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04/30/98 THU 05:14 FAX 001 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 219- 6924 OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS FAX COVER SHEET 1 trump (nototality) Labor hates it. unworkall NOT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FACSIMILE 2 2 MESSAGE IS CONFIDENTIAL AND INTENDED FOR THE RECIPIENT ONLY. decisims Way Wall Puthing A irjang. by inspectors DATE: 4/29 TO: Julie Fernandes amondmendment. as an 3 targeting 6 FAX#: mo. barmuko (thendende HHS deciding person is admissible FROM: Peter Jacoby FAX #: (202)456-6468 for of (202)456-6493 RE: language Put traing PAGE 1 OF If there are any problems with this transmission, please call (202)456-6493 04/30/98 THU 05:14 FAX 002 04/29 '98 13:17 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 0 April 28, 1998 ITAA The Honorable Major R. Owens United States House of Representatives 2305 Raybum House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Owens: 1 understand that you are soon to introduce 2 bill, the "Workforce Investment Partnership Act." Based on & review of your draft legislation. it appears it addresses the information technology (TT) training needs that are critical to the growth of American industry. As the industry association with leadership on growing the domestic IT workforce, the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) is pleased to see the way you are attempting to deal with creatively the workforce shortage. ITAA's recently released a study conducted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech), Help Wanted 1998: A Call for Collaborative Action for the New Millennium. This study found that there are currently 346,000 vacant IT positions in American companies. These vacancies exist both at high tech companies and in other industry sectors, including banking, retail, insurance, and hospitality. Every region of the country is impacted by this lack of IT talent. The IT skills gap represents thousands of missed opportunities for American workers, because these high paying. high growth jobs remain vacant. ITAA supports partnerships airiong stakeholders in business, academia, and government which create opportunities for Americans to pursue IT jobs. ITAA is especially supportive of those partnerships that leverage existing resources (such BS college faculties and community-based organizations) for new types of training programs, as your legislation suggests. ITAA looks forward to working with you and your staff to develop this project and include industry leaders in the process. Thank you for your leadership on this critical issue. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 703-284-5340, or contact Lauren Brownstein, ITAA's Workforce Education Program Manager, at ibrownsté[email protected] or 703-284-5318. Sincerely, the Harris N. Miller President Information Technology Association of America 1616 N. Fort Myor Drive, Suite 1300, Arlinglon, Virginia 22209-3106 Phone: (703) 522-5055 Fax: (703) 525-2279 04/30/98 THU 05:14 FAX 003 04/29 '98 13:16 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PHGE "Information Technology Partnerships Act" Mr. Owens Summary of Bill Findings There are more than 200,000 vacancies in various categories of information technology jobs. Positions exist at all levels from aides and mechanics to programmers and designers. It is in the national interest to promote special initiatives which keep pace with these expanding job opportunities. Purpose This bill creates a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to establish and oversee Information Technology Education and Employment Projects. Primarily, these Projects would consist of computer training centers, both on-campus and off-campus. In addition, job placement activities would be expected of grant recipients. To ensure that these Projects are located in the community and supplement existing on-campus efforts, this bill would prioritize grant applications to colleges and universities that plan to issue sub-grants to community-based entities. Such entities include the following: -School-to-Work programs -after school centers -churches -adult continuing education programs -libraries -museums -other non-profit cultural and educational organizations Enrollee Eligibility Each site must maintain an enrollment of at least 50% low-income and 50% below age 25. Persons above age 50 shall not be required to meet any means-testing requirements. Enrollees must have either a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Computer Competencies Each Project shall offer, through a combination of classes and activities at the outreach site or on-campus, a full range of computer certificates including basic 04/30/98 THU 05:14 FAX 004 04/29 '98 13:18 ID :LANIERFAX3800 FHA computer competence, on-the-job upgrade assistance, and advanced computer competence. To ensure that these certificates genuinely prepare the enrollee for employment in the field of information technology, certificates must be linked to skill standards set by the National Skill Standards Board. The National Skill Standards Board is an existing independent group of business, labor, education, and civic leaders created by the 1994 National Skill Standards Act. It is composed of 28 members and is chaired by the CEO of Corning Incorporated. (For additional information, visit their website: www.nssb.org.) Funding This bill authorizes $100 million to carry out activities of the Information Technology Education and Employment Projects. 04/30/98 THU 05:15 FAX 005 04/29 '98 13:17 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: Information Technology Partnerships Amendment to H.R. 6 Offered by Mr. Owens 4/28/98 Talking Points This amendment is designed to address the information technology (IT) worker shortage that is currently taking place in America. As documented by government reports, industry analyses, and news reports, the shortage of IT workers here at home is expected to become worse by the new millennium. The Commerce Department report, America's New Deficit: The Shortage of Information Technology Workers, documents a startling fact: In the midst of a Technological Revolution, America has run out of manpower with the technical skills and experience needed to lead and survive in the digital environment. The Commerce Department says that currently 200,000 to 400,000 jobs requiring computer software skills are going unfilled because of a worker shortage. One industry executive likened the present situation to running out of iron are in the middle of the Industrial Revolution. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently predicted a 70% growth in computer and technology-related jobs by 2005. From 1996 to 2005, more than 1.3 million new computer scientists, engineers, and systems analysts will be needed in the U.S. to fill vacant jobs. On average, this amounts to a need of more than 136,000 workers every year. Business are complaining for help. In fact, many businesses are lobbying for a relaxation on limits for special employment visas, so that individuals can be brought to America to fill these vacant high-tech positions. The Senate Judiciary Committee recently passed the so-called "American Competitiveness Act" - S.1723. This would eventually lift the lid on the annual number of special employment immigration visas (H-1B) to 115,000. This approach is shortsighted given the imminent global shortage of information technology workers. More importantly, this approach shortchanges America's domestic workforce. We should support long-term solutions that prioritize training for individuals already here in our communities who are without meaningful jobs. This amendment would authorize a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to establish and oversee Information Technology Education and 04/30/98 THU 05:15 FAX 006 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PHGC , 04/29 '98 13:17 Employment Projects. Colleges and universities would be expected to enter into partnerships with community-based organizations and local government agencies to house computer training centers in the local community. The computer training centers would actually educate and certify individuals based on industry- recognized computer technology standards. This amendment recognizes that higher education institutions have great capacities and resources. Schools and universities are existing entities that are already in place to provide an anchor role for a comprehensive information technology training program. It is in the interest of our business community and in the national interest to promote special initiatives which educate and train America's workforce to take advantage of these vast job opportunities. Support the Information Technology Partnerships Amendment. It represents a true commitment to America's competitiveness. 04/30/98 THU 05:15 FAX 1007 04/29 '98 13:42 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PHGC F:\HEA98\AMDT\HRBAMDT.020 H.L.C. AMENDMENT TO H.R. B OFFERED BY MR. OWENS (information technology partnerships) (Page & line nos. refer to Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute) Page II-16, after line 21, insert the following new section (and redesignate the succeeding section accord- ingly): 1 SEC. 206. POSTSECONDARY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2 EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE. 3 (a) FINDINGS.-The Congress finds the following: 4 (1) There are more than 200,000 to 400,000 5 vacancies in various categories of information tech- 6 nology jobs. 7 (2) From 1996 to 2005, more than 1,300,000 8 new computer scientists, engineers, and systems an- 9 alysts will be required in the United States to fill va- 10 cant jobs, which equals 136,800 new workers per 11 year. 12 (3) Systems analysts will experience the largest 13 job growth, accounting for a 103 percent increase in 14 the number of new positions from 1996 (506,000) to 15 2005 (1,025,000). 16 (4) The shortage of information technology 17 workers transcends industries, affecting the manu- March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:15 FAX ID:LANIERFAX3800 008 04/29 '98 13:42 FAX: F:\HEA98\AMDT\HR6AMDT.020 H.L.C. 2 1 facturing, service, transportation, health care, edu- 2 cation, and government sectors. Within each sector, 3 vacancies exist at all levels from aides and mechan- 4 ics to programmers and designers. 5 (5) The information technology worker shortage 6 is having an adverse effect on the viability of busi- 7 nesses in the United States and on the Nation's 8 competitiveness. Industry surveys report that half of 9 industry executives cite the lack of workers skilled in 10 technology as the number one obstacle to their com- 11 pany's growth. An additional 20 percent of industry 12 executives identify the lack of information tech- 13 nology workers as a major obstacle to their compa- 14 ny's growth. 15 (6) A major factor affecting the short supply of 16 information technology workers is the mismatch be- 17 tween what universities teach and what industry 18 needs. 19 (7) It is in the national interest to promote spe- 20 cial initiatives which effectively educate and train 21 our domestic workforce to keep pace with these ex- 22 panding job opportunities. 23 (8) Institutions of higher education have the ca- 24 pacity and resources to provide a role of oversight 25 and technical assistance to a wide range of local en- March 17. 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:16 FAX 009 04/29 '98 13:42 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FHX F:.\HEAS8\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 H.L.C. 3 1 tities, including community-based organizations, par- 2 ticipating in a comprehensive education and training 3 program for potential technology workers. 