Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020

Highlights

This bill provides FY2020 appropriations for several federal departments and agencies.

It includes 8 of the 12 regular FY2020 appropriations bills:

• the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020;
• the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020;
• the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020;
• the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020;
• the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2020;
• the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020;
• the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020; and
• the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020.

In addition to providing appropriations, the bill includes provisions that extend several expiring programs and address a wide range of policy issues throughout the federal government.

Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020

Full Summary

DIVISION A--DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies.

The division provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for

• the Employment and Training Administration,
• the Employee Benefits Security Administration,
• the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation,
• the Wage and Hour Division,
• the Office of Labor-Management Standards,
• the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs,
• the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs,
• the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
• the Mine Safety and Health Administration,
• the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
• the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and
• Departmental Management.

The division provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for

• the Health Resources and Services Administration,
• the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
• the National Institutes of Health,
• the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
• the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
• the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
• the Administration for Children and Families,
• the Administration for Community Living, and
• the Office of the Secretary.

The division provides appropriations to the Department of Education for

• Education for the Disadvantaged;
• Impact Aid;
• School Improvement Programs;
• Indian Education;
• Innovation and Improvement;
• Safe Schools and Citizenship Education;
• English Language Acquisition;
• Special Education;
• Rehabilitation Services;
• Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities;
• Career, Technical, and Adult Education;
• Student Financial Assistance;
• Student Aid Administration;
• Higher Education;
• Howard University;
• the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program;
• the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account;
• the Institute of Education Sciences; and
• Departmental Management.

The division provides appropriations to related agencies, including

• the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled,
• the Corporation for National and Community Service,
• the Corporation for Public Broadcasting,
• the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service,
• the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission,
• the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
• the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission,
• the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission,
• the National Council on Disability,
• the National Labor Relations Board,
• the National Mediation Board,
• the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission,
• the Railroad Retirement Board, and
• the Social Security Administration.

DIVISION B--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies.

The division provides appropriations to USDA for agricultural programs, including

• the Office of the Secretary,
• Executive Operations,
• the Office of Civil Rights,
• Agriculture Buildings and Facilities,
• Hazardous Materials Management,
• the Economic Research Service,
• the National Agricultural Statistics Service,
• the Agricultural Research Service,
• the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
• the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
• the Agricultural Marketing Service, and
• the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The division also provides appropriations to USDA for farm production and conservation programs, including

• the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center,
• the Farm Service Agency,
• the Risk Management Agency, and
• the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

In addition, the division provides appropriations to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.

For USDA Rural Development programs, the division includes appropriations for

• Rural Development Salaries and Expenses,
• the Rural Housing Service,
• the Rural Business--Cooperative Service, and
• the Rural Utilities Service.

The division provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for

• Child Nutrition Programs;
• the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
• the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
• the Commodity Assistance Program; and
• Nutrition Programs Administration.

The division provides appropriations to the Foreign Agricultural Service for (1) Food for Peace Title II Grants, and (2) McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants.

The division also provides appropriations for

• the Food and Drug Administration,
• the Farm Credit Administration, and
• the Commodity Futures Trading Commission

DIVISION C--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and independent agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The division provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for

• Investigations,
• Construction,
• Mississippi River and Tributaries,
• Operation and Maintenance,
• the Regulatory Program,
• the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program,
• Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies,
• Expenses, and
• the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

The division provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The division provides appropriations to DOE for energy programs, including

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy;
• Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response;
• Electricity;
• Nuclear Energy;
• Fossil Energy Research and Development;
• Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves;
• the Strategic Petroleum Reserve;
• the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve;
• the Energy Information Administration;
• Nondefense Environmental Cleanup;
• the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund;
• Science;
• the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy;
• the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program;
• the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program;
• the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program;
• the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs;
• Departmental Administration; and
• the Office of the Inspector General.

The division also provides appropriations to DOE for

• the National Nuclear Security Administration,
• Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and
• the Power Marketing Administrations.

The division provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including

• the Appalachian Regional Commission,
• the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board,
• the Delta Regional Authority,
• the Denali Commission,
• the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
• the Northern Border Regional Commission,
• the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission,
• the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and
• the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board.

DIVISION D--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies.

The division provides appropriations to Interior for

• the Bureau of Land Management,
• the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
• the National Park Service,
• the U.S. Geological Survey,
• the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,
• the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement,
• the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
• the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
• the Bureau of Indian Education, and
• Departmental Offices.

The division also provides appropriations to Interior for Department-Wide Programs, including

• Wildland Fire Management,
• the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund, and
• the Central Hazardous Materials Fund.

The division provides appropriations to the EPA for

• Science and Technology,
• Environmental Programs and Management,
• the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund,
• the Office of Inspector General,
• Buildings and Facilities,
• Hazardous Substance Superfund,
• the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program,
• Inland Oil Spill Programs,
• State and Tribal Assistance Grants, and
• the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account.

