Summary: NATO Enhancement Act of 2012 - Designates Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. Authorizes FY2012 appropriations for security assistance to: (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina, (2) Montenegro, (3) Georgia, (4) the Republic of Macedonia, and (5) Ukraine. Directs the President to establish and update bilateral programs to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro achieve full North Atlantic Treaty Organization Alliance (NATO) membership. States that such programs shall not inhibit security cooperation with nations previously designated as eligible to receive security assistance but no longer expressing an intent to join NATO. Gives priority to the provision and delivery of excess defense articles to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro.

nato enhancement act designates montenegro bosnia_and_herzegovina eligible receive assistance nato participation act authorizes fy2012 appropriations security assistance bosnia_and_herzegovina montenegro georgia ukraine directs president establish update bilateral programs assist georgia montenegro achieve nato membership states programs shall inhibit security cooperation nations previously designated eligible receive security assistance longer expressing intent join nato gives priority provision delivery excess defense articles bosnia_and_herzegovina georgia montenegro


Summary: States that it is the policy of the United States: (1) to protect the role of Congress as a coequal branch of government and ensure protection of its constitutional authority to declare war and support the Armed Forces; (2) to prevent the need for U.S. and international military intervention abroad through the utilization of diplomacy to resolve issues of concern to the United States and the international community; and (3) that no federal funds may be used to carry out any North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operation or to deploy a unit of individual of the U.S. Armed Forces or an element of the intelligence community (IC) in support of a NATO military operation unless the President determines that such operation is warranted and seeks express prior authorization by Congress, as required under the Constitution. Provides an exception in the case of a military operation to directly thwart or repel an offensive military action launched against the United States or an ally with whom the United States has a mutual defense assistance agreement. Prohibits any unit or individual of the U.S. Armed Forces or IC element from being deployed in support of a NATO military operation absent express prior statutory authorization from Congress, unless under the exception described above.

states policy united_states protect role congress branch government ensure protection constitutional authority declare war support armed_forces prevent need international military intervention abroad utilization diplomacy resolve issues concern united_states international community federal funds carry north atlantic treaty organization nato military operation deploy unit individual element intelligence community support nato military operation president determines operation warranted seeks express prior authorization congress required constitution provides exception case military operation directly thwart offensive military action launched united_states ally united_states mutual defense assistance agreement prohibits unit individual element deployed support nato military operation absent express prior statutory authorization congress exception described


Summary: Terminates the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally. Prohibits the President from issuing a separate designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally. Directs the President to submit an annual report to Congress containing a list of each country designated as a major non-NATO ally and a justification as to why each such country should continue to be so designated.

terminates pakistan designation major non nato ally prohibits president issuing separate designation major non nato ally directs president submit annual report congress containing list country designated major non nato ally justification country continue designated


Summary: Taiwan Air Power Modernization Act of 2011 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a critical element to maintaining peace and stability in Asia in the face of China's military expansion is ensuring a militarily strong Taiwan, (2) the United States has a statutory obligation under the Taiwan Relations Act to help Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities, and (3) the proposed fighter aircraft sale to Taiwan would have significant economic benefits to the U.S. economy. Directs the President to carry out the sale of no fewer than 66 F-16C/D multirole fighter aircraft to Taiwan.

expresses sense congress critical element maintaining peace stability asia face china military expansion ensuring strong taiwan united_states statutory obligation taiwan relations act help taiwan maintain sufficient self defense capabilities proposed fighter aircraft sale taiwan significant economic benefits economy directs president carry sale fewer fighter aircraft taiwan


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 27, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 - (Sec. 3) States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the commitment to Israel's security as a Jewish state, (2) support Israel's right to self-defense and help Israel preserve its qualitative military edge, (3) expand military and civilian cooperation, (4) assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side-by-side in peace and security, and (5) veto any one-sided anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take specified actions to assist in Israel's defense, including: (1) enhancing development and production of joint missile defense systems, (2) providing appropriate defense articles and services, (3) strengthening security initiatives and bilateral training exercises, and (4) encouraging an expanded role for Israel with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Sec. 5) Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend authority to transfer certain obsolete or surplus Department of Defense (DOD) items to Israel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend authority to make additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles. Amends the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 to extend specified loan guarantee authority to Israel. (Sec. 6) Directs the President to submit reports to Congress regarding: (1) the status of Israel's qualitative military edge; (2) actions that could improve the process related to Israel's purchase of F-35 aircraft; (3) cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, energy, cyber-security, and other related areas; and (4) actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the Eastern Mediterranean.

measure amended reported senate june summary version repeated united_states-israel enhanced security cooperation act sec states policy reaffirm commitment israel security jewish state support israel right self defense help israel preserve qualitative military edge expand military civilian cooperation assist negotiated settlement israeli palestinian conflict results states living peace security veto resolutions sec expresses sense congress united_states specified actions assist israel defense including enhancing development production joint missile defense systems providing appropriate defense articles services strengthening security initiatives bilateral training exercises encouraging expanded role israel north_atlantic_treaty_organization nato sec amends department_of_defense_appropriations_act extend authority transfer certain obsolete surplus department_of_defense dod items israel amends foreign assistance act extend authority additions foreign based defense stockpiles amends emergency wartime supplemental appropriations act extend specified loan guarantee authority israel sec directs president submit reports congress status israel qualitative military edge actions improve process related israel purchase f-35 aircraft cooperation united_states israel homeland security counter terrorism maritime security energy cyber security related areas actions integrate israel defense


Summary: Conditioning United States-Egypt Military Exercises Act of 2012 - Prohibits FY2013 funds from being used for U.S. participation in joint military exercises with Egypt if, during FY2013, Egypt abrogates, terminates, or withdraws from the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty. Authorizes the President to waive such limitation if the President certifies to Congress that the waiver is in U.S. national security interests.

conditioning exercises act prohibits fy2013 funds participation joint military exercises egypt fy2013 egypt abrogates terminates withdraws egypt israel peace treaty authorizes president waive limitation president certifies congress waiver national security interests


Summary: Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to treat each North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nation as a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement and thus eligible for expedited application and approval for the importation or exportation of natural gas.

amends foreign assistance act treat north atlantic treaty organization nato member nation nation effect free trade agreement eligible expedited application approval importation exportation natural gas


Summary:
States that it is U.S. policy that: (1) the constitutional authority of Congress and the system of self-government and popular control established by the framers of the Constitution shall be protected, and (2) any vote of the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council or any party to a mutual security treaty shall only be advisory and does not constitute authority to deploy U.S. Armed Forces.

Prohibits: (1) any unit or individual of the U.S. Armed Forces from being deployed in support of a U.N. or a mutual security treaty military operation absent prior statutory authorization from Congress; and (2) funds from being appropriated or otherwise made available to any U.S. executive agency in order to carry out any U.N. or mutual security treaty military operation unless the President obtains prior authorization by Congress, as required under article I, section 8 of the Constitution.

states policy constitutional authority congress system self government control established constitution shall protected vote united_nations security_council party mutual security treaty shall advisory constitute authority deploy prohibits unit individual deployed support mutual security treaty military operation absent prior statutory authorization congress funds appropriated available executive agency order carry mutual security treaty military operation president obtains prior authorization congress required article section constitution


Summary:
Latin America Military Training Review Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to suspend operation of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (Institute). Suspends the authority of the Secretary of Defense to operate such an education and training facility until submission of a report containing the results of an investigation in response to violations of human rights to which training at such Institute contributed.

