The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS” mentioning the Federal Reserve System was published in the Senate section on pages S8951-S8955 on Sept. 17, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mrs. LINCOLN (for herself, Ms. Snowe, and Mr. Isakson):
S. 3505. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of home infusion therapy under the Medicare Program; to the Committee on Finance.
Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I join my colleague, Senator Lincoln of Arkansas, to introduce the Medicare Home Infusion Coverage Act, which will help us improve care and reduce costs. Today we know that the average Medicare beneficiary must shoulder nearly half their health care costs. At the same time Medicare faces serious fiscal challenges. Currently, the Part A, hospital, Trust Fund faces insolvency in 2019, when expenditures will exceed projected contributions and require additional taxpayer support to maintain the care our seniors and so many disabled Americans require.
There is another way, and that is to reform care delivery to emphasize high quality, lower cost care. Today the many serious conditions--including some cancers and drug-resistant infections--
require the use of infusion therapy. Such treatment involves the administration of medication directly into the bloodstream via a needle or catheter. Specialized equipment, supplies, and professional services
(such as sterile drug compounding, care coordination, and patient education and monitoring) are part of such therapy. The course of infusion treatment often lasts for several hours per day over a six-to-
eight week period.
The unfortunate fact is that Medicare patients requiring infusion therapy must either bear that cost themselves, or endure hospitalization in order to receive coverage. Though Medicare pays for infusion drugs, it does not pay for the services, equipment, and supplies necessary to safely provide infusion therapy in the home. Not surprisingly, even though home infusion therapy may cost as little as
$100 a day, too few seniors can bear that cost.
The result is that patients are hospitalized needlessly, driving costs of treatment as much as 10-20 times higher than treatment in the home. That is wasteful to Medicare and may even place the patient at risk. That is because unnecessary hospitalization places individuals at risk of acquiring a health care-acquired infection--one which is frequently drug resistant and can be life-threatening.
Private health plans have long understood that home infusion therapy is not only less costly, but safer as well. Thus private coverage for home infusion therapy is common. Private plans also recognize that patients benefit from avoiding hospitalization. At home they have familiar, comfortable surroundings, and family conveniently at hand--no small concerns when fighting a serious illness.
It is clear we must change the status quo, and achieve safer, most cost-effective treatment. By extending coverage of infusion therapy to the home, we will correct this unintended and unnecessary gap in Medicare coverage.
I hope my colleagues will join us in support of this legislation so we may further the goals of improving patient safety and reducing our escalating health care costs.
______
By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Baucus, Ms. Stabenow,
Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Obama, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Brown,
Mr. Durbin, Mr. Levin, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Biden,
Mr. Lautenberg, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Harkin, and Mr. Dodd):
S. 3507. A bill to provide for additional emergency unemployment compensation; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 3507
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL FIRST-TIER BENEFITS.
Section 4002(b)(1) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``50'' and inserting
``80''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``13'' and inserting
``20''.
SEC. 3. SECOND-TIER BENEFITS.
Section 4002 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008
(26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Special Rule.--
``(1) In general.--If, at the time that the amount established in an individual's account under subsection
(b)(1) is exhausted or at any time thereafter, such individual's State is in an extended benefit period (as determined under paragraph (2)), such account shall be augmented by an amount equal to the lesser of--
``(A) 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable to the individual during the individual's benefit year under the State law, or
``(B) 13 times the individual's average weekly benefit amount (as determined under subsection (b)(2)) for the benefit year.
``(2) Extended benefit period.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), a State shall be considered to be in an extended benefit period, as of any given time, if--
``(A) such a period is then in effect for such State under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970;
``(B) such a period would then be in effect for such State under such Act if section 203(d) of such Act--
``(i) were applied by substituting `4' for `5' each place it appears; and
``(ii) did not include the requirement under paragraph
(1)(A) thereof; or
``(C) such a period would then be in effect for such State under such Act if--
``(i) section 203(f) of such Act were applied to such State
(regardless of whether the State by law had provided for such application); and
``(ii) such section 203(f)--
``(I) were applied by substituting `6.0' for `6.5' in paragraph (1)(A)(i) thereof; and
``(II) did not include the requirement under paragraph
(1)(A)(ii) thereof.
``(3) Limitation.--The account of an individual may be augmented not more than once under this subsection.''. SEC. 4. PHASEOUT PROVISIONS.
Section 4007(b) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2),'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3),''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) No augmentation after march 31, 2009.--If the amount established in an individual's account under subsection
(b)(1) is exhausted after March 31, 2009, then section 4002(c) shall not apply and such account shall not be augmented under such section, regardless of whether such individual's State is in an extended benefit period (as determined under paragraph (2) of such section).