Within the Department of Agriculture, the division provides appropriations to the Forest Service for

• Forest and Rangeland Research;
• State and Private Forestry;
• the National Forest System;
• Capital Improvement and Maintenance;
• Land Acquisition;
• the Range Betterment Fund;
• Gifts, Donations and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research;
• the Management of National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses;
• Wildland Fire Management; and
• the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund.

Within the Department of Health and Human Services, the division provides appropriations for

• the Indian Health Service,
• the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and
• the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The division provides appropriations to several related agencies, including

• the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality,
• the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board,
• the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation,
• the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development,
• the Smithsonian Institution,
• the National Gallery of Art,
• the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,
• the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars,
• the National Endowment for the Arts,
• the National Endowment for the Humanities,
• the Commission of Fine Arts,
• the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
• the National Capital Planning Commission,
• the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum,
• the Presidio Trust,
• the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission,
• Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission,
• the World War I Centennial Commission, and
• the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children.

DIVISION E--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations for the legislative branch, including the House of Representatives, the Senate, and joint items such as

• the Joint Economic Committee,
• the Joint Committee on Taxation,
• the Office of the Attending Physician, and
• the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services.

In addition, the division provides FY2020 appropriations for

• the Capitol Police;
• the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights;
• the Congressional Budget Office;
• the Architect of the Capitol;
• the Library of Congress, including the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office;
• the Government Publishing Office;
• the Government Accountability Office;
• the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund; and
• the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development.

DIVISION F--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies.

The division provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military construction for

• the Army;
• the Navy and Marine Corps;
• the Air Force;
• Defense-wide agencies and activities;
• the Army and Air National Guard; and
• the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves.

The division also provides appropriations to DOD for

• the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program;
• the Base Closure Account;
• Family Housing for the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities;
• the Family Housing Improvement Fund; and
• the Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund.

Within the VA budget, the division provides appropriations for

• the Veterans Benefits Administration,
• the Veterans Health Administration,
• the National Cemetery Administration, and
• Departmental Administration.

The division provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including

• the American Battle Monuments Commission,
• the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims,
• Cemeterial Expenses of the Army, and
• the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

The division also provides appropriations to specified DOD military construction accounts for (1) Overseas Contingency Operations, and (2) expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Michael and Florence, flooding, and earthquakes.

DIVISION G--DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs.

The division provides appropriations to the State Department for

• Administration of Foreign Affairs,
• International Organizations, and
• International Commissions.

The division provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including

• the U.S. Agency for Global Media,
• the Asia Foundation,
• the U.S. Institute of Peace,
• the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund,
• the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program,
• the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program,
• the East-West Center, and
• the National Endowment for Democracy.

The division provides appropriations for other commissions, including

• the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad,
• the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom,
• the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe,
• the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China, and
• the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

The division provides appropriations to

• the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
• the State Department and the President for international security assistance, and
• the President and International Financial Institutions for multilateral assistance.

The division provides appropriations for bilateral economic assistance, including programs and activities conducted by

• the President;
• the State Department;
• Independent Agencies, including the Peace Corps, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Inter-American Foundation, and the U.S. African Development Foundation; and
• the Department of the Treasury.

The division provides appropriations for export and investment assistance to

• the Export-Import Bank of the United States,
• the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and
• the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

DIVISION H--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

This division provides FY2020 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies.

The division provides appropriations to DOT for

• the Office of the Secretary,
• the Federal Aviation Administration,
• the Federal Highway Administration,
• the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
• the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
• the Federal Railroad Administration,
• the Federal Transit Administration,
• the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation,
• the Maritime Administration,
• the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and
• the Office of Inspector General.

The division provides appropriations to HUD for

• Management and Administration,
• Public and Indian Housing,
• Community Planning and Development,
• Housing Programs,
• the Federal Housing Administration,
• the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae),
• Policy Development and Research,
• Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity,
• the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes,
• the Information Technology Fund, and
• the Office of Inspector General.

The division also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including

• the Access Board,
• the Federal Maritime Commission,
• the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Office of Inspector General,
• the National Transportation Safety Board,
• the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation,
• the Surface Transportation Board, and
• the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

DIVISION I--EXTENSIONS

TITLE I--IMMIGRATION EXTENSIONS

(Sec. 101) This section extends through FY2020 the authorization for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify Program. (E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.)

(Sec. 102) This section extends through FY2020 the special immigrant program for non-minister religious workers. (The program allows non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations to immigrate to or adjust status in the United States. for the purpose of performing religious work in a full-time compensated position.)

(Sec. 103) This section extends through FY2020 the authority under the Conrad 30 waiver program to waive the two-year home country physical presence requirement for foreign doctors with expiring J-1 visas who apply to remain in the United States and commit to working in medically underserved areas.

(Sec. 104) This section extends the EB-5 Regional Center program through FY2020. (EB-5 visas provide permanent resident status to qualified alien investors. A regional center allows EB-5 aliens to pool investments to meet various investment and job creation requirements.)

