| Also tagged in: Accreditation (Education), Alaska, Armed forces, Asian American ethnic groups, Black colleges, Budgets, Business, Closed caption television, College costs, College teachers, Colleges, Communications, Community and school, Community colleges, Compensatory education, Conflict of interests Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Acreage allotments, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Aged, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural cooperatives, Agricultural credit, Agricultural estimating and reporting, Agricultural labor, Agricultural pollution, Agricultural prices, Agricultural research, Agricultural subsidies, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Alaska Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Harkin. With written report No. 110-220. Additional views filed.
Bill TextAn original bill to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 11/2/2007--Introduced. Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 - Revises agricultural and related programs and provisions respecting: (1) producer income; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development and investment; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) livestock marketing; and (11) agricultural security. | | Also tagged in: Agricultural chemicals, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural credit, Agricultural industries, Agricultural machinery, Agricultural subsidies, Agriculture, Air pollution, Alcohol as fuel, Alternative energy sources, Animals, Biomass energy, Bonds, Brownfields, Budgets, Business Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 446.
Bill TextAn 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Computers, Congress, Electronic government information, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Grants-in-aid, Internet, Maps, Subscription television, Sunset legislation, Surveys, Technology, Telecommunication, Telecommunication rates Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill TextTo provide for a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Broadband Census of America Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct an annual assessment and report to the public on the nature and deployment of, and subscription to, broadband service capability throughout the states, including information comparing the extent of broadband service capability in other countries. Provides for enforcement as if the provisions of this paragraph were a part of the Communications Act of 1934. Considers a violation of the provisions of this paragraph to be a violation of that Act or a regulation promulgated under that Act. Makes the provisions of this paragraph ineffective six years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Connect America Now Act - Provides for grants to develop, implement, and support statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each state. | | Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Connect The Nation Act - Provides for grants to develop and implement statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband service within each state. | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Business, Cable television, Commercialization, Communication satellites, Education, Executive departments, Federal aid to research, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Government securities, High technology, Higher education, Income tax, Industrial parks, Industry-university relations Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.
Bill TextTo bridge the digital divide in rural areas. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Rural America Digital Accessibility Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants or guarantee loans in order to facilitate the deployment by the private sector of broadband telecommunications networks and capabilities (including wireless and satellite services) to underserved rural areas. Limits to $100 million the total amount of such grants and loan guarantees.Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to research the enhancement or facilitation of broadband telecommunications services in rural and other remote areas, as well as Internet access through such services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to holders of qualified technology bonds (bonds representing an investment in projects to expand such telecommunications services). Sets a national technology bond limitation of $100 million for each of FY 2007 through 2011, and zero thereafter (with an exception) [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1684-1685)
Bill TextTo promote competition, to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Community Broadband Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from having the effect of prohibiting any public provider from providing advanced communications capability to any person or any public or private entity. Defines "public provider" as a state or a political subdivision or instrumentality thereof or any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with a state, subdivision, or instrumentality. Prohibits a public provider from granting any regulatory preference to itself or to any provider it owns or is affiliated with. Requires, subject to exception, a public provider, before it provides advanced communications capability or services, to publish notice and provide local citizens and private-sector entities with [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Budgets, Capital investments, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer education, Consumers, Department of Energy, Electric power distribution, Electric power production, Electric power transmission, Electric utilities, Electric utility rates, Energy, Energy consumption, Energy demand Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Bill TextTo facilitate the transition to a smart electricity grid. 8/3/2007--Reported to House without amendment, Part I. (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.)Smart Grid Facilitation Act of 2007 - Title I: Smart Grid and Demand Response - Subtitle A: Smart Grid - (Sec. 101) Declares it is the policy of the United States: (1) to support the modernization of the electricity transmission and distribution system to incorporate digital information and controls technology and to share real-time pricing information with electricity customers; and (2) that electricity purchasers are entitled to receive information about the varying value of electricity at different times and places, and that states shall not prohibit nor erect unreasonable barriers to the provision of such information flows to end users.Instructs the Secretary [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Agricultural assistance, Agricultural colleges, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural credit, Agricultural education, Agricultural experiment stations, Agricultural extension work, Agricultural research, Agricultural statistics, Agricultural subsidies, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Alien labor, Alternative energy sources, Animals, Apartment houses Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 331.
