Summary: Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Peace Corps Act to require the President: (1) as part of the training provided to all Peace Corps volunteers, to develop and implement comprehensive sexual assault risk-reduction and response training that conforms to best practices in the sexual assault field; and (2) once a volunteer has arrived in his or her country of service, to provide the volunteer with training tailored to the country of service that includes cultural training relating to gender relations, risk-reduction strategies, treatment available in such country, MedEvac procedures, and information regarding a victim's right to pursue legal action against a perpetrator. Requires each applicant for enrollment as a volunteer to be provided with information regarding crimes against and risks to volunteers in the country in which the applicant has been invited to serve. Requires the President to provide each applicant, before the applicant enrolls as a volunteer, with: (1) contact information of the Peace Corps' Inspector General for purposes of reporting sexual assault mismanagement or any other mismanagement, misconduct, wrongdoing, or violations of law or policy involving a Peace Corps employee, volunteer, contractor, or outside party that receives funds from the Peace Corps; (2) guidelines regarding whom to contact; and (3) contact information for a 24-hour sexual assault hotline to be established for the purpose of providing volunteers a mechanism to anonymously report sexual assault, receive crisis counseling, and seek information about sexual assault reporting and response procedures. Requires the President to develop and implement a comprehensive sexual assault policy that: (1) includes a system for restricted and unrestricted reporting of sexual assault; (2) mandates, for each Peace Corps country program, the designation of a Sexual Assault Response Liaison (SARL) who shall receive comprehensive training on procedures to respond to reports of sexual assault, ensure that volunteers who are victims of sexual assault are moved to a safe environment, and accompany victims through the in-country response at the victim's request; (3) requires SARLs to immediately contact a victim advocate upon receiving a report of sexual assault; (4) conforms to best practices in the sexual assault field; (5) applies to all posts at which volunteers serve; and (6) guarantees that volunteers will not suffer loss of living allowances for reporting a sexual assault. Requires the sexual assault policy to include, with respect to a volunteer who has been a victim of sexual assault: (1) provision of a sexual assault forensic exam, emergency health care, counseling and psychiatric medication, and a safety and treatment plan; (2) evacuation for medical treatment, accompanied by a Peace Corps staffer upon request; (3) when evacuated to the United States, a choice of medical providers; and (4) an explanation of available law enforcement and prosecutorial options and legal representation. Directs the President to train all staff outside the United States regarding the sexual assault policy developed. Directs the President to establish an Office of Victim Advocacy in Peace Corps headquarters, headed by a full-time victim advocate. Allows the Office to deploy personnel abroad when necessary to assist victims. Prohibits: (1) Peace Corps Medical Officers, Safety and Security Officers, and program staff from serving as victim advocates; and (2) victim advocates from having any other duties in the Peace Corps that are not reasonably connected to victim advocacy. Requires the Office of Victim Advocacy to: (1) help develop and update the sexual assault risk-reduction and response training and the sexual assault policy and ensure that volunteers who are victims of sexual assault receive services described in that policy; (2) inform volunteers who are victims of crime of the services available and facilitate their access to such services; (3) give priority to cases involving serious crimes, including sexual assault and stalking; and (4) provide such victims regular updates on the status of their cases if they have opted to pursue prosecution. Establishes a Sexual Assault Advisory Council. Requires the Council to review and report annually on whether the sexual assault risk-reduction and response training and the sexual assault policy conform to best practices in the sexual assault field. Directs the President to: (1) establish goals, metrics, and monitoring and evaluation plans for all Peace Corps programs; (2) establish performance plans for Peace Corps representatives and review performance of representatives annually to determine compliance; and (3) conduct a confidential survey, annually through September 30, 2018, of volunteers regarding the effectiveness of Peace Corps programs and staff and the safety of volunteers. Directs the Peace Corps' Inspector General to report at specified intervals on: (1) reports received from volunteers relating to misconduct, mismanagement, or policy violations by Peace Corps staff, breaches of confidentiality of volunteers, and actions taken to assure the safety of volunteers who provide such reports; (2) the effectiveness and implementation of the sexual assault risk-reduction and response training and the sexual assault policy; and (3) how Peace Corps representatives are hired and terminated and how they hire staff. Requires the President, at least once every three years, to evaluate the allocation and delivery of resources across the countries the Peace Corps serves or is considering for service, including for each country an evaluation of: (1) the country's commitment to the Peace Corps program, (2) the safety and security of volunteers, (3) the country's need for assistance, (4) country program costs, (5) the effectiveness of management of each post within the country, and (6) the country's congruence with the Peace Corp's mission and strategic priorities. Directs the President to implement a comprehensive policy on stalking that: (1) requires an immediate, effective, and thorough response from the Peace Corps upon receipt of a report of stalking; (2) provides, during training, all Peace Corps volunteers with a point of contact for the reporting of stalking; and (3) protects the confidentiality of volunteers who report stalking. Directs the President to: (1) establish a process for volunteers to report incidents that protects the confidentiality and safety of the volunteers and the information reported and that ensures that such information is acted on appropriately, and (2) provide additional training to Peace Corps officers and employees to protect against inappropriate disclosures and ensure the safety of such volunteers. Subjects to disciplinary action, including termination, any Peace Corps volunteer or staff member who is responsible for maintaining confidentiality who breaches such duty. Requires the President to: (1) expeditiously remove a volunteer from a site in which such volunteer is serving if the volunteer requests removal because he or she feels at risk of imminent bodily harm, (2) assess the safety of such site, and (3) expeditiously remove all volunteers from the site upon determining that it is unsafe for any remaining volunteers. Requires the President to report annually through September 30, 2018, on: (1) sexual assaults of volunteers; (2) other crimes against volunteers; (3) the number of arrests, prosecutions, and incarcerations for crimes involving Peace Corps volunteers for every country; and (4) the annual rate of early termination of volunteers. Directs the Comptroller General to submit a report evaluating the quality and accessibility of health care provided through the Department of Labor to returned volunteers upon their separation from the Peace Corps. Directs the President to: (1) determine the level of access to communication of each volunteer; and (2) report on the costs, feasibility, and benefits of providing all volunteers with access to adequate communication, including cellular and Internet access. (Sec. 3) Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize expenses to be paid in support of volunteers who are parties to actions, complaining witnesses, or otherwise participating in the prosecution of crimes committed against such volunteers. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Office of Victims Advocacy should maintain a staffing level sufficient to ensure the provision of timely and comprehensive services to Peace Corps volunteers. (Sec. 5) Provides that no individual contracted with for personal services abroad and no alien contracted with for personal services within the United States shall be deemed an officer or employee or otherwise in the service or employment of the U.S. government for the purposes of any law administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) (currently, for any purpose). (Sec. 6) Exempts the Inspector General of the Peace Corps and officers and employees thereof from specified limitations regarding length of appointments. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director of the Peace Corps to: (1) consult with the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and enter into a memorandum of understanding that specifies the duties and obligations of the Peace Corps and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security regarding the protection of Peace Corps volunteers and staff members serving in foreign countries; (2) afford the Inspector General of the Peace Corps the opportunity to review the memorandum and to recommend changes to advance the safety and security of volunteers; (3) consider the Inspector General's recommendations; and (4) submit a report explaining any reasons for failure to obtain agreement with the Assistant Secretary within 180 days after enactment of this Act, along with a certification by the Peace Corps Inspector General that substantial steps are being taken to make progress toward agreement. (Sec. 9) Requires the Director to: (1) eliminate such initiatives, positions, and programs within the Peace Corps (other than within the Office of Inspector General) as the Director deems necessary to ensure that any and all costs incurred to carry out this Act are entirely offset; and (2) ensure that there is no net increase in personnel to carry out this Act, with any new employees offset by eliminating of existing staff.