(Sec. 105) This section authorizes DHS to increase the numerical limitation on the number of aliens that that are permitted to enter the United States under the H-2B visa program for temporary nonagricultural labor. It also specifies that the limit may not exceed the highest number of H-2B nonimmigrants who participated in the H-2B returning worker program in any year in which returning workers were exempt from the numerical limitation.

TITLE II--NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION

This title extends the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2020.

TITLE III--SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SELF-DETERMINATION EXTENSION

This title extends the Secure Rural Schools Program for two years. (The program provides payments to counties that contain national forests and other eligible federal land.)

TITLE IV--EXPORT-IMPORT BANK EXTENSION

(Sec. 401) This title reauthorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank through 2026 and otherwise modifies its operations.

(Sec. 402) The title requires the bank to neutralize Chinese export subsidies by establishing a program to provide competitive financing. To accomplish this, the bank must set a goal of reserving 20% of its exposure limit to support U.S. exports that (1) compete directly with exports from China, or (2) are of certain advanced or innovative technologies.

(Sec. 403) The title declares it to be U.S. policy to educate small businesses about how to export goods using the bank.

(Sec. 404) The title raises by 5% the minimum percentage of the bank's exposure limit the bank must use to support small businesses.

(Sec. 406) The bank must deny an application for assistance if the end user, borrower, lender, or exporter has been convicted of fraud or corruption in connection with an application for support from the bank in the previous five years.

(Sec. 407) The bank must set a goal of reserving at least 5% of its exposure limit to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technology exports.

(Sec. 408) The bank must report to Congress that it has consulted with the Department of State to assess any risks to the United States posed by a transaction greater than $25 million for which the end user, lender, or obligor is the government of China.

(Sec. 409) In the event that the bank's board of directors does not have a quorum for more than 120 consecutive days, the title provides for the establishment of a temporary board to approve transactions over a specified amount.

TITLE V--TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION

Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019

(Sec. 502) This section reauthorizes through 2027 the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program within the Department of the Treasury.

(Sec. 503) This section establishes new reporting requirements regarding the program. Specifically, (1) Treasury must report on the availability and affordability of terrorism risk insurance, including for places of worship; and (2) the Government Accountability Office must report on vulnerabilities, costs, and insurance coverage related to cyberterrorism.

TITLE VI--NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION

NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2019

This title extends through 2021 NASA's enhanced use lease authority. Under the authority, NASA may lease non-excess, underutilized property to certain entities (e.g., other federal agencies, state or local governments, or private entities) and use the proceeds for capital improvement projects.

TITLE VII--INKSNA EXTENSION

This title extends a waiver of provisions in the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act to permit NASA to make certain payments to Russia for goods and services related to the International Space Station (e.g. allowing U.S. astronauts to fly on Russian launch vehicles.)

TITLE VIII--BRAND USA EXTENSION

Brand USA Extension Act

This title extends funding for Brand USA (formally known as the Corporation for Travel Promotion) through FY2027, raises the fee for using the electronic system for travel authorization, and otherwise modifies the duties and powers of Brand USA. (Brand USA is an organization that promotes international travel to the United States.)

TITLE IX--DC OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP EXTENSIONS

This title reauthorizes the District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program through FY2023. (The program provides scholarships for low-income students to attend participating private elementary or secondary schools.)

TITLE X--BUDGETARY EFFECTS

This title exempts the budgetary effects of this division and each succeeding division from (1) the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), (2) the Senate PAYGO rule, and (3) certain budget scorekeeping rules.

DIVISION J--FOREIGN POLICY

TITLE I--VENEZUELA ASSISTANCE

Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance, and Development Act of 2019 or the VERDAD Act of 2019

This title directs the President to take various actions addressing the political situation in Venezuela. (The United States does not recognize Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's President due to reports of widespread fraud during his election, recognizing instead National Assembly President Juan Guaido as Interim President of Venezuela.)

Subtitle A--Support for the Interim President of Venezuela and Recognition of the Venezuelan National Assembly

(Sec. 112) This title states that it is U.S. policy to recognize Venezuela's democratically elected National Assembly as the country's only legitimate national legislative body. The Department of State shall prioritize providing technical assistance to support the National Assembly.

Subtitle B--Humanitarian Relief for Venezuela

(Sec. 121) The State Department shall provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Venezuela and countries hosting Venezuelan nationals. Such assistance shall include public health commodities and services, food commodities, and technical assistance. The State Department shall report to Congress an update to the existing Venezuelan humanitarian assistance strategy.

Humanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019

(Sec. 123) The State Department shall report to Congress an evaluation on the delivery and coordination of humanitarian assistance to the people of Venezuela since the humanitarian crisis.

Subtitle C--Addressing Regime Cohesion

(Sec. 131) The State Department shall brief Congress on the declining cohesion of the Venezuelan military and security forces and the Maduro regime, including the factors that would further undermine the loyalty of senior regime officials.