Establishes: (1) a joint congressional task force to assess appropriate education and training for DOD to provide to military personnel of Latin American nations, and (2) a commission to investigate activities of the United States Army School of the Americas and its successor institution, the Institute.

secretary army suspend operation suspends authority secretary defense operate education training facility submission report containing results investigation response violations human rights training institute contributed establishes joint congressional task force assess appropriate education training dod provide military personnel latin american nations commission investigate activities americas successor institution institute


Summary: NATO Alliance Recognition and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should remain committed to maintaining a military presence in Europe to promote allied interoperability and provide assurance to North American Treaty Alliance (NATO) allies in the region; and (2) at the September 2014 NATO Summit in Wales, the United States, along with NATO allies, should continue to pursue enlargement initiatives for the aspirant countries.

promotion act expresses sense congress united_states remain committed maintaining military presence europe promote allied interoperability provide assurance nato allies region september nato summit wales united_states nato allies continue pursue enlargement initiatives countries


Summary:
Forging Peace Through Strength in Ukraine and the Transatlantic Alliance Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the continuing practice by the Russian Federation of physical, diplomatic, and economic aggression toward neighboring countries is clearly intended to undermine regional security and stability; (2) the Russian military build-up and aggressive posture on the eastern border of Ukraine represents an intent to intimidate Ukraine and its citizens to submit to Russian control; (3) the Russian Federation should immediately cease all improper and illegal activities in Ukraine and President Putin should direct an immediate return of Russian forces; (4) the United States reaffirms its commitment to explicitly secure the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and borders of Ukraine; (5) the United States supports the expansion of security cooperation with states in Central and Eastern Europe, including NATO member states, NATO aspirants, and appropriate Eastern Partnership countries; (6) the United States reaffirms support of NATO efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully and diplomatically; and (7) the United States should take immediate steps to enhance its military presence and readiness posture in Europe to deter aggression and assure its allies and partners through forward presence and engagement.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (Secretary) to develop and report on a strategic framework for U.S. security force assistance and cooperation in the European and Eurasian regions.

Directs the President to submit a plan to: (1) increase U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities devoted to monitoring the situation in Ukraine; (2) increase U.S. intelligence information sharing and situational awareness to the maximum extent practicable with Ukraine utilizing appropriate bilateral channels and the NATO-Ukraine Commission; (3) provide military advice and technical assistance to the Ukrainian military to enhance their defensive preparations and posture; (4) convene NATO member states and Ukraine to review options and implement prudent steps to increase the defense of U.S., NATO, and Ukraine cyber networks; and (5) work with NATO member states and the Ukrainian military to counter Russian propaganda.

Expresses the sense of Congress in support of the immediate augmentation of U.S. Armed Forces in the area of responsibility of the U.S. European Command in order to meet operational plan requirements for response in support of a NATO ally. Directs the Secretary to provide notification of such augmentation, as well as related information. Calls for the President to immediately correct deficiencies in the readiness of U.S. Armed Forces in such area and to provide appropriate additional resources to NATO as needed.

Requires the Secretary to ensure the operational availability of the Aegis Ashore system site in Poland. Authorizes the Secretary to relocate the necessary assets of the Aegis weapon system between and within the DDG-51 Class Destroyer program and the Aegis Ashore program to meet mission requirements.

States that it is the policy of the United States that available short-range air and missile defense systems and terminal missile defense systems of the United States with operational missiles be rotationally deployed to central and eastern European allies to strengthen their air and missile defense capabilities.

Requires the Secretary: (1) by December 31, 2014, and pursuant to an agreement between the United States and Poland, to deploy to Poland a system providing a short-range air and missile defense capability and/or terminal missile defense capability and the personnel required to operate and maintain such system; (2) to stop plans for the relocation and consolidation of U.S. dual-capable aircraft that are based in Europe and develop plans to temporarily base such aircraft in NATO member states that request to host such aircraft; (3) to conduct siting studies for the construction of weapon storage and security systems and protective aircraft shelters in NATO member states that notify the Secretary of an interest in hosting such systems and shelters and to provide for reasonable burden sharing of associated costs; and (4) to coordinate with NATO member states on the policy considerations of a decision to alter the posture of forward deployed nuclear weapons and related capabilities of the United States.

Prohibits FY2015 DOD funds from being used for any bilateral military-to-military contact or cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation until the Secretary makes certain certifications with respect to Russian recognition of the sovereignty of all Ukrainian territory and related matters. Allows a waiver in the U.S. national security interest.

Prohibits FY2015 Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration funds from being used for any contract, cooperation, or transfer of technology between the United States and the Russian Federation until the Secretary of Energy makes certain certifications with respect to Russia's respect of Ukrainian territory and compliance with the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles and the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe. Allows a waiver in the national security interest.

Directs the Secretary to report annually on the current and future military power of the Russian Federation.

peace strength ukraine sense congress continuing practice russian_federation physical diplomatic economic aggression neighboring countries clearly intended undermine regional security stability russian military build aggressive posture eastern border ukraine represents intent intimidate ukraine citizens submit russian control russian_federation immediately cease improper illegal activities ukraine president direct immediate return russian forces united_states reaffirms commitment explicitly secure independence sovereignty territorial integrity borders ukraine united_states supports expansion security cooperation states including nato member states nato appropriate countries united_states reaffirms support nato efforts resolve conflict united_states immediate steps enhance military presence readiness posture europe deter aggression assure allies partners forward presence engagement directs secretary defense dod secretary develop report strategic framework security force assistance cooperation european eurasian regions directs president submit plan increase intelligence surveillance reconnaissance capabilities devoted monitoring situation ukraine increase intelligence information sharing situational awareness maximum extent practicable ukraine utilizing appropriate bilateral channels provide military advice technical assistance ukrainian military enhance defensive preparations posture convene nato member states ukraine review options implement prudent steps increase defense nato ukraine cyber networks work nato member states ukrainian military counter russian propaganda expresses sense congress support immediate augmentation area responsibility order meet operational plan requirements response support nato ally directs secretary provide notification augmentation related information calls president immediately correct deficiencies readiness area provide appropriate additional resources nato needed requires secretary ensure operational availability aegis system site poland authorizes secretary relocate necessary assets aegis weapon system class program program meet mission requirements states policy united_states available short range air missile defense systems terminal missile defense systems united_states operational missiles deployed central eastern european allies strengthen air missile defense capabilities requires secretary december pursuant agreement united_states poland deploy poland system providing short range air missile defense capability terminal missile defense capability personnel required operate maintain system stop plans relocation consolidation dual capable aircraft based europe develop plans temporarily base aircraft nato member states request host aircraft conduct siting studies construction weapon storage security systems protective aircraft shelters nato member states notify secretary interest hosting systems shelters provide reasonable burden sharing associated costs coordinate nato member states policy considerations decision alter posture forward deployed nuclear weapons related capabilities united_states prohibits fy2015 dod funds bilateral military military contact cooperation united_states russian_federation secretary makes certain certifications respect russian recognition sovereignty ukrainian territory related matters allows waiver national security interest prohibits fy2015 department_of_energy doe national_nuclear_security_administration funds contract cooperation transfer technology united_states russian_federation secretary energy makes certain certifications respect russia respect ukrainian territory compliance treaty united_states_of_america shorter range missiles treaty conventional armed forces europe allows waiver national security interest directs secretary report annually current future military power russian_federation


Summary: Korea Security Partnership Act - Deems the Republic of Korea to be a "favorable treatment country" eligible for the export license exception for encryption commodities, software and technology under the Export Administration Regulations.

republic korea favorable treatment country eligible export license exception encryption commodities software technology export administration regulations


Summary: NATO Alliance Recognition and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) reaffirming the commitment of the United States to collective defense under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Treaty; (2) that NATO members should ensure sufficient funding related to individual and collective capacity; and (3) that the United States, together with NATO allies, should pursue enlargement initiatives for aspirant countries.

promotion act expresses sense congress commitment united_states collective defense north_atlantic_treaty_organization nato treaty nato members ensure sufficient funding related individual collective capacity united_states nato allies pursue enlargement initiatives countries


Summary:
U.S.-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S.-India defense partnership is vital to regional and international stability and security, and (2) the President should take action to formalize India's status as a U.S. major partner.

