March 5, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 44 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
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TEXT OF AMENDMENTS; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 44
(Senate - March 05, 2020)
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[Pages S1604-S1610] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TEXT OF AMENDMENTS SA 1514. Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and Mrs. Shaheen) proposed an amendment to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; as follows: At the end of chapter 1 of subpart A of part I of subtitle A of title I, add the following: SEC. 10__. GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING CODES. (a) Definitions.--Section 303 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6832) (as amended by section 1034(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking paragraph (17) (as redesignated by that section) and inserting the following: ``(17) Model building energy code.--The term `model building energy code' means a voluntary building energy code or standard developed and updated by interested persons, such as the code or standard developed by-- ``(A) the Council of American Building Officials, or its legal successor, International Code Council, Inc.; ``(B) the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; or ``(C) other appropriate organizations.''; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (17) (as amended by that section) as paragraphs (13) through (19), respectively; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (10) (as redesignated by that section) the following: ``(11) IECC.--The term `IECC' means the International Energy Conservation Code. ``(12) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).''. (b) State Building Energy Efficiency Codes.--Section 304 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6833) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 304. UPDATING STATE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY CODES. ``(a) Action by Secretary.--The Secretary shall-- ``(1) encourage and support the adoption of building energy codes by States, Indian tribes, and, as appropriate, by local governments that meet or exceed the model building energy codes, or achieve equivalent or greater energy savings; and ``(2) support full compliance with the State and local codes. ``(b) State and Indian Tribe Certification of Building Energy Code Updates.-- ``(1) Review and updating of codes by each state and indian tribe.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of publication of a revision to a model building energy code, each State or Indian tribe shall certify whether the State or Indian tribe, respectively, has reviewed and updated the energy provisions of the building code of the State or Indian tribe, respectively. ``(B) Demonstration.--The certification shall include a demonstration of whether the energy savings for the code provisions that are in effect throughout the territory of the State or Indian tribe meet or exceed the energy savings of the updated model building energy code. ``(C) No model building energy code update.--If a model building energy code is not updated by a target date established under section 307(b)(2)(E), each State or Indian tribe shall, not later than 2 years after the specified date, certify whether the State or Indian tribe, respectively, has reviewed and updated the energy provisions of the building code of the State or Indian tribe, respectively, to meet or exceed the target in section 307(b)(2). ``(2) Validation by secretary.--Not later than 90 days after a State or Indian tribe certification under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- ``(A) determine whether the code provisions of the State or Indian tribe, respectively, meet the criteria specified in paragraph (1); and ``(B) if the determination is positive, validate the certification. ``(c) Improvements in Compliance With Building Energy Codes.-- ``(1) Requirement.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of a certification under subsection (b), each State and Indian tribe shall certify whether the State and Indian tribe, respectively, has-- ``(i) achieved full compliance under paragraph (3) with the applicable certified State and Indian tribe building energy code or with the associated model building energy code; or ``(ii) made significant progress under paragraph (4) toward achieving compliance with the applicable certified State and Indian tribe building energy code or with the associated model building energy code. ``(B) Repeat certifications.--If the State or Indian tribe certifies progress toward achieving compliance, the State or Indian tribe shall repeat the certification until the State or Indian tribe certifies that the State or Indian tribe has achieved full compliance, respectively. ``(2) Measurement of compliance.--A certification under paragraph (1) shall include documentation of the rate of compliance based on-- ``(A) independent inspections of a random sample of the buildings covered by the code in the preceding year; or ``(B) an alternative method that yields an accurate measure of compliance. ``(3) Achievement of compliance.--A State or Indian tribe shall be considered to achieve full compliance under paragraph (1) if-- ``(A) at least 90 percent of building space covered by the code in the preceding year substantially meets all the requirements of the applicable code specified in paragraph (1), or achieves equivalent or greater energy savings level; or ``(B) the estimated excess energy use of buildings that did not meet the applicable code specified in paragraph (1) in the preceding year, compared to a baseline of comparable buildings that meet this code, is not more than 5 percent of the estimated energy use of all buildings covered by this code during the preceding year. ``(4) Significant progress toward achievement of compliance.--A State or Indian tribe shall be considered to have made significant progress toward achieving compliance for purposes of paragraph (1) if the State or Indian tribe-- ``(A) has developed and is implementing a plan for achieving compliance during the 8-year-period beginning on the date of enactment of the American Energy Innovation Act of 2020, including annual targets for compliance and active training and enforcement programs; and ``(B) has met the most recent target under subparagraph (A). ``(5) Validation by secretary.--Not later than 90 days after a State or Indian tribe certification under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- ``(A) determine whether the State or Indian tribe has demonstrated meeting the criteria of this subsection, including accurate measurement of compliance; and ``(B) if the determination is positive, validate the certification. ``(d) States or Indian Tribes That Do Not Achieve Compliance.-- ``(1) Reporting.--A State or Indian tribe that has not made a certification required under subsection (b) or (c) by the applicable deadline shall submit to the Secretary a report describing-- ``(A) the status of the State or Indian tribe with respect to meeting the requirements and submitting the certification; and ``(B) a plan for meeting the requirements and submitting the certification. ``(2) Federal support.