Overview
Title
Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill is like a big money plan to help different parts of the government like schools, doctors, and job helpers for next year, but it has some rules that people might not agree with, like not using money for some health things or blocking certain stuff on computers.
Summary AI
S. 4942 allocates funding for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, to various departments including Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, along with related agencies. This bill outlines specific monetary provisions for several programs and initiatives, such as educational grants, health services, job training, and benefits for veterans. It also includes conditions and specific rulings for the use of these funds, such as limitations on the political use of funds and restrictions on spending for certain activities. The bill is part of the regular appropriations process and aims to ensure the effective operation and support of these federal departments and programs.
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AnalysisAI
The appropriation bill S. 4942 is a proposed legislative measure aimed at allocating federal funds to several crucial departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. It focuses on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, alongside related agencies. Through a comprehensive budget distribution, the bill seeks to address various needs within these departments, covering workforce training, healthcare services, educational initiatives, and additional operational and administrative expenses.
General Summary of the Bill
In its core function, the bill designates funding for a wide range of programs and services within the mentioned departments. It outlines specific allocations for employment and training services under the Department of Labor, such as job training programs and initiatives supporting veterans and the disabled. In Health and Human Services, the bill not only emphasizes funding for healthcare systems and national institutes but also underlines programs to aid children, the elderly, and low-income families. The Department of Education portion prioritizes resources for disadvantaged and special education, higher education funding, and technical skills training. Furthermore, the bill includes sections that address operational flexibility, such as fund transfers between certain accounts and provisions for managing unforeseen circumstances.
Significant Issues
A major issue in the bill involves restrictions on the use of funds for abortion-related services, as denoted in Section 506. This strict prohibition does not accommodate exceptions typically considered in such legislation, such as cases of rape or incest. Critics may view this as infringing on women's health rights, potentially limiting access to necessary medical procedures.
Another point of contention arises from Section 529, where significant funds from the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund are deemed unavailable for obligation. There is concern that this decision might affect child welfare programs without sufficient explanation of the purpose.
Sections 532 and 533 extend the availability of certain funds with minimal oversight, which could raise transparency concerns. This lax regulation on fund transfers over prolonged periods might result in inefficiencies and potential misuse without robust financial scrutiny.
The network policy outlined in Section 520âand specifically its implications on internet filtering for content such as pornographyâmight pose questions surrounding academic freedom and free speech, potentially curtailing legitimate research efforts.
Broad Public Impact
For the general public, the bill's impact is multi-faceted. On a positive note, it secures funding for vital services such as healthcare, education, and workforce development, which aim to foster societal well-being and future growth. By targeting key sectors like education and health, it serves to support community development and workforce preparedness broadly.
Conversely, restrictions in the bill, such as those surrounding abortion funding, could lead to negative consequences by limiting healthcare options for women. Similarly, the long-term availability of funds without adequate oversight poses a risk of financial inefficiencies, potentially affecting program efficacy and resource allocation across various community services.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholder groups may experience varying impacts. Educational institutions might benefit significantly from funds directed toward primary, secondary, and higher education programs, enabling them to expand offerings and improve facilities. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, may face challenges due to funding restrictions tied to reproductive health services, potentially impacting service delivery and patient care.
For government agencies and nonprofits involved in labor and health services, the bill provides essential funding that supports operations and program delivery. However, these stakeholders are also pressed to adhere to complex funding requirements and potential limitations on operational flexibility, which could hinder program implementation and innovation.
The restrictions related to Civilian Conservation Centers could potentially limit workforce training offerings, affecting young people and low-income individuals seeking skill development opportunities. This measure might hinder access to training resources, impacting broader objectives in workforce development and employment readiness.
In summary, while the bill makes strides in key areas like healthcare and education, it raises important questions about fund limitations, oversight, and the balancing of resources with strategic needs. Public and stakeholder engagement are crucial in ensuring the bill's implications are thoroughly understood and addressed to serve community interests effectively.
Financial Assessment
The S. 4942 bill encompasses several financial appropriations and allocations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, along with related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This commentary covers the financial references and how they relate to the identified issues within the bill.
Financial Appropriations and Allocations
The bill outlines significant allocations across numerous departments:
Department of Labor: This section sees allocations for employment and training services, with notable emphasis on job training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the National Apprenticeship Act, with a total of $4,019,669,000. There are also specific amounts designated for grants to states and for national programs.
Department of Health and Human Services: Several specific appropriations are noted, such as $1,411,376,000 for health workforce development and $2,571,041,000 for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. There is a rescission of $1,656,000,000 from the âNonrecurring Expenses Fund,â raising potential concerns about available funds for unforeseen expenses.
Department of Education: Funding for educational programs under ESEA and HEA sees allocations such as $19,387,790,000 aimed at disadvantaged education, initiatives supporting innovation like Education and Improvement with $1,115,000,000, and $15,768,264,000 for Special Education under IDEA.
