S.2952 Sponsored by Robert Menendez
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to improve food safety through mandatory meat, meat product, poultry, and poultry product recall authority, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to improve communication about recalls with schools participating in the school lunch and breakfast programs, and for other purposes. 5/1/2008--Introduced. Safe School Lunch Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to order an immediate halt to the distribution of meat, meat food products, poultry, or poultry products upon finding that they may cause a serious, adverse health consequence or be adulterated. Gives persons subject to such an order the opportunity for an informal hearing, within 10 days after the order's issuance, on the actions required by the order and on whether it should be amended to require a recall of the targeted items. Requires the Secretary to order the recall of such items upon affirming that the order [...]

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S.2889 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3160, S3161)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans' health care benefits, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to provide injured members of the Armed Forces information concerning benefits.
Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3028-3029)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy issues associated with recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Introduced. Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retension, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work.Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, knowledge development, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements [...]

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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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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 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the investigation of suicides committed by members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
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: 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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S.2671 Sponsored by Patty Murray
Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide grants to promote financial literacy. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Financial Literacy Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award formula matching grants to states or partnerships between states and experienced nonprofit providers of financial literacy or personal finance education programs. Requires grantees to use 25% of the grant funds to: (1) develop financial literacy standards and assessments for at least three grade levels; (2) create teacher training programs to embed financial literacy or personal finance education into core academic subjects; and (3) evaluate the impact such education has on students' financial literacy. Requires the remaining grant funds to be used for subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community organizations, local businesses, or other educational entities to implement such financial literacy [...]

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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.
S.2644 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to clarify and improve information for members and former members of the Armed Forces on upgrades of discharge, to prohibit personality disorder discharges in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes.
H.R.5447 Sponsored by Edolphus Towns
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retension, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work. Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, knowledge development, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure and reciprocity agreements for providing services across state lines. Authorizes the Secretary [...]

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S.2610 Sponsored by Ken Salazar
Latest Action: 02/07/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the establishment of a searchable database containing the names and citations of members of the Armed Forces, members of the United States merchant marine, and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the United States merchant marine, or affiliated civilians. 2/7/2008--Introduced. Military Valor Roll of Honor Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Valor Roll of Honor registry which shall: (1) contain the names and citations of all members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service), and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the U.S. merchant marine, or affiliated civilians; and (2) be a [...]

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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: 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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S.2523 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S16014-16015)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families. 12/19/2007--Introduced. National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to states, Indian tribes, insular areas, and participating local jurisdictions to increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, especially for low-income, extremely low-income, and very poor families. Prohibits the use of appropriations to the Fund for a fiscal year unless the amount equal to the net increase in the negative credit subsidy for specified mortgage insurance programs is first made available for: (1) single family housing mortgage [...]

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Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR 12/18/2007 S15936-15939; text as passed Senate: CR 12/18/2007 S15938; text of measure as introduced: CR 12/18/2007 S15923)

Bill Text
A resolution designating January 2008 as "National Stalking Awareness Month".

12/19/2007--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.)

Designates January 2008 as National Stalking Awareness Month.

Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote awareness of the crime of stalking through observation of such Month.

Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A bill to assist members of the Armed Forces in obtaining United States citizenship, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment or at the time of applying for (immigration) status adjustment to satisfy any naturalization background or security requirements if: (1) the individual may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment or provides the required biometric information at the time of application for status adjustment if filed within 24 months after enlistment; and (2) the Secretary determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints,[...]

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S.2488 Sponsored by Patrick J. Leahy
Latest Action: 12/31/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-175.

Bill Text
A bill to promote accessibility, accountability, and openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes. 12/31/2007--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.) Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to revise requirements for federal agency disclosures of information requested under that Act. (Sec. 3) Provides definitions of "representative of the news media" and "news" for purposes of request processing fees. Regards a freelance journalist as working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that [...]

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S.2479 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15469)

Bill Text
A bill to catalyze change in the care and treatment of diabetes in the United States. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to: (1) review uptake and utilization of diabetes screening benefits to identify and address problems with utilization and data collection mechanisms; (2) establish an outreach program to identify existing efforts to increase awareness among seniors and providers of such benefits; and (3) maximize cost-effectiveness in increasing utilization of such benefits.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an advisory group to examine and recommend best practices of employee wellness and disease management programs.Directs the Secretary to prepare, biennially, a diabetes report card for the nation and for each state.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [...]

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Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act to require the Council to establish a single telephone number that consumers with complaints or inquiries could call and be routed to the appropriate Federal banking agency or State bank supervisor, and for other purposes. 12/6/2007--Introduced. Financial Consumer Hotline Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 to require federal financial institution regulatory agencies, coordinating through the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, to establish: (1) a single, toll-free telephone number for consumer complaints and inquiries concerning institutions under their jurisdiction; and (2) a system for routing such calls to the federal financial institution regulatory agency that primarily supervises the financial institution, or that is otherwise the appropriate agency to address the subject of the complaint or inquiry. Cites circumstances under [...]

