| Also tagged in: California, Commemorations, Congressional tributes, Constitution, Constitutional law, Education, Elementary and secondary education, Elementary education, Families, Home schooling, Judicial opinions, Law, Licenses, Parent and child, Secondary education, Supreme Court decisions Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextCalling upon the courts to uphold the fundamental and constitutional right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children. 4/3/2008--Introduced. Commends the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles, California, for allowing a rehearing of the decision in the In re Rachel L. case, requiring parents to hold a teaching license in order to legally homeschool their children. Calls upon the court to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion that parents have a fundamental and constitutional right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. | | Also tagged in: Afghanistan, Air force, Apprenticeship, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Automobiles, Burns, Business, Children, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Contracts, Cost of living adjustments, Counseling 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.
| | Also tagged in: Aged, Air force, Alaska, American Battle Monuments Commission, Appropriations, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Arms control, Army, Budgets, California, Chemical warfare, Claims, Commemorations Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 511.
Bill TextA bill 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. 11/15/2007--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 [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14401)
Bill TextA bill to increase the annual salaries of justices and judges of the United States, and to increase fees for bankruptcy trustees. 11/14/2007--Introduced. Fair Judicial Compensation Act of 2007 - Increases by 16.5% the annual salaries of the Chief Justice of the United States, associate justices of the Supreme Court, U.S. circuit judges, U.S. district judges, and judges of the United States Court of International Trade. Amends the federal bankruptcy code to increase fees for bankruptcy trustees. | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Air force, Airports, Alaska, American Battle Monuments Commission, American Samoa, Appropriations, Arab countries, Architecture, Armed forces, Armed forces reserves, Arms control, Army, Brain, Budgets, Building construction Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H13301-13302)
Bill TextMaking 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) [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Collective bargaining, Criminal justice, Elections, Emergency management, Emergency medicine, Employee rights, Employee-management relations in government, Executive departments, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Federal preemption, Fire fighters, Government employee unions, Government employees Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions. 10/1/2007--Introduced. Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (Authority) to determine whether state law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the Authority to issue in accordance with the public safety employee rights and responsibilities regulations establishing collective [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Bill TextA bill to protect privacy and security concerns in court records. 9/25/2007--Introduced. Directs the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to prescribe rules to protect privacy and security concerns relating to all filing of documents and the public availability of documents retained by, or filed electronically with, the Court. | | Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Bill TextA bill to increase the number of the court's active judges. 9/25/2007--Introduced. Amends federal veterans' benefit law to increase from seven to nine the maximum number of judges on the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. | | Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11588-11589)
Bill TextA bill to allow for certiorari review of certain cases denied relief or review by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. 9/17/2007--Introduced. Equal Justice for United States Military Personnel Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. | | Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Advice and consent of the Senate, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Bankruptcy courts, California, Colorado, Congress, Delaware, District courts, Federal-territorial relations, Finance, Florida, Georgia Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Accident prevention, Administrative procedure, Agriculture, Alaska, Animals, Aquaculture, Armed forces, Armed forces reserves, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Coast guard, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Conspiracy Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-261.
Bill TextA bill to reauthorize the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes. 2/5/2008--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - (Sec. 101) Title I: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard for: (1) operations and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (4) environmental compliance and restoration; (5) research, development, testing, and evaluation programs; (6) operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard reserve program; and (7) construction of a new Chelsea Street Bridge in Chelsea, Massachusetts. (Sec. 102) Authorizes FY2008 levels of Coast Guard active [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to allow for certiorari review of certain cases denied relief or review by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. 7/25/2007--Introduced. Equal Justice for Our Military Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. | | Also tagged in: Alaska, Aliens, Animals, Aquatic pests, Armed forces, Armed forces reserves, Arrest, Authorization, Bering Sea, Boats and boating, Bridges, Budgets, Business, Business records, Caribbean area, Chemicals Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 721.