``(3) Termination.--No compensation under this title shall be payable for any week beginning after November 27, 2009.''.
SEC. 5. TEMPORARY FEDERAL MATCHING FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF
EXTENDED BENEFITS FOR STATES WITH NO WAITING
WEEK.
With respect to weeks of unemployment beginning after the date of enactment of this Act and ending on or before December 8, 2009, subparagraph (B) of section 204(a)(2) of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) shall not apply.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by sections 2, 3, and 4 shall apply as if included in the enactment of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008.
______
By Mr. KOHL:
S. 3508. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to support early college high schools and other dual enrollment programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I am doing my part to end the growing crisis of high school dropouts. I am introducing the Fast Track to College Act, a bill to increase high school graduation rates and improve access to college through the expansion of dual enrollment programs and early college high schools. Such programs allow young people to earn up to 2 years of college credit, including an associate's degree, while also earning their high school diploma.
As we work to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, we must find solutions to the growing dropout crisis facing our Nation's high schools and provide opportunities for young people to pursue higher education. Recent reports have illustrated the enormous challenge: the national graduation rate is only 70 percent and is significantly lower in many large urban school districts. For example, my home State of Wisconsin has a relatively high graduation rate of 86 percent, but that rate drops to only 46 percent in the urban schools in Milwaukee. Such an achievement gap cannot continue.
For America to remain a leader in today's increasingly global economy, we must ensure that all young people obtain not only a high school diploma, but a postsecondary education as well. High dropout rates and low college attendance rates hurt individuals, families, and society. Young people who drop out of high school are at increased risk for unemployment and incarceration, and they are more likely to depend on public assistance for healthcare, housing and other basic needs. Conversely, adults with a bachelor's degree will earn two thirds more than a high school graduate over the course of their working lives and are much less likely to experience unemployment or rely on social programs.
For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to support this bill, which provides competitive grant funding for dual enrollment programs that allow low-income students to earn college credit and a high school diploma at the same time. The Gates Foundation has been funding and evaluating such programs for several years now, and they have found that these programs work. Students can be motivated by a challenging curriculum and the tangible rewards of achievement, including free college credit and exposure to career opportunities. These programs have shown incredible promise as a tool for increasing attendance, graduation, and college enrollment rates, particularly among low-income high school students. Dual enrollment puts students on the fast track to college and increases the odds that they will not only graduate, but go on to continue their education and secure higher-paying jobs.
Specifically, this bill authorizes $100,000,000 for competitive 6-
year grants to schools, with priority given to schools that serve low-
income students. The funding will help defray the costs of tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other associated costs for students in early college high school and other dual enrollment programs. The bill also includes an evaluation component so we can measure the program's effectiveness.
I believe this investment in our schools will help solve the dropout crisis and secure America's future by ensuring that all young people can compete in today's global economy. Further, I believe that all children, regardless of income or other factors, deserve equal opportunities to fulfill their potential, and it is both morally and fiscally responsible for this Congress to invest in high-quality educational programs that help them reach that potential.
I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 3508
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fast Track to College Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to increase high school graduation rates and the percentage of students who complete a recognized postsecondary credential by the age of 26, including among low-income students and students from other populations underrepresented in higher education.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Dual enrollment program.--The term ``dual enrollment program'' means an academic program through which a high school student is able simultaneously to earn credit toward a high school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate.
(2) Early college high school.--The term ``early college high school'' means a high school that provides a course of study that enables a student to earn a high school diploma and either an associate's degree or one to two years of college credit toward a postsecondary degree or credential.
(3) Educational service agency.--The term ``educational service agency'' means an educational service agency as defined by section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(4) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a local educational agency, which may be an educational service agency, in a collaborative partnership with an institution of higher education. Such partnership also may include other entities, such as a nonprofit organization with experience in youth development.
(5) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' means an institution of higher education as defined by section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
(6) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational agency'' means a local educational agency as defined by section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Early College High Schools.--To support early college high schools under this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.
(b) Other Dual Enrollment Programs.--To support other dual enrollment programs under this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.
(c) Funds Reserved.--The Secretary shall reserve 3 percent of funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (b) for grants to States under section 9.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZED PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to award six-year grants to eligible entities seeking to establish a new or support an existing early college high school or other dual enrollment program.
(b) Grant Amount.--A grant under this Act shall not exceed
$2,000,000.
(c) Matching Requirement.--
(1) In general.--An eligible entity shall contribute matching funds toward the costs of the early college high school or other dual enrollment program to be supported under this Act, of which not less than half shall be from non-Federal sources, which funds shall represent not less than the following:
(A) 20 percent of the grant amount received in each of the first and second years of the grant.
