S.RES.554 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3930; text as passed Senate: CR S3930; text of measure as introduced: CR S3906-3907)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the Sense of the Senate on humanitarian assistance to Burma after Cyclone Nargis. 5/7/2008--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) expressing sympathy to and support for the people of Burma in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis; (2) supporting President Bush's decision to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Burma through nongovernmental organizations that are not affiliated with the Burmese regime; (3) in standing ready to appropriate additional funds to address dire humanitarian conditions in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis; (4) calling upon the State Peace and Development Council to lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance and allow free access to the U.S. government's disaster assistance response team; and (5) stating that the United States [...]

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S.2917 Sponsored by John Cornyn
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria's threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically-elected government in Syria, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3408)

Bill Text
A resolution designating the week beginning October 5, 2008, as "National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Week".

4/24/2008--Introduced.

Designates the week beginning October 5, 2008, as National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Week.

Expresses support for efforts to educate people about sudden cardiac arrest and to raise awareness about the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, identifying warning signs, and the need to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2906-2907)

Bill Text
Supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.
S.2787 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 03/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2234)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) research, development, test, and evaluation; (6) operation and maintenance, including working capital funds, the Defense Health Program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and the Defense Inspector General; (6) active and reserve military personnel, including [...]

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Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose their emergency response and evacuation procedures.

4/9/2008--Introduced.

Virginia Tech Victims Campus Emergency Response Policy and Notification Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require schools participating in title IV student assistance programs to include current campus policies regarding immediate emergency response and evacuation procedures in their required annual security reports to current and prospective students and staff.

Requires such procedures to include: (1) notifying students and staff within 30 minutes after confirmation that an emergency exists on campus or public property; and (2) testing such procedures annually.

S.RES.491 Sponsored by David Vitter
Latest Action: 03/31/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2237)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the need and importance of providing additional Federal funds for the Secretary of the Army to carry out hurricane, coastal, and flood protection and hurricane and flood damage reduction activities and related features in the State of Louisiana. 3/31/2008--Introduced. Recognizes the urgency for Congress to approve additional federal funds required by the Corps of Engineers by October 1, 2008, to complete hurricane, coastal, and flood protection and hurricane and flood damage reduction activities and related features to meet the President's commitment to complete the Corps work necessary for the updated 100-year protection standard for the greater New Orleans area by the 2011 hurricane season. Expresses the Senate's finding that the additional funds to reduce the risk to that area from storm surges and to provide at least an updated 100-year protection standard and address associated flood protection needs shall be carried out at full federal [...]

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Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and honoring the Department's employees for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to protect and secure our Nation.

4/10/2008--Passed House 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.)

Recognizes the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Honors DHS's dedicated public servants for their extraordinary service in helping preserve the safety and security of the American people.

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - S.AMDT.4380 Amendment SA 4380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 79.

Bill Text
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 3/14/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013.[...]

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Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1560-1561)

Bill Text
To reauthorize and reform the national service laws. 3/10/2008--Introduced. Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service (Learn and Serve programs); (2) National Service Trust programs (AmeriCorps); (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching grants to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1627-1659, H1661-1684)

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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Latest Action: 03/04/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1546-1547; text as passed Senate: CR S1547; text of measure as introduced: CR S1531)

Bill Text
A resolution commending the employees of the Department of Homeland Security, their partners at all levels of government, and the millions of law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services personnel, emergency managers,and other emergency response providers nationwide for their dedicated service in protecting the people of the United States and the Nation from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other large-scale emergencies. 3/4/2008--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.)Commends the public servants of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on the fifth anniversary of DHS's establishment, for their contributions to the nation's security. Salutes the efforts of government officials and private individuals to enhance the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to terrorism, [...]

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H.R.5522 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Labor to issue interim and final occupational safety and health standards regarding worker exposure to combustible dust, and for other purposes. 4/30/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary of Labor, within 90 days, to promulgate an interim final standard regulating combustible dusts, which shall apply to manufacturing, processing, blending, conveying, repackaging, and handling of combustible particulate solids and their dusts (including organic dusts, plastics, sulfur, wood, rubber, furniture, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, fibers, dyes, coal, metals, and fossil fuels), but shall not apply to processes already covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard on grain facilities.Requires such standard to provide requirements for: (1) a hazard assessment [...]

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Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent Vote.

Bill Text
A resolution designating April 2008 as "National 9-1-1 Education Month".