Bill TextTo authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and title 18, United States Code, to combat the crime of alien smuggling and related activities, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 4 other summaries) Division A: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008 - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorization - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard for: (1) Coast Guard operation and maintenance, with a portion to be derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for certain purposes under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA purposes); (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including related equipment (designating an amount for the Integrated Deepwater System Program and a Fund amount for OPA purposes); (3) Coast [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Appropriations, Archives, Armed forces, Budgets, Business, Communications, Congress, Congressional elections, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumer protection, Consumers, Credit unions, Defense policy, Department of the Treasury, Deposit insurance, District courts Latest Action: 07/13/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Reported by Senator Durbin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-129.
Bill TextMaking appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 7/13/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There are 3 other summaries) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of the Treasury - Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices; (2) department-wide systems and capital investments programs; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; (5) the Air Transportation Stabilization Program Account; (6) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (7) the Financial Management Service; (8) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; (9) the U.S. Mint for the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund; (10) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (11) the Community Development Financial Institutions [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Administrative remedies, Afghanistan, Aged, Agriculture, Air force, Air pollution, Alaska, Alcohol tax, Alternative energy sources, American Battle Monuments Commission, Appalachian Regional Commission, Appropriations, Arabs, Architect of the Capitol, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Signed by President.
Bill TextMaking appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 12/26/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 - Division A: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates FY2008 funds for the following Department of Agriculture (Department) programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); (2) Office of the Chief Economist; (3) National Appeals Division; (4) Office of Budget and Program Analysis; (5) Homeland Security Staff; (6) Office of the Chief Information Officer; (7) Office of the Chief Financial Officer; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Aged, Air force, Alaska, American Battle Monuments Commission, Appropriations, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Arms control, Army, Budgets, California, Chemical warfare, Claims, Commemorations Latest Action: 06/18/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Reed. With written report No. 110-85.
Bill TextAn original bill 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. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Defense - 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 and related operation and maintenance for the military departments [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Air force, Airports, Alaska, American Battle Monuments Commission, Appropriations, Arab countries, Architecture, Armed forces, Armed forces reserves, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Army, Ballistic missile defenses, Boundaries, Budgets, Building construction, Business Latest Action: 09/07/2007 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Bill TextMaking appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 9/6/2007--Passed Senate amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Defense - 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 and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Air conditioning, Air pollution, Air pollution control, Air travel, Alternative energy sources, Animals, Biological diversity, Budgets, Building construction, Capital investments, Carbon cycle, Carbon dioxide, Citizen lawsuits, Climate change Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government. H. Rept. 110-297, Part I.
Bill TextTo reduce the Federal Government's contribution to global warming through measures that promote efficiency in the Federal Government's management and operations, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Reported to House amended, Part I. (There is 1 other summary) Carbon-Neutral Government Act of 2007 - Title I: Federal Government Inventory and Management of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - (Sec. 101) Requires federal agencies, annually, to inventory and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Requires each inventory and report to indicate as discrete categories: (1) any direct emission of GHG as a result of an agency's activity; and (2) the quantity of indirect GHG emissions attributable to the generation of electricity used by the agency and commercial air travel by agency personnel; and (3) the quantity of GHG emissions associated with the work performed for the agency by federal contractors, comprising direct and indirect emissions associated with [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Accounting, Afghanistan, Air force, Alabama, Alaska, Alliances, Alternative energy sources, Animals, Antimissile missiles, Appropriations, Arizona, Arkansas, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves Latest Action: 06/29/2007 - Select Committee on Intelligence. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with amendments. With written report No. 110-125. Additional views filed.
Bill TextAn original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 6/5/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) 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 aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Accounting, Afghanistan, Air force, Alaska, Alliances, Alternative energy sources, Antimissile missiles, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Arms control, Arms control agreements, Army, Artillery Latest Action: 06/29/2007 - Select Committee on Intelligence. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with amendments. Without written report.
Bill TextAn original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 6/29/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - 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 aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; and (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund. Subtitle B: Army Programs - (Sec. 111) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, beginning with the FY2008 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for procurement of: (1) M1A2 Abrams [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Armed forces, Defense economics, Defense policy, Energy, Environmental assessment, Environmental protection, Gasoline, Jurisdiction, Law, Licenses, Military base closures, Petroleum refineries Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.