peace corps volunteer protection act sec amends peace corps act require president training provided peace_corps volunteers develop implement comprehensive sexual assault risk reduction response training conforms best practices sexual assault field volunteer country service provide volunteer training tailored country service includes cultural training relating gender relations risk reduction strategies treatment available country procedures information victim right pursue legal action perpetrator requires applicant enrollment volunteer provided information crimes risks volunteers country applicant invited serve requires president provide applicant applicant enrolls volunteer contact information purposes reporting sexual assault mismanagement mismanagement misconduct wrongdoing violations law policy involving peace_corps employee volunteer contractor outside party receives funds peace_corps guidelines contact contact information hour sexual assault hotline established purpose providing volunteers mechanism anonymously report sexual assault receive crisis counseling seek information sexual assault reporting response procedures requires president develop implement comprehensive sexual assault policy includes system restricted unrestricted reporting sexual assault mandates peace_corps country program designation sexual assault response liaison shall receive comprehensive training procedures respond reports sexual assault ensure volunteers victims sexual assault moved safe environment accompany victims country response victim request requires immediately contact victim advocate receiving report sexual assault conforms best practices sexual assault field applies posts volunteers serve guarantees volunteers suffer loss living allowances reporting sexual assault requires sexual assault policy include respect volunteer victim sexual assault provision sexual assault forensic exam emergency health care counseling psychiatric medication safety treatment plan evacuation medical treatment accompanied peace_corps request evacuated united_states choice medical providers explanation available law enforcement prosecutorial options legal representation directs president train staff outside united_states sexual assault policy developed directs president establish peace_corps headquarters headed time victim advocate allows office deploy personnel abroad necessary assist victims prohibits peace corps medical officers program staff serving victim advocates victim advocates having duties peace_corps reasonably connected victim advocacy requires help develop update sexual assault risk reduction response training sexual assault policy ensure volunteers victims sexual assault receive services described policy inform volunteers victims crime services available facilitate access services priority cases involving crimes including sexual assault stalking provide victims regular updates status cases opted pursue prosecution establishes requires council review report annually sexual assault risk reduction response training sexual assault policy conform best practices sexual assault field directs president establish goals metrics monitoring evaluation plans peace_corps programs establish performance plans peace_corps representatives review performance representatives annually determine compliance conduct confidential survey annually september volunteers effectiveness peace_corps programs staff safety volunteers directs report specified intervals reports received volunteers relating misconduct mismanagement policy violations peace_corps staff breaches confidentiality volunteers actions taken assure safety volunteers provide reports effectiveness implementation sexual assault risk reduction response training sexual assault policy peace_corps representatives hired terminated hire staff requires president years evaluate allocation delivery resources countries peace_corps serves considering service including country evaluation country commitment peace_corps program safety security volunteers country need assistance country program costs effectiveness management post country country mission strategic priorities directs president implement comprehensive policy stalking requires immediate effective thorough response peace_corps receipt report stalking provides training peace_corps volunteers point contact reporting stalking protects confidentiality volunteers report stalking directs president establish process volunteers report incidents protects confidentiality safety volunteers information reported ensures information acted appropriately provide additional training peace_corps officers employees protect inappropriate disclosures ensure safety volunteers subjects disciplinary action including termination peace_corps volunteer staff member responsible maintaining confidentiality breaches duty requires president expeditiously remove volunteer site volunteer serving volunteer requests removal risk imminent bodily harm assess safety site expeditiously remove volunteers site determining unsafe remaining volunteers requires president report annually september sexual assaults volunteers crimes volunteers number arrests prosecutions crimes involving peace_corps volunteers country annual rate early termination volunteers directs comptroller general submit report evaluating quality accessibility health care provided department_of_labor returned volunteers separation peace_corps directs president determine level access communication volunteer report costs feasibility benefits providing volunteers access adequate communication including cellular internet access sec amends peace corps act authorize expenses paid support volunteers parties actions complaining witnesses participating prosecution crimes committed volunteers sec expresses sense congress maintain staffing level sufficient ensure provision timely comprehensive services peace_corps volunteers sec provides individual contracted personal services abroad alien contracted personal services united_states shall deemed officer employee service employment government purposes law administered currently purpose sec exempts inspector general peace_corps officers employees thereof specified limitations length appointments sec requires director peace_corps consult assistant secretary enter memorandum understanding specifies duties obligations peace_corps bureau_of_diplomatic_security protection peace_corps volunteers staff members serving foreign countries afford inspector general peace corps opportunity review memorandum recommend changes advance safety security volunteers consider inspector_general recommendations submit report explaining reasons failure obtain agreement assistant secretary days enactment act certification substantial steps taken progress agreement sec requires director eliminate initiatives positions programs peace_corps office_of_inspector_general director deems necessary ensure costs incurred carry act entirely offset ensure net increase personnel carry act new employees offset eliminating existing staff


Summary: International Travelers Bill of Rights Act of 2011 - Requires an individual or entity that operates a website that provides access to international travel services to provide to consumers information regarding the health and safety risks associated with overseas vacation destinations marketed on such website, including: (1) information compiled by the Department of State that includes country-specific travel warnings and alerts; and (2) information on the availability of on site health and safety services at a destination, including the hours and days such services are available, or a disclaimer that such destination does not provide certain health and safety services or that information regarding such services is not available. Requires a website operator that does not possess information on a destination's health and safety services to request it from that destination. Grants the website operator immunity from liability relating to inaccurate or incomplete information if such information was provided by the destination and the operator published it without knowledge that it was inaccurate or incomplete. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to require the Secretary of State to: (1) collect and include in the database on overseas deaths of U.S. citizens from non-natural causes information on the name and address of the property where a death occurred, and (2) update the database not less frequently than once each month (currently, every six months) and to report such updated information to Congress.

bill rights act requires individual entity operates website provides access international travel services provide consumers information health safety risks associated overseas vacation destinations marketed website including information compiled department_of_state includes country specific travel warnings alerts information availability site health safety services destination including hours days services available disclaimer destination provide certain health safety services information services available requires website operator possess information destination health safety services request destination grants website operator immunity liability relating inaccurate incomplete information information provided destination operator published knowledge inaccurate incomplete treats violation unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act amends state_department basic authorities act require secretary state collect include database overseas deaths citizens non natural causes information address property death occurred update database frequently month currently months report updated information congress


Summary: Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act - Amends the federal judicial code with respect to denial of a foreign state's immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. or state courts (under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act) in cases where rights in property taken in violation of international law are in issue and that property (or any property exchanged for it) is: (1) present in the United States in connection with a commercial activity carried on by the foreign state in the United States; or (2) owned by an agency or instrumentality of the foreign state, and that agency or instrumentality is engaged in a commercial activity in the United States. Prohibits consideration as a commercial activity (excluded from jurisdictional immunity) any activity in the United States of a foreign state, or of any carrier, associated with a temporary exhibition or display if: (1) the work of art (or other object of cultural significance) in question is imported into the United States from any foreign country pursuant to an agreement for its temporary exhibit or display between a foreign state that is its owner or custodian and the United States or cultural or educational institutions within it; and (2) the President has determined, with notice in the Federal Register, that such work is culturally significant and its temporary exhibition or display is in the national interest. (Thus grants jurisdictional immunity to the foreign state and associated carrier for such works.) Denies application of this prohibition to cases in which: (1) the action filed is based upon a claim that the work was taken in Europe in violation of international law by the Nazi government of Germany or governments occupied, assisted, or allied by the Nazi government between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945; (2) the court determines that the activity associated with the exhibition or display is commercial; and (3) that determination is necessary for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the foreign state.

federal judicial code respect denial foreign state immunity jurisdiction state courts cases rights property taken violation international law issue property property exchanged present united_states connection commercial activity carried foreign state united_states owned agency instrumentality foreign state agency instrumentality engaged commercial activity united_states prohibits consideration commercial activity excluded jurisdictional immunity activity united_states foreign state carrier associated temporary exhibition display work art object cultural significance question imported united_states foreign country pursuant agreement temporary exhibit display foreign state owner custodian united_states cultural educational institutions president determined notice federal_register work culturally significant temporary exhibition display national interest grants jurisdictional immunity foreign state associated carrier works denies application prohibition cases action filed based claim work taken europe violation international law nazi government germany governments occupied assisted allied nazi government january court determines activity associated exhibition display commercial determination necessary court exercise jurisdiction foreign state


