Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Received in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3730-3731; text of measure as passed Senate: CR S3730-3731; text of measure as introduced: CR S3720)

Bill Text
A resolution designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2008, as "North American Occupational Safety and Health Week" and May 7, 2008, as "Occupational Safety and Health Professionals Day".
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2906-2907)

Bill Text
Supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Mr. Davis (IL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing support for the designation of April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research the causes of the disease, environmental and otherwise, along with treatments and workforce strategies to support individuals with sarcoidosis.

4/30/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Supports the goals and ideals of National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.

Recognizes that sarcoidosis has played a prominent yet hidden role in America's workforce history.

Supports research efforts to better understand the links between sarcoidosis and specific occupations where sarcoidosis is disproportionately represented.

S.RES.524 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of the owners of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, beginning April 21, 2008.
Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.
S.2874 Sponsored by Dianne Feinstein
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes.
H.R.5825 Sponsored by Devin Nunes
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to conform return preparer penalty standards, delay implementation of withholding taxes on government contractors, enhance taxpayer protections, assist low-income taxpayers, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the standards for imposing penalties on tax return preparers for understatements of tax to require: (1) substantial authority for a position with respect to an item on a tax return if such position was not disclosed with the return; and (2) a reasonable basis for a position that was disclosed with the return. Requires tax return preparers to have a reasonable belief that a position with respect to a tax shelter or a reportable transaction (a transaction having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) will more likely than not be sustained on [...]

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H.R.5712 Sponsored by Peter Welch
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
To require disclosure by Federal contractors of certain violations relating to the award or performance of Federal contracts.

4/3/2008--Introduced.

Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act - Requires a government contractor that has reasonable grounds to believe it has violated a criminal law or received a significant overpayment in connection with the award or performance of a covered contract to notify the Office of Inspector General of the awarding executive agency. Defines a covered contract as one for more than $5,000,000 and 120 days' duration.

Requires a contractor to submit such notification within 14 days of becoming aware of the violation or overpayment. Provides for disbarment or suspension for knowingly failing to notify.

H.R.5647 Sponsored by Rahm Emanuel
Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commi

Bill Text
To provide public charter school options for those students that attend schools that are in need of improvement and have been identified for restructuring and those schools with a graduation rate of less than 60 percent, and for other purposes. 3/14/2008--Introduced. Pell Grants for Kids Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary, subject to advance appropriations, to award competitive grants to states, public chartering agencies, local educational agencies, or tax-exempt organizations to enhance the capacity of public charter schools to serve additional students, particularly those transferring from schools identified as needing restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for failing to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) pursuant to state academic performance standards for five consecutive school years. Limits grant use to providing subgrants to public charter schools, covering the administrative expenses of grantees and subgrantees, and enhancing [...]

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S.2780 Sponsored by Barbara Boxer
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to require an electronic database of information on the incidence of suicide among members of the Armed Forces.
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2142)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for Kindergarten Plus programs. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Kindergarten Plus Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to provide Kindergarten Plus (K+) programs of voluntary full days of kindergarten during the summer before and the summer after their traditional kindergarten school year. Directs the Secretary to ensure, to the extent possible, that each grant is of sufficient size to enable the state to provide K+ to all eligible students served by the local educational agencies (LEAs) within the state with the highest concentrations of eligible students. Makes children eligible to participate in such programs if they are: (1) five-years old or will be eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the next school year; (2) from a family with an income at or below 185% of the poverty line; and (3) not already served by a high-quality program in the summer before or the summer after the child enters [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2149-2150)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for judicial discretion regarding suspensions of student eligibility under section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

3/13/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to suspend students' eligibility for assistance under title IV for being convicted of committing controlled substance offenses while in receipt of such assistance only if the convicting courts order such suspension. (Currently, a conviction suffices.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding institution financial aid offer form requirements. 2/6/2008--Introduced. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to: (1) prepare a report for specified congressional committees on the adequacy of the financial aid offer forms issued by federally-assisted institutions of higher education (IHEs); and (2) develop model financial aid offer formats based on the report's findings. Requires such formats to include, in a consumer-friendly manner, specified information regarding: (1) the student's total and net cost of attending the IHE; (2) available scholarships, loans, and work assistance; and (3) where to obtain additional information on the financial aid offered. Directs each IHE to use one of the model formats as part of its financial aid offer form, and provide such form to current or prospective students and their parents in time for them to consider the [...]