Bill TextTo expedite the construction of new refining capacity on closed military installations in the United States, and for other purposes. 5/10/2007--Introduced. Requires the President to designate not less than three closed military installations or portions thereof that are appropriate for siting a refinery for gasoline or other fuel. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for coordinating applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. Gives the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions relating to federal refinery authorizations. | | Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Afghanistan, Apprenticeship, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Brain diseases, Budgets, Burns, Cancer, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Cost of living adjustments, Courthouses, Defense policy Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - S.AMDT.4576 Amendment SA 4576 proposed by Senator Akaka. (consideration: CR S3353-3354; text: CR S3353-3354) Of a perfecting nature.
Bill TextAn act to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance veterans' insurance and housing benefits, to improve benefits and services for transitioning servicemembers, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Passed Senate amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 - Title I: Insurance Matters - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to grant level-premium, term life insurance to each veteran less than 65 years old who has a service-connected disability and who seeks such insurance, with a maximum coverage amount of $50,000. Reduces the coverage amount by 80% once the veteran turns 70 and prohibits charging a premium in such a case. (Sec. 102) Allows administrative costs of the Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance program to be paid through premiums. (Sec. 103) Includes all (currently, only certain active-duty) members of the Individual Ready Reserve under the Servicemembers' [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Civil procedure, Communications, Court reporting, Criminal justice, Criminal procedure, District courts, Due process of law, Humanities, Judges, Juries, Law, Photography, Radio broadcasting, Sound recording and reproducing, Supreme Court Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Bill TextTo provide for media coverage of Federal court proceedings. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007 - Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court or U.S. district court to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of court proceedings over which that judge presides except when such action would constitute a violation of the due process rights of any party. Directs: (1) a district court, upon the request of any witness in a trial proceeding other than a party, to order the face and voice of the witness to be disguised or otherwise obscured to render the witness unrecognizable to the broadcast audience of the trial proceeding; and (2) the presiding judge in a trial proceeding to inform each witness who is not a party of the right to make such request. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to promulgate advisory guidelines to which a presiding judge may refer in [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative remedies, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Courthouses, Federal office buildings, Judges, Judicial compensation, Judicial tenure, Law, Veterans, Veterans' benefits Latest Action: 05/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5581-5582)
Bill TextA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the salary and terms of judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, to modify authorities for the recall of retired judges of such court, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Veterans' Justice Assurance Act of 2007 - Repeals, for judges appointed after the enactment of this Act, the 15-year term limit for members of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). Increases the annual salary for the Court's chief judge. Eliminates the 180-day per-year limit on service of retired Court judges who voluntarily return to such service. Requires recalled judges to receive the pay of current judges only during the period of recall, less the amount of any applicable annuity. Prohibits recall service in excess of five years for judges who are recalled involuntarily. Requires the chief judge to establish guidelines for determining whether recall-eligible judges should be recalled on either [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Church and state, Civil liberties, District courts, Federal officials, Government employees, Jurisdiction, Law, Local officials, Religion, Religious liberty, State and local government, State courts, State officials, Supreme Court Latest Action: 06/04/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Bill TextTo protect the right of elected and appointed officials to express their religious beliefs through public prayer. 5/2/2007--Introduced. Public Prayer Protection Act of 2007 - Denies the Supreme Court and district courts jurisdiction to review any matter related to the alleged establishment of religion involving the expression of public prayer by any federal, state, or local government entity or a government officer or agent acting in an official capacity. | | Also tagged in: Bankruptcy courts, Civil procedure, Claims, Courts of special jurisdiction, Criminal procedure, District courts, Finance, Judges, Law, Magistrates, Pretrial procedure Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for reassignment of certain Federal cases upon request of a party. 3/9/2007--Introduced. Peremptory Challenge Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to require: (1) reassignment to another appropriate judicial officer of any civil or criminal case to be tried in a federal district court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or a bankruptcy court if all parties on one side file a reassignment request within 20 days (with certain exceptions) after initial assignment of a judicial officer; and (2) the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit in which the case is to be tried, or another judge designated by the chief judge, to determine any question arising as to which parties should be grouped together as a side for such purpose. | | Also tagged in: Appellate procedure, Armed forces, Civil liberties, Civil procedure, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Conspiracy, Constitution, Constitutional law, Counterterrorism, Courts-martial and courts of inquiry, Criminal justice, Criminal procedure, Defense policy, Discovery (Law) Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Bill TextTo provide for the effective prosecution of terrorists and guarantee due process rights. 