1)(A), of the appropriate political party as required under subparagraph (B), from among individuals who are former State insurance commissioners. ``(ii) Limitation.--A former State insurance commissioner appointed as described in clause (i) may not be employed by or have any present direct or indirect financial interest in any insurer, insurance producer, or other entity in the insurance industry, other than direct or indirect ownership of, or beneficial interest in, an insurance policy or annuity contract written or sold by an insurer. ``(D) Service through term.--If a Board member appointed under paragraph (1)(A) ceases to be a State insurance commissioner during the term of the Board member, the Board member shall cease to be a Board member. ``(3) Private sector representatives.--In making any appointment pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1), the President may seek recommendations for candidates from groups representing the category of individuals described, which shall not be binding on the President. ``(4) State insurance commissioner defined.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `State insurance commissioner' means a person who serves in the position in State government, or on the board, commission, or other body that is the primary insurance regulatory authority for the State. ``(d) Terms.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), the term of service for each Board member shall be 2 years. ``(2) Exceptions.-- ``(A) 1-year terms.--The term of service shall be 1 year, as designated by the President at the time of the nomination of the subject Board members for-- ``(i) 4 of the State insurance commissioner Board members initially appointed under paragraph (1)(A), of whom not more than 2 shall belong to the same political party; ``(ii) 1 of the Board members initially appointed under paragraph (1)(B); and ``(iii) 1 of the Board members initially appointed under paragraph (1)(C). ``(B) Expiration of term.--A Board member may continue to serve after the expiration of the term to which the Board member was appointed for the earlier of 2 years or until a successor is appointed. ``(C) Mid-term appointments.--A Board member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the predecessor of the Board member was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. ``(3) Successive terms.--Board members may be reappointed to successive terms. ``(e) Initial Appointments.--The appointment of initial Board members shall be made no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2014. ``(f) Meetings.-- ``(1) In general.--The Board shall meet-- ``(A) at the call of the chairperson; ``(B) as requested in writing to the chairperson by not fewer than 5 Board members; or ``(C) as otherwise provided by the bylaws of the Association. ``(2) Quorum required.--A majority of all Board members shall constitute a quorum. ``(3) Voting.--Decisions of the Board shall require the approval of a majority of all Board members present at a meeting, a quorum being present. ``(4) Initial meeting.--The Board shall hold its first meeting not later than 45 days after the date on which all initial Board members have been appointed. ``(g) Restriction on Confidential Information.--Board members appointed pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (c)(1) shall not have access to confidential information received by the Association in connection with complaints, investigations, or disciplinary proceedings involving insurance producers. ``(h) Ethics and Conflicts of Interest.--The Board shall issue and enforce an ethical conduct code to address permissible and prohibited activities of Board members and Association officers, employees, agents, or consultants. The code shall, at a minimum, include provisions that prohibit any Board member or Association officer, employee, agent or consultant from-- ``(1) engaging in unethical conduct in the course of performing Association duties; ``(2) participating in the making or influencing the making of any Association decision, the outcome of which the Board member, officer, employee, agent, or consultant knows or had reason to know would have a reasonably foreseeable material financial effect, distinguishable from its effect on the public generally, on the person or a member of the immediate family of the person; ``(3) accepting any gift from any person or entity other than the Association that is given because of the position held by the person in the Association; ``(4) making political contributions to any person or entity on behalf of the Association; and ``(5) lobbying or paying a person to lobby on behalf of the Association. ``(i) Compensation.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), no Board member may receive [[Page S4431]] any compensation from the Association or any other person or entity on account of Board membership. ``(2) Travel expenses and per diem.--Board members may be reimbursed only by the Association for travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates consistent with rates authorized for employees of Federal agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from home or regular places of business in performance of services for the Association. ``SEC. 325. BYLAWS, STANDARDS, AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS. ``(a) Adoption and Amendment of Bylaws and Standards.-- ``(1) Procedures.