| Also tagged in: Black colleges, Business, College administration, College costs, Communications, Community development banking, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer credit, Consumers, Debtor and creditor, Education, Emblems, Finance Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-327.
Bill TextAn original bill to establish requirements for private lenders to protect student borrowers receiving private educational loans, and for other purposes. 4/21/2008--Introduced. Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions. Prohibits such lender from marketing loans in any way that implies the institution endorses the lender's private educational loans (co-branding). Prohibits an employee in the financial aid office of an educational institution who has responsibilities regarding financial aid, and also serves on an advisory group established by a lender, from receiving anything of value from such lender.[...] show full description | | Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Bill TextA bill to protect consumers, and especially young consumers, from skyrocketing credit card debt, unfair credit card practices, and deceptive credit offers. 3/12/2008--Introduced. Credit Card Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to permit a consumer reporting agency to furnish a consumer report in connection with any credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer only if the report indicates that the consumer is age 21 or older. Allows 18-year olds to elect to have their name and address included in any agency list. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a credit card issuer from changing the terms of a credit card under an open end consumer credit plan: (1) before the scheduled contract expiration or renewal date; and (2) until the issuer has published all contract changes in any mandatory disclosures. Establishes a cardholder right to repay all existing balances on a terminated or expired credit card account [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: College costs, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumers, Education, Federal aid to education, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Higher education, Labor, Scholarships, Student aid, Student employment, Student loan funds Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Consumers, Economic policy, Education, Educational accountability, Educational counseling, Educational tests, Elementary and secondary education, Federal aid to education, Finance, Financial services, Government information, Government publicity, Higher education, Nonprofit organizations, Personal budgets Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Affordable housing, Appropriations, Bankruptcy, Bonds, Budgets, Community development, Community development banking, Consumer credit, Consumer protection, Consumers, Counseling, Damages, Debtor and creditor, Federal aid to housing, Fees, Finance Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 577.
Bill TextA bill to provide needed housing reform. 2/13/2008--Introduced. Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize use of the proceeds of a qualified mortgage bond issue to refinance a mortgage on a residence originally financed through a qualified subprime loan; (2) raise the ceiling and volume cap imposed upon certain state housing bonds; and (3) exclude from the meaning of tax preference item private activity bonds, for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, qualified mortgage bonds or veterans' mortgage bonds issued after enactment of this Act and before January 1, 2011. Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) emergency needs of states and local governmental units to redevelop certain abandoned and foreclosed homes; and (2) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation for foreclosure mitigation activities, including grants for housing counseling. Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2008 - Authorizes a bankruptcy [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Mr. DeFazio moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
Bill TextResolution promoting the safe operation of 15-passenger vans. 4/30/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on April 29, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Recognizes the need for awareness of the increased risks of driving 15-passenger vans. Encourages operators of such vans to provide adequate training for drivers and safety information to passengers, including the need to wear seat belts. | | Also tagged in: Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Business, Consumers, Customs administration, Damages, Defective products, Food, Food safety, Imports, Law, Manufacturing industries, Meat, Poultry, Products liability, Trade Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Bill TextTo require manufacturers to demonstrate sufficient means to cover, for certain products distributed in commerce, costs of potential recalls, and for other purposes. 1/17/2008--Introduced. Food and Product Responsibility Act of 2008 - Applies this Act to replacement equipment, food, drugs, devices, cosmetics, biological products, consumer products, meat or meat food product, poultry or poultry products, and eggs or egg products (covered products).Prohibits a manufacturer from distributing a covered product unless the manufacturer holds a certification from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the manufacturer possesses sufficient means (through insurance or otherwise) to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product, including administrative costs, compensatory damages, and costs of any product liability or other lawsuit relating to that product.Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act (regarding meat and meat food products), the Poultry Products Inspection [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Business, Business education, Colleges, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer credit, Consumers, Curricula, Data banks, Economic policy, Economic theory, Education, Education of the disadvantaged, Educational accountability, Educational innovations, Elementary and secondary education Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Bill TextTo promote youth financial education. 12/6/2007--Introduced. Amends title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to create a new Part D: Promoting Youth Financial Literacy. Allows the Secretary of Education to provide grants to states to: (1) assist local educational agencies and public schools provide financial education programs to students in kindergarten through grade 12; and (2) implement financial education professional development programs for teachers and administrators. Requires a specified amount of the grant funds to be awarded competitively each fiscal year, with the remainder provided to each state on the basis of its share of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to or contract with an institution of higher education or nonprofit organization that has substantial financial education experience to establish and operate a national clearinghouse of [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Consumer credit, Consumers, Counseling, Federal aid to housing, Finance, Home ownership, Housing, Housing finance, Mortgages, Personal budgets, Saving and investment, Social services Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Bill TextA bill to expand and improve housing counseling services by increasing financial education and counseling services available to homeowners and prospective homebuyers in financial turmoil or who seek credit or other personal financial assistance, and for other purposes. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Financial Education and Counseling Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a grant program to assist eligible organizations to provide financial education and counseling services to homeowners and prospective homebuyers. Requires the Secretary to give preference to established community-based financial education and counseling organizations capable of providing in-person services. Prohibits an organization from receiving such financial assistance unless its financial counselors are HUD-certified. | | Also tagged in: Accreditation (Education), Alaska, Armed forces, Asian American ethnic groups, Black colleges, Broadband, Budgets, Business, Closed caption television, College costs, College teachers, Colleges, Communications, Community and school, Community colleges, Compensatory education 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: Budgets, College administration, College costs, Consumers, Economic policy, Education, Federal aid to education, Government information, Government paperwork, Higher education, Indexing (Economic policy), Scholarships Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Bill TextTo limit excessive fluctuations in tuition to help students and families plan for college costs. 11/9/2007--Introduced. Truth-in-Tuition Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) that are participating in the Act's student assistance programs to provide each prospective cohort of students applying to enter their undergraduate or graduate programs with a binding, multi-year tuition and fee schedule for the normal duration of such studies. Requires the Secretary of Education to waive the application of such requirement to IHEs that are unable to comply because of events causing them severe economic distress. Directs the Secretary to award: (1) competitive grants to IHEs that, for an academic year, have a net tuition (tuition and fees, minus grant amounts) increase that does not exceed the percentage change in the higher education price index; and (2) bonus amounts to IHEs that guarantee that their net [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumers, Deceptive advertising, Department of Health and Human Services, Drug adulteration, Drug industry, Drugs, Executive departments, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Labeling, Law, Medical care, Medicine Latest Action: 11/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill TextTo amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the amendment or repeal of monographs, to expand the Food and Drug Administration's authority to regulate drug advertising, and for other purposes. 11/6/2007--Introduced. Non-Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize: (1) the amendment or repeal of an over-the-counter drug monograph without notice and public procedure if there is a finding by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that a category of drugs or a specific drug is associated with a significant risk or that such drugs lack evidence of effectiveness; and (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate over-the-counter drug advertisements. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to identify over-the-counter drug monographs that may require amendment or repeal and to report the findings to Congress. | | Also tagged in: Armed forces, Consumers, Criminal justice, Defense contracts, Defense economics, Defense policy, Fines (Penalties), Identification devices, Infrared technology, Iraq compilation, Labeling, Military and naval supplies, Military technology, Public contracts, Surplus government property, Technology Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.
