Top Legislation - View All

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: 02/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1171)

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of the House are not immune from having their offices searched.

1/23/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, if there is an ongoing criminal investigation into the activities of a Member of the House, the Member's congressional office may be subject to searches and seizures by appropriate executive branch officials in possession of a valid court order.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S183-184)

Bill Text
A bill to provide sufficient resources to permit electronic surveillance of United States persons for foreign intelligence purposes to be conducted pursuant to individualized court-issued orders for calls originating in the United States, to provide additional resources to enhance oversight and streamline the procedures of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, to ensure review of the Terrorist Surveillance Program by the United States Supreme Court, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Oversight and Resource Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to: (1) authorize the appointment of additional judges to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court); and (2) require FISA judges to act on applications for emergency electronic surveillance within 24 hours. Authorizes the hiring of additional personnel in the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/30/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) States that Congress: (1) reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and honors the victims of the attack; (2) expresses its sympathy to the victims' relatives; (3) applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the investigation's pace and for its recently passed anti-terrorism legislation; (4) urges the government of Argentina to continue to provide the judiciary and intelligence resources necessary to fully investigate the AMIA case and bring those responsible to justice; (5) calls upon the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to issue and implement specified capture notices (red notices); and (6) calls upon responsible nations to cooperate fully [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to expedite review by the Supreme Court of the warrantless electronic surveillance program of the National Security Agency.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Foreign Surveillance Expedited Review Act - Provides standing for civil actions for declaratory and injunctive relief to persons who refrain from electronic communications through fear of being subject to warrantless electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes.

Latest Action: 04/18/2007 - Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 20.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007 for the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Intelligence Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. 1/24/2007--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.) Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of [...]

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Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1911-1912)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes. 2/13/2007--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008 for military operations and military construction. 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 and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (4) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, and environmental restoration; (5) active and reserve military personnel, including [...]

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Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11563)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the effective prosecution of terrorists and guarantee due process rights. 2/13/2007--Introduced. Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends federal provisions concerning the prosecution of unlawful enemy combatants by U.S. military commissions to, among other things: (1) repeal the authority for civilian trial (prosecution) counsel in a commission proceeding, but authorize civilian military defense counsel; (2) exclude statements made by coercion; (3) authorize the Secretary of Defense to make exceptions to commission procedures and rules of evidence as required by unique circumstances of military or intelligence operations during hostilities; (4) provide for self-representation by the accused, while requiring assistance by military defense counsel; (5) authorize the military judge to order trial counsel to disclose to defense counsel the sources, methods, or activities in which witnesses or evidence against the accused was obtained; (6) require [...]

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Latest Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To improve and consolidate the law relating to restitution in criminal cases. 2/6/2007--Introduced. Criminal Restitution Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) make restitution mandatory for federal crimes resulting in pecuniary loss to identifiable victims, including loss proximately resulting from such crimes; (2) expand the extent of such restitution to include the victim's costs related to the investigation or prosecution of the underlying crime; (3) permit disclosure to crime victims of portions of pre-sentence reports relating to restitution; (4) require courts to enter orders requiring immediate payment of full restitution; (5) prohibit termination of supervised release or probation for convicts with unsatisfied orders of restitution; (6) expand forfeiture provisions to require the forfeiture of any profits made possible by a criminal offense; (7) require courts to enter protective orders to preserve assets available for restitution; and [...]

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Latest Action: 03/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3703-3704)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Mandatory Victims' Restitution Act to improve restitution for victims of crime, and for other purposes. 3/22/2007--Introduced. Restitution for Victims of Crime Act of 2007 - Collection of Restitution Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code relating to restitution for victims of crime to: (1) require courts to enter an order for immediate restitution at the sentencing of a convict; (2) allow prosecutors to obtain from the U.S. Probation Office, without a court order, financial information about a convict who owes restitution; (3) require identifying information about convicts to be included in restitution orders of more than $100; and (4) allow crime victims reimbursement of attorney fees incurred in seeking restitution. Preservation of Assets for Restitution Act of 2007 - Requires courts to issue protective orders for preservation of assets available to satisfy restitution claims. Provides for prejudgment remedies to protect assets [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--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.) Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the AMIA bombing investigation. Commends the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for upholding and issuing the Red Notices. Expresses concern regarding the government of Saudi Arabia's failure to detain certain Iranian officials in connection with the AMIA case. Urges: (1) all nations [...]