--The Association shall adopt procedures for the adoption of bylaws and standards that are similar to procedures under subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the `Administrative Procedure Act'). ``(2) Copy required to be filed.--The Board shall submit to the President, through the Department of the Treasury, and the States (including State insurance regulators), and shall publish on the website of the Association, all proposed bylaws and standards of the Association, or any proposed amendment to the bylaws or standards of the Association, accompanied by a concise general statement of the basis and purpose of such proposal. ``(3) Effective date.--Any proposed bylaw or standard of the Association, and any proposed amendment to the bylaws or standards of the Association, shall take effect, after notice under paragraph (2) and opportunity for public comment, on such date as the Association may designate, unless suspended under section 329(c). ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to subject the Board or the Association to the requirements of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the `Administrative Procedure Act'). ``(b) Disciplinary Action by the Association.-- ``(1) Specification of charges.--In any proceeding to determine whether membership shall be denied, suspended, revoked, or not renewed, or to determine whether a member of the Association should be placed on probation (referred to in this section as a `disciplinary action') or whether to assess fines or monetary penalties, the Association shall bring specific charges, notify the member of the charges, give the member an opportunity to defend against the charges, and keep a record. ``(2) Supporting statement.--A determination to take disciplinary action shall be supported by a statement setting forth-- ``(A) any act or practice in which the member has been found to have been engaged; ``(B) the specific provision of this subtitle or standard of the Association that any such act or practice is deemed to violate; and ``(C) the sanction imposed and the reason for the sanction. ``(3) Ineligibility of private sector representatives.-- Board members appointed pursuant to section 324(c)(3) may not-- ``(A) participate in any disciplinary action or be counted toward establishing a quorum during a disciplinary action; and ``(B) have access to confidential information concerning any disciplinary action. ``SEC. 326. POWERS. ``In addition to all the powers conferred upon a nonprofit corporation by the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act, the Association shall have the power to-- ``(1) establish and collect such membership fees as the Association finds necessary to impose to cover the costs of its operations; ``(2) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, procedures, or standards governing the conduct of Association business and performance of its duties; ``(3) establish procedures for providing notice and opportunity for comment pursuant to section 325(a); ``(4) enter into and perform such agreements as necessary to carry out the duties of the Association; ``(5) hire employees, professionals, or specialists, and elect or appoint officers, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and give them appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of this subtitle, and determine their qualification; ``(6) establish personnel policies of the Association and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, where applicable, and qualifications of personnel; ``(7) borrow money; and ``(8) secure funding for such amounts as the Association determines to be necessary and appropriate to organize and begin operations of the Association, which shall be treated as loans to be repaid by the Association with interest at market rate. ``SEC. 327. REPORT BY THE ASSOCIATION. ``(a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal year, the Association shall submit to the President, through the Department of the Treasury, and the States (including State insurance regulators), and shall publish on the website of the Association, a written report regarding the conduct of its business, and the exercise of the other rights and powers granted by this subtitle, during such fiscal year. ``(b) Financial Statements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) with respect to any fiscal year shall include audited financial statements setting forth the financial position of the Association at the end of such fiscal year and the results of its operations (including the source and application of its funds) for such fiscal year. ``SEC. 328. LIABILITY OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES OF THE ASSOCIATION. ``(a) In General.--The Association shall not be deemed to be an insurer or insurance producer within the meaning of any State law, rule, regulation, or order regulating or taxing insurers, insurance producers, or other entities engaged in the business of insurance, including provisions imposing premium taxes, regulating insurer solvency or financial condition, establishing guaranty funds and levying assessments, or requiring claims settlement practices. ``(b) Liability of Board Members, Officers, and Employees.--No Board member, officer, or employee of the Association shall be personally liable to any person for any action taken or omitted in good faith in any matter within the scope of their responsibilities in connection with the Association. ``SEC. 329. PRESIDENTIAL OVERSIGHT. ``(a) Removal of Board.