Summary: Reducing Duplication Overseas Act of 2012 - Requires a federal agency that performs any foreign affairs functions and operates overseas to participate in the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services system for purposes of obtaining household furniture, furnishings, and appliance pools services, motor pool services, and management services unless such agency provides a detailed explanation that describes: (1) how such agency will provide the service outside the system, (2) the cost of the service, and (3) how providing the service outside the system will not increase overall costs. Requires such an agency to provide a detailed explanation certifying that the mission of the agency cannot be achieved by participation in the system. Requires the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services Executive Board to allow an agency to act as an alternative provider for administrative services at an overseas post in place of the system if the agency: (1) demonstratives that it can provide the administrative service more efficiently, and (2) agrees to provide the administrative service to all other International Cooperative Administrative Support Services customer agencies at the overseas post. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to submit a review of the system to specified congressional committees

reducing duplication overseas act requires federal agency performs foreign affairs functions operates overseas participate system purposes obtaining household furniture appliance pools services motor pool services management services agency provides detailed explanation describes agency provide service outside system cost service providing service outside system increase overall costs requires agency provide detailed explanation certifying mission agency achieved participation system requires allow agency act alternative provider administrative services overseas post place system agency provide administrative service efficiently agrees provide administrative service customer agencies overseas post requires comptroller general gao submit review system specified congressional committees


Summary:
Second Amendment Protection Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should not adopt any treaty that poses a threat to national sovereignty or abridges the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, such as the right to bear arms, and should cease the provision of financial support to any entity that does so.

Prohibits the United States from providing any funding to the United Nations (U.N.) for a fiscal year unless the President certifies to Congress that the U.N. has not taken action to infringe on the rights of individuals in the United States to possess a firearm or ammunition, or abridge any of the other constitutionally protected rights of U.S. citizens.

second amendment protection act expresses sense congress united_states adopt treaty poses threat national sovereignty rights guaranteed constitution right bear arms cease provision financial support entity prohibits united_states providing funding united_nations fiscal year president certifies congress taken action infringe rights individuals united_states possess firearm ammunition constitutionally protected rights citizens


Summary: Respect for Peace Corps Volunteers Act of 2013 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to allow former volunteers or applicants for enrollment as a volunteer to use the seal, emblem, or name "Peace Corps" on death announcements, plaques, grave stones, or other grave markers.

amends peace corps act allow volunteers applicants enrollment volunteer use seal emblem peace corps death announcements plaques grave grave markers


Summary:
Accountability Review Board Reform Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the effectiveness of Accountability Review Boards would be improved by increasing their independence from the Department of State.

Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act regarding congressional notification of an Accountability Review Board's convening to include: (1) notification of the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and (2) disclosure of any individual employed at a grade not lower than FS-3 or GS-14 or any political appointee who is hired, assigned, or detailed to assist the Board.

Revises the appointment of the five Board members to provide that two members shall be appointed by the Secretary, two by the Chairperson of the Council of Inspectors General of Integrity and Efficiency, and one by the Director of National Intelligence.

States that to the maximum extent practicable individuals assisting a Board shall be employees of the Department's Office of the Inspector General.

Prohibits an individual who has a personal or professional relationship with someone expected to be investigated from serving as a Board member or staffer. Defines "conflict of interest" for such purposes.

Authorizes a Board to accept any evidence determined by a Board member to be relevant and material to an investigation. States that the Federal Rules of Evidence shall not apply to the Board.

Requires that a Board report and related recommendations be submitted to Congress, in addition to the Secretary.

reform act expresses sense congress effectiveness improved increasing independence department_of_state amends antiterrorism act congressional notification convening include notification chairman house_committee_on_foreign_affairs disclosure individual employed grade lower political appointee hired assigned detailed assist board revises appointment board members provide members shall appointed secretary chairperson council inspectors general integrity efficiency director national_intelligence states maximum extent practicable individuals assisting board shall employees prohibits individual personal professional relationship expected investigated serving board member defines conflict interest purposes authorizes board accept evidence determined board member relevant material investigation states federal_rules_of_evidence shall apply board requires board report related recommendations submitted congress addition secretary


Summary:
Justice for Imprisoned Americans Overseas Act of 2013 or Jacob's Law of 2013 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to include in the Foreign Service professional development program training to protect the rights of U.S. citizens in foreign custody.

Directs the Secretary of State to submit a semiannnual report to Congress for five years that identifies: (1) U.S. citizens imprisoned in foreign countries whose fundamental due process and human rights are being violated, (2) the due process and human rights violations that are being committed against such U.S. citizens, and (3) the government officials who are responsible for such violations or who are not fulfilling their official responsibility to protect such rights.

Prohibits the Secretary of State from issuing any visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from permitting entry to the United States of, any such identified official and his or her immediate family members. Makes such ban permanent if an identified U.S. citizen dies while in foreign custody.

Prohibits foreign assistance from being provided to an agency or other entity of a foreign government that is responsible for the violation of, or is failing to protect, the fundamental due process or human rights of an imprisoned U.S. citizen.

justice imprisoned americans overseas act jacob law amends foreign service act include foreign_service professional development program training protect rights citizens foreign custody directs secretary state submit report congress years identifies citizens imprisoned foreign countries fundamental process human rights violated process human rights violations committed citizens government officials responsible violations fulfilling official responsibility protect rights prohibits secretary state issuing visa secretary homeland_security dhs permitting entry united_states identified official immediate family members makes ban permanent identified citizen dies foreign custody prohibits foreign assistance provided agency entity foreign government responsible violation failing protect fundamental process human rights imprisoned citizen


Summary:
Embassy Security and Enhancement Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) submit to Congress a list of diplomatic and consular posts designated as high risk, high threat posts; and (2) determine if a post should be so designated before its opening or reopening.

Directs the Secretary, before opening or reopening a high risk, high threat post, to establish a working group responsible for the geographic area in which such post is to be opened or reopened.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should complete a strategic review of the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security to ensure that the Bureau is fulfilling Department needs.

Authorizes FY2014 appropriations for the capital security cost sharing program. Expresses the sense of Congress that the program should prioritize the construction of new facilities and the maintenance of existing facilities at high risk, high threat posts.

Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to, and merge with, any appropriation for embassy security, construction, and maintenance such amounts appropriated for any other purpose related to the administration of foreign affairs on or after October 1, 2013.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide physical security enhancements at overseas educational facilities established for the children of U.S. government employees.

Revises requirements for: (1) local guard contracts abroad, and (2) computation of the death gratuity payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service employees who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad.

Makes permanent the Secretary's authority to waive the annuity termination of a temporarily reemployed annuitant in a position for which there is exceptional difficulty in recruiting or retaining a qualified employee.

Expresses the sense of Congress regarding: (1) application of the Overseas Security Policy Board's security standards to all facilities; and (2) assignment of key personnel at high risk, high threat posts.

Requires security training for permanent or long-term personnel assigned to high risk, high threat posts.

Urges that language training be provided for diplomatic security personnel assigned to permanent or long-term duty at high threat, high risk posts.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide a group life insurance supplement for a Foreign Service employee who dies while on duty abroad as a result of a terrorist attack.