Bill TextTo amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the disposal by the Department of Defense of surplus military items designated as Identification Friend or Foe items, to amend title 18, United States Code, to make it a misdemeanor to possess or traffic in Identification Friend or Foe items, and for other purposes. 11/6/2007--Introduced. Prohibits the sale or donation of Department of Defense designated as Identification Friend or Foe equipment or accessories, with specified exceptions. Subjects to civil or criminal penalties, or both, persons who manufacture, sell, or possess such items without authorization. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumers, Deceptive advertising, Department of Health and Human Services, Drug adulteration, Drug industry, Drugs, Executive departments, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Labeling, Law, Medical care, Medicine Latest Action: 11/06/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the amendment or repeal of monographs, to expand the Food and Drug Administration's authority to regulate drug advertising, and for other purposes. 11/6/2007--Introduced. Non-Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize: (1) the amendment or repeal of an over-the-counter drug monograph without notice and public procedure if there is a finding by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that a category of drugs or a specific drug is associated with a significant risk or that such drugs lack evidence of effectiveness; and (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate over-the-counter drug advertisements. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to identify over-the-counter drug monographs that may require amendment or repeal and to report the findings to Congress. | | Also tagged in: Alcohol as fuel, Alternative energy sources, Automobiles, Biomass energy, Budgets, Business, Capitol (Washington, D.C.), Congress, Consumers, Electric vehicles, Emblems, Energy, Energy research, Franchises (Retail trade), Government vehicles, Grants-in-aid Latest Action: 11/05/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Bill TextA bill to encourage and facilitate the use of renewable fuel in the United States. 11/5/2007--Introduced. Renewable Fuels Strategy Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. agricultural, forest, and working land should: (1) provide from renewable resources at least 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States; and (2) continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber.Amends federal transportation law to require the manufacture each model year of increasing percentages of flexible fuel automobiles.Sets forth a minimum renewable fuels infrastructure assurance program under which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall issue regulations to ensure the installation of renewable fuel pumps, including a system of production credits.Instructs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards for biofuel dispenser systems.Amends the Petroleum [...] 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: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Advertising, All terrain vehicles, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Child safety, Children, Clothing, Communications, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer Product Safety Commission Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Mr. Dingell moved that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference. (consideration: CR H3854-3856)
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Bill TextA bill to provide for improved disclosures by all mortgage lenders at the loan approval and settlement stages of all mortgage loans. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Mortgage Disclosure Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth In Lending Act to require additional mortgage loan disclosures by a creditor to a consumer, including: (1) ) the percentage of the loan, as compared to the appraised value of the property; (2) the term of the loan; (3) the monthly income of the borrower, as relied upon in making the loan; (4) the annual percentage rate of interest for loans that are fixed, and for loans that are variable; (5) prepayment fees; and (6) balloon payments. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to conform with this Act. | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Business, Children, Consumers, Criminal justice, Drug abuse, Drug abuse prevention, Drug industry, Drug traffic, Drugs, Drugs and youth, Fines (Penalties), Government information, Government paperwork, Grants-in-aid, Health education Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs. Hearings held.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to prevent the abuse of dextromethorphan, and for other purposes. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Dextromethorphan Abuse Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) set forth definitions relating to dextromethorphan in unfinished or finished dosage form; (2) classify unfinished dextromethorphan as a Schedule V controlled substance; and (3) impose civil penalties for sales of products containing dextromethorphan to individuals under the age of 18.Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) manufacturers of products containing dextromethorphan should provide warnings about the dangers of dextromethorphan misuse; and (2) retailers should impose safeguards to protect against the theft of products containing dextromethorphan. Directs the Director of National Drug Control Policy to make grants to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America for education programs [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 01/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Bill TextTo amend the Truth in Lending Act to enhance disclosure of the terms of home mortgage loans, and for other purposes. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor to disclose to a consumer with respect to an extension of credit secured by the consumer's dwelling that the consumer is not required to complete the credit agreement merely because the consumer has received required disclosures or signed a loan application. Requires such disclosure to be furnished to the borrower not later than seven business days before the consummation of the transaction, as well as at the time of consummation. Requires additional disclosures in such a circumstance regarding any variable rates or payment schedules. Increases the actual damages for which a creditor is liable for noncompliance with such Act in the case of an individual action relating to a credit transaction not under an open end credit [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Administrative procedure, Aged, Bank employees, Budgets, Business, Class actions (Civil procedure), Communications, Consumer credit, Consumers, Counseling, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Executive departments, Executive reorganization Latest Action: 12/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Consumer credit, Consumers, Counseling, Debtor and creditor, Finance, Government information, Government paperwork, Home ownership, Housing, Mortgages, Social services Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Bill TextTo amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish requirements for providing negatively amortizing mortgage loans to first-time borrowers, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Negative Amortization Mortgage Loan Transparency Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a lender to make specified prior disclosures to a first-time borrower in connection with a consumer credit transaction secured by residential real property with a dwelling, other than a reverse mortgage, where the payment plan may result in negative amortization over the term of the loan. Requires the consumer debtor to provide the creditor with documentation that the consumer received home ownership counseling from organizations or counselors certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Communications, Consumers, Department of Health and Human Services, Diet, Executive departments, Food, Food labeling, Law, Nutrition, Restaurants, Signs and signboards, Vending machines Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Bill TextTo amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the food labeling requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 to enable customers to make informed choices about the nutritional content of standard menu items in large chain restaurants. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a standard food serving; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such information shall be provided in writing upon request; and (4) in a statement adjacent to the name of the food on a menu board, the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Child safety, Children, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumer protection, Consumers, Data banks, Defective products, Electronic government information, Executive departments, Government information, Government publicity, Independent regulatory commissions, Labeling, Law Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Armed forces, Consumers, Criminal justice, Defense contracts, Defense economics, Defense policy, Fines (Penalties), Identification devices, Infrared technology, Iraq compilation, Labeling, Military and naval supplies, Military technology, Public contracts, Surplus government property, Technology Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.
Bill TextTo amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the disposal by the Department of Defense of surplus military items designated as Identification Friend or Foe items, to amend title 18, United States Code, to make it a misdemeanor to possess or traffics in Identification Friend or Foe items, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Introduced. Prohibits the sale or donation of Department of Defense designated as Identification Friend or Foe equipment or accessories, with specified exceptions. Subjects to civil or criminal penalties, or both, persons who manufacture, sell, or possess such items without authorization. | | Also tagged in: Bank accounts, Budgets, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer credit, Consumers, Debtor and creditor, Disaster insurance, Emergency management, Federally-guaranteed loans, Fees, Finance, Floods, Foreclosure Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Bill TextTo require escrows for certain mortgage loans, to improve mortgage servicing, to promote sustainable homeownership opportunities, to enhance appraisal quality and standards, to better appraisal oversight, to mitigate appraiser pressure, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Introduced. Escrow, Appraisal, and Mortgage Servicing Improvements Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor, in a consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling, to establish an escrow or impound account to pay taxes and hazard insurance, and, if applicable, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, ground rents, and any other required periodic payments or premiums. Requires written disclosures by the creditor to the consumer regarding: (1) such escrow or impound account; and (2) consumers who opt out of escrow services. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to proscribe specified practices by the servicer of a federally related mortgage,[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Air pollution, Biomass energy, Business, Consumers, Diesel motor, Energy, Energy prices, Environmental protection, Environmental Protection Agency, Executive departments, Federal preemption, Labeling, Law, Local laws, Motor vehicle pollution control Latest Action: 10/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.