4 (9) Higher education institutions must be re- 5 sponsive to the digital environment and expand both 6 their outreach efforts and on-campus activities to 7 train and certify individuals to close the information 8 technology worker gap. 9 (b) AMENDMENT.-Title II is amended by adding at 10 the end the following: 11 "PART G-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 12 EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE 13 "SEC. 281. PARTNERSHIPS FOR POSTSECONDARY INFORMA- 14 TION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AND EM- 15 PLOYMENT ASSISTANCE 16 "(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.- 17 "(1) IN GENERAL.-The Secretary may make 18 grants under this section, in accordance with com- 19 petitive criteria established by the Secretary, to in- 20 stitutions of higher education, in order to establish, 21 oversee the operation of, and provide technical as- 22 sistance to, projects described in paragraph (2). 23 "(2) PROJECTS.-Projects under this section 24 shall be projects implemented by a community-based 25 organization described in subsection (b), or by the March 17. 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:17 FAX 001 04/29 '98 13:43 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 6 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 H.L.C. 4 1 institution of higher education receiving the grant, 2 to provide postsecondary information technology 3 education and employment procurement assistance 4 to eligible individuals described in subsection (c). S "(3) RESTRICTIONS.-An institution of higher 6 education shall be eligible to receive only one grant 7 under this section, but may, subject to the require- 8 ments of this section, use the grant to enter into 9 contracts with more than one community-based or- 10 ganization. A community-based organization shall 11 not be eligible to enter into a contract under this 12 section with more than one institution of higher edu- 13 cation. 14 "(4) PERIOD OF GRANT.-The provision of pay- 15 ments under a grant under this section shall not ex- 16 ceed 5 fiscal years and shall be subject to the annual 17 approval of the Secretary and subject to the avail- 18 ability of appropriations for each fiscal year in- 19 volved. 20 "(b) COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS.- 21 "(1) IN GENERAL-Subject to paragraph (2), a 22 community-based organization described in this sub- 23 section is an entity that, at the time the entity en- 24 ters into a contract with an institution of higher March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:17 FAX La 002 04/29 '98 13:43 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 7 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HR5AMDT.020 H.L.C. 5 1 education for & project under this section, and 2 throughout the duration of that contract- 3 "(A) is- 4 "(i) a governmental agency; or 5 "(ii) an organization described in sec- 6 tion 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue 7 Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under 8 section 501(a) of such Code; and 9 "(B) is one of the following: 10 "(i) A local partnership (as defined in 11 section 4 of the School-to-Work Opportuni- 12 ties Act of 1994) receiving a grant under 13 section 302 of such Act. 14 "(ii) An entity organized and operated 15 for religious purposes. 16 "(iii) An entity furnishing school-age 17 child care services after school. 18 "(iv) A community-based computer 19 center. 20 "(v) An entity furnishing adult edu- 21 cation. 22 "(vi) A library. 23 "(vii) A museum. March 17. 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:17 FAX 003 04/29 '98 13:44 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 8 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 H.L.C. 6 - "(viii) Any other entity organized and 2 operated for cultural, literary, or edu- 3 cational purposes. 4 "(2) LIMITATION.-An entity shall not be con- 5 sidered a community-based organization described in 6 this subsection unless, at the time the entity enters 7 into a contract with an institution of higher edu- 8 cation for a project under this section, it has dem- 9 onstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary that- 10 "(A) it has the capacity successfully to re- 11 cruit eligible individuals described in subsection 12 (c) for participation in a project described in 13 subsection (a), consistent with the enrollment 14 requirements in subsection (d)(2)(E); 15 "(B) it is providing an educational service, 16 social service, or employment procurement serv- 17 ice; and 18 "(C) in the case of an entity that inde- 19 pendently manages its OWN finances, it has been 20 in existence 2 years or more. 21 "(c) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALs.-An eligible individual 22 described in this subsection is an individual who- 23 "(1) has submitted a satisfactory application to 24 receive postsecondary information technology edu- March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:17 FAX 4 004 04/29 '98 13:44 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 9 in F:\HEAS8\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 H.L.C. 7 1 cation and employment procurement assistance 2 through a project under this section; and 3 "(2) has a certificate of graduation from a 4 school providing secondary education, or the recog- S nized equivalent of such a certificate. 6 "(d) DUTIES.- 7 "(1) INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.- 8 An institution of higher education receiving a grant 9 under this section shall use the funds provided under 10 the grant to carry out the following duties: 11 "(A) Final selection of community-based 12 organizations described in subsection (b) desir- 13 ing to provide, at one or more sites, in accord- 14 ance with a contract with the institution of 15 higher education and this section, postsecond- 16 ary information technology education and em- 17 ployment procurement assistance to eligible in- 18 dividuals described in subsection (c). 19 "(B) Entering into a contract with each 20 community-based organization selected under 21 subparagraph (A) under which the institution 22 and the organization agree to carry out the du- 23 ties respectively required of them under this 24 section with respect to each site described in 25 subparagraph (A). March 17, 1938 04/30/98 THU 05:17 FAX 005 04/29 '98 13:44 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 10 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 H.L.C. 8 1 "(C) With respect to each site described in 2 subparagraph (A)- 3 "(i) provision of such funding for the 4 establishment and initial operation of the 5 site as was specified in the grant applica- 6 tion submitted by the institution to the 7 Secretary; 8 "(ii) approval of final site selection 9 and preparation; 10 "(iii) initial orientation and training 11 of personnel employed to manage and op- 12 erate the site; 13 "(iv) design and certification of the 14 instructional and academic programs, and 15 oversight of the implementation of the pro- 16 grams; 17 "(v) oversight of equipment purchases 18 and contracts for equipment maintenance; 19 and 20 "(vi) selection of an outside contractor 21 for periodic evaluation of the management 22 and operation of the site. 23 "(2) COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS.- 24 "(A) IN GENERAL.-A community-based 25 organization implementing a project under this March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:18 FAX 006 04/29 '98 13:45 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 11 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HR6AMDT.020 H.L.C. 9 1 section with an institution of higher education, 2 at one or more sites, shall carry out the duties 3 described in this paragraph, with respect to 4 each such site, subject to the oversight and 5 guidance of the institution. 6 "(B) GENERAL DUTIES.-The organiza- 7 tion- 8 "(i) shall undertake final site selection 9 and preparation; 10 "(ii) shall recruit and hire a site di- 11 rector; 12 "(iiii) shall carry out any supple- 13 mentary instructional, academic, or edu- 14 cational activities specified in the contract 15 with the institution of higher education 16 that are not described in subparagraph 17 (D); 18 "(iv) shall assemble an advisory com- 19 mittee composed of individuals residing in 20 the community in which the site is located 21 who desire to assist the organization in en- 22 suring that the goals of the organization 23 are consistent with the goals and needs of 24 the community population; March 17. 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:18 FAX 007 04/29 '98 13:45 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 12 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HR6AMDT.020 H.L.C. 10 1 "(v) shall provide to the institution 2 other evidence of volunteer support from 3 among individuals residing in the commu- 4 nity in which the site is located; S "(vi) shall recruit eligible individuals 6 for enrollment, subject to subparagraph 7 (E); 8 "(vii) shall maintain waiting lists of 9 eligible individuals desiring to enroll in the 10 project's programs; 11 "(viii) shall provide career counseling Not 12 to eligible individuals enrolled in the 13 project's programs; and and ment t 14 "(ix) shall provide job and internship Ly 15 b/c information and placement, employer con- 16 of tacts, and other forms of employment pro- 17 curement assistance to eligible individuals gertedec 18 enrolled in the project's programs. Broblen 19 "(C) SITE REQUIREMENTS.-The organiza- 20 tion shall ensure that each site- 21 "(i) has a minimum of 20 fully func- 22 tioning computers with sufficient capacity 23 to perform all of the computer operations 24 that are the subject of the curriculum 25 specified in subparagraph (D); March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:18 FAX 008 04/29 '98 13:45 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 13 F:\HEAS8\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 II.L.C. 11 1 "(ii) in addition to the space for the 2 computers described in clause (i), has 3 "(I) a classroom space with the 4 capacity for seating a minimum of 30 5 students; 6 "(II) a space in which to conduct 7 the required career and employment 8 counseling functions specified in sub- 9 paragraph (B); and 10 "(III) a separate office for the 11 site director; 12 "(iii) is real property subject to the 13 control of the organization or the institu- 14 tion, through a lease or other legal instru- 15 ment, for a period of not less than 5 years; 16 "(iv) is open to enrolled individuals 17 not less than 12 hours per day; and 18 "(v) is located within walking distance 19 of public transportation. 20 "(D) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CUR- 21 RICULUM.- 22 "(i) IN GENERAL-The organization 23 shall ensure that each site offers enrollees 24 a curriculum that includes a broad range 25 of course work that will assist them in March 17. 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:18 FAX 009 04/29 '98 13:46 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 14 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HRSAMDT.020 H.L.C. 12 1 qualifying for employment in the field of 2 information technology. 3 "(ii) COURSES LEADING TO CERTIFI- 4 CATION.Such curriculum shall include 5 course work leading to a certification of 6 competence in areas of information tech- 7 nology recognized by the National Skill 8 Standards Board established under the 9 National Skill Standards Act of 1994. 10 "(iii) SPECIFIC COURSES.-The com- 11 puter training offered shall include courses 12 in basic computer competence, on-the-job 13 upgrade assistance, and advanced com- 14 puter competence. 15 "(E) ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS-The 16 organization shall ensure that its enrollment of 17 eligible individuals at each site is consistent 18 with the following: 19 "(i) Not less than 50 percent of the 20 eligible individuals shall be, at the time of 21 enrollment, individuals— 22 "(I) to whom 8 credit was al- 23 lowed under section 32 of the Internal 24 Revenue Code of 1986 for the preced- 25 ing taxable year; March 17. 