--For any State or Indian tribe for which the Secretary has not validated a certification by a deadline under subsection (b) or (c), the lack of the certification may be a consideration for Federal support authorized under this section for code adoption and compliance activities. ``(3) Local government.--In any State or Indian tribe for which the Secretary has not validated a certification under subsection (b) or (c), a local government may be eligible for Federal support under subsections (e) and (f) by meeting the certification requirements of subsections (b) and (c). ``(4) Reports by secretary.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than December 31, 2021, and not less frequently than once every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall [[Page S1605]] submit to Congress and publish a report describing-- ``(i) the status of model building energy codes; ``(ii) the status of code adoption and compliance in the States and Indian tribes; ``(iii) implementation of this section; and ``(iv) improvements in energy savings over time as result of the targets established under section 307(b)(2). ``(B) Impacts.--The report shall include estimates of impacts of past action under this section, and potential impacts of further action, on-- ``(i) upfront financial and construction costs, cost benefits and returns (using investment analysis), and lifetime energy use for buildings; ``(ii) resulting energy costs to individuals and businesses; and ``(iii) resulting overall annual building ownership and operating costs. ``(e) Technical Assistance to States and Indian Tribes.-- The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to States and Indian tribes to implement the goals and requirements of this section, including procedures and technical analysis for States and Indian tribes-- ``(1) to improve and implement State residential and commercial building energy codes; ``(2) to demonstrate that the code provisions of the States and Indian tribes achieve equivalent or greater energy savings than the model building energy codes and targets; ``(3) to document the rate of compliance with a building energy code; and ``(4) to otherwise promote the design and construction of energy- and water-efficient buildings. ``(f) Availability of Incentive Funding.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide incentive funding to States and Indian tribes-- ``(A) to implement the requirements of this section; ``(B) to improve and implement residential and commercial building energy codes, including increasing and verifying compliance with the codes and training of State, tribal, and local building code officials to implement and enforce the codes; and ``(C) to promote building energy and water efficiency through the use of the codes and standards. ``(2) Additional funding.--Additional funding shall be provided under this subsection for implementation of a plan to achieve and document full compliance with residential and commercial building energy codes under subsection (c)-- ``(A) to a State or Indian tribe for which the Secretary has validated a certification under subsection (b) or (c); and ``(B) in a State or Indian tribe that is not eligible under subparagraph (A), to a local government that is eligible under this section. ``(3) Training.--Of the amounts made available under this subsection, the State or Indian tribe may use amounts required, but not to exceed $750,000 for a State, to train State and local building code officials to implement and enforce codes described in paragraph (2). ``(4) Local governments.--States may share grants under this subsection with local governments that implement and enforce the codes. ``(g) Stretch Codes and Advanced Standards.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide technical and financial support for the development of stretch codes and advanced standards for residential and commercial buildings for use as-- ``(A) an option for adoption as a building energy code by local, tribal, or State governments; and ``(B) guidelines for energy-efficient building design. ``(2) Targets.--The stretch codes and advanced standards shall be designed-- ``(A) to achieve substantial energy savings compared to the model building energy codes; and ``(B) to meet targets under section 307(b), if available, at least 3 to 6 years in advance of the target years. ``(h) Studies.--The Secretary, in consultation with building science experts from the National Laboratories and institutions of higher education, designers and builders of energy-efficient residential and commercial buildings, code officials, code and standards developers, and other stakeholders, shall undertake a study of the feasibility, impact, economics, and merit of-- ``(1) code and standards improvements that would require that buildings be designed, sited, and constructed in a manner that makes the buildings more adaptable in the future to become zero-net-energy after initial construction, as advances are achieved in energy-saving technologies; ``(2) code procedures to incorporate measured lifetimes, not just first-year energy use, in trade-offs and performance calculations; ``(3) legislative options for increasing energy savings from building energy codes and standards, including additional incentives for effective State and local action, and verification of compliance with and enforcement of a code or standard other than by a State or local government; and ``(4) code and standards improvements that consider energy efficiency and water efficiency and, to the maximum extent practicable, consider energy efficiency and water efficiency in an integrated manner. ``(i) Effect on Other Laws.--Nothing in this section or section 307 supersedes or modifies the application of sections 321 through 346 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq.). ``(j) Voluntary Provisions.--Nothing in this section shall be binding on a State, local government, or Indian tribe as a matter of Federal law. ``(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and section 307 $200,000,000, to remain available until expended.''. (c) Federal Building Energy Efficiency Standards.--Section 305 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6834) is amended by striking ``voluntary building energy code'' each place it appears in subsections (a)(2)(B) and (b) and inserting ``model building energy code''. (d) Model Building Energy Codes.--Section 307 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6836) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 307. SUPPORT FOR MODEL BUILDING ENERGY CODES. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall support the updating of model building energy codes. ``(b) Targets.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support the updating of the model building energy codes to enable the achievement of aggregate energy savings targets established under paragraph (2). ``(2) Targets.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall work with State, Indian tribes, local governments, code and standards developers (such as the entities described in section 303(14)), and other interested parties to support the updating of model building energy codes by establishing one or more national aggregate energy savings targets to achieve the purposes of this section. ``(B) Separate targets.