The President should coordinate with India annually to develop military contingency plans for addressing threats to mutual security interests.

The President shall: (1) annually assess the extent to which India possesses strategic operational capabilities to execute military operations of mutual interest to the United States and India; and (2) ensure that such assessment is used in reviewing applications to sell or export defense articles, defense services, or technical data.

The Arms Export Control Act is amended to extend special foreign military sales status to India.

partnership act bill expresses sense congress defense partnership vital regional international stability security president action india status major partner president coordinate india annually develop military contingency plans addressing threats mutual security interests president shall annually assess extent india possesses strategic operational capabilities execute military operations mutual interest united_states india ensure assessment reviewing applications sell export defense articles defense services technical data arms_export_control_act amended extend special foreign military sales status india


Summary:
Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should support the efforts of the Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their maritime security capacity, and (2) the maritime security of U.S. allies and partners bordering the South China Sea would be enhanced by the transfer of an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate to an appropriate regional country.

In selecting Asia-Pacific region countries to receive maritime capacity building assistance, the Department of State may prioritize those countries that will contribute to achieving the following regional objectives:

 retaining access to waterways that are critical to the security and free flow of commerce and U.S. security objectives, improving maritime domain awareness, countering piracy, disrupting maritime trafficking that benefits organizations that are threats to U.S. security, and enhancing country or regional organization capabilities to respond to emerging maritime security threats. The bill urges the State Department to seek a bilateral memorandum of understanding with each of the governments of the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia to outline the delivery of planned maritime security capabilities through FY2020.

The bill authorizes: (1) international military education/training and foreign military financing for the Asia-Pacific region, and (2) the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to provide priority delivery of excess defense articles to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia for articles that are used for maritime security-related missions.

The President shall ensure that the U.S. government treats proposed arms sales for Taiwan with the same procedures that are accorded to all other countries.

asia pacific maritime security initiative act bill expresses sense congress united_states support efforts southeast asian nations strengthen maritime security capacity maritime security allies partners bordering enhanced transfer class appropriate regional country selecting countries receive maritime capacity building assistance department_of_state prioritize countries contribute achieving following regional objectives retaining access waterways critical security free flow commerce security objectives improving maritime domain awareness countering piracy disrupting maritime trafficking benefits organizations threats security enhancing country regional organization capabilities respond emerging maritime security threats bill urges state_department seek bilateral memorandum understanding governments philippines vietnam indonesia outline delivery planned maritime security capabilities fy2020 bill authorizes international military education training foreign military financing southeast asia maritime law enforcement initiative foreign assistance act amended provide priority delivery excess defense articles vietnam indonesia articles maritime security related missions president shall ensure government treats proposed arms sales taiwan procedures accorded countries


Summary:
Expresses the sense of Congress that:

 the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses an acute threat to the people and territorial integrity of Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and the security and stability of the Middle East and the world; defeating ISIL is critical to maintaining a unified Iraq in which all faiths and ethnicities are afforded equal protection and full integration into the government and society; and any outstanding issues between the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should be resolved expeditiously to allow for a resumption of normal relations. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide defense articles, defense services, and related training directly to the KRG military and security services to support international coalition efforts against ISIL or any successor group; and (2) issue licenses authorizing U.S. exporters to export defense articles, defense services, and related training directly to the KRG military and security services.

 States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as establishing a precedent for the future provision of such assistance to organizations other than a country or international organization.

expresses sense congress islamic state iraq levant isil poses acute threat people territorial integrity iraq including iraqi region security stability middle_east world isil critical maintaining unified iraq afforded equal protection integration government society outstanding issues government iraq resolved expeditiously allow resumption normal relations authorizes president provide defense articles defense services related training directly military security services support international coalition efforts isil successor group issue licenses authorizing exporters export defense articles defense services related training directly military security services states act shall construed establishing precedent future provision assistance organizations country international organization


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

United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Specifies the findings of Congress that:

 as of January 22, 2015, the United States has provided over $3 billion in assistance to respond to the Syria humanitarian crisis, of which nearly $467 million has been provided to Jordan; as of January 2015, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there were 621,937 registered Syrian refugees in Jordan, 83.8% of whom lived outside refugee camps; in 2000 the United States and Jordan signed a free-trade agreement that went into force in 2001; in 1996 the United States granted Jordan major non-NATO ally status; and Jordan is suffering from the Syrian refugee crisis and the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). (Sec. 3) Urges that U.S. policy should be to:

 support Jordan in its response to the Syrian refugee crisis, provide necessary assistance to support the basic needs of the assimilated Syrian refugees, cooperate with Jordan to combat the terrorist threat from ISIL or other terrorist organizations, and help secure the border between Jordan and Syria and Iraq. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to Jordan is fully consistent with U. S. security and foreign policy interests and the objectives of world peace and security.

(Sec. 5) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to include Jordan among the countries eligible for certain streamlined defense sales for three years.

(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Department of State to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan to increase economic support funds and military cooperation, including joint military exercises, personnel exchanges, support for international peacekeeping missions, and enhanced strategic dialogue.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure defense cooperation act sec specifies findings congress january united_states provided billion assistance respond syria humanitarian crisis million provided jordan january according united_nations high commissioner refugees registered syrian refugees jordan lived outside refugee camps united_states jordan signed free trade agreement went force united_states granted jordan major non nato ally status jordan suffering syrian refugee crisis threat islamic_state_of_iraq levant isil sec urges policy support jordan response syrian refugee crisis provide necessary assistance support basic needs syrian refugees cooperate jordan combat terrorist threat isil terrorist organizations help secure border jordan syria iraq sec expresses sense congress expeditious consideration certifications letters offer sell defense articles defense services design construction services major defense equipment jordan fully consistent security foreign policy interests objectives world peace security sec amends arms export control act include jordan countries eligible certain streamlined defense sales years sec authorizes department state enter memorandum understanding jordan increase economic support funds military cooperation including joint military exercises personnel exchanges support international peacekeeping missions enhanced strategic dialogue


Summary:
Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Maritime Security Initiative to provide assistance and training through September 30, 2022, for maritime security and domain awareness for countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

DOD shall prioritize assistance in order to:

 retain access to international waterways to ensure the free flow of commerce and achieve U.S. national security objectives, improve maritime domain awareness, counter piracy, disrupt illicit maritime trafficking activities of organizations that are a U.S. security threat, and enhance the maritime capabilities of a country or regional organization to respond to emerging maritime security threats. Assistance and training shall also promote observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for legitimate civilian authority.

DOD may use funds provided for by this bill to pay incremental training-connected expenses if such payment will facilitate the participation of organization personnel in Brunei, Singapore, and Taiwan.

