Summary: Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2011 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish procedural requirements for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning: (1) the issuance of proposed rulemaking notices, including the time periods for comments and replies and any necessary findings, background information, or performance measures that must be contained in such notices; (2) the circumstances under which the FCC is authorized to adopt or amend a rule; and (3) the disclosure of closed meetings held by a bipartisan majority of FCC Commissioners. Requires the FCC, before adopting or amending a rule that may have an economically significant impact, to: (1) analyze the specified market failure, actual consumer harm, burden of existing regulation, or failure of public institutions that warrants the rule or amendment; and (2) determine that the benefits justify its costs. Directs the FCC to establish rules for: (1) Commissioners' deliberations including procedures for initiating agenda items and approving orders; and (2) the publication of the status of open rulemakings and all proposed orders, decisions, reports, or actions on circulation for review. Prohibits the FCC, without providing an opportunity for public review, from relying on unpublished reports to Congress or ex parte FCC communications or filings under specified circumstances. Directs the FCC to publish on its website and in other required formats: (1) each order, decision, report, or action within seven days of its adoption; and (2) an anticipated release schedule for all statistical reports and reports to Congress. Sets forth standards that restrict the FCC's authority to conditionally approve line and license transfers and other transactions. Prohibits the FCC from considering a voluntary commitment of a party to such transfer or transaction unless the FCC could adopt that commitment as a condition under such standards.

federal_communications_commission process reform act amends communications act establish procedural requirements federal_communications_commission fcc concerning issuance proposed rulemaking notices including time periods comments necessary findings background information performance measures contained notices circumstances fcc authorized adopt amend rule disclosure closed meetings held bipartisan majority requires fcc adopting amending rule economically significant impact analyze specified market failure actual consumer harm burden existing regulation failure public institutions warrants rule amendment determine benefits justify costs directs fcc establish rules commissioners deliberations including procedures initiating agenda items approving orders publication status open rulemakings proposed orders decisions reports actions circulation review prohibits fcc providing opportunity public review relying reports congress parte fcc communications filings specified circumstances directs fcc publish website required formats order decision report action seven days adoption anticipated release schedule statistical reports reports congress sets forth standards restrict fcc authority conditionally approve line license transfers transactions prohibits fcc considering voluntary commitment party transfer transaction fcc adopt commitment condition standards


Summary: Telecommunications Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish procedural requirements for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning: (1) the issuance of proposed rulemaking notices, including the time periods for comments and replies and any necessary findings, background information, or performance measures that must be contained in such notices; (2) the circumstances under which the FCC is authorized to adopt or amend a rule; and (3) the disclosure of closed meetings held by a bipartisan majority of FCC Commissioners. Requires the FCC, before adopting or amending a rule that may have an economically significant impact, to: (1) analyze the specified market failure, actual consumer harm, burden of existing regulation, or failure of public institutions that warrants the rule or amendment; and (2) determine that the benefits justify its costs. Directs the FCC to establish rules for: (1) Commissioners' deliberations including procedures for initiating agenda items and approving orders; and (2) the publication of the status of open rulemakings and all proposed orders, decisions, reports, or actions on circulation for review. Prohibits the FCC, without providing an opportunity for public review, from relying on unpublished reports to Congress or ex parte FCC communications or filings under specified circumstances. Directs the FCC to publish on its website and in other required formats: (1) each order, decision, report, or action within seven days of its adoption; and (2) an anticipated release schedule for all statistical reports and reports to Congress. Sets forth standards that restrict the FCC's authority to conditionally approve line and license transfers and other transactions. Prohibits the FCC from considering a voluntary commitment of a party to such transfer or transaction unless the FCC could adopt that commitment as a condition under such standards.

telecommunications jobs act amends communications act establish procedural requirements federal_communications_commission fcc concerning issuance proposed rulemaking notices including time periods comments necessary findings background information performance measures contained notices circumstances fcc authorized adopt amend rule disclosure closed meetings held bipartisan majority requires fcc adopting amending rule economically significant impact analyze specified market failure actual consumer harm burden existing regulation failure public institutions warrants rule amendment determine benefits justify costs directs fcc establish rules commissioners deliberations including procedures initiating agenda items approving orders publication status open rulemakings proposed orders decisions reports actions circulation review prohibits fcc providing opportunity public review relying reports congress parte fcc communications filings specified circumstances directs fcc publish website required formats order decision report action seven days adoption anticipated release schedule statistical reports reports congress sets forth standards restrict fcc authority conditionally approve line license transfers transactions prohibits fcc considering voluntary commitment party transfer transaction fcc adopt commitment condition standards


Summary: Implementation of Simpson-Bowles Spending Reductions Act of 2011 - Prohibits the total amount of appropriations to: (1) the White House for the Executive Office of the President and to the President for FY2012-FY2016 from exceeding 85% of the total amount of such appropriations for FY2011, and (2) Congress for such fiscal years from exceeding such a percentage of its FY2011 appropriations as well. Eliminates cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments for Members of Congress during FY2013-FY2015. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 to extend through December 31, 2015, the freeze on any COLA to the pay of certain federal civilian employees (thus extending such freeze from two to five calendar years). Extends through such date also the prohibition against receipt by a senior executive or senior-level employee of any increase in the rate of basic pay absent a change of position that results in a substantial increase in responsibility or a promotion. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) take appropriate measures to ensure that the total number of federal employees, beginning in FY2015, does not exceed 90% of the total number of federal employees on September 30, 2011; (2) continuously monitor all agencies, make a determination on whether the total number of federal employees in any quarter of a fiscal year exceeds the maximum number allowed by this Act, and notify the President and Congress if the number exceeds the maximum; and (3) ensure that there is no increase in the procurement of service contracts due to this Act unless a cost comparison demonstrates that such contracts would be financially advantageous to the federal government. Allows the President to waive the workforce limitations imposed by this Act in specified circumstances. Requires OMB to take appropriate measures through FY2014 to ensure that agencies shall appoint no more than one employee for every three employees retiring or otherwise separating from government service. Prohibits the total amount of funds appropriated for travel expenses for each agency for each of FY2012-FY2016 from exceeding 80% of the total amount of funds appropriated for FY2011. Directs OMB to coordinate with federal departments and independent agencies to take certain steps to limit government printing costs. Reduces to 80% of the amount for FY2010 the amount made available to the General Services Administration (GSA) for FY2012 and each succeeding fiscal year to acquire new vehicles for the federal fleet. Requires OMB, by sale or auction, to dispose of a quantity of real property worth at least $100 million altogether (with specified exceptions) that is not being used, and will not be used, to meet the needs of the federal government for FY2011-FY2015. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in either chamber to consider a bill, resolution, or any other measure that includes an earmark or limited tax or tariff benefit. Permits waiver of such prohibition in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members. Exempts from such prohibition any authorization of appropriations to a federal entity if such authorization is not specifically targeted to a state, locality, or congressional district.

implementation spending reductions act prohibits total appropriations white_house executive_office president president fy2012-fy2016 exceeding total appropriations fy2011 congress fiscal years exceeding percentage fy2011 appropriations eliminates cost living cola adjustments members congress fy2013 fy2015 amends continuing appropriations act extend december freeze cola pay certain federal civilian employees extending freeze calendar years extends date prohibition receipt senior executive senior level employee increase rate basic pay absent change position results substantial increase responsibility promotion requires office_of_management_and_budget omb appropriate measures ensure total number federal employees beginning fy2015 exceed total number federal employees september continuously monitor agencies determination total number federal employees quarter fiscal year exceeds maximum number allowed act notify president congress number exceeds maximum ensure increase procurement service contracts act cost comparison demonstrates contracts financially advantageous federal government allows president waive workforce limitations imposed act specified circumstances requires omb appropriate measures fy2014 ensure agencies shall appoint employee employees retiring separating government service prohibits total funds appropriated travel expenses agency fy2012 fy2016 exceeding total funds appropriated fy2011 directs omb coordinate federal departments independent agencies certain steps limit government printing costs reduces fy2010 available general_services_administration gsa fy2012 succeeding fiscal year acquire new vehicles federal fleet requires omb sale auction dispose quantity real property worth million altogether specified exceptions meet needs federal government fy2011 fy2015 amends congressional_budget_act order chamber consider bill resolution measure includes earmark limited tax tariff benefit permits waiver prohibition senate affirmative vote thirds members exempts prohibition authorization appropriations federal entity authorization specifically targeted state locality congressional district


