| Also tagged in: Black colleges, Business, College administration, College costs, Communications, Community development banking, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer credit, Consumer education, 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 | | Also tagged in: Authorization, Budgets, Business, Commercialization, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Data banks, Energy, Energy research, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Federal aid to research, Federal-state relations, Finance, Government information, Manufacturing industries Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Bill TextTo amend the Small Business Act to improve the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and for other purposes. 4/23/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act - Title I: Modernizing the SBIR and STTR Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to extend through FY2010 (currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY2008) the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA). (Sec. 102) Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award levels from: (1) $100,000 to $300,000, for participation at a Phase One level; and (2) $750,000 to $2.2 million, for participation at a Phase Two level. Allows participating federal agencies (agencies) to exceed such award levels if such agencies notify, and provide [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Banks and banking, Budgets, Business, Business ethics, Citizenship, Collection of accounts, College costs, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Debtor and creditor, Department of Education, Department of the Treasury, Education, Executive departments Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Signed by President.
Bill TextTo ensure continued availability of access to the Federal student loan program for students and families. 5/7/2008--Public Law. (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 30, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase, by $2,000, the maximum annual unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts that may be provided to undergraduate students under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. Sets the aggregate limit on such loans at $31,000 for dependent undergraduates and $57,500 for independent undergraduates. (Sec. 3) Gives parent borrowers of PLUS FFELs the option to defer loan principal repayment for up to six months after the students for whom such loans are borrowed cease to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload. [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Afghanistan, Armed forces, Birth defects, Children, Congress, Congress and military policy, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuing education, Day care, Defense policy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Drug abuse, Drug abuse treatment, Education, Epidemiology Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
| | Also tagged in: Admission of nonimmigrants, Agricultural labor, Agriculture, Air pollution, Alaska, Alien labor, Aluminum, American Revolution, Animals, Anniversaries, Archaeology, Arizona, Arkansas, Armed forces, Art, Astronautical accidents Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Signed by President.
Bill TextA bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, 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, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 3/10/2008--Introduced. Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Sets forth provisions concerning the Northern Mariana Islands. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Afghanistan, Apartment houses, Armed forces, Bonds, Budgets, Condominium (Housing), Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer credit, Consumers, Cooperative housing, Counseling, Damages, Defense policy, Department of the Treasury Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Star Print ordered on the bill.
Bill TextA bill to aid families and neighborhoods facing home foreclosure and address the subprime mortgage crisis. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Security Against Foreclosures and Education Act, or the SAFE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans. Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to continue to award expeditiously certain funds already provided for mortgage foreclosure counseling. Amends the Code to allow purchasers of certain single-family principal residences a one-time tax credit. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) revise creditor mortgage loan disclosure requirements; and (2) increase civil damages for noncompliance with such Act. Amends the Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for certain taxable years; and (2) suspend through taxable year 2009 the 90% of alternative minimum taxable income limit for certain [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: AIDS (Disease), Aliens, Authorization, Budgets, Child health, Children, Condoms, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuum of care, Crime prevention, Crimes against women, Criminal justice, Developing countries, Drugs Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-325. Minority views filed.
Bill TextA bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and for other purposes. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to revise the provisions of the President's comprehensive five-year global strategy to combat HIV/AIDS. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for the establishment of an interagency working group on HIV/AIDS headed by the Global AIDS Coordinator and comprised of representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Extends funding for: (1) the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; (2) the Vaccine Fund; (3) [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Budgets, Child health, Children, Community health services, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuing education, Dental care, Dentistry, Dentists, Education, Federal aid to child health services, Federal aid to education, Federal aid to health facilities, Health education Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Bill Text
A bill to expand the dental workforce and improve dental access, prevention, and data reporting, and for other purposes.
| | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Administrative procedure, Affordable housing, Afghanistan, Aged, Agricultural subsidies, Agriculture, Aid to dependent children, AIDS (Disease), Alternative energy sources, Animals, Appropriations, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Auditing Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - S.AMDT.4380 Amendment SA 4380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 79.
Bill TextAn original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 3/14/2008--Passed Senate amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013.[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Affordable housing, Afghanistan, Aged, Air pollution, Alternative energy sources, Appropriations, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Ballistic missile defenses, Bonds, Border patrols, Brain, Budget deficits, Budget reconciliation, Budget resolutions Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1627-1659, H1661-1684)
Bill TextRevising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--Passed House without amendment. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Budgets, Child health, Children, Community health services, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Continuing education, Dental care, Dentistry, Dentists, Education, Federal aid to child health services, Federal aid to education, Federal aid to health facilities, Health education Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - 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 Text
To expand the dental workforce and improve dental access, prevention, and data reporting, and for other purposes.
| | Also tagged in: Afghanistan, Air force, Appellate courts, Apprenticeship, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Armed forces reserves, Automobiles, Burns, Business, Children, Congress, 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: Ambulatory care, Armed forces, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Defense policy, Drug abuse, Drug abuse treatment, Health policy, Hospital care, Iraq compilation, Managed care, Medical care, Medical screening, Medicine, Mental depression, Mental health services Latest Action: 02/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Bill Text
To require the Department of Defense to implement a pain care initiative, and for other purposes.