Bill TextTo amend the Clean Air Act to promote and assure the quality of biodiesel fuel, and for other purposes. 10/9/2007--Introduced. Biodiesel Promotion and Quality Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to ensure that diesel fuel sold in the United States contains the volume of biodiesel specified for 2008 through 2012. Requires the Administrator to determine the volume for 2013 and thereafter based on a review of the program. Requires at least 80% of the minimum applicable volume for each of 2008 through 2012 to be biodiesel.Requires the biodiesel fuel standards to contain compliance provisions applicable to refineries, blenders, distributors, and importers. Prohibits such standards from restricting geographic areas in which biodiesel may be used or imposing any per-gallon obligation for the use of biodiesel.Authorizes the Administrator to reduce the quantity [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Accreditation (Education), Adoption, Alaska, Alcoholism, Americans in foreign countries, Animals, Armed forces, Arts, Athletes, Authorization, Budgets, Building construction, Business, Business education, Children, Civil liberties Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Bill TextTo amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965. 10/4/2007--Introduced. College Access and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize appropriations for HEA programs. Establishes a single definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs) for purposes of their participation in all HEA programs, including title IV student aid programs. Allows IHEs to enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary school. Revises higher education consumer information and public accountability requirements. Imposes educational loan disclosure requirements on lenders and IHEs. Replaces the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program under title II with a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program for partnerships of high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), high-need schools, IHEs, and public or private educational organizations. Repeals part B (Preparing Tomorrow's [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12780-12781)
Bill TextA bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to enhance disclosure of the terms of home mortgage loans, and for other purposes. 10/4/2007--Introduced. Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor to disclose to a consumer with respect to an extension of credit secured by the consumer's dwelling that the consumer is not required to complete the credit agreement merely because the consumer has received required disclosures or signed a loan application. Requires such disclosure to be furnished to the borrower not later than seven business days before the consummation of the transaction, as well as at the time of consummation. Requires additional disclosures in such a circumstance regarding any variable rates or payment schedules. Increases the actual damages for which a creditor is liable for noncompliance with such Act in the case of an individual action relating to a credit transaction not under an open [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Consumers, Contracts, Defined benefit pension plans, Employee benefit plans, Fees, Finance, Government information, Government paperwork, Investments, Labor, Pensions, Tax penalties, Taxation Latest Action: 10/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 10/9/2007 E2077-2078)
Bill TextTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide transparency with respect to fees and expenses charged to participant-directed defined contribution plans. 10/4/2007--Introduced. Defined Contribution Plan Fee Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose penalties on: (1) employers and multi-employer defined contribution plans for the failure of their plan administrators to provide to plan participants or beneficiaries written notices of plan fees and expenses and investment alternatives; and (2) providers of services to defined contribution plans for failure to provide certain information to plan administrators, including an estimate of total fees and expenses expected to be paid under a service contract and an itemization of the services to be provided under such contract. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Consumers, Debtor and creditor, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Executive departments, Fees, Finance, Government information, Government paperwork, Housing, Housing finance, Law, Mortgage banks, Mortgage interest rates, Mortgages, Settlement costs Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Bill TextTo amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to require the submission to each borrower under a federally related mortgage loan of a one-page description of the essential terms of the loan. 10/2/2007--Introduced. Mortgage Disclosure Simplification Act of 2007 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to instruct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop and prescribe standard written forms stating the essential terms of a federally related mortgage loan, which lenders or mortgage brokers shall provide to prospective mortgagors. Requires such disclosures to include: (1) a statement of terms regarding a federally related mortgage loan; and (2) a statement of basic easy-to-understand definitions or explanations of such terms. | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Advertising, Business, Child safety, Children, Communications, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumer protection, Consumers, Criminal justice, Defective products, Electronics, Executive departments, Federal preemption, Federal-state relations Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill TextTo reauthorize and improve the Consumer Product Safety Act. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Safety Assurance For Every Consumer Product Act or the SAFE Consumer Product Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require (in current law, authorize) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to prescribe consumer product testing programs. Requires nongovernmental, independent third party testing of children's products. Increases the actions the CPSC may take in ordering recalls of products presenting substantial hazards. Makes recalled product retail sale unlawful. Requires manufacturers to mark products or packaging to enable purchasers to determine the product's source, date, and production cohort. Removes the cap on Consumer Product Safety Act civil penalties. Removes a requirement that criminal penalties may only be imposed after noncompliance notice. Reduces the period after CPSC notification to manufacturers and private labelers before public [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Bill TextTo amend the Truth in Lending Act to require notice to consumers of an upcoming adjustment or reset date with respect to hybrid adjustable rate mortgages, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Fair