Summary: Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 - Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) to revise the definition of "rule" under such Act to exclude a rule of particular (and not general) applicability relating to rates, wages, and other financial indicators and to define "economic impact" with respect to a proposed or final rule as any direct economic effect on small entities from such rule and any indirect economic effect on small entities that is reasonably foreseeable and that results from such rule. Includes tribal organizations within the definition of "small governmental jurisdictions" for purposes of such Act. Requires initial and final regulatory flexibility analyses to: (1) describe alternatives to a proposed rule that minimize any adverse significant economic impact or maximize the beneficial significant economic impact on small entities, and (2) include revisions or amendments to a land management plan developed by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior under specified Acts. Requires each federal agency to include in its regulatory flexibility agenda a description of the sector of the North American Industrial Classification System that is affected by a proposed agency rule which is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Expands elements of initial and final regulatory flexibility analyses under RFA to include estimates and descriptions of the cumulative economic impact of a proposed rule on a small entity. Repeals provisions allowing a waiver or delay of the completion of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue rules governing federal agency compliance with RFA requirements. Authorizes the Chief Counsel to modify or amend such rules, to intervene in agency adjudication relating to such rules, and to inform an agency of the impact of its rulemaking on small entities. Revises requirements for agency notification of the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy prior to the publication of any proposed rule. Requires agencies to provide the Chief Counsel with: (1) all materials prepared or utilized in making the proposed rule, and (2) information on the potential adverse and beneficial economic impacts of the proposed rule on small entities. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register a plan for the periodic review of existing and new rules that have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities to determine whether such rules should be continued, changed, or rescinded. Provides for judicial review of an agency final rule for compliance with RFA requirements after the publication of such rule. Grants federal courts of appeal jurisdiction to review all final rules issued in accordance with RFA.

regulatory flexibility improvements act amends regulatory flexibility act rfa revise definition rule act exclude rule particular general applicability relating rates wages financial indicators define economic impact respect proposed final rule direct economic effect small entities rule indirect economic effect small entities reasonably foreseeable results rule includes tribal organizations definition small governmental jurisdictions purposes act requires initial final regulatory flexibility analyses describe alternatives proposed rule minimize adverse significant economic impact maximize beneficial significant economic impact small entities include revisions amendments land management plan developed secretary agriculture secretary interior specified acts requires federal agency include regulatory flexibility agenda description sector north_american_industrial_classification_system affected proposed agency rule likely significant economic impact substantial number small entities expands elements initial final regulatory flexibility analyses rfa include estimates descriptions cumulative economic impact proposed rule small entity repeals provisions allowing waiver delay completion initial regulatory flexibility analysis requires chief counsel advocacy small_business_administration sba issue rules governing federal agency compliance rfa requirements authorizes chief counsel modify amend rules intervene agency adjudication relating rules inform agency impact rulemaking small entities revises requirements agency notification sba chief counsel advocacy prior publication proposed rule requires agencies provide chief counsel materials prepared utilized making proposed rule information potential adverse beneficial economic impacts proposed rule small entities requires agency publish federal_register plan periodic review existing new rules significant impact substantial number small entities determine rules continued changed rescinded provides judicial review agency final rule compliance rfa requirements publication rule grants federal courts appeal jurisdiction review final rules issued accordance rfa


Summary: Taxpayers Right to Know Act - Requires the head of each federal agency in each fiscal year to: (1) identify and describe every program administered by such agency; (2) determine the total administrative expenses and expenditures for services for each program; (3) estimate the number of clients served by each program and the beneficiaries who received assistance under each program; (4) estimate the number of full-time federal and contract employees who administer each program; and (5) identify federal programs with duplicative or overlapping missions, services, and allowable uses of funds. Requires agency heads to publish on agency websites the information required by this Act, the latest performance reviews of each agency program, improper payment rates, the total amount of unspent and unobligated program funds held by the agency and grant recipients, and recommendations for consolidating duplicative programs, eliminating waste and inefficiency, and terminating lower priority, outdated, and unnecessary programs and initiatives. Expands the scope of information required in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance to include: (1) programs providing assistance to foreign nations, international organizations, and services provided or funded by agencies operating outside the United States; (2) information required by this Act; and (3) budget functions and authorization and appropriation amounts for each assistance program in the Catalog.

taxpayers right know act requires head federal agency fiscal year identify describe program administered agency determine total administrative expenses expenditures services program estimate number clients served program beneficiaries received assistance program estimate number time federal contract employees administer program identify federal programs duplicative overlapping missions services allowable uses funds requires agency heads publish agency websites information required act latest performance reviews agency program improper payment rates total unspent unobligated program funds held agency grant recipients recommendations consolidating duplicative programs eliminating waste terminating lower priority outdated unnecessary programs initiatives expands scope information required include programs providing assistance foreign nations international organizations services provided funded agencies operating outside united_states information required act budget functions authorization appropriation amounts assistance program catalog