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:18 FAX 010 04/29 '98 13:46 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 15 F:\HEAS8\AMDT\HR6AMDT.020 H.L.C. 13 1 "(II) who are recipients of assist- 2 ance under a State program funded 3 under part A of title IV of the Social 4 Security Act; 5 "(III) who are a member of a 6 household participating in the food 7 stamp program; or 8 "(IV) who are considered low-in- 9 come pursuant to regulations promul- 10 gated by the Secretary under this sec- 11 tion. 12 "(ii) Not less than 50 percent of the 13 eligible individuals shall be, at the time of 14 enrollment, under 25 years of age. 15 "(iii) No prerequisite relating to net 16 worth, income, or assets may be applied to 17 any eligible individual who, at the time of 18 enrollment, is over 50 years of age, except 19 that this requirement shall not be con- 20 strued to supersede clause (i). 21 "(e) IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS SOLELY BY IN- 22 STITUTIONS.-The Secretary may make a grant under 23 this section to an institution of higher education that de- 24 sires to implement a project under this section without the 25 participation of a community-based organization described March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:19 FAX |011 04/29 '98 13:46 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 16 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HR6AMDT.020 H.L.C. 14 1 in subsection (b), if the institution agrees to carry out all 2 of the duties required of such an organization under this 3 section, in addition to the duties otherwise required of an 4 institution of higher education. The Secretary shall, in S awarding grants under this section, give priority to institu- 6 tions of higher education whose grant application includes 7 an assurance that the institution will contract with one 8 or more community-based organizations in accordance 9 with this section. 10 "(f) APPLICATIONS.-To apply for a grant under this 11 section for any fiscal year, an institution of higher edu- 12 cation shall submit an application to the Secretary in ac- 13 cordance with the procedures established by the Secretary. 14 The application shall specify the institution's preliminary 15 selections for the community-based organizations (if any) 16 with which the institution proposes to contract, and shall 17 include information with respect to preliminary site selec- 18 tions. 19 "(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-There 20 are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 21 such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1999 and 22 each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years. 23 "(h) DEFINITIONS.-For purposes of this section: March 17, 1998 04/30/98 THU 05:19 FAX 012 04/29 '98 13:47 ID:LANIERFAX3800 FAX: PAGE 17 F:\HEA98\AMDT\HR6AMDT.030 H.L.C. 15 1 "(1) ADULT EDUCATION.-The term 'adult edu- 2 cation' has the meaning given such term in section 3 312 of the Adult Education Act. 4 "(2) COMMUNITY-BASED COMPUTER CENTER.- 5 The term 'community-based computer center' means 6 a computer center- 7 "(A) funded by both the Federal Govern- 8 ment and at least one private sector entity; 9 "(B) located in a low-income community 10 (as determined by the Secretary); and 11 "(C) organized and operated for the pur- 12 pose of providing families with access to com- 13 puter resources that otherwise would not be 14 available to them. 15 "(3) FOOD STAMP PROGRAM.-The term 'food 16 stamp program' has the meaning given such term in 17 section 3(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. 18 "(4) LIBRARY - The term 'library' has the 19 meaning given such term in section 213 of the Li- 20 brary Services and Technology Act. 21 "(5) MUSEUM.-The term 'museum' has the 22 meaning given such term in section 272 of the Mu- 23 seum and Library Services Act.". March 17, 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 004 H.L.C. 105TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION H.R. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SMITH of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on A BILL To amend the Immigration and Nationality ACL to make changes relating to H-1B nonimmigrants. 1 Be it enucted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 4 This Act may be cited as the "Workforce Improve- 5 ment and Protection Act of 1998". 6 SEC. 2 TEMPORARY INCREASE IN SKILLED FOREIGN 7 WORKERS. 8 Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality 9 Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)) is amended- April 28. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS a. 005 = H.L.C. F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.0S4 2 1 (1) by amending paragraph (1)(A) to read as 2 follows: 3 "(A) under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), subject 4 to paragraph (5), may not exceed- S "(i) 95,000 in Oscal year 1998; 6 "(ii) 105,000 in fiscal year 1999; and 7 "(iii) 115,000 in fiscal year 2000; or"; and & (2) by adding at the end the following: 9 "(5) In each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the total 10 number of aliens described in section 212(a)(5)(C) who 11 may be issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant 12 status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) may not exceed 13 7,500.". 14 SEC. S. PROTECTION AGAINST DISPLACEMENT OF UNITED 15 STATES WORKERS. 16 (a) IN GENEEAL-Section 212(n)(1) of the Immi- 17 gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is 18 amended by inserting after subparagraph (D) the follow- 19 ing: 20 "(E)(i) The employer has not laid off or other- 21 wise displaced and will not lay off or otherwise dis- 22 place, within the period beginning 6 months before 23 and ending 90 days following the date of filing of 24 the application or during the 90 days immediately 25 preceding and following the date of filing of any visa april 20. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3872 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS a 006 1-443 PUEFIU -10 04-28-08 01:59pm From- F:\MS\SMITTX\SMITTX.054 H.L.C. 3 1 petition supported by the application, any United 2 States worker (as defined in paragraph (3)) (includ- 3 ing a worker whose services are obtained by coll- 4 tract, employee leasing, temporary help agreement, 5 or other similar means) who has substantially equiv- 6 alent qualifications and experience in the specialty 7 occupation. and in the area of employment, for 8 which H-1B nonimmigrants are sought or in which 9 they are employed. 10 "(ii) Except as provided in clause (iii), in the 11 case of an employer that employs an H-1B non- 12 immigrant, the employer shall not place the non- 13 immigrant with another employer where- 14 "(I) the nonimmigrant performs his or her 15 duties in whole or in part at one or more work- 16 sites owned, operated, or controlled by such 17 other employer; and 18 "(II) there are indicia of an employment 19 relationship between the nonimmigrant and 20 such other employer. 21 "(iii) Clause (ii) shall not apply to an employ- 22 et's placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with an- 23 other employer if the other employer has executed 24 #n attestation that it satisfies and will satisfy the - 28, 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 0. 007 H.L.C. 4 1 conditions described in clause (i) during the period 2 described in such clause.". 3 (b) DEFINITIONS.- 4 (1) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n) of the Iromi- S gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) is 6 amended by adding at the end the following: 7 "(3) For purposes of this subsection: & "(A) The term 'H-1B nonienmigrant' means an 9 alien admitted or provided status as a nonimmigrant 10 described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b). 11 "(B) The term 'lay off or otherwise displace', 12 with respect to an employee- 13 "(i) means to cause the employee's loss of 14 employment, other than through a discharge for 15 cause, B. voluntary departure, or a voluntary re- 16 tirement; and 17 "(ii) does not include any situation in 18 which employment is relocated to a different ge- 19 ographic area and the employee is offered a 20 chance TO move to the new location, with wages 21 and benefits that are not less than those at the 22 old location, but elects not to move to the new 23 location. 24 "(C) The term 'United States worker' means- April 25. 1898 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAX 202 225 3872 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 008 UG-28-95 recupm From- H.L.C. F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.054 5 1 "(i) a citizen or national of the United 2 States; 3 "(ii) an alien lawfully admitted for perma- 4 nent residence; or 5 "(iii) an alien authorized to be employed 6 by this ACT or by the Attorncy General." 7 (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.-Secton 8 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 9 U.S.C 1182(n)(1)) is amended by striking "a non- 10 immigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) 11 each place such term appears and inserting "an H- 12 1B nonimmigrant". 13 SEC. 4. RECRUITMENT OF UNITED STATES WORKERS 14 PRIOR TO SEEKING NONIMMIGRANT WORK- 15 ERS. 16 Section 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality 17 Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)), as amended by section 3, is 18 further amended by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 19 following: 20 "(F)(i) The employer, prior to filing the appli- 21 cation, has taken, in good faith, timely and signifi- 22 cant steps to recruit and retain sufficient United 23 States workers in the specialty occupation for which 24 H-1B noniminigrants are sought. Such steps shall 25 have included recruitment in the United States, April 28, 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:10 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS a 009 1-645 F.W4/19 r-212 04-28-08 UZ:U0pm From- F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.054 H.L.C. 6 1 using procedures that weet industry-wide standards 2 and offering compensation that is at least as great 3 as that required to be offered to H-1B non- 4 immigrants under subparagraph (A), and offering 5 employment to any qualified United States worker 6 who applies. 7 "(ii) The conditions described in clause (i) shall 8 not apply to an employer with respect to the employ- 9 ment of an H-1B nonimmigrant who is described in 10 subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 11 203(b)(1).". 12 SEC. 5. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO INITIATE COM- 13 PLAINTS AND CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS 14 FOR NON-H-1B-DEPENDENT EMPLOYERS 15 (a) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n)(2)(A) of the Im- 16 migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(A)) 17 is amended- 18 (1) in the second sentence, by striking the pe- 19 riod at the end and inserting the following: ", except 20 that the Secretary may only tile such d complaint re- 21 specting an H-1B-dependent employer (as defined 22 in paragraph (3)), and only if there appears to be 23 a violation of an attestation or a misrepresentation 24 of à material fact in an application."; and April 28. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAI 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 010 US-60-80 prom- F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.0S4 H.L.C. 7 1 (B) by inserting after the second sentence 2 the following: "Except as provided in subpara- 3 graph (F) (relating to spot investigations dur- 4 ing probationary period), no investigation or S hearing shall be conducted with respect to an 6 employer except in response to a complaint filed 7 under the previous sentence.". DO (b) DEFINITIONS-Section 212(u)(3) of the Immi- 9 gration and Nationality Act (S U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)), as 10 added by section 3, is amended- 11 (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), 12 and (C) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (E), respec- 13 tively; 14 (2) by inserting after "purposes of this sub- 15 section:" the following: 16 "(A) The term 'H-1B-dependent employer' 17 means an employer that- 18 "(j)(I) has fewer than 21 full-time equiva- 19 lent employees who are employed in the United 20 States; and (II) employs 4 or more H-1B non- 21 immigrants; or 22 "(ii)(I) has at least 21 but not more than 23 150 full-time equivalent employees who are em- 24 ployed in the United States; and (II) employs 25 H-1B nonimmigrants in a number that is equal April 28, 1898 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 011 04-28-98 02:01pm From- 1-448 F.00/10 1-210 F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.054 HLC. 8 1 TO at least 20 percent of the number of such 2 full-time equivalent employees; or 3 "(iii)(I) has at least 151 full-time equiva- 4 lent employees who are employed in the United S States; and (II) employs H-1B nonimmigrants 6 in & number that is equal to at least 15 percent 7 of the number of such full-time equivalent em- 8 ployees. 9 In applying this subparagraph, any group treated as 10 a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or 11 (o) of section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 12 1986 shall be treated as 2 single employer. Aliens 13 employed under a petition for H-1B nonimmigrants 14 shall be treated as employees, and counted as non- 15 immigrants under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) under 16 this subparagraph."; and 17 (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) (as SQ 18 redesignated) the following: 19 "(D) The term 'non-H-18-dependent employer' 20 means an employer that is not an H-1B-dependent 21 employer.". 22 SEC. Q. INCREASED ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES. 23 (a) IN GENERAL.-Section 212(n)(2)(C) of the Im- 24 migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C)) 25 is amended to read as follows: April 28, 1888 04/28/98 TUE 18:20 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 012 04-25-20 02:01pm Prom- 1-448 F:\MS\SMITTY\SBUTTX054 H.L.C. 9 1 "(C)(i) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 2 tunity for a hearing, a failure to meet a condition of para- 3 graph (1)(B) or (1)(E), a substantial failure to meet a 4 condition of paragraph (1)(C), (1)(D), or (1)(F), or a mis- S representation of material fact in an application~ 6 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Attorney 7 General of such finding and may, in addition, im- 8 pose such other administrative remedies (including 9 civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed 10 $1,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to 11 be appropriate; and 12 "(II) the Attorney General shall not approve 13 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 14 section 204 or 214(c) during a period of at least 1 is year for aliens to be employed by the employer. 16 "(ii) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 17 tunity for a hearing, a willful failure to meet a condition 18 of paragraph (1) or a willful misrepresentation of material 19 fact in an application- 20 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Attorney 21 General of such finding and may, in addition, in- 22 pose such other administrative remedies (including 23 civil monetary penalties in all amount not to exceed 24 $5,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to 25 be appropriate; and April 28. 1985 04/23/98 TUE 18:20 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 013 04-28-20 02:01pm Pram- 1-603 P.08/10 P-018 F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX0S4 H.L.C. 10 1 "(II) the Attorney General shall not approve 2 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 3 section 204 or 214(c) during a period of at least 1 4 year for aliens to be employed by the employer. 5 "(iii) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 6 tunity for a hearing, a willful failure to meet a condition 7 of paragraph (1) or a willful misrepresentation of material 8 fact in an application, in the course of which failure or 9 misrepresentation the employer also has failed to meet a 10 condition of paragraph (1)(E)- 11 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Attorney 12 General of such finding and may, in addition, im- 13 pose such other administrative remedies (including 14 civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed 15 $25,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines 16 to be appropriate; and 17 "(II) the Attorney General shall not approve 18 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 19 section 204 or 214(c) during a period of HT least ? 20 years for aliens to be employed by the employer.". 21 (b) PLACEMENT OF H-1B NONIMMIGRANT WITH 22 OTHER EMPLOYER.-Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigra- 23 tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)) is amend- 24 ed by adding at the end the following: ADNI 28, 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:20 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 04-28-08 02:01pm Prome 0 014 17490 P.Warly F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX061 H.L.C. 11 1 "(E) Under regulations of the Secretary, the previous 2 provisions of this paragraph shall apply to a failure of an 3 other employer to comply with an attestation described in 4 paragraph (1)(E)(iii) in the same manner as they apply 5 to & failure to comply with a condition described in para- 6 graph (1)(E)(i).". 7 (c) SPOT INVESTIGATIONS DURING PROBATIONARY go PERIOD.-Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and Na- 9 tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)), as amended by sub- 10 section (b), is further amended by adding at the end the 11 following: 12 "(F) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis. 13 subject an employer to random investigations for a period 14 of up to 5 years, beginning on the date that the employer 15 is found by the Secretary to have committed a willful fail- 16 ure to meet a condition of paragraph (1) or to have made 17 a misrepresentation of material fact in an application. The 18 preceding sentence shall apply to an employer regardless 19 of whether the employer is an H-1B-dependent employer 20 or à non-H-1B-dependent employer. The authority of the 21 Secretary under this subparagraph shall not be construed 22 to be subject to, or limited by, the requirements of sub- 23 paragraph (A).". noni 28. 1830 04/28/98 TUE 18:20 FAI 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 4 015 1-447 1-813 F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX054 H.L.C. 12 1 SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. 2 The amendments made by this Act shall take effect 3 on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply 4 to applications filed with the Secretary of Labor on or S after 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 6 except That the amendments made by section 2 shall apply 7 to applications filed with such Secretary before, on, or 8 after the date of the enactment of this Act. April 28. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3872 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 4 004 F:\MS\SMITTX/SMITTX.054 H.L.C. 105TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION H.R. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SMITH of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on A BILL To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make changes relating to H-1B nonimmigrants. 1 Be it enucted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 4 This Act may be cited as the "Workforce Improve- 5 ment and Protection Act of 1998". 6 SEC. 2 TEMPORARY INCREASE IN SKILLED FOREIGN 7 WORKERS. 8 Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality 9 Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)) is amended— April 28. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 005 HLC. F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.054 2 1 (1) by amending paragraph (1)(A) to read as 2 follows: 3 "(A) under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), subject 4 to paragraph (5), may not exceed- S "(1) 95,000 in Oscal year 1998; temporanent 6 "(ii) 105,000 in fiscal year 1999; and intention to goback back to increase 7 "(iii) 115,000 in fiscal year 2000; or"; and 65,000 & (2) by adding at the end the following: 9 "(5) In each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the total heartworkers care 10 number of aliens described in section 212(a)(5)(C) who 11 may be issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant 12 status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) may not exceed 13 7,500.". obligations 14 SEC. S. PROTECTION AGAINST DISPLACEMENT OF UNITED 15 STATES WORKERS. 16 (a) IN GENERAL-Seto 212(n)(1) of the Immi- 17 gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is 18 amended by inserting after subparagraph (D) the follow- 19 ing: 20 "(E)(i) The employer has not laid off or other- 21 wise displaced and will not lay off or otherwise dis- no 22 place, within the period beginning 6 months before 23 and ending 90 days following the date of filing of 24 the application or during the 90 days immediately 25 preceding and following the date of filing of any visa april 20. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAI 202 225 3872 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 006 04-28-08 01:59pm From- F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.034 H.L.C. 3 1 petition supported by the application, any United 2 States worker (as defined in paragraph (3)) (includ- 3 ing a worker whose services are obtained by coll- 4 tract, employee leasing, temporary help agreement, s or other similar means) who has substantially equiv- 6 alent qualifications and experience in the specialty lan X 7 occupation. and in the area of employment, for 6mo. instead andays ao 8 which H-1B nonimmigrants are sought or in which 9 they are employed. 10 "(ii) Except as provided in clause (iii), in the 11 case of an employer that employs an H-1B non- 12 immigrant, the employer shall not place the non- 13 immigrant with another employer where- 14 "(I) the nonimmigrant performs his or her 15 duties in whole or in part at one or more work- job 16 sites owned, operated, or controlled by such 17 other employer; and 18 "(II) there are indicia of an employment good 19 relationship between the nonimmigrant and 20 such other employer. 21 "(iii) Clause (ii) shall not apply to an employ- 22 et's placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with an- 23 other employer if the other employer has executed end atkahmin 24 an attestation that it satisfies and will satisfy the april 28. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 007 F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTKUS H.L.C. 4 1 conditions described in clause (i) during the period 2 described in such clause.". 3 (b) DEFINITIONS.- 4 (1) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n) of the Iromi- S gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) is 6 amended by adding at the end the following: 7 "(3) For purposes of this subsection: & "(A) The term 'H-1B nonienmigrant' means an 9 alien admitted or provided status as a nonimmigrant 10 described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b). 11 "(B) The term 'lay off or otherwise displace', 12 with respect to an employee 13 "(i) means to cause the employee's loss of 14 employment, other than through a discharge for 15 cause, a voluntary departure, or a voluntary re- 16 tirement; and 17 "(ii) does not include any situation in 18 which employment is relocated to a different ge- 19 ographic area and the employee is offered a 20 chance to move to the new location, with wages 21 and benefits that are not less than those at the 22 old location, but elects DOT to move to the new 23 location. 