Directs the Secretary to provide educational assistance to a widow, widower, familial designee, or child of any U.S. national Foreign Service employee who dies while on duty abroad as a result of a terrorist attack.

embassy security enhancement_act directs secretary state submit congress list diplomatic consular posts designated high risk high threat posts determine post designated opening reopening directs secretary opening reopening high risk high threat post establish working group responsible geographic area post opened reopened expresses sense congress secretary complete strategic review department_of_state bureau_of_diplomatic_security ensure bureau fulfilling department needs authorizes fy2014 appropriations capital security cost sharing program expresses sense congress program prioritize construction new facilities maintenance existing facilities high risk high threat posts authorizes secretary transfer merge appropriation embassy security construction maintenance amounts appropriated purpose related administration foreign affairs october authorizes secretary provide physical security enhancements overseas educational facilities established children government employees revises requirements local guard contracts abroad computation death gratuity payable surviving dependents foreign_service employees die injuries sustained performance duty abroad makes permanent secretary authority waive annuity termination temporarily reemployed annuitant position exceptional difficulty recruiting retaining qualified employee expresses sense congress application security standards facilities assignment key personnel high risk high threat posts requires security training permanent long term personnel assigned high risk high threat posts urges language training provided diplomatic security personnel assigned permanent long term duty high threat high risk posts authorizes secretary provide group life insurance supplement foreign_service employee dies duty abroad result terrorist attack directs secretary provide educational assistance widow widower familial designee child national foreign_service employee dies duty abroad result terrorist attack


Summary:
Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2013 - Establishes in the Treasury the American Hostages in Iran Compensation Fund for the purpose of making payments to: (1) the Americans held hostage in the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, and in other locations in Iran, from November 3, 1979, to January 20, 1981; and (2) certain family members.

Imposes a surcharge, to be deposited into the Fund, of 30% on any fine or penalty imposed, or settlement entered into, for a violation of any law or regulation for any economic activity regarding Iran that is administered by specified federal departments.

Requires Fund payments of: (1) $150,000 plus $10,000 for each day of captivity first to each living former hostage and then to the estate of each deceased former hostage, and (2) $5,000 to each eligible spouse or child of a former hostage for each day of the such hostage's captivity.

Requires a payment recipient to waive and forever release all existing claims against Iran and the United States arising out of the hostage events.

Directs the Secretary of State to notify each individual qualified to receive a payment of the individual's claim status.

States that: (1) if a claim is denied or approved for less than the full amount, the individual shall be entitled to submit additional information; (2) the Secretary may affirm, modify, or revise the former action; and (3) the Secretary's actions in identifying claimants and in disbursing Fund amounts shall be final on all questions of law and fact, and shall not be subject to review by any other U.S. official, agency, or court.

justice iran act establishes treasury purpose making payments americans held hostage embassy tehran iran locations iran november january certain family members imposes surcharge deposited fund fine penalty imposed settlement entered violation law regulation economic activity iran administered specified federal departments requires fund payments plus day captivity living hostage estate deceased hostage eligible spouse child hostage day hostage captivity requires payment recipient waive forever release existing claims iran united_states arising hostage events directs secretary state notify individual qualified receive payment individual claim status states claim denied approved individual shall entitled submit additional information secretary affirm modify revise action secretary actions identifying claimants disbursing fund amounts shall final questions law fact shall subject review official agency court


Summary:
Russia Visa Sanctions Act - Directs the Secretary of State, except to meet treaty obligations regarding United Nations (U.N.) headquarters, to deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to deny U.S. admission to, all government officials and employees of the Russian Federation until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) Russian military intervention into Ukraine has ceased; and (2) the Russian Federation respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine in accordance with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.

States that this certification requirement shall not apply to military bases of the Russian Federation in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula operating in accordance with the 1997 agreement on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet Stationing on the Territory of Ukraine.

russia visa sanctions act directs secretary state meet treaty obligations united_nations headquarters deny visa secretary homeland_security dhs deny admission government officials employees russian_federation secretary state certifies congress russian military intervention ukraine ceased russian_federation respects sovereignty independence territorial integrity ukraine accordance memorandum states certification requirement shall apply military bases russian_federation ukraine peninsula operating accordance agreement status conditions black sea fleet stationing territory ukraine


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act - Amends the federal judicial code with respect to denial of a foreign state's immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. or state courts (under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act) in cases where rights in property taken in violation of international law are in issue and that property (or any property exchanged for it) is: (1) present in the United States in connection with a commercial activity carried on by the foreign state in the United States; or (2) owned by an agency or instrumentality of the foreign state, and that agency or instrumentality is engaged in a commercial activity in the United States.

Prohibits consideration as a commercial activity (excluded from jurisdictional immunity) any activity in the United States of a foreign state, or of any carrier, associated with a temporary exhibition or display if: (1) the work of art (or other object of cultural significance) is imported into the United States from any foreign country pursuant to an agreement for its temporary exhibition or display between a foreign state that is its owner or custodian and the United States or cultural or educational institutions within it; and (2) the President has determined, with notice in the Federal Register, that such work is culturally significant and its temporary exhibition or display is in the national interest. (Thus, grants jurisdictional immunity to the foreign state and associated carrier for such works.)

Denies application of this prohibition to cases concerning rights in property taken in violation of international law in which: (1) the action is based upon a claim that the work was taken between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, by the government of Germany or any government in Europe occupied, assisted, or allied by the German government; (2) the court determines that the activity associated with the exhibition or display is commercial; and (3) that determination is necessary for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the foreign state.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated federal judicial code respect denial foreign state immunity jurisdiction state courts cases rights property taken violation international law issue property property exchanged present united_states connection commercial activity carried foreign state united_states owned agency instrumentality foreign state agency instrumentality engaged commercial activity united_states prohibits consideration commercial activity excluded jurisdictional immunity activity united_states foreign state carrier associated temporary exhibition display work art object cultural significance imported united_states foreign country pursuant agreement temporary exhibition display foreign state owner custodian united_states cultural educational institutions president determined notice federal_register work culturally significant temporary exhibition display national interest grants jurisdictional immunity foreign state associated carrier works denies application prohibition cases concerning rights property taken violation international law action based claim work taken january government germany government europe occupied assisted allied government court determines activity associated exhibition display commercial determination necessary court exercise jurisdiction foreign state


Summary: Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to direct the President to deny U.S. admission to any representative of the United Nations (U.N.) who: (1) has engaged in espionage activities or a terrorist activity against the United States or its allies, and (2) may pose a threat to U.S. national security interests.

amends foreign_relations_authorization_act fiscal years direct president deny admission representative united_nations engaged espionage activities terrorist activity united_states allies pose threat national security interests


Summary: United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs Act of 2014 - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State an Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs.

united_states ambassador amends state_department basic authorities act establish department_of_state ambassador


Summary: United States-Caribbean Partnership Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish U.S. embassies with consular services in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to: (1) provide consular services to citizens of these countries and U.S. citizens living in or traveling to these countries, and (2) engage in direct diplomacy with appropriate government counterparts of these countries.

partnership act directs secretary state establish embassies consular services provide consular services citizens countries citizens living traveling countries engage direct diplomacy appropriate government counterparts countries


Summary: No Healthcare Subsidies for Foreign Diplomats Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax credit for the cost of health insurance premiums and health insurance cost-sharing reductions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to foreign diplomats. Requires the Secretary of State to notify all foreign missions in the United States, permanent missions to the United Nations, and the United Nations Secretariat that health insurance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are not available for their foreign personnel with nonimmigrant status under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

amends internal revenue code deny tax credit cost health insurance premiums health insurance cost sharing reductions patient_protection affordable care act foreign diplomats requires secretary state notify foreign missions united_states permanent missions united_nations health insurance premium tax credits cost sharing reductions available foreign personnel nonimmigrant status immigration_and_nationality_act


Summary: United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs Act of 2013 - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State an Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs.


Summary:
Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty Embassy Security and Personnel Protection Act of 2013 - Authorizes FY2014 appropriations to restore the capital security cost sharing program to its full capacity. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning priorities of the program and funding through interagency agreements.

Authorizes appropriations for: (1) foreign language training, especially in critical need languages including Arabic, for Department of State employees, including the Bureau of Diplomatic Security; and (2) a Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC). Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the value of a FASTC and its use of existing training synergies.

Authorizes the Secretary of State to transfer to, and merge with, any appropriation for embassy security, construction, and maintenance such amounts appropriated for any other purpose related to the administration of foreign affairs on or after October 1, 2013.

Revises provisions regarding: (1) local guard contracts abroad, and (2) computation of the death gratuity payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service employees who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad.

Authorizes the Department to use a noncompetitive procurement procedure to meet emergency security requirements.

Provides that unsatisfactory leadership by a senior official regarding a security incident involving loss of life, serious injury, or significant destruction of property at or related to a U.S. government mission abroad may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide physical security enhancements at overseas educational facilities established for the children of U.S. government employees.