Bill TextMaking appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates FY2008 funds for the following Department of Agriculture (Department) programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); (2) executive operations; (3) National Appeals Division; (4) Office of Budget and Program Analysis; (5) Homeland Security Staff; (6) Office of the Chief Information Officer; (7) Office of the Chief Financial Officer; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; (9) Office of Civil Rights; (10) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (11) agriculture buildings and facilities [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 04/22/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-330.
Bill TextA bill to promote competition, to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services, and for other purposes. 7/23/2007--Introduced. Community Broadband Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from having the effect of prohibiting any public provider from providing advanced telecommunications capability, or related services, to any person or any public or private entity. Defines "public provider" as a state or a political subdivision or instrumentality thereof, an Indian tribe, or any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with a state, subdivision, instrumentality, or tribe. Requires, subject to exception, any public provider that regulates competing providers of advanced telecommunications capability or services to apply its ordinances, rules, and policies without discrimination in favor of itself or any other provider it owns or is affiliated [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Criminal justice, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management, Emergency medicine, Fire fighters, Government information, Government paperwork, Government trust funds, Grants-in-aid, Law, Law enforcement officers, Licenses, Medical care Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill TextTo establish a permanent grant program to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment. 7/19/2007--Introduced. Public Safety Interoperability Implementation Act - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish the Public Safety Communications Trust Fund to make grants to implement interoperability and modernization for the communications needs of public safety, fire, emergency, law enforcement, and crisis management by state and local government agencies and instrumentalities and nonprofit organizations. Requires that the Fund be a separate Fund in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund and that it consist of certain amounts from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund, appropriations under this Act, and proceeds from the sale of certain bands of government-owned broadcast spectrum. | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Congressional reporting requirements, Depreciation and amortization, Federally-guaranteed loans, Government information, Government lending, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Rural affairs, Technology, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Telephone Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Executive Comment Requested from USDA.
Bill TextTo amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to improve the application process for the rural broadband program of the Department of Agriculture. 7/10/2007--Introduced. Rural Broadband Access Enhancement Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to redefine "eligible rural community." Permits a loan or loan guarantee applicant in an area where 40% of the residents are without broadband access to qualify with a 10% loan equity position. Provides for: (1) paperwork reduction; and (2) program outreach to underserved areas. Prohibits loan or loan guarantees for new broadband service in communities with three or more service providers. Provides that for each fiscal year: (1) not more than 10% of program funds shall be available to providers with more than 10% of national subscriber lines; and (2) 40% of program funds shall be available to providers with between 2%-10% of national subscriber lines. Revises the amortization [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo require the Federal Communications Commission to report on measures being taken to inform the public of the transition to digital format television broadcasting. 6/28/2007--Introduced. Transition Education Accountability Report Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the measures taken by the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and other federal agencies to inform the public of the transition to digital television broadcasting and the termination of analog broadcasting. Requires the FCC to provide for the public dissemination of the report. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Electric power transmission, Emergency communication systems, Energy, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Governmental investigations, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Radio broadcasting, Technology, Telecommunication, Wireless communication Latest Action: 06/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill TextA bill to request a study by the Federal Communications Commission on the interference caused by broadband Internet transmission over power lines. 6/14/2007--Introduced. Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation respecting the interference potential of systems that transmit broadband Internet services over power lines. | | Also tagged in: Agribusiness, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural credit, Agricultural labor, Agricultural prices, Agricultural subsidies, Agricultural wastes, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Air pollution, Air pollution control, Alternative energy sources, American Samoa, Animals, Armed forces, Authorization Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.
