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: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.

Bill Text
To provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit and district judges, to improve the administration of justice, and for other purposes. 9/10/2007--Introduced. Federal Judgeship and Administrative Efficiency Act of 2007 - Federal Judgeship Act of 2007 - Directs the President to: (1) appoint additional circuit judges for the first, second, sixth, and ninth circuit courts of appeals and temporary judges for the eighth and ninth circuit courts of appeals; and (2) appoint additional permanent and temporary district judges for districts in specified states. Establishes a federal judicial district in the Virgin Islands. Revises provisions relating to the jurisdiction of courts of the Virgin Islands.Enhanced Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2007 - Provides for additional permanent and temporary bankruptcy judgeships in specified states. Judicial Administration and Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make residents of Puerto Rico eligible for the earned income tax credit.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Puerto Rico Work and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make residents of Puerto Rico eligible for the earned income tax credit.

H.R.3269 Sponsored by Heather Wilson
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (also known as SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) through FY2012. Provides allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia.Revises funding for the territories under CHIP and Medicaid (SSA title XIX).Provides incentive bonuses for states. Phases out coverage for nonpregnant childless adults under CHIP and sets conditions for coverage of parents. Gives states the option to cover low-income pregnant women under CHIP through a state plan amendment.Establishes in the Treasury the CHIP Contingency Fund.Provides for the two-year availability of allotments. Provides for limitation on matching rate for states that [...]

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Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Bill Text
To permit each of the territories of the United States to provide and furnish a statue honoring a citizen of the territory to be placed in Statuary Hall in the same manner as statues honoring citizens of the States are placed in Statuary Hall.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Permits statues honoring deceased citizens of U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) to be placed in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. Limits such statues to one per jurisdiction.

Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman without amendment. With written report No. 110-324.

Bill Text
To amend the joint resolution that approved the covenant establishing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes. 12/11/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: Northern Mariana Islands Immigration, Security, and Labor Act - Northern Mariana Islands Immigration, Security, and Labor Act - (Sec. 103) Extends U.S. immigration laws, as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act, to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), subject to a transition period through December 31, 2013. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) numerical limitations for nonimmigrant workers (parallel provisions for Guam and the CNMI); (2) nonimmigrant investors and nonimmigrant workers; and (3) removal. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress respecting nonresident guestworkers in the CNMI. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for CNMI nonimmigrant [...]

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Latest Action: 07/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.

Bill Text
To convey certain submerged lands to the Government of the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.

6/28/2007--Introduced.

Conveys to the U.S. Virgin Islands specified submerged lands in the area between the island of Saint Croix and the islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John.

States that for purposes of U.S. laws, except as otherwise provided by international law or international agreement in force for the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands' territorial waters shall extend nine miles seaward from the line of ordinary low water along that portion of the coast which is in direct contact with the open sea and the line marking the seaward limit of inland waters.

Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - H.AMDT.967 Amendment (A009) offered by Ms. Sutton. (consideration: CR H1389-1390; text: CR H1389) An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 110-539 to require the Corporation for National and Community Service to conduct a study to identify specifi

Bill Text
To reauthorize and reform the national service laws. 11/1/2007--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise their programs and reauthorize appropriations for them through FY2012. Title I: Amendments to National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Revises under the NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service, also known as Learn and Serve programs; (2) National Service Trust programs, also known as AmeriCorps; (3) the Civilian Community Corps Demonstration program; and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Subtitle A: Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions) - (Sec. 1101) Adds to NSCA purposes: (1) providing [...]

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S.1634 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Bill Text
A bill to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, and for other purposes.

6/15/2007--Introduced.

Northern Mariana Islands Covenant Implementation Act - Extends U.S. immigration laws, as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act, to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, subject to a transition period through December 31, 2017.

Latest Action: 06/15/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS services to racial and ethnic minorities, and for other purposes.

6/15/2007--Introduced.

HIV Emergency Local Partnership Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities located in communities in which racial or ethnic minorities comprise a majority of the population to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS service to racial and ethnic minorities in such communities.

Directs the Secretary to continue funding grants awarded through the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiatives of the Health Resources and Services Administration until the Secretary begins to provide funds for such initiative through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006.