4/9/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries)

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

Designates April 2008 as National 9-1-1 Education Month.

Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To increase Federal Pell Grants for the children of fallen police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

2/28/2008--Introduced.

Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Educaton Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution used in determining Pell Grant eligibility in the case of a student applicant whose parent or guardian died as a result of performing service as a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder.

Latest Action: 03/05/2008 - Mr. Davis (IL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Expressing the condolences of the House to those affected by the devastating shooting incident of February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. 3/5/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in the tragic shooting on February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Extends support and prayers to those who were wounded and wishes them a speedy recovery. Commends the emergency responders, law enforcement officers, health care providers, and counselors who performed their duties with professionalism and dedication in response to the tragedy. Reaffirms the House of Representative's commitment to helping ensure that our schools are safe and secure [...]

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Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1100-1101; text as passed Senate: CR S1100-1101; text of measure as introduced: CR S1142-1143)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the devastating shooting incident of February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. 2/25/2008--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.) Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in the tragic shooting on February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Extends support and prayers to those who were wounded and wishes them a speedy recovery. Commends the emergency responders, law enforcement officers, health care providers, and counselors who performed their duties with professionalism and dedication in response to the tragedy. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to helping ensure that our schools are safe and secure environments for learning.[...]

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Latest Action: 02/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To provide for the enhancement of the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. 2/6/2008--Introduced. Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to undertake specified actions to enhance the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) suicide prevention training for all members of the Armed Forces and DOD civilian health care community and family support professionals; and (2) a suicide prevention outreach program throughout the Armed Forces and military family communities. Directs the Secretary to provide readjustment assistance to spouses and parents of members returning from deployments, including information on: (1) ways to identify signs and symptoms of risk factors for suicide; and (2) the national suicide prevention hotline and other suicide prevention resources. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements to [...]

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S.2585 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the enhancement of the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. 1/31/2008--Introduced. Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to undertake specified actions to enhance the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) suicide prevention training for all members of the Armed Forces and DOD civilian health care community and family support professionals; and (2) a suicide prevention outreach program throughout the Armed Forces and military family communities. Directs the Secretary to provide readjustment assistance to spouses and parents of members returning from deployments, including information on: (1) ways to identify signs and symptoms of risk factors for suicide; and (2) the national suicide prevention hotline and other suicide prevention resources. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements [...]

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Latest Action: 12/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Bill Text
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize temporary mortgage and rental payments, and for other purposes. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Mortgage and Rental Disaster Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments to or on behalf of individuals and households who, as a result of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, have received written notice of dispossession or eviction from a residence because of a foreclosure of mortgage or lien, cancellation of sales contract, or lease termination, entered into before such disaster. Defines such a "financial hardship" to include: (1) the loss of employment or significant income because a job, a business, or a business interest was located in a disaster area; or (2) suffering financially because of travel restrictions or [...]

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S.2526 Sponsored by Robert Menendez
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to protect health care workers and first responders, including police, fire-fighters, emergency medical personnel, and other workers at risk of workplace exposure to infectious agents and drug resistant infections, such as MRSA and pandemic influenza. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Worker Infection Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly develop and issue workplace standards, recommendations, and plans to protect health care workers and first responders and other workers at risk of workplace exposure to infectious agents and drug resistant infections, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and pandemic influenza.Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and issue an emergency temporary standard and, not later than six months after such issuance, a permanent standard for the protection of workers at risk of exposure, to prevent occupational exposure to infectious agents and toxins, such as [...]

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H.R.4928 Sponsored by Mark Udall
Latest Action: 12/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Bill Text
To authorize the Chief of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study relating to the construction of a multipurpose project in the Fountain Creek watershed located in the State of Colorado. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Fountain Creek Watershed Feasibility Study Act of 2007 - Directs the Chief of Engineers to complete a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a multipurpose water resources project that shall: (1) be located in the Fountain Creek watershed, Colorado; (2) consist of one or more dams or other structures, other facilities, or management activities or one or more other reservoirs that are to be located on- or off-channel of the watershed; and (3) be designed, with respect to the area located in the watershed and the Arkansas River Valley and any residential or commercial activity therein, to provide more reliable flood control and better sediment control, to increase the water supply, to improve water quality, and to conserve fish and wildlife and preserve the [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommittee by Technology and Innovation Prior to Introduction and Referral (October 2, 2007).

