S.2739 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 3/10/2008--Introduced. Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Sets forth provisions concerning the Northern Mariana Islands. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National [...]

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Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
A bill to aid families and neighborhoods facing home foreclosure and address the subprime mortgage crisis. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Security Against Foreclosures and Education Act, or the SAFE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans. Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to continue to award expeditiously certain funds already provided for mortgage foreclosure counseling. Amends the Code to allow purchasers of certain single-family principal residences a one-time tax credit. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) revise creditor mortgage loan disclosure requirements; and (2) increase civil damages for noncompliance with such Act. Amends the Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for certain taxable years; and (2) suspend through taxable year 2009 the 90% of alternative minimum taxable income limit for certain [...]

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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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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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S.2483 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 12/14/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 546.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Energy, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Sets forth provisions concerning the Northern Mariana Islands.Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National Trails System Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Oregon [...]

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Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 511.

Bill Text
A bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs [...]

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S.2345 Sponsored by Max Baucus
Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-228. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and to extend the financing for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--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.)American Infrastructure Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Airport And Airway Trust Fund Provisions And Related Taxes - (Sec. 101) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2011 the excise taxes on aviation fuels and the transportation of persons and property by air.(Sec. 102) Extends through FY2011 the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.(Sec. 103) Imposes an excise tax on aviation-grade kerosene of 35.9 cents per gallon (4.3 cents per gallon for fuel used in commercial aviation). (Sec. 104) Increases to $16.[...]

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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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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H13301-13302)

Bill Text
Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Introduced. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [...]

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Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13687-13688)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the percentage depletion allowance for certain hardrock mines, and for other purposes.

11/1/2007--Introduced.

Elimination of Double Subsidies for the Hardrock Mining Industry Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow the percentage depletion allowance for hardrock mines located on land currently subject to the general mining laws, or on land patented under such laws.

Establishes in the Treasury the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund amounts equal to 25% of the additional revenues received due to the disallowance of the depletion allowance for hardrock mines proposed by this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which such Fund shall be available to the Secretary of the Interior for reclamation and restoration of lands and water resources adversely affected by mineral and mineral material mining (excluding coal and fluid minerals).

S.2299 Sponsored by Olympia J. Snowe
Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13702)

Bill Text
A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an advisory committee to develop recommendations regarding the national aquatic animal health plan developed by the National Aquatic Animal Health Task Force, and for other purposes.

11/1/2007--Introduced.

National Aquatic Animal Health Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish the General Advisory Committee for Oversight of National Aquatic Animal Health which shall make recommendations regarding the national aquatic animal health plan (developed by the National Aquatic Animal Health Task Force); and (2) establish an indemnification fund to compensate aquatic farmers for livestock or agricultural products lost in disease control measures or for related equipment disinfecting costs.

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: 10/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13632-13633, S13639-13641)

Bill Text
A bill to combat international violence against women and girls. 10/31/2007--Introduced. International Violence Against Women Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Department of State the Office of Women's Global Initiatives (which shall replace the Office of International Women's Issues) to coordinate U.S. government efforts respecting international women's issues. Establishes within the Department an Advisory Commission on International Violence Against Women. Directs the President to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent violence against women and girls. Directs the Coordinator of the Women's Global Initiatives to ensure that foreign assistance programs incorporate measures to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. Provides that U.S. training of foreign military and police forces incorporates training on prevention of violence against women and girls. Directs the Department [...]

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13451-13452)

Bill Text
A bill to fight crime. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Crime Control and Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, and other federal laws to establish and reauthorize programs to prevent and control crime. Reauthorizes and expands the program for community-oriented policing services (COPS program). Authorizes the hiring of an additional 1,000 agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in FY2008-FY2012. Authorizes the hiring of additional Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.Establishes a National Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to study the role of law enforcement after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) early Head [...]

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S.2242 Sponsored by Max Baucus
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 446.

Bill Text
An original bill to amend the Trade Act of 1974 to establish supplemental agricultural disaster assistance and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for conservation and alternative energy sources and to provide tax relief for farmers, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--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.)Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007 - Title I: Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish a program of supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Establishes an Agriculture Disaster Relief Trust Fund to provide payments to farmers and ranchers who suffer losses in areas declared as disaster areas by the [...]

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Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the financing of the Superfund.