(Sec. 132) The State Department shall impose visa-blocking and revocation restrictions on foreign persons determined to be (1) current or former senior Maduro regime officials who are knowingly responsible for certain activities that significantly undermine the integrity of the National Assembly or the National Assembly President, (2) the spouses or adult children of such officials, or (3) the spouses or adult children of Venezuelan persons subject to certain existing sanctions.

(Sec. 133) A person subject to certain existing Venezuela-related sanctions shall no longer be subject to such sanctions if the person recognizes and pledges support for the Interim President or a subsequent democratically elected government.

Subtitle D--Restoring Democracy and Addressing the Political Crisis in Venezuela

(Sec. 142) The State Department shall report to Congress on possible crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations by the Maduro regime and the options for holding the perpetrators accountable.

(Sec. 143) The State Department shall work with (1) the Organization of American States to ensure credible international observations of future elections in Venezuela; and (2) nongovernmental organizations to strengthen Venezuela's democratic institutions, internationally recognized human rights, and independent media.

Subtitle E--Supporting the Reconstruction of Venezuela

(Sec. 151) The President shall advance a coordinated effort to track down assets illicitly taken from Venezuela's people and institutions. The President shall also work with foreign governments to (1) share financial investigations intelligence, (2) block such illicitly-acquired assets, and (3) provide technical assistance to carry out asset forfeitures.

Subtitle F--Restoring the Rule of Law in Venezuela

(Sec. 161) The State Department shall (1) offer technical assistance to help Latin American and Caribbean governments impose targeted sanctions against certain Maduro regime officials, (2) diplomatically engage with countries to impose targeted sanctions, and (3) report to Congress a strategy for carrying out such activities.

(Sec. 162) The State Department shall brief Congress on the involvement of senior Maduro regime officials in illicit narcotics trafficking and significant acts of corruption in Venezuela.

(Sec. 163) The President shall (1) take all necessary steps to prevent Rosneft, a Russia state-owned oil company, from gaining control of critical U.S. energy infrastructure; and (2) report to Congress on the national security risks posed by the possible Russian acquisition of CITGO, which holds such infrastructure. (Rosneft has extended a loan to Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. [PdVSA]; a default on that loan could result in Rosneft taking control of PdVSA's assets, including its U.S. subsidiary CITGO.)

(Sec. 164) The State Department shall brief Congress on (1) the extent of cooperation between Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran with the Maduro regime; and (2) the activities of foreign armed groups and terrorist groups in Venezuela.

Russian-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act

(Sec. 165) The State Department shall report to Congress on the threats posed by Russian-Venezuelan security cooperation and a strategy to counter such threats. Any alien that has acted on behalf of Russia to support the Maduro regime's security forces shall be subject to visa-blocking and revocation sanctions.

Venezuela Arms Restriction Act

(Sec. 166) This section prohibits the export of certain defense articles and services from the United States to the Maduro regime's security forces. The State Department shall report to Congress on instances where such defense articles and services have been transferred to Venezuelan security forces without proper authorization since July 2017.

Subtitle G--Cryptocurrency and Ensuring the Effectiveness of United States Sanctions

(Sec. 171) The State Department and the Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress a methodology to assess how digital currency issued on behalf of the Maduro regime is being used to circumvent U.S. sanctions.

Subtitle H--Miscellaneous Provisions

(Sec. 183) This section extends to December 31, 2023, certain-property blocking sanctions against foreign persons responsible for serious acts of violence or human rights abuses in Venezuela.

TITLE II--EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SECURITY AND ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019

(Sec. 204) The State Department may enter into cooperative agreements on energy matters between the United States and Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.

The Department of Energy may establish a joint U.S.-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center in the United States to further dialogue and academic cooperation in energy innovation technology, water science, and technology transfer.

(Sec. 205) An existing ban on transferring defense articles and services on the U.S. Munitions List to Cyprus is modified to allow for such transfers if Cyprus is the end user of the articles or services.

The State Department shall not deny exports, re-exports or transfers of defense articles and services to or from Cyprus if the request is made by or on behalf of Cyprus and if Cyprus is the end user. However, the State Department may deny such transfers based on credible human rights concerns.

The U.S. policy to deny exports, reexports, or transfers of defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List to Cyprus shall remain in place unless the President certifies to Congress that Cyprus is (1) cooperating with U.S. efforts to reform financial regulatory oversight, and (2) taking the steps necessary to deny Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.

(Sec. 206) International Military Education and Training assistance is authorized for Greece and Cyprus for FY2020-FY2022, and assistance to help Greece meet its commitments as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member is authorized for FY2021.

(Sec. 208) The State Department shall report to Congress on (1) a strategy for enhancing security and energy cooperation with Eastern Mediterranean countries; (2) malign Russian influence in Cyprus, Greece, and Israel; (3) interference by other countries on Cyprus's efforts to exploit natural resources in its exclusive economic zone; and (4) violations of Greece's airspace.