--If the President determines that the Association is acting in a manner contrary to the interests of the public or the purposes of this subtitle or has failed to perform its duties under this subtitle, the President may remove the entire existing Board for the remainder of the term to which the Board members were appointed and appoint, in accordance with section 324 and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with the procedures established under Senate Resolution 116 of the 112th Congress, new Board members to fill the vacancies on the Board for the remainder of the terms. ``(b) Removal of Board Member.--The President may remove a Board member only for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. ``(c) Suspension of Bylaws and Standards and Prohibition of Actions.--Following notice to the Board, the President, or a person designated by the President for such purpose, may suspend the effectiveness of any bylaw or standard, or prohibit any action, of the Association that the President or the designee determines is contrary to the purposes of this subtitle. ``SEC. 330. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW. ``(a) Preemption of State Laws.--State laws, regulations, provisions, or other actions purporting to regulate insurance producers shall be preempted to the extent provided in subsection (b). ``(b) Prohibited Actions.-- ``(1) In general.--No State shall-- ``(A) impede the activities of, take any action against, or apply any provision of law or regulation arbitrarily or discriminatorily to, any insurance producer because that insurance producer or any affiliate plans to become, has applied to become, or is a member of the Association; ``(B) impose any requirement upon a member of the Association that it pay fees different from those required to be paid to that State were it not a member of the Association; or ``(C) impose any continuing education requirements on any nonresident insurance producer that is a member of the Association. ``(2) States other than a home state.--No State, other than the home State of a member of the Association, shall-- ``(A) impose any licensing, personal or corporate qualifications, education, training, experience, residency, continuing education, or bonding requirement upon a member of the Association that is different from the criteria for membership in the Association or renewal of such membership; ``(B) impose any requirement upon a member of the Association that it be licensed, registered, or otherwise qualified to do business or remain in good standing in the State, including any requirement that the insurance producer register as a foreign company with the secretary of state or equivalent State official; ``(C) require that a member of the Association submit to a criminal history record check as a condition of doing business in the State; or ``(D) impose any licensing, registration, or appointment requirements upon a member of the Association, or require a member of the Association to be authorized to operate as an insurance producer, in order to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance for commercial property and casualty risks to an insured with risks located in more than one State, if the member is licensed or otherwise authorized to operate in the State where the insured maintains its principal place of business and the contract of insurance insures risks located in that State. ``(3) Preservation of state disciplinary authority.-- Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a State from investigating and taking appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of authority of an insurance producer to do business in a State, in accordance with State law and that is not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, against a member of the Association as a result of a complaint or for any alleged activity, regardless of whether the activity occurred before or after the insurance producer commenced doing business in the State pursuant to Association membership. ``SEC. 331. COORDINATION WITH FINANCIAL INDUSTRY REGULATORY AUTHORITY. ``The Association shall coordinate with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in [[Page S4432]] order to ease any administrative burdens that fall on members of the Association that are subject to regulation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, consistent with the requirements of this subtitle and the Federal securities laws . ``SEC. 332. RIGHT OF ACTION. ``(a) Right of Action.--Any person aggrieved by a decision or action of the Association may, after reasonably exhausting available avenues for resolution within the Association, commence a civil action in an appropriate United States district court, and obtain all appropriate relief. ``(b) Association Interpretations.--In any action under subsection (a), the court shall give appropriate weight to the interpretation of the Association of its bylaws and standards and this subtitle. ``SEC. 333. FEDERAL FUNDING PROHIBITED. ``The Association may not receive, accept, or borrow any amounts from the Federal Government to pay for, or reimburse, the Association for, the costs of establishing or operating the Association. ``SEC. 334. DEFINITIONS. ``For purposes of this subtitle, the following definitions shall apply: ``(1) Business entity.--The term `business entity' means a corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or other legal entity. ``(2) Depository institution.