Disclosure for Homeowners Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require the creditor or servicer of a loan to disclose specified financial information in writing to a consumer concerning the interest rate in effect during the introductory period of a hybrid adjustable rate mortgage which adjusts or resets to a variable interest rate. Requires such disclosure to include: (1) any index or formula used in making adjustments to or resetting the interest rate and a source of information about the index or formula; (2) an explanation of how the new interest rate and payment would be determined; (3) the best estimate of the creditor or servicer of the amount of the monthly payment that will apply after the date of the adjustment or reset, and the assumptions [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Citizen lawsuits, Civil rights, Collection of accounts, Communications, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer complaints Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill TextTo establish a comprehensive program to ensure the safety of food products intended for human consumption which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Consumer Food Safety Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) administer a national program to protect human health by ensuring that the food industry has effective programs to assure the safety of food; (2) prescribe regulations regarding harmful substances in food, registration of facilities, sanitary food processing, proper labeling, processing controls, and inspections of registered facilities; (3) establish tolerances to limit the quantity of contaminants in food; (4) establish a system to ensure the safety of imported food; (5) include food in an active surveillance system; (6) establish guidelines for a sampling system of food products; (7) rank food categories based on their health hazard and identify approaches to minimize such hazards; and (8) design [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Agricultural pollution, Agricultural research, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Business, Consumers, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental protection, Executive departments, Food, Food safety, Foodborne diseases, Health surveys, Law, Medical care Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11859)
Bill TextA bill to establish a program to assure the safety of fresh produce intended for human consumption, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Fresh Produce Safety Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish standards for good manufacturing practices for the minimal processing of produce, including standards related to sanitation and water.Requires the Secretary to provide for unannounced inspections of processing facilities to determine if produce processed in the facilities is in compliance with the requirements of this Act.Directs the Secretary to establish general standards for good agricultural practices for the production of raw agricultural commodities, including requirements related to manure, animals, water, and environmental conditions. Gives officers and employees duly designated by the Secretary the authority to inspect appropriate facilities [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Business, Consumers, Customs administration, Damages, Defective products, Food, Food safety, Imports, Law, Manufacturing industries, Meat, Poultry, Products liability, Trade Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Bill TextA bill to require manufacturers to demonstrate sufficient means to cover, for certain products distributed in commerce, costs of potential recalls, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Food and Product Responsibility Act of 2007 - Applies this Act to replacement equipment, food, drugs, devices, cosmetics, biological products, consumer products, meat or meat food product, poultry or poultry products, and eggs or egg products (covered products). Prohibits a manufacturer from distributing a covered product unless the manufacturer holds a certification from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the manufacturer possesses sufficient means (through insurance or otherwise) to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product, including administrative costs, compensatory damages, and costs of any product liability or other lawsuit relating to that product.Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act (regarding meat and meat food products), the Poultry Products [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Administrative fees, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Agriculture, Animals, Antibiotics, Aquaculture, Authorization, Authors and authorship, Budgets, Business, Child health, Children, Civil liberties, Clinical trials Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Signed by President.
Bill TextTo amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Public Law. (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.)Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include postmarket safety activities within the process for the review of human drug applications or supplements, including: (1) developing and using improved adverse event data collection systems and improved analytical tools to assess potential [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Bank accounts, Consumer credit, Consumer protection, Consumers, Debtor and creditor, Finance, Housing, Housing finance, Insurance premiums, Mortgage banks, Mortgages, Property insurance, Property tax, Real estate appraisal, Taxation Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Bill TextTo amend the Truth in Lending Act to require escrow accounts for the payment of property taxes and insurance for all subprime loans, and to expand the coverage of the appraisal requirements under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, and for other purposes. 9/14/2007--Introduced. Homebuyer's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor to establish, in an insured depository institution, an escrow or impound account for payment of taxes and hazard insurance at the time of the consummation of a subprime mortgage transaction. Requires such account to remain in existence for as long as the subprime mortgage is outstanding. Requires creditors, before consummating a consumer credit transaction involving an impound, trust, or escrow account, to provide the following written disclosures: (1) that an escrow or impound account will be established; (2) the amount required to fund such account; (3) the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Accident prevention, Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Advertising, Air pollution, All terrain vehicles, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Carbon monoxide, Child health, Child safety, Children, Cigarettes, Communications Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - By Senator Inouye from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 110-265.