Bill TextTo amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reform commodity programs and to increase nutrition, conservation, and energy programs of the Department of Agriculture, to reduce the national budget deficit, and for other purposes. 6/14/2007--Introduced. Food and Agriculture Risk Management for the 21st Century Act of 2007 or FARM 21 Act of 2007 - Prohibits, after 2007, any direct, counter-cyclical or transition payment to an individual or entity whose adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to enter into a risk management account with a qualifying farm or ranch operator. Extends direct payments and reduces payment amounts. Requires specified payment percentages, and 100% for FY2012, to be deposited into a risk management account. Links such payments to environmental stewardship. Extends counter-cyclical payments. Repeals: (1) the milk price support program; (2) specified commodity support [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Budgets, Career education, College teachers, Community health services, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuing education, Education, Educational counseling, Elementary and secondary education, Federal aid to education, Health policy, Health surveys, Higher education Latest Action: 06/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7641)
Bill TextA bill to increase the number of well-educated nurses, and for other purposes. 6/13/2007--Introduced. Nursing Education and Quality of Health Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to, or enter into contracts with, schools of nursing, health care facilities, or partnerships of such schools and facilities to educate nurses to serve in rural areas and areas of nurse specialty shortage, including by developing distance learning education. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to such schools, facilities, or partnerships for the establishment of demonstration projects that will expand the number of nurse faculty within schools of nursing, including by developing recruitment programs and offering scholarships. Allows the Secretary, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Communications, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer education, Consumers, Electronic commerce, Electronics, English language, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Labeling, Mail-order business, Manufacturing industries Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1207)
Bill TextTo provide American consumers information about the broadcast television transition from an analog to a digital format. 6/5/2007--Introduced. National Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require retail distributors of television receiving equipment (TVs) to place adjacent to each unit displayed for sale a consumer alert in English and Spanish that the TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna. Imposes similar requirements on sellers that use direct mail, catalog, or electronic means such as the Internet. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to educate the public about the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Budgets, Business, Department of Agriculture, Executive departments, Federally-guaranteed loans, Government lending, Law, Rural affairs, Surveys, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.
Bill TextTo codify certain changes proposed by the Department of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program, and for other purposes. 6/5/2007--Introduced. Rural Broadband Deployment Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 with respect to rural broadband access loan or loan guarantee eligibility to: (1) not require a market survey for an applicant who is projecting less than 15% penetration of households in a service area; and (2) replace the credit support requirement, including the cash on hand requirement, with a minimum 20% of loan equity position (10% in specified situations of a single provider or limited broadband service participation area). | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Budgets, Business, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Demography, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Government information, Government paperwork, Governmental investigations, Grants-in-aid, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-204.
Bill TextA bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the Nation. 10/24/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Broadband Data Improvement Act - (Sec. 3) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) revise the definitions of advanced telecommunications capability, or broadband; (2) identify tiers of broadband service in which most connections can reliably transmit full-motion, high definition video; and (3) revise certain provider reporting requirements to enable the FCC to identify actual numbers of broadband connections by customer type and geographic area. Requires the FCC to determine certain demographic data for geographical areas that are not served by any provider of advanced telecommunications capability. Requires expansion of the American Community Survey to elicit [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Education, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal advisory bodies, Federal aid to education, Federal aid to research, Grants-in-aid, Higher education, National Science Foundation, Radio frequency allocation, Research and development, Research centers, Research grants, Science policy, Standards Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6862)
Bill TextA bill to promote innovation and basic research in advanced information and communications technologies that will enhance or facilitate the availability and affordability of advanced communications services to all Americans. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Advanced Information and Communications Technology Research Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a plan to increase sharing of spectrum between federal and nonfederal government users and establish a implementation pilot program. Requires the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish the Telecommunications Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program to support and promote innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward telecommunications research. Requires the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program of basic research [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Administrative procedure, Aflatoxins, Agribusiness, Agricultural assistance, Agricultural colleges, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural credit, Agricultural education, Agricultural estimating and reporting, Agricultural experiment stations, Agricultural extension work, Agricultural innovations, Agricultural labor, Agricultural prices, Agricultural research Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Rule H. Res. 1189 passed House.