10/24/2007--Introduced.

Superfund Polluter Pays Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating until January 1, 2016, the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.

Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-406. 9:00 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. America's Climate Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a greenhouse gas (GHG) registry; and (2) a GHG emission allowance transfer system for covered facilities, including specified facilities within the electric power and industrial sectors and facilities that produce or entities that import petroleum- or coal- based transportation fuel or chemicals. Sets forth emission allowances for 2012-2050, with a declining cap on GHGs.Provides for selling, exchanging, transferring, submitting, retiring, or borrowing emission allowances. Establishes: (1) a domestic offset program to sequester GHGs in agriculture and forests; and (2) the Bonus Allowance Account. Establishes the Carbon Market Efficiency Board, which [...]

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H.R.3905 Sponsored by Jim McDermott
Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.

Bill Text
To provide for an additional trade preference program for least developed countries, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. New Partnership for Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to provide for the duty-free treatment of articles (without quantitative limitation) from qualified beneficiary countries that have been designated: (1) a least developed country (except Myanmar and Sudan); and (2) a sub-Saharan African country. (Effectively, providing an additional trade preference program for least developed countries.) Prohibits designation of a country as a qualified beneficiary country, and terminates such country's eligibility for preferential treatment, if it has: (1) not adopted and enforced certain human rights and fair labor practices; (2) failed to make progress to eliminate trade barriers and to establish a market-based economy and the rule of law; and (3) engaged in gross violations of internationally-recognized [...]

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to allow any Federal employee who has performed sufficient service to entitle such employee to the maximum annuity percentage allowable under the Civil Service Retirement System to terminate retirement deductions from pay. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations to allow federal employees who have performed sufficient service to qualify for the maximum annuity available under the Civil Service Retirement System to elect to terminate retirement deductions from their basic pay.Declares that an employee who makes such an election does not, by virtue of such election: (1) cease to be subject to civil service retirement provisions; (2) forfeit the right to have any subsequently accruing sick leave taken into account for purposes of computing what unused sick days are included in an annuity; (3) cease to be eligible to continue contributing to the Thrift Savings Fund; or (4) cease [...]

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S.2203 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 110-307.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund, and for other purposes.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to reauthorize, and increase the maximum mandatory amounts in, the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund.

Directs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the manner in which proceeds from the sale of the product of the enrichment of uranium tailings may be used to reduce or supplement the amount of appropriations necessary to: (1) fund the Fund; and (2) provide assistance to local governments and community reuse organizations at sites eligible for assistance from the Fund.

S.2180 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 425.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, and to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Natural Resource Projects and Programs Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, national monuments, conservation areas, resource protection, historic sites, national trails, national heritage areas, and the clean coal power initiative. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act, the National Trails System Act, the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor [...]

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S.2159 Sponsored by Bill Nelson
Latest Action: 10/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 10/15/2007--Introduced. NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin.Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties.Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. [...]

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Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To encourage savings, promote financial literacy, and expand opportunities for young adults by establishing KIDS Accounts. 10/3/2007--Introduced. America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2005, or the ASPIRE Act of 2007 - Establishes a KIDS Account Fund in the Treasury. Establishes within the Fund a Kids Investment and Development Savings Account (KIDS Account). Makes eligible to contribute to such account, and to receive a matching federal contribution, any U.S. citizen born after December 31, 2007, and under 18 years of age, whose modified adjusted gross income is below the applicable national median adjusted gross income amount. Creates the KIDS Account Fund Board to establish a default investment program under which, in a manner similar to a lifecycle investment program, sums in each KIDS Account are allocated to investment funds in the KIDS Account Fund based on the amount of time before the account holder attains the age of [...]

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H.R.3724 Sponsored by Vito Fossella
Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To establish a National Commission on Entitlement Solvency.

10/2/2007--Introduced.

Social Security and Medicare Solvency Commission Act - Establishes the National Commission on Entitlement Solvency to review and report to the President and Congress on the Social Security and Medicare programs with respect to: (1) their current and long-term actuarial financial condition; (2) problems that may threaten their long-term solvency, and potential solutions; and (3) recommendations and proposed legislative language that will ensure their long-term solvency and the provision of appropriate benefits.

Provides for expedited congressional consideration of Commission recommendations.