--The term `depository institution' has the meaning as in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813). ``(3) Home state.--The term `home State' means the State in which the insurance producer maintains its principal place of residence or business and is licensed to act as an insurance producer. ``(4) Insurance.--The term `insurance' means any product, other than title insurance or bail bonds, defined or regulated as insurance by the appropriate State insurance regulatory authority. ``(5) Insurance producer.--The term `insurance producer' means any insurance agent or broker, excess or surplus lines broker or agent, insurance consultant, limited insurance representative, and any other individual or entity that sells, solicits, or negotiates policies of insurance or offers advice, counsel, opinions or services related to insurance. ``(6) Insurer.--The term `insurer' has the meaning as in section 313(e)(2)(B) of title 31, United States Code. ``(7) Principal place of business.--The term `principal place of business' means the State in which an insurance producer maintains the headquarters of the insurance producer and, in the case of a business entity, where high-level officers of the entity direct, control, and coordinate the business activities of the business entity. ``(8) Principal place of residence.--The term `principal place of residence' means the State in which an insurance producer resides for the greatest number of days during a calendar year. ``(9) State.--The term `State' includes any State, the District of Columbia, any territory of the United States, and Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. ``(10) State law.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `State law' includes all laws, decisions, rules, regulations, or other State action having the effect of law, of any State. ``(B) Laws applicable in the district of columbia.--A law of the United States applicable only to or within the District of Columbia shall be treated as a State law rather than a law of the United States. ``SEC. 335. SUNSET. ``The provisions of this subtitle, and any program or authorities established or granted therein or derived therefrom, shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date on which the Association approves its first member pursuant to section 323.''. (b) Technical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is amended by striking the items relating to subtitle C of title III and inserting the following new items: ``Subtitle C--National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers ``Sec. 321. National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers. ``Sec. 322. Purpose. ``Sec. 323. Membership. ``Sec. 324. Board of directors. ``Sec. 325. Bylaws, standards, and disciplinary actions. ``Sec. 326. Powers. ``Sec. 327. Report by the Association. ``Sec. 328. Liability of the Association and the Board members, officers, and employees of the Association. ``Sec. 329. Presidential oversight. ``Sec. 330. Relationship to State law. ``Sec. 331. Coordination with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. ``Sec. 332. Right of action. ``Sec. 333. Federal funding prohibited. ``Sec. 334. Definitions. ``Sec. 335. Sunset.''. ______ SA 3553. Mr. REID (for Mr. Menendez) proposed an amendment to the resolution S. Res. 412, reaffirming the strong support of the United States Government for freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, and for the peaceful diplomatic resolution of outstanding territorial and maritime claims and disputes; as follows: On page 13, line 24, strike ``HD-981'' and insert ``Hai Yang Shi You 981 (HD-981)''. ______ SA 3554. Mr. REID (for Mr. Paul) proposed an amendment to the resolution S. Res. 412, reaffirming the strong support of the United States Government for freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, and for the peaceful diplomatic resolution of outstanding territorial and maritime claims and disputes; as follows: At the end, add the following: SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as a declaration of war or authorization to use force. ______ SA 3555. Mr. REID (for Mr. Menendez) proposed an amendment to the resolution S. Res. 412, reaffirming the strong support of the United States Government for freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, and for the peaceful diplomatic resolution of outstanding territorial and maritime claims and disputes; as follows: Beginning in the thirteenth whereas clause of the preamble, strike ``Organization's'' and all that follows through ``Law of the Sea'' in the forty-seventh whereas clause and insert the following: ``Organization and thereby are a departure from accepted practice; Whereas the Chicago Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization distinguishes between civilian aircraft and state aircraft and provides for the specific obligations of state parties, consistent with customary law, to ``refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and . . . in case of interception, the lives of persons on board and the safety of aircraft must not be endangered''; Whereas international civil aviation is regulated by international agreements, including standards and regulations set by ICAO for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection; Whereas, in accordance with the norm of airborne innocent passage, the United States does not recognize the right of a coastal nation to apply its ADIZ procedures to foreign state aircraft not intending