I
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3312
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 2, 2011
Mr. Brady of Texas (for himself and Mr. Larsen of Washington) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Business Travel Cards Act of 2011
.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards
In general
During the 7-year
period ending on September 30, 2018, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in
coordination with the Secretary of State, is authorized to issue Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards (referred to in this section as
ABT Cards
) to any eligible person, including business leaders
and United States Government officials who are actively engaged in Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation business. An individual may not receive an ABT Card under
this section unless the individual has been approved and is in good standing in
an international trusted traveler program of the Department of Homeland
Security.
Integration with existing travel programs
The Secretary of Homeland Security may integrate application procedures for, and issuance, suspension, and revocation of, ABT Cards with other appropriate international trusted traveler programs of the Department of Homeland Security.
Cooperation with private entities
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security may consult with appropriate private sector entities.
Rulemaking
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section, including regulations regarding conditions of or limitations on eligibility for an ABT Card.
Fee
In general
The Secretary of Homeland Security may—
prescribe and collect a fee for the issuance of ABT Cards; and
adjust such fee to the extent the Secretary determines to be necessary to comply with paragraph (2).
Limitation
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the total amount of the fees collected under paragraph (1) during any fiscal year is sufficient to offset the direct and indirect costs associated with carrying out this section during such fiscal year, including the costs associated with establishing the program.
Account for collections
There is established in the Treasury of the United
States an APEC Business Travel Card Account
into which the fees
collected under paragraph (1) shall be deposited as offsetting receipts.
Use of funds
Amounts deposited into the APEC Business Travel Card Account—
shall be credited to the appropriate account of the Department of Homeland Security for expenses incurred in carrying out this section; and
shall remain available until expended.
Termination of program
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, may terminate activities under this section if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines such action to be in the interest of the United States.