(B) 30 percent in each of the third and fourth years.
(C) 40 percent in the fifth year.
(D) 50 percent in the sixth year.
(2) Determination of amount contributed.--The Secretary shall allow an eligible entity to satisfy the requirement of this subsection through in-kind contributions.
(d) Supplement, Not Supplant.--An eligible entity shall use a grant received under this Act only to supplement funds that would, in the absence of such grant, be made available from non-Federal funds for support of the activities described in the eligible entity's application under section 7, and not to supplant such funds.
(e) Priority.--In awarding grants under this Act, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants--
(1) that propose to establish or support an early college high school or other dual enrollment program that will serve a student population of which 40 percent or more are students counted under section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)); and
(2) from States that provide assistance to early college high schools or other dual enrollment programs, such as assistance to defray the costs of higher education, such as tuition, fees, and textbooks.
(f) Geographic Distribution.--The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that grantees are from a representative cross-section of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
SEC. 6. USES OF FUNDS.
(a) Mandatory Activities.--An eligible entity shall use grant funds received under section 5 to support the activities described in its application, including for the following:
(1) Planning year.--In the case of a new early college high school or dual enrollment program, during the first year of the grant--
(A) hiring a principal and staff, as appropriate;
(B) designing the curriculum and sequence of courses in collaboration with at a minimum, teachers from the local educational agency and faculty from the partner institution of higher education;
(C) educating parents and the community about the school;
(D) recruiting students;
(E) liaison activities among partners in the eligible entity; and
(F) coordinating secondary and postsecondary support services, academic calendars, and transportation.
(2) Implementation period.--During the remainder of the grant period--
(A) academic and social support services, including counseling;
(B) student recruitment and community education and engagement;
(C) professional development, including joint professional development for secondary school and faculty from the institution of higher education; and
(D) school design and planning team activities, including curriculum development.
(b) Allowable Activities.--An eligible entity may also use grant funds received under this Act to otherwise support the activities described in its application, including--
(1) purchasing textbooks and equipment that support academic programs;
(2) learning opportunities for students that complement classroom experiences, such as internships, career-based capstone projects, and opportunities provided under chapters 1 and 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq., 1070a-21 et seq.);
(3) transportation;
(4) planning time for high school and college educators to collaborate; and
(5) data collection, sharing, reporting, and evaluation.
SEC. 7. APPLICATION.
(a) In General.--To receive a grant under section 5, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and including such information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(b) Contents of Application.--At a minimum, the application described in subsection (a) shall include a description of--
(1) the early college high school's or other dual enrollment program's budget;
(2) each partner in the eligible entity and its experience with early college high schools or other dual enrollment programs, key personnel from each partner and their responsibilities for the early college high school or dual enrollment program, and how the eligible entity will work with secondary and postsecondary teachers, other public and private entities, community-based organizations, businesses, and labor organizations to ensure that students will be prepared to succeed in postsecondary education and employment, which may include the development of an advisory board;
(3) how the eligible entity will target and recruit at-risk youth, including those at risk of dropping out of school, first generation college students, and students from populations described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(C)(v)(II));
(4) a system of student supports for students in the early college high school or other dual enrollment program, including small group activities, tutoring, literacy and numeracy skill development in all academic disciplines, parental outreach, extended learning time, and college readiness activities, such as early college academic seminars and counseling;
(5) in the case of an early college high school, how a graduation and career plan will be developed, consistent with State graduation requirements, for each student and reviewed each semester;
(6) how parents or guardians of dually enrolled students will be informed of the students' academic performance and progress and, subject to paragraph (5), involved in the development of the students' career and graduation plan;
(7) coordination activities between the institution of higher education and the local educational agency, including regarding academic calendars, provision of student services, curriculum development, and professional development;
(8) how the eligible entity will ensure that teachers in the early college high school or other dual enrollment program receive appropriate professional development and other supports, including to enable the teachers to help English-language learners, students with disabilities, and students from diverse cultural backgrounds to succeed;
(9) learning opportunities for students that complement classroom experiences, such as internships, career-based capstone projects, and opportunities provided under chapters 1 and 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq., 1070a-21 et seq.);
(10) a plan to ensure that postsecondary credits earned will be transferable to, at a minimum, public institutions of higher education within the State, consistent with existing statewide articulation agreement;
(11) student assessments and other measurements of student achievement that will be used, including benchmarks for student achievement;
(12) outreach programs to provide elementary and secondary school students, especially those in middle grades, and their parents, teachers, school counselors, and principals information about and academic preparation for the early college high school or other dual enrollment program;
(13) how the eligible entity will help students meet eligibility criteria for postsecondary courses; and
(14) how the eligible entity will sustain the early college high school or other dual enrollment program after the grant expires.