to enter national airspace nor does the United States apply its ADIZ procedures to foreign state aircraft not intending to enter United States airspace; Whereas the United States Government expressed profound concerns with China's unilateral, provocative, dangerous, and destabilizing declaration of such a zone, including the potential for misunderstandings and miscalculations by aircraft operating lawfully in international airspace; Whereas the People's Republic of China's declaration of an ADIZ in the East China Sea will not alter how the United States Government conducts operations in the region or the unwavering United States commitment to peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region; Whereas the Government of Japan expressed deep concern about the People's Republic of China's declaration of such a zone, regarding it as an effort to unduly infringe upon the freedom of flight in international airspace and to change the status quo that could escalate tensions and potentially cause unintentional consequences in the East China Sea; Whereas the Government of the Republic of Korea has expressed concern over China's declared ADIZ, and on December 9, 2013, announced an adjustment to its longstanding Air Defense Identification Zone, which does not encompass territory administered by another country, and did so only after undertaking a deliberate process of consultations with the United States, Japan, and China; Whereas the Government of the Philippines has stressed that China's declared ADIZ seeks to transfer an entire air zone into Chinese domestic airspace, infringes on freedom of flight in international airspace, and compromises the safety of civil aviation and the national security of affected states, and has called on China to ensure that its actions do not jeopardize regional security and stability; Whereas, on November 26, 2013, the Government of Australia made clear in a statement its opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions to change the status quo in the East China Sea; Whereas, on March 10, 2014, the United States Government and the Government of Japan jointly submitted a letter to the ICAO Secretariat regarding the issue of freedom of overflight by civil aircraft in international airspace and the effective management of civil air traffic within allocated Flight Information Regions (FIR); Whereas Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, in a hearing before the Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs on February 18, 2014, stated, ``We have firmly told China we will not accept a similar [Air Defense Identification] Zone if it is adopted in the South China Sea. And the signal we [[Page S4433]] have received thus far is, China does not plan to adopt a similar Zone in the South China Sea.''; Whereas over half the world's merchant tonnage flows through the South China Sea, and over 15,000,000 barrels of oil per day transit the Strait of Malacca, fueling economic growth and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific region; Whereas the increasing frequency and assertiveness of patrols and competing regulations over disputed territory and maritime areas and airspace in the South China Sea and the East China Sea are raising tensions and increasing the risk of confrontation; Whereas the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has promoted multilateral talks on disputed areas without settling the issue of sovereignty, and in 2002 joined with China in signing a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea that committed all parties to those territorial disputes to ``reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and over flight above the South China Sea as provided for by the universally recognized principles of international law'' and to ``resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force''; Whereas ASEAN and China committed in 2002 to develop an effective Code of Conduct when they adopted the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, yet negotiations are irregular and little progress has been made; Whereas, in recent years, there have been numerous dangerous and destabilizing incidents in waters near the coasts of the Philippines, China, Malaysia, and Vietnam; Whereas the United States Government is deeply concerned about unilateral actions by any claimant seeking to change the status quo through the use of coercion, intimidation, or military force, including the continued restrictions on access to Scarborough Reef and pressure on long-standing Philippine presence at the Second Thomas Shoal by the People's Republic of China; actions by any state to prevent any other state from exercising its sovereign rights to the resources of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf by making claims to those areas that have no support in international law; declarations of administrative and military districts in contested areas in the South China Sea; and the imposition of new fishing regulations covering disputed areas, which have raised tensions in the region; Whereas international law is important to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all states in the Asia-Pacific region, and the lack of clarity in accordance with international law by claimants with regard to their South China Sea claims can create uncertainty, insecurity, and instability; Whereas the United States Government opposes the use of intimidation, coercion, or force to assert a territorial claim in the South China Sea; Whereas claims in the South China Sea must accord with international law, and those that are not derived from land features are fundamentally flawed; Whereas ASEAN issued Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea on July 20, 2012, whereby ASEAN's Foreign Ministers reiterated and reaffirmed ``the commitment of ASEAN Member States to: . . . 