Relating to Identified Issues
A few significant concerns are evident in the bill's financial dispositions:
Restrictions on Abortion Services - The prohibition on the use of any funds for abortion services, as per Section 506, shows a stringent stance on this matter, potentially affecting women who may need abortion services under special exceptions like rape or when the mother's life is at risk. These restrictions relate to broader ethical debates regarding government funding for reproductive health services.
Child Enrollment Contingency Fund - Section 529 identifies that $21,380,813,000 is not available for obligation this fiscal year, hence raising questions about the sustained support of enrollment programs critical to child welfare.
Drug Legalization and Research - The prohibiting language in Section 509 impacts funds being utilized for any legalization efforts of Schedule I drugs unless medically warranted, creating potential hindrances for research. This lack of clear definitions might hinder advancements in understanding therapeutic uses.
Unobligated Balances and Transfers - With Sections 533 and 532 extending fund availability, there is a risk of financial mismanagement due to insufficient oversight which could affect program implementation efficiency.
Network Pornography Blocking - Section 520 mandates blocking content related to pornography on federally funded networks but might inadvertently affect academic and research freedoms particularly relating to protected speech.
Conclusion
The financial handling within S. 4942 reflects an overarching distribution of funding to crucial sectors such as labor, health, and education while ensuring specific conditions and restraints. As reviewed, the allocations intertwine with various policy issues including reproductive health, drug research, child welfare, and digital content access, which continue to foster significant public discourse and legislative scrutiny. Overall, these financial directives reflect Congress's budgetary priorities and constraints for the outlined fiscal period.
Issues
The broad language in Section 506 imposing a complete restriction on the use of funds for abortions is controversial as it does not consider exceptions such as rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk, leading to potential ethical and legal disputes.
Section 529 raises concerns by stating that $21,380,813,000 in the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund is not available for obligation this fiscal year, leading to questions about the fund's intended purpose and potential impacts on child welfare programs.
The language in Section 509 prohibiting the use of funds for activities that promote the legalization of Schedule I drugs, except for 'normal' executive-congressional communications or when there's 'significant medical evidence,' could hinder research and therapeutic use opportunities without clear definitions of these terms.
Sections 533 and 532 introduce extended timelines for fund availability and transfers without specific oversight, potentially leading to concerns about financial transparency and efficiency in federal spending.
Section 520 mandates blocking pornography on federally funded networks without distinguishing legitimate research purposes, which could impact academic freedom and access to information while raising free speech concerns.
Section 231 potentially creates loopholes by allowing temporary waivers for noncompliance in caring for unaccompanied alien children without stringent oversight, raising welfare concerns.
The provision in Section 520 allowing exceptions for law enforcement could lead to inconsistent enforcement of network blocking rules, raising concerns about equitable application of Internet filtration policies.
The discretionary power given to the Secretary to transfer 1 percent of discretionary funds between appropriations in Section 302 without clear criteria or oversight mechanisms might lead to misuse or unintended shifts in budget priorities.
Section 115 restricts the closure of the Civilian Conservation Centers without clear criteria or justification, potentially affecting workforce training programs without transparent operational decision-making.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
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Summary AI
The section authorizes the allocation of funds from the Treasury for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, as well as related agencies, for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2025, and for other specified purposes.
101. Read Opens in new tab
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The funds from this Act allocated for the Job Corps cannot be used to pay any person a salary or bonuses higher than the Executive Level II pay rate, regardless if the costs are direct or indirect.
102. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows up to 1 percent of the Department of Labor's discretionary funds for the current fiscal year to be moved between different programs, projects, or activities, but no transfer can increase a specific program, project, or activity by more than 3 percent. These transfers cannot be used to start new programs or fund anything not already covered in the Act, and the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations must be notified at least 15 days before any transfer occurs.
103. Read Opens in new tab
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In accordance with Executive Order 13126, this section prohibits the use of any funds from this Act to purchase goods or services that involve forced or indentured child labor, especially from industries and countries already recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
104. Read Opens in new tab
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The section specifies that funds provided to the Department of Labor under a specific part of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act cannot be used for anything other than competitive grants. These grants are aimed at training individuals over 16 who are not in school for jobs where companies hire foreign workers with H-1B visas, along with activities that support this training.
105. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds under the "Employment and Training Administration" cannot be used to pay individuals more than the Executive Level II salary, although this rule doesn't apply to vendors providing goods and services as per OMB Circular Aâ133. States receiving these funds can set their own lower salary limits based on factors like local cost-of-living and compensation for similar public employees.
106. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary of Employment and Training Administration can shift funds to "Program Administration" for technical assistance services and program integrity activities, even overriding section 102, but section 171 of the WIOA is exempt. Transfers from discretionary appropriations and the "Office of Job Corps" are capped at 0.5 percent, and the funds can be used directly or through various agreements until September 30, 2026.
107. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary can set aside up to 0.75% from specific budget allocations to fund program evaluations within the Department of Labor until September 30, 2026. These evaluations will only proceed if the Chief Evaluation Officer submits a plan to Congress 15 days prior, and this funding will support various labor-related accounts, such as "Training and Employment Services" and "Job Corps."