 The Arms Export Control Act is amended to extend special foreign military sales status to the Philippines.

FY2017 international military education and training funds and foreign military financing assistance funds are authorized for activities in the region.

The Department of State may prioritize the provision of maritime capacity building assistance to countries in the region that will contribute to the same objectives as provided in this bill for DOD.

FY2017 funds are authorized for support of the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to give priority for the transfer of excess defense articles to: (1) other major U.S. non-North American Treaty Organization allies in the region (including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand); and (2) other Association of Southeast Asian Nations maritime states.

The bill authorizes the transfer of one OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigate on a grant basis to a foreign government pursuant to the Maritime Security Initiative.

The President shall ensure that the U.S. government treats every proposed arms sale for Taiwan with the same time lines, processes, and procedures accorded to proposed arms transfers for all other countries.

asia pacific maritime security initiative act bill authorizes department_of_defense dod establish provide assistance training september maritime security domain awareness countries dod shall prioritize assistance order retain access international waterways ensure free flow commerce achieve national security objectives improve maritime domain awareness counter piracy disrupt illicit maritime trafficking activities organizations security threat enhance maritime capabilities country regional organization respond emerging maritime security threats assistance training shall promote observance human rights fundamental freedoms respect legitimate civilian authority dod use funds provided bill pay incremental training connected expenses payment facilitate participation organization personnel taiwan arms_export_control_act amended extend special foreign military sales status philippines fy2017 international military education training funds foreign military financing assistance funds authorized activities region department_of_state prioritize provision maritime capacity building assistance countries region contribute objectives provided bill dod fy2017 funds authorized support maritime law enforcement initiative foreign assistance act amended priority transfer excess defense articles major allies region including japan south_korea thailand australia new_zealand maritime states bill authorizes transfer oliver_hazard perry class guided missile grant basis foreign government pursuant president shall ensure government treats proposed arms sale taiwan time lines processes procedures accorded proposed arms transfers countries


Summary:
Advancing U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that:

 the U.S.-India defense partnership is vital to regional and international stability and security, and the President's commitment to enhancing defense and security cooperation with India should be considered a priority with respect to advancing U.S. interests in the South Asia and greater Indo-Pacific regions. The bill declares that the President should:

 take action to formalize India's status as a U.S. major partner; resolve issues impeding U.S.-India defense trade, security cooperation, and coproduction and chemotherapeutic opportunities; pursue greater U.S.-India government-to-government and commercial military transactions; and facilitate the transfer of advanced technology with the Indian military for missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter piracy, and maritime domain awareness. The President is encouraged to coordinate with India annually to develop military contingency plans for addressing threats to mutual security interests.

The President shall: (1) annually assess the extent to which India possesses strategic operational capabilities to execute military operations of mutual interest to the United States and India; and (2) ensure that such assessment is used in reviewing applications to sell or export defense articles, defense services, or technical data.

The Arms Export Control Act is amended to extend special foreign military sales status to India.

advancing defense cooperation act bill expresses sense congress defense partnership vital regional international stability security president commitment enhancing defense security cooperation india considered priority respect advancing interests greater regions bill declares president action india status major partner resolve issues impeding defense trade security cooperation opportunities pursue greater government government commercial military transactions facilitate transfer advanced technology indian military missions humanitarian assistance disaster relief counter piracy maritime domain awareness president encouraged coordinate india annually develop military contingency plans addressing threats mutual security interests president shall annually assess extent india possesses strategic operational capabilities execute military operations mutual interest united_states india ensure assessment reviewing applications sell export defense articles defense services technical data arms_export_control_act amended extend special foreign military sales status india


Summary: Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Education and Tourism Act of 2007 - Establishes the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area which may consist of the 175-mile region following the Route 15 corridor and surrounding areas through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. Designates the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership as the management entity for the Area. Requires the membership on the Board of Trustees of the Partnership to be open to the public and to include representatives from a broad cross-section of individuals, agencies, organizations, states, and governments participating in the Area that will oversee the development of the management plan. Requires the Partnership to develop a management plan for the Area that presents strategies and recommendations for promoting tourism within the Area and for educating the public about the historic significance of the Area. Makes the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to the Board of Trustees.

tourism act establishes consist mile region following route corridor surrounding areas pennsylvania maryland west_virginia virginia designates management entity area requires membership open public include representatives broad cross section individuals agencies organizations states governments participating area oversee development management plan requires partnership develop management plan area presents strategies recommendations promoting tourism area educating public historic significance area makes federal_advisory_committee_act inapplicable board_of_trustees


Summary: Travel Promotion Act of 2008 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation shall not engage in any lobbying activities with any employee or branch of the federal government. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions in other countries regarding U.S. entry policies, and promote U.S. travel. Requires annual reports from the Corporation to the Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security, for transmittal to Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Sets forth funding and matching funds provisions. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to collect a user fee of at least $10 from each alien utilizing the electronic travel authorization system for alien travel to the United States, to be used to offset appropriations made to the Corporation. Prohibits amounts raised by the Fund or the Corporation from being used to directly promote or advertise a specific corporation. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to replace references to the United States National Tourism Organization with references to the Corporation. Modifies various requirements applicable to the Tourism Policy Council, including membership, meetings, and the provision of tourism information. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 to remove provisions establishing the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board. Directs the Government Accountability Office to: (1) initiate a study to assess barriers to entry into the United States by foreign travelers; and (2) report study findings to the appropriate congressional committees.

travel promotion act establishes corporation travel promotion nonprofit corporation agency establishment government makes corporation subject provisions district_of_columbia nonprofit corporation act expresses sense congress corporation shall engage lobbying activities employee branch federal government requires corporation things provide information people interested traveling united_states identify address countries entry policies promote travel requires annual reports corporation secretaries_of_commerce homeland_security transmittal congress establishes treasury sets forth funding matching funds provisions amends immigration nationality act authorize secretary homeland_security collect user fee alien utilizing electronic travel authorization system alien travel united_states offset appropriations corporation prohibits amounts raised fund corporation directly promote advertise specific corporation amends international travel act replace references references corporation modifies requirements applicable including membership meetings provision tourism information amends department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act remove provisions establishing tourism promotion advisory board directs government_accountability_office initiate study assess barriers entry united_states foreign travelers report study findings appropriate congressional committees


Summary: Helping Our States Through Tourism Act of 2007 or HOST Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program to assist relevant tourism entities (conventions, visitors bureaus, and other tourism organizations) to promote travel and tourism in Louisiana and Mississippi to negate the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on travel and tourism there. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make economic injury disaster loans to small businesses located within disaster areas declared as a result of such hurricanes that suffered economic injury from the slowdown in travel and tourism in such areas after such hurricanes. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Gulf Coast Travel and Meetings Fund to pay for lodging, meals, travel, and other expenses associated with conventions, conferences, meetings, etc. attended by no fewer than 100 federal employees and occurring within such disaster areas.

helping states tourism act directs secretary commerce establish grant program assist relevant tourism entities conventions visitors bureaus tourism organizations promote travel tourism louisiana mississippi effects hurricanes katrina rita travel tourism authorizes administrator small_business_administration sba economic injury disaster loans small businesses located disaster areas declared result hurricanes suffered economic injury travel tourism areas hurricanes establishes treasury pay lodging meals travel expenses associated conventions conferences meetings etc attended fewer federal employees occurring disaster areas


