August 10, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 142 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
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TEXT OF AMENDMENTS; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 142
(Senate - August 10, 2020)
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[Pages S5380-S5382] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TEXT OF AMENDMENTS SA 2643. Mrs. BLACKBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 2499 proposed by Mr. McConnell to the bill S. 178, to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. __. SENSE OF THE SENATE. It is the sense of the Senate that it is the duty of the Federal Government to protect and promote individual choice in health insurance for the American people and prevent any ``Medicare for All'' proposal that would outlaw private health plans, such as job-based coverage and Medicare Advantage plans. ______ SA 2644. Mrs. BLACKBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 2499 proposed by Mr. McConnell to the bill S. 178, to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. __. FREEZE IN MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT FOR HOME PT/INR MONITORING SERVICES FURNISHED TO INDIVIDUALS ON WARFARIN THERAPY DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY. (a) In General.--Section 1848(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Treatment of home pt/inr monitoring services furnished to individuals on warfarin therapy.--In the case of home prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) monitoring services furnished to an individual on warfarin therapy (identified as of January 1, 2020, by HCPCS G-codes G0248 and G0249) during any portion of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the payment amount for such services under the fee schedule established under this subsection shall be equal to the payment amount for such services under the fee schedule established for services furnished during 2019.''. (b) Exemption From Budget Neutrality.--Section 1848(c)(2)(B)(iv) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(c)(2)(B)(iv)) is amended-- (1) in subclause (III), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) in subclause (IV), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subclause: ``(V) subsection (b)(12) shall not be taken into account in applying clause (ii)(II) during any portion of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) beginning on or after the date of the enactment of such subsection.''. ______ SA 2645. Mrs. BLACKBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 2499 proposed by Mr. McConnell to the bill S. 178, to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: [[Page S5381]] SEC. __. NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Securing America's Medicine Cabinet Act'' or the ``SAM-C Act''. (b) Amendment.--Chapter X of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 391 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 1015. NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall designate 5 institutions of higher education as National Centers of Excellence in Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, including continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing. ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program under this section are to-- ``(1) improve the competitiveness of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and increase the production of pharmaceutical goods manufactured predominantly within the United States; ``(2) stimulate United States leadership in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing research, innovation, and technology; ``(3) facilitate the transition of innovative technologies into scalable, cost-effective, and high-performing manufacturing capabilities; ``(4) accelerate the development of an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing workforce; ``(5) facilitate peer exchange of, and the documentation of, best practices in addressing advanced manufacturing challenges; ``(6) leverage non-Federal sources of support to promote a stable and sustainable business model without the need for long-term Federal funding; and ``(7) create and preserve jobs in the United States. ``(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible for designation under subsection (a) an entity shall-- ``(1) be an institution of higher education; ``(2) demonstrate-- ``(A) the physical and technical capacity for research and development of advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing; ``(B) a record of transferring scientific knowledge to the marketplace; ``(C) scalable manufacturing knowledge, which may be through collaborations of other institutions of higher education, biopharmaceutical manufacturers, or other entities; ``(D) the ability to train a future workforce for research on and implementation of advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing; ``(E) the ability to support Federal agencies with technical assistance for advanced pharmaceutical technologies, with an emphasis on creating a secure national pharmaceutical stockpile and the ability to rapidly address drug shortages; and ``(F) the potential to-- ``(i) improve the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing; ``(ii) accelerate non-Federal investment in advanced manufacturing production capacity in the United States; and ``(iii) enable the commercial application of new technologies or industry-wide manufacturing processes; ``(3) agree to carry out the activities described in subsection (d) with the active participation of representatives from multiple industrial entities, research universities, community colleges, and such other entities as the Secretary determines appropriate; and ``(4) submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and in such manner as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Activities.--An entity designated under subsection (a) shall-- ``(1) assist pharmaceutical manufacturers in retaining or expanding industrial production and jobs in the United States; ``(2) conduct research, development, and demonstration projects, including proof-of-concept development and prototyping, to reduce the cost, time, and risk of commercializing new technologies and improvements in existing technologies, processes, products, and research and development of materials to solve precompetitive industrial problems with economic or national security implications; and ``(3) develop and implement education, training, and workforce recruitment courses, materials, and programs with respect to pharmaceutical manufacturing. ``(e) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate the designation of an entity designated under subsection (a) upon a determination that the entity no longer meets the requirements of subsection (c). ``(f) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the first designation is made under subsection (a), and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress on the activities of the entities designated under such subsection. ``(g) Advanced Manufacturing.--In this section, the term `advanced manufacturing' means pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing that incorporates novel technology or uses an established technique or technology in a new or innovative way that can improve pharmaceutical product quality, address shortages of medicines, and speed time-to-market. ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for the period of fiscal year 2021 through 2025.''. ______ SA 2646. Mr. CORNYN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 2499 proposed by Mr. McConnell to the bill S. 178, to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. ___. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF BUSINESS EXPENSES. (a) In General.