TITLE III--END NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES ACT

End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act

(Sec. 302) This section states that it is U.S. policy to support a broad range of activities that work toward finding cost-effective treatment for, and achieving the elimination of, neglected tropical diseases to improve the economic and social well-being of all people.

Neglected tropical diseases are those that disproportionately impact individuals living in extreme poverty, including Chagas disease and dengue fever.

TITLE IV--PREVENTING CHILD MARRIAGE IN DISPLACED POPULATIONS

Preventing Child Marriage in Displaced Populations Act

(Sec. 403) The President shall, through the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.), push for the U.N. to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the problem of child marriage in U.N.-administered refugee settlements. The strategy shall include a mandate to collect and report data on suspected child marriages, protocols for preventing child marriages, and programs to support and rehabilitate victims of such marriages.

The Permanent Representative shall also advocate for the U.N. to (1) examine the relationship between child marriage and violence against girls in all of its research into child marriage, and (2) adopt a standard definition of child marriage.

TITLE V--GLOBAL FRAGILITY

Global Fragility Act of 2019

(Sec. 504) The President shall implement and report to Congress on a 10-year Global Fragility Strategy to (1) help stabilize conflict-affected areas, (2) address global fragility, and (3) increase U.S. capacity to lead international efforts to prevent extremism and violent conflict. The strategy shall (1) focus on the long-term causes of fragility; (2) include specific objectives and approaches to reduce such causes; and (3) contain a selection of priority countries and regions based on various factors, including U.S. national security interests.

(Sec. 507) The President shall report to Congress and implement action plans for the priority countries and regions.

(Sec. 509) This section establishes the Prevention and Stabilization Fund to replace the Relief and Recovery Fund. The new fund shall support stabilization of conflict-affected areas and assist areas liberated from or at risk from various terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This section also establishes the Complex Crises Fund to prevent or respond to emerging and unforeseen events overseas.

TITLE VI--COMBATING WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING

Rescuing Animals With Rewards Act of 2019 or the RAWR Act

(Sec. 603) This section modifies the State Department rewards program to authorize rewards to individuals who furnish information that assists in the prevention or identification of crimes related to wildlife trafficking.

TITLE VII--CHAMPIONING AMERICAN BUSINESS THROUGH DIPLOMACY

Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019

(Sec. 703) This title establishes within the State Department an Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Matters and establishes that a principal duty of a diplomatic mission to a foreign country is the promotion of U.S. economic and commercial interests in that country.

The Assistant Secretary shall be responsible for matters relating to international economics and business matters in foreign policy.

(Sec. 705) The State Department shall train various Foreign Service officers, as part of their standard training, on matters including economic and commercial diplomacy.

(Sec. 706) This section calls for various reports to Congress, including (1) a State Department report about each mission's activities to promote U.S. economic and business interests; and (2) a State Department and Department of Commerce report on commercial relations with foreign countries, including information on each country or region's political environment and investment climate.

(Sec. 708) The State Department shall have primary responsibility for coordinating a whole-of-government effort to expand efforts to support U.S. economic and business efforts abroad. The President shall establish the interagency Economic Diplomacy Action Group to carry out various responsibilities relating to such efforts.

(Sec. 709) Embassy mission teams shall (1) consult with private-sector representatives on trade expansion initiatives, and (2) designate a point of contact within the embassy for private-sector representatives.

TITLE VIII--UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REAUTHORIZATION

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2019

(Sec. 802) The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is extended to September 30, 2022.

(Sec. 803) The commission shall regularly track the implementation of the commission's recommendations related to violations of religious freedom and the effectiveness of implemented recommendations in advancing religious freedom internationally.

This title also makes various changes to provisions related to the commission's composition, authority, and personnel matters.

(Sec. 806) Commission members and staff may not accept payment from nonfederal sources for official commission travel. Commission members must annually report to Congress about their international travel that was paid for by a person or entity other than the commission member, a relative, or the federal government.

(Sec. 809) The commission must comply with certain recordkeeping requirements and shall use commission email accounts when conducting any official commission business.

TITLE IX--OTHER MATTERS

(Sec. 901) The State Department may pay additional monetary benefits for a State Department employee receiving compensation for a disability resulting from certain work-related injuries while stationed in Cuba, China, or another designated country. The State Department may pay the costs of treating certain injuries sustained by a State Department employee or affiliated individual while stationed in Cuba, China, or another designated country, or injuries sustained by a dependent of such an employee or individual.

(Sec. 902) The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall declassify all information related to whether Saudi Arabia assisted its nationals in leaving the United States while awaiting trial or sentencing in a criminal case.

Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act of 2019

(Sec. 903) The State Department shall develop a process to facilitate the resolution of (1) civil actions brought by a U.S. national against the Palestinian Authority or Palestine Liberation Organization for an act of international terrorism, and (2) such actions that were dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction. As part of this process, the State Department shall (1) make every effort to meet with the representatives of all relevant parties, and (2) annually report to Congress about its activities.

