Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/08/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions. 4/21/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to authorize and oversee certain activities relating to Down syndrome or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions. Includes among such activities the awarding of grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to: (1) collect,[...]

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Latest Action: 03/05/2008 - Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-430. 9:30 a.m.

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To provide for research on, and services for individuals with, postpartum depression and psychosis. 10/15/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act - Title I: Research on Postpartum Depression and Psychosis - (Sec. 101) Encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to continue aggressive work on postpartum depression and other postpartum psychosis. Encourages the Director of NIMH to continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find a cure for, postpartum conditions, including: (1) basic research concerning the etiology and causes of the conditions; (2) epidemiological studies to address the frequency and natural history of the conditions and differences among racial and ethnic groups; (3) the development [...]

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

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Supporting the goals and ideals of National Wear Red Day.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Wear Red Day.

Encourages: (1) Americans nationwide to wear red on that day to show support for women's heart disease awareness; (2) all American women to embrace the goals of The Heart Truth campaign and take action to modify, prevent, and control their risk factors for heart disease; and (3) all Americans to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, develop good eating habits, avoid tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol, and have regular checkups to take advantage of screenings that can detect heart disease-related problems early.

Reaffirms our nation's commitment to fighting heart disease by promoting awareness about its causes, risks, and prevention and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment.

Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month.

2/28/2007--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.)

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of American Heart Month.

Reaffirms our nation's commitment to fighting heart disease by promoting awareness about its causes, risks, and prevention and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment.

Encourages every American to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, develop good eating habits, avoid tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol, and have regular checkups to take advantage of screenings that can detect heart-disease related problems early.

Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H10796)

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To reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections in correctional facilities, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act of 2007 or the JUSTICE Act of 2007 - Requires the Attorney General to direct the Bureau of Prisons to allow community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Prohibits a federal correctional facility from taking adverse action against a prisoner who possesses or uses a sexual barrier protection device.Expresses the sense of Congress that states should allow for the legal distribution of sexual barrier protection devices in their correctional facilities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a survey of all educational, testing, and other programs in federal and state [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

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Supporting the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

2/16/2007--Introduced.

Declares that Congress: (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month; (2) should work with health care providers and celiac disease advocacy and education organizations to encourage screening and early detection of celiac disease; and (3) should increase federal funding for celiac disease research.

Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10842)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should declare lung cancer a public health priority and should implement a comprehensive interagency program to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate by at least 50 percent by 2015. 8/2/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Urges the President to: (1) declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a coordinated effort to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50% by 2015; (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase funding for lung cancer research; (3) direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a lung cancer screening and disease management program among members of the Armed Forces and veterans and diagnostic programs for the early detection of lung cancer; (4) appoint the Lung Cancer Scientific [...]

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Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10781)

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A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes a veteran who served on active duty during a period of war eligible for a mental health evaluation and hospital care, medical services, nursing home care, and family and marital counseling for any identified mental health condition, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the condition is attributable to such service. Requires: (1) post-deployment medical and mental health screenings to be conducted within 30 days after a deployment; (2) each member, upon discharge, to be provided an electronic copy of all military records of such member; and (3) the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a grant program for individuals still suffering health effects as a result of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon. 1/4/2007--Introduced. 9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to eligible entities to provide medical and mental health monitoring, tracking, and treatment to individuals whose health has been directly impacted as a result of the attacks on New York City and at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Includes as eligible individuals firefighters, police officers, paramedics, workers, volunteers, residents, and any other individual who worked at Ground Zero, Fresh Kills (recovery site on Staten Island), or the Pentagon or lived or worked in the vicinity of such areas, whose health has deteriorated as a result of the attacks, and who has been evaluated by a [...]