Summary: Comprehensive Assessment of Regulations on the Economy Act of 2011 - Establishes within the Department of Commerce the Cumulative Regulatory Assessment Committee (CRAC) to assess and report on the cumulative energy and economic impacts of federal regulatory mandates that: (1) are promulgated or issued (or are expected to be initiated) by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state or local government from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2020; (2) apply to one or more impacted unit; and (3) implement any provision or requirement relating to environmental regulations expected to have a significant impact on the electric power sector, the petroleum refining sector, the petrochemical production sector, pipeline facilities regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or EPA, exploration, production, or transportation of oil and natural gas, or any other manufacturing sector. Defines an "impacted unit" as any: (1) electric generating unit that sells electricity into the grid; (2) industrial, commercial, or institutional boiler or process heater; (3) petroleum refining facility that produces gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, or petrochemical feedstocks; (4) petrochemical facility; (5) hydrocarbon exploration, extraction, manufacturing, production, or transportation facility; or (6) biofuel facility. Nullifies the rule entitled "Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals." Requires the Administrator, in place of such rule, to continue to implement the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). Prohibits the Administrator from issuing any proposed or final rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA) relating to the national ambient air quality standards for ozone or particulate matter (including any modification of CAIR) until three years after CRAC submits its report. Requires the Administrator to: (1) base such a rule on actual monitored (and not modeled) data, (2) allow the trading of emission allowances among entities covered by the rule irrespective of the states in which such entities are located, and (3) require state implementation of the standards established by such final rule no earlier than three years after its publication. Nullifies the proposed rule entitled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units and Standards of Performance for Fossil-Fuel-Fired Electric Utility, Industrial-Commercial- Institutional, and Small Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units" and any final rule based on such proposed rule that is issued prior to this Act's enactment. Requires the Administrator, at least a year after the issuance of such report, to promulgate in place of such rule regulations establishing: (1) national emission standards for coal-and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units with respect to each hazardous air pollutant; and (2) standards of performance for fossil-fuel-fired electric utility, industrial-commercial-institutional, and small industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating units. Requires the Administrator to require compliance with such regulations no earlier than five years after their effective date. Requires the Administrator to impose the least burdensome of emission standards from among the range of regulatory alternatives authorized under the CAA. Nullifies the: (1) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry and Standards of Performance for Portland Cement Plants; (2) Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units; (3) Identification of Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials That are Solid Waste; (4) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters; (5) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers; (6) Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units; and (7) Identification of Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials That Are Solid Waste. Requires the Administrator, in place of such rules, to promulgate within 15 months, or on such later date as may be determined by the Administrator, regulations for entities subject to such rules, that: (1) establish maximum achievable control technology standards, performance standards, and other requirements for hazardous air pollutants or solid waste combustion under the CAA; and (2) identify non-hazardous secondary materials that, when used as fuels or ingredients in combustion units of such entities, are solid waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act for purposes of determining the extent to which such combustion units are required to meet emission standards for such pollutants under such Act. Requires the Administrator to establish compliance dates not earlier than five years after the effective date of such regulation for such standards and requirements after considering compliance costs, non-air quality health and environmental impacts and energy requirements, the feasibility of implementation, the availability of equipment, suppliers, and labor, and potential net employment impacts. Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize states to adopt and implement coal combustion residuals permit programs. Requires states that decide to implement such a program to maintain either an approved municipal solid waste program for the control of hazardous disposal or an authorized state hazardous waste program. Requires: (1) the requirements of such programs to be no less stringent than the requirements of criteria promulgated for municipal solid waste landfill under such Act; (2) landfills, surface impoundments, or other land-based units that may receive coal combustion residuals (structures) to be designed, constructed, and maintained to provide for containment of the maximum volumes of coal combustion residuals appropriate for the structure; and (3) such programs to apply such requirements to surface impoundments. Authorizes: (1) state agency heads to require action to correct structure deficiencies according to a schedule for structures that are classified as posing a high hazard potential pursuant to the guidelines published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), entitled "Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams"; (2) state agency heads to require that such a structure close if such deficiency is not corrected according to such schedule; and (3) states to address wind dispersal of dust from coal combustion residuals by requiring dust control measures. Prohibits: (1) the Administrator from applying such programs to the utilization, placement, and storage of coal combustion residuals at surface mining and reclamation operations; and (2) this Act from being construed to alter the EPA's regulatory determination, entitled "Notice of Regulatory Determination on Wastes from the Combustion of Fossil Fuels," that the fossil fuel combustion wastes addressed in that determination do not warrant regulation under such Act. Environmental Impact of Thermal Discharges Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require: (1) standards of performance applicable to a point source to require that the location, design, construction, and capacity of a cooling water intake structure that commences construction after January 17, 2002, reflect the best technology available for reducing adverse environmental impact; and (2) effluent limitation standards to require that the location, design, construction, and capacity of a cooling water intake structure that commenced construction on or before such date reflect the best technology available for reducing such impact. Authorizes owners or operators of such structures to use restoration measures in lieu of modifying such structures if the measures achieve substantially the same environmental benefits as the best technology available.

comprehensive assessment regulations economy act establishes department_of_commerce cumulative regulatory assessment committee assess report cumulative energy economic impacts federal regulatory mandates promulgated issued expected initiated administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state local government january january apply impacted unit implement provision requirement relating environmental regulations expected significant impact electric power sector petroleum refining sector petrochemical production sector pipeline facilities regulated department_of_transportation dot epa exploration production transportation oil natural gas manufacturing sector defines impacted unit electric generating unit sells electricity grid industrial commercial institutional boiler process heater petroleum refining facility produces gasoline heating oil diesel fuel jet fuel kerosene petrochemical feedstocks petrochemical facility hydrocarbon exploration extraction manufacturing production transportation facility biofuel facility nullifies rule entitled federal implementation plans interstate_transport_of_fine_particulate matter ozone correction_of_sip_approvals requires administrator place rule continue implement clean air interstate rule prohibits administrator issuing proposed final rule clean air act caa relating national ambient air quality standards ozone particulate matter including modification years submits report requires administrator base rule actual monitored modeled data allow trading emission allowances entities covered rule irrespective states entities located require state implementation standards established final rule earlier years publication nullifies proposed rule entitled national emission standards hazardous air pollutants coal- small industrial commercial institutional steam generating units final rule based proposed rule issued prior act enactment requires administrator year issuance report promulgate place rule regulations establishing national emission standards coal oil fired electric utility steam generating units respect hazardous air pollutant standards performance fossil fuel fired electric utility industrial commercial institutional small industrial commercial institutional steam generating units requires administrator require compliance regulations earlier years effective date requires administrator impose burdensome emission standards range regulatory alternatives authorized caa nullifies national emission standards standards performance new stationary sources emission guidelines existing sources commercial industrial_solid_waste_incineration_units identification non-hazardous_secondary_materials solid_waste national emission standards major sources industrial commercial institutional boilers process heaters national emission standards industrial commercial standards performance new stationary sources emission guidelines existing sources commercial industrial_solid_waste_incineration_units identification non-hazardous_secondary_materials solid waste requires administrator place rules promulgate months later date determined administrator regulations entities subject rules establish maximum achievable control technology standards performance standards requirements hazardous air pollutants solid waste combustion caa identify non hazardous secondary materials fuels ingredients combustion units entities solid waste solid waste disposal act purposes determining extent combustion units required meet emission standards pollutants act requires administrator establish compliance dates earlier years effective date regulation standards requirements considering compliance costs non air quality health environmental impacts energy requirements feasibility implementation availability equipment suppliers labor potential net employment impacts coal residuals reuse management act amends solid waste disposal act authorize states adopt implement coal combustion residuals permit programs requires states decide implement program maintain approved municipal solid waste program control hazardous disposal authorized state hazardous waste program requires requirements programs stringent requirements criteria promulgated municipal solid waste landfill act landfills surface impoundments land based units receive coal combustion residuals structures designed constructed maintained provide containment maximum volumes coal combustion residuals appropriate structure programs apply requirements surface impoundments authorizes state agency heads require action correct structure deficiencies according schedule structures classified posing high hazard potential pursuant guidelines published federal_emergency_management_agency fema entitled federal guidelines dam safety hazard potential classification system dams state agency heads require structure close deficiency corrected according schedule states address wind dispersal dust coal combustion residuals requiring dust control measures prohibits administrator applying programs utilization placement storage coal combustion residuals surface mining reclamation operations act construed alter epa regulatory determination entitled notice regulatory determination wastes fossil fuel combustion wastes addressed determination warrant regulation act environmental impact thermal discharges act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require standards performance applicable point source require location design construction capacity cooling water intake structure commences construction january reflect best technology available reducing adverse environmental impact effluent limitation standards require location design construction capacity cooling water intake structure commenced construction date reflect best technology available reducing impact authorizes owners operators structures use restoration measures lieu modifying structures measures achieve substantially environmental benefits best technology available


Summary: Down Payment to Protect National Security Act of 2012 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine the number of full-time employees employed in each federal agency. Prohibits a federal agency head from hiring more than 2 employee for every 3 full-time employees who leave employment in such agency until the OMB Director makes a determination that the number of full-time federal employees is 5% less than the initial level as determined by OMB. Allows a waiver of such workforce limitation by the President for national security reasons or in the case of an extraordinary emergency. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 to extend the freeze on the pay of federal employees, including Members of Congress, until June 30, 2014. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011, to offset mandatory sequestration in security and nonsecurity categories in FY2013-FY2021 with revenues resulting from the reduction in the federal workforce and the pay freeze under this Act.

payment protect national security act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb determine number time employees employed federal agency prohibits federal agency head hiring employee time employees leave employment agency omb director makes determination number time federal employees initial level determined omb allows waiver workforce limitation president national security reasons case extraordinary emergency amends continuing appropriations act extend freeze pay federal employees including members congress june amends balanced_budget emergency deficit control act gramm rudman hollings act amended budget_control_act offset mandatory sequestration security nonsecurity categories fy2013 fy2021 revenues resulting reduction federal workforce pay freeze act


