Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/09/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To establish the Office of the Capitol Visitor Center within the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, headed by the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services, to provide for the effective management and administration of the Capitol Visitor Center, and for other purposes. 3/5/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on March 3, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008 - Title I: Administration and Management of Capitol Visitor Center - (Sec. 102) Grants authority to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration (supervising Committees) to exercise policy review and oversight over the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). (Sec. 103) Declares that certain "unassigned" expansion space for the Senate and the House of Representatives shall [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Bill Text
To amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to protect Social Security beneficiaries against any reduction in benefits.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Social Security Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or joint resolution (or related amendment or conference report) that: (1) reduces or has the effect of reducing any current benefits under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI) programs under title II of the Social Security Act; or (2) provides for or has the effect of providing for cost-of-living increases of OASDI benefits that are less than what would be provided as of the day of the measure's consideration.

Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 9/14/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 31, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 - Title I: Closing the Revolving Door - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal criminal code to extend from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) very senior executive personnel with any Member, officer, or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated; and (2) Senators with any Member, officer or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office.Continues the one-year ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) Members of the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9-11)

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A bill to amend title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other laws and provisions and urge Congress to make college more affordable through increased Federal Pell Grants and providing more favorable student loans and other benefits, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

College Opportunity Act of 2007 - Declares the sense of Congress that the Congress should enact, and the President sign, measures that make college more affordable by increasing Pell Grants and providing more favorable student loans and other benefits.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9-11)

Bill Text
A bill to restore and enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces, to enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces, to support the men and women of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Rebuilding America's Military Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact legislation to: (1) restore and enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces for deterrence, combat, and post-conflict operations; (2) enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces, including the reset of military equipment; and (3) support the men and women of the Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard and Reserves.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9-11)

Bill Text
A bill to recognize the heritage of the United States as a nation of immigrants and to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for more effective border and employment enforcement, to prevent illegal immigration, and to reform and rationalize avenues for legal immigration, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Senate and the House of Representatives should pass, and the President should sign, legislation to recognize the heritage of the United States as a nation of immigrants and to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for more effective border and employment enforcement, to prevent illegal immigration, and to reform and rationalize avenues for legal immigration.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9-11)

Bill Text
A bill to reinstate the pay-as-you-go requirement and reduce budget deficits by strengthening budget enforcement and fiscal responsibility. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Restoring Fiscal Discipline Act of 2007 - Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider any direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase or cause an on-budget deficit during certain specified time periods. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider, under the expedited procedures applicable to reconciliation in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA), any bill, resolution, amendment, amendment between chambers, motion, or conference report that increases the deficit or reduces the surplus in the first fiscal year or the ensuing five or 10 fiscal years covered by the most recently adopted concurrent resolution on the budget. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider, pursuant to CBA, any resolution, concurrent resolution, amendment, amendment between the chambers, motion,[...]

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

Bill Text
To reiterate that chapters 119 and 121 of title 18, United States Code, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 are the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. NSA Oversight Act - States that provisions of the federal criminal code concerning wire and electronic communications and their interception and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) are the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted until specific statutory authorization for any other such surveillance is enacted. Requires the President to report to the congressional intelligence committees on the Terrorist Surveillance Program of the National Security Agency (NSA) as well as any other program which involves electronic surveillance of U.S. persons in the United States conducted by a federal department or agency without fully complying with FISA procedures. Authorizes [...]

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Latest Action: 03/19/2007 - Notwithstanding the Senate's previous adoption of H.Con.Res. 20, the adoption of the amendment to the preamble was vitiated by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3283)

Bill Text
Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, and public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park Agreement, in order to move forward on the Northern Ireland peace process. 3/15/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 30, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses deepest condolences to the family of Patrick Finucane on his death, commends their steadfast pursuit of justice in his brutal murder, and thanks his wife Geraldine and son Michael for their willingness to testify on this matter before committees of the House of Representatives. Supports Administration efforts in seeking full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement and establishment of [...]

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Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
Honoring the Mare Island Original 21ers for their efforts to remedy racial discrimination in employment at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

1/17/2007--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: (1) the historic accomplishments of the Mare Island Original 21ers in combating employment discrimination against African-American shipyard workers; (2) the importance of the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity as a forerunner to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); and (3) the importance of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 9/25/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to redefine the term "disability," including by defining "major life activities" and "being regarded as having such an impairment." Sets forth rules of construction regarding the definition of "disability," including that: (1) such term shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under the Act; (2) an impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be a disability; (3) an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7975-7976)

Bill Text
A resolution supporting legislation promoting improved health care and access to health care for women. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Declares that the Senate commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all people of the United States and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health providers that ensures continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the needs of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs;[...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1697)

Bill Text
Expressing the support of the Congress regarding the need to ensure health care for women and health care for all in national health care reform. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Declares that Congress commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health care providers to ensure continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the need of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To increase public confidence in the justice system and address any unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. 7/16/2008--Introduced. Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6565-6566)

Bill Text
A bill to increase public confidence in the justice system and address any unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. 7/10/2008--Introduced. Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities [...]

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Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6296-6297)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the restitution of or compensation for property seized during the Nazi and communist eras. 6/26/2008--Introduced. States that the Senate appreciates the efforts of those countries in Europe that have enacted legislation for the restitution of, or compensation for, private, communal, and religious property confiscated during the Nazi or Communist eras. Urges the governments of Poland and Lithuania and the governments of other European countries that have not already done so to enact legislation so that victims, and communities, of Nazi persecution whose private religious, or communal, property was confiscated by the Nazis and in turn seized by a Communist government are able to obtain restitution of, or compensation for, such property. Welcomes a country in Europe to host a 2009 follow-up international conference to the Washington Conference on Holocaust-Era Assets which would address issues relating to: (1) [...]

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Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6095-6096; text as passed Senate: CR S6095-6096; text of measure as introduced: CR S6025-6026)

Bill Text
A resolution commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has become known as "Freedom Summer". 6/24/2008--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.) Encourages all Americans to pause and remember Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner and the 44th anniversary of their deaths. Commemorates their lives and work, and those of all other brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of civil rights and voting rights for all Americans. Commemorates and acknowledges the legacy of the brave Americans who participated in the civil rights movement and the [...]

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Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to require Congress to specify the source of authority under the United States Constitution for the enactment of laws, and for other purposes.

6/19/2008--Introduced.

Enumerated Powers Act - Requires each Act of Congress to contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act. Declares that failure to comply with this requirement shall give rise to a point of order in either chamber of Congress.

Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has became known as "Freedom Summer". 6/23/2008--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.) Encourages all Americans to: (1) pause and remember Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner and the 44th anniversary of their deaths; (2) commemorate their lives and work, and those of all other brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of civil rights and voting rights for all Americans; and (3) commemorate and acknowledge the legacy of the brave Americans who participated in the civil rights movement and the role that they [...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Strongly supporting an immediate and just restitution of, or compensation for, property illegally confiscated during the last century by Nazi and Communist regimes. 6/11/2008--Introduced. Praises the efforts by those countries in Central and Eastern Europe that have enacted legislation for the restitution of, or compensation for, private and communal religious property confiscated during the Nazi and Communist eras. Urges the countries in Central and Eastern Europe that have not already done so to return confiscated properties to their rightful owners or, where restitution is not possible, pay equitable compensation. Calls on the governments of Poland and of Lithuania to enact legislation so that persons (or their heirs) whose property was confiscated during the Nazi or Communist eras are able to obtain restitution of, or compensation for, such property. Calls on the Secretary of State to report to Congress every six months, regarding implementation of [...]

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