Excludes amounts expended for medical assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS when calculating the caps for Medicaid payments to territories.

Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 240.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/27/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies for FY2008. Title I: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for: (1) land and resource management; (2) construction; (3) land acquisition; (3) Oregon and California grant lands; (4) range improvements; (5) service charges, deposits, and forfeitures with respect to public lands; (6) miscellaneous trust funds; and (7) wildland fire management (including transfer of funds). Appropriates funds for FY2008 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) [...]

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Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Bill Text
To provide for an additional requirements payment under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that Puerto Rico is treated in the same manner as other States for purposes of determining the amount of the requirements payment made under such Act, and for other purposes.

6/6/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make an additional payment to the State Election Commission of Puerto Rico to assist it to meet federal election administration requirements under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).

Requires the EAC to make such a requirements payment in an amount that would treat Puerto Rico in the same manner as each of the several states and the District of Columbia.

Amends HAVA to revise the formula for determining the minimum amount of requirements payments to Puerto Rico.

Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to improve enforcement of restrictions on employment in the United States of unauthorized aliens and to reimburse State and local governments for costs associated with serving illegal aliens. 5/10/2007--Introduced. Unlawful Employers Accountability and Illegal Alien State Reimbursement Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise (based upon the number of employees) and increase civil money penalties for employers who knowingly hire, recruit, refer, or continue to employ illegal aliens in the United States. Makes employers liable for federal, state, and local costs associated with such aliens' removal. Considers each subdivision as a separate employer in the case of an employer composed of distinct, physically separate subdivisions each of which provides separately for hiring, recruiting, or referring and which is not under the control of another subdivision. Denies specified agricultural assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To create the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. 7/30/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Requires the Governor of the Virgin Islands to appoint a Chief Financial Officer, with the advice and consent of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, from a list required by this Act. States that if: (1) the Legislature has not confirmed a nominee within 90 days the Governor shall appoint an Acting Chief Financial Officer until the Legislature consents to a Chief Financial Officer; and (2) a Chief Financial Officer has not been appointed within 180 days the Virgin Islands Chief Financial Officer Search Commission shall appoint from such list an Acting Chief Financial Officer until a Chief Financial Officer is appointed. Sets forth the Chief Financial [...]

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Latest Action: 05/09/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission. 5/8/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 7, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act - (Sec. 2) Recognizes the great suffering and steadfast loyalty and courage of the people of Guam during the Japanese occupation of Guam in World War II. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make the following payments for Guam World War II claims: (1) spouses, children or parents of compensable Guam decedents would be eligible for $25,000; (2) compensable Guam victims who were raped or suffered severe personal injury would be eligible for $15,000, those who were subjected to forced labor or suffered personal injury would be eligible for $12,000, and those who were subjected to forced march, internment, or hiding [...]

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H.R.1429 Sponsored by Dale E. Kildee
Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the Head Start Act, to improve program quality, to expand access, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Public Law.    (There are 5 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on November 14, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act (the Act) to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs. (Sec. 2) Includes among the aims of Head Start programs children's growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning. (Sec. 3) Includes community-based organizations and financial literacy training within the definitions of Head Start delegate agencies and family literacy services, respectively. Adds definitions of Head Start deficiencies, homeless children, institutions of higher education,[...]

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Latest Action: 03/05/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes.

2/16/2007--Introduced.

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, after the retained use estate at Virgin Islands National Park on the date of enactment of this Act has been terminated and the improvements on such lands have been donated to the United States, to enter into a lease with the person holding the retained use estate on such date for the use of such lands and improvements on terms and conditions determined by the Secretary to be reasonable.

S.608 Sponsored by Dianne Feinstein
Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2030-2031)

Bill Text
A bill to improve the allocation of grants through the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. 2/15/2007--Introduced. Risk-Based Homeland Security Grants Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth provisions governing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funding for first responders pursuant to the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, and the Citizen Corps Program. Makes eligible for a covered grant any state, region, or directly eligible tribe. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish: (1) a Homeland Security Grants Board; (2) clearly defined essential capabilities for state and local government preparedness for terrorism (sets forth factors to address in establishing such capabilities and lists critical infrastructure sectors and types of threats to consider); and [...]