Makes permanent the Secretary's authority to waive the annuity termination of a temporarily reemployed annuitant in a position for which there is exceptional difficulty in recruiting or retaining a qualified employee.

Provides special immigrant status for the surviving spouse or child of a U.S. government employee killed abroad in the line of duty, provided that the employee had performed faithful service for at least 15 years and the appropriate recommendations have been made.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a plan to incorporate the additional Marine Corps Security Guard personnel at U.S. diplomatic facilities, and (2) conduct an annual review of the Marine Corps Security Guard Program.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress regarding the facts and circumstances surrounding the September 11-12, 2012, killings of four U.S. government personnel in Benghazi, Libya; and (2) report to Congress annually regarding overseas posts determined to be "high risk, high threat."

personnel protection act authorizes fy2014 appropriations restore capital security cost sharing program capacity expresses sense congress concerning priorities program funding interagency agreements authorizes appropriations foreign language training especially critical need languages including department_of_state employees including bureau_of_diplomatic_security foreign affairs security training center expresses sense congress concerning value use existing training authorizes secretary state transfer merge appropriation embassy security construction maintenance amounts appropriated purpose related administration foreign affairs october revises provisions local guard contracts abroad computation death gratuity payable surviving dependents foreign_service employees die injuries sustained performance duty abroad authorizes department use noncompetitive procurement procedure meet emergency security requirements provides unsatisfactory leadership senior official security incident involving loss life injury significant destruction property related government mission abroad grounds disciplinary action authorizes secretary provide physical security enhancements overseas educational facilities established children government employees makes permanent secretary authority waive annuity termination temporarily reemployed annuitant position exceptional difficulty recruiting retaining qualified employee provides special immigrant status surviving spouse child government employee killed abroad line duty provided employee performed faithful service years appropriate recommendations directs secretary implement plan incorporate additional personnel diplomatic facilities conduct annual review directs secretary report congress facts circumstances surrounding september killings government personnel libya report congress annually overseas posts determined high risk high threat


Summary:
Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty Embassy Security, Threat Mitigation, and Personnel Protection Act of 2013 - Title I: Funding Authorization and Transfer Authority - (Sec. 101) Authorizes FY2014 appropriations for the capital security cost sharing program.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the capital security cost sharing program should prioritize the construction of new facilities and the maintenance of existing facilities in high threat, high risk areas in addition to addressing immediate threat mitigation; and (2) all U.S. government agencies are required to pay into the program a percentage of total costs determined by interagency agreements in order to address immediate threat mitigation needs and increase FY2014 program funds.

Amends the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 to prohibit a project to construct a U.S. diplomatic facility from including office space or other accommodations for any federal employee whose department or agency has not provided the Department of State (Department) with the full amount of required funding, except that a project may include office space or other accommodations for members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

(Sec. 102) Allocates amounts from such authorization for immediate threat mitigation projects.

Authorizes the Secretary of State to transfer and merge such funds to any Department appropriation account for the purpose of carrying out threat mitigation projects.

(Sec. 103) Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 to urge that language training be provided for diplomatic security personnel assigned to permanent or long-term temporary duty at high threat, high risk posts. Authorizes FY2014-FY2015 appropriations.

(Sec. 104) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Department employees and their families deserve improved programs and facilities for high threat training and training on risk management decision processes; (2) improved high threat, high risk training is consistent with the Benghazi Accountability Review Board Recommendation 17; (3) improved security training should take advantage of existing training synergies such as military and security assets; and (4) the Secretary should undertake temporary measures to meet critical security training requirements.

Authorizes FY2014-FY2015 appropriations for: (1) security training; and (2) acquisition, construction, and operation of a new Foreign Affairs Security Training Center or expansion of existing training facilities.

(Sec. 105) Amends the Foreign Service Buildings Act of 1926 to authorize the Secretary to transfer to, and merge with, any appropriation for embassy security, construction, and maintenance such amounts appropriated for any other purpose related to the administration of foreign affairs on or after October 1, 2013.

Title II: Contracting and Other Matters - (Sec. 201) Revises requirements for local guard contracts abroad.

(Sec. 202) Amends the Diplomatic Security Act to declare that unsatisfactory leadership by a senior official regarding a security incident involving loss of life, serious injury, or significant destruction of property at or related to a U.S. government mission abroad may be grounds for disciplinary action.

(Sec. 203) Declares that nothing in this Act or any other provision of law shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from taking personnel action against any Department employee or official who has breached his or her duty or has engaged in misconduct or unsatisfactorily performed such duties in a manner that has significantly contributed to the serious injury, loss of life, or significant destruction of property, or a serious breach of security.

(Sec. 204) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to provide physical security enhancements at overseas educational facilities established for the children of U.S. government employees.

(Sec. 205) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to extend through October 1, 2019, the Secretary's authority to waive the annuity termination of a temporarily reemployed annuitant to facilitate the assignment or replacement of persons to high threat, high risk posts.

Title III: Expansion of the Marine Corps Security Guard Detachment Program - (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a plan to incorporate the additional Marine Corps Security Guard personnel at U.S. diplomatic facilities, and (2) conduct an annual review of the Marine Corps Security Guard Program.

Title IV: Reporting on the Implementation of the Accountability Review Board Recommendations - (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding the facts and circumstances surrounding the September 11-12, 2012, killings of four U.S. government personnel in Benghazi, Libya.

 (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually regarding high risk, high threat overseas posts.

(Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary to assess for Congress the counterintelligence threat to U.S. diplomatic facilities in Priority 1 Counterintelligence Threat Nations (countries designated as such by the October 2012 National Intelligence Priorities Framework).

(Sec. 404) Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress on the Department's progress in implementing the recommendations of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board.

(Sec. 405) Directs the Bureau of Diplomatic Security to provide classified briefings and updates to Congress regarding the Security Environment Threat List.

Title V: Accountability Review Boards - (Sec. 501) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Accountability Review Board mechanism: (1) is an effective tool to collect information about and evaluate adverse incidents affecting U.S. diplomatic personnel; and (2) should assist the Secretary, the President, and Congress in determining what contributed to an adverse incident as well as what new measures are necessary to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

(Sec. 502) Requires the Secretary to give Congress copies of any Board reports.

(Sec. 503) Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act to revise Board membership and staff requirements.

Title VI: Other Matters - (Sec. 601) Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 to require that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for High Threat, High Risk Posts have one or more of the following qualifications: (1) service during the last six years at one or more high threat, high risk posts; (2) previous service as the office director or deputy director at the Department's Office of Mobile Security Deployments, Office of Special Programs and Coordination, Office of Overseas Protective Operations, Office of Physical Security Programs, or Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis; (3) previous service as the Regional Security Officer at two or more overseas posts; or (4) other similar government or private sector experience.