24 "(C) The term 'United States worker' means- Apru 25. 1858 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 008 UC.UPM From H.L.C. 5 1 "(i) a citizen or national of the United 2 States; 3 "(ii) an alien lawfully admitted for perma- 4 nent residence; or 5 "(iii) an alien authorized to be employed 6 by this ACT or by the Attorncy General.". 7 (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-Section 8 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 9 U.S.C 1182(n)(1)) is amended by striking "a non- 10 immigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) 11 each place such term appears and inserting "an H- 12 1B nonimmigrant". 13 SEC. 4. RECRUITMENT OF UNITED STATES WORKERS 14 PRIOR TO SEEKING NONIMMIGRANT WORK- 15 ERS. 16 Section 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality 17 Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)), as amended by section 3, is 18 further amended by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 19 following: 20 "(F)(i) The employer, prior to filing the appli- 21 cation, has taken, in good faith, timely and signifi- 22 cant steps to recruit and retain sufficient United Vok 23 States workers in the specialty occupation for which 24 H-1B noniminigrants are sought Such steps shall 25 have included recruitment in the United States, April 28, 1698 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 009 1-565 r.w4/18 P-213 04-28-08 02:00pm From- F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.054 H.L.C. 6 Kenner 1 using procedures that weet industry-wide standards 2 and offering compensation that is at least as great as that required to be offered to H-1B non- I ok 3 4 immigrants under subparagraph (A), and offering At 5 employment to any qualified United States worker 6 who applies. 7 "(ii) The conditions described in clause (i) shall 8 not apply to an employer with respect to the employ- OK 9 ment of an H-1B noniminigrant who is described in 10 subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 11 203(b)(1).". 12 SEC. 5. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO INITIATE COM- 13 PLAINTS AND CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS 14 FOR NON-H-1B-DEPENDENT EMPLOYERS 15 (a) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n)(2)(A) of the Im- 16 migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(A)) 17 is amended— 18 (1) in the second sentence, by striking the pe- 19 riod at the end and inserting the following: ", except 20 that the Secretary may only file such d complaint re- 21 specting an H-1B-dependent employer (as defined 22 in paragraph (3)), and only if there appears to be 23 a violation of no attestation or a misrepresentation 24 of a material fact in an application."; and April 28. 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAI 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 010 U9-60-80 USIDURE prom- F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX.0S4 H.L.C. 7 1 (B) by inserting after the second sentence 2 the following: "Except as provided in subpara- 3 graph (F) (relating to spot investigations dur- 4 ing probationary period), no investigation or S hearing shall be conducted with respect to an 6 employer except in response to a complaint filed 7 under the previous sentence.". sagsno. DO (b) DEFINITIONS-Section 212(u)(3) of the Immi- 9 gration and Nationality Act (S U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)), as 10 added by section 3, is amended- 11 (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), 12 and (C) as eubparagraphs (B), (C), and (E), respec- 13 tively; 14 (2) by inserting after "purposes of this sub- 15 section:" the following: 16 "(A) The term 'H-1B-dependent employer' 17 means an employer that- 18 "(i)(I) has fewer than 21 full-time equiva- 19 lent employees who are employed in the United 20 States; and (II) employs 4 or more H-1B non- 21 immigrants; or 22 "(ii)(I) has at least 21 but not more than 23 150 full-time equivalent employees who are em- 24 ployed in the United States; and (II) employs 25 H-1B nonimmigrants in a number that is equal April ZB, 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18:19 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 011 04-28-98 02:01pm From- 1-448 P.00/10 10 F:\MS\SMITTX\SMITTR.054 HLC. 8 1 TO at least 20 percent of the number of such 2 full-time equivalent employees; or 3 "(iii)(I) has at least 151 full-time equiva- 4 lent employees who are employed in the United S States; and (II) employs H-1B nonimmigrants 6 in 8 number that is equal to at least 15 percent 1 of the number of such full-time equivalent em- & ployees. 9 In applying this subparagraph, any group treated as 10 a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or 11 (o) of section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 12 1986 shall be treated as 3 single employer. Aliens 13 employed under a petition for H-1B nonimmigrants 14 shall be treated as employees, and counted as non- 15 immigrants under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) under 16 this subparagraph."; and 17 (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) (as SQ 18 redesignated) the following: 19 "(D) The term 'non-H-18-dependent employer' 20 means an employer that is not an H-1B-dependent 21 employer.". 22 SEC. G. INCREASED ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES. 23 (a) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n)(2)(C) of the Im- 24 migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C)) 25 is amended to read as follows: April 28, 1888 04/28/98 TUE 18:20 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 012 04-28-20 03:01pm Prom- F:\MS\SMITTXV9MITTX.054 H.L.C. 9 1 "(C)(i) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- only 2 tunity for a hearing, a failure to meet a condition of para- problem 3 graph (1)(B) or (1)(E), a substantial failure to meet à commerce has 4 condition of paragraph (1)(C), (1)(D), or (1)(F), or a mis- S representation of material fact in an application~ 6 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Artorney 7 General of such finding and may, in addition, im- 8 pose such other administrative remedies (including 9 civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed 10 $1,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to 11 be appropriate; and 12 "(II) the Attorney General shall not approve 13 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 14 section 204 or 214(c) during a period of at least 1 15 year for aliens to be employed by the employer. 16 "(ii) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 17 tunity for a hearing, 3 willful failure to freet a condition 18 of paragraph (1) or a willful misrepresentation of material 19 fact in an application— 20 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Attorney 21 General of such finding and may, in addition, in- 22 pose such other administrative remedies (including 23 civil monetary penalties in All amount not to exceed 24 $5,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to 25 be appropriate; and April 28. 1988 04/28/93 TUE 18:20 FAX 202 225 3872 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 013 02:01pm Prom- 1-803 P.U8/10 P-018 F:\M6\3MITTX\SMITTX0S4 H.L.C. 10 1 "(II) the Attorney General shall not approve 2 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 3 section 204 or 214(c) during d period of at least 1 4 year for aliens to be employed by the employer. 5 "(iii) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 6 tunity for a hearing, a willful failure to meet a condition 7 of paragraph (1) or a willful misrepresentation of material 8 fact in an application, in the course of which failure or 9 misrepresentation the employer also has failed to meet a 10 condition of paragraph (1)(E)- 11 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Attorney 12 General of such finding and may, in addition, im- 13 pose such other administrative remedies (including 14 civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed 15 $25,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines 16 to be appropriate; and 17 "(II) the Attorney General shall not approve 18 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 19 section 204 or 214(c) during a period of HI least ? 20 years for aliens to be employed by the employer.". 21 (b) PLACEMENT OF H-1B NONIMMIGRANT WITH 22 OTHER EMPLOYER-Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigra- 23 tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)) is amend- 24 ed by adding at the end the following: ADNI 2A, 1998 04/28/98 TUE 18; 20 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 04-28-08 02:01pm Fram- 014 1-990 P.Warie r-mail F:\M5\SMITTX\SMITTX051 H.L.C. 11 1 "(E) Under regulations of the Secretary, the previous 2 provisions of this paragraph shall apply to a failure of an 3 other employer to comply with an attestation described in 4 paragraph (1)(E)(iii) in the same manner as they apply 5 to & failure to comply with a condition described in para- 6 graph (1)(E)(i),". 7 (c) SPOT INVESTIGATIONS DURING PROBATIONARY go PERIOD.-Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and Na- 9 tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)), as amended by sub- 10 section (b), is further amended by adding at the end the 11 following: 12 "(F) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, 13 subject an employer to random investigations for a period 14 of up to 5 years, beginning on the date that the employer 15 is found by the Secretary TO have committed a willful fail- 16 ure to meet a condition of paragraph (1) or to have made 17 & misrepresentation of material fact in an application. The 18 preceding sentence shall apply to an employer regardless 19 of whether the employer is an H-1B-dependent employer 20 or à non-H-1B-dependent employer. The authority of the 21 Secretary under this subparagraph shall not be construed 22 to be subject to, or limited by, the requirements of sub- 23 paragraph (A).". Apni 28. 1830 04/28/98 TUE 18:20 FAX 202 225 3672 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 4 015 F:\M5\SMITTK\SMITTX.054 H.L.C. 12 1 SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. 2 The amendments made by this Act shall take effect 3 on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply 4 to applications filed with the Secretary of Labor on or 5 after 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 6 except that the amendments made by section 2 shall apply 7 to applications filed with such Secretary before, on, or 8 after the date of the enactment of this Act. April 28. 