Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Committee on Finance. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-215. 10:00 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Elder Justice program under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC). Establishes the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to establish stationary and mobile forensic centers, to develop forensic expertise regarding, and provide services relating to, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Directs the Secretary to provide incentives for individuals to train for, seek, and maintain [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Committee on Finance. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-215. 10:00 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require screening, including national criminal history background checks, of direct patient access employees of skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, and other long-term care facilities and providers, and to provide for nationwide expansion of the pilot program for national and State background checks on direct patient access employees of long-term care facilities or providers. 6/7/2007--Introduced. Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to provide for nationwide expansion of the pilot program for national and state background checks on direct patient access employees of long-term care facilities or providers. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require screening, including national criminal history background checks, of direct patient access employees [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. Title I: Title I Amendments - (Sec. 101) Revises the general definition of an institution of higher education (IHE) to include schools that: (1) admit students whose secondary education was conducted in a home school setting; (2) award degrees (not necessarily bachelor's degrees) that are acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program; and (3) enroll students who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in a secondary school. Revises the definition of an IHE for purposes of title IV student assistance programs. Requires graduate medical schools located outside the country, that qualified as IHEs owing to their having a state-approved [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 8/14/2008--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on July 29, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Children's Product Safety - (Sec. 101) Treats as a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) any children's product (a consumer product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger) containing over specified amounts of lead. Allows alternate limits if the specified limits are not technologically feasible. Requires periodic review and, when technologically feasible, more stringent limits. Makes the limits inapplicable to any component that is [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the continued performance of the functions of the United States Parole Commission.

8/12/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

United States Parole Commission Extension Act of 2008 - Extends the U.S. Parole Commission for three years (until October 31, 2011).

Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
A bill to resolve pending claims against Libya by United States nationals, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Libyan Claims Resolution Act - States that Congress supports the President's efforts to provide fair compensation to all U.S. nationals who have terrorism-related claims against Libya as part of the process of restoring normal U.S.-Libya relations. Defines "claims agreement" as a binding international agreement between the United States and Libya that provides for the settlement of terrorism-related claims of U.S. nationals against Libya through fair compensation Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, to designate one or more entities to assist in providing compensation to U.S. nationals pursuant [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To provide a program of national health insurance, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. National Health Insurance Act - Requires that medical services, hospital services, and other personal health services be made available to eligible individuals in all U.S. health-service areas as rapidly as possible. Sets forth minimum income requirements for eligibility. Allows health care professionals and hospitals to enter into agreements to furnish services to eligible individuals. Gives responsibility for administration of the benefits provided under this Act to local administrative committees or officers. Allows a state to assume responsibility for administration of the personal health benefits provided under this Act. Establishes: (1) the National Health Insurance Board in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (2) the National Advisory Medical Policy Council. Requires the Secretary of HHS to determine the eligibility [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend section 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose mandatory sentencing ranges with respect to aliens who reenter the United States after having been removed, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Criminal Alien Accountability Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish minimum imprisonment terms for specified categories of aliens subject to criminal fines, imprisonment, or both, for reenrty as removed aliens. (Such provision does not apply to aliens removed for security or terrorist grounds.)

Subjects an individual who knowingly aids or conspires to allow, procure, or permit any such alien to reenter the United States to criminal penalty, the same imprisonment term as applies to the alien so aided, or both.

Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-132.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994.

12/6/2007--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994 to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2012 for such Acts; (2) increase the amount that may be used for administrative expenses to carry out such Acts; and (3) repeal provisions requiring the Secretary of the Interior to notify countries regarding the approval of conservation projects for African elephants, rhinoceros, and tigers.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at events that provide a venue for the sale, offer for sale, transfer, or exchange of firearms, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for regulation of firearms transfers at special firearms events (events at which 75 or more firearms are offered or exhibited for sale, exchange, or transfer if one or more of the firearms has been shipped or transported in, or otherwise affects, interstate or foreign commerce, excluding an offer or exhibit of firearms: (1) by an individual, from that individual's personal collection, at that individual's private residence, if the individual is not required to be licensed; and (2) at events conducted and attended by permanent or annual dues paying members of private, not-for-profit organizations whose primary purpose is owning and maintaining real property for hunting activities).[...]

show full description

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To require certain metal recyclers to keep records of their transactions in order to deter individuals and enterprises engaged in theft and interstate fencing of stolen copper, and for other purposes.