Bill TextTo provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 5/22/2007--Introduced. Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - Extends and revises agricultural and related programs respecting: (1) commodities; (2) sugar; (3) dairy; (4) conservation; (5) exports and trade assistance; (6) food stamps and nutrition; (7) agricultural credit; (8) rural development; (9) rural electrification; (10) agricultural research; (11) forestry; (12) energy; (13) specialty crops; and (14) livestock. | | Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6951-6952)
Bill TextA bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. 5/21/2007--Introduced. Rural Broadband Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to extend the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program. Revises the definition of "eligible rural area." Establishes a non-duplification of terrestrial lines, facilities, or systems requirement. Requires loan applications to be processed within 180 days. Eliminates the eligibility prohibition for entities that serve more than 2% of the telephone lines installed in the United States. Establishes a grant program for development of statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within eligible rural areas. Sets forth loan security and equity requirement provisions. | | Also tagged in: Accreditation (Education), Administrative procedure, Budgets, Building construction, Business, Business education, Capital, Civil liberties, Colleges, Commercialization, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuing education, Data banks, Disaster relief Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.
Bill TextTo reauthorize programs to assist small business concerns, and for other purposes. 6/20/2007--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.) SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: Revisions to Small Business Development Centers - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to make operational changes to the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s small business development centers (SBDCs) program, including: (1) requiring new SBDC award grantees that are universities to be accredited; (2) requiring award grantees to be equal partners in grant program and contract negotiations; (3) prohibiting SBA interference in hiring practices of SBDC grant recipients; (4) prohibiting the SBA from using program resources for administrative expenses of examining SBDC operations; (5) exempting [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 05/08/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5751)
Bill TextA resolution establishing a national goal for the universal deployment of next-generation broadband networks to access the Internet and for other uses by 2015, and calling upon Congress and the President to develop a strategy, enact legislation, and adopt policies to accomplish this objective. 5/8/2007--Introduced. Establishes a national next-generation broadband network goal to bring, by 2015, universal and affordable access to networks with the capability of transmitting data bidirectionally at 100 megabits per second for households, businesses, and government offices. Directs relevant congressional committees to work with the President to develop a strategy to achieve the goal and begin, by the end of 2007, to enact specific legislation and adopt policies to implement the strategy. | | Also tagged in: Advice and consent of the Senate, Budgets, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Department of Agriculture, Economic policy, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal advisory bodies, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Government information, Government lending, Government publicity, Internet Latest Action: 05/31/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.
Bill TextTo amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical assistance [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Clinics, Community health services, Congressional reporting requirements, Education, Elementary and secondary education, Elementary education, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Federal-state relations, Health facilities, Health policy, Higher education, Hospitals, Humanities Latest Action: 04/30/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, and for other purposes. 4/26/2007--Introduced. Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 concerning procedures for the review of universal service requirements to require the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to complete recommendations for changes to such requirements within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Requires the FCC to revise it's support mechanism for rural, insular, and high cost areas. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 05/04/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.
Bill TextTo tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. 4/25/2007--Introduced. Rural Broadband Improvement Act - Amends provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 relating to loans and loan guarantees for the provision of broadband service in eligible rural communities to revise the definition of "eligible rural communities." Regulates the amount of a loan or loan guarantee. Requires full repayment of a loan or loan guarantee if a project is not entirely completed within 3 years. | | Latest Action: 04/24/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4920)
Bill TextA bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies, and for other purposes. 4/24/2007--Introduced. Connect The Nation Act - Provides for grants to develop and implement statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each state. | | Latest Action: 03/30/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo rechannelize spectrum in the 700 megahertz band to promote the deployment of commercial broadband technologies to facilitate interoperable communications for public safety. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Re-Channelization of Public Safety Spectrum Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a rulemaking to rechannelize the public safety spectrum (located in the upper 700 megahertz band) to accommodate commercially available broadband applications. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Antennas, Business, Cable television, Capital investments, Communication satellites, Cooperative societies, Corporation taxes, Department of the Treasury, Depreciation and amortization, Depressed areas, District of Columbia, Economic policy, Enterprise zones, Executive departments, Government information Latest Action: 03/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E725-726)