108. Read Opens in new tab
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This section changes the Fair Labor Standards Act for two years after a major disaster, allowing certain employees who handle disaster-related insurance claims to not follow specific work laws. These employees must earn at least $591 per week and perform tasks like interviewing, inspecting damage, or negotiating settlements, provided they are licensed and their employer follows tax and insurance rules.
Money References
- SEC. 108. (a) Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207) shall be applied as if the following text is part of such section: â(s)(1) The provisions of this section shall not apply for a period of 2 years after the occurrence of a major disaster to any employeeâ â(A) employed to adjust or evaluate claims resulting from or relating to such major disaster, by an employer not engaged, directly or through an affiliate, in underwriting, selling, or marketing property, casualty, or liability insurance policies or contracts; â(B) who receives from such employer on average weekly compensation of not less than $591.00 per week or any minimum weekly amount established by the Secretary, whichever is greater, for the number of weeks such employee is engaged in any of the activities described in subparagraph (C); and â(C) whose duties include any of the following: â(i) interviewing insured individuals, individuals who suffered injuries or other damages or losses arising from or relating to a disaster, witnesses, or physicians; â(ii) inspecting property damage or reviewing factual information to prepare damage estimates; â(iii) evaluating and making recommendations regarding coverage or compensability of claims or determining liability or value aspects of claims; â(iv) negotiating settlements; or â(v) making recommendations regarding litigation. â(2) The exemption in this subsection shall not affect the exemption provided by section 13(a)(1). â(3) For purposes of this subsectionâ â(A) the term âmajor disasterâ means any disaster or catastrophe declared or designated by any State or Federal agency or department; â(B) the term âemployee employed to adjust or evaluate claims resulting from or relating to such major disasterâ means an individual who timely secured or secures a license required by applicable law to engage in and perform the activities described in clauses (i) through (v) of paragraph (1)(C) relating to a major disaster, and is employed by an employer that maintains worker compensation insurance coverage or protection for its employees, if required by applicable law, and withholds applicable Federal, State, and local income and payroll taxes from the wages, salaries and any benefits of such employees; and â(C) the term âaffiliateâ means a company that, by reason of ownership or control of 25 percent or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of one or more companies, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, another company.â. (b) This section shall be effective on the date of enactment of this Act. ---
109. Flexibility with respect to the crossing of Hâ2B nonimmigrants working in the seafood industry Read Opens in new tab
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If an employer in the seafood industry has been approved to hire Hâ2B nonimmigrants, they can bring these workers into the U.S. anytime within a 120-day period after the start date for which they need the workers. However, after 90 days, the employer must reassess the local labor market and offer the job to any qualified U.S. worker before bringing in more Hâ2B nonimmigrants. This process will not be considered a violation of rules against staggering workers' start dates. Hâ2B nonimmigrants are defined as foreigners allowed to work temporarily in the U.S. in non-agricultural positions.
110. Read Opens in new tab
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The section discusses how the prevailing wage for Hâ2B workers should be determined, stating it should be the higher amount between what the employer pays other similar employees in the area or the regional wage based on available information. It also allows the use of private wage surveys unless they are found to be statistically invalid.
111. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that the funds from this Act cannot be used to enforce certain employment definitions related to corresponding employment and the three-fourths guarantee rule. Additionally, it specifies a particular definition of "temporary need" to be used for regulating the entry of temporary workers under the Hâ2B program.
112. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary is allowed to provide up to $450,000 worth of surplus personal property to apprenticeship programs, through various means like grants or contracts, in order to help train apprentices.
Money References
- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may furnish through grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other arrangements, not more than $450,000 of excess personal property, at a value determined by the Secretary, to apprenticeship programs for the purpose of training apprentices in those programs.
113. In general Read Opens in new tab
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The amendment to the Act allows the Secretary of Labor to hire law enforcement officers to protect the Secretary and their family from threats. These officers have the power to carry firearms, make arrests, and work with local police to address security concerns, in line with guidelines from the Attorney General and the Secretary of Labor.
114. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary has the power to sell or transfer the land of the Treasure Island and Gary Job Corps Centers in any way they see fit, including working with others to build a new Job Corps center. This can be done without following the usual federal laws about selling government property. Any money made from these sales will go back to support the Job Corps Programs at these locations.
115. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that no funds from this Act can be used to change or end the agreement between the Departments of Labor and Agriculture, or to close any Civilian Conservation Centers unless closure is necessary for health and safety reasons, the program's capacity is maintained, and specific legal requirements are fulfilled.
116. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that $217 million of unused funds from a specific part of the Immigration and Nationality Act must be permanently taken back by September 30, 2025.
Money References
- SEC. 116. Of the unobligated funds available under section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)), $217,000,000 are hereby permanently rescinded not later than September 30, 2025.