8/1/2008--Introduced.

Copper Theft Prevention Act of 2008 - Requires secondary copper recyclers (purchasers of copper that has served its original economic purpose) to keep records for at least two years of all purchases of copper property. Prohibits such recyclers from accepting cash in excess of $500 for the purchase of copper property. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of this Act.

Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide adequate benefits for public safety officers injured or killed in the line of duty, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. First Responders Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) increase death and disability benefits for public safety officers; and (2) expand educational benefits for dependents of public safety officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for up to $7,500 of the medical expenses paid or incurred by a public safety officer or a family member for injuries sustained while such officer was performing an official duty.Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to award grants for mental health services or counseling to public safety officers seriously injured in the line of duty and the family members of such officers who are killed [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-443.

Bill Text
An original bill to impose sanctions with respect to Iran, to provide for the divestment of assets in Iran by State and local governments and other entities, to identify locations of concern with respect to transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to require all public school employees and those employed in connection with a public school to receive FBI background checks prior to being hired, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2008 - Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) obtain an FBI background check on individuals prior to offering them employment as school employees; and (2) if the check identifies them as sexual predators, report their application to local law enforcement. Prohibits states or LEAs from hiring individuals as: (1) school employees if they have been convicted of a crime of violence or other felony; or (2) school bus drivers if they have been convicted of, or pled guilty to, drunk driving or a serious moving violation. Withholds funds available to states for planning and administration and to LEAs as subgrants under part A of title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7981; text as passed Senate: CR S7981; text of measure as introduced: CR S7977)

Bill Text
A resolution to authorize the production of records by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

7/31/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Authorizes the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, acting jointly, to provide to law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies, and other entities or individuals duly authorized by federal, state, or foreign governments, records of the Subcommittee's investigation into tax haven financial institutions, their formation and administration of offshore entities and accounts for use by U.S. clients, and the impact of those activities on tax compliance in the United States.

Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
A bill to resolve pending claims against Libya by United States nationals, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Libyan Claims Resolution Act - States that Congress supports the President's efforts to provide fair compensation to all U.S. nationals who have terrorism-related claims against Libya as part of the process of restoring normal U.S.-Libya relations. Defines "claims agreement" as a binding international agreement between the United States and Libya that provides for the settlement of terrorism-related claims of U.S. nationals against Libya through fair compensation Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, to designate one or more entities to assist in providing compensation to U.S. nationals pursuant [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8015)

Bill Text
A resolution welcoming home Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves, three citizens of the United States who were held hostage for over five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after their plane crashed on February 13, 2003.
Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7197; text as passed Senate: CR S7197; text of measure as introduced: CR S7179)

Bill Text
A resolution honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998, and expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the Senate for the professionalism and dedication of the United States Capitol Police. 7/23/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Honors and commemorates the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut and Detective John Michael Gibson of the U.S. Capitol Police on July 24, 1998. Expresses: (1) the condolences of the Senate to the wives, children, and other family members of Private First Class Chestnut and Detective Gibson on the 10-year anniversary of their passing; (2) gratitude and appreciation [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/28/2008 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate.

Bill Text
A bill to advance America's priorities. 7/22/2008--Introduced. Advancing America's Priorities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) establish a system to collect data on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and establish a registry for such data; (2) provide for an education and information campaign to promote stroke prevention; and (3) award grants for a pilot project to improve stroke patient outcomes by coordinating health care delivery through telehealth networks.Establishes programs for research, rehabilitation, and quality of life for people with paralysis.Provides for support services to women suffering from postpartum depression and who receive a positive diagnosis of Down syndrome or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states to provide vision care for children. Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to expand services for homeless youth [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8014-8015; text as passed Senate: CR S8015)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the tenth anniversary of the bombings of the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and memorializing the citizens of the United States, Kenya, and Tanzania whose lives were claimed as a result of the al Qaeda led terrorist attacks.