Bill TextTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Broadband Deployment Acceleration Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to elect to expense (i.e., deduct all expenses in the current taxable year) qualified broadband expenditures, including installation and connection costs for subscribers in rural or underserved areas.Permits mutual or cooperative telephone companies to elect to reduce their unrelated business taxable income in any year by the amount of their qualified broadband expenditures. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) designate census tracts identifying rural and underserved areas under this Act; and (2) prescribe regulations for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits federal or state agencies from adopting regulations and ratemaking procedures that would eliminate or reduce the broadband [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Advice and consent of the Senate, Budgets, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Department of Agriculture, Economic policy, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal advisory bodies, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Government information, Government lending, Government publicity, Internet Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Auctions, Budgets, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Corporations, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Federal Communications Commission, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2512-2514)
Bill TextA bill to provide greater public safety by making more spectrum available to public safety, to establish the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Working Group to provide standards for public safety spectrum needs, and for other purposes. 3/1/2007--Introduced. Spectrum Availability for Emergency-Response and Law-Enforcement to Improve Vital Emergency Services Act or the SAVE LIVES Act - Establishes the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Working Group to provide continuing advice to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security regarding public safety interoperable communications. Declares that the 24 MHz band of spectrum allocated to public safety services should be used by state, local, and regional public safety organizations for interoperable voice and data communications. Requires the FCC to complete a specified Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the 700MHz Band and issue rules allowing certain channels within [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Governmental investigations, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Technology, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Telecommunication rates Latest Action: 02/28/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the contribution base for universal service, establish a separate account within the universal service fund to support the deployment of broadband service in unserved areas of the United States, and for other purposes. 2/28/2007--Introduced. Universal Service for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require all telecommunications carriers (currently, only those providing interstate telecommunications services) to contribute to the universal service fund (a fund whose goal is to provide advanced telecommunications services to all areas of the country). Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a permanent mechanism to support universal service that will preserve and enhance its long-term financial stability. Gives the FCC exclusive jurisdiction to establish rates for inter-carrier compensation payments, including compensation for the origination and termination of intrastate [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Broadcast journalism, Business, Competition, Direct broadcast satellites, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Licenses, Radio broadcasting, Radio programs, Radio stations, Technology Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.
Bill TextTo preserve local radio broadcast emergency and other services and to require the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a rulemaking for that purpose. 2/12/2007--Introduced. Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), consistent with the representations made by digital audio radio satellite service licensees that digital audio radio satellite service would be a national service, to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees shall not provide services that are locally differentiated or that result in programming being delivered to consumers in one geographic market that is different from programming delivered in any other geographic market; and (2) repeaters shall be restricted to simultaneously retransmitting the programming transmitted by satellite directly to DARSS subscribers' receivers. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural credit, Agricultural education, Agricultural extension work, Agricultural innovations, Agricultural pollution, Agricultural research, Agricultural subsidies, Agriculture, Alternative energy sources, Animals, Authorization, Biomass energy, Budgets, Business Latest Action: 02/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1800-1808)
Bill TextA bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to promote local and regional support for sustainable bioenergy and biobased products, to support the future of farming, forestry, and land management, to develop and support local bioenergy, biobased products, and food systems, and for other purposes. 2/8/2007--Introduced. Rural Opportunities Act of 2007 - Amends the Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make state grants for extension, education, applied research, and development activities at institutions of higher education, state agencies, or partnerships for local and regional bioenergy and biobased product use and production; and (2) provide funds for basic research on next generation technology. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental rural cooperative development grants. Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary to: (1) [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Alaska, Black colleges, Blacks, Budgets, Business, Communications, Computer literacy, Computer networks, Computer software, Computers, Conferences, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuing education, Distance education, Education, Education of the disadvantaged Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill TextTo establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Program to assist eligible educational institutions in acquiring, and augmenting use of, digital and wireless networking technologies to improve the quality and delivery of educational services at such institutions. Defines as eligible institutions: (1) historically Black colleges or universities, (2) a Hispanic-, Alaskan Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution with a sufficient enrollment of needy students as defined under the Higher Education Act of [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Auditing, Business, Cable television, Capital gains tax, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Corporation taxes, Department of the Treasury, Direct broadcast satellites, Enterprise zones, Executive departments, Finance, Income tax, Investment tax credit Latest Action: 01/22/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Bill TextTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a deferral of tax on gain from the sale of telecommunications businesses in specific circumstances or a tax credit and other incentives to promote diversity of ownership in telecommunications businesses. 