threat mitigation personnel protection act title funding authorization sec authorizes fy2014 appropriations capital security cost sharing program expresses sense congress capital security cost sharing program prioritize construction new facilities maintenance existing facilities high threat high risk areas addition addressing immediate threat mitigation government agencies required pay program percentage total costs determined interagency agreements order address immediate threat mitigation needs increase fy2014 program funds amends counterterrorism act prohibit project construct diplomatic facility including office space accommodations federal employee department agency provided required funding project include office space accommodations members marine_corps sec allocates amounts authorization immediate threat mitigation projects authorizes secretary state transfer merge funds department appropriation account purpose carrying threat mitigation projects sec amends antiterrorism act urge language training provided diplomatic security personnel assigned permanent long term temporary duty high threat high risk posts authorizes fy2014 fy2015 appropriations sec expresses sense congress department employees families deserve improved programs facilities high threat training training risk management decision processes improved high threat high risk training consistent improved security training advantage existing training military security assets secretary undertake temporary measures meet critical security training requirements authorizes fy2014 fy2015 appropriations security training acquisition construction operation new security training center expansion existing training facilities sec amends authorize secretary transfer merge appropriation embassy security construction maintenance amounts appropriated purpose related administration foreign affairs october title contracting matters sec revises requirements local guard contracts abroad sec amends diplomatic security act declare unsatisfactory leadership senior official security incident involving loss life injury significant destruction property related government mission abroad grounds disciplinary action sec declares act provision law shall construed prevent secretary taking personnel action department employee official breached duty engaged misconduct performed duties manner significantly contributed injury loss life significant destruction property breach security sec amends state_department basic authorities act authorize secretary provide physical security enhancements overseas educational facilities established children government employees sec amends foreign service act extend october secretary authority waive annuity termination temporarily reemployed annuitant facilitate assignment replacement persons high threat high risk posts title iii expansion sec directs secretary implement plan incorporate additional personnel diplomatic facilities conduct annual review title reporting implementation accountability review board recommendations sec directs secretary report congress facts circumstances surrounding september killings government personnel libya sec directs secretary report congress annually high risk high threat overseas posts sec directs secretary assess congress counterintelligence threat diplomatic facilities countries designated october sec directs comptroller general gao report progress implementing recommendations sec directs bureau_of_diplomatic_security provide classified briefings updates congress security environment threat list title accountability review boards sec expresses sense congress mechanism effective tool collect information evaluate adverse incidents affecting diplomatic personnel assist secretary president congress determining contributed adverse incident new measures necessary prevent recurrence incidents sec requires secretary congress copies board reports sec amends antiterrorism act revise board membership staff requirements title matters sec amends antiterrorism act require deputy assistant secretary state high threat high risk posts following qualifications service years high threat high risk posts previous service office director deputy director previous service overseas posts similar government private sector experience


Summary:
Respect for Peace Corps Volunteers Act

 Amends the Peace Corps Act to allow former volunteers or applicants for enrollment as a volunteer to use the seal, emblem, or name "Peace Corps" on death announcements, plaques, grave stones, or other grave markers.

amends allow volunteers applicants enrollment volunteer use seal emblem peace corps death announcements plaques grave grave markers


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act

(Sec. 2) Amends the federal judicial code with respect to denial of a foreign state's sovereign immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. or state courts in commercial activity cases where rights in property taken in violation of international law are in issue and that property, or any property exchanged for it, is: (1) present in the United States in connection with a commercial activity carried on by the foreign state in the United States, or (2) owned by an agency or instrumentality of the foreign state and that agency or instrumentality is engaged in a commercial activity in the United States.

Prohibits from being excluded from jurisdictional immunity as a commercial activity (and thereby provides immunity for) any activity in the United States of a foreign state, or of any carrier, associated with a temporary exhibition or display, if: (1) the work of art or other object of cultural significance is imported into the United States from any foreign country pursuant to an agreement for its temporary exhibition or display between a foreign state that is its owner or custodian and the United States or U.S. cultural or educational institutions, and (2) the President has determined that such work is culturally significant and its temporary exhibition or display is in the national interest.

Denies immunity in cases concerning rights in property taken in violation of international law in which: (1) the action is based upon a claim that the work was taken between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, by the government of Germany or any government in Europe occupied, assisted, or allied by the German government; (2) the court determines that the activity associated with the exhibition or display is commercial; and (3) that determination is necessary for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the foreign state.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated sec amends federal judicial code respect denial foreign state sovereign immunity jurisdiction state courts commercial activity cases rights property taken violation international law issue property property exchanged present united_states connection commercial activity carried foreign state united_states owned agency instrumentality foreign state agency instrumentality engaged commercial activity united_states prohibits excluded jurisdictional immunity commercial activity provides immunity activity united_states foreign state carrier associated temporary exhibition display work art object cultural significance imported united_states foreign country pursuant agreement temporary exhibition display foreign state owner custodian united_states cultural educational institutions president determined work culturally significant temporary exhibition display national interest denies immunity cases concerning rights property taken violation international law action based claim work taken january government germany government europe occupied assisted allied government court determines activity associated exhibition display commercial determination necessary court exercise jurisdiction foreign state


Summary:
No Healthcare Subsidies for Foreign Diplomats Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax credit for the cost of health insurance premiums and health insurance cost-sharing reductions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to foreign diplomats. Requires the Secretary of State to notify all foreign missions in the United States, permanent missions to the United Nations, and the United Nations Secretariat that health insurance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are not available for their foreign personnel with nonimmigrant status under the Immigration and Nationality Act.


Summary:
United States-Caribbean Partnership Act of 2015

 Directs the Secretary of State to establish U.S. embassies with consular services in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to: (1) provide consular services to citizens of these countries and U.S. citizens living in or traveling to these countries, and (2) engage in direct diplomacy with appropriate government counterparts of these countries.


Summary:
United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs Act of 2015

 Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State an Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs.


Summary: The Secretary of State shall provide appropriate Foreign Service officers with training related to medical graduates and medical graduate programs in the countries in which they are serving.

secretary state shall provide appropriate foreign_service officers training related medical graduates medical graduate programs countries serving


Summary:
Walter Patterson and Werner Foerster Justice and Extradition Act

Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding: (1) the number of fugitives and others residing in other countries for whom the United States is seeking extradition or rendition, together with a list of those countries; (2) U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to secure such fugitives' return; (3) the average length of time these cases have been outstanding; (4) the number of satisfactorily resolved cases; (5) factors that have been barriers to case resolution; and (6) information on the number of U.S. citizens whose extradition has been sought by other countries during the past five years, a list of those countries seeking extradition, and the outcomes of those requests.

directs president report annually congress number fugitives residing countries united_states seeking extradition list countries diplomatic efforts secure fugitives return average length time cases outstanding number satisfactorily resolved cases factors barriers case resolution information number citizens extradition sought countries past years list countries seeking extradition outcomes requests


Summary:
This bill amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to:

 authorize the Secretary of State to award a local guard contract abroad under the diplomatic security program on the basis of best value (as determined by a cost-technical trade off analysis); and report to Congress for each such contract providing the basis for the award and an explanation of the inability to satisfy the Department of State's needs by technically acceptable, lowest price evaluation award.

bill amends foreign_relations_authorization_act fiscal years authorize secretary state award local guard contract abroad diplomatic security program basis best value determined cost technical trade analysis report congress contract providing basis award explanation inability satisfy department_of_state needs technically acceptable lowest price evaluation award


Summary:
Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act of 2015

Establishes the Commission on Americans Living Abroad which shall conduct a study of how federal laws and policies affect U.S. citizens living abroad, including civilians and members of the Armed Forces.

 Requires the head of any federal agency that is affected by a recommendation in the report required by this Act to submit a response to the President, Congress, and the Commission.

commission americans living abroad act establishes_the_commission americans living abroad shall conduct study federal laws policies affect citizens living abroad including civilians members armed_forces requires head federal agency affected recommendation report required act submit response president congress commission


Summary:
Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2015

Establishes in the Treasury the American Hostages in Iran Compensation Fund to: (1) make payments to the Americans held hostage in Iran, and to their families, who are identified as members of the proposed class in case number 1:00-CV-03110 (ESG) of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; and (2) satisfy their claims against Iran relating to the taking of hostages and treatment of personnel of the U.S. embassy in Tehran between November 4, 1979, and January 20, 1981.

Imposes a surcharge, to be deposited into the Fund, of 30% on the amount of: (1) any fine or penalty imposed for a violation (committed on or after enactment of this Act) of a law or regulation penalizing any economic activity relating to Iran that is administered by the Departments of State, Treasury, Justice, Commerce, or Energy; or (2) the monetary amount of a settlement entered into by a person regarding a suspected violation of such a law or regulation.

 Requires distribution of Fund payments to members of the proposed class in the following amounts:

 to each living former hostage, $6,750 for each day of captivity; to the estate of each deceased former hostage, $6,750 for each day of captivity; to each spouse (who is also a member of the identified class) of a former hostage, $600,000, or to the estate of such spouse who is deceased, $600,000; and to each child (who is also a member of the identified class) of a former hostage, $600,000, or to the estate of such child who is deceased, $600,000. Specifies the order of payment distribution.