1898 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.1/15 Total Pages: LRM ID: IMS313 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET Washington, D.C. 20503-0001 Wednesday, April 29, 1998 LEGISLATIVE REFERRAL MEMORANDUM TO: Legislative Liaison Officer See Distribution below FROM: James J. Jukes (for) Assistant Director for Legislative Reference OMB CONTACT: Ingrid M. Schroeder In PHONE: (202)395-3883 FAX: (202)395-3109 SUBJECT: OMB Request for Views on HR3736 Workforce Improvement and Protection Act of 1998 DEADLINE: see below In accordance with OMB Circular A-19, OMB requests the views of your agency on the above subject before advising on its relationship to the program of the President. Please advise us if this item will affect direct spending or receipts for purposes of the "Pay-As-You-Go" provisions of Title XIII of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. COMMENTS: H.R. 3736 is scheduled for markup tomorrow, April 30th in the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee. A letter outlining the Administration's position on H-1B visa reforms for tommorow's markup is being prepared and will be circulated this afternoon. DISTRIBUTION LIST AGENCIES: 61-JUSTICE Ann Harkins (202) 514-2141 62-LABOR - Robert A. Shapiro - (202) 219-8201 25-COMMERCE Michael A. Levitt - (202) 482-3151 118-TREASURY Richard S. Carro - (202) 622-0650 128-US Trade Representative - Fred Montgomery (202) 395-3475 52-HHS - Sondra S. Wallace (202) 690-7760 29-DEFENSE Samuel T. Brick Jr. - (703) 697-1305 84-National Science Foundation Lawrence Rudolph (703) 306-1060 95-Office of Science and Technology Policy Jeff Smith . (202) 456-6047 114-STATE " Paul Rademachor (202) 647-4463 30-EDUCATION Jack Kristy (202) 401-8313 76-National Economic Council Sonyia Matthews - (202) 456-6630 Council of Economic Advisers Liaison Officer - (202) 395-5084 EOP: Debra J. Bond Larry R. Matlack Barry White Barbara Chow Sandra Yamin *APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.2/15 Steven M. Mertens Daniel J. Chenok Evan T. Farley Joseph G. Pipan Ronald L. Silberman Louisa Koch Charles W. Fox Gregory G. Henry Sarah G. Horrigan Katherine M. Tyer S. A. Noe Jack A. Smalligan Julie A. Fernandes Thomas A. Kalil Cecilia E. Rouse Peter G. Jacoby Broderick Johnson Maria Echaveste Emil E. Parker Robert N. Weiner William P. Marshall Karen Tramontano Ricardo M. Gonzales Rebecca M. Blank Maria J. Hanratty :APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.3/15 LRM ID: IMS313 SUBJECT: OMB Request for Views on HR3736 Workforce Improvement and Protection Act of 1998 RESPONSE TO LEGISLATIVE REFERRAL MEMORANDUM If your response to this request for views is short (e.g., concur/no comment), we prefer that you respond by e-mail or by faxing us this response sheet. If the response is short and you prefer to call, please call the branch-wide line shown below (NOT the analyst's line) to leave a message with a legislative assistant. You may also respond by: (1) calling the analyst/attorney's direct line (you will be connected to voice mail if the analyst does not answer): or (2) sending us D memo or lotter Please include the LRM number shown above, and the subject shown below. TO: Ingrid M. Schroeder Phone: 395-3883 Fax: 395-3109 Office of Management and Budget Branch-Wide Line (to reach legislative assistant): 395-3454 FROM: (Date) (Name) (Agency) (Telephone) The following is the response of our agency to your request for views on the above-captioned subject: Concur No Objection No Comment See proposed edits on pages Other: FAX RETURN of pages, attached to this response sheet APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.4/15 04/28/98 TUE 18:18 FAX 202 225_3872 9872 IMMIGRATION A CLAIMS 004 H.C.C. 106TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION H.R. 3736 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SMITH of Texas increduced the following bill; which VII referred & the Committee or A BILL To amend the Immigration and Nationality ACE to make changes relating to H-1B nonimmigrants. 1 Be it enucted by the Senute and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE 4 This Act may be cized as the Workforce Improve- 5 save: and Protection Act of 1998". 6 БЕС. & TEMPORARY INCREASE IN BKILLED FOREIGN 7 WORKERS B Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality 9 Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)) is amended- April as 1398 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.5/15 04/28/93 TUE 18:18 FAI 202 225 3272 IMMICRATION & CLAIMS A DOS M.C.C. 2 I (1) by amending paragraph (1)(A) to read as 2 follows: 3 "(A) under section 101(a)(15)(E)(i)(b), subject 4 to paragraph (5), may not exceed- S "(1) 95,000 in fiscal year 1995; 6 "(ii) 105,000 in fiscal year 1999; and 7 "(iii) 115,000 in fiscal year 2000; or"; and 8 (3) by adding 2K the end the following: 3 forces 9 "(5) In each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the total 10 number of aliens described in section 212(a)(5)(C) who 11 may be issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant 12 status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) may not exceed 13 7,500.". 14 SEC. 3. PROTECTION AGAINST DISPLACEMENT OF UNITED 15 STATES WORKERS 16 (a) IN GENERAL.-Soctiou 212(a)(1) of the Immi- 17 gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is 18 amended by inserting after subparagraph (D) the follow- 19 ing: 20 "(E)(i) The employer has not laid off. or other- 21 wise displaced and will not lay off OF otherwise dis- 22 place, within the period beginning 6 months before 23 and ending 80 days following the date of filing of 24 the application or during the 90 days immediately 25 preceding and following the date of filing of any visa april 2a 1998 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.6/15 04/28/98 TUE 13:18 PAI 20% 825 3878 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS 005 19444 6810 04-28-08 From HLC 3 1 petition supported by the application, any United 2 States worker (as defined in paragraph (3)) (includ- 3 ing a worker whose services are obtained by cau- 4 tract, employee leasing, temporary help agreement, s or other similar means) who has substantially equiv- 6 alent qualifications and esperience in the specialty 7 occupation. and in the area of employment, for 8 which H-1B nonimmigrants are sought or in which 9 they are employed. 10 "(ii) Except as provided in clause (iii), in the 11 case of an employer that employs an H-1B non- 12 immigrant, the employer shall not place the nou- 13 immigrant with another employer where- 14 "(I) the nonimmigrant performs his or her 15 duties in whole or in part at one or more work- 16 aites owned, operated, or controlled by such 17 other employer; and 18 "(II) there are indicia of aD employment 19 relationship between the nonimmigrant and 20 such other employer. 21 "(iii) Clause (ii) shall not apply to HD employ- 22 et's placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with an- 23 other employer if the other employer has executed 24 as attestation that it satisfies and will satisfy the 28, 1990 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.7/15 04/23/88 TUE 18:15 FAI 207-235 3072 IMBLIGRATION & CLAIMS a 007 H.L.C. 4 a conditions described in clause (i) during the period 2 described in sach clause.". 3 (b) DEFINITIONS- 4 (1) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n) of the Immi- $ gration and Nationality AM (8 U.S.C. 1182(u)) is 6 amended by adding at the end the following: 7 "(3) For purposes of this subsection: & "(A) The term 'H-1B nonimmigrant' means an 9 alien admitted or provided status as & nonimmigrant 10 described in section 101(a)(15)(E)(i)(b). 11 "(B) The term "lay cff or otherwise displace', 12 with respect to an employee 13 "(i) means to cause the amployee's loss of 14 employment, other than through & discharge for 15 cause, a voluntary departure, or a voluntary re- 15 tirement; and 17 "(ii) does not include any situation in 18 which employment is relocated to a different " 19 ographic area and the employee is offered a 20 chance to move to the new location, with wages 21 and benefits that are not less than those at the 22 old location, but elects not to move to the new 23 location. 24 "(C) The term United States worker means- April 28. 1000 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. 04/28/98 TUE 16:19 FAX #VX XID 3972 P.8/15 IRRIGRATION & CLAIMS VT.UUDE From 0008 HLC.C. 5 1 "(i) a citizen or national of the United 2 States: 3 "(ii) an alien lawfully admitted for perma- 4 nent residence; or s "(iii) an alien authorized to be employed 6 by this Act or by the Attorney General.". 7 (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-Section 8 212(=)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 9 U.S.C 1182(n)(1)) is agended by striking "a non- 10 immigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)" 11 each place such term appears and inserting "an H- 12 1B nonimmigrant". 13 SEC. 4. RECRUITMENT or UNITED STATES WORKERS 14 FRIOR TO SEEKING NONDMIGRANT WORK 15 TRS. 16 Section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality 17 Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)), as amended by section 3. is 18 further amended by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 19 following: 20 "(5)(i) The employer, prior to filing the appli- 21 cation, has taken, in good Crich, timely and signifi- 22 cant steps to recruit and retain sufficient United 23 States workers in the specialty occupation for which 24 H-1B noniminigrants are sought. Such steps shall 25 have included recruitment is the United States, AM 20, 1005 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.9/15 04/25/95 TUE 18:10 PAI zoy 120 3072 IMMIGRATION & CLAIMS woods - 04-28-88 02:11 pm From 1-601 12 H.L.C. 6 1 using procedures that weet industry-wide standards 2 and offering compensation thut is at lease as great 3 as that required to be offered to H-1B non. 4 immigrants under subparagraph (A). and offering 5 employment to any qualified United States worker 6 who applies. 7 "(ii) The conditions described in clause (i) shall 8 not apply to an employer with respect to the employ- 9 ment of an H-1B nonimenigrant who is described in 10 subparagraph (A), (B). or (c) of section 11 203(b)(1).". 12 SRC. 6. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO INITIATE COM. 13 PLAINTS AND CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS 14 FOR NON-H-1B-DEPENDENT EMPLOYERS 15 (a) IN GENTRAL-Settion 213(n)(2)(A) of the Im. 16 migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(A)) 17 is amended 18 (1) in the second sentence, by striking the pe- 19 riod at the end and inserting the following: ", except 20 that the Secretary may only sile such a complaint re- 21 specting an H-1B-dependent employer (as defined 22 in paragraph (3)), and only if there appears to be 23 a violation of an attestation or a misrepresentation 24 of a material fact in an application."; and April 28, 1988 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P. 10/15 as 010 98°61'11 H.L.C. 9 1 (B) by inserting after the second sentence 2 the following: "Except as provided in subpara- 3 graph (F) (relating w spot investigations dur- 4 ing probationary period), no investigation or 5 hearing shall be conducted with respect to an 6 employer except in response to a complaint filed 7 under the previous sentence.". 8 (b) DEFINITIONS-Section 212(u)(3) of the Immi- 9 gration and Nationality Art (S U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)), as 10 added by section 3, is amended— 11 (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), 12 and (C) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (E), respec- 13 tively; 14 (2) by inserting after "purposes of this sub- 15 section:" the following 16 "(A) The LETTS H-1B-dependent employer' 17 means an employer that- 18 "(j)(I) has fewer than 21 full-time equiva- 19 lant employees who are employed in the United 20 States; and (II) employs 4 or more H-18 asn- 21 immigrants; or 22 "(ii)(I) has at least 21 but not more than 23 150 full-time equivalent employees who are em. 24 ployed in the United States; and (II) employs 25 H-1B nonimmigrants in & number that is equal 4018 a. 1998 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P. 11/15 THE INNICRATION & CLAIMS 88-82-10 02:01pm Biom 011 1-448 P.90/19 rin HLC.C. 8 1 to at least 20 percent of the number of such 2 full-time equivalent employees; or 3 "(iii)(I) has at least 151 full-time equiva. 4 lent employees who LIE employed in the United S States; and (II) employs H-1B nonimmigrants 6 in & number that is equal to at least 15 percent 7 of the number of such full-time equivalent em- a playees. 9 In applying this subparagraph, any group treated as 10 a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or 11 (o) of section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 12 1986 shall be treated 83 2 single employer. Aliens 13 employed under a petition for H-1B nonimmigrants 14 shall be treated as employees, and counted as non- 15 Immigrants under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) under 16 this subparagraph."; and 17 (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) (as so 18 redesignated) the following: 19 "(D) The term 'nou.H-1B-dependent employer' 20 means an employer that is not an H-1B-dependent 21 employer.". 