1. the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (2002); . . . 2. the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (2011); . . . 3. the early conclusion of a Regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea; . . . 4. the full respect of the universally recognized principles of International Law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); . . . 5. the continued exercise of self- restraint and non-use of force by all parties; and . . . 6. the peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with universally recognized principles of International Law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).''; Whereas, in 2013, the Republic of the Philippines properly exercised its rights to peaceful settlement mechanisms with the filing of arbitration case under Article 287 and Annex VII of the Convention on the Law of the Sea in order to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the dispute, and the United States hopes that all parties in any dispute ultimately abide by the rulings of internationally recognized dispute-settlement bodies; Whereas China and Japan are the world's second and third largest economies, and have a shared interest in preserving stable maritime domains to continue to support economic growth; Whereas there has been an unprecedented increase in dangerous activities by Chinese maritime agencies in areas near the Senkaku islands, including between 6 and 25 ships of the Government of China intruding into the Japanese territorial sea each month since September 2012, between 26 and 124 ships entering the ``contiguous zone'' in the same time period, and 9 ships intruding into the territorial sea and 33 ships entering in the contiguous zone in February 2014; Whereas, although the United States Government does not take a position on the ultimate sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, the United States Government acknowledges that they are under the administration of Japan and opposes any unilateral actions that would seek to undermine such administration; Whereas the United States Senate has previously affirmed that the unilateral actions of a third party will not affect the United States acknowledgment of the administration of Japan over the Senkaku Islands; Whereas the United States remains committed under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security to respond to any armed attack in the territories under the administration of Japan, has urged all parties to take steps to prevent incidents and manage disagreements through peaceful means, and commends the Government of Japan for its restrained approach in this regard; Whereas both the United States and the People's Republic of China are parties to and are obligated to observe the rules of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, done at London October 12, 1972 (COLREGs); Whereas, on December 5, 2013, the USS Cowpens was lawfully operating in international waters in the South China Sea when a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel reportedly crossed its bow at a distance of less than 500 yards and stopped in the water, forcing the USS Cowpens to take evasive action to avoid a collision; Whereas the reported actions taken by the People's Liberation Army Navy vessel in the USS Cowpens' incident, as publicly reported, appear contrary to the international legal obligations of the People's Republic of China under COLREGs; Whereas, on May 1, 2014, the People's Republic of China's state-owned energy company, CNOOC, placed its deepwater semi- submersible drilling rig Hai Yang Shi You 981 (HD-981), accompanied by over 25 Chinese ships, in Block 143, 120 nautical miles off Vietnam's coastline; Whereas, from May 1 to May 9, 2014, the number of Chinese vessels escorting Hai Yang Shi You 981 (HD-981) increased to more than 80, including seven military ships, which aggressively patrolled and intimidated Vietnamese Coast Guard ships in violation of COLREGS, reportedly intentionally rammed multiple Vietnamese vessels, and used helicopters and water cannons to obstruct others; Whereas, on May 5, 2014, vessels from the Maritime Safety Administration of China (MSAC) established an exclusion zone with a radius of three nautical miles around Hai Yang Shi You 981 (HD-981), which undermines maritime safety in the area and is in violation of universally recognized principles of international law; Whereas China's territorial claims and associated maritime actions in support of the drilling activity that Hai Yang Shi You 981 (HD-981) commenced on May 1, 2014, have not been clarified under international law SA 3556. Mr. REID (for Mr. Blunt) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 653, to provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia; as follows: On page 1, line 5, strike ``2013'' and insert ``2014''. On page 5, strike line 6 and insert the following: SEC. 6. SUNSET. This Act shall cease to be effective beginning on October 1, 2019. SEC. 7. FUNDING. On page 5, line 9, strike ``2013 through 2017'' and insert ``2015 through 2019''. ____________________