117. Read Opens in new tab
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Congress permanently removed $65,000,000 from the money allocated for employment and training services in a previous law, specifically for the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Money References
- Of the funds made available under the heading âEmployment and Training AdministrationâTraining and Employment Servicesâ in division D of Public Law 118â47, $65,000,000 are hereby permanently rescinded from the amounts specified in paragraph (2)(A) under such heading for the period October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
118. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds provided to the Employment and Training Administration by this legislation can be used to support the creation and operation of workforce development technical assistance centers. These funds may be distributed as grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to offer help for activities managed by the Employment and Training Administration.
119. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary of Labor can transfer up to 1% of funds from various department accounts to cover costs related to improving office space and efficiency, with transfers lasting until used. However, Congress must be notified 15 days before any such transfer.
201. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds allocated under this section can be used for official events and representation costs, but these expenses should not exceed $50,000 and require approval from the Secretary.
Money References
- Funds appropriated in this title shall be available for not to exceed $50,000 for official reception and representation expenses when specifically approved by the Secretary.
202. Read Opens in new tab
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None of the funds from this section can be used to pay someone's salary at a rate higher than Executive Level II. However, it clarifies that the NIH is allowed to use these funds to pay someone's full salary at this rate.
203. Read Opens in new tab
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None of the funds from this Act can be used under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act or for any extra charges by the offices in the Department of Health and Human Services until the Secretary submits a report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees explaining how they plan to use the funds.
204. Read Opens in new tab
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A specific portion, determined by the Secretary and not exceeding 2.5 percent of the funding allocated for programs under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, can be used to evaluate and implement the effectiveness of these programs.
205. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows up to 1 percent of the discretionary funds for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be moved between different appropriations, but no appropriation can increase by more than 3 percent due to this transfer. The section also specifies that funds cannot be used for new programs or projects not funded in the current Act, and requires a 15-day advance notice to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees before any transfer.
206. Read Opens in new tab
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In this section, it states that the timeframe for certain terminations related to contracts can be extended to 60 days after a contract's start date in 2025, or immediately if the person hasnât received their contract funds.
207. Read Opens in new tab
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Applicants for funding under title X of the PHS Act must certify that they promote family involvement in minors' decisions about family planning and offer guidance to minors on resisting pressure to participate in sexual activities.
208. Read Opens in new tab
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In this section, it states that no service provider under title X of the Public Health Service Act is exempt from state laws that require them to notify or report cases of child abuse, molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest.
209. Read Opens in new tab
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None of the funds from this Act can be used for the Medicare Advantage program if the entity eligible to participate refuses to cover or refer for abortions on its own terms. However, the Secretary must adjust payments to that entity to reflect expected costs accurately and must ensure that enrollees are informed about where to access all Medicare-covered services.
210. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 210, the bill specifies that none of the allocated funds can be used in any way to support or encourage gun control efforts.
211. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary is authorized to assign up to 60 employees from the Public Health Service to help with child survival efforts and AIDS programs. These assignments can use funding from the Agency for International Development, UNICEF, or the World Health Organization.
212. Read Opens in new tab
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The section gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to manage international health projects, like those for HIV/AIDS, during 2025. It allows the Secretary to work with the Secretary of State to obtain and manage facilities overseas and provide benefits similar to Foreign Service employees for HHS personnel working abroad.
213. Read Opens in new tab
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The Director of the NIH, along with the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, can shift up to 3% of funding between institutes and centers for HIV research, as long as they notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days before making any transfer.
214. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that funds allocated to the NIH for HIV research must go to the "Office of AIDS Research" account, where the Director of the Office of AIDS Research will then transfer the necessary amounts needed to implement a specific part of the Public Health Service Act.
215. Authority Read Opens in new tab
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The Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is allowed to use specific funds to conduct research initiatives through various agreements that are not traditional contracts or grants. For these agreements, the Director can choose the type of scientific peer review process to use instead of following the usual, more involved review procedures.
216. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows the National Institutes of Health to use up to $100 million of the funds provided by this Act for altering, repairing, or improving their facilities, but no more than $5 million can be spent on a single project.
Money References
- Not to exceed $100,000,000 of funds appropriated by this Act to the institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health may be used for alteration, repair, or improvement of facilities, as necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the activities authorized herein, at not to exceed $5,000,000 per project.
217. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that 1% of the funds for National Research Service Awards (NRSA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be allocated to the Health Resources and Services Administration for research in primary medical care. Another 1% will go to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for health service research, specifically for individuals linked to certain entities funded under specified sections of the PHS Act.
218. Read Opens in new tab
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BARDA, which is part of the government, can make contracts for research services or security measures lasting up to 10 years if they have enough money and if it's the best option for efficiency or competition. These contracts must include a cancellation clause and require Congress to be informed.
219. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary must publish yearly information about the number of federal employees or contractors working on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), detailing their funding sources and job assignments. Employees or contractors who spend less than half their time on ACA tasks, are funded by other laws, or work on contracts not requiring staffing reports can be excluded from this report.
220. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary is required to include in the President's fiscal year 2026 budget report a detailed account of how funds have been used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for Health Insurance Exchanges since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. The report must also outline the planned use of these funds for fiscal year 2026 and include specific spending details for each year under the "Health Insurance Exchange Transparency" heading.
221. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund, or other accounts designated for the "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesâProgram Management" cannot be used for payments related to risk corridors as outlined in section 1342(b)(1) of Public Law 111â148.
222. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary must transfer funds specified in the Prevention and Public Health Fund within 45 days of this Act's enactment, in accordance with the amounts and activities detailed in the report accompanying the Act, but cannot transfer these funds further. Funds allocated for certain activities under the PHS Act can be used without following one specific subsection of that Act.
223. Read Opens in new tab
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From November 1, 2015, to January 1, 2027, any legal references to the current breast cancer screening recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force will be treated as if they refer to the guidelines issued before 2009. This applies to different types of mammography under a specific part of the Social Security Act.
224. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that the rules about indirect costs from an existing law will keep applying to the National Institutes of Health just like they did during a specific part of 2017. It also says that no money can be used to change these rules or make them have a bigger impact than they did at that time.
225. Read Opens in new tab
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The NIH Director is allowed to move funds between different NIH Institutes and Centers for programs related to opioid and stimulant addiction, pain management, and addiction treatment, as long as they notify Congress 15 days beforehand. This authority to transfer funds is in addition to any other powers given by law.
226. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary is required to give detailed monthly enrollment data and notify about new or competitive grant awards to specific congressional committees. Additionally, these committees must be informed at least two business days before any public announcement of this information.
227. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary of Health and Human Services is allowed to transfer up to $525 million to manage programs under Medicare. This money comes from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, but cannot be used for any parts of Public Law 111â148 or Public Law 111â152, nor can it replace any money already in the account.
Money References
- In addition to the amounts otherwise available for âCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Program Managementâ, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may transfer up to $525,000,000 to such account from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to support program management activity related to the Medicare Program: Provided, That except for the foregoing purpose, such funds may not be used to support any provision of Public Law 111â148 or Public Law 111â152 (or any amendment made by either such Public Law) or to supplant any other amounts within such account. ---
228. Read Opens in new tab
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The Department of Health and Human Services must send a report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees twice a year, within 30 days after the bill is enacted, detailing the staffing as described in the report accompanying the bill.
229. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds allocated for salaries and expenses of the Department of Health and Human Services employees can also cover travel costs for the employee or their family if they are assigned to an area in the U.S. or its territories during a public health emergency and need medical care not available there. The term "U.S. territory" includes places like Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
230. Read Opens in new tab
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The Department of Health and Human Services can receive donations from private companies and organizations not part of the Federal Government to support unaccompanied children in its care. These donations can include medical supplies, school materials, toys, clothing, and other items that help the children's wellbeing.
231. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that funds cannot be used to house unaccompanied alien children in unlicensed facilities unless necessary due to an influx or emergency, and only if the facility follows certain guidelines similar to licensed placements. It requires specific staffing ratios, allows temporary waivers for compliance, mandates monitoring visits, and demands a report to Congress on the facility's operations and requirements.
232. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary must notify Congress at least 15 days before using an unlicensed facility for unaccompanied children, explaining the facility type and providing an analysis of why it is necessary. Every month, they must also report on the number of children there, how long they've stayed, and reasons for delays if a child remains for over 60 days.
233. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 233, the law states that no funding from this Act can be used to stop a U.S. Senator or House member from visiting facilities housing unaccompanied alien children, as long as they coordinate with the Office of Refugee Resettlement at least two business days in advance to make sure their visit doesnât disrupt the facility's operations.
234. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary is required to submit monthly reports to Congress and publish them online about children separated from their parents by the Department of Homeland Security, regardless of the reason, and then classified as unaccompanied. These reports must include the number of children separated, their ages, the location of the separation, and the reasons for their separation as reported by DHS.
235. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds from this Act meant for the salaries and expenses of CDC employees can also be used to pay for the schooling of their children if they are stationed in a U.S. territory, as long as the costs do not exceed what the Department of Defense pays.
236. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that $1,656,000,000 from the "Nonrecurring Expenses Fund" will be taken back by September 30, 2025, but this will not include any funds that Congress had previously labeled as necessary for emergencies.
Money References
- Of the unobligated balances in the âNonrecurring Expenses Fundâ established in section 223 of division G of Public Law 110â161, $1,656,000,000 are hereby rescinded not later than September 30, 2025, except that no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were previously designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
237. Read Opens in new tab
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The Director of the National Institutes of Health will require institutions receiving grants to complete investigations into principal investigators or key personnel involved in harassment or similar issues, even if the person leaves their position. They may also refuse to transfer grants to another institution if issues are unresolved.
301. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that the funds from this Act cannot be used to stop programs that allow students to voluntarily pray or meditate in public schools.
302. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 302, the Department of Education can transfer up to 1% of their discretionary funds between different appropriations, but no single appropriation can get more than a 3% increase from such transfers. This transfer power cannot be used to start new programs or projects not already funded, and Congress must be informed 15 days before any transfer happens.
303. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds mentioned in this section are allocated for evaluation purposes and are available to be used from July 1, 2025, until September 30, 2026, according to section 8601(c) of the ESEA.
304. Read Opens in new tab
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An institution of higher education can use the income from its endowment fund, which is supported by specific federal funds, to award scholarships to students. This use of income is allowed until the relevant parts of the Higher Education Act are updated.
305. Read Opens in new tab
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Section 305 of the bill changes the date mentioned in Section 114(f) of the Higher Education Act from 2021 to 2025.
306. Read Opens in new tab
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Section 306 updates the Higher Education Act by changing a specific date in it from 2021 to 2025.
307. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds from the "Student Aid Administration" in this law can be used to pay colleges or universities that handle Federal Perkins Loans for students, under a specific law related to higher education.
308. Read Opens in new tab
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The section explains that for the fiscal year 2025, $15 million that was previously allocated under a specific provision of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is being taken back, or "rescinded."
Money References
- Of the amounts appropriated under section 401(b)(7)(A)(ii) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b)(7)(A)(ii)) for fiscal year 2025, $15,000,000 are hereby rescinded.
309. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill allocates $2,300,000 for the Secretary of Education to help student loan borrowers who may qualify for loan cancellation. It focuses on outreach to guide them, especially those who have paid under non-qualifying plans, and improves communication by offering electronic payment certification and clear information on servicers' websites.
Money References
- Of the amounts made available in this title under the heading âStudent Aid Administrationâ, $2,300,000 shall be used by the Secretary of Education to conduct outreach to borrowers of loans made under part D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 who may intend to qualify for loan cancellation under section 455(m) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)), to ensure that borrowers are meeting the terms and conditions of such loan cancellation: Provided, That the Secretary shall specifically conduct outreach to assist borrowers who would qualify for loan cancellation under section 455(m) of such Act except that the borrower has made some, or all, of the 120 required payments under a repayment plan that is not described under section 455(m)(A) of such Act, to encourage borrowers to enroll in a qualifying repayment plan:
310. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretary is allowed to set aside up to 0.5% of funds from certain education programs to evaluate and analyze the outcomes of programs authorized by the Higher Education Act (HEA), except for some specific exclusions. These reserved funds are available until September 30, 2027, and a detailed plan of the reserved funds must be submitted to specific congressional committees 30 days before spending.
311. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allocates an additional $116,461,000 for projects under "Innovation and Improvement" related to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as specified in a table in the report accompanying the Act, noting that these funds are not affected by section 302 of the Act.
Money References
- In addition to amounts otherwise appropriated by this Act under the heading âInnovation and Improvementâ for purposes authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, there are hereby appropriated an additional $116,461,000 which shall be used for the projects, and in the amounts, specified in the table titled âCongressionally Directed Spendingâ included in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That none of the funds made available for such projects shall be subject to section 302 of this Act. ---
312. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows up to $21,390,000 of the budget for the Institute of Education Sciences to be used by the Secretary of Education for various support services. It also permits the transfer of funds between different accounts if necessary, with the condition that Congress is notified at least 14 days before any such transfer.
Money References
- Of the amounts appropriated in this Act for âInstitute of Education Sciencesâ, up to $21,390,000 shall be available for the Secretary of Education (âthe Secretaryâ) to provide support services to the Institute of Education Sciences (including, but not limited to information technology services, lease or procurement of office space, human resource services, financial management services, financial systems support, budget formulation and execution, legal counsel, equal employment opportunity services, physical security, facilities management, acquisition and contract management, grants administration and policy, and enterprise risk management):
401. Read Opens in new tab
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CNCS can only make major changes to how programs work or deliver services by giving the public a chance to comment first. For fiscal year 2025, during grant selection, CNCS staff must keep grant selection details confidential and only share them with authorized colleagues.
402. Read Opens in new tab
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AmeriCorps programs that get grants through the National Service Trust Program must cover at least 24% of their costs for the first three years of funding. After that, they have to follow the rules set in the federal regulations regarding funding shares, but some exceptions might apply.
403. Read Opens in new tab
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Donations made to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) under section 196 of the 1990 Act must be used to add to, not replace, current programs and activities under certain titles of the 1973 and 1990 Acts.
404. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 404, it states that only veterans, as defined by another section of the 1990 Act, can use an educational award for certain purposes described in a specific part of that Act.
405. Read Opens in new tab
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Entities and individuals described in section 189D of the 1990 Act are recognized as "qualified entities" and "volunteers" under the National Child Protection Act of 1993. Additionally, State Commissions on National and Community Service can access criminal history record information in line with Public Law 92â544.
406. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows the Corporation to decide how many hours are needed for a service term that is under 1,700 hours. If the required hours are reduced below 1,700, the national service educational award given for that service will also be reduced accordingly.
407. Read Opens in new tab
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Section 407 modifies the 1990 Act by changing the term âa national service program that receives grants under subtitle Câ to âan approved national service positionâ in Section 148(f)(2)(A)(i).