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S.2428 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain a public website through which individuals may find a complete database of available scholarships, fellowships, and other programs of financial assistance in the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 12/6/2007--Introduced. National STEM Scholarship Database Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain, on the public website of the Department of Education, a database of information on public and private programs of financial assistance for the study of postsecondary and graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires that such database: (1) provide separate information for each field of study; (2) be searchable by category and combinations of categories; (3) indicate programs targeted toward specific demographic groups; (4) provide searchers with program sponsor contact information and hyperlinks; and (5) include a recommendation that [...]

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H.R.4255 Sponsored by Bob Filner
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Subcommittee on Health Discharged.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to the Paralympic Program of the United States Olympic Committee, and for other purposes.

12/4/2007--Introduced.

United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make a grant to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to plan, develop, manage, and implement the Paralympic Program for veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

Directs the USOC to use a grant to recruit, support, encourage, schedule, facilitate, supervise, and implement paralympic instruction and competition activities, training and technical assistance, and coordination and program development activities for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with physical disabilities.

Sets forth outreach, coordination, application, and memorandum of understanding requirements.

S.2392 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain a public website through which individuals may find a complete database of available scholarships, fellowships, and other programs of financial assistance in the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 11/16/2007--Introduced. National STEM Scholarship Database Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain, on the public website of the Department of Education, a database of information on public and private programs of financial assistance for the study of postsecondary and graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires that such database: (1) provide separate information for each field of study; (2) be searchable by category and combinations of categories; (3) indicate programs targeted toward specific demographic groups; (4) provide searchers with program sponsor contact information and hyperlinks; and (5) include a recommendation that [...]

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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.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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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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S.2342 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit States from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment, to require States to conduct such redistricting through independent commissions, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--Introduced. Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2007 - Prohibits a state that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being redistricted again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct such a subsequent redistricting in order to: (1) comply with the U.S. Constitution; or (2) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Requires such redistricting to be conducted through a plan developed by the independent redistricting commission established in the state, or if such plan is not enacted into law, the redistricting plan selected by the state's highest court or developed by a U.S. district court.Prescribes requirements for: (1) establishment [...]

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S.2332 Sponsored by Byron L. Dorgan
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 2:30 p.m.

Bill Text
A bill to promote transparency in the adoption of new media ownership rules by the Federal Communications Commission, and to establish an independent panel to make recommendations on how to increase the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Media Ownership Act of 2007 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in changing any of its regulations related to broadcast ownership, to publish notice in the Federal Register for least 90 days, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Applies those requirements to any any changes related to broadcast and newspaper ownership made after October 1, 2007. Requires the FCC, before voting on any change in broadcast and newspaper ownership rules, to complete a separate rulemaking to promote the broadcast of local programming and content by broadcasters, including radio [...]

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S.2324 Sponsored by Claire McCaskill
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) to enhance the Offices of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Inspector General Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require each Inspector General to be appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations. Requires the President and other specified officials to communicate to Congress in advance the reasons for removing or transferring an Inspector General. Sets forth the annual rate of basic pay for Inspectors General. Prohibits an Inspector General from receiving cash awards or bonuses.Requires Inspectors General to obtain legal advice from a counsel either reporting directly to [...]

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

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

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Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the E-Government Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-347) to reauthorize appropriations, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Introduced. E-Government Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the E-Government Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) the integrated Internet-based system providing public access to government information and services (federal Internet portal); (2) the governmentwide repository and website; (3) the study of best practices at community technology centers, development and dissemination of the online tutorial, and promotion of community technology centers; (4) common protocols for geographic information systems; and (5) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) electronic government services, and federal management and promotion of such services. Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) coordination of federal information policy (information security); (2) the E-Government Fund; and (3) [...]

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S.2313 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 11/06/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13996)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance efforts to address antimicrobial resistance. 11/6/2007--Introduced. Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish, and appoint the Director of, the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance to develop plans for addressing antimicrobial resistance in the United States and internationally; (2) establish the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board to assist the Director; and (3) develop an antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan. Renews the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force and sets forth its membership and duties.Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the submission of human and animal drug distribution data to the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance, the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force, and the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board. Requires the Director to make drug [...]

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H.R.4088 Sponsored by Heath Shuler
Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mrs. Drake. Petition No: 110-5. (Discharge petition text with signatures.)

Bill Text
To provide immigration reform by securing America's borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical employer verification program. 11/6/2007--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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H.R.4075 Sponsored by Joe Courtney
Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand college access and increase college persistence, and for other purposes. 11/5/2007--Introduced. Accessing College through Comprehensive Early Outreach and State Partnerships Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace the current special leveraging educational assistance partnership program with a program of allotments to enable states to: (1) expand and enhance partnerships with institutions of higher education, early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs, private corporations, philanthropic organizations, and other interested parties to carry out specified activities and provide coordination and cohesion among federal, state, and local governmental and private efforts providing financial assistance to help low-income students attend college; (2) provide need-based grants for college access and increased college persistence to eligible low-income students; (3) provide early notification [...]

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S.2302 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
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 Text
An 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.