Bill Text
To reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, and for other purposes. 4/3/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control to include within fire service personnel training: (1) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with non-terrorist-caused national catastrophes and incidents that involve weapons of mass destruction; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in a general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries, fires occurring at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving [...]

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S.2523 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S16014-16015)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families. 12/19/2007--Introduced. National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to states, Indian tribes, insular areas, and participating local jurisdictions to increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, especially for low-income, extremely low-income, and very poor families. Prohibits the use of appropriations to the Fund for a fiscal year unless the amount equal to the net increase in the negative credit subsidy for specified mortgage insurance programs is first made available for: (1) single family housing mortgage [...]

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Latest Action: 12/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a comprehensive national system for skilled construction workers to assist first responders in disasters. 12/18/2007--Introduced. Skilled Trades Second Responders Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a national program for the training, certification, registration, tracking, and integration of skilled construction workers to assist first responders in responding to disasters, including natural and manmade disasters and terrorist attacks.Requires the Director to coordinate and consult with the Department of Homeland Security, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other relevant agencies, and private organizations, including construction industry contractors, joint labor-management training funds, and building trade unions, that are experienced in providing rescue and recovery assistance [...]

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H.RES.886 Sponsored by Doug Lamborn
Latest Action: 04/14/2008 - Mr. Ellsworth moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing sympathy to the victims and families of the tragic acts of violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado.

4/14/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives to the victims and families of the tragic acts of violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado. Conveys its gratitude to Jeanne Assam and to the city and county officials, police, fire, sheriff, federal authorities, and emergency medical teams whose quick response saved lives.

H.R.4830 Sponsored by Mike Ross
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Bill Text
To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to quickly and fairly address the abundance of surplus temporary housing units stored by the Federal Government across the Nation at taxpayer expense. 12/18/2007--Introduced. FEMA Accountability Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete an assessment of the number of temporary housing units purchased by FEMA that are necessary to stock to respond to disasters.Requires the Administrator to establish a plan for: (1) permanently storing such necessary units; (2) selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the excess units that are in usable condition; and (3) disposing of the units that are not in usable condition. Provides for the exclusion of units that may contain an unsafe level of formaldehyde. Makes such plan subject to Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act requirements for disposal of units and other applicable [...]

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H.R.4749 Sponsored by Peter T. King
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention, to address terrorist explosive threats, and for other purposes. 12/17/2007--Introduced. National Bombing Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an Office for Bombing Prevention within the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Protective Security Coordination Division of the Office of Infrastructure Protection. Assigns the Office primary responsibility for enhancing the ability and coordinating the efforts of the nation to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States.Directs the Secretary to develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States.Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to: (1) ensure coordination [...]

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Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Lieberman. With written report No. 110-240.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the flexibility of certain disaster relief funds, and for improved evacuation and sheltering during disasters and catastrophes. 12/11/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Streamlining Mitigation Actions and Recovery Tools and Regional Evacuation and Sheltering Planning of Overarching Networks for Severe Emergencies Act or the SMART RESPONSE Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting or restricting the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of specified funds designated for that state under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita based upon: (1) any Program requirement that limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner [...]

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H.R.4926 Sponsored by Betty Sutton
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grant program for automated external defibrillators in schools.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Josh Miller Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools Act of 2007, or the Josh Miller HEARTS Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for use in their schools; and/or (2) provide training to meet the requirement that at least five adult employees or volunteers at each school with an AED successfully complete training in its use and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Requires LEA grant applicants also to demonstrate that: (1) the AEDs are integrated into the schools' medical emergency response procedures; and (2) emergency services personnel are notified of their locations.

Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S14999; text as passed Senate: CR S14999; text of measure as introduced: CR S14857)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the tragic events of December 5, 2007, at Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska.

12/6/2007--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.)

Expresses condolences to the friends and families of those killed in the shootings at Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007: Gary Sharf, John McDonald, Angie Schuster, Maggie Webb, Janet Jorgensen, Diane Trent, Gary Joy, and Beverly Flynn. Offers prayers and best wishes for recovery to those who were wounded.

Thanks the first responders, police, and medical personnel who responded quickly and decisively to provide aid and comfort to the victims.

Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To help keep students safe on school-run, overnight, off-premises field trips.

12/4/2007--Introduced.

Phylicia's Law - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require local educational agencies applying for funds under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program to require schools sponsoring off-premises overnight field trips to develop, and provide to parents whose children are to be taken on such trips, written safety plans that include: (1) policies on curfews, room checks, and chaperone qualifications; and (2) emergency procedures to be followed when a serious injury or death occurs.