3/8/2007--Introduced. Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends federal provisions concerning the prosecution of unlawful enemy combatants by U.S. military commissions to, among other things: (1) repeal the authority for civilian trial (prosecution) counsel in a commission proceeding, but authorize civilian military defense counsel; (2) exclude statements made by coercion; (3) authorize the Secretary of Defense to make exceptions to commission procedures and rules of evidence as required by unique circumstances of military or intelligence operations during hostilities; (4) provide for self-representation by the accused, while requiring assistance by military defense counsel; (5) authorize the military judge to dismiss charges or take other action upon a determination that substitute information for classified exculpatory evidence is insufficient to protect the fair trial right of [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Appellate procedure, Armed forces, Civil liberties, Civil procedure, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Conspiracy, Constitution, Constitutional law, Counterterrorism, Courts-martial and courts of inquiry, Criminal justice, Criminal procedure, Defense policy, Discovery (Law) Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11563)
Bill TextA bill to provide for the effective prosecution of terrorists and guarantee due process rights. 2/13/2007--Introduced. Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends federal provisions concerning the prosecution of unlawful enemy combatants by U.S. military commissions to, among other things: (1) repeal the authority for civilian trial (prosecution) counsel in a commission proceeding, but authorize civilian military defense counsel; (2) exclude statements made by coercion; (3) authorize the Secretary of Defense to make exceptions to commission procedures and rules of evidence as required by unique circumstances of military or intelligence operations during hostilities; (4) provide for self-representation by the accused, while requiring assistance by military defense counsel; (5) authorize the military judge to order trial counsel to disclose to defense counsel the sources, methods, or activities in which witnesses or evidence against the accused was obtained; (6) require [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Collective bargaining, Criminal justice, Elections, Emergency management, Emergency medicine, Employee rights, Employee-management relations in government, Executive departments, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Fire fighters, Government employee unions, Government employees, Industrial arbitration Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S3883; text: CR S3883)
Bill TextTo provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions. 7/17/2007--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 13, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (Authority) to determine whether state law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Appellate procedure, Congressional reporting requirements, Court records, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Delegation of powers, Department of Justice, Executive departments, Government information, Government paperwork, Informers, Law, Prosecution, Sentences (Criminal procedure), Sentencing guidelines Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Bill TextTo amend title 18, United States Code, to reaffirm the intent of Congress in the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, and for other purposes. 2/12/2007--Introduced. Sentencing Fairness and Equity Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to require: (1) federal courts to impose sentences for crimes at no less than the minimum of the range prescribed by U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines up to the statutory maximum; and (2) appellate de novo review of any sentence imposed below the minimum of the range in applicable sentencing guidelinesDirects the Attorney General to create and implement a new policy for the filing of motions for reducing a criminal sentence for substantial assistance in investigating or prosecuting another individual.Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) exempt sentencing courts from the requirement of filing a written report with the U.S. Sentencing Commission for certain petty crimes for which there are no applicable sentencing [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Advice and consent of the Senate, Alaska, Arizona, California, Congress, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Judicial reform, Judicial tenure, Law, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Presidential appointments, Presidents Latest Action: 02/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextA bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit judges, to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States into 2 circuits, and for other purposes. 2/8/2007--Introduced. Circuit Court of Appeals Restructuring and Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington).Requires the President to appoint five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit, to be stationed in California.Specifies the locations where new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Locates the offices of the new Twelfth Circuit in Phoenix, Arizona.Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 02/01/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextA bill to amend chapter 3 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for 11 circuit judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. 2/1/2007--Introduced. Amends the federal judicial code to reduce the number of judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 12 to 11. | | Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Bill TextTo amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and controversies involving the Pledge of Allegiance. 1/29/2007--Introduced. Pledge Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any federal court, and appellate jurisdiction to the Supreme Court, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of the Pledge of Allegiance or its validity under the Constitution. Makes this limitation inapplicable to: (1) any court established by Congress under its power to make needful rules and regulations respecting the territory of the United States; or (2) the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. | | Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Civil procedure, Communications, Court reporting, Criminal justice, Criminal procedure, District courts, Due process of law, Humanities, Judges, Juries, Law, Photography, Radio broadcasting, Sound recording and reproducing, Supreme Court Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.