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Latest Action: 03/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.

Bill Text
To establish the United States Territories Infrastructure Bond Bank, and for other purposes. 2/15/2007--Introduced. United States Territories Infrastructure Bond Bank Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary to establish a United States Territories Infrastructure Bond Bank to provide low-cost financing for the governments of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands to construct infrastructure or to refinance debt acquired to construct infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to incorporate the Bank in a U.S. jurisdiction and organize the initial meeting of its Board of Directors, which shall consist of five members, with one appointed by the Secretary and each of the governors of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Allows the Secretary, after the initial five years of the Bank's existence, to invite the governor of another U.S. territory to appoint a Board member, at which time eligibility [...]

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H.R.900 Sponsored by Jose E. Serrano
Latest Action: 04/22/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 110-597.

Bill Text
To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.

2/7/2007--Introduced.

Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 - Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico during the 111th Congress, giving voters the option to vote for continued U.S. territorial status or for a path toward a constitutionally viable permanent nonterritorial status. Provides for subsequent procedures, depending on ballot results.

Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate certain funds for the self-determination process.

H.R.763 Sponsored by Luis G. Fortuno
Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction allowable with respect to income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico.

H.R.667 Sponsored by Jim Costa
Latest Action: 04/02/2007 - Unfavorable Executive Comment Received from USDA.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with States to augment their efforts to conduct early detection and surveillance to prevent the establishment or spread of plant pests that endanger agriculture, the environment, and the economy of the United States, and for other purposes.

1/24/2007--Introduced.

Early Pest Detection and Surveillance Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a cooperative agreement with any state department of agriculture that agrees to conduct early plant pest detection surveillance activities, including inspection and surveillance of domestic plant shipments between a state and other states.

H.R.614 Sponsored by Luis G. Fortuno
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend titles XI and XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the cap on Medicaid payments for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

1/22/2007--Introduced.

Amends titles XI and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to remove the cap on Medicaid payments for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Latest Action: 01/24/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To provide for a circulating quarter dollar coin program to honor the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes. 1/23/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act - (Sec. 2) Requires quarter dollar coins issued during 2009 to have designs on the reverse side which are emblematic of the District of Columbia and the territories. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue during 2009 redesigned quarter dollars commemorating the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the cap on the cover over of tax on distilled spirits to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on the amount of distilled spirits tax covered (paid over) into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Latest Action: 01/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support.

Bill Text
To extend the supplemental security income benefits program to Guam and the United States Virgin Islands.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make Guam and the Virgin Islands eligible for the Supplemental Security Income program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled under SSA title XVI.

Latest Action: 02/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to authorize the legislature of the Virgin Islands to create municipal governments.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to authorize the legislature of the Virgin Islands to create units of local government in the Virgin Islands.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
Proposing an amendment the Constitution of the United States regarding presidential election voting rights for residents of all United States territories and commonwealths.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the right of citizens of the United States to vote in the election for President and Vice President shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of residency in a U.S. territory or commonwealth.

Latest Action: 07/09/2007 - Committee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To convey certain submerged lands to the Government of the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Conveys to the U.S. Virgin Islands specified submerged lands in the area between the island of Saint Croix and the islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John.

States that for purposes of U.S. laws, except as otherwise provided by international law or international agreement in force for the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands' territorial waters shall extend 12 miles seaward from the line of ordinary low water along that portion of the coast which is in direct contact with the open sea and the line marking the seaward limit of inland waters.

Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a long-term lease with the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to provide land on the island of Saint John, Virgin Islands, for the establishment of a school, and for other purposes.

10/22/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Virgin Islands National Park School Lease Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain Virgin Islands National Park land on the island of Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands, to the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands for the purpose of establishing a school on such island.

Limits the lease authorized by this Act to a 99-year term.

Allows the Secretary to require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the lease as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect U.S. interests.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend titles XI and XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the cap on Medicaid payments for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa and to adjust the Medicaid statutory matching rate for those territories.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends titles XI and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) remove the cap on Medicaid payments for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa; and (2) adjust the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for those territories.