(Sec. 904) This section authorizes the transfer of funds to the Department of Treasury Debt Restructuring account for the purpose of selling, reducing, or cancelling debts owed by Somalia to the United States, subject to certain conditions. Before obligating such funds, the State Department shall report to Congress on specified information, including the outcome of the Paris Club meeting on cancelling Somalia's debt.

DIVISION K--NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM COMMEMORATIVE COIN

National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act

This title directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins that are emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Museum in the District of Columbia and the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the history of the United States.

Treasury may issue such coins only during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2021.

All sales of such coins shall include specified surcharges, which shall be distributed to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.

DIVISION L--DHS CYBER HUNT AND INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAMS

DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act of 2019

This title requires the Department of Homeland Security National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to maintain cyber hunt and incident response teams to lead federal asset response activities and provide technical assistance to federal and nonfederal entities regarding actual or potential cybersecurity incidents.

DIVISION M--BIPARTISAN AMERICAN MINERS

Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019

This division transfers certain funds to provide pension and health benefits for retired coal miners who have been affected by issues such as coal company bankruptcies.

The Department of the Treasury must transfer additional funds to the 1974 United Mine Workers of America Pension Plan to pay pension benefits required under that plan if the annual limit on transfers exceeds the amount required to be transferred for existing obligations of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. The division also increases the annual limit on transfers from $490 million to $750 million.

The division also adds miners affected by 2018 and 2019 coal company bankruptcies to the group whose retiree health benefits are taken into account in determining the amount that Treasury must transfer under current law to the Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan. The cost of administering dispute resolutions of the plan must also be taken into account when determining this amount.

Additionally, the division allows in-service distributions under a pension plan or governmental section 457(b) plan at age 59-1/2. The distributions are currently permitted at age 62 for pension plans and at age 70-1/2 for governmental section 457(b) plans.

DIVISION N--HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES EXTENDERS

TITLE I--HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES EXTENDERS

Subtitle A--Medicare Provisions

(Sec. 102) This subtitle extends funding for certain Medicare quality-measurement activities.

(Sec. 103) The subtitle also extends funding for state health-insurance programs, area agencies on aging, aging and disability resource centers, and technical assistance related to outreach and enrollment.

(Sec. 104) The subtitle extends through FY2029 (1) the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund, which supports comparative clinical effectiveness research and related efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and disseminate such research; and (2) the Comparative Effectiveness Research Fee, which supports the fund and applies to specified health insurance policies and self-insured plans.

(Sec. 106) Specified wheelchairs and associated accessories are excluded from Medicare's competitive acquisition program (in which rates are set through a competitive bidding program rather than by an established fee schedule).

(Sec. 107) The subtitle extends pass-through payment status for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals under Medicare.

Subtitle B--Medicaid Provisions

(Sec. 201) This subtitle extends the Medicaid demonstration program for certified community behavioral health clinics.

(Sec. 202) The subtitle also makes a series of changes relating to Medicaid funding for U.S. territories, including by (1) establishing a specific funding cap through FY2021, (2) establishing program integrity measures and reporting requirements relating to the use of funds, and (3) reducing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., the federal matching rate) through FY2021.

(Sec. 203) The subtitle delays certain reductions to Medicaid disproportionate-share hospital allotments.

(Sec. 204) Additionally, the subtitle extends the applicability of Medicaid eligibility criteria that protect against spousal impoverishment for recipients of home- and community-based services.

(Sec. 205) The subtitle also extends the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Program. (Under this program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may award grants to state Medicaid programs to assist states in increasing the use of home and community care for long-term care and decreasing the use of institutional care.)

Subtitle C--Human Services and Other Health Programs

(Sec. 301) This subtitle extends demonstration projects addressing health-professions workforce needs.

(Sec. 302) The subtitle also extends Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program grants to states and related assistance grants to U.S. territories.

(Sec. 303) Additionally, the subtitle extends funding for sexual-risk avoidance education.

(Sec. 304) The subtitle also extends funding for personal-responsibility education.

Subtitle D--Public Health Provisions

(Sec. 401) This subtitle extends (1) the Community Health Center Fund, which provides enhanced funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps; and (2) payments to teaching health centers that operate graduate medical education programs.

(Sec. 402) The subtitle also extends the Special Diabetes Program, which is administered by the National Institutes of Health, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, which is administered by the Indian Health Service.

(Sec. 403) The subtitle also modifies and reauthorizes through FY2024 the national poison center network program. Specifically, the subtitle allows the use of other communication technologies (in addition to the national toll-free number) to access poison control centers and requires the program to include toxic exposure (in addition to poisoning) in nationwide media campaigns. Further, the subtitle modifies the waiver limitations for poison control center accreditation.

Kay Hagan Tick Act

(Sec. 404) HHS must develop a national strategy to address, and coordinate the federal response to, tick- and vector-borne diseases. The office must support research initiatives, tick- and disease-surveillance programs, and diagnostic-testing development, among other activities.