--The Secretary shall establish separate targets for commercial and residential buildings. ``(C) Baselines.--The baseline for updating model building energy codes shall be the 2009 IECC for residential buildings and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 for commercial buildings. ``(D) Code cycles.--The targets established under subparagraph (A) shall align with the respective code development cycles determined by the model building energy code-setting and standards development organizations described in section 303(14). ``(E) Specific years.-- ``(i) In general.--Targets for specific years shall be established and revised by the Secretary through rulemaking and coordinated with code and standards developers (such as the entities described in section 303(14)) at a level that-- ``(I) is at the maximum level of energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and lifecycle cost effective, while accounting for the economic considerations under paragraph (4); ``(II) is higher than the preceding target; ``(III) promotes the achievement of commercial and residential high-performance buildings (as defined in section 401 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17061)) through high performance energy efficiency; and ``(IV) takes into consideration the variations in climate zones used in model building energy codes. ``(ii) Initial targets.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this clause, the Secretary shall establish initial targets under this subparagraph. ``(iii) Different target years.--Subject to clause (i), prior to the applicable year, the Secretary may set a later target year for any of the model building energy codes described in subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that a target cannot be met. ``(iv) Small business.--When establishing targets under this paragraph through rulemaking, the Secretary shall ensure compliance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 601 note; Public Law 104-121). ``(3) Appliance standards and other factors affecting building energy use.--In establishing building code targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall develop and adjust the targets in recognition of potential savings and costs relating to-- ``(A) efficiency gains made in appliances, lighting, windows, insulation, and building envelope sealing; ``(B) advancement of distributed generation and on-site renewable power generation technologies; ``(C) equipment improvements for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems; ``(D) building management systems and smart technologies to reduce energy use; and ``(E) other technologies, practices, and building systems that the Secretary considers appropriate regarding building plug load and other energy uses. ``(4) Economic considerations.--In establishing and revising building code targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall consider the economic feasibility of achieving the proposed targets established under this section and the potential costs and savings for consumers and building owners, including a return on investment analysis. ``(c) Technical Assistance to Model Building Energy Code- Setting and Standards Development Organizations.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, on a timely basis, provide technical assistance to model building energy code- setting and [[Page S1606]] standards development organizations consistent with the goals of this section. ``(2) Assistance.--The assistance shall include, as requested by the organizations, technical assistance in-- ``(A) evaluating code or standards proposals or revisions; ``(B) building energy and water analysis and design tools; ``(C) building demonstrations; ``(D) developing definitions of energy use intensity and building types for use in model building energy codes to evaluate the efficiency impacts of the model building energy codes; ``(E) performance-based standards; ``(F) evaluating economic considerations under subsection (b)(4); and ``(G) developing model building energy codes by Indian tribes in accordance with tribal law. ``(3) Amendment proposals.--The Secretary may submit timely model building energy code amendment proposals to the model building energy code-setting and standards development organizations, with supporting evidence, sufficient to enable the model building energy codes to meet the targets established under subsection (b)(2). ``(4) Analysis methodology.--The Secretary shall make publicly available the entire calculation methodology (including input assumptions and data) used by the Secretary to estimate the energy savings of code or standard proposals and revisions. ``(d) Determination.-- ``(1) Revision of model building energy codes.--If the provisions of the IECC or ASHRAE Standard 90.1 regarding building energy use are proposed to be revised, the Secretary shall make a preliminary determination, by not later than 90 days after the date of receipt of the proposed revision, and a final determination by not later than 15 months after the date of publication of the revision, regarding whether the revision will-- ``(A) improve energy efficiency in buildings, as compared to the existing model building energy code; and ``(B) meet the applicable targets under subsection (b)(2). ``(2) Codes or standards not meeting targets.-- ``(A) Preliminary determination by secretary.--If the Secretary makes a preliminary determination under paragraph (1)(B) that a code or standard does not meet an applicable target under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall contemporaneously provide to the developer of the model building energy code or standard not fewer than 2 proposed changes that would result in a model building energy code that meets the applicable target, together with supporting evidence, taking into consideration-- ``(i) whether the modified code is technically feasible and lifecycle cost effective; ``(ii) available appliances, technologies, materials, and construction practices; and ``(iii) the economic considerations under subsection (b)(4). ``(B) Determination or election by developer.--Not later than 270 days after the date of receipt of proposed changes of the Secretary under subparagraph (A), a developer shall-- ``(i) determine whether-- ``(I) to publish a new revised code accepting the proposed changes; or ``(II) to reject the proposed changes; or ``(ii) if the developer elects not to make a determination under clause (i), publish a notice of that election, together with the proposed changes. ``(C) Final determination by secretary.-- ``(i) In general.--A final determination by the Secretary shall be made on the model building energy code or standard, as modified by the changes proposed by the Secretary under subparagraph (A). ``(ii) Additional determinations.