Bill TextA bill to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide greater protection for children's products, to improve the screening of noncompliant consumer products, to improve the effectiveness of consumer product recall programs, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) CPSC Reform Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations: (1) to carry out the Act; (2) for the office of Inspector General; (3) to make capital improvements to the research, development, and testing facility of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (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.[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Consumers, Disaster insurance, Emergency management, Finance, Floods, Insurance companies, Property insurance, Telecommunication, Telephone, Water resources Latest Action: 09/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11511-11512)
Bill TextA bill to require enhanced disclosures to consumers purchasing flood insurance and for other purposes. 9/12/2007--Introduced. Flood Insurance Disclosure Act of 2007 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require insurers to disclose, in writing, to purchasers of a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy: (1) that such policy does not include certain flood insurance coverage; (2) that such person may be eligible to purchase such coverage; and (3) the telephone number and Internet address to contact the National Flood Insurance Program in order to obtain such coverage. | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Business, College costs, College teachers, Colleges, Communications, Consumers, Education, Federal aid to education, Higher education, Identification devices, Internet, Prices, Publishers and publishing, Retail trade, Student enrollment Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Bill TextTo ensure that college textbooks and supplemental materials are available and affordable. 9/10/2007--Introduced. College Textbook Affordability and Transparency Act of 2007 - Requires publishers informing teachers at institutions of higher education about available textbooks or supplements to include written information concerning: (1) the price the publisher would charge the bookstore associated with such institution for such items; (2) the full history of revisions for such items; and (3) whether such items are available in other formats, including paperback and unbound, and the price the publisher would charge the bookstore for items in those formats. Requires a publisher that sells a textbook and any accompanying supplement as a single bundled item also to sell them as separately priced and unbundled items. Directs federally-assisted institutions of higher education to include on printed or internet course schedules the International Standard Book Number [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Advertising, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Business, Business records, Communications, Consumer protection, Consumers, Contracts, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held.
Bill TextA bill to provide for greater disclosure to, and empowerment of, consumers who have entered into a contract for cellular telephone service. 9/7/2007--Introduced. Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007 - Requires that a wireless telephone service provider disclose, in a plain and conspicuous way, contract information regarding terms, charges, minutes, taxes and surcharges, and E-911 service in any publication of the contract, before a consumer enters into the contract, and in advertising. Requires wireless service bills to be clearly organized and use plain language, have taxes and fees in a separate section, and itemize roaming charges. Requires each provider to make available a map showing the wireless telephone service area of the provider and the wireless telephone service area of the provider in each state. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to monitor the quality of wireless telephone service provided in the United States by [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative remedies, Animals, Business, Business records, Cattle, Collection of accounts, Consumers, Defective products, Department of Agriculture, Executive departments, Fines (Penalties), Food, Food industry, Food labeling, Food safety Latest Action: 09/06/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Bill TextTo amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for improved public health and food safety through enhanced enforcement, and for other purposes. 9/6/2007--Introduced. Safe and Fair Enforcement and Recall for Meat, Poultry and Food Act of 2007 or SAFER Meat, Poultry and Food Act of 2007- Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat, poultry, or food products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate; (2) provide the Secretary of Agriculture with authority for voluntary (by transporters, shippers, distributors, and handlers) and mandatory (upon the failure of voluntary action) nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, California, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumers, Department of Energy, Energy, Energy efficiency, Energy research, Executive departments, Federal preemption, Labeling, Law, Lighting, Research and development, Science policy Latest Action: 09/12/2007 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 110-195.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for national energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Introduced. Energy Efficient Lighting for a Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish new efficiency standards for incandescent lighting.Redefines the term "general service incandescent lamp." Requires general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, and candelabra base incandescent lamps to meet specified lamp efficacy, maximum wattage, and Color Rendering Index (CRI) standards. Requires a specified maximum wattage and CRI for certain frosted, clear, and soft white lamps and modified spectrum lamps.Authorizes any person to petition to the Secretary of Energy to: (1) exempt types of general service lamps from efficiency requirements; and (2) establish standards for lamp types that are excluded from [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 8/4/2007 E1764-1765)