Prohibits a payment recipient from maintaining an action against Iran in any federal or state court for any claims relating to the hostage events. Deems waived and forever released all existing claims against Iran for those events upon payment from the Fund to all designated recipients.

Requires the Department of State to submit recommendations to Congress if Fund amounts will be insufficient to pay all recipients within 444 days after enactment of this Act.

justice iran act establishes treasury payments americans held hostage iran families identified members proposed class case number district_of_columbia satisfy claims iran relating taking hostages treatment personnel embassy tehran november january imposes surcharge deposited fund fine penalty imposed violation committed enactment act law regulation penalizing economic activity relating iran administered departments_of_state treasury justice commerce energy monetary settlement entered person suspected violation law regulation requires distribution fund payments members proposed class following amounts living hostage day captivity estate deceased hostage day captivity spouse member identified class hostage estate spouse deceased child member identified class hostage estate child deceased specifies order payment distribution prohibits payment recipient maintaining action iran federal state court claims relating hostage events deems waived forever released existing claims iran events payment fund designated recipients requires department state submit recommendations congress fund amounts insufficient pay recipients days enactment act


Summary:
U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should rejoin the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) to promote public diplomacy, global branding, and tourism to the United States.

 The Department of State shall take necessary action within 90 days for the United States to rejoin the BIE.

wants compete world act bill expresses sense congress united_states promote public diplomacy global branding tourism united_states department_of_state shall necessary action days united_states


Summary:
Foreign Service Optimization Act of 2016

This bill amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to require Foreign Service employees overseas to serve at a post for between four and six consecutive years.

The Department of State may reduce such assignment period in the case of a first tour of duty or a post deemed unhealthful due to extreme conditions or hardship including war, armed conflict, or civil strife.

The State Department shall assure that Foreign Service members who have demonstrated a useful knowledge of the principal languages or dialects of the countries in which they are posted shall be are assigned to two consecutive tours of duty.

The tour of duty or period of assignment shall be between four and six years for: (1) a member of the Armed Forces serving as a defense attache, or (2) a civilian employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assigned to a Defense Attache Office outside the United States.

The Department of Defense (DOD) may reduce a tour of duty or a period of assignment if: (1) it is at an unhealthful post, (2) it is the first tour of duty or first period of assignment, or (3) DOD determines such reduced tour to be appropriate for exigent circumstances.

The State Department may assign a member of the armed forces serving as a defense attache or a civilian DIA employee assigned to a Defense Attache Office outside the United States who demonstrates a useful knowledge of the principal language or dialect of the country to two consecutive Defense Attache Office tours of duty.

bill amends require foreign_service employees overseas serve post consecutive years department_of_state reduce assignment period case tour duty post deemed extreme conditions hardship including war armed conflict civil strife state_department shall assure foreign_service members demonstrated useful knowledge principal languages countries posted shall assigned consecutive duty tour duty period assignment shall years member armed forces serving defense civilian employee defense_intelligence_agency dia assigned outside united_states department_of_defense dod reduce tour duty period assignment post tour duty period assignment dod determines reduced tour appropriate exigent circumstances state_department assign member armed forces serving defense civilian dia employee assigned outside united_states demonstrates useful knowledge principal language country consecutive duty


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal judicial code with respect to denial of a foreign state's sovereign immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. or state courts in commercial activity cases where rights in property taken in violation of international law are in issue and that property, or any property exchanged for it, is: (1) present in the United States in connection with a commercial activity carried on by the foreign state in the United States, or (2) owned by an agency or instrumentality of the foreign state and that agency or instrumentality is engaged in a commercial activity in the United States.

The bill grants a foreign state or certain carriers immunity from federal or state court jurisdiction for any activity in the United States associated with a temporary exhibition or display of a work of art or other object of cultural significance if:

 the work of art or other object of cultural significance is imported into the United States from any foreign country pursuant to an agreement for its temporary exhibition or display between a foreign state that is its owner or custodian and the United States or U.S. cultural or educational institutions; and the President has determined that such work is culturally significant and its temporary exhibition or display is in the national interest. The bill denies immunity, however, in cases concerning rights in property taken in violation of international law in which the action is based upon a claim that the work was taken: (1) between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, by the government of Germany or any government in Europe occupied, assisted, or allied by the German government; or (2) after 1900 in connection with the acts of a foreign government as part of a systematic campaign of coercive confiscation or misappropriation of works from members of a targeted and vulnerable group. For purposes of these denials of immunity, the court must determine that the activity associated with the exhibition or display is commercial and that determination must be necessary for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the foreign state.

(Sec. 3) The Department of State must ensure that foreign states that apply for such temporary exhibition immunity are notified of the amendments made by this bill.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated sec bill amends federal judicial code respect denial foreign state sovereign immunity jurisdiction state courts commercial activity cases rights property taken violation international law issue property property exchanged present united_states connection commercial activity carried foreign state united_states owned agency instrumentality foreign state agency instrumentality engaged commercial activity united_states bill grants foreign state certain carriers immunity federal state court jurisdiction activity united_states associated temporary exhibition display work art object cultural significance work art object cultural significance imported united_states foreign country pursuant agreement temporary exhibition display foreign state owner custodian united_states cultural educational institutions president determined work culturally significant temporary exhibition display national interest bill denies immunity cases concerning rights property taken violation international law action based claim work taken january government germany government europe occupied assisted allied government connection acts foreign government systematic campaign coercive confiscation misappropriation works members targeted vulnerable group purposes denials immunity court determine activity associated exhibition display commercial determination necessary court exercise jurisdiction foreign state sec department_of_state ensure foreign states apply temporary exhibition immunity notified amendments bill


Summary:
Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2015

 States that it is U.S. policy to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.

 Amends the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to eliminate the President's authority to waive certain funding limitations for Department of State acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened.

Requires any official U.S. document which lists countries and their capital cities to identify Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Limits appropriations that may be obligated in FY2015 for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened.

States that for each of FY2016-FY2017, of funds authorized to be appropriated for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad, necessary sums should be made available until expended only for construction and other costs associated with the establishment in Jerusalem of the U.S. Embassy in Israel.

jerusalem_embassy recognition_act states policy recognize jerusalem undivided capital israel amends jerusalem embassy act eliminate president authority waive certain funding limitations department_of_state acquisition maintenance buildings abroad jerusalem officially opened requires official document lists countries capital cities identify jerusalem israel capital limits appropriations obligated fy2015 department acquisition maintenance buildings abroad jerusalem officially opened states fy2016 fy2017 funds authorized appropriated department acquisition maintenance buildings abroad necessary sums available expended construction costs associated establishment jerusalem israel


Summary:
Countering Information Warfare Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that:

 foreign governments, including the governments of the Russian Federation and China, use disinformation and other propaganda tools to undermine the national security objectives of the United States and key allies and partners; the U.S. government should develop a comprehensive strategy to counter foreign disinformation and propaganda and assert leadership in developing a fact-based strategic narrative; and an important element of this strategy should be to promote an independent press in countries that are vulnerable to foreign disinformation. The Department of State shall establish a Center for Information Analysis and Response to:

 lead and coordinate the collection and analysis of information on foreign government information warfare efforts; establish a framework for the integration of critical data and analysis on foreign propaganda and disinformation efforts into the development of national strategy; and develop and synchronize government initiatives to expose and counter foreign information operations directed against U.S. national security interests and advance fact-based narratives that support U.S. allies and interests. When selecting participants for U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs, special consideration shall be given to students and community leaders from populations and countries deemed vulnerable to foreign propaganda and disinformation campaigns.

countering information bill expresses sense congress foreign governments including governments russian_federation china use disinformation propaganda tools undermine national security objectives united_states key allies partners government develop comprehensive strategy counter foreign disinformation propaganda assert leadership developing fact based strategic important element strategy promote independent press countries vulnerable foreign disinformation department_of_state shall establish response lead coordinate collection analysis information foreign government information warfare efforts establish framework integration critical data analysis foreign propaganda disinformation efforts development national strategy develop government initiatives expose counter foreign information operations directed national security interests advance fact based support allies interests selecting participants educational cultural exchange programs special consideration shall given students community leaders populations countries deemed vulnerable foreign propaganda disinformation campaigns


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

Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal judicial code with respect to denial of a foreign state's sovereign immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. or state courts in commercial activity cases where rights in property taken in violation of international law are in issue and that property, or any property exchanged for it, is: (1) present in the United States in connection with a commercial activity carried on by the foreign state in the United States, or (2) owned by an agency or instrumentality of the foreign state and that agency or instrumentality is engaged in a commercial activity in the United States.