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Latest Action: 05/05/2008 - Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Calling on the United States Government and the international community to promptly develop, fund, and implement a comprehensive regional strategy to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations, contain and reduce violence, and contribute to conditions for sustainable peace and good governance in Chad, as well as in the wider region that includes the northern region of the Central African Republic and the Darfur region of Sudan. 5/5/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Expresses concern about the safety and well-being of innocent civilians in Chad and the refugees from Darfur and the Central African Republic. Condemns Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and the National Congress Party for their support of the armed rebellion in Chad. Calls on all parties to seek a negotiated settlement. Urges the government of Chad to: (1) engage in a national dialogue to reach a comprehensive agreement; (2) protect its [...]

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S.2640 Sponsored by Richard Burr
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance and improve insurance, housing, labor and education, and other benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 01/25/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S330-331)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to increase the level of earnings under which no individual who is blind is determined to have demonstrated an ability to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability.

1/25/2008--Introduced.

Blind Persons Earnings Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to increase, by specified increments over five years, the level of earnings demonstrating the ability of a blind person to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments.

H.R.4986 Sponsored by Ike Skelton
Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as previously enrolled, with certain modifications to address the foreign sovereign immunities provisions of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the attachment of property in certain judgements against Iraq, the lapse of statutory authorities for the payment of bonuses, special pays, and similar benefits for members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 1/28/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for [...]

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Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Davis-Bacon Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to require that any provisions of federal law that require payment of prevailing wages be construed to include the Act's debarment requirements (prohibiting for three years any award of federal contracts to persons or related firms, corporations, partnerships, or associations listed by the Comptroller General as having disregarded their obligations to employees and subcontractors under the Act).

Requires each federal agency to make available to the public the complete payroll records (including all information in them except Social Security numbers) established under contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

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

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

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H.R.4845 Sponsored by Mary Fallin
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude overtime pay from gross income.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an exclusion from gross income for overtime pay.

Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To improve the enforcement of Davis-Bacon Act.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Davis-Bacon Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to require that any provisions of federal law that require payment of prevailing wages be construed to include the Act's debarment requirements (prohibiting for three years any award of federal contracts to persons or related firms, corporations, partnerships, or associations listed by the Comptroller General as having disregarded their obligations to employees and subcontractors under the Act).

Requires each federal agency to make available to the public the complete payroll records (including all information in them except Social Security numbers) established under contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

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

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

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S.2499 Sponsored by Max Baucus
Latest Action: 12/29/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act to extend provisions under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP programs, and for other purposes. 12/29/2007--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.) Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Title I: Increase in Physician Payment Update; Extension of the Physician Quality Reporting System - (Sec. 101) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase the physician payment update; (2) revise the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund, adding limitations on expenditures; and (3) extend through 2009 the physician quality reporting system Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to provide for transitional bonus incentive payments for quality reporting in 2008,[...]

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S.2510 Sponsored by Mary L. Landrieu
Latest Action: 12/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15920)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide revised standards for quality assurance in screening and evaluation of gynecologic cytology preparations, and for other purposes. 12/18/2007--Introduced. Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services, to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytological preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; (2) maintain a record of program results; (3) require the laboratory director to consider such results and other [...]

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H.RES.883 Sponsored by Joe Baca
Latest Action: 02/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
Honoring the heroic service and sacrifice of the 350 American soldiers detained at the Nazi camp at Berga during World War II.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes and expresses appreciation for the courageous and loyal contributions made by the American soldiers detained in Berga, Germany, during World War II and encourages the people of the United States to recognize their service and loyalty.

Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15463-15464)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions concerning uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits to: (1) require complainants to be notified of their rights within five days after receipt of the complaint by the Secretary of Labor; (2) require investigation and resolution of complaints to be completed no later than 90 days after receipt of the complaint; and (3) impose a 15-day deadline on referral to the Attorney General or to the Office of Special Counsel of an unsuccessful effort to resolve a complaint against a state or private employer or a federal executive agency, respectively. Requires the Attorney General or the Special Counsel, as appropriate, to make a decision and provide notification concerning representation of a complainant [...]

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

Bill Text
To amend section 435(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding the definition of economic hardship.

12/11/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the meaning of economic hardship under the Federal Family Education Loan or Perkins Loan and related loan insurance programs.