(c) Assurances.--An eligible entity's application under subsection (a) shall include assurances that--
(1) in the case of an early college high school, the majority of courses offered, including of postsecondary courses, will be offered at facilities of the institution of higher education;
(2) students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses;
(3) postsecondary credits earned will be transcribed upon completion of the requisite coursework; and
(4) faculty teaching postsecondary courses meet the normal standards for faculty established by the institution of higher education.
(d) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement of subsection (c)(1) upon a showing that it is impractical to apply due to geographic considerations.
SEC. 8. PEER REVIEW.
(a) Peer Review of Applications.--The Secretary shall establish peer review panels to review applications submitted pursuant to section 7 and to advise the Secretary regarding such applications.
(b) Composition of Peer Review Panels.--The Secretary shall ensure that each peer review panel is not comprised wholly of full-time officers or employees of the Federal Government and includes, at a minimum--
(1) experts in the establishment and administration of early college high schools or other dual enrollment programs from the high school and college perspective;
(2) faculty at institutions of higher education and secondary school teachers with expertise in dual enrollment; and
(3) experts in the education of at-risk students.
SEC. 9. GRANTS TO STATES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to award six-year grants to State agencies responsible for secondary or postsecondary education for efforts to support or establish statewide dual enrollment programs.
(b) Application.--To receive a grant under this section, a State agency shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and including such information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(c) Contents of Application.--At a minimum, the application described in subsection (b) shall include--
(1) how the State will create outreach programs to ensure that middle and high school students and their families are aware of dual enrollment programs in the State;
(2) how the State will provide technical assistance to local dual enrollment programs as appropriate;
(3) how the State will ensure the quality of State and local dual enrollment programs; and
(4) such other information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(d) State Activities.--A State receiving a grant under this section shall use such funds for--
(1) planning and implementing a statewide strategy for expanding access to dual enrollment programs for students who are underrepresented in higher education; and
(2) providing technical assistance to local dual enrollment programs.
SEC. 10. REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT.
(a) Reporting by Grantees.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish uniform guidelines for all grantees under section 5, and uniform guidelines for all grantees under section 9, concerning information such grantees annually shall report to the Secretary to demonstrate a grantee's progress toward achieving the goals of this Act.
(2) Contents of report.--At a minimum, the report described in paragraph (1) shall include, for eligible entities receiving funds under section 5, for each category of students described in section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(i)):
(A) The number of students.
(B) The percentage of students scoring advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic on the assessments described in section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)).
(C) The performance of students on other assessments or measurements of achievement.
(D) The number of secondary school credits earned.
(E) The number of postsecondary credits earned.
(F) Attendance rate.
(G) Graduation rate.
(H) Placement in postsecondary education or advanced training, in military service, and in employment.
(b) Reporting by the Secretary.--The Secretary annually shall compile and analyze the information described in subsection (a) and report it to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, which report shall include identification of best practices for achieving the goals of this Act.
(c) Monitoring Visits.--The Secretary's designee shall visit each grantee at least once for the purpose of helping the grantee achieve the goals of this Act and to monitor the grantee's progress toward achieving such goals.
(d) National Evaluation.--Within six months of the appropriation of funds for this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with an independent organization to perform an evaluation of the grants awarded under this Act. Such evaluation shall apply rigorous procedures to obtain valid and reliable data concerning participants' outcomes by social and academic characteristics and monitor the progress of students from high school to and through postsecondary education.
(e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to eligible entities concerning best practices in early college high schools and dual enrollment programs and shall disseminate such best practices among eligible entities and State and local educational agencies.
SEC. 11. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Employees.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter or otherwise affect the rights, remedies, and procedures afforded to the employees of local educational agencies (including schools) or institutions of higher education under Federal, State, or local laws (including applicable regulations or court orders) or under the terms of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other agreements between such employees and their employers.
(b) Graduation Rate.--A student who graduates from an early college high school supported under this Act in the standard number of years for graduation described in the eligible entity's application shall be considered to have graduated on time for purposes of section 1111(b)(2)(C)(vi) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(C)(vi)).
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By Mr. BUNNING:
S. 3510. A bill to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from making funds available at a discount rate to private individuals, partnerships, and corporations; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 3510
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. REPEAL OF DISCOUNT AUTHORITY FOR PRIVATE FIRMS.
Section 13 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 343) is amended by striking the third undesignated paragraph
(relating to discounts for individuals, partnerships, and corporations).