Summary: Federal Research Public Access Act of 2012 - Requires each federal agency with extramural research expenditures of over $100 million to develop a specified federal research public access policy that is consistent with, and that advances, the purposes of the agency. Makes each federal research public access policy applicable to: (1) researchers employed by the federal agency whose works remain in the public domain; and (2) researchers funded by the agency. Specifies exclusions. Requires the submission of annual reports by each federal agency on its federal research public access policy.

act requires federal agency extramural research expenditures million develop specified federal research public access policy consistent advances purposes agency makes federal research public access policy applicable researchers employed federal agency works remain public domain researchers funded agency specifies exclusions requires submission annual reports federal agency federal research public access policy


Summary: Reforming and Consolidating Government Act of 2012 - Defines "efficiency-enhancing plan," for purposes of executive authority to reorganize federal agencies, as a reorganization plan that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determines will or is likely to result in a decrease in the number of agencies or cost savings in performing the functions that are the subject of the plan. Expands executive authority to reorganize federal agencies by allowing: (1) the creation of a new executive department or the abolition or renaming of an existing department, (2) the consolidation of two or more departments, and (3) the creation of a new agency that is not a component or part of an existing executive department. Allows a provision in a reorganization plan to take effect only if such plan is transmitted to Congress within two years of the enactment of this Act and is an efficiency-enhancing plan.

reforming consolidating government act defines efficiency enhancing plan purposes executive authority reorganize federal agencies reorganization plan director office_of_management_and_budget omb determines likely result decrease number agencies cost savings performing functions subject plan expands executive authority reorganize federal agencies allowing creation new executive department abolition renaming existing department consolidation departments creation new agency component existing executive department allows provision reorganization plan effect plan transmitted congress years enactment act efficiency enhancing plan


Summary: Plain Writing Act for Regulations of 2012 - Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) implement a program for using plain writing in drafting agency regulations, (2) designate a senior official to oversee the implementation of plain writing requirements, (3) certify to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that each agency rule has been reviewed for compliance with such requirements, and (4) publish annual reports on agency compliance with such requirements on the agency's website. Requires: (1) the Director of OMB to develop and issue guidance to agencies for implementing plain writing requirements, and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress on the extent to which regulations are using plain writing and the impact of plain writing requirements on the rulemaking process. Prohibits judicial review of compliance with any provision of this Act.

plain writing act regulations requires head executive agency implement program plain writing agency regulations designate senior official oversee implementation plain writing requirements certify director office_of_management_and_budget omb agency rule reviewed compliance requirements publish annual reports agency compliance requirements agency website requires director omb develop issue guidance agencies implementing plain writing requirements comptroller general gao report congress extent regulations plain writing impact plain writing requirements rulemaking process prohibits judicial review compliance provision act


Summary: Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2012 - Prohibits a federal agency (excluding the Federal Election Commission [FEC], the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC], and the U.S. Postal Service [USPS]) from proposing or finalizing any midnight rule that would likely result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete internationally. Defines "midnight rule" as an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that is issued during the moratorium period, that is intended to have the force and effect of law, and that is designed to: (1) implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy; or (2) describe the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. Defines the "moratorium period" as the day after the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every fourth year succeeding a presidential election through January 20 of the following year in which a President is not serving a consecutive term. Exempts any midnight rule that the President determines is necessary: (1) because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, (2) to enforce criminal laws, (3) to protect U.S. national security, or (4) to implement an international trade agreement.

midnight rule relief act prohibits federal agency excluding federal_election_commission fec board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic usps proposing finalizing midnight rule likely result annual effect economy million major increase costs prices significant adverse effects competition employment investment productivity innovation ability enterprises compete internationally defines midnight rule agency statement general applicability future effect issued moratorium period intended force effect law designed implement interpret prescribe law policy describe procedure practice requirements agency defines moratorium period day tuesday monday november fourth year succeeding presidential election january following year president serving consecutive term exempts midnight rule president determines necessary imminent threat health safety emergency enforce criminal laws protect national security implement international trade agreement


Summary: EPA Regional Oversight Act of 2012 - Requires each Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Permits individuals serving as Regional Administrators on the date of this Act's enactment to continue to serve until January 1, 2013.

epa regional oversight act requires regional administrator environmental_protection_agency epa appointed president advice consent senate permits individuals serving regional administrators date act enactment continue serve january


Summary: GAO Mandates Revision Act of 2012 - Amends the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act of 1988 to require audits of the transactions of the U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission at least once every three years, rather than annually, unless the Chairman or Ranking Member of the House Committee on House Administration or the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Secretary of the Senate, or the Clerk of the House of Representatives requests that an audit be conducted at an earlier date. Amends the federal judicial code to repeal the requirement that the Comptroller General (GAO) review contributions to the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund at the end of each three-fiscal year period. Changes reporting and audit requirements of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to require: (1) reports on the strategy of ONDCP's national media campaign on February 1, 2013, and every three years thereafter, rather than annually, and (2) audits of the programs and operations of ONDCP not later than December 31, 2013, and every three years thereafter, rather than annually. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 to modify the annual GAO reporting requirement for the demonstration project for referral of claims under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 to the Office of Special Counsel to require only one annual report after the commencement of the demonstration project. Amends the Semipostal Authorization Act to repeal the requirement that GAO issue an interim report four years after a semipostal stamp is first made available to the public and a final report not later than six months before the semipostal stamp's scheduled expiration date. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to eliminate the annual GAO review requirement for the Earned Import Allowance Program for imports of textiles. Eliminates requirements that the American Battle Monuments Commission prepare an annual financial statement and obtain an annual audit of its financial statement by GAO. Requires audits of the Senate Preservation Fund at least once every three years, rather than annually, unless the Chairman or the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration or the Secretary of the Senate requests that an audit be conducted at an earlier date.

amends require audits transactions years annually chairman ranking member house_committee senate_committee_on_rules_and_administration secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives requests audit conducted earlier date amends federal judicial code repeal requirement comptroller_general gao review contributions end fiscal year period changes reporting audit requirements office_of_national_drug_control_policy require reports strategy national media campaign february years annually audits programs operations later december years annually amends veterans benefits act modify annual gao reporting requirement demonstration project referral claims uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act office_of_special_counsel require annual report commencement demonstration project amends semipostal authorization act repeal requirement gao issue interim report years semipostal stamp available public final report later months semipostal stamp scheduled expiration date amends caribbean_basin_economic_recovery_act eliminate annual gao review requirement imports textiles eliminates requirements american_battle_monuments_commission prepare annual financial statement obtain annual audit financial statement gao requires audits years annually chairman ranking member senate_committee_on_rules_and_administration secretary senate requests audit conducted earlier date


Summary: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012 - Defines a "covered civil action" as a civil action seeking to compel agency action and alleging that an agency is unlawfully withholding or unreasonably delaying an agency action relating to a regulatory action that would affect: (1) the rights of private persons other than the person bringing the action, or (2) a state, local, or tribal government. Defines a "covered settlement agreement" as: (1) a consent decree or settlement agreement entered into a covered civil action; and (2) any other consent decree or settlement agreement that requires agency action relating to such a regulatory action. Requires an agency against which a covered civil action is brought to publish the complaint in a readily accessible manner and to provide interested parties an opportunity to intervene and to conduct settlement negotiations through mediation. Requires an agency seeking to enter a covered settlement agreement to publish such agreement in the Federal Register and online not later than 60 days before it is filed with the court. Provides for public comment and public hearings on such agreement. Requires the Attorney General or an agency head, if an agency is litigating a matter independently, to certify to the court that the Attorney General or the agency head approves of any proposed covered settlement agreement that includes terms that: (1) convert into a duty a discretionary authority of an agency to propose, promulgate, revise, or amend regulations; (2) commit an agency to expend funds that have not been appropriated and budgeted; (3) commit an agency to seek a particular appropriation or budget authorization; (4) divest an agency of discretion committed to it by statute or the Constitution; or (5) otherwise afford any relief that the court could not enter under its own authority. Requires a court to grant de novo review of a covered settlement agreement if an agency files a motion to modify such agreement on the basis that its terms are no longer fully in the public interest due to the agency's obligations to fulfill other duties or due to changed facts and circumstances.