408. Read Opens in new tab
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The section prohibits the use of federal funds from this or previous appropriations acts for the National Labor Relations Board to create new rules or directives that would allow employees to vote electronically in elections for choosing a representative for collective bargaining.
501. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education are allowed to move leftover funds from old budgets to new budget accounts. These funds must be used for the same purposes and within the same time frames as originally intended.
502. Read Opens in new tab
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No funds from this Act can be obligated after the current fiscal year unless it is specifically stated in the Act itself.
503. Read Opens in new tab
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The section prohibits the use of funds from the Act for publicity or propaganda aimed at influencing legislation or regulations, including tax increases or consumer product restrictions, except as part of standard executive-legislative relationships. It also forbids using these funds to pay anyone involved in activities to influence government actions or laws, other than normal interactions between government branches.
504. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows the Secretaries of Labor and Education to use up to $33,000 and $20,000, respectively, for official reception and representation expenses. Additionally, it permits the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Chairman of the National Mediation Board to each use up to $5,000 for similar expenses.
Money References
- The Secretaries of Labor and Education are authorized to make available not to exceed $33,000 and $20,000, respectively, from funds available for salaries and expenses under titles I and III, respectively, for official reception and representation expenses; the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is authorized to make available for official reception and representation expenses not to exceed $5,000 from the funds available for âFederal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Salaries and Expensesâ; and the Chairman of the National Mediation Board is authorized to make available for official reception and representation expenses not to exceed $5,000 from funds available for âNational Mediation Board, Salaries and Expensesâ.
505. Read Opens in new tab
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Grantees receiving federal funds under this Act must specify, in any public documents about their projects, the percentage and dollar amount of the project's cost covered by federal funds, as well as the percentage and dollar amount provided by non-governmental sources.
Money References
- SEC. 505. When issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving Federal funds included in this Act, including but not limited to State and local governments and recipients of Federal research grants, shall clearly stateâ (1) the percentage of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money; (2) the dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program; and (3) percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources. ---
506. Read Opens in new tab
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The section prohibits using funds from this Act or related trust funds for abortions or health insurance plans that cover abortions. It also defines âhealth benefits coverageâ as the set of services offered by a managed care provider or organization through an agreement.
507. Read Opens in new tab
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This section outlines exceptions to abortion funding limitations, allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest, or when a woman's health is at risk. It clarifies that State and local funds can be used for abortions and protects health care entities from being discriminated against for choosing not to provide abortion services.
508. Read Opens in new tab
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The section prohibits using funds from the Act for creating or experimenting on human embryos in ways that endanger them beyond legal limits for fetal research. It defines "human embryos" as organisms from human cells not yet protected under existing human subject laws.
509. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds from this Act cannot be used to promote legalizing any schedule I controlled substances unless they are part of typical government discussions or there is medical proof of their benefits or government-funded clinical trials are exploring their use for therapy.
510. Read Opens in new tab
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None of the funds from this Act can be used to create or implement a rule that assigns a unique health identifier to a person, unless a new law is passed that specifically approves such a rule.
511. Read Opens in new tab
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If a company wants to enter into or renew a contract with the United States, it cannot use the funds from this Act unless it has filed a required annual report about employing certain veterans with the Secretary of Labor, as specified by the law.
512. Read Opens in new tab
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Any funds provided by this Act cannot be transferred to other parts of the U.S. government unless the transfer is allowed by this Act or another funding law.
513. Read Opens in new tab
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The section specifies that libraries receiving funds from this Act, under the Library Services and Technology Act, must comply with certifications related to the Children's Internet Protection Act to be eligible for the funds.
514. Read Opens in new tab
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The section prohibits the use of funds from the Act for changes like creating new programs, removing existing ones, or relocating offices without notifying and consulting relevant Congressional committees in advance. It also restricts reprogramming funds above certain limits without prior consultation and written notification, ensuring Congress is informed of significant budgetary changes.
Money References
- (b) None of the funds provided under this Act, or provided under previous appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2025, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States derived by the collection of fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming of funds in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, thatâ (1) augments existing programs, projects (including construction projects), or activities; (2) reduces by 10 percent funding for any existing program, project, or activity, or numbers of personnel by 10 percent as approved by Congress; or (3) results from any general savings from a reduction in personnel which would result in a change in existing programs, activities, or projects as approved by Congress; unless the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate are consulted 15 days in advance of such reprogramming or of an announcement of intent relating to such reprogramming, whichever occurs earlier, and are notified in writing 10 days in advance of such reprogramming. ---
515. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that government funds cannot be used to ask someone applying for a Federal scientific advisory committee about their political beliefs or voting history if it's not necessary for the committee's work, and also cannot be used to spread false or misleading information.
516. Read Opens in new tab
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Within 45 days after this Act becomes law, every department and agency that receives funding from this Act must submit a detailed plan showing any differences in funding allocation at the program, project, and activity levels for the fiscal year 2025, compared to the amounts specified in this Act, the accompanying report table, or the 2025 budget request.