S.2382 Sponsored by Mark L. Pryor
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to quickly and fairly address the abundance of surplus manufactured housing units stored by the Federal Government around the country at taxpayer expense. 11/16/2007--Introduced. FEMA Accountability Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) complete an assessment of the number of manufactured housing units necessary to stock to respond to disasters; and (2) establish and implement a well developed plan for permanently storing necessary manufactured housing units, selling or transferring usable surplus units, and disposing of unusable units. Authorizes the Administrator to exclude from the plan any travel trailer that may contain formaldehyde upon certifying that he or she is unable to determine the safe level of exposure to formaldehyde. Terminates such authority on the date the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [...]

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Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution supporting the designation of a week as "National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week".

12/6/2007--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.)

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of a National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week to establish programs to increase public training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use and to increase public access to defibrillators.

S.2384 Sponsored by Ken Salazar
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14627-14628)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Chief of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study relating to the construction of a multipurpose project in the Fountain Creek watershed located in the State of Colorado. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Fountain Creek Watershed Feasibility Study Act of 2007 - Directs the Chief of Engineers to complete a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a multipurpose project that shall: (1) be located in the Fountain Creek watershed, Colorado; (2) consist of one or more dams or other structures, other facilities, or management activities or one or more other reservoirs that are to be located on- or off-channel of the watershed; and (3) with respect to the area located in the watershed and the Arkansas River Valley and any residential or commercial activity therein, be designed to provide more reliable flood control and better sediment control, to increase the water supply, to improve water quality, and to conserve fish and wildlife and preserve the ecosystem [...]

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S.2386 Sponsored by Dianne Feinstein
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14628-14630)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to authorize temporary mortgage and rental payments. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Mortgage and Rental Disaster Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments to or on behalf of individuals and households who, as a result of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, have received written notice of dispossession or eviction from a residence because of a foreclosure of mortgage or lien, cancellation of sales contract, or lease termination, entered into before such disaster. Defines such a "financial hardship" to include: (1) the loss of employment or significant income because a job, a business, or a business interest was located in a disaster area; or (2) suffering financially because of travel restrictions or station or road [...]

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S.2385 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide Federal Perkins Loan cancellation to fire fighters.

11/16/2007--Introduced.

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

S.2370 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Bill Text
A bill to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project, and for other purposes.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Albuquerque Biological Park Title Clarification Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a quitclaim deed conveying any right, title, and interest the United States may have in and to Tingley Beach, San Gabriel Park, and the BioPark Parcels in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the City of Albuquerque. Provides that the City shall not be required to pay any additional costs for the value of such Beach, Park, and Parcels.

Prohibits this Act from being construed or utilized to affect or otherwise interfere with any position set forth by any party in the lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court entitled Rio Grande Silvery Minnow v. John W. Keys, III concerning the right to any property associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project.

S.2355 Sponsored by Maria Cantwell
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 2:30 p.m.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the National Climate Program Act to enhance the ability of the United States to develop and implement climate change adaptation programs and policies, and for other purposes. 11/14/2007--Introduced. Climate Change Adaptation Act - Amends the National Climate Program Act to: (1) eliminate the National Climate Program Office and the Climate Program Policy Board; (2) revise the elements of the National Climate Program to require a strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States and establish a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (3) require the President to provide to Congress a five-year national strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States; (4) require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct regional assessments of coastal and ocean vulnerability to climate change and submit to Congress a national coastal and ocean adaptation plan; (5) require the [...]

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S.2335 Sponsored by Mary L. Landrieu
Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide adequate case management services.

11/13/2007--Introduced.

Case Management Services Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act that authorize the President to provide case management services for victims of major disasters to require private sector recipients to be nonprofit or faith-based organizations with experience in case management services.

Makes this provision applicable to any major disaster declared on or after January 1, 2005.

H.R.4137 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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 [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide loan forgiveness under the Federal Perkins Loan program for Federal, State, and local firefighters.

11/9/2007--Introduced.

Fire Fighter Higher Education Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reinstate the current downpayment requirement in the event of increased defaults. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage.[...]