--If a model building energy code or standards developer makes an election pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii), the Secretary shall make the following final determinations for purposes of this subsection: ``(I) A final determination regarding whether the code or standard of the developer, absent any changes proposed by the Secretary under subparagraph (A), will-- ``(aa) improve energy efficiency in buildings, as compared to the existing model building energy code; and ``(bb) meet the applicable targets under subsection (b)(2). ``(II) A final determination regarding whether the code or standard of the developer, as modified by the changes proposed by the Secretary under subparagraph (A), would-- ``(aa) improve energy efficiency in buildings, as compared to the existing model building energy code; and ``(bb) meet the applicable targets under subsection (b)(2). ``(e) Administration.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) publish notice of targets and supporting analysis and determinations under this section in the Federal Register to provide an explanation of and the basis for such actions, including any supporting modeling, data, assumptions, protocols, and cost-benefit analysis, including return on investment; and ``(2) provide an opportunity for public comment on targets and supporting analysis and determinations under this section.''. SEC. 10__. COST-EFFECTIVE CODES IMPLEMENTATION FOR EFFICIENCY AND RESILIENCE. (a) In General.--Title III of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6831 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 309. COST-EFFECTIVE CODES IMPLEMENTATION FOR EFFICIENCY AND RESILIENCE. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(A) a relevant State agency, as determined by the Secretary, such as a State building code agency or State energy office; and ``(B) a partnership. ``(2) Partnership.--The term `partnership' means a partnership between an eligible entity described in paragraph (1)(A) and one or more of the following entities: ``(A) Local building code agencies. ``(B) Codes and standards developers. ``(C) Associations of builders and design and construction professionals. ``(D) Local and utility energy efficiency programs. ``(E) Consumer, energy efficiency, and environmental advocates. ``(F) Other entities, as determined by the Secretary. ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy. ``(b) Establishment.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish within the Building Technologies Office of the Department of Energy a program under which the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to enable sustained cost-effective implementation of updated building energy codes. ``(2) Updated building energy code.--An update to a building energy code under this section shall include any update made available after the existing building energy code, even if it is not the most recent updated code available. ``(c) Criteria; Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (b), the Secretary shall-- ``(1) consider-- ``(A) prospective energy savings and plans to measure the savings; ``(B) the long-term sustainability of those measures and savings; ``(C) prospective benefits, and plans to assess the benefits, including benefits relating to-- ``(i) resilience and peak load reduction; ``(ii) occupant safety and health; and ``(iii) environmental performance; ``(D) the demonstrated capacity of the eligible entity to carry out the proposed project; and ``(E) the need of the eligible entity for assistance; and ``(2) give priority to applications from partnerships. ``(d) Eligible Activities.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section may use the grant funds-- ``(A) to create or enable State or regional partnerships to provide training and materials to-- ``(i) builders, contractors and subcontractors, architects, and other design and construction professionals, relating to meeting updated building energy codes in a cost-effective manner; and ``(ii) building code officials, relating to improving implementation of and compliance with building energy codes; ``(B) to collect and disseminate quantitative data on construction and codes implementation, including code pathways, performance metrics, and technologies used; ``(C) to develop and implement a plan for highly effective codes implementation, including measuring compliance; ``(D) to address various implementation needs in rural, suburban, and urban areas; and ``(E) to implement updates in energy codes for-- ``(i) new residential and commercial buildings (including multifamily buildings); and ``(ii) additions and alterations to existing residential and commercial buildings (including multifamily buildings). ``(2) Related topics.--Training and materials provided using a grant under this section may include information on the relationship between energy codes and-- ``(A) cost-effective, high-performance, and zero-net-energy buildings; ``(B) improving resilience, health, and safety; ``(C) water savings and other environmental impacts; and ``(D) the economic impacts of energy codes. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section-- ``(1) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030; and ``(2) for fiscal year 2030 and each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as are necessary.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 303 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6832) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``As used in'' and inserting ``Except as otherwise provided, in''. ______ SA 1515. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: [[Page S1607]] On page 432, between lines 6 and 7, insert the following: (8) Prohibition of critical mineral mining in certain protected areas.-- (A) Definition of protected area.--In this paragraph, the term ``protected area'' means a national monument established under chapter 3203 of title 54, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Antiquities Act of 1906''), as of January 20, 2017. (B) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretaries may not issue a critical mineral exploration or mine permit with respect to a protected area. ______ SA 1516. Mr. BROWN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986 SEC. 4001. INCLUDING FUEL CELLS USING ELECTROMECHANICAL PROCESSES FOR PURPOSES OF THE ENERGY TAX CREDIT. (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 48(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting ``or electromechanical'' after ``electrochemical'', and (2) in subparagraph (C)-- (A) by inserting ``, or linear generator assembly,'' after ``a fuel cell stack assembly'', and (B) by striking ``electrochemical means'' and inserting ``electrochemical or electromechanical means without the use of rotating parts''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act. ______ SA 1517. Mrs. MURRAY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 521, lines 13 and 14, strike ``labor management organization'' and insert ``community partnership''. On page 521, line 21, strike ``labor management organization'' and insert ``community partnership''. On page 522, line 11, strike ``Labor management organization'' and insert ``Community partnership''. On page 522, line 12, strike ``labor management organization'' and insert ``community partnership''. ______ SA 1518. Mrs. MURRAY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 37, between lines 15 and 16, insert the following: (d) Apprenticeships.