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By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Bingaman, and Mr. Kohl):
S. 3512. A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to remove social security account numbers from Medicare identification cards and communications provided to Medicare beneficiaries in order to protect Medicare beneficiaries from identity theft; to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation with Senator Bingaman and Senator Kohl to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare identification cards.
Government agencies and private businesses have begun to recognize the danger of displaying Social Security numbers. A person's Social Security number can unlock a treasure trove of personal and financial information.
If your Social Security number falls into the wrong hands, you are at risk of becoming a victim of identify theft and fraud. In 2006, the Federal Trade Commission reported that more than 8 million Americans were victims of identity theft in the prior year.
Thirty-one states have enacted laws that limit how public and private entities use and display Social Security numbers. Social Security numbers are being removed from driver's licenses, and most private health insurance cards no longer display your Social Security number.
Federal agencies are taking steps to reduce the threat of identify theft. Last year, the Office of Management and Budget called on federal agencies to establish plans to eliminate unnecessary collection and use of Social Security numbers and to explore alternatives to Social Security numbers.
The Department of Veterans Affairs no longer displays Social Security numbers on new veteran identification cards. And the Office of Personnel Management has directed health insurers participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program to eliminate Social Security numbers from insurance cards.
Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is lagging behind other agencies.
The same Social Security number that the Social Security Administration believes is so sensitive that it should not be carried in your wallet is found on the Medicare cards that 44 million beneficiaries carry with them at all times to access health care services. CMS expressly instructs Medicare beneficiaries to carry their Medicare card in their wallet or purse as proof of insurance, making their Social Security numbers readily available to any thief.
In 2005, I offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2006 Labor-HHS-
Education appropriations bill to require CMS to report to Congress on what steps would be necessary for them to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards.
CMS issued the report in 2006, but it has not yet begun to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards.
Earlier this year, the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration took CMS to task for its inaction. The Inspector General's report confirmed that displaying Social Security numbers on Medicare cards places millions of people at risk for identity theft and concluded that ``immediate action is needed to address this significant vulnerability.''
The bill that I am introducing today, the Social Security Number Protection Act of 2008, establishes a reasonable timetable for CMS to begin removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and a date certain by which CMS would be required to complete the process.
Not later than three years after enactment, CMS would be prohibited from displaying Social Security numbers on newly issued Medicare cards. CMS would be prohibited from displaying the number on existing cards no later than five years after enactment.
In addition to Medicare cards, the bill would prohibit CMS from displaying Social Security numbers on all written and electronic communications to Medicare beneficiaries, beginning no later than three years of enactment, except in cases where their display is essential for the operation of the Medicare program.
Removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and communications to Medicare beneficiaries is long overdue. Medicare beneficiaries should not be placed at greater risk of identity theft than people with private health insurance. If other federal agencies can remove Social Security numbers, so can CMS.
I am pleased that Consumers Union, the Medicare Rights Center, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy have endorsed this bill.
This is an issue we should all be able to unite behind. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation and work with me to enact it next year. Medicare beneficiaries deserve to be protected from criminals who seek to steal their identities in order to defraud them.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 3512
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Number Protection Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. REQUIRING THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
TO PROHIBIT THE DISPLAY OF SOCIAL SECURITY
ACCOUNT NUMBERS ON MEDICARE IDENTIFICATION
CARDS AND COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDED TO MEDICARE
BENEFICIARIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and begin to implement procedures to eliminate the unnecessary collection, use, and display of social security account numbers of Medicare beneficiaries.
(b) Medicare Cards and Communications Provided to Beneficiaries.--
(1) Cards.--
(A) New cards.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure that each newly issued Medicare identification card meets the requirements described in subparagraph (C).
(B) Replacement of existing cards.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries have been issued a Medicare identification card that meets the requirements of subparagraph (C).
(C) Requirements.--The requirements described in this subparagraph are, with respect to a Medicare identification card, that the card does not display or electronically store
(in an unencrypted format) a Medicare beneficiary's social security account number.
(2) Communications provided to beneficiaries.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prohibit the display of a Medicare beneficiary's social security account number on written or electronic communication provided to the beneficiary unless the Secretary determines that inclusion of social security account numbers on such communications is essential for the operation of the Medicare program.
(c) Medicare Beneficiary Defined.--In this section, the term ``Medicare beneficiary'' means an individual who is entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act or enrolled under part B of such title.
(d) Conforming Reference in the Social Security Act.--Section 205(c)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(x) For provisions relating to requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prohibit the display of social security account numbers on Medicare identification cards and communications provided to Medicare beneficiaries, see section 2 of the Social Security Number Protection Act of 2008.''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
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