Bill TextA bill to provide for media coverage of Federal court proceedings. 3/13/2008--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2008 - Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court or U.S. district court to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of court proceedings over which that judge presides except when such action would constitute a violation of the due process rights of any party.Directs: (1) a district court, upon the request of any witness in a trial proceeding other than a party, to order the face and voice of the witness to be disguised or otherwise obscured to render the witness unrecognizable to the broadcast audience of the trial proceeding; and (2) the presiding judge in a trial proceeding to inform each witness who is not a party of the right to make such request. Prohibits the presiding judge from permitting the photographing,[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative remedies, Armed forces, Budgets, Classified defense information, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Congressional witnesses, Defense policy, Disciplining of employees, Dismissal of employees, Due process of law, Employee rights, Evidence (Law) Latest Action: 12/17/2007 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
Bill TextA bill to amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel, and for other purposes. 12/17/2007--Passed Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) any disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Appropriations, Budgets, Church and state, Civil liberties, Constitution, Constitutional law, District courts, Equality before the law, Federal mandates, Federal-local relations, Federal-state relations, Homosexuality, Impeachments, Judicial ethics, Judicial tenure Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E32-33)
Bill TextTo limit the jurisdiction of the Federal courts, and for other purposes. 1/5/2007--Introduced. We the People Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and each federal court from adjudicating any claim or relying on judicial decisions involving: (1) state or local laws, regulations, or policies concerning the free exercise or establishment of religion; (2) the right of privacy, including issues of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction; or (3) the right to marry without regard to sex or sexual orientation where based upon equal protection of the laws.Allows the Supreme Court and the federal courts to determine the constitutionality of federal statutes, administrative rules, or procedures in considering cases arising under the Constitution. Prohibits the Supreme Court and the federal courts from issuing any ruling that appropriates or expends money, imposes taxes, or otherwise interferes with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the states.Authorizes [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Appellate procedure, Congressional reporting requirements, Courts, District courts, Judges, Judicial districts, Judicial reform, Judicial review, Jurisdiction, Law, Supreme Court, Virgin Islands Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextTo establish the District Court of the Virgin Islands as a court under article III of the United States Constitution. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Judicial District of the Virgin Islands Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish a two-judge Article III court in the Virgin Islands (with court held in Christiansted for the Saint Croix Division, and in Charlotte-Amalie for the Saint Thomas and Saint John Division). Requires pleadings and procedures to be conducted in the English language. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to state that: (1) the judicial power of the Virgin Islands shall be vested in an appellate court and lower local courts as may have been or may hereafter be established by local law (eliminates references to the district court of the Virgin Islands); and (2) the U.S. district court of the Virgin Islands shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all income-tax related criminal and civil proceedings in the Virgin Islands, except [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Advice and consent of the Senate, Alaska, Arizona, California, Congress, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Judges, Judicial districts, Judicial reform, Law, Montana, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit judges, to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States into two circuits, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2007 - Divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into: (1) the Ninth Circuit, composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and Northern Mariana Islands; and (2) the Twelfth Circuit, composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.Directs the President to appoint two additional judges for the former Ninth Circuit, three additional judges for the new Ninth Circuit, and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit. Specifies the locations where new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the new circuits. Allows senior circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to [...] show full description |
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