22 SEC. 8. INCREASED ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIER 23 (a) IN GENERAL-Section 212(n)(2)(C) of the Ira- 24 migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C)) 25 is amended to read as follows: April 28, 1653 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P. 12/15 04-28-86 08:01Pm Prem 012 R.L.C 9 1 "(C)(i) If the Secretary tinds, after notice and oppor- 2 minity for a hearing, 8 failure to meet a condition of para- 3 graph (1)(B) or (1)(E), a substantial failure to meet & 4 condition of paragraph (1)(C), (1)(D), or (1)(F), ur 8 mis- S representation of material fact in an application- 6 "(I) the Sceretary shall notify the Attorney 7 General of such finding and may, in addition, im- 8 pose such other administrative remedies (including 9 civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed 10 $1,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to 11 be appropriate; and 12 "(II) the Aftorney General shall not approve 13 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 14 section 204 or 214(t) during & period of at least 1 15 year for aliens to be employed by the employer. 16 "(ü) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 17 runity for a hearing, a willful failure to meet a condition 18 of paragraph (1) or a willful misrepresentation of material 19 fact in an application- 20 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Attorney 21 General of such finding and may, in addition, ica- 22 pose such other administrative remedies (including 23 civil monetary penalties is NH amount not to exceed 24 $5,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to 25 be appropriate; and April 28. 1985 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON. D. P. 13/15 UAS 06°28'10 WEIVING 1-068 P.00/10 P-018 K.L.C. 10 - "(I) the Attorney General shall not approve 2 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 3 section 204 or 214(c) during & period of at least 1 4 year for aliens to be employed by the employer. $ "(iii) If the Secretary finds, after notice and oppor- 6 tunity for & hearing, a willful failure to meet a condition 7 of paragraph (1) or a willful misrepresentation of material 8 tact in an application, in the course of which failure or 9 misrepresentation the employer also has failed to meet a 10 condition of paragraph (1)(E)- 11 "(I) the Secretary shall notify the Altorney 12 General of such finding and may, in addition, im- 13 pose such other adininistrative remedies (including 14 civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed 15 $25,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines 16 to be appropriate; and 17 "(Д) the Anorney General shall not approve 18 petitions filed with respect to that employer under 19 section 204 or 214(c) during a period of ME least 2 20 years for aliens to be employed by the employer." 21 (b) PLACEMENT OF H-1B NONIMATERANT WITH 22 OTHER EMPLOYER.-Saation 212(n)(8) of the Immigra- 23 tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1183(n)(2)) is amend. 24 ed by adding at the end the following: April 2A. 1995 APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P. 14/15 1918 HLC. 11 1 "(E) Under regulations of the Secretary, the previous 2 provisions of this paragraph shall apply to a failure of ND 3 other employer to comply with an attestation described in 4 paragraph (1)(E)(iii) in the same manner as they apply 5 to d failure to comply with a condition described in para. 6 graph (1)(E)(i)," 7 (c) SPOT INVESTIGATIONS DURING PROBATIONARY 8 PERIOD.Saction 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and Na- 9 tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(=)(2)), as amended by rub- 10 section (b), is further amended by adding At the end the 11 following: 12 "(F) The Secretary may, on & case-by-case basis, 13 subject an employer to random investigations for 8 period 14 of up to 5 years, beginning on the date that the employer 15 is found by the Secretary to have committed & willful fail- 16 ure to meet a condition of paragraph (1) or to have made 17 a misrepresentation of material fact in an application The 18 preceding sentence shall apply to an employer regardless 19 of whether the employer is M.O. H-1B-dependent employer 20 or * non-H-1B-dependent employer. The authority of the 21 Secretary under this subparagraph shall not be construed 22 to be subject to, or limited by, the requirements of sub- 23 paragraph (A).". son 23. APR-29-1998 11:41 TO:410 JULIE FERNANDES FROM:GAYMON, D. P.15/15 E 013 - HLC. 12 1 BEC. 1. EFFECTIVE DATE. 2 The amendments made by this ACt shall take effect 3 on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply 4 to applications filed with the Secretary at Labur 80 or S after 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 6 except that the amendments made by section 2 shall apply 7 to applications filed with such Secretary before, on, or 8 after the date of the enactment of this Act. AMN n 1000 SEC. 7. IMPOSITION AND USE OF FEE. Section 214 (c) (1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U>S>C> 1184 (c) (1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: "The Attorney General shall impose a special fee on each employer filing a petition to import an alien as a nonimmigrant described in section 101 (a) (15) (H) (i) (b) The fee shall equal $250 for each such nonimmigrant for whom a petition 26 filed. The Attorney General shall deposit all fees collected under the preceding sentence in a fund established for this purpose in the Treasury of the United States. All such amounts 0f the amounts deposited, 80 percent shall be available, in such amounts and under such conditions as may be provided in advance in appropriations Acts, until expended to the Secretary of Labor for the purposes of carrying out providing training and related activities to assist in preparing workers for employment in industries skill needs under part II of title IV of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) and 20 percent shall be available mini expended to the Secretary of Education-to carry Hopes Partnership grants imilar prog am author zed under the-Higher Education ACCOUNT 1965 to assist in preparing: tudents ow-income commities to/prepare for, enter and successfully complete college the minority science and engineering improvement programs under part B of title X of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1135b et seq.) S:\opr\dpld\legis\lefgren2.wpd IDMENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] 368 369 JTPA #2 [INCLUDING AMENDMENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93) Sec. 451 authority contained in this job-training, on-the-job training and educational opportunities under this Act, under title 38, United States Code, and under ecessary to obtain an item, serv- other provisions of law. is required in the proper admin- (b)(1) The Secretary shall administer programs supported and which otherwise could not be under this part through the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Em- t be obtained in the quantity or ployment. the time, in the form or under (2) In carrying out responsibilities under this part, the Assist- :h it is needed; and ant Secretary for Veterans' Employment shall- ing given written notification to (A) be responsible for the awarding of grants and the dis- General Services (if the exercise tribution of funds under this part and for the establishment of ild affect an activity which other- appropriate fiscal controls, accountability, and program-per- the jurisdiction of the General formance standards for grant recipients under this part; and ion) of the Secretary's intention (B) consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and take ority, the item, service, or facility steps to ensure that programs supported under this part are 1 such authority is proposed to be coordinated, to the maximum extent feasible, with related pro- easons and justifications for the grams and activities conducted under title 38, United States brity. Code, including programs and activities conducted under sub- 82, P.L. 97-300, 96 Stat. 1379. chapter IV of chapter 3 of such title, chapters 31 and 34 of such title, and sections 612A, 620A, 1787, and 2003A of such TIONS title. thorized to accept on behalf of the (29 U.S.C. 1721) Enacted October 13, 1982, P.L. 97-300, 96 Stat. 1380; amended >S centers charitable donations of June 13, 1991, P.L. 102-54. sec. 13(k)(2)(C), 105 stat. 276.. ng but not limited to, equipment PART D-NATIONAL ACTIVITIES are available for appropriate use bart. NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP AND SPECIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS 182, P.L. 97-300, 96 Stat. 1380. SEC. 451. (a) STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.-It is the purpose of this section to- MPLOYMENT PROGRAMS (1) improve access to employment and training opportunities AUTHORIZED for individuals with special needs; (2) help alleviate skill shortages and enhance the competi- tary shall conduct, directly or tiveness of the labor force; ims to meet the employment and (3) meet special training needs that are best addressed on a ed disabled veterans, veterans of multistate or industry-wide basis; and who are recently separated from (4) encourage the participation and support of all segments of society to further the purposes of this Act. ler this part may be conducted (b) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.-The Secretary may establish a sys- vate nonprofit organizations, in- tem of, and award, special grants to eligible entities to carry out ovisions of this Act that the Sec- programs that are most appropriately administered at the national rstanding of the unemployment level. arity with the area to be served, (c) PROGRAMS.-Programs that are most appropriately adminis- effectively a program of employ- tered at the national level include- uch veterans. (1) partnership programs with national organizations with r this part shall include, but not special expertise in developing, organizing, and administering employment and training programs at the national, State, and services provided veterans by local levels, such as industry and labor associations, public in- t and training services funded by terest groups, community-based organizations representative of ment; groups that encounter special difficulties in the labor market, mployment and training services and other organizations with special knowledge or capabilities ely provided by other public em- in education and training; providers; and (2) programs that- information activities to develop (A) address industry-wide skill shortages; ad job training opportunities for (B) meet training needs that are best addressed on a uch veterans about employment, multistate basis; and Sec. 452 JTPA #2 [INCLUDING AMENDMENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] 370 (C) further the goals of increasing the competitiveness of the United States labor force; and (3) programs that require technical expertise available at the national level to serve specialized needs of particular client groups, including at-risk youth, offenders, individuals of lim- ited-English language proficiency, individuals with disabilities, women, immigrants, single parents, substance abusers, dis- placed homemakers, youth, older individuals, veterans, school dropouts, public assistance recipients, and other individuals who the Secretary determines require special assistance. (29 U.S.C. 1731) Enacted September 7. 1992, P.L. 102-367, sec. 403(a), 106 Stat 1077. RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATION, AND EVALUATION SEC. 452. (a) STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.