Considers borrowers under such programs to be suffering economic hardship if they are working full-time, have a federal educational debt burden equal to at least 20% of their adjusted gross income, and the difference between their adjusted gross income minus such debt burden is less than 220% of the greater of: (1) the annual earnings of an minimum wage earner; or (2) 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size.

Latest Action: 12/14/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-135.

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to modify age standards for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations. 12/13/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act - Amends federal transportation law to allow a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65, provided that a pilot who has attained age 60 may serve as pilot-in-command on international flights only if there is another pilot in the flight crew who has not yet attained 60 years of age. Prohibits subjecting pilots to different medical examinations and standards on account of age unless to ensure an adequate level of safety in flight, except that no person who has attained 60 years of age may serve as a pilot unless such person has a first-class medical certificate.Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
To extend the trade adjustment assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974 for 3 months.

12/11/2007--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.)

Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend and authorize appropriations for the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs for workers, firms, and farmers from December 31, 2007, through March 31, 2008.

Provides for the following offsets: (1) increases by 0.25 percentage points the current increased percentage of any required installment of corporate estimated tax otherwise due in July, August, or September of 2012; and (2) amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend the authority for collection of customs user fees from December 13, 2014, through December 20, 2014.

H.R.4262 Sponsored by Peter Hoekstra
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize additional flexibility to a State with an unemployment rate that is equal to or greater than 125 percent of the national unemployment rate to transfer funds among programs made available to such State by various provisions of that Act, and for other purposes.

12/4/2007--Introduced.

Maximizing the Use of Federal Education Funds for Job Creation Act of 2007 - Authorizes states with unemployment rates that equal or exceed 125% of the national unemployment rate to consolidate or transfer, without limitation, any funds made available to them from specified formula grant programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

H.R.4253 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To improve and expand small business assistance programs for veterans of the armed forces and military reservists, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Public Law.    (There is 1 other summary) Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008 - Title I: Veterans Business Development - (Sec. 101) Increases funding (with an offset), for FY2008-FY2009, for the Office of Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Expresses the sense of Congress that excess amounts for such Office should be used to support veterans business outreach centers. (Sec. 102) Amends the Small Business Act to direct the President to establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to improve capital and business development opportunities for, and ensure achievement of the pre-established federal contracting goals for, small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans [...]

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S.2383 Sponsored by Amy Klobuchar
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require a pilot program on the mobile provision of care and services for veterans in rural areas by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing care and a variety of services (including counseling) to veterans residing in rural areas through a mobile system that transports Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical and benefits personnel, as well as equipment and other materials, to the areas designated for the program.Requires a mobile system to visit each designated area at least once each 45 days and remain present during each visit for at least 48 hours.Sets forth coordination requirements concerning identification of veterans who are not enrolled in, or otherwise being cared for by, the VA health care system, county and local veterans service offices, and use of community-based VA [...]

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S.2389 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the alternative minimum tax credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimum tax liability, and for other purposes.

11/16/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the alternative minimum tax (AMT) refundable credit amount for individuals who have long-term unused minimum tax credits from prior taxable years; and (2) abate any underpayment of tax attributable to the application of special AMT rules for the treatment of incentive stock options.

S.2398 Sponsored by Bernard Sanders
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to phase out the use of private military contractors. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Stop Outsourcing Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that only government personnel provide security services at U.S. diplomatic or consular missions in Iraq. Requires the President to report to Congress on the status of planning for the use of Government and military personnel instead of private contractors for mission critical or emergency essential functions by January 1, 2009, in all conflict zones where Congress has authorized the use of force. Authorizes Congress access to contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million entered into by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period beginning October 1, 2001, and ending on the last day of the month during which this Act is enacted for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan.[...]

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S.2360 Sponsored by Mel Martinez
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to develop a national system of oversight of States for sexual misconduct in the elementary and secondary school system. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Student Protection Act - Requires that by FY2010 states have in effect laws and policies that require disciplining of any school, state, or local educational agency employee or volunteer who, having reason to believe another employee or volunteer has committed an act of sexual misconduct against a student, fails to report such act in the same manner the state requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect or, in the absence of such a requirement, as quickly as practicable. Requires each state to have a single, statewide commission for receiving and documenting such reports that: (1) establishes policies for investigating and reporting such allegations; and (2) has a toll-free number that can be used to report such allegations. Directs states to report to the Secretary of Education whenever an employee or volunteer [...]