--If the on-the-job training under a career skills training program funded by a grant under this section includes an apprenticeship, the apprenticeship shall be an apprenticeship program (as defined in section 2301). On page 37, line 16, strike ``(d)'' and insert ``(e)''. On page 46, line 25, insert ``(as defined in section 2301 of the American Energy Innovation Act of 2020)'' after ``programs''. On page 527, between lines 3 and 4, insert the following: (6) Apprenticeships.--If on-the-job training funded by a grant under the pilot program includes an apprenticeship, the apprenticeship shall be an apprenticeship program. ______ SA 1519. Mrs. MURRAY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 17, line 11, insert ``public'' before ``schools''. ______ SA 1520. Mrs. MURRAY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 37, between lines 15 and 16, insert the following: (d) Apprenticeships.--If the on-the-job training under a career skills training program funded by a grant under this section includes an apprenticeship, the apprenticeship shall be an apprenticeship program (as defined in section 2301). On page 37, line 16, strike ``(d)'' and insert ``(e)''. On page 46, line 25, insert ``(as defined in section 2301 of the American Energy Innovation Act of 2020)'' after ``programs''. On page 521, lines 13 and 14, strike ``labor management organization'' and insert ``community partnership''. On page 521, line 21, strike ``labor management organization'' and insert ``community partnership''. On page 522, line 11, strike ``Labor management organization'' and insert ``Community partnership''. On page 522, line 12, strike ``labor management organization'' and insert ``community partnership''. On page 527, between lines 3 and 4, insert the following: (6) Apprenticeships.--If on-the-job training funded by a grant under the pilot program includes an apprenticeship, the apprenticeship shall be an apprenticeship program. ______ SA 1521. Mrs. HYDE-SMITH submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. __. NUCLEAR FILTRATION TESTING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Subtitle A of title XLIV of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2581 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 4410. NUCLEAR FILTRATION TESTING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall-- ``(1) designate, as a federally funded research and development center, a research center at an institution of higher education not designated as a federally funded research and development center or a university-affiliated research center as of the date of the enactment of this section; and ``(2) enter into a formal arrangement with that research center to carry out a partnership program to research, develop, and demonstrate new advancements with respect to nuclear containment ventilation systems. ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Atomic Energy Defense Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4409 the following new item: ``Sec. 4410. Nuclear filtration testing and research program.''. ______ SA 1522. Mr. McCONNELL (for Mr. Alexander) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2683, to establish a task force to assist States in implementing hiring requirements for child care staff members to improve child safety; as follows: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Child Care Protection Improvement Act of 2020''. SEC. 2. TASK FORCE TO ASSIST IN IMPROVING CHILD SAFETY. (a) Establishment.--There is established a task force, to be known as the Interagency Task Force for Child Safety (referred to in this section as the ``Task Force'') to identify, evaluate, and recommend best practices and technical assistance to assist Federal and State agencies in fully implementing the requirements of section 658H(b) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858f(b)) for child care staff members. (b) Composition.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall appoint the members of the Task Force, which shall-- (1) consist of only Federal officers and employees; and (2) include-- (A) the Director of the Office of Child Care of the Department of Health and Human Services (or the Director's designee), the Associate Commissioner of the Children's Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services (or the Associate Commissioner's designee), and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (or the Director's designee); and (B) such other Federal officers and employees (or their designees) as may be appointed by the President. (c) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the Task Force shall be the Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services. (d) Consultation.--The Task Force shall consult with representatives from State child care agencies, State child protective services, State criminal justice agencies, providers of child care services, including providers in the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders on identifying problems in implementing, and proposing solutions to implement, the requirements of section 658H(b) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, as described in that section. Such consultation shall include consultation with State agencies that are at different stages of such implementation. [[Page S1608]] (e) Task Force Duties.--The Task Force shall-- (1) develop recommendations for improving implementation of the requirements of section 658H(b) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, including recommendations about how the Task Force and member agencies will collaborate and coordinate efforts to implement such requirements, as described in that section; and (2) develop recommendations in which the Task Force identifies best practices and evaluates technical assistance to assist relevant Federal and State agencies in implementing section 658H(b) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, which identification and evaluation shall include-- (A) an analysis of available research and information at the Federal and State levels regarding the status of the interstate requirements of that section for child care staff members who have resided in one or more States during the previous 5 years and who seek employment in a child care program in a different State; (B) a list of State agencies that are not responding to interstate requests covered by that section for relevant information on child care staff members; (C) identification of the challenges State agencies are experiencing in responding to such interstate requests; (D) an analysis of the length of time it takes the State agencies in a State to receive such results from State agencies in another State in response to such an interstate request, in accordance with that section; (E) an analysis of the average processing time for the interstate requests, in accordance with that section; (F) identification of any fees (and entities responsible for paying any such fees) associated with the interstate requests in each State to meet requirements, in accordance with section 658H of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858f), including identification of-- (i) the extent to which such fees are consistent with subsection (f) of that section; and (ii) information regarding factors that impact such fees; (G) a list of States that are participating in the National Fingerprint File program, as administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and an analysis of reasons States have or have not chosen to participate in the program, including barriers to participation such as barriers related to State regulatory requirements and statutes; and (H) a list of States that have closed record laws or systems that prevent the States from sharing complete criminal records data or information with State agencies in another State. (f) Meetings.--Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Task Force shall hold its first meeting. (g) Final Report.--Not later than 1 year after the first meeting of the Task Force, the Task Force shall submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives a final report containing all of the recommendations required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (e). The report shall also include a list of the members of the Task Force, the agencies such members represent, and the individuals and entities with whom the Task Force consulted under subsection (d). (h) No Compensation for Members.--A member of the Task Force shall serve without compensation in addition to any compensation received for the service of the member as an officer or employee of the United States. (i) Exemption From FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Task Force. (j) Sunset.--The Task Force shall terminate 1 year after submitting its final report under subsection (g), but not later than the end of fiscal year 2021. ______ SA 1523. Mr. McCONNELL (for Mr. Blunt) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2321, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint a coin in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Negro Leagues baseball; as follows: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Negro National League, a professional baseball league formed in response to African-American players being banned from the major leagues. (2) On February 13, 1920, Andrew ``Rube'' Foster convened a meeting of 8 independent African-American baseball team owners at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri, to form a ``league of their own,'' establishing the Negro National League, the first successful, organized professional African- American baseball league in the United States. (3) Soon, additional leagues formed in eastern and southern States. (4) The Negro Leagues would operate for 40 years until 1960. (5) The story of the Negro Leagues is a story of strong- willed athletes who forged a glorious history in the midst of an inglorious era of segregation in the United States. (6) The passion of the Negro Leagues players for the ``National Pastime'' would not only change the game, but also the United States. (7) The creation of the Negro Leagues provided a playing field for more than 2,600 African-American and Hispanic baseball players to showcase their world-class baseball abilities. (8) The Negro Leagues introduced an exciting brand of baseball that was in stark contrast to Major League Baseball. (9) A fast, aggressive style of play attracted black and white fans who sat together to watch those games at a time when it was virtually unheard of to interact socially in such a way. (10) Negro Leagues baseball would become a catalyst for economic development across the United States in major urban centers such as Kansas City, St. Louis, New York, Memphis, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Chicago, and Atlanta. (11) The Negro Leagues pioneered ``Night Baseball'' in 1930, 5 years before Major League Baseball, and would introduce game-changing innovations such as shin guards and the batting helmet. (12) The Negro Leagues helped make the National Pastime a global game as players from the Negro Leagues-- (A) were the first people from the United States to play in many Spanish-speaking countries; and (B) introduced professional baseball to the Japanese in 1927. (13) Jackie Robinson, a military veteran and former member of the Negro Leagues' Kansas City Monarchs, would break Major League Baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947, with the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for other African-American and Hispanic baseball players. (14) The Negro Leagues were born out of segregation yet would become a driving force for social change in the United States. (15) The Negro Leagues produced future Major League Baseball stars, including Leroy ``Satchel'' Paige, Larry Doby, Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Roy Campanella. (16) The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was established in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1990-- (A) to save from extinction a precious piece of Americana and baseball history; and (B) to use the many life lessons of the powerful story of triumph over adversity of Negro Leagues players to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion. (17) In 2006, Congress granted National Designation to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, recognizing it as ``America's Home'' for Negro Leagues baseball history. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue the following coins: (1) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 50,000 $5 coins, which shall-- (A) weigh 8.359 grams; (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and (C) contain not less than 90 percent gold. (2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 400,000 $1 coins, which shall-- (A) weigh 26.73 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and (C) contain not less than 90 percent silver. (3) Half-dollar clad coins.--Not more than 400,000 half- dollar coins which shall-- (A) weigh 11.34 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and (C) be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United States Code. (b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. SEC. 4. DESIGNS OF COINS. (a) Design Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The designs of the coins minted under this Act shall be emblematic of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and its mission to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion. (2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this Act there shall be-- (A) a designation of the value of the coin; (B) an inscription of the year ``2022''; and (C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''. (b) Selection.--The designs for the coins minted under this Act shall be-- (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (b) Mint Facilities.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this Act. (c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted under this Act only [[Page S1609]] during the 1-year period beginning on January 1, 2022. SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (1) the face value of the coins; (2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to such coins; and (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount. (c) Prepaid Orders.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins. (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. (a) In General.