sunshine regulatory decrees settlements act defines covered civil action civil action seeking compel agency action alleging agency unlawfully withholding unreasonably delaying agency action relating regulatory action affect rights private persons person bringing action state local tribal government defines covered settlement agreement consent decree settlement agreement entered covered civil action consent decree settlement agreement requires agency action relating regulatory action requires agency covered civil action brought publish complaint readily accessible manner provide interested parties opportunity intervene conduct settlement negotiations mediation requires agency seeking enter covered settlement agreement publish agreement federal_register online later days filed court provides public comment public hearings agreement requires attorney general agency head agency litigating matter independently certify court attorney general agency head approves proposed covered settlement agreement includes terms convert duty discretionary authority agency propose promulgate revise amend regulations commit agency expend funds appropriated budgeted commit agency seek particular appropriation budget authorization divest agency discretion committed statute constitution afford relief court enter authority requires court grant novo review covered settlement agreement agency files motion modify agreement basis terms longer fully public interest agency obligations fulfill duties changed facts circumstances


Summary: Government Customer Service Improvement Act of 2012 - Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) develop performance measures to determine whether federal agencies are providing high-quality, timely, customer service and improving delivery service, (2) develop customer service and service delivery standards for such agencies, and (3) include achievements in meeting such performance measures and standards in agency performance updates. Requires the head of each federal agency to designate an agency employee to be its service improvement officer, who shall issue guidelines to implement customer service standards and publish customer service contact information. Directs the OMB Deputy Director of Management to establish a two-year Service Improvement Unit Pilot Program to provide assistance to agencies that do not meet such customer service standards and performance measures. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to: (1) report to Congress and the Comptroller General (GAO) on information submitted by each federal agency on its employees who are retiring, and (2) establish a timetable for the completion of its retirement systems modernization project.

government customer service improvement act directs director office_of_management_and_budget omb develop performance measures determine federal agencies providing high quality timely customer service improving delivery service develop customer service service delivery standards agencies include achievements meeting performance measures standards agency performance updates requires head federal agency designate agency employee service improvement officer shall issue guidelines implement customer service standards publish customer service contact information directs omb deputy director management establish year service improvement unit pilot program provide assistance agencies meet customer service standards performance measures requires director report congress comptroller_general gao information submitted federal agency employees retiring establish timetable completion retirement systems modernization project


Summary: Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act of 2012 - Authorizes the President to require an independent regulatory agency to: (1) comply, to the extent permitted by law, with regulatory analysis requirements applicable to other federal agencies; (2) provide the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs with an assessment of the costs and benefits of a proposed or final significant rule (i.e., a rule that is likely to have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more and is likely to adversely affect sectors of the economy in a material way) and an assessment of costs and benefits of alternatives to the rule; and (3) submit to the Administrator for review any proposed or final significant rule. Prohibits judicial review of the compliance or noncompliance of an independent regulatory agency with the requirements of this Act.

analysis act authorizes president require independent regulatory agency comply extent permitted law regulatory analysis requirements applicable federal agencies provide administrator office_of_information_and_regulatory_affairs assessment costs benefits proposed final significant rule rule likely annual effect economy million likely adversely affect sectors economy material way assessment costs benefits alternatives rule submit administrator review proposed final significant rule prohibits judicial review compliance noncompliance independent regulatory agency requirements act


Summary: Economic Growth and Development Act - Directs the President to establish an interagency mechanism to improve coordination of U.S. development programs with private sector investment activities. Directs the President and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to: (1) direct their respective policy and country teams to include private sector consultation in all country, sector, and global development strategies; and (2) ensure that independent analyses of constraints to growth are conducted as a component of all appropriate country, sector, and global development strategies.

economic growth development act directs president establish interagency mechanism improve coordination development programs private sector investment activities directs president administrator international_development usaid direct respective policy country teams include private sector consultation country sector global development strategies ensure independent analyses constraints growth conducted component appropriate country sector global development strategies


Summary: Pay for Printing Act - Requires the sponsor of a ceremonial or commemorative Senate resolution to reimburse the Government Printing Office (GPO) for the total costs of printing the resolution out of the sponsor's Members' Representative Allowance. Excludes from such requirement a resolution sponsored by at least two-thirds of Senators.

pay printing act requires sponsor ceremonial commemorative senate resolution reimburse government_printing_office gpo total costs printing resolution sponsor members representative allowance excludes requirement resolution sponsored thirds senators


Summary: Government Contracting Improvement Act of 2012 - Directs the Comptroller General to include in the annual report to Congress on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) a list of the most common grounds for sustaining protests relating to bids for contracts during the year.

government contracting improvement act directs comptroller general include annual report gao list common grounds sustaining protests relating bids contracts year


Summary: (Sec. 1) Directs the Comptroller General to study any bank holding company having more than $500 billion in consolidated assets (covered institution) with respect to: favorable pricing of its debt relative to its risk profile resulting from the perception it will receive federal support in the event of any financial stress; any favorable funding or economic treatment resulting from an increase in its credit rating as a result of express, implied, or perceived federal support; any economic benefit resulting from the ownership of, or affiliation with, an insured depository institution; any economic benefit resulting from its status as a bank holding company, including access to federal deposit insurance and the discount window of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve Board) before enactment of this Act; any economic benefit received through extraordinary federal actions taken, such as specified actions by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); any extraordinary assistance provided to American Insurance Group (AIG), but ultimately received by one of the covered institutions; and any government actions that resulted in the payment or nonpayment of credit default swap contracts entered into by a covered institution. Defines "economic benefit" as the difference between actual loan terms offered, debt or equity prices, or asset values and a reasonable estimate of what such terms, prices, or values might have been as determined by examining actual values of comparable transactions in the private markets or by estimating the values of comparable transactions priced to properly reflect associated risk. (Sec. 2) Requires the resulting report to Congress to redact any proprietary, sensitive, or confidential information in any release subsequently made electronically available to the public.

sec directs comptroller general study bank holding company having billion consolidated assets covered institution respect favorable pricing debt relative risk profile resulting perception receive federal support event financial stress favorable funding economic treatment resulting increase credit rating result express implied perceived federal support economic benefit resulting ownership affiliation insured depository institution economic benefit resulting status bank holding company including access federal deposit insurance discount window board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_reserve_board enactment act economic benefit received extraordinary federal actions taken specified actions department_of_the_treasury federal_reserve_board federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic extraordinary assistance provided ultimately received covered institutions government actions resulted payment nonpayment credit default swap contracts entered covered institution defines economic benefit difference actual loan terms offered debt equity prices asset values reasonable estimate terms prices values determined examining actual values comparable transactions private markets estimating values comparable transactions priced properly reflect associated risk sec requires resulting report congress redact proprietary sensitive confidential information release subsequently electronically available public


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

Requires the Governor of the Virgin Islands to appoint a Chief Financial Officer, with the advice and consent of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, from a list required by this Act. States that, if the Legislature has not confirmed a nominee within 90 days, the Governor shall appoint an Acting Chief Financial Officer until the Legislature consents to a Chief Financial Officer. Requires the Virgin Islands Chief Financial Officer Search Commission to appoint an Acting Chief Financial Officer from the list, until a Chief Financial Officer is appointed, if one has not been appointed within 180 days. Requires any Acting Chief Financial Officer serving in that capacity for 180 consecutive days to become the Chief Financial Officer.

Sets forth the Chief Financial Officer's duties.