Bill TextTo 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: 09/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Bill TextTo amend the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit universal defaults on credit card accounts and to require minimum payment disclosures for accounts under an open end consumer credit plan, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Credit Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from using adverse information concerning any consumer, including information in any consumer report or any change in the consumer's credit score, as the basis for increasing the annual percentage rate of interest (APR) or introductory APR applicable to a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan for reasons other than actions or omissions of the consumer that are directly related to such account. Requires conspicuous payment disclosures on a creditor's billing cycle statement, including: (1) the minimum monthly payment on the outstanding balance; (2) the number of months that it would take to pay the entire amount of the outstanding balance [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Breast cancer, Cancer, Cervical cancer, Civil rights, Coinsurance, Colon cancer, Consumers, Department of Health and Human Services, Discrimination in insurance, Discrimination in medical care, Employee health benefits, Executive departments, Finance, Genetics Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextTo amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide coverage of screening for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Cancer Screening Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for certain types of cancer screening. Includes under such coverage mammograms, clinical breast examinations, pap tests and pelvic examinations, colorectal screening procedures, and prostate screening tests, at specified intervals and through specified procedures for certain age groups in appropriate genders. Prohibits related eligibility discrimination, monetary incentives to individuals, and penalties or incentives to providers. Requires such [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Aged, Civil liberties, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumers, Data banks, Demography, Drugs, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Health information systems, Health policy, Medical care, Medical records, Medicare Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commi
Bill TextTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the quality and efficiency of health care, to provide the public with information on provider and supplier performance, and to enhance the education and awareness of consumers for evaluating health care services through the development and release of reports based on Medicare enrollment, claims, survey, and assessment data. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for the development of reports, based on Medicare and private data that is publicly available or is provided by the entity requesting the report, concerning national, regional, and service provider- and supplier-specific performance, which may be in a provider- or supplier-identifiable format. Requires specified reporting procedures to provide for secure disclosure of Medicare data to Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations meeting certain requirements under contract with the Secretary of Health [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Consumer credit, Consumer protection, Consumers, Credit bureaus, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Fees, Finance, Fraud, Government information, Identity theft, Security measures Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Bill TextTo amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to provide individuals the ability to control access to their credit reports, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Identity Theft Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer to request a consumer reporting agency to place a security freeze upon his or her consumer report. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency, if a security freeze is in place, from releasing a consumer report to a third party without prior express authorization from the consumer.Prescribes procedures for removal and temporary suspension of a security freeze.Requires a consumer reporting agency to notify the consumer in writing before removing the security freeze.Identifies specified entities, including governmental agencies, to which these prohibitions and requirements do not apply.Permits a consumer reporting agency to charge a fee for placing or temporarily suspending a security freeze [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Business, Communications, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Dietary supplements, Executive departments, Fines (Penalties), Food, Food labeling, Grocery trade, Herbs, Imports, Labeling Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10801)
Bill TextA bill to amend the Agricultural Manufacturing Act of 1946 to require labeling of raw agricultural forms of ginseng, including the country of harvest, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) the labeling of raw ginseng offered for sale as food or a dietary supplement to contain country of harvest information; (2) ginseng importers to disclose country of harvest information at the point of U.S. entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose civil monetary penalties for failure to make such disclosures. | | Also tagged in: Child pornography, Child safety, Children, Computer crimes, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumers, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Education, Elementary and secondary education, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Fines (Penalties), Forfeiture, Government information Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-245.
Bill TextA bill to protect children from cybercrimes, including crimes by online predators, to enhance efforts to identify and eliminate child pornography, and to help parents shield their children from material that is inappropriate for minors. 12/12/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act - Title I: Promoting a Safe Internet for Children - (Sec. 101) Declares that the issue of Internet safety includes issues regarding the use of the Internet in a manner that promotes safe online activity for children, protects children from cybercrimes, including crimes by online predators, and helps parents shield their children from material that is inappropriate for minors. (Sec. 102) Directs |
|
