Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Ms. DeGette asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

Bill Text
A bill to develop the next generation of parental control technology.

3/3/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Child Safe Viewing Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a notice of inquiry to consider measures to examine: (1) the existence and availability of advanced blocking technologies that are compatible with various communications devices or platforms; and (2) methods of encouraging the development, deployment, and use of such technology by parents that do not affect the packaging or pricing of a content provider's offering.

Defines "advanced blocking technologies" as technologies that can improve or enhance the ability of a parent to protect his or her child from any indecent or objectionable video or audio programming, as determined by the parent, transmitted through wire, wireless, or radio communication.

Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Calling Card Consumer Protection Act - Requires prepaid telephone calling service providers or prepaid telephone calling card distributors to disclose certain information, including the total value in dollars or the number of calling minutes, a description of all terms and conditions, and the service provider's name, customer service number, and hours of service.

Makes it unlawful for any provider or distributor to impose any charge or fee not so disclosed or provide fewer minutes than disclosed. Regulates expiration. Makes it unlawful to charge for unconnected calls.

Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act and requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this Act.

Provides for state enforcement.

Latest Action: 09/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To impose requirements with regard to border searches of digital electronic devices and digital storage media, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Securing Our Borders and Our Data Act of 2008 - Sets forth rules for the search or seizure at a U.S. border of digital electronic devices or digital storage media. Prohibits a search of the digital contents of such devices or media unless such search is based on: (1) a reasonable suspicion regarding the owner of such devices or media; and (2) an independent constitutional authority to make a seizure (other than the authority for border searches). Requires officers at U.S. borders to receive appropriate training to make searches of digital devices or media to minimize the possibility of irreparable damage to such devices or media. Allows the owners of such devices and media to request that searches be conducted out of public view. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) make rules regarding border [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To 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.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S163-164)

Bill Text
A bill to restrict any State from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Cell Phone Tax Moratorium Act of 2007 - Prohibits states from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services (cell phones), mobile services providers, or mobile services property for three years after enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property which is not generally imposed on other types of services or property or is generally imposed at a lower rate.

Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - By Senator Inouye from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 110-29.

Bill Text
A bill to provide improved rail and surface transportation security. 2/15/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Surface Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007 - Title I: Improved Rail Security - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and other appropriate agencies, to establish a task force to complete a risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, based on the assessment, to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Requires the development of plans for: (1) the federal government to provide adequate security support for freight and intercity passenger railroads at high threat levels of alert; (2) coordinating existing and planned rail security initiatives undertaken [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete its proceeding and issue a final order in the Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186, which facilitates the operation of unlicensed devices in television white spaces.

Latest Action: 01/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/12/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following [...]

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Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S678-679)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following institutions [...]

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Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces, and for other purposes.

1/18/2007--Introduced.

White Spaces Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete its proceeding and issue a final order in the Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186 (concerning vacant, or "white space," spectrum between television channels) not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act or October 1, 2007.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to auction spectrum for a free and open access wireless service. 8/1/2008--Introduced. Open Wireless Internet Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote nationwide broadband competition through the use of wireless services by issuing nationwide licenses, for a term of at least 15 years, for two bands of frequencies, each composed of 20 megahertz of unpaired contiguous spectrum, one band under 3 gigahertz and not part of the recovered analog spectrum and the other band between 2155 and 2180 megahertz. Requires the FCC to ensure that licensees of spectrum obtained under these provisions are fully protected from, and fully protect, licensees of adjacent spectrum from harmful interference, including receiver overload and excessive out-of-band emissions. Requires licensees, among other things, to offer to consumers and authorized public safety [...]

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Latest Action: 09/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To impose requirements with regard to border searches of digital electronic devices and digital storage media, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Securing Our Borders and Our Data Act of 2008 - Sets forth rules for the search or seizure at a U.S. border of digital electronic devices or digital storage media. Prohibits a search of the digital contents of such devices or media unless such search is based on: (1) a reasonable suspicion regarding the owner of such devices or media; and (2) an independent constitutional authority to make a seizure (other than the authority for border searches). Requires officers at U.S. borders to receive appropriate training to make searches of digital devices or media to minimize the possibility of irreparable damage to such devices or media. Allows the owners of such devices and media to request that searches be conducted out of public view. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) make rules regarding border [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--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.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic [...]

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Latest Action: 06/16/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit text message spam. 6/16/2008--Introduced. Do-Not-Text Act of 2008 - Amends the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 to exclude from the definition of "mobile service commercial message" a commercial e-mail if the message's primary purpose is to: (1) facilitate, complete, or confirm a transaction between the message recipient and the sender; (2) provide warranty, recall, safety, or security information regarding the recipient's product or service; (3) provide notice of a change in terms or conditions, a change in the status of the recipient, or account statements regarding a subscription, membership, account, loan, or comparable ongoing commercial relationship; (4) provide information regarding an employment relationship or benefit plan in which the recipient is involved; or (5) deliver goods or services, including updates or upgrades, that the recipient is entitled to receive.Declares that provisions relating to the application of the Act to wireless do [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services, and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--Introduced. Prepaid Calling Card Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require every prepaid telephone calling service provider and prepaid telephone calling card distributor to disclose certain information, including: (1) the number of calling units or minutes of domestic interstate calls provided or the dollar value and the domestic interstate rate per minute; (2) the calling unit or per minute rates for all served international preferred destinations; (3) the applicable per minute rates for all served international destinations; (4) all terms and conditions, including regarding fees, policies on refunds, recharges, decrements, and expiration, and time imitations; and (5) a toll-free customer service number and hours. Makes it unlawful to: (1) deduct anything but [...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 779.

Bill Text
To reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. 6/11/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states, to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, and for accessibility improvements and barrier removal for individuals with disabilities; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.(Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs [...]

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Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose their emergency response and evacuation procedures.

4/9/2008--Introduced.

Virginia Tech Victims Campus Emergency Response Policy and Notification Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require schools participating in title IV student assistance programs to include current campus policies regarding immediate emergency response and evacuation procedures in their required annual security reports to current and prospective students and staff.

Requires such procedures to include: (1) notifying students and staff within 30 minutes after confirmation that an emergency exists on campus or public property; and (2) testing such procedures annually.

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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Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1203)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F.

2/26/2008--Introduced.

Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove certain limitations on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones.

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. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Revises veterans' insurance benefits matters to: (1) direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to grant level-premium term life insurance to certain service-disabled veterans; (2) increase the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans; (3) provide retroactive traumatic injury coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program for certain members of the Armed Forces who incurred a traumatic injury in the line of duty; (4) provide for the designation of a recipient of funds for traumatic injury coverage when the member is mentally incapacitated or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness; and (5) increase the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' [...]

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