Directs the Board of Elections of the Virgin Islands, as part of the regularly scheduled, islands-wide election in the Virgin Islands closest to the expiration of the fourth year of the five-year term of the Chief Financial Officer, to hold a referendum to determine whether the position of Chief Financial Officer shall be made a permanent part of the executive branch of the government of the Virgin Islands.

Establishes the Virgin Islands Chief Financial Officer Search Commission to recommend at least three candidates for the Chief Financial Officer position. Terminates the Commission upon the nomination and confirmation of the Chief Financial Officer.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated requires governor virgin_islands appoint chief financial officer advice consent list required act states legislature confirmed nominee days governor shall appoint acting chief financial officer legislature consents chief financial officer requires virgin islands chief financial officer search commission appoint acting chief financial officer list chief financial officer appointed appointed days requires acting chief financial officer serving capacity consecutive days chief financial officer sets forth chief financial officer duties regularly scheduled islands wide election virgin_islands closest expiration fourth year year term chief financial officer hold referendum determine position chief financial officer shall permanent executive branch government virgin_islands establishes virgin islands chief financial officer search commission recommend candidates chief financial officer position terminates commission nomination confirmation chief financial officer


Summary:
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission Act - Establishes the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission to investigate and make recommendations to Congress regarding certain decisions of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (enterprises) that led to financial instability and federal conservatorship.

Requires the Commission to analyze specified topics, including: (1) the role of the enterprises in expanding homeownership and in helping housing market recovery; (2) enterprise involvement in the development of faulty risk standards, accounting practices, and the creation and proliferation of the securitized mortgage instrument, and how such instrument affected the solvency of such enterprises; (3) the role of the respective boards of directors in voting for the policies relating to risk assessments, subprime mortgages, and the international securitization of mortgages; and (4) compensation, stock options, and financial benefits that accrued to executive officers and members of the boards of directors.

Requires the enterprises and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to grant the Commission access to requested records and information.

fannie_mae act establishes fannie_mae investigate recommendations congress certain decisions federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac enterprises led financial instability federal conservatorship requires commission analyze specified topics including role enterprises expanding homeownership helping housing market recovery enterprise involvement development risk standards accounting practices creation proliferation securitized mortgage instrument instrument affected solvency enterprises role respective boards directors voting policies relating risk assessments subprime mortgages international securitization mortgages compensation stock options financial benefits accrued executive officers members boards directors requires enterprises director federal_housing_finance_agency grant commission access requested records information


Summary:
Zero-based Budgeting Ensures Responsible Oversight (ZERO) Act of 2013 - Requires the President to submit with materials related to each federal budget transmitted to Congress by January 1, 2015, a budget for each agency that contains:

 a description of each activity for which an agency receives an appropriation in the current fiscal year or for which the agency requests an appropriation for the budget year; the legal basis for each activity; for each activity, three alternative funding levels for the budget year (at least two of which shall be below the funding level for the current fiscal year), a summary of the priorities that would be accomplished within each level, and the additional increments of value that would be added by the higher funding levels; and for each activity one or more measures of its cost efficiency and effectiveness. Requires the  Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to publish guidelines to carry out this Act that shall require: (1) the baseline budget of each agency to be assumed to be zero, and (2) each proposed expenditure to be justified as if it were a new expenditure.

zero based zero act requires president submit materials related federal budget transmitted congress january budget agency contains description activity agency receives appropriation current fiscal year agency requests appropriation budget year legal basis activity activity alternative funding levels budget year shall funding level current fiscal year summary priorities accomplished level additional increments value added higher funding levels activity measures cost efficiency effectiveness requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb publish guidelines carry act shall require baseline budget agency assumed zero proposed expenditure justified new expenditure


Summary: Agency Conferences and Conventions Operating Under Necessary Transparency Act of 2013 or the ACCOUNT Act - Requires the head of a federal agency to: (1) approve in writing any conference costing more than $25,000, (2) approve such a conference only upon determining that it is necessary to the core mission of the agency, and (3) publish a summary on the agency website of the conference that includes the purpose and total cost of the conference and the cost per employee that attended the conference. Excludes conferences held entirely at a government facility.

conventions operating necessary transparency act account act requires head federal agency approve writing conference approve conference determining necessary core mission agency publish summary agency website conference includes purpose total cost conference cost employee attended conference excludes conferences held entirely government facility


Summary: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Inspector General Act of 2013 - Establishes an Office of Inspector General for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to appoint an Inspector General for the Authority.

general act establishes office inspector general metropolitan_washington_airports_authority directs secretary transportation dot appoint inspector general authority


Summary:
Regulatory Sunset and Review Act of 2013 - Requires federal agencies to review their covered rules and modify, consolidate, or terminate such rules on a periodic basis. Defines "covered rule" to include a significant rule that is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or any other rule designated by an agency for sunset review.

Allows a person adversely affected by a rule that is not a significant rule to submit a petition for sunset review of such rule. Provides for sunset review of a rule upon the request of a congressional committee or a majority of the members of such committee.

Requires the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) conduct an inventory of existing rules and deadlines for their sunset review; (2) prioritize rules for sunset review based on specified criteria, including the cost of the rule and the burden of reviewing it; (3) group related rules for simultaneous review; (4) provide guidance to agencies for conducting sunset reviews; and (5) provide feedback to agencies on sunset reviews and results. Requires a new significant rule to be reviewed: (1) within three years after taking effect, or (2) within seven years after taking effect if the rule is issued pursuant to negotiated rulemaking procedures or if compliance with the rule requires substantial capital investment.

Requires each federal agency to designate a Regulatory Review Officer with responsibility for implementation of this Act.

Provides for judicial review of a denial or delay in granting or denying a petition for sunset review of a rule.

regulatory sunset requires federal agencies review covered rules modify consolidate terminate rules periodic basis defines covered rule include significant rule likely result annual effect economy million rule designated agency sunset review allows person adversely affected rule significant rule submit petition sunset review rule provides sunset review rule request congressional committee majority members committee requires administrator office_of_information_and_regulatory_affairs office_of_management_and_budget omb conduct inventory existing rules deadlines sunset review prioritize rules sunset review based specified criteria including cost rule burden reviewing group related rules simultaneous review provide guidance agencies conducting sunset reviews provide feedback agencies sunset reviews results requires new significant rule reviewed years taking effect seven years taking effect rule issued pursuant negotiated rulemaking procedures compliance rule requires substantial capital investment requires federal agency designate regulatory review officer responsibility implementation act provides judicial review denial delay granting denying petition sunset review rule


Summary:
Inspector General Improvement Act of 2013 - Requires the inspectors general of the following federal agencies, in addition to the other duties and responsibilities specified in the Inspector General Act of 1978, to supervise, direct, and control audit and investigative activities pertaining to programs and operations:

 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Department of Defense (DOD); Department of Education; Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Department of the Interior; Department of Labor; Department of State; Department of the Treasury; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); General Services Administration (GSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Intelligence Community; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); and Smithsonian Institution.

inspector general improvement act requires inspectors general following federal agencies addition duties responsibilities specified inspector general act supervise direct control audit investigative activities pertaining programs operations international_development usaid board_of_governors federal_reserve_system department_of_defense dod department_of_education department_of_health_and_human_services hhs department_of_homeland_security dhs department_of_the_interior department_of_labor department_of_state department treasury environmental_protection_agency epa general_services_administration gsa government_accountability_office gao intelligence_community national_archives_and_records_administration nara nuclear_regulatory_commission nrc smithsonian_institution


Summary:
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2013 - (Sec. 2) States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) increase accountability for and transparency in the federal regulatory process by requiring Congress to approve all new major regulations, and (2) include in the definition of "major rule" any rule that implements or provides for the imposition or collection of a tax on carbon emissions. Defines "carbon tax" as a fee, levy, or price on: (1) emissions, including carbon dioxide emissions generated by the burning of coal, natural gas, or oil; or (2) coal, natural gas, or oil based on emissions, including carbon dioxide emissions, that would be generated through the fuel's combustion.