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Latest Action: 01/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a grant program for individuals still suffering health effects as a result of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon. 1/8/2007--Introduced. 9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to eligible entities to provide medical and mental health monitoring, tracking, and treatment to individuals whose health has been directly impacted as a result of the attacks on New York City and at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Includes as eligible individuals firefighters, police officers, paramedics, workers, volunteers, residents, students, and any other individual who worked at Ground Zero, Fresh Kills (recovery site on Staten Island), or the Pentagon or lived or worked in the vicinity of such areas, whose health has deteriorated as a result of the attacks, and who has been evaluated [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/26/2008 - Received in the Senate.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a drug-free workplace information clearinghouse, to support residential methamphetamine treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women, to improve the prevention and treatment of methamphetamine addiction, and for other purposes. 9/15/2008--Introduced. Meth Free Families and Communities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to collaborate with professionals in the addiction field and primary health care providers to raise awareness about how to: (1) recognize the signs of a substance abuse disorder; and (2) apply evidence-based practices for screening and treating individuals with, or at-risk for developing, an addiction.Revises provisions governing a grant program for substance abuse residential treatment for pregnant and parenting women (currently, for postpartum women), to: (1) include treatment for addiction to [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7977)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that there should be an increased Federal commitment to public health and the prevention of diseases and injuries for all people in the United States. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Recognizes that it is imperative that the United States strengthen its public health system to provide people with the resources necessary to make healthier choices and live healthier lives and to protect people from health threats beyond their control.Commits to creating public health strategies to eliminate health disparities and improve the health of all people in the United States.Expresses support for prioritizing public policies focusing on the prevention of disease and injury and calls for community-based programs to support healthy lifestyles.Urges the expansion of clinical prevention activities, including screenings and immunizations.Pledges to help significantly improve people's health by supporting increased investment [...]

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Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8686-8688)

Bill Text
Resolution expressing the sense of the House that there should be an increased public and private commitment prioritizing prevention and public health for all people in the United States. 7/29/2008--Introduced. Recognizes that it is imperative that this nation strengthen its public health system to provide all persons with the resources they need to make healthier choices and live healthier lives and to protect people from health threats beyond their control.Commits to creating public health strategies to eliminate health disparities and improve the health of all people in the United States.Expresses support for prioritizing public policies focusing on the prevention of disease and injury and calls for community-based programs to support healthy lifestyles.Urges the expansion of the prevention strategies of daily aspirin therapy, smoking cessation, colorectal cancer screening, annual flu immunizations, and breast cancer screening.Declares that the [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled, and for other purposes.

7/9/2008--Introduced.

Prohibits the collection by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans.

Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-472. Additional and Minority views filed.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize and improve the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Introduced. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (Act) to reauthorize through FY2013 the juvenile delinquency prevention programs of such Act. Requires the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Office) to include in the annual report of the Office information on juveniles held in state and local secure detention and correctional facilities, the treatment of status offenders (e.g., runaways, truants), and evidence based programs for juvenile delinquency prevention. Expands requirements for state plans under the Act to require: (1) statewide compliance with the core requirement of the Act for protection of incarcerated juveniles; (2) alternatives to detention for juveniles who are status or first-time [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4627)

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A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month.

5/21/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month; and (2) the efforts of speech and hearing professionals to improve the speech and hearing development of children.

Urges increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced hearing and speech deficiencies as a result of traumatic brain injury.

Encourages the people of the United States to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss.

Commends the 46 states that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn.

Latest Action: 05/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the timely and effective delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in custody, and for other purposes.

5/12/2008--Introduced.

Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody; and (2) that such procedures address all detainee health needs, including primary care, emergency care, chronic care, prenatal care, dental care, eye care, mental health care, medical dietary needs, and other medically necessary specialized care.

Latest Action: 05/16/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month, and for other purposes.

5/15/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month; and (2) the efforts of speech and hearing professionals to improve the speech and hearing development of children.

Urges increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for soldiers, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced traumatic brain injury.

Encourages the people of the United States to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss.

Commends the 46 states that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn.

Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the timely and effective delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in custody, and for other purposes.

5/1/2008--Introduced.

Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody; and (2) that such procedures address all detainee health needs, including primary care, emergency care, chronic care, prenatal care, dental care, eye care, mental health care, medical dietary needs, and other medically necessary specialized care.

Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week.

5/7/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

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

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week.

Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on diseases that commonly affect women.

Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day on May 12, 2008 by receiving preventive screenings.