Summary: Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Establishes as a nonprofit corporation the Corporation for Travel Promotion to develop and execute a plan to: (1) provide information to foreign tourists and others interested in traveling to the United States; (2) counter and correct misperceptions regarding U.S. travel policy; (3) maximize the economic and diplomatic benefits of travel to the United States; (4) ensure that international travel to the United States benefits all states and the District of Columbia; and (5) give travel promotion priority to countries and populations most likely to travel to the United States. Requires fiscal accountability and annual audits of the Corporation, as well as an annual report from the Corporation to the Secretary of Commerce and Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Provides matching funds requirements. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to develop and implement a fully automated electronic travel authorization system to collect basic biographical information necessary to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States under the visa waiver program. Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for the system's use. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations that provide a period, not to exceed three years, during which a determination of eligibility to travel under visa waiver program will be valid; and (2) report to Congress on program implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the international travel and tourism industry represented on the Board of Directors of the Corporation, provided such assessment is approved by a majority of industry members in a referendum. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Office of Travel Promotion, headed by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion, to conduct various activities related to the promotion of international travel to the United States. Requires periodic reports from the Under Secretary to the congressional commerce committees. (Sec. 8) Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to require the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries to expand its research and development activities to promote international travel to the United States. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a model ports-of-entry program to provide a more efficient and welcoming international arrival process with respect to business and tourist travel to the United States, while also improving security; and (2) implement the program initially at the 20 U.S. international airports that have the highest number of foreign visitors arriving annually, as determined pursuant to data collected by the United States Customs and Border Protection. Requires the Secretary to employ no fewer than an additional 200 Customs and Border Protection officers to address staff shortages at such airports.

travel promotion act sec establishes nonprofit corporation develop execute plan provide information foreign interested traveling united_states counter correct travel policy maximize economic diplomatic benefits travel united_states ensure international travel united_states benefits states district_of_columbia travel promotion priority countries populations likely travel united_states requires fiscal accountability annual audits corporation annual report corporation secretary commerce congress establishes treasury provides matching funds requirements sec authorizes secretary homeland_security secretary develop implement fully automated electronic travel authorization system collect basic biographical information necessary determine advance travel eligibility alien travel united_states visa waiver program authorizes secretary charge fee system use requires secretary prescribe regulations provide period exceed years determination eligibility travel visa waiver program valid report congress program implementation authorizes appropriations sec authorizes corporation impose annual assessment members international travel tourism industry represented provided assessment approved majority industry members referendum sec establishes headed secretary conduct activities related promotion international travel united_states requires periodic reports secretary congressional commerce committees sec amends international travel act require expand research development activities promote international travel united_states authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary establish model ports entry program provide efficient welcoming international arrival process respect business tourist travel united_states improving security implement program initially international airports highest number foreign visitors arriving annually determined pursuant data collected united_states_customs border protection requires secretary employ fewer additional customs border protection officers address staff shortages airports


Summary: International Travelers Bill of Rights Act of 2009 - Defines "site operator" as an individual or entity that operates a website providing access to international travel services, including an overseas vacation destination or a third party that operates a website offering international travel services. Requires a site operator to provide information in a clear and conspicuous way on its website regarding the health and safety risks of overseas vacation destinations marketed on the site, including the onsite health and safety services available and, if those services are not available 24 hours a day, the hours the services are available, if known. Requires a site operator to: (1) establish a process under which an overseas vacation destination will be suspended from its website as a result of consumer complaints regarding poor medical care, unsafe or unsanitary facilities, or other health-related issues; and (2) make all such complaints publicly available on its website. Allows an operator to modify complaints at the request of the complainant and to remove offensive language and personal identification. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

bill rights act defines site operator individual entity operates website providing access international travel services including overseas vacation destination party operates website offering international travel services requires site operator provide information clear conspicuous way website health safety risks overseas vacation destinations marketed site including onsite health safety services available services available hours day hours services available known requires site operator establish process overseas vacation destination suspended website result consumer complaints poor medical care unsafe facilities health related issues complaints publicly available website allows operator modify complaints request complainant remove offensive language personal identification treats violation unfair deceptive act practice prescribed federal_trade_commission_act


Summary: Protecting Resort Cities from Discrimination Act of 2009 - Prohibits a federal agency from establishing or implementing an internal policy that discourages or prohibits the selection of a travel, event, meeting, or conference location because it is perceived to be a resort or vacation destination.

discrimination act prohibits federal agency establishing implementing internal policy discourages prohibits selection travel event meeting conference location perceived resort vacation destination


Summary: Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program, administered by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, to award grants to eligible entities (such as a Convention and Visitors Bureau or a partnership between a state or local government and a local tourism entity) to promote domestic regional tourism growth and new domestic tourism market creation.

secretary commerce establish competitive grant program administered award grants eligible entities partnership state local government local tourism entity promote domestic regional tourism growth new domestic tourism market creation


Summary: Workforce Housing Opportunity Simplification Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to purchase, service, sell, lend on the security of, and otherwise deal in affordable workforce housing mortgages for one-family residences meeting certain requirements. Exempts such mortgages from any requirements and guidelines of such government sponsored entities (also known as GSEs) that are inconsistent with such authority and with the GSEs' duty under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to serve the market for affordable workforce housing mortgages. Limits the application of this Act to such mortgages in Colorado resort counties (Eagle County, Grand County, and Summit County). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to require the GSEs to develop loan products and flexible underwriting guidelines to facilitate a secondary market for affordable workforce housing mortgages under this Act.

amends federal_national_mortgage_association charter act authorize government_national_mortgage_association ginnie_mae federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac purchase service sell lend security deal affordable workforce housing mortgages family residences meeting certain requirements exempts mortgages requirements guidelines government sponsored entities known gses inconsistent authority gses duty housing_and_community_development_act serve market affordable workforce housing mortgages limits application act mortgages colorado resort counties grand_county amends housing_and_community_development_act require gses develop loan products flexible underwriting guidelines facilitate secondary market affordable workforce housing mortgages act


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the restrictions on the tax deduction for the travel expenses of a taxpayer's spouse, dependent, or other individual accompanying the taxpayer on business travel.

amends internal revenue code repeal restrictions tax deduction travel expenses taxpayer spouse dependent individual accompanying taxpayer business travel


Summary: Travel Promotion Act of 2009 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as an independent nonprofit corporation. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation should not engage in lobbying activities. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, counter and correct misperceptions regarding U.S. entry policy, and promote U.S. travel. Requires the Corporation to develop and maintain a publicly accessible website. Requires the Corporation to establish annual objectives and an annual marketing plan and to submit an annual Corporation activities report to Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund and requires non-federal matching funds. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require (under current law, authorize) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and collect a fee for the use of an electronic data sharing system concerning the admissibility of certain aliens into the United States that will ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and administering such system. Terminates such fee following FY2014. Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the travel and tourism industry represented on the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to establish in the Department of Commerce the Office of Travel Promotion, to be headed by a Director. Requires that the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries expand its research and development activities to promote international travel to the United States. Authorizes appropriations.

travel promotion act establishes corporation travel promotion independent nonprofit corporation makes corporation subject provisions district_of_columbia nonprofit corporation act expresses sense congress corporation engage lobbying activities requires corporation things provide useful information people interested traveling united_states counter correct entry policy promote travel requires corporation develop maintain publicly accessible website requires corporation establish annual objectives annual marketing plan submit annual corporation activities report congress establishes treasury requires non federal matching funds amends immigration_and_nationality_act require current law authorize secretary homeland_security establish collect fee use electronic data sharing system concerning admissibility certain aliens united_states ensure recovery costs providing administering system terminates fee following fy2014 authorizes corporation impose annual assessment members travel tourism industry represented amends international travel act establish headed director requires expand research development activities promote international travel united_states authorizes appropriations