(Sec. 3) Revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to require a federal agency promulgating a rule to include in its report to Congress and to the Comptroller General (GAO): (1) a classification of the rule as a major or nonmajor rule; (2) a list of other regulatory actions taken by the agency or by any other federal agency that are intended to implement the same statutory provision or regulatory objective, as well as the individual and aggregate economic effects of those actions; and (3) a complete copy of any cost-benefit analysis of a rule, including an analysis of jobs added or lost, differentiating between public and private sector jobs.

Requires a joint resolution of approval of major rules to be enacted before such rules may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless a joint resolution disapproving them is enacted). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days, as applicable, after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the major rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for one 90-calendar day period without such approval if the President determines it is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement.

Sets forth the congressional approval procedure for major rules and the congressional disapproval procedure for nonmajor rules. Prohibits an agency from allowing a major rule to take effect without the congressional review procedures set forth in this Act.

Requires the introduction of a joint resolution addressing a report classifying a rule as a major rule within three legislative days in the House of Representative and three session days in the Senate. Prohibits any amendments to such a joint resolution at any stage of the legislative process. Provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution of approval and requires a vote on such resolution in the Senate within 15 session days after it is reported by the committee to which it was referred, or after such committee has been discharged from further consideration of the resolution.

Revises the definition of "major rule" to mean any rule that: (1) has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $50 million or more (currently, $100 million); (2) is made by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and that would have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities; (3) implements or provides for the imposition or collection of a carbon tax; or (4) is made under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Allows a court to review whether an agency has completed the necessary requirements under this Act for a rule to take effect (currently, no judicial review of a determination, finding, action, or omission in the rulemaking process is subject to judicial review). Limits the effect of a joint resolution of approval of a major rule.

Makes this Act inapplicable to rules that concern monetary policy proposed or implemented by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee.

Provides that any rule promulgated by a federal agency that relates to a regulatory program for a commercial, recreational, or subsistence activity related to hunting, fishing, or camping, or any rule other than a major rule for which an agency for good cause finds that notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, shall take effect at such time as the agency determines.

(Sec. 4) Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide that any congressional approval procedure set forth in this Act affecting budget authority, outlays, or receipts shall be assumed to be effective unless it is not approved in accordance with this Act.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study to determine as of the date of enactment of this Act: (1) how many rules were in effect, (2) how many major rules were in effect, and (3) the total estimated economic cost imposed by all such rules. Requires a report to Congress on such study within one year of the enactment of this Act.

regulations executive need scrutiny act sec states purposes act increase accountability transparency federal regulatory process requiring congress approve new major regulations include definition major rule rule implements provides imposition collection tax carbon emissions defines carbon tax fee levy price emissions including carbon dioxide emissions generated burning coal natural gas oil coal natural gas oil based emissions including carbon dioxide emissions generated fuel combustion sec revises provisions relating congressional review agency rulemaking require federal agency promulgating rule include report congress comptroller_general gao classification rule major nonmajor rule list regulatory actions taken agency federal agency intended implement statutory provision regulatory objective individual aggregate economic effects actions complete copy cost benefit analysis rule including analysis jobs added lost public private sector jobs requires joint resolution approval major rules enacted rules effect currently major rules effect joint resolution disapproving enacted provides joint resolution approval enacted end session days legislative days applicable agency proposing rule submits report rule congress major rule shall deemed approved shall effect permits major rule effect calendar day period approval president determines necessary imminent threat health safety emergency enforcement criminal laws national security implement international trade agreement sets forth congressional approval procedure major rules congressional disapproval procedure nonmajor rules prohibits agency allowing major rule effect congressional review procedures set forth act requires introduction joint resolution addressing report classifying rule major rule legislative days session days senate prohibits amendments joint resolution stage legislative process provides expedited consideration joint resolution approval requires vote resolution senate session days reported committee referred committee discharged consideration resolution revises definition major rule mean rule resulted likely result annual effect economy million currently million administrator environmental_protection_agency epa significant impact substantial number agricultural entities implements provides imposition collection carbon tax patient_protection affordable care act allows court review agency completed necessary requirements act rule effect currently judicial review determination finding action omission rulemaking process subject judicial review limits effect joint resolution approval major rule makes act inapplicable rules concern monetary policy proposed implemented board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_open_market_committee provides rule promulgated federal agency relates regulatory program commercial recreational subsistence activity related hunting fishing rule major rule agency good cause finds notice public procedure thereon impracticable unnecessary contrary public interest shall effect time agency determines sec amends balanced_budget emergency deficit control act provide congressional approval procedure set forth act affecting budget authority outlays receipts shall assumed effective approved accordance act sec directs comptroller general conduct study determine date enactment act rules effect major rules effect total estimated economic cost imposed rules requires report congress study year enactment act


Summary:
Federal Executive Board Efficiency Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish Federal Executive Boards, which are defined as interagency entities established in a geographic area with a high concentration of federal employees outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to strengthen the management and administration of agency activities and coordination among local federal officers to implement national initiatives in that area. Requires each Board for a geographic area to consist of a senior officer for each agency in that area.

Requires the Director to: (1) consider specified factors in determining the location for establishment of such Boards, such as whether a geographic area has a strong, viable, and active Federal Executive Association and whether such Association petitions to become a Board; and (2) provide for the administration and oversight of such Boards, including by establishing staffing and communications policies and performance standards for Board staff.

Requires each Board to: (1) serve as an instrument of outreach for the national headquarters of agencies relating to agency activities in the geographic area; (2) provide a forum for the exchange of information relating to programs and management methods and problems between the national headquarters of agencies and the field; (3) develop local coordinated approaches to the development and operation of programs that have common characteristics; (4) communicate management initiatives and other concerns from federal officers and employees in the Washington, D.C. area to federal officers and employees in the geographic area to achieve better mutual understanding and support; (5) develop relationships with state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations to help fulfill the roles and responsibilities of that Board; and (6) facilitate communication, collaboration, and training to prepare the federal workforce for emergencies and continuity of operations.

Requires the Director to: (1) establish a fund within OPM for financing essential Board functions, into which contributions from the headquarters of each participating agency shall be deposited; (2) submit annual reports to Congress and agencies on Board program outcomes and budget matters; and (3) report to specified congressional committees on essential Board functions, staffing requirements, and staffing and operating expenses.

efficiency act requires director establish defined interagency entities established geographic area high concentration federal employees outside washington metropolitan area strengthen management administration agency activities coordination local federal officers implement national initiatives area requires board geographic area consist senior officer agency area requires director consider specified factors determining location establishment boards geographic area strong viable active association petitions board provide administration oversight boards including establishing staffing communications policies performance standards board staff requires board serve instrument outreach national headquarters agencies relating agency activities geographic area provide forum exchange information relating programs management methods problems national headquarters agencies field develop local coordinated approaches development operation programs common characteristics communicate management initiatives concerns federal officers employees washington area federal officers employees geographic area achieve better mutual understanding support develop relationships state local governments nongovernmental organizations help fulfill roles responsibilities board facilitate communication collaboration training prepare federal workforce emergencies continuity operations requires director establish fund opm financing essential board functions contributions headquarters participating agency shall deposited submit annual reports congress agencies board program outcomes budget matters report specified congressional committees essential board functions staffing requirements staffing operating expenses


Summary: Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), not later than 150 days after the enactment of this Act, to coordinate with the heads of federal agencies to: (1) use available administrative authority to eliminate, consolidate, or streamline federal programs and agencies with duplicative and overlapping missions as identified in the February 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled "Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap and Fragmentation, Achieve Savings, and Enhance Revenue" and the March 2011 GAO report entitled "Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue" and apply any savings towards deficit reduction; (2) report to Congress any legislative changes required to further eliminate, consolidate, or streamline such programs and agencies; (3) determine the total cost savings to each agency from the implementation of this Act; and (4) rescind from appropriate accounts the greater of $10 billion or the total amount of such cost savings.

requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb later days enactment act coordinate heads federal agencies use available administrative authority eliminate consolidate streamline federal programs agencies duplicative overlapping missions identified february government_accountability_office gao report entitled opportunities reduce duplication overlap fragmentation achieve savings enhance revenue march gao report entitled opportunities reduce potential duplication government programs enhance revenue apply savings deficit reduction report congress legislative changes required eliminate consolidate streamline programs agencies determine total cost savings agency implementation act rescind appropriate accounts greater billion total cost savings


Summary:
Government Waste Reduction Act of 2013 - Establishes the Independent Government Waste Reduction Board, the membership of which shall include individuals with national recognition for expertise in agencies, waste reduction, finance and economics, and actuarial sciences.