HHS must also award grants to support the establishment of regional centers of excellence in tick- and vector-borne diseases. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may form cooperative agreements with state, local, and tribal health departments to address such diseases.

Subtitle E--Revenue Provisions

(Sec. 501) This subtitle repeals the excise tax on the sale of a medical device by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.

(Sec. 502) The subtitle also repeals the annual fee on health insurers.

(Sec. 503) Finally, the subtitle repeals the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).

Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions

(Sec. 602) This subtitle (1) delays until FY2024 specified evidentiary standards for states to qualify for federal reimbursement of certain foster care prevention programs, (2) provides specified funds for states to implement such programs, and (3) provides additional specified funds to reduce transitional costs for states with expiring child welfare demonstration projects.

(Sec. 603) The subtitle also raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must publish final, updated regulations within 180 days of the date of enactment of this bill; the regulations must take full effect within 90 days of publication.

(Sec. 604) Additionally, the subtitle modifies certain requirements under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program relating to the sale of tobacco products (commonly known as the Synar Amendment) to reflect the revised minimum purchase age of 21. (The Synar Amendment requires states, as a condition of grant funding, to enforce a minimum purchase age of 18.) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must update corresponding regulations and guidance within 180 days of enactment of this bill.

(Sec. 606) The subtitle excludes biological products that were initially licensed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (e.g., insulin) from the exclusivity protections that delay the licensure of biosimilar products under the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act). (The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 generally requires that biological products approved under the FD&C Act are treated as though they were approved under the PHS Act through March 23, 2020.)

(Sec. 607) In addition, the FDA must continue to review (after March 23, 2020) applications for biological products that were filed on or before March 23, 2019 under the FD&C Act; approved applications are also considered approved under the PHS Act.

(Sec. 610) Finally, the developer of a drug or biological product may bring a civil action against the license holder of an approved drug or biological product if the holder has declined to make available sufficient quantities of the approved drug or product for the developer's testing.

DIVISION O--SETTING EVERY COMMUNITY UP FOR RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT

Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019

TITLE I--EXPANDING AND PRESERVING RETIREMENT SAVINGS

(Sec. 101) This title revises requirements for multiple employer pension plans and pooled employer plans. It provides that failure of one employer in a multiple employer retirement plan to meet plan requirements will not cause all plans to fail and that assets in the failed plan will be transferred to another plan. It also establishes pooled employer plans that do not require a common characteristic.

(Sec. 102) The cap for automatic contributions to pension plans is increased from 10% to 15% of employee compensation, beginning after 2019.

(Sec. 103) The title limits the annual safe harbor notice to matching contribution plans and permits amendments to nonelective status at any time before the 30th day before the close of the plan year. Amendments may be made after that date if the amendment provides for a nonelective contribution of at least 4% of compensation for all eligible employees and the plan is amended no later than the last day for distributing excess contributions for the plan year.

(Sec. 104) The tax credit for small employer pension plan startup costs is increased.

(Sec. 105) A new three-year tax credit for small employers for startup costs for new pension plans is created that includes automatic enrollment.

(Sec. 106) Stipends and non-tuition fellowships are treated as compensation for purposes of the retirement savings tax deduction.

(Sec. 107) The prohibition on contributions to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) by an individual who has reached age 70-1/2 is repealed.

(Sec. 108) Distribution of plan loans through credit cards or similar arrangements is prohibited.

(Sec. 109) The title permits certain tax-preferred pension plans to make a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to another employer plan or IRA of lifetime income investments in the form of a qualified plan distribution annuity, if a lifetime income investment is no longer allowed as an investment option in a plan.

(Sec. 110) Treasury must issue guidance on the treatment of custodial accounts on the termination of Section 403(b) Plans.

(Sec. 111) The title (1) specifies those individuals who may be covered by pension plans maintained by church-controlled organizations, (2) allows certain long-term employees who work at least 500 hours in 3 consecutive 12-month periods and have reached age 21 to participate in qualified cash or deferred arrangements, and (3) permits penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans for expenses related to the birth of a child or adoption.

(Sec. 114) Mandatory distributions from retirement plans is increased from age 70-1/2 to 72.

(Sec. 115) The title sets forth rules for reducing the annual contributions of community newspapers to their employee pension plans.

(Sec. 116) The title treats difficulty of care payments to health care workers as earned income for retirement plan purposes.

TITLE II--ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS

(Sec. 201) This title (1) allows employers to treat retirement plans adopted before the due date of the tax return as adopted as of the last day of the taxable year, (2) requires the filing of a consolidated Form 5500 for similar retirement plans, (3) requires benefit statements provided to defined contribution plan participants to include a lifetime income disclosure at least once during any 12-month period, (4) provides a safe harbor for fiduciaries in the selection of an insurer for a guaranteed retirement income contract, (5) modifies pension plan nondiscrimination rules with respect to closed plans to permit existing participants to continue to accrue benefits, and (6) reduces Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premium rates for Cooperative and Small Employer Charity (CSEC) plans for plan years beginning after 2018.