517. Read Opens in new tab
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The Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education are required to submit a report to Congress every three months in 2025 detailing any non-competitive contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements over $500,000. This report must include the recipient's name, the amount of money awarded, and a justification for why it was given without competition.
Money References
- The Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education shall each prepare and submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the number and amount of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements exceeding $500,000, individually or in total for a particular project, activity, or programmatic initiative, in value and awarded by the Department on a non-competitive basis during each quarter of fiscal year 2025, but not to include grants awarded on a formula basis or directed by law.
518. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that the Commissioner of Social Security is not allowed to use any funds from this Act to handle claims for Social Security benefits if the claim involves using a social security number that isn't the claimant's own. This applies if the claimant has been convicted of specific fraud-related violations under the Social Security Act.
519. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that no funds given under this law can be used by the Social Security Administration to pay its employees for handling U.S.-Mexico agreements related to Social Security benefits if those benefits wouldn't otherwise be paid without such an agreement.
520. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds from this Act cannot be used to create or maintain computer networks that allow access to pornography. However, this rule does not apply to funds required by law enforcement or other entities involved in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
521. Read Opens in new tab
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The section explains that for certain government guidelines and budget requirements, parts of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be treated as separate agencies. Additionally, it states that support for scientific conferences will be recorded separately from overall agency expenses.
522. Read Opens in new tab
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This section mandates that federal agencies must clearly mention in their advertisements or educational communications, whether in text, audio, or video, that they are funded by U.S. taxpayers. The money to fulfill this requirement should come from the agency's existing budget for advertising or other communication about its programs and activities.
523. Read Opens in new tab
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Federal agencies can use funds from this Act to conduct up to 10 Performance Partnership Pilots, following specific guidelines from earlier laws but with updated dates, and focusing on communities that have faced civil unrest. Additionally, agencies may extend current pilot programs from past appropriation acts by up to 5 more years.
524. Read Opens in new tab
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The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and the Social Security Administration must submit a report each quarter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees starting in fiscal year 2025. This report should detail the status of funds from appropriations, specifically identifying any unobligated, uncommitted, committed, or obligated but unspent amounts, broken down by the fiscal year since 2012.
525. Read Opens in new tab
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The secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education need to give the House and Senate Appropriations Committees a list of new or competitive grants they are going to announce. They must share this list at least three business days before announcing the grant winners, except in emergency situations or at the end of the fiscal or program year.
526. Read Opens in new tab
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Congress has included a rule in this section that prevents the use of allocated funds to buy clean needles or syringes for illegal drug injection. However, this restriction does not apply if a state or local health department, along with the CDC, finds a significant risk of hepatitis or HIV outbreaks related to drug use, and the program follows local laws.
527. Read Opens in new tab
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Each department and agency that receives funding through this Act is required to respond to questions from Committee members within 45 business days of receiving them.
528. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides an additional $5,000,000 to the National Labor Relations Board's budget for salaries and expenses, specifically for updating their information technology systems for managing cases. This funding is available until September 30, 2027, and cannot replace other funds in the account.
Money References
- In addition to the amount otherwise available for âNational Labor Relations Board, Salaries and Expensesâ, $5,000,000 shall be available for obligation through September 30, 2027, solely for the costs necessary for information technology modernization associated with the Agencyâs case management system, including hardware and software infrastructure and equipment, and necessary and direct oversight of such modernization efforts:
529. Read Opens in new tab
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The text states that $21,380,813,000 from the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund, as well as any income from investments of those funds, will not be available to spend in this fiscal year. This fund is referenced under a specific section of the Social Security Act.
Money References
- Of amounts deposited in the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund under section 2104(n)(2) of the Social Security Act and the income derived from investment of those funds pursuant to section 2104(n)(2)(C) of that Act, $21,380,813,000 shall not be available for obligation in this fiscal year.
530. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section specifies that out of the remaining funds from Public Law 114â10, a total of $2,028,187,000 cannot be used or committed for spending during this fiscal year.
Money References
- SEC. 530. Of the unobligated balances made available by section 301(b)(3) of Public Law 114â10, $2,028,187,000 shall not be available for obligation in this fiscal year.
531. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that $10,000,000 from various parts of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are being taken back. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to certain Congressional committees within 60 days about where this money is coming from, listing the specific accounts and amounts.
Money References
- Of the unobligated balances of funds made available by sections 2301, 2302, 2303, 2401, 2402, 2403, 2404, 2501, 2502, 2704, 3101 and 9911 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117â2), $10,000,000 are hereby rescinded:
532. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section states that certain funds from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor, meant for research and evaluation, can be used until September 30, 2029, and allows flexibility in managing these funds by using a single Treasury account. If any of these funds are left over after completing a project, they can be used again for similar purposes within the same or following fiscal year.
533. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Each amount labeled by Congress as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 can only be used (or changed) if the President also labels these amounts as such and informs Congress about it.