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S.2326 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14394-14395)

Bill Text
A bill to improve the safety of motorcoaches, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to prescribe regulations requiring motorcoaches to be installed with: (1) safety seat belts at each seating position; (2) advanced glazing in each portal to prevent passenger ejection; (3) improved firefighting equipment; and (4) enhanced compartmentalization safety countermeasures and certain other motor vehicle safety features.Requires the Secretary to complete, and report to Congress on, a study on improving bus crashworthiness, bus crash avoidance, and bus fire protection and passenger evacuation.Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary to prescribe regulations: (1) requiring providers of motorcoach services registered with the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to undergo periodic safety reviews; (2) establishing a training curriculum [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit against tax for increased homeowners insurance premiums suffered by certain coastal homeowners or resulting from hurricane events.

11/8/2007--Introduced.

Homeowners Insurance Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers in certain hurricane disaster areas a tax credit for 50% of their homeowner insurance premiums, up to $250 annually.

Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a homeowner mitigation loan program within the Federal Emergency Management Agency to promote pre-disaster property mitigation measures. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Property Mitigation Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a grant program to provide assistance to states to promote pre-disaster property mitigation measures within their jurisdictions.Requires a state, to be eligible for assistance, to have: (1) submitted a mitigation plan; (2) established a process for accepting and processing grant and loan applications from individual homeowners and business owners; (3) established a revolving loan fund to which any grant amounts received under this Act shall be deposited; and (4) submitted a detailed plan for how terms and conditions for authorized loans and grants will be set.Directs the Administrator [...]

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Latest Action: 11/06/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a National Catastrophic Risks Consortium and a National Homeowners' Insurance Stabilization Program, and for other purposes. 11/6/2007--Introduced. Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium as a nonprofit, nonfederal entity to: (1) maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by state reinsurance funds, and state residual insurance market entities; (2) issue, on a conduit basis, securities and other financial instruments linked to catastrophe risks insured or reinsured through Consortium members; and (3) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by certain private-market participants. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to implement a national homeowners' insurance stabilization program to make liquidity loans and catastrophic loans to qualified reinsurance programs to: (1) ensure their solvency; (2) improve the availability and affordability of homeowners' [...]

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S.2302 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Harkin. With written report No. 110-220. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

11/2/2007--Introduced.

Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 - Revises agricultural and related programs and provisions respecting: (1) producer income; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development and investment; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) livestock marketing; and (11) agricultural security.

S.2292 Sponsored by Susan M. Collins
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-342. 10:00 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002, to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention, to address terrorist explosive threats, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. National Bombing Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an Office for Bombing Prevention in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Protective Security Coordination Division of the Office of Infrastructure Protection. Assigns the Office primary responsibility for enhancing the ability and coordinating the efforts of the nation to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks.Directs the President to develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist attacks using explosives or improvised explosive devices in the United States.Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to: (1) coordinate federal nonmilitary [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3946-3966)

Bill Text
An original bill to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, to restore the financial solvency of the flood insurance fund, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. (Sec. 5) Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make national flood insurance available for multifamily properties of more than four units. (Sec. 6) Requires the FEMA Director to estimate the exclusion of certain prospective insureds from purchasing flood insurance at risk premium rates less than those estimated for specified properties (including [...]

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Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. Without written report.

Bill Text
An original bill to establish a nonpartisan commission on natural catastrophe risk management and insurance, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Commission on Natural Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance Act of 2007 - Establishes the Commission on Natural Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance to report to Congress on its findings and assessments regarding the risks posed to the United States by natural catastrophes, and means for mitigating those risks and paying for losses caused by such catastrophes. Requires the Commission to assess: (1) the condition of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance markets prior to and in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, and the four major hurricanes that struck [...]

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Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special resources studies of certain lands and structures to determine the appropriate means for preservation, use, and management of the resources associated with such lands and structures. 12/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) America's Historical and Natural Legacy Study Act - Title I: Harry S Truman Birthplace Study Act - Harry S Truman Birthplace Study Act - (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a special resource study of the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar, Missouri, to determine: (1) the suitability and feasibility of adding the birthplace site to the Harry S Truman National Historic Site or designating the site as a separate unit of the National Park System; and (2) the methods and means for the protection and interpretation of the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site. Requires submission of a report on the [...]

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H.RES.777 Sponsored by Joe Wilson
Latest Action: 10/30/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Offering condolences regarding the tragic fire in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, which killed six University of South Carolina students and one student from Clemson University on October 28, 2007.

10/30/2007--Introduced.

Offers the House of Representatives' heartfelt condolences to those killed or deeply affected by the tragic fire on October 28, 2007, in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, which took the lives of six University of South Carolina students and one student from Clemson University.