TITLE III--OTHER BENEFITS

(Sec. 301) This title (1) reinstates for one year and increases the exclusion from gross income for benefits paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders; and (2) expands 529 education savings accounts to cover costs associated with registered apprenticeships, student loan repayments, and certain costs associated with elementary and secondary education.

TITLE IV--REVENUE PROVISIONS

(Sec. 401) This title modifies required minimum distribution rules with respect to defined contribution plans and IRA balances upon the death of the account holder. All distributions must be made by the end of the 10th year after death, except for distributions made to certain eligible designated beneficiaries.

(Sec. 402) The penalty for failure to file certain tax returns and retirement plan returns is increased.

(Sec. 404) The Internal Revenue Service may share returns and return information with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administer and collect the heavy vehicle use tax.

TITLE V--TAX RELIEF FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN

(Sec. 501) This title eliminates the taxation of the unearned income of children at rates applicable to trusts and estates. Such income would be taxed at the parents' marginal tax rates.

TITLE VI--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(Sec. 601) This title sets forth rules and conditions for amendments to retirement plans or annuities.

DIVISION P--OTHER MATTER

TITLE I--PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM

Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act

(Sec. 104) This title extends through FY2033 the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, which is a cooperative agreement among Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Department of the Interior. The cooperative agreement aims to recover the threatened piping plover and the endangered whooping crane, interior least tern, and pallid sturgeon in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin.

TITLE II--GREAT LAKES

(Sec. 201) This title authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor, assess, and research the binational fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin, including through a multi-lake, freshwater fisheries science program.

TITLE III--MORRIS K. UDALL AND STEWART L. UDALL FOUNDATION

(Sec. 303) This title revises provisions concerning the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. Specifically, the title reauthorizes through FY2023 the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (currently known as the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution).

TITLE IV--WHITE HORSE HILL NATIONAL GAME PRESERVE

White Horse Hill National Game Preserve Designation Act

(Sec. 402) This title redesignates the Sullys Hill National Game Preserve in North Dakota as the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve.

TITLE V--PITTMAN-ROBERTSON FUND

Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act

(Sec. 501) Amounts apportioned to the states from taxes on pistols, revolvers, bows, and arrows may be used for hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment.

The funds apportioned to a state for wildlife restoration management may be used for related public relations.

Firearm and bow hunter education and safety program grants may be used for hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment.

Each fiscal year, up to $5 million of the revenues covered into the wildlife restoration fund from any tax imposed on the sale of certain bows, arrows, and archery equipment shall be available to the Department of the Interior exclusively for making grants that promote a national hunting and shooting sport recruitment program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must study the effects of the funds made available for such grants on the funds that are available for wildlife conservation.

TITLE VI--JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER

John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2019

(Sec. 602) This section reauthorizes funding for FY2020-FY2024 for maintenance, repair, security, and capital projects for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the District of Columbia.

(Sec. 603) This section directs that a plaque be placed within the Kennedy Center that contains an inscription to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the National Cultural Center Act by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Kennedy Center may solicit private contributions for the design, procurement, and installation of the plaque.

TITLE VII--PRESERVING AMERICA'S BATTLEFIELDS

Preserving America's Battlefields Act

(Sec. 702) This section reauthorizes though FY2028 the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program.

(Sec. 703) The American Battlefield Protection Program may award battlefield interpretation modernization grants to states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations for projects and programs that deploy technology to modernize battlefield interpretation and education. The program may award such grants for Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield sites eligible for assistance under the battlefield acquisition grant program.

The program may award battlefield restoration grants to states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations for projects that restore day-of-battle conditions on Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield sites eligible for assistance under the battlefield acquisition grant program.

TITLE VIII--VETERANS AFFAIRS REPORT ON DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND THE POSITIVE ASSOCIATION WITH EXPOSURE TO AN HERBICIDE AGENT

This title requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on efforts to determine whether to add to the list of diseases for which a presumption of service-connection is warranted for the purposes of providing disability compensation for veterans exposed to an herbicide agent (e.g., Agent Orange).

Under a presumption of service connection, specific disabilities or diseases diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

TITLE IX--DISASTER RECOVERY WORKFORCE

Disaster Recovery Workforce Act

(Sec. 902) This title directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the number of permits available for nonimmigrant workers entering the Northern Mariana Islands under the transitional worker program. Specifically, DHS shall increase the number of available permits for construction and extraction occupations by 3,000 each fiscal year for FY2020, FY2021, and FY2022.

To qualify, the worker (1) must be a national of a country eligible under the H-2B (visas for temporary non-agricultural workers) program in 2018, and (2) must be performing construction-related services associated with recovery from a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency or preparation for a future disaster or emergency.

Permits issued under this title shall be exempt from existing annual numerical caps.

TITLE X--TELEVISION VIEWER PROTECTION

Television Viewer Prot