H.R.4040 Sponsored by Bobby L. Rush
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 3/6/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) CPSC Reform Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations: (1) to carry out the Act and any other provision of law the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is authorized or directed to carry out; (2) for the office of Inspector General; (3) to make capital improvements to the research, development, and testing facility of the CPSC; and (4) for research into safety issues related to the use of nanotechnology in consumer products. (Sec. 4) Requires the CPSC, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by at least 500 the number of its full-time employees and by at least 50 the number of its port-of-entry and overseas production facility inspectors. Requires [...]

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S.2291 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Bill Text
A bill to enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style of Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 - Requires each executive agency, not later than one year, to use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the enactment of this Act. Defines "covered document" to include: (1) documents that provide information about any government requirement or program or that are relevant to obtaining any government benefit or service; and (2) letters, publications, forms, notices, or instructions.Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance on implementing such requirements to agencies as a circular. Authorizes agencies, pending issuance of such guidance, to follow the guidance of the Plain English Handbook published by the Securities and Exchange [...]

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Latest Action: 10/29/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish an Office of International and Domestic Product Safety and a Product Safety Coordinating Council to improve the management, coordination, promotion, and oversight of product safety responsibilities, develop a centralized public database for product recalls, advisories, and alerts, and for other purposes.

10/29/2007--Introduced.

International and Domestic Product Safety Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of International and Domestic Product Safety to oversee and coordinate international and domestic consumer product safety responsibilities in a way that protects the health and safety of U.S. consumers and ensures that consumers and businesses have access to consumer product safety information.

Establishes a Product Safety Coordinating Council to assist the Office's director.

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

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

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13456-13457)

Bill Text
A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out demonstration projects and outreach programs for the identification and abatement of lead hazards, to establish the Joint Task Force on Lead-Based Hazards and the Task Force on Children's Environmental Health and Safety, to strengthen the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Lead Elimination, Abatement, and Poisoning Prevention Act of 2007 or the LEAPP Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out demonstration projects and outreach programs for the identification and abatement of lead hazards.Requires the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish the Joint Task Force on Lead-Based Hazards.Requires the President, in conjunction with the Administrator, to establish the [...]

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S.2227 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide grants to States to ensure that all students in the middle grades are taught an academically rigorous curriculum with effective supports so that students complete the middle grades prepared for success in high school and postsecondary endeavors, to improve State and district policies and programs relating to the academic achievement of students in the middle grades, to develop and implement effective middle school models for struggling students, and for other purposes. 10/24/2007--Introduced. Success in the Middle Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to states, based on their proportion of poor children aged 5 to 17, to: (1) implement state middle school needs analyses and, on the basis of such analyses, improvement plans that describe what students must master to successfully complete the middle grades and succeed in academically rigorous high school coursework; and (2) award competitive matching subgrants to local educational [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To 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 [...]

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H.R.3915 Sponsored by Brad Miller
Latest Action: 12/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Truth in Lending Act to reform consumer mortgage practices and provide accountability for such practices, to establish licensing and registration requirements for residential mortgage originators, to provide certain minimum standards for consumer mortgage loans, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. (Sec. 103) Includes among licensing and registration requirements that a loan origination business obtain: (1) a unique identifier; and (2) instruction on [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to protect public health and safety in the event that testing of nuclear weapons by the United States is resumed. 10/19/2007--Introduced. Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems the resumption of underground nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site or the use of any other location for such testing to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a separate environmental impact statement is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to categories of weapons subject to testing.Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13157)

Bill Text
A bill to support the establishment and operations of Teachers Professional Development Institutes. 10/19/2007--Introduced. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to: (1) award grants to encourage the establishment and operation of Teachers Institutes; and (2) provide technical assistance, either directly or through the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute, to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) in establishing and operating Teachers Institutes. Sets forth selection criteria, including consideration of the extent to which the proposed Institute will serve a community or communities that have a significant low-income population.Defines a Teachers Institute as a partnership or joint venture between one or more IHEs and one or more LEAs with significant low-income populations that is established to improve the quality of teaching and learning through collaborative [...]

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H.R.3903 Sponsored by Jim Matheson
Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the development of a multi-stage product testing process to ensure compliance of children's products with consumer product safety standards, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Kids' Toys Safety Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to prescribe a comprehensive testing program for articles intended for children under five. Requires the CPSC, after receiving notice of a voluntary recall by a manufacturer or retailer, to post notice on the CPSC's website and notify the health department of each state. Requires the manufacturer of a product for children under five to label the product or its packaging to enable the purchaser to determine production information. Requires the CPSC to establish a database as a clearinghouse for information regarding factories, warehouses, or other facilities where consumer products which have been [...]

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Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act with regard to research on asthma, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Family Asthma Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to award grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce asthma attacks and improve self-management for individuals and families. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) priority to entities that serve a medically underserved population; and (2) consideration to an adequate rural-urban distribution, so as to gain better information about asthma at the national level. Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a National Asthma Action Plan and to fund a report to Congress by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Requires the Secretary,[...]

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H.R.3887 Sponsored by Tom Lantos