--All sales of coins issued under this Act shall include a surcharge of-- (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin; and (3) $5 per coin for the half-dollar coin. (b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f)(1) of title 31, United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for educational and outreach programs and exhibits. (c) Audits.--The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum shall be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received under subsection (b). (d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection. SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that-- (1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States Government; and (2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7 until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by this Act (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code. SEC. 9. MARKETING AND EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN. The Secretary shall develop and execute a marketing, advertising, promotional, and educational program to promote the collecting of the coins authorized under this subsection. ______ SA 1524. Mr. McCONNELL (for Ms. Ernst) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1757, to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their extraordinary service during World War II; as follows: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) the term ``United States Army Rangers Veteran of World War II'' means any individual who-- (A) served in the Armed Forces-- (i) honorably; (ii) in an active duty status; and (iii) at any time during the period beginning on June 19, 1942, and ending on September 2, 1945; and (B) was assigned to a Ranger Battalion of the Army at any time during the period described in subparagraph (A)(iii). SEC. 3. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) In World War II, the Army formed 6 Ranger Battalions and 1 provisional battalion. All members of the Ranger Battalions were volunteers. The initial concept of Ranger units drew from the British method of using highly trained ``commando'' units and the military tradition of the United States of utilizing light infantry for scouting and raiding operations. (2) The Ranger Battalions of World War II consisted of-- (A) the 1st Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was activated on June 19, 1942, in Northern Ireland; (B) the 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was activated on April 1, 1943, at Camp Forrest, Tennessee; (C) the 3d Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was-- (i) activated as provisional on May 21, 1943, in North Africa; and (ii) constituted on July 21, 1943, and concurrently consolidated with the provisional unit described in clause (i); (D) the 4th Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was-- (i) activated as provisional on May 29, 1943, in North Africa; and (ii) constituted on July 21, 1943, and concurrently consolidated with the provisional unit described in clause (i); (E) the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was activated on September 1, 1943, at Camp Forrest, Tennessee; (F) the 6th Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was-- (i) originally activated on January 20, 1941, at Fort Lewis, Washington, as the 98th Field Artillery Battalion; and (ii) converted and redesignated on September 26, 1944, as the 6th Ranger Infantry Battalion; and (G) the 29th Ranger Infantry Battalion, a provisional Army National Guard unit that was-- (i) activated on December 20, 1942, at Tidworth Barracks, England; and (ii) disbanded on October 18, 1943. (3) The first combat operations of Army Rangers occurred on August 19, 1942, when 50 Rangers took part in the British- Canadian raid on the French coastal town of Dieppe. (4) The 1st Ranger Battalion, under the leadership of Major William O. Darby, was used in full strength during the landings at Arsew, Algeria, during the North African campaign. Due to the success of the Rangers in several difficult battles, particularly at El Guettar in March and April of 1943, 2 additional Ranger Battalions were organized in North Africa. (5) During the North African campaign, the 1st Ranger Battalion was awarded battle honors for its actions in Tunisia. On March 20, 1943, the Battalion penetrated enemy lines and captured the position Djebel el Ank in a nighttime attack, taking more than 200 prisoners. Three days later, the battalion was attacked by the 10th Panzer division of the German Afrika Korps and, despite heavy losses, defended its position and inflicted considerable losses on the enemy. This engagement constituted what General Omar Bradley labeled ``the first solid, indisputable defeat we inflicted on the German army in the war''. These actions demonstrated the ability of the Rangers to fight in difficult terrain and the courage to endure despite being outnumbered and exposed to heavy enemy fire. (6) The 29th provisional Ranger Battalion was formed from volunteers drawn from the 29th Infantry Division stationed in England in the fall of 1942. The Battalion was activated on December 20, 1942, and accompanied British commandos on 3 small-scale raids in Norway. Nineteen members of the 29th Ranger Battalion conducted a raid on a German radar site in France on the night of September 3, 1943. After that raid, the 29th Ranger Battalion was disbanded because new Ranger units, the 2d and 5th Battalions, were being formed. (7) During the summer and fall of 1943, the 1st, 3d, and 4th Ranger Battalions were heavily involved in the campaign in Sicily and the landings in Italy. The 1st and 4th Ranger Battalions conducted a night amphibious landing in Sicily and secured the landing beaches for the main force. The 3d Battalion landed separately at Licata, Sicily, and was able to silence gun positions on an 82-foot cliff overlooking the invasion beaches. (8) During the invasion of Italy, the 1st, 3d, and 4th Ranger Battalions landed at Maiori with the mission of seizing the high ground and protecting the flank of the remainder of the main landing by the United States. Despite suffering from low ammunition and inadequate provisions and water, the Rangers fended off numerous enemy counterattacks against the mountain passes and via radio directed naval gunfire on the enemy forces approaching the beaches below. (9) After the invasion of Italy, Rangers continued to be used, often in night attacks, to seize key terrain ahead of the advancing Allied forces. At the Anzio beachhead, the majority of the 1st, 3d, and 4th Ranger Battalions sustained heavy casualties after being cut off behind German lines. The Rangers had planned to infiltrate German positions under the cover of darkness and make a dawn attack on a critical road junction but were pinned down by enemy tanks and an elite German paratrooper unit. After 12 hours of desperate fighting and a failed relief attempt, the majority of the Ranger force was killed, wounded, or captured. Only 6 Rangers from the 1st and 3d Battalions, out of more than 767 men, returned to friendly lines. The 4th Battalion, which had been in reserve, also suffered 60 killed and 120 wounded out of 550 men. These 3 battalions were