Summary: Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program, administered by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, to award grants to eligible entities (such as state tourism offices, local convention and visitors bureaus, and partnerships between a state or local government and local tourism entities) to promote domestic regional tourism growth and new domestic tourism market creation.

secretary commerce establish competitive grant program administered award grants eligible entities state tourism offices local convention visitors bureaus partnerships state local government local tourism entities promote domestic regional tourism growth new domestic tourism market creation


Summary: International Travelers Bill of Rights Act of 2011 - Requires an individual or entity that operates a website that provides access to international travel services to provide on its website, in a clear and conspicuous way, information regarding the health and safety risks of overseas vacation destinations marketed on the site, including (1) information compiled by the Department of State that includes country-specific travel warnings and alerts; and (2) information on the availability of onsite health and safety services or a disclaimer that such services may not be available and travel may pose an increased risk to health or safety. Requires a site operator to: (1) establish a process under which an overseas vacation destination will be suspended from its website as a result of consumer complaints regarding poor medical care, unsafe or unsanitary facilities, or other health-related issues; and (2) make all such complaints publicly available on its website. Allows an operator to modify complaints at the request of the complainant and to remove offensive language and personal identification information. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

bill rights act requires individual entity operates website provides access international travel services provide website clear conspicuous way information health safety risks overseas vacation destinations marketed site including information compiled department_of_state includes country specific travel warnings alerts information availability onsite health safety services disclaimer services available travel pose increased risk health safety requires site operator establish process overseas vacation destination suspended website result consumer complaints poor medical care unsafe facilities health related issues complaints publicly available website allows operator modify complaints request complainant remove offensive language personal identification information treats violation unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act


Summary: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Secretary of State, during the seven-year period ending on September 30, 2018, to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards to eligible persons, including business leaders and U.S. government officials actively engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business, who are in good standing in an international trusted traveler program of DHS. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to collect a fee for the issuance of such cards that is sufficient to offset the costs associated with carrying out this Act. Establishes in the Treasury an APEC Business Travel Card Account into which such fees shall be deposited.

cards act authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs coordination secretary state seven year period ending september issue asia pacific economic cooperation business travel cards eligible persons including business leaders government officials actively engaged asia-pacific_economic_cooperation apec business good standing international trusted traveler program dhs authorizes dhs secretary collect fee issuance cards sufficient offset costs associated carrying act establishes treasury card account fees shall deposited


Summary: Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act or the VISIT USA Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide qualifying nationals of China (PRC) with a five-year multiple entry/exit visitor visa. Requires such persons to be screened through the automated electronic travel authorization system. Transfers authority to establish and collect the premium fee for employment-based petitions and applications from the Attorney General (DOJ) to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) offer for a fee premium visitor visa processing; (2) develop, subject to security concerns, a pilot program for processing visitor visas using secure remote videoconferencing technology to conduct visa interviews; and (3) decrease nonimmigrant visa application and issuance fees in selected countries when there is a low demand from such countries for visitor visas. Establishes a W (nonimmigrant)-visa for: (1) a Canadian citizen who is older than 50 years of age and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of his or her stay; and (2) such alien's accompanying spouse and children. Makes such visa renewable every three years with a maximum stay of 240 consecutive days in each authorized period. Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions. Establishes an X (nonimmigrant)-visa for: (1) an alien who invests (and maintains) at least $500,000 in U.S. residential real estate, of which at least $250,000 must be for a U.S. primary residence where such person will reside for more than 180 days per year; and (2) such alien's accompanying spouse and children. Makes such visa renewable every three years. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to include in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network individuals who meet security requirements and are employed and sponsored by an international organization which maintains a strong working relationship with the United States.

stimulate international tourism united_states_of_america act visit usa act amends immigration nationality act provide qualifying nationals china prc year multiple entry exit visitor visa requires persons screened automated electronic travel authorization system transfers authority establish collect premium fee employment based petitions applications attorney general doj secretary homeland_security dhs directs secretary state offer fee premium visitor visa processing develop subject security concerns pilot program processing visitor visas secure remote videoconferencing technology conduct visa interviews decrease nonimmigrant visa application issuance fees selected countries low demand countries visitor visas establishes canadian citizen older years age owns residence rented accommodation duration stay alien accompanying spouse children makes visa renewable years maximum stay consecutive days authorized period revises visa waiver program authorize secretary homeland_security designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions establishes alien invests maintains residential real estate primary residence person reside days year alien accompanying spouse children makes visa renewable years amends intelligence_reform_and_terrorism_prevention_act direct secretary homeland_security include individuals meet security requirements employed sponsored international organization maintains strong working relationship united_states


Summary: Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program to promote domestic regional tourism growth and new domestic tourism markets. Limits grant amounts to a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $1 million. Allows such grants to be awarded to state tourism offices, local destination marketing organizations, and partnerships between a state or local government and local tourism entities. Requires matching funds from grant recipients. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on travel-generated expenditures, receipts, and employment related to the use of such grants.

secretary commerce establish competitive grant program promote domestic regional tourism growth new domestic tourism markets limits grant amounts minimum maximum million allows grants awarded state tourism offices local destination marketing organizations partnerships state local government local tourism entities requires matching funds grant recipients directs secretary report annually congress travel generated expenditures receipts employment related use grants


Summary: Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2012 or the JOLT Act of 2012 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish a pilot fee-based premium processing service to expedite visa interview appointments. Authorizes the Secretary to collect and set fee amounts. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 50 years old and spouse for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay. Directs the Secretary to make publicly available each month data for the previous two years regarding visa appointment availability for each visa processing post to allow applicants to identify periods of low demand. Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country, (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate, and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to include in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network individuals who meet security requirements and are employed and sponsored by an international organization which maintains a strong working relationship with the United States. Prohibits enrollment in the Network of a person who is a citizen of a state sponsor of terror as defined in the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010. Directs the Secretary to require U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to: (1) conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously, consistent with national security requirements and in recognition of resource allocation considerations; (2) set a goal of interviewing 80% of all nonimmigrant visa applicants, worldwide, within three weeks of application receipt; and (3) explore expanding visa processing capacity in China and Brazil with the goal of maintaining interview wait times under 15 work days, recognizing that the first priority of U.S. missions abroad is U.S. citizen protection.

jobs originated launching travel act jolt act amends immigration nationality act direct secretary state secretary establish pilot fee based premium processing service expedite visa interview appointments authorizes secretary collect set fee amounts directs secretary homeland_security dhs admit united_states qualifying canadian citizen years old spouse period exceed days person maintains canadian residence owns residence rented accommodation duration stay directs secretary publicly available month data previous years visa appointment availability visa processing post allow applicants identify periods low demand revises visa waiver program authorize secretary homeland_security designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions amends intelligence reform terrorism prevention act direct secretary homeland_security include individuals meet security requirements employed sponsored international organization maintains strong working relationship united_states prohibits enrollment network person citizen state sponsor terror defined comprehensive iran sanctions accountability divestment_act directs secretary require diplomatic consular missions conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously consistent national security requirements recognition resource allocation considerations set goal interviewing nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide weeks application receipt explore expanding visa processing capacity china brazil goal maintaining interview wait times work days recognizing priority missions abroad citizen protection