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Latest Action: 06/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5821-5822)

Bill Text
A bill to assist law enforcement agencies in locating, arresting, and prosecuting fugitives from justice. 6/17/2008--Introduced. Capture Arrest and Transport Charged Fugitives Act of 2008 - Amends the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations through FY2015 for establishing new Regional Fugitive Task Forces and for hiring criminal investigators and providing training for such Task Forces. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) provide transportation services to state and local governments for the extradition of fugitives through the U.S. Marshal Service Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation Service; (2) make grants to states for the extradition of fugitives to other states for prosecution; and (3) make grants to states for establishing or upgrading information and identification technologies for serious misdemeanor and felony warrants. Makes state compliance with felony and serious misdemeanor warrant reporting requirements a condition [...]

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Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to encourage the entry of felony warrants into the NCIC database by States and provide additional resources for extradition. 6/16/2008--Introduced. Fugitive Information Networked Database Act of 2008 or the FIND Act - Permits a state attorney general to apply for Department of Justice (DOJ) grants to develop and implement or upgrade systems for the preparation, submission, and validation of state felony warrants that are compatible and interoperable with the National Crime Information Center database. Allows grant funds to be used to hire additional personnel to validate warrants entered into the database.Directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide state and local government agencies the technology to make state and local warrant databases compatible and interoperative with the National Crime Information Center database.Authorizes appropriations for the Fugitive Apprehension Task Forces and for the extradition of fugitives through the [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence, and for other purposes. 7/10/2008--Public Law.    (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.) Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 or FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - Title I: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance - (Sec. 101) Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to add a new title concerning additional procedures for acquiring the communications of certain persons outside the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to jointly authorize, for periods up to one year, the targeting (electronic surveillance) of persons located outside the United States in order to acquire [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain interstate conduct relating to exotic animals. 4/24/2008--Introduced. Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit anyone, in or substantially affecting interstate or foreign commerce, from knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of such animal for entertainment or for the collection of a trophy. Exempts the killing or injuring of an exotic animal in a state or federal natural area reserve undertaking habitat restoration from such prohibition.Defines "confined exotic animal" as a mammal of a species not historically indigenous to the United States that has been held in captivity for the majority of its life or for a period of one year.Allows persons authorized by the Secretary of the Interior to make arrests, execute warrants, and search for and seize animals to [...]

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Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 584.

Bill Text
A bill to extend the provisions of the Protect America Act of 2007 until July 1, 2009.

2/25/2008--Introduced.

Protect America Long-term Extension Act - Amends the Protect America Act of 2007 to extend its authority until July 1, 2009.

States that the preceding amendment shall take effect as if enacted on February 15, 2008.

Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 583.

Bill Text
A bill to extend the provisions of the Protect America Act of 2007.

2/25/2008--Introduced.

Protect America Short-term Extension Act - Amends the Protect America Act of 2007 to extend its authority until 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

States that the preceding amendment shall take effect as if enacted on February 15, 2008.

Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Fossella. Petition No: 110-7.

Bill Text
To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 or FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to authorize the Attorney General (AG) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to jointly authorize, for periods up to one year, the targeting (electronic surveillance) of persons located outside the United States in order to acquire foreign intelligence information, under specified limitations and requirements. Authorizes the AG and DNI to direct an electronic communication service provider to: (1) immediately provide the government with all information, facilities, and assistance necessary to accomplish an acquisition of communications; and (2) maintain under security procedures any records concerning such acquisition.[...]

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Latest Action: 02/13/2008 - Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5349 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.

Bill Text
To extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 days.

2/12/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Protect America Act of 2007 (currently set to expire on February 16, 2008) to extend its authority for 21days.

Latest Action: 02/11/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 571.

Bill Text
A bill to extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 15 days.

2/8/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Protect America Act of 2007 to extend its authority for 15 days.