The bill grants a foreign state or certain carriers immunity from federal or state court jurisdiction for any activity in the United States associated with a temporary exhibition or display of a work of art or other object of cultural significance if:

 the work of art or other object of cultural significance is imported into the United States from any foreign country pursuant to an agreement for its temporary exhibition or display between a foreign state that is its owner or custodian and the United States or U.S. cultural or educational institutions; and the President has determined that such work is culturally significant and its temporary exhibition or display is in the national interest. The bill denies immunity, however, in cases concerning rights in property taken in violation of international law in which the action is based upon a claim that the work was taken: (1) between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, by the government of Germany or any government in Europe occupied, assisted, or allied by the German government; or (2) after 1900 in connection with the acts of a foreign government against members of a targeted group as part of a similar systematic confiscation or misappropriation of works. For purposes of these denials of immunity, the court must determine that the activity associated with the exhibition or display is commercial and that determination must be necessary for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the foreign state.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sec bill amends federal judicial code respect denial foreign state sovereign immunity jurisdiction state courts commercial activity cases rights property taken violation international law issue property property exchanged present united_states connection commercial activity carried foreign state united_states owned agency instrumentality foreign state agency instrumentality engaged commercial activity united_states bill grants foreign state certain carriers immunity federal state court jurisdiction activity united_states associated temporary exhibition display work art object cultural significance work art object cultural significance imported united_states foreign country pursuant agreement temporary exhibition display foreign state owner custodian united_states cultural educational institutions president determined work culturally significant temporary exhibition display national interest bill denies immunity cases concerning rights property taken violation international law action based claim work taken january government germany government europe occupied assisted allied government connection acts foreign government members targeted group similar systematic confiscation misappropriation works purposes denials immunity court determine activity associated exhibition display commercial determination necessary court exercise jurisdiction foreign state


Summary:
State-Owned Entity Transparency and Accountability Reform Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal judicial code to allow U.S. courts to hear cases against a foreign state's corporate affiliates under the exception to foreign sovereign immunity that subjects a foreign state's commercial activities to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts.

In determining whether a U.S. court has jurisdiction to hear a case based on the commercial activity of a foreign state, a commercial activity of an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state is attributable to any corporate affiliate of the agency or instrumentality that: (1) directly or indirectly owns a majority of shares of the agency or instrumentality, and (2) is also an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state.

accountability reform act bill amends federal judicial code allow courts hear cases foreign state corporate affiliates exception foreign sovereign immunity subjects foreign state commercial activities jurisdiction courts determining court jurisdiction hear case based commercial activity foreign state commercial activity agency instrumentality foreign state attributable corporate affiliate agency instrumentality directly indirectly owns majority shares agency instrumentality agency instrumentality foreign state


Summary: Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to deem as adulterated food that is: (1) produced on land on which sewage sludge was applied; (2) derived from poultry that were raised, or that consumed animal feed produced, on such land; and (3) derived from livestock that grazed, or consumed animal feed produced, on such land. Permits exceptions if: (1) the application of sewage sludge ended more than one year before producing food, raising poultry, producing animal feed, or grazing livestock; (2) the food labeling includes notice that is was produced on such land; or (3) a sign providing such notice is posted in close proximity to the product for those foods generally offered for sale without labeling. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the prohibition on the use of sewage sludge in organic food production under the National Organic Program of the Department of Agriculture.

sewage sludge cosmetic act egg_products_inspection_act federal_meat_inspection_act poultry_products_inspection_act deem adulterated food produced land sewage sludge applied derived poultry raised consumed animal feed produced land derived livestock grazed consumed animal feed produced land permits exceptions application sewage sludge ended year producing food raising poultry producing animal feed grazing livestock food labeling includes notice produced land sign providing notice posted close proximity product foods generally offered sale labeling states act shall construed modify prohibition use sewage sludge organic food production


Summary: Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act - States that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory livestock in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such livestock become nonambulatory. Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Requires an entity to: (1) humanely euthanize nonambulatory livestock (while not limiting the Secretary's ability to test nonambulatory livestock for disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy); and (2) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious, and ensure that such livestock remains unconscious until death. Prohibits an inspector at an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock, carcass, or carcass parts through inspection. Requires an inspector or other employee at such establishment to label such material as "inspected and condemned." Defines "covered entity," "nonambulatory livestock," and "humanely euthanize."

downed animal act states policy nonambulatory livestock interstate foreign commerce immediately humanely euthanized livestock nonambulatory amends direct secretary agriculture promulgate regulations providing humane treatment handling disposition nonambulatory livestock covered entity including requirement nonambulatory livestock humanely euthanized requires entity humanely euthanize nonambulatory livestock limiting secretary ability test nonambulatory livestock disease bovine nonambulatory livestock livestock conscious ensure livestock remains unconscious death prohibits inspector establishment covered federal_meat_inspection_act pass nonambulatory livestock carcass carcass parts inspection requires inspector employee establishment label material inspected condemned defines covered entity nonambulatory livestock humanely euthanize


Summary: Cloned Food Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act to deem as misbranded a food or meat food product that contains any part of a cloned animal and does not bear a conspicuous label including a notice of that information. Requires individuals to maintain a verifiable recordkeeping audit trail that will permit verification of compliance with this Act. Deems as misbranded a food that bears a label indicating that it does not contain cloned product, unless the label is in accordance with applicable regulations that may not: (1) require such a label to include a statement indicating that the fact that a food does not contain such product has no bearing on the safety of the food for human consumption; and (2) prohibit such a label on the basis that, in the case of the type of food involved, there is no version of the food in commercial distribution that does contain such product. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of this Act. Exempts a person who establishes a guaranty, signed by the person residing in the United States from whom the food was received in good faith, that the food does not contain any cloned product. Allows a person to commence a civil action against a person who is alleged to have violated this Act or the applicable Secretary where a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty that is not discretionary is alleged.

cloned food labeling act amends cosmetic act federal_meat_inspection_act deem misbranded food meat food product contains cloned animal bear conspicuous label including notice information requires individuals maintain verifiable recordkeeping audit trail permit verification compliance act deems misbranded food bears label indicating contain cloned product label accordance applicable regulations require label include statement indicating fact food contain product bearing safety food human consumption prohibit label basis case type food involved version food commercial distribution contain product sets forth civil penalties violation act exempts person establishes guaranty signed person residing united_states food received good faith food contain cloned product allows person commence civil action person alleged violated act applicable secretary failure secretary perform act duty discretionary alleged


Summary: Safe Food Act of 2007 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; and (4) prioritize federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws. Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research relating to food safety. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, administrative detention, condemnation, temporary holds, recall, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistle blower protection, and civil actions.

safe food act establishes food_safety_administration administer enforce food safety laws directs administrator food_safety_administration promulgate regulations ensure security food supply forms contamination implement federal food safety inspection enforcement research efforts protect public health develop consistent science based standards safe food prioritize federal food safety efforts deployment resources achieve greatest possible benefit reducing food borne illness transfers administration functions specified federal agencies relate administration enforcement food safety laws requires administrator administer national food safety program based analysis hazards associated different food processing different food establish standards processors food food establishments establish certification system foreign governments food establishments seeking import food united_states establish requirements tracing food food producing animals point origin retail sale maintain active surveillance system food food products epidemiological evidence establish sampling system monitor contaminants food rank analyze hazards food supply establish national public education campaign food safety conduct research relating food safety sets forth provisions prohibited acts administrative detention condemnation temporary holds recall penalties violations food safety laws whistle blower protection civil actions