Requires the Board to submit to Congress and the President a report that advises specific implementation of the recommendations from the March 2011 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report "Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue" and the February 2012 GAO report "Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap and Fragmentation, Achieve Savings, and Enhance Revenue."

Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of the Board's recommendations.

government waste reduction act establishes independent government waste reduction board membership shall include individuals national recognition expertise agencies waste reduction finance economics actuarial sciences requires board submit congress president report advises specific implementation recommendations march government accountability office gao report opportunities reduce potential duplication government programs enhance revenue february gao report opportunities reduce duplication overlap fragmentation achieve savings enhance revenue sets forth procedures congressional consideration board recommendations


Summary:
Audit the Pentagon Act of 2013 - Requires, on March 2 of FY2014 and each subsequent fiscal year, a 5% reduction in the discretionary budget authority of a federal agency that is identified by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required to have an audited financial statement: (1) that has not submitted a financial statement for the previous fiscal year, or (2) whose statement has not received either an unqualified or a qualified audit opinion by an independent external auditor. Excludes from such reduction accounts for military, reserve and National Guard personnel and the Defense Health Program account of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the President to waive a reduction in discretionary budget authority if such reduction would harm national security or members of the Armed Forces who are in combat.

Requires a report to Congress listing required DOD reports that interfere with DOD's capacity to achieve an audit of its financial statements with an unqualified opinion.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) congressional defense committees and DOD should not endanger the nation's troops by reducing wounded warrior accounts or vital protection for members of the Armed Forces in harm's way, (2) the valuation of legacy assets by DOD should be simplified without compromising essential controls or generally accepted government auditing standards, and (3) this Act should not be construed to require or permit the declassification of accounting details about classified defense programs and DOD should ensure financial accountability in such programs.

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audit pentagon act requires march fy2014 subsequent fiscal year reduction discretionary budget authority federal agency identified director office_of_management_and_budget omb required audited financial statement submitted financial statement previous fiscal year statement received unqualified qualified audit opinion independent external auditor excludes reduction accounts military reserve national_guard personnel defense_health_program account department_of_defense dod authorizes president waive reduction discretionary budget authority reduction harm national security members armed_forces combat requires report congress listing required dod reports interfere dod capacity achieve audit financial statements unqualified opinion expresses sense congress congressional defense committees dod endanger nation troops reducing wounded warrior accounts vital protection members armed_forces harm way valuation legacy assets dod simplified compromising essential controls generally accepted government auditing standards act construed require permit declassification accounting details classified defense programs dod ensure financial accountability programs


Summary:
Requires the Comptroller General to annually: (1) study the adequacy and accuracy of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) baseline model projections for health care expenditures for that fiscal year; and (2) report study results to the congressional veterans, appropriations, and budget committees.

Requires each such report to be made available to the public.

requires comptroller general annually study adequacy accuracy department_of_veterans_affairs baseline model projections health care expenditures fiscal year report study results congressional veterans appropriations budget committees requires report available public


Summary: Taxpayers' Conference Overspending Prevention Act or the Taxpayers' COP Act - Requires each executive agency to submit an annual report to Congress listing the amount of funds such agency obligated for conferences in the previous fiscal year, including funds for pre-planning, travel, and subsistence costs. Requires the rescission of unobligated funds for agency conferences in excess of specified amounts unless such funds are certified as being for foreign travel that is critical to the agency's mission.

taxpayers conference prevention act taxpayers cop act requires executive agency submit annual report congress listing funds agency obligated conferences previous fiscal year including funds pre planning travel subsistence costs requires rescission unobligated funds agency conferences excess specified amounts funds certified foreign travel critical agency mission


Summary: Amends the Diplomatic Security Act to require a determination by the Accountability Review Board that an individual's misconduct or unsatisfactory performance of duty significantly contributed to serious injury, loss of life, significant property destruction, or serious security breach in order for the Board to recommend that an investigatory or disciplinary action be initiated by the appropriate federal agency or instrumentality.

amends diplomatic security act require determination individual misconduct unsatisfactory performance duty significantly contributed injury loss life significant property destruction security breach order board recommend investigatory disciplinary action initiated appropriate federal agency instrumentality


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in conducting any survey relating to the Census, to include in instructions for completing any such survey that participation in the survey is optional, except that survey respondents must provide their names, contract information, the date of response, and the number of people living or staying at the same addresses where the respondents reside. Prohibits any person participating in a survey from being fined or otherwise compelled to answer questions in connection with the survey (except for the basic questions permitted by this Act).

requires secretary commerce conducting survey relating census include instructions completing survey participation survey optional survey respondents provide names contract information date response number people living staying addresses respondents reside prohibits person participating survey fined compelled answer questions connection survey basic questions permitted act


Summary:
Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2013 - Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to require appointments to federal agency advisory committees to be made without regard to political affiliation or activity, unless otherwise required by federal statute. Directs the head of an agency, prior to appointing members to an advisory committee, to give interested persons an opportunity to suggest potential committee members.

Requires an individual appointed to an advisory committee who is not a full-time or permanent part-time officer or employee of the federal government to be designated as: (1) a special government employee if the individual is providing advice based on the individual's expertise or experience, or (2) a representative if the individual is representing the views of an entity outside of the federal government. Prohibits an agency from designating committee members as representatives to avoid subjecting them to federal ethics rules and requirements.

 Requires each agency head to ensure that advice and recommendations of an advisory committee that reports to the agency are the result of the advisory committee's judgment, independent from the agency.

 Provides that an individual who is not an officer or employee of the federal government shall be regarded as a member of an advisory committee if the individual regularly attends and participates in committee meetings as if the individual were a member, even if the individual does not have the right to vote or veto the advice or recommendations of the committee.

Requires each agency head to make available on the agency's Internet site specified information about each of the agency's advisory committees and their activities and to designate an Advisory Committee Management Officer to be responsible for the establishment, management, and supervision of the agency's advisory committees. Requires the Comptroller General to review compliance by agencies with FACA.

federal advisory committee act amendments amends federal_advisory_committee act faca require appointments federal agency advisory committees regard political affiliation activity required federal statute directs head agency prior appointing members advisory committee interested persons opportunity suggest potential committee members requires individual appointed advisory committee time permanent time officer employee federal government designated special government employee individual providing advice based individual expertise experience representative individual representing views entity outside federal government prohibits agency designating committee members representatives avoid subjecting federal ethics rules requirements requires agency head ensure advice recommendations advisory committee reports agency result advisory committee judgment independent agency provides individual officer employee federal government shall regarded member advisory committee individual regularly attends participates committee meetings individual member individual right vote veto advice recommendations committee requires agency head available agency internet site specified information agency advisory committees activities designate responsible establishment management supervision agency advisory committees requires comptroller general review compliance agencies faca