--Subsection (i) of section 1106 of the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136) is amended-- (1) by striking ``1986, any amount'' and inserting ``1986-- ``(1) any amount'', (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, and'', and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) no deduction shall be denied or reduced, no tax attribute shall be reduced, and no basis increase shall be denied, by reason of the exclusion from gross income provided by paragraph (1).''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply as if included in the enactment of section 1106 of the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). ______ SA 2647. Mr. McCONNELL (for Ms. Duckworth) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1014, to establish the Route 66 Centennial Commission, and for other purposes; as follows: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Route 66 Centennial Commission Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) Route 66 was the first all-weather highway in the United States connecting the Midwest to California, and has played a major role in the history of the United States; (2) Route 66 has become a symbol of the heritage of travel and the legacy of seeking a better life shared by the people of the United States, and has been enshrined in the popular culture of the United States; and (3) the year 2026 will be the centennial anniversary of Route 66, and a commission should be established to study and recommend in a report to Congress activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in a manner that appropriately honors the Mother Road of the United States. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established a commission to be known as the ``Route 66 Centennial Commission'' (referred to in this Act as the ``Commission''). SEC. 4. DUTIES. The Commission shall-- (1) study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to determine whether the activities are fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of Route 66, including activities such as-- (A) the issuance of commemorative coins, medals, certificates of recognition, and postage stamps; (B) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events; and (C) the production, publication, and distribution of books, pamphlets, films, electronic publications, and other educational materials; and (2) recommend to Congress-- (A) the activities that the Commission considers most fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on the occasion described in paragraph (1); and (B) 1 or more entities in the Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate to carry out those activities. SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP. (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 15 members appointed as follows: (1) 3 members, each of whom shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation. (2) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Illinois. (3) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Missouri. (4) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Kansas. (5) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Oklahoma. (6) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Texas. (7) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of New Mexico. [[Page S5382]] (8) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Arizona. (9) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of California. (10) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (11) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (12) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Majority Leader of the Senate. (13) 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate. (b) Eligible Individual.--An eligible individual referred to in subsection (a) is an individual with-- (1) a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the importance of historical figures and events; and (2) substantial knowledge and appreciation of Route 66. (c) Time of Appointment.--Each initial appointment of a member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (e) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission but shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (f) Basic Pay.--Members shall serve on the Commission without pay. (g) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code. (h) Quorum.--7 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. (i) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among the members of the Commission. (j) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF. (a) Director.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission considers to be appropriate. (b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.-- (1) Director.--The Director of the Commission shall-- (A) be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service; and (B) be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the Director may not exceed the rate payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of that title. (2) Staff.--The staff of the Commission shall-- (A) be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service; and (B) be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (c) Source of Compensation.--In accordance with section 10-- (1) no Federal funds may be expended to compensate a Director or staff member of the Commission under this section; and (2) any compensation paid to a Director or any staff of the Commission appointed under this section shall be derived solely from donated funds. SEC. 7. POWERS. (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be appropriate to carry out this Act. (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act. (c) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal departments and agencies. (d) Administrative Support Services.-- (1) In general.--On the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out this Act. (2) Detailees.-- (A) Federal employees.-- (i) In general.--At the request of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency or department may detail to the Commission, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, any employee of the agency or department. (ii) Civil service status.--The detail of an employee under clause (i) shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (iii) No additional compensation.--A Federal employee who is detailed to the Commission under this subparagraph may not receive any additional pay, allowances, benefits, or other compensation by reason of the detail of the employee to the Commission or any services performed by the employee for the Commission. (B) State employees.--The Commission may-- (i) accept the services of personnel detailed from a State; and (ii) reimburse the State for the services of the detailed personnel. (e) Volunteer and Uncompensated Services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission may accept and use such voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines to be necessary. (f) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts, grants, bequests, or devises of money, services, or property from any public or private source for the purpose of covering the costs incurred by the Commission in carrying out this Act. SEC. 8. REPORTS. (a) Interim Reports.--The Commission may submit to Congress such interim reports as the Commission considers to be appropriate. (b) Final Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which all members of the Commission are appointed, the Commission shall submit to Congress a final report containing-- (1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission; (2) the recommendations of the Commission; and (3) any other information that the Commission considers to be appropriate. SEC. 9. TERMINATION. The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2026. SEC. 10. EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION. (a) In General.--All expenditures of the Commission, including any reimbursement required under this Act, shall be made solely from donated funds. (b) No Additional Funds Authorized.--No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader. ____________________
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