Summary: Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to restore the exemptions from the payment of customs users for arriving passengers whose journey originated in, or originated in the United States and was limited to, Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands. (Retains the current customs user fee exemptions for arriving passengers whose journey originated in, or originated in the United States and was limited to, a U.S. territory and possession.)

amends consolidated_omnibus_budget reconciliation act restore exemptions payment customs users arriving passengers journey originated originated united_states limited canada mexico adjacent islands retains current customs user fee exemptions arriving passengers journey originated originated united_states limited territory possession


Summary: Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act or the JOLT Act - Authorizes the Secretary of State to modify or enter into agreements with certain countries on a nonreciprocal basis to allow for longer visa validity periods. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to transfer authority to establish and collect the premium fee for employment-based petitions and applications from the Attorney General (DOJ) to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) offer for a fee premium visitor visa processing (absent security concerns, within three business days of visa request); (2) decrease nonimmigrant visa application and issuance fees in selected countries when there is a low demand from such countries for visitor visas; and (3) conduct interviews and review applications within 15 days after an applicant's appointment request, and within one year after enactment of this Act, within 10 days after such request. States that the premium fee shall be sufficient to cover costs for: (1) processing such visas in China, India, and Brazil; and (2) creating mobile units to process applications and conduct interviews in large cities that do not have a U.S. embassy or consulate. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 50 years old and spouse and children, for a period of at least 240 days, if the person owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay. Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to include in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network individuals who meet security requirements and are employed and sponsored by an international organization which maintains a strong working relationship with the United States. Prohibits enrollment in the Network of a person who is a citizen of a state sponsor of terror as defined in the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010.

jobs originated launching travel act jolt act authorizes secretary state modify enter agreements certain countries basis allow longer visa validity periods amends immigration nationality act transfer authority establish collect premium fee employment based petitions applications attorney general doj secretary homeland_security dhs directs secretary state offer fee premium visitor visa processing absent security concerns business days visa request decrease nonimmigrant visa application issuance fees selected countries low demand countries visitor visas conduct interviews review applications days applicant appointment request year enactment act days request states premium fee shall sufficient cover costs processing visas china india brazil creating mobile units process applications conduct interviews large cities embassy consulate directs secretary homeland_security admit united_states qualifying canadian citizen years old spouse children period days person owns residence rented accommodation duration stay revises visa waiver program authorize secretary homeland_security designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions amends intelligence reform terrorism prevention act direct secretary homeland_security include individuals meet security requirements employed sponsored international organization maintains strong working relationship united_states prohibits enrollment network person citizen state sponsor terror defined comprehensive iran sanctions accountability divestment_act


Summary: Protect America's Cities from Government Blacklist Act of 2012 - Prohibits any federal agency or department from establishing or implementing an internal policy regarding travel, event, meeting, or conference locations that discourages or prohibits the selection of a location that is perceived to be a resort or vacation destination.

protect_america cities government act prohibits federal agency department establishing implementing internal policy travel event meeting conference locations discourages prohibits selection location perceived resort vacation destination


Summary: Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2012 or the JOLT Act of 2012 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish a pilot fee-based premium processing service to expedite visa interview appointments. Authorizes the Secretary to collect and set fee amounts. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 50 years old and spouse for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay. Directs the Secretary to make publicly available each month data for the previous two years regarding visa appointment availability for each visa processing post to allow applicants to identify periods of low demand. Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to include in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network individuals who meet security requirements and are employed and sponsored by an international organization which maintains a strong working relationship with the United States. Prohibits enrollment in the Network of a person who is a citizen of a state sponsor of terror as defined in the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010. Directs the Secretary to require U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to: (1) conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously, consistent with national security requirements and in recognition of resource allocation considerations; (2) set a goal of interviewing 80% of all nonimmigrant visa applicants within three weeks of application receipt; and (3) explore expanding visa processing capacity in China and Brazil with the goal of maintaining interview wait times under 15 work days, and in recognition that the first priority of U.S. missions abroad is U.S. citizen protection.

jobs originated launching travel act jolt act amends immigration nationality act direct secretary state secretary establish pilot fee based premium processing service expedite visa interview appointments authorizes secretary collect set fee amounts directs secretary homeland_security dhs admit united_states qualifying canadian citizen years old spouse period exceed days person maintains canadian residence owns residence rented accommodation duration stay directs secretary publicly available month data previous years visa appointment availability visa processing post allow applicants identify periods low demand revises visa waiver program authorize secretary homeland_security designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions amends intelligence reform terrorism prevention act direct secretary homeland_security include individuals meet security requirements employed sponsored international organization maintains strong working relationship united_states prohibits enrollment network person citizen state sponsor terror defined comprehensive iran sanctions accountability divestment_act directs secretary require diplomatic consular missions conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously consistent national security requirements recognition resource allocation considerations set goal interviewing nonimmigrant visa applicants weeks application receipt explore expanding visa processing capacity china brazil goal maintaining interview wait times work days recognition priority missions abroad citizen protection


Summary:
Government Spending Accountability Act of 2013 or the GSA Act of 2013 - Requires each federal agency to post on its public website detailed information on employee presentations at conferences, including: (1) the prepared text of any verbal presentation; and (2) any visual, digital, video, or audio materials presented, including photographs, slides, and audio-visual recordings. Allows a waiver of such requirement for reasons of national security.

Limits to $500,000 the amount that any agency may spend to support a single conference. Allows an agency head to waive such limitation for a specific conference after making a determination that a higher expenditure is justified as the most cost-effective option to achieve a compelling purpose. Requires the agency head to report to the appropriate congressional committees on any waiver granted and the justification for such waiver.

Prohibits an agency from paying the travel expenses for more than 50 employees stationed in the United States to attend any international conference, unless the Secretary of State determines that attendance of such employees is in the national interest, or the agency head determines that attendance for such employees is critical to the agency's mission. Requires the Secretary and the agency head to report to the appropriate congressional committees on any waiver granted and the justification for such waiver.

Requires each agency to post on its public website quarterly reports on each conference that costs more than $10,000 for which the agency paid travel expenses during the preceding 3 months that include:

 itemized expenses, including travel, lodging, meal expenses, and any other agency expenditures to support the conference; the primary sponsor of the conference; the location and date of the conference; an explanation of how participation at the conference by agency employees advanced the mission of the agency; the title of any employee or other individual whose travel or conference expenses were paid by the agency; the total number of individuals whose travel or conference expenses were paid by the agency; and for a conference for which the agency was the primary sponsor, a statement that: (1) describes the cost to the agency of selecting the specific conference venue and why such location was selected, (2) demonstrates the cost efficiency of the location, (3) provides a cost benefit analysis of holding a conference rather than conducting a teleconference, and (4) describes any financial support or assistance from a private entity used to pay or defray the costs of the conference and a certification from the agency head that no conflict of interest resulted from accepting such support or assistance. Limits agency travel expenses for FY2014-FY2018 to 70% of the aggregate amount of such expenses for FY2010. Allows an agency to exclude certain travel expenses from such limitation if the agency head determines that the inclusion of such expenses would undermine national security, international diplomacy, health and safety inspections, law enforcement, or site visits required for oversight or investigatory purposes. Requires agency heads to report to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in each of FY2014-FY2018 on: (1) the justification for any expenses excluded; and (2) the positive or negative impacts, if any, of the limitation on travel expenses on the agency's mission, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and ability to perform core functions.

Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), not later than September 30, 2013, to establish guidelines for determining what expenses constitute travel expenses for purposes of this Act. Exempts from such guidelines military travel expenses.

government spending accountability act gsa act requires federal agency post public website detailed information employee presentations conferences including prepared text verbal presentation visual digital video audio materials presented including photographs audio visual recordings allows waiver requirement reasons national security limits agency spend support single conference allows agency head waive limitation specific conference making determination higher expenditure justified cost effective option achieve compelling purpose requires agency head report appropriate congressional committees waiver granted justification waiver prohibits agency paying travel expenses employees stationed united_states attend international conference secretary state determines attendance employees national interest agency head determines attendance employees critical agency mission requires secretary agency head report appropriate congressional committees waiver granted justification waiver requires agency post public website quarterly reports conference costs agency paid travel expenses preceding months include itemized expenses including travel lodging meal expenses agency expenditures support conference primary sponsor conference location date conference explanation participation conference agency employees advanced mission agency title employee individual travel conference expenses paid agency total number individuals travel conference expenses paid agency conference agency primary sponsor statement describes cost agency selecting specific conference venue location selected demonstrates cost efficiency location provides cost benefit analysis holding conference conducting describes financial support assistance private entity pay defray costs conference certification agency head conflict interest resulted accepting support assistance limits agency travel expenses fy2014-fy2018 aggregate expenses fy2010 allows agency exclude certain travel expenses limitation agency head determines inclusion expenses undermine national security international diplomacy health safety inspections law enforcement site visits required oversight investigatory purposes requires agency heads report house_committee_on_oversight_and_government_reform senate_committee_on_homeland_security governmental_affairs fy2014-fy2018 justification expenses excluded positive negative impacts limitation travel expenses agency mission cost effectiveness efficiency ability perform core functions requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb later september establish guidelines determining expenses constitute travel expenses purposes act exempts guidelines military travel expenses


Summary: Amends the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 to extend permanently the funding for the Corporation for Travel Promotion. (Under current law, such funding terminates at the end of FY2015.)

amends travel promotion act extend permanently funding current law funding terminates end fy2015


Summary:
Promoting Tourism to Enhance our Economy Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit into the United States as a visitor for pleasure a qualifying Canadian citizen over 55 years old and spouse (who is not required to be over 55 years old) for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay.

Requires such visitor also to be not inadmissible or described in any ground of deportability, and requires him or her not to: (1) engage in employment or labor for hire in the United States, or (2) seek any form of assistance or benefit under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

promoting tourism enhance economy act authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs admit united_states visitor pleasure qualifying canadian citizen years old spouse required years old period exceed days person maintains canadian residence owns residence rented accommodation duration stay requires visitor inadmissible described ground deportability requires engage employment labor hire united_states seek form assistance benefit personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act


Summary:
Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA) to revise qualifications requirements for members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Travel Promotion.

(Sec. 3) Revises requirements for the Corporation's annual report to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to require a description of and rationales for: (1) the Corporation's efforts to focus on specific countries and populations; and (2) its combination of media channels employed in meeting the promotional objectives of its marketing campaign, the ratio in which such channels are used, and a justification for such use and ratio.

(Sec. 4) Directs the Corporation and the Secretary (or their designees) to meet biannually to review procedures to determine the fair market value of goods and services received by the Corporation from non-federal sources. Reduces from 80% to 70% the percentage of the fair market value of those goods and services the Corporation may receive from non-federal sources each fiscal year, increasing from 20% to 30% the federal matching rate.

Requires the Secretary, in coordination with the Corporation, to establish formal, publicly available procedures specifying time frames and conditions for: (1) making and agreeing to revisions of the Corporation's in-kind contributions policy; and (2) addressing and resolving disagreements between the Corporation and its partners, including the Secretary, regarding the in-kind contribution policy.

(Sec. 5) Includes U.S. territories among the states and the District of Columbia whose benefit the Corporation's international travel promotion plan must ensure.

Extends the TPA and the Corporation through FY2020.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend through FY2020 also the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to charge a fee for use of the electronic travel authorization system to determine, in advance, an alien's eligibility to travel to the United States.

(Sec. 6) Amends the TPA to lower from $5 million to $500,000 the expenditure threshold in the Corporation's budget for a forthcoming fiscal year in excess of which the Board must give an explanation to the Secretary.

Requires the Corporation to establish performance metrics including, time frames, evaluation methodologies, and data sources for measuring:

 the effectiveness of its marketing efforts, includings its progress in achieving the long-term goals of increased traveler visits to and spending in the United States; whether increases in visitation and spending have occurred in response to external influences, such as economic conditions or exchange rates, rather than in response to the Corporation's efforts; and any cost or benefit to the U.S. economy. Requires the Corporation to: (1) conduct periodic program evaluations in response to the data resulting from these measurements, and (2) report to Congress actions it has taken in response to any recommendations the Government Accountability Office (GAO) might make to it.

Directs the Corporation to: (1) establish a competitive procurement process, and (2) certify in its annual report to Congress that any contracts it has entered into were in compliance with that process.

(Sec. 7) Repeals the Corporation's authority to impose an annual assessment on certain U.S. members of the international travel and tourism industry represented on the Board.

modernization act sec amends travel promotion act revise qualifications requirements members sec revises requirements corporation annual report secretary commerce secretary require description corporation efforts focus specific countries populations combination media channels employed meeting promotional objectives marketing campaign ratio channels justification use ratio sec directs corporation secretary designees meet biannually review procedures determine fair market value goods services received corporation non federal sources reduces percentage fair market value goods services corporation receive non federal sources fiscal year increasing federal matching rate requires secretary coordination corporation establish formal publicly available procedures specifying time frames conditions making agreeing revisions corporation kind contributions policy addressing resolving corporation partners including secretary kind contribution policy sec includes territories states district_of_columbia benefit corporation international travel promotion plan ensure extends corporation fy2020 amends immigration nationality act extend fy2020 authority secretary homeland_security dhs charge fee use electronic travel authorization system determine advance alien eligibility travel united_states sec amends lower million expenditure threshold corporation budget forthcoming fiscal year excess board explanation secretary requires corporation establish performance metrics including time frames evaluation methodologies data sources measuring effectiveness marketing efforts progress achieving long term goals increased traveler visits spending united_states increases visitation spending occurred response external influences economic conditions exchange rates response corporation efforts cost benefit economy requires corporation conduct periodic program evaluations response data resulting measurements report congress actions taken response recommendations government_accountability_office gao directs corporation establish competitive procurement process certify annual report congress contracts entered compliance process sec repeals corporation authority impose annual assessment certain members international travel tourism industry represented board


Summary: Travel Reimbursement for Inactive Duty Training Personnel (TRIP) Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the reserves for transportation expenses incurred in connection with: (1) round-trip travel in excess of 100 miles to an inactive duty training location, regardless of the method of transportation; and (2) round-trip travel of any distance to an inactive duty training location, if such travel requires a commercial method of transportation other than ground transportation. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of the allowance or reimbursement, to use the reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned vehicles by government employees on official business.

travel reimbursement inactive duty training personnel trip act directs secretary military department concerned reimburse member reserves transportation expenses incurred connection round trip travel excess miles inactive duty training location regardless method transportation round trip travel distance inactive duty training location travel requires commercial method transportation ground transportation requires secretary determining allowance reimbursement use reimbursement rate use privately owned vehicles government employees official business