inactivated and the survivors were transferred to other units. (10) In the United States, and later in Scotland, the 2d and 5th Ranger Battalions were formed to undertake operations in Western Europe. Those Battalions were engaged on D-Day, assaulting German positions at the Pointe du Hoc coastal battery, and remained in combat through September of 1944. Specifically, Rangers in the 2d Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder-- [[Page S1610]] (A) overcame mines, machine gun fire, and enemy artillery while scaling the 100-foot high cliffs at Pointe du Hoc; (B) held against intense German efforts to retake the position; and (C) after reaching the top of the cliffs, moved inland roughly 1 mile and sustained heavy casualties while searching for, and ultimately destroying, a German heavy artillery battery. (11) During June, July, and August of 1944, the 2d and 5th Ranger Battalions were engaged in the campaign in Brest, which included close-range fighting in hedgerows and numerous villages. Later, in operations in Western Germany, the Battalions were frequently used to attack in darkness and gain vital positions to pave the way for the main Army attacks. (12) During the final drive into Germany in late February and early March 1945, the 5th Ranger Battalion was cited for battle honors for outstanding performance. Under the cover of darkness the unit drove into German lines and secured the objective area blocking the main German supply route. The Germans attacked the position of the Rangers from both sides, resulting in heavy Ranger casualties during 5 days of fighting. As a result of the actions of the Rangers, the main Army attack was able to overcome German defenses more easily, occupy the vital city of Trier, and reach the Rhine River. (13) The 6th Ranger Battalion operated in the Pacific. In the most notable exploit of the 6th Ranger Battalion, in January and February of 1945, the Battalion formed the nucleus of a rescue force that liberated more than 500 Allied prisoners, including prisoners from the United States, from the Cabanatuan prisoner of war camp in the Philippines. With the help of local Filipino guerillas, the Rangers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Mucci, demonstrated extraordinary heroism by infiltrating Japanese-held territory to reach the prisoners of war and prevent them from being killed by the Japanese. After a 25-mile march at night through the jungle, the unit killed all Japanese sentries with no loss of life of the prisoners of war. The unit successfully returned to American lines having lost only 2 soldiers killed and having another 2 wounded. (14) The 1st Ranger Infantry Battalion-- (A) participated in the campaigns of-- (i) Algeria-French Morocco (with arrowhead); (ii) Tunisia; (iii) Sicily (with arrowhead); (iv) Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); (v) Anzio (with arrowhead); and (vi) Rome-Arno; and (B) for its contributions, received-- (i) the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``EL GUETTAR''; and (ii) the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``SALERNO''. (15) The 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion-- (A) participated in the campaigns of-- (i) Normandy (with arrowhead); (ii) Northern France; (iii) Rhineland; (iv) Ardennes-Alsace; and (v) Central Europe; and (B) for its contributions, received-- (i) the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``POINTE DU HOE''; and (ii) the French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star, World War II, and streamer embroidered with ``POINTE DU HOE''. (16) The 3d Ranger Infantry Battalion-- (A) participated in the campaigns of-- (i) Sicily (with arrowhead); (ii) Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); (iii) Anzio (with arrowhead); and (iv) Rome-Arno; and (B) for its contributions, received the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``SALERNO''. (17) The 4th Ranger Infantry Battalion-- (A) participated in the campaigns of-- (i) Sicily (with arrowhead); (ii) Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); (iii) Anzio (with arrowhead); and (iv) Rome-Arno; and (B) for its contributions, received the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``SALERNO''. (18) The 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion-- (A) participated in the campaigns of-- (i) Normandy (with arrowhead); (ii) Northern France; (iii) Rhineland; (iv) Ardennes-Alsace; and (v) Central Europe; and (B) for its contributions, received-- (i) the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``NORMANDY BEACHHEAD''; (ii) the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``SAAR RIVER AREA''; and (iii) the French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star, World War II, and streamer embroidered with ``NORMANDY''. (19) The 6th Ranger Infantry Battalion-- (A) participated in the campaigns of-- (i) New Guinea; (ii) Leyte (with arrowhead); and (iii) Luzon; and (B) for its contributions, received-- (i) the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and streamer embroidered with ``CABU, LUZON''; and (ii) the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and streamer embroidered with ``17 OCTOBER 1944 TO 4 JULY 1945''. (20) The United States will be forever indebted to the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II, whose bravery and sacrifice in combat contributed greatly to the military success of the United States and the allies of the United States. SEC. 4. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. (a) Award Authorized.--The President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design to the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary. (c) Smithsonian Institution.-- (1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in honor of the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where the medal shall be-- (A) available for display, as appropriate; and (B) made available for research. (2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal received under paragraph (1) available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations associated with-- (A) the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II; or (B) World War II. (d) Duplicate Medals.--Under regulations that the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck under this section, at a price sufficient to cover the cost of the medals, including the cost of labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses. SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDAL. (a) National Medal.--The gold medal struck under section 4 shall be a national medal for the purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. (b) Numismatic Items.--For the purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under section 4 shall be considered to be numismatic items. ______ SA 1525. Mrs. SHAHEEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1514 proposed by Mr. Portman (for himself and Mrs. Shaheen) to the amendment SA 1407 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2657, to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: On page 28, line 19, strike ``2021'' and insert ``2020''. ____________________
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