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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.2366 Sponsored by David Vitter
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to provide immigration reform by securing America's borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical verification program. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007 or SAVE Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (7) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands [...]

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S.2373 Sponsored by Ken Salazar
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for residents of Puerto Rico who participate in cafeteria plans under the Puerto Rican tax laws an exclusion from employment taxes which is comparable to the exclusion that applies to cafeteria plans under such Code.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from employment and unemployment taxes payments made on behalf of Puerto Rican residents participating in tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans established under Puerto Rican law.

S.2368 Sponsored by Mark L. Pryor
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to provide immigration reform by securing America's borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical employer verification program. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007 or SAVE Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (7) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal [...]

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H.R.4217 Sponsored by Danny K. Davis
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To study the access to and success in education of minority males, including high school graduation and college participation.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Minority Male Academic Achievement Study - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) commission a national study of underrepresented minority males, particularly African American and Hispanic American males, who successfully progress from high school through higher education; and (2) make specific recommendations to Congress and states on new approaches for increasing the number of minority males who make such progress and advance into careers in which they are underrepresented.

H.R.4247 Sponsored by Adam Smith
Latest Action: 12/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To improve certain compensation, health care, and education benefits for individuals who serve in a reserve component of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Strengthening the Transition and Reintegration of the National Guard and Reserves Act or STRONGR Act - Provides an additional 180-day period of military mental health care coverage for members of the reserves separated from service following active duty of more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation. Increases the amount of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel supporting contingency operations. Entitles a federal employee who is a member of a reserve component to receive the difference in pay between military compensation and civilian compensation during periods of active duty exceeding 30 days. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse states [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and for other purposes. 11/14/2007--Introduced. Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to reauthorize the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) through September 30, 2011. Revises international worker rights provisions. Requires OPIC to institute a climate change mitigation action plan. Requires, with a specified exception, prior to OPIC approval of a Category A extractive industry project (as defined by this Act) or an extractive industry project in which OPIC assistance would be valued at $10 million or more; (1) prior congressional notification; and (2) investor and host country agreement to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles or substantially similar principles, and host country adherence to certain accounting procedures as they relate to such projects. [...]

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S.2337 Sponsored by Chuck Grassley
Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14289-14290)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow long-term care insurance to be offered under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to provide additional consumer protections for long-term care insurance.

11/13/2007--Introduced.

Long-Term Care Affordability and Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; and (2) make certain consumer protections applicable to long-term care insurance.

S.2348 Sponsored by John Cornyn
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 486.

Bill Text
A bill to ensure control over the United States border and to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws.

11/13/2007--Introduced.

Emergency Border Security Funding Act of 2007 - Directs the President, within two years, to ensure that: (1) operational control of the U.S.-Mexico border will be met; (2) the Border Patrol will have 23,000 full-time agents; (3) specified barriers will be installed along such border; and (4) specified detention capacities will be met.

Authorizes appropriations.

H.R.4156 Sponsored by David R. Obey
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate.

Bill Text
Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/14/2007--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.) Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Policy on Redeployment and Conduct of Operations in Iraq - (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the war in Iraq should end as safely and quickly as possible, and our troops should be brought home; (2) the performance of U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan should be commended, and their service should be appropriately recognized; and (3) the primary purpose of funds from this Act should be to transition the mission of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and undertake their redeployment, and not [...]

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

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. Title I: Title I Amendments - (Sec. 101) Revises the general definition of an institution of higher education (IHE) to include schools that: (1) admit students whose secondary education was conducted in a home school setting; (2) award degrees (not necessarily bachelor's degrees) that are acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program; and (3) enroll students who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in a secondary school. Revises the definition of an IHE for purposes of title IV student assistance programs. Requires graduate medical schools located outside the country, that qualified as IHEs owing to their having a state-approved [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S14232-14233; text as passed Senate: CR S14233; text of measure as introduced: CR S14202)

Bill Text
A resolution encouraging all employers to target veterans for recruitment and to provide preference in hiring to qualified veterans.

11/8/2007--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 all employers, private sector as well as state, county, and local government, to target veterans for recruitment and to afford qualified veterans hiring preference similar to the benefits provided with respect to federal civilian employment to preference eligibles.