-It is the purpose of this section to assist the United States in expanding employment oppor- tunities and ensuring access to such opportunities for all who de- sire such opportunities. (b) PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.- (1) IN GENERAL.-The Secretary shall establish a comprehen- sive program of training and employment research, utilizing the methods, techniques, and knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and such other methods, techniques, and knowl- edge as will aid in the solution of the employment and training problems of the United States. (2) STUDIES.-The program established under this section may include studies concerning- (A) the development or improvement of Federal, State, local, and privately supported employment and training programs; (B) labor market processes and outcomes, including im- proving workplace literacy; (C) policies and programs to reduce unemployment and the relationships of the policies and programs with price stability and other national goals; (D) productivity of labor; (E) improved means of using projections of labor supply and demand, including occupational and skill require ments and areas of labor shortages at the national and subnational levels; (F) methods of improving the wages and employment op- portunities of low-skilled, disadvantaged, and dislocated workers, and workers with obsolete skills; (G) methods of addressing the needs of at-risk popu- lations, such as youth, homeless individuals and other de- pendent populations, older individuals, and other groups with multiple barriers to employment; (H) methods of developing information on immigration, international trade and competition, technological change, and labor shortages; and (I) methods of easing the transition from school to work, from transfer payment receipt to self-sufficiency, from one job to another, and from work to retirement. (c) PILOT AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.- MENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] 370 371 JTPA #2 [INCLUDING AMENDMENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] Sec. 452 creasing the competitiveness of (1) PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.- e; and (A) IN GENERAL-The Secretary shall establish a pro- nical expertise available at the gram of pilot and demonstration programs for the purpose zed needs of particular client of developing and improving techniques and demonstrating , offenders, individuals of lim- the effectiveness of specialized methods in addressing em- y, individuals with disabilities, ployment and training needs. The Secretary may award rents, substance abusers, dis- grants and enter into contracts with entities to carry out er individuals, veterans, school the programs. ripients, and other individuals (B) PROJECTS.-Such programs may include projects in equire special assistance. such areas as- 2. P.L. 102-367, sec. 403(a), 106 Stat. (i) school-to-work transition; (ii) new methods of imparting literacy skills and ON, AND EVALUATION basic education; (iii) new training techniques (including projects un- POSE.-It is the purpose of this. dertaken with the private sector); 1 expanding employment oppor- (iv) methods to eliminate artificial barriers to em- h opportunities for all who de- ployment; (v) approaches that foster participation of groups that encounter special problems in the labor market ry shall establish a comprehen- (such as displaced homemakers, teen parents, welfare employment research, utilizing recipients, and older individuals); nowledge of the behavioral and (vi) processes that demonstrate effective methods for nethods, techniques, and knowl- alleviating the adverse effects of dislocations and plant of the employment and training closings on workers and their communities; and (vii) cooperative ventures among business, industry, established under this section labor, trade associations, community-based organiza- tions or nonprofit organizations to develop new and improvement of Federal, State, cost-effective approaches to improving work force lit- rted employment and training eracy. (2) EVALUATION COMPONENT-Demonstration programs as- es and outcomes, including im- sisted under this subsection shall include a formal, rigorous evaluation component. Pilot programs assisted under this sub- S to reduce unemployment and section shall include an appropriate evaluation component. licies and programs with price (3) SPECIAL RULE.-No demonstration program under this goals; subsection shall be assisted under this section for a period of more than 7 years. No pilot program under this subsection sing projections of labor supply shall be assisted under this section for a period of more than :cupational and skill require- 3 years. shortages at the national and (d) EVALUATION.- (1) PROGRAMS.- the wages and employment op- (A) JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS.-The Secretary shall pro- disadvantaged, and dislocated vide for the continuing evaluation of programs conducted bsolete skills; under this Act, including the cost effectiveness of the pro- g the needs of at-risk popu- gram in achieving the purposes of this Act. eless individuals and other de- (B) OTHER PROGRAMS.-The Secretary may conduct eval- individuals, and other groups uations of other federally funded employment-related ac- ployment; tivities including programs administered under- g information on immigration, (i) the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.): petition, technological change, (ii) the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.); transition from school to work, (iii) the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. pt to self-sufficiency, from one 3001 et seq.); k to retirement. (iv) chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 GRAMS.- U.S.C. 2271 et seq.); and Sec. 453 JTPA #2 [INCLUDING AMENDMENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] 372 (v) the Federal unemployment insurance program under titles III, IX, and XII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 501 et seq., 1101 et seq., and 1321 et seq.). (2) TECHNIQUES.- (A) METHODS.-Evaluations conducted under paragraph (1) shall utilize sound statistical methods and techniques of the behavioral and social sciences, including random as- signment methodologies if feasible. (B) ANALYSIS.-Such evaluations may include cost-bene- fit analysis of programs, the impact of the programs on community and participants, the extent to which pro- grams meet the needs of various demographic groups, and the effectiveness of the delivery systems used by various programs. (C) EFFECTIVENESS.-The Secretary shall evaluate the effectiveness of programs authorized under this Act with respect to- (i) the statutory goals; (ii) the performance standards established by the Secretary; and (iii) the extent to which such programs enhance the employment and earnings of participants, reduce in- come support costs, improve the employment com- petencies of participants in comparison to comparable persons who did not participate in such programs, and, to the extent feasible, increase the level of total employment over the level that would have existed in the absence of such programs. (29 U.S.C. 1732) Enacted September 7, 1992, P.L. 102-367, sec. 402(a)(2), 106 Stat. 1078. CAPACITY BUILDING, INFORMATION, DISSEMINATION, AND REPLICATION ACTIVITIES SEC. 453. (a) NATIONAL STRATEGY.-The Secretary shall develop a national strategy for carrying out the activities described in sub- section (b)(2) and the replication of programs described in sub- section (c), and shall ensure the implementation of the national strategy. (b) NETWORK- (1) ESTABLISHMENT.- (A) IN GENERAL.-The Secretary shall establish a Capac- ity Building and Information and Dissemination Network (referred to in this section as the "Network") to enhance the effectiveness of and to strengthen the caliber of serv- ices provided through programs authorized under this Act and other Federal, State, and local employment and train- ing programs. (B) ADMINISTRATION-The Secretary shall establish and maintain such Network- (i) directly; (ii) under an interagency agreement; or (iii) through a grant or contract awarded on a com- petitive basis to a single entity, or to a system of enti- MENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] 372 373 JTPA #2 [INCLUDING AMENDMENTS EFFECTIVE 7/1/93] Sec. 453 nployment insurance program ties coordinated by the Secretary, with appropriate ex- 1 XII of the Social Security Act pertise. 1101 et seq., and 1321 et seq.). (2) ACTIVITIES.-The Network shall- (A) provide, coordinate, and support the development of, ns conducted under paragraph appropriate training, technical assistance, staff develop- istical methods and techniques ment, and other activities that will- sciences, including random as- (i) enhance the skills, knowledge, and expertise of easible. the personnel who staff employment and training and uations may include cost-bene- other closely related human service systems, including he impact of the programs on service providers; its, the extent to which pro- (ii) improve the quality of services provided to indi- trious demographic groups, and viduals served under this Act and other Federal em- livery systems used by various ployment and training programs and encourage inte- grated service delivery under such programs using- e Secretary shall evaluate the (I) where cost effective, interactive communica- authorized under this Act with tion systems and satellite technology; and (II) where possible, staff trained in a variety of ; Federal human resource programs; standards established by the (iii) improve the planning, procurement, and con- tracting practices pursuant to this Act; and ich such programs enhance the (iv) provide broad human services policy and plan- ings of participants, reduce in- ning training to- mprove the employment com- (I) private industry council volunteers; and ts in comparison to comparable (II) where appropriate, members of State participate in such programs, human resource investment councils and other sible, increase the level of total evel that would have existed in State councils; (B) prepare and disseminate staff training curricula and grams. materials, primarily using computer-based technologies, 2. P.L. 102-367, sec. 402(a)(2), 106 Stat. for employment and training professionals and support staff, that focus on enhancing staff competencies and pro- TION, DISSEMINATION, AND fessionalism, including instruction on the administrative ACTIVITIES requirements of this Act, such as procurement and con- tracting standards and regulations; and Y.-The Secretary shall develop (C)(i) identify, develop, disseminate, and provide training t the activities described in sub- in the techniques learned from, innovative and successful of programs described in sub- program models, materials, methods, and information, by implementation of the national using computer-based technologies for organizing a data base and dissemination and communication system for the Network, and establishing a computer-based communica- tions and dissemination methodology to share information cretary shall establish a Capac- among employment and training personnel and institu- on and Dissemination Network tions; and 1 as the "Network") to enhance (ii) in identifying such program models, ensure that con- strengthen the caliber of serv- sideration shall be given to- rams authorized under this Act (I) the size and scope of the program; nd local employment and train- (II) the length of time that the program has been op- erating, 1e Secretary shall establish and (III) the nature and reliability of measurable out- comes for the program; (IV) the capacity of the sponsoring organization to ncy agreement; or provide the technical assistance necessary for States or contract awarded on a com- and service delivery areas to replicate the program; e entity, or to a system of enti- and