H.R.3722 Sponsored by Phil English
Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for certain harbor construction activities, and for other purposes.

10/2/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit automatic expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for: (1) annual shoreline erosion control projects, including breakwater construction and sand replenishment; and (2) an environmental mitigation or remediation component, granting priority to projects containing a critical habitat as defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act, to provide for enhanced disclosures to consumers and enhanced regulation of mortgage brokers, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Introduced. American Home Ownership Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require certain mortgage originators or lenders with primary responsibility for underwriting an assessment on a home mortgage loan to include a borrower's ability to repay certain associated costs. Requires a mortgage broker to clearly disclose its relationship to the borrower. Directs the federal banking agencies to establish a nationwide registry and database system in which all mortgage brokers in the United States must register. Eliminates prepayment penalties for home mortgages. Instructs the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to state governments and tribal organizations to assist: (1) programs established for foreclosure mitigation;[...]

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S.2100 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to require that Federal forfeiture funds be used, in part, to clean up methamphetamine laboratories.

9/26/2007--Introduced.

Federal Emergency Meth Lab Cleanup Funding Act of 2007- Makes funding available from the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund for payment to designated State, local, or tribal law enforcement, environmental, or health entities for experts and consultants needed to clean up areas formerly used as methamphetamine laboratories.

Allows payment of up to 90% of cleanup costs on private property if the property owner: (1) did not know of the existence or operation of the methamphetamine laboratory before law enforcement action to close it; or (2) notified law enforcement not later than 24 hours after discovering the existence of such laboratory.

Latest Action: 09/29/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA), the abstinence education program, and the qualifying individuals (QI) program, and for other purposes. 9/29/2007--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.) TMA, Abstinence Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as amended, to extend transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through December 31, 2007. (Sec. 3) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through December 2007: (1) the qualifying individual (QI) program; and (2) a specified allocation of funds for state coverage of Medicare cost-sharing for additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human [...]

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S.2094 Sponsored by Bernard Sanders
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12143-12145)

Bill Text
A bill to increase the wages and benefits of blue collar workers by strengthening labor provisions in the H-2B program, to provide for labor recruiter accountability, and for other purposes. 9/26/2007--Introduced. Increasing American Wages and Benefits Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize: (1) the Secretary of Labor to enforce federal labor laws with respect to employers of H-2B nonagricultural temporary workers; and (2) a private right of action against such employers. Specifies employer actions to be taken to recruit U.S. workers prior to filing for admission of H-2B workers. Prohibits H-2B worker entry until the Secretary certifies that prevailing wages will be paid to such workers or to U.S. workers. Sets forth H-2B and U.S. worker protections. Directs the Secretary to establish an H-2B (employer) labor certification application fee. Establishes in the Treasury the H-2B Employment Certification Application Fee [...]

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Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1960)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the financing of the Superfund.

9/24/2007--Introduced.

Superfund Reinvestment Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating until January 1, 2018, the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.

S.2072 Sponsored by Orrin G. Hatch
Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11856)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize Western States to make selections of public land within their borders in lieu of receiving 5 percent of the proceeds of the sale of public land lying within said States as provided by their respective enabling Acts.

9/20/2007--Introduced.

Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2007 - Makes grants of land to the following states in lieu of receiving, for the support of the common schools, 5% of the proceeds of the sales of federally land owned within such states which have not been sold by the United States as of July 1, 2005: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Makes the amount of land granted to each state 5% of the number of acres of federally owned land within that state as of July 1, 2005. Requires land selected to be held in trust to be sold or leased and the proceeds to be used only for the support of public education.

H.R.3614 Sponsored by Rob Bishop
Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Bill Text
To authorize Western States to make selections of public land within their borders in lieu of receiving 5 percent of the proceeds of the sale of public land lying within said States as provided by their respective enabling Acts.

9/20/2007--Introduced.

Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2007 - Makes grants of land to the following states in lieu of receiving, for the support of the common schools, 5% of the proceeds of the sales of federally land owned within such states which have not been sold by the United States as of July 1, 2005: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Makes the amount of land granted to each state 5% of the number of acres of federally owned land within that state as of July 1, 2005. Requires land selected to be held in trust to be sold or leased and the proceeds to be used only for the support of public education.

Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To authorize the establishment of a National Center for Learning Science and Technology Trust Fund. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Revolutionizing Education Through Digital Investment Act of 2007 - Establishes a National Center for Learning Science and Technology (the Center). Establishes in the Treasury the "National Center for Learning Science and Technology Trust Fund," the amounts of which may be used for: (1) supporting basic and applied research development and demonstrations of innovative learning and assessment systems and the components and tools needed to create them; (2) supporting the testing and evaluation of those systems; and (3) encouraging the widespread adoption and use of effective approaches to learning. Creates a board of directors for the Center to oversee the administration of the Center. Authorizes the Director of the Center to award contracts and grants to colleges and universities, museums, libraries, public broadcasting entities [...]

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Latest Action: 12/17/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
An original bill to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 12/14/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Title I: Building American Homeownership - Building American Homeownership Act of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. (Sec. 103) Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. Repeals the authority [...]

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H.R.3575 Sponsored by Jim Matheson
Latest Action: 09/21/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Bill Text
To provide for the sale of approximately 25 acres of public land to the Turnabout Ranch, Escalante, Utah, at fair market value.

9/18/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of the Interior, if Turnabout Ranch of Escalante, Utah, submits an offer to the Secretary to acquire specified federal land for the appraised value, to convey to the Ranch all right, title, and interest to such land.

Requires Turnabout Ranch to pay: (1) to the Secretary an amount equal to the appraised value of the federal land; and (2) any costs of the conveyance of such land.

Modifies the boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah to exclude the federal land conveyed to Turnabout Ranch when the conveyance is completed.

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - For Further Action See H.R.2881.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend financing for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

9/19/2007--Reported to House amended, Part I.    (There is 1 other summary)

Airport and Airway Trust Fund Financing Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to (1) impose an excise tax on aviation-grade kerosene of 35.9 cents per gallon (4.3 cents per gallon for commercial aviation uses); (2) increase to 24.1 cents per gallon the tax rate for aviation gasoline; and (3) extend through FY2011 the excise tax on the transportation by air of persons and property and the excise tax on aviation gasoline and aviation-grade kerosene.

Extends through FY2011 the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.

Dedicates revenues from the taxes imposed on aviation gasoline and aviation-grade kerosene to carry out air traffic control modernization.

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - For Further Action See H.R.5270.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 9/24/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2007: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation law to extend funding through December 31, 2007, for: (1) grants for airport planning and development and airport noise compatibility planning and programs; (2) operating expenses of the Federal Aviation Administration; (3) air navigation facilities; and (4) civil aviation research and development activities.Extends through December 31, 2007, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation [...]

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H.R.3537 Sponsored by Peter T. King
Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish and provide a checkoff for a Breast and Prostate Cancer Research Fund, and for other purposes.

9/14/2007--Introduced.

Taxpayers' Cancer Research Funding Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their tax returns a $5 contribution to the Breast and Prostate Cancer Research Fund ($10 for joint returns).

Establishes in the Treasury the Breast and Prostate Cancer Research Fund to award grants for breast or prostate cancer research.

S.2021 Sponsored by Ron Wyden
Latest Action: 09/06/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11215-11216)

Bill Text
A bill to provide $50,000,000,000 in new transportation infrastructure funding through bonding to empower States and local governments to complete significant infrastructure projects across all modes of transportation, including roads, bridges, rail and transit systems, ports, and inland waterways, and for other purposes. 9/6/2007--Introduced. Build America Bonds Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to a taxpayer holding a Build America bond on one or more of its credit allowance dates. Defines a "Build America bond" as any bond issued by the Transportation Finance Corporation as part of an issue if 95% or more of the proceeds from such issue are to be used for expenditures incurred for one or more qualified projects. Requires proceeds from the sale of bonds issued under this Act to be held in a Build America Bonds Trust Account. Defines "qualified project" as the capital improvements to any transportation [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Limits an award to $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action [...]

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S.1997 Sponsored by Claire McCaskill
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to require all new and upgraded fuel pumps to be equipped with automatic temperature compensation equipment, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Future Accountability in Retail Fuel Act or the FAIR Fuel Act - Requires, after a specified period, all new and existing motor fuel dispensers at retail fuel stations to be equipped with automatic temperature compensation equipment. Requires state inspectors to conduct annual inspections of motor fuel dispensers at such stations and to notify the Federal Trade Commission of any noncompliance with the requirements of this Act. Subjects owners or operators of retail fuel stations who are not in compliance to certain fines. Establishes the Automatic Temperature Compensation Equipment Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to use amounts in the Trust Fund to award grants to owners and operators of retail fuel stations to offset the costs for the installation of automatic temperature compensation [...]