1/22/2007--Introduced. Telecommunications Ownership Diversification Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer election to exclude from gross income a portion of the gain from the sale of the assets of a telecommunications business to an eligible purchaser. Defines "eligible purchaser" as: (1) any economically and socially disadvantaged business as designated by the Secretary of the Treasury using specified criteria; or (2) a corporation or partnership which, following the sale of a telecommunications business, owns substantially all of the assets of such business and is at least five percent owned by the Telecommunications Development Fund established under the Communications Act of [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Canada, Communications, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer education, Consumers, Department of Commerce, Energy, Energy conservation, Energy consumption, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Federal Communications Commission, Fines (Penalties) Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. 1/22/2007--Introduced. Digital Television Consumer Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require through December 1, 2009: (1) retail distributors that sell or rent televisions with analog receivers, including distributors that sell by direct mail or electronic means, to prominently display a specified consumer alert respecting digital television transition information; (2) multichannel video programming distributors to include specified transition information in consumer bills; and (3) full-power commercial television broadcast licensees or permittees to report at least quarterly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) respecting transition education efforts to consumers. Authorizes the FCC to issue civil forfeitures for violations of such requirements. Requires the FCC to establish: (1) a digital television public outreach program, including FCC website [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Electric power transmission, Emergency communication systems, Energy, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Governmental investigations, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Radio broadcasting, Technology, Telecommunication, Wireless communication Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo request a study by the Federal Communications Commission on the interference caused by broadband internet transmission over power lines. 1/12/2007--Introduced. Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation respecting the interference potential of systems that transmit broadband Internet services over power lines. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Business, Competition, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer complaints, Consumer education, Consumers, Damages, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Technology Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S286-287)
Bill TextA bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Internet Freedom Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain Internet neutrality duties for broadband service providers (providers), including not interfering with, or discriminating against, the ability of any person to use broadband service in a lawful manner. Allows providers to engage in activities in furtherance of certain management and business-related practices, such as protecting network security and offering consumer protection services such as parental controls. Prohibits a provider from requiring a subscriber, as a condition on the purchase of broadband service, to purchase any cable service, telecommunications service, or IP-enabled voice service. Requires a report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to specified congressional committees on provider delivery of broadband content, applications, and services. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Consumer education, Consumer protection, Consumers, Executive departments, Federal Trade Commission, Fraud, Identification devices, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Restrictive trade practices, Telecommunication, Telephone, Wireless communication Latest Action: 06/13/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill TextTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information, and for other purposes. 6/12/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person in the United States, in connection with any telecommunication service or VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) service, to cause any caller identification service to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information ("spoofing") with the intent to defraud or cause harm. Prohibits construing these provisions to prevent blocking caller identification or to authorize or prohibit law enforcement or U.S. intelligence agency activities. | | Also tagged in: Business, Congressional reporting requirements, Governmental investigations, Internet, Technological innovations, Technology, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Telecommunication rates, Telephone, Welfare, Welfare recipients, Wireless communication Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Bill TextTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to continue in effect and expand the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Link Up Program, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Serving Everyone with Reliable, Vital Internet, Communications, and Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Link Up Program. Requires a report to Congress on the benefit level for the programs that will encourage low-income consumers to seek broadband service, projections on potential broadband consumers if the service was economically feasible, industry requirements to provide broadband service in underserved areas, and policy proposals regarding gaps in broadband availability. | | Also tagged in: Accounting, Administrative procedure, Auditing, Budgets, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Cost control, Criminal justice, Disabled, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management, Executive departments, Federal Communications Commission, Federal preemption, Finance Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill TextA bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas), subject to exemptions. Modifies requirements regarding interconnection and rural telephone companies. Imposes on facilities-based IP-enabled voice service providers the same rights, duties, and obligations as a requesting telecommunications carrier if the provider elects to assert those rights. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to transport or terminate IP-enabled voice traffic solely because it is IP-enabled and prohibits a provider originating, transmitting, or terminating IP-enabled voice traffic from being exempted from paying compensation for interstate traffic solely because the [...] show full description |
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