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H.R.3358 Sponsored by Fred Upton
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To enhance the management and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste and to ensure the expansion of clean nuclear power in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our domestic energy security. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Renewing Our Commitment to Safe and Clean Power Act - Requires fees collected and deposited by the Secretary of Energy into the Nuclear Waste Fund to be credited to such Fund as discretionary offsetting collections each year in amounts not to exceed the amounts appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund for that year.Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 governing uses of such Fund to authorize costs incurred by the Secretary in connection with infrastructure activities to support construction or operation of a repository at the Yucca Mountain site or transportation to such site of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), when it decides [...]

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H.R.3416 Sponsored by John B. Larson
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the United States domestic energy supply. 8/3/2007--Introduced. America's Energy Security Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on any taxable carbon substance sold by a manufacturer, producer, or importer. Defines "taxable carbon substance" as: (1) coal (including lignite and peat); (2) petroleum and any petroleum products; and (3) natural gas that is extracted, manufactured, or produced in the United States, or entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing. Establishes in the Treasury the America's Energy Security Trust Fund to finance research in clean energy technology, assist industries negatively affected by this Act, and provide carbon tax rebates to individual taxpayers.Allows individual taxpayers a tax credit equal to carbon tax rebate amounts calculated by the Secretary of the Treasury.Directs [...]

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H.R.3445 Sponsored by Mark Udall
Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

Bill Text
To establish the Weather Mitigation Operations and Research Board, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Weather Mitigation Research and Technology Transfer Authorization Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather mitigation, both purposeful (including cloud-seeding operations) and inadvertent (including downwind effects and anthropogenic effects). Establishes within the U.S. Treasury the Weather Mitigation Research and Development Fund. Directs the Board, unless the use of the money is restricted or subject to any limitations provided by law, to [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Limits an award to $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action [...]

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S.1983 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 10/09/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to renew and amend the provisions for the enhanced review of covered pesticide products, to authorize fees for certain pesticide products, to extend and improve the collection of maintenance fees, and for other purposes. 10/9/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to repeal a requirement that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review applications to register a pesticide within 45 days of receiving the application.(Sec. 3) Requires the Administrator to complete an initial and subsequent registration review of each pesticide or pesticide case in specified periods. (Sec.[...]

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H.R.3290 Sponsored by Rush D. Holt
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require local educational agencies and schools to implement integrated pest management systems to minimize the use of pesticides in schools and to provide parents, guardians, and employees with notice of the use of pesticides in schools, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. School Environment Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing integrated pest management systems in schools; (2) establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board; and (3) provide grants to local educational agencies to develop such systems. Prohibits: (1) the application of a pesticide when a school or school ground is occupied or in use; or [...]

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H.R.3269 Sponsored by Heather Wilson
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (also known as SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) through FY2012. Provides allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia.Revises funding for the territories under CHIP and Medicaid (SSA title XIX).Provides incentive bonuses for states. Phases out coverage for nonpregnant childless adults under CHIP and sets conditions for coverage of parents. Gives states the option to cover low-income pregnant women under CHIP through a state plan amendment.Establishes in the Treasury the CHIP Contingency Fund.Provides for the two-year availability of allotments. Provides for limitation on matching rate for states that [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To establish a non-profit corporation to communicate United States entry policies and otherwise promote tourist, business, and scholarly travel to the United States. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions in other countries regarding U.S. entry policies, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Requires the transfer of Treasury funds to the Corporation, requiring nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes the U.S. government, if a fully automated electronic system is implemented to determine, in advance of [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
To amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--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.) SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Title I: Highway Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users or SAFETEA-LU to make certain revisions and technical corrections to the surface transportation program, including earmarking of public lands highway funds for forest roads, defining "transportation systems management and operations," replacing "federal-aid system" with "federal-aid highways" in apportionment of highway safety improvement program funds, and authorizing a state [...]

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H.R.3222 Sponsored by John P. Murtha