| | Also tagged in: Career education, College costs, Colleges, Community and school, Community colleges, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Dropouts, Economic policy, Education, Education of the disadvantaged, Elementary and secondary education, Employee selection, Families, Federal aid to education, Higher education Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the participation in higher education of, and to increase opportunities in employment for, residents of rural areas. 1/30/2008--Introduced. College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships between rural institutions of higher education (IHEs) and rural local educational agencies, rural education service agencies, regional employers, or rural education nonprofit organizations for activities to: (1) improve the rural IHE enrollment rates of rural secondary school graduates and former attendees; and (2) encourage nontraditional students' participation in rural IHE degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between rural IHEs and regional employers to: (1) provide additional training to rural IHE attendees in careers relevant to the regional economy; and (2) encourage [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Afghanistan, Armed forces, Budgets, Claims, Congress, Congressional committees (Senate), Congressional oversight, Congressional reorganization, Counterterrorism, Criminal justice, Defense contracts, Defense economics, Defense policy, Foreign aid, Foreign policy, Fraud Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S501)
Bill TextA resolution establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. 1/30/2008--Introduced. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting to investigate the awarding and performance of contracts to conduct military, security, and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to support the prosecution of the war on terrorism. Requires investigation, in particular, of allegations of wasteful and fraudulent practices, including allegations regarding any contract or spending entered into, supervised by, or otherwise involving the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), regardless of whether or not such contract or spending involved U.S. appropriated funds. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that any claim of fraud, waste, or abuse under the False Claims Act that involves any contract or spending [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Annuities, Auditing, Budgets, Civil service retirement, Collection of accounts, Congress, Congressional agencies, Congressional reorganization, Congressional reporting requirements, Consultants, Expense accounts, Federal employees, Federal officials, Finance, Financial disclosure Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Bill TextA bill to make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - Revises certain administrative requirements for the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Requires the Comptroller General (not the President, as currently) to appoint the Deputy Comptroller General, who shall serve at the Comptroller General's pleasure. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits. Requires any executive agency (or component) that prepares an audited financial statement (or related schedule) to reimburse GAO the cost of any GAO audit. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements. Increases from [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Admission of nonimmigrants, Afghanistan, Air force, Air piracy, Airports, Alaska, Alien labor, Alien property, Ammunition, Anniversaries, Annuities, Appellate procedure, Armed forces Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Signed by President.
Bill TextTo provide for the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as previously enrolled, with certain modifications to address the foreign sovereign immunities provisions of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the attachment of property in certain judgements against Iraq, the lapse of statutory authorities for the payment of bonuses, special pays, and similar benefits for members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 1/28/2008--Public Law. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Business education, Business records, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer complaints, Consumers, Education, Fees, Franchises (Retail trade), Government information, Government paperwork, Job training, Law, Licenses, Veterans Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Bill TextTo direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot project on the use of educational assistance under programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs to defray training costs associated with the purchase of certain franchise enterprises. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of the use of educational assistance under certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for training costs associated with the purchase of a franchise enterprise. Prohibits the use of such assistance unless: (1) training is required and provided in connection with the purchase and operation of a franchise; and (2) such training, and the training entity, are approved by the Secretary. Provides training and entity approval requirements. | | Also tagged in: Administrative remedies, Aliens, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Civil liberties, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Defense policy, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Electronic government information, Employee training, Executive departments, Families, Federal employees, Fingerprints Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Received in the House.
Bill TextA bill to assist members of the Armed Forces in obtaining United States citizenship, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Passed Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment or at the time of applying for (immigration) status adjustment to satisfy any naturalization background or security requirements if: (1) the individual may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment or provides the required biometric information at the time of application for status adjustment if filed within 24 months after enlistment; and (2) the Secretary determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints,[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative fees, Budgets, Civil liberties, Communications, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consent decrees, Disciplining of employees, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal employees, Federal officials, Freedom of information, Government employees, Government information Latest Action: 12/31/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-175.
Bill TextA bill to promote accessibility, accountability, and openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes. 12/31/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to revise requirements for federal agency disclosures of information requested under that Act. (Sec. 3) Provides definitions of "representative of the news media" and "news" for purposes of request processing fees. Regards a freelance journalist as working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Admission of nonimmigrants, Agricultural labor, Agriculture, Air pollution, Alaska, Alien labor, Aluminum, American Revolution, Animals, Anniversaries, Archaeology, Arizona, Arkansas, Armed forces, Art, Astronautical accidents Latest Action: 12/14/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 546.
Bill TextA bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Energy, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Sets forth provisions concerning the Northern Mariana Islands.Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National Trails System Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Oregon [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative remedies, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Disabled, Employee rights, Employment of the disabled, Federal employees, Government employees, Government information, Government paperwork, Governmental investigations, Labor, Labor statistics, Law, State and local government, State employees Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15463-15464)
Bill TextA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions concerning uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits to: (1) require complainants to be notified of their rights within five days after receipt of the complaint by the Secretary of Labor; (2) require investigation and resolution of complaints to be completed no later than 90 days after receipt of the complaint; and (3) impose a 15-day deadline on referral to the Attorney General or to the Office of Special Counsel of an unsuccessful effort to resolve a complaint against a state or private employer or a federal executive agency, respectively. Requires the Attorney General or the Special Counsel, as appropriate, to make a decision and provide notification concerning representation of a complainant [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Age discrimination, Aircraft pilots, Airline employees, Airline passenger traffic, Airlines, Aviation safety, Business, Civil rights, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Discrimination in employment, Employee training, Job training, Labor, Medical care, Medicine Latest Action: 12/14/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-135.
Bill TextTo amend title 49, United States Code, to modify age standards for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations. 12/13/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act - Amends federal transportation law to allow a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65, provided that a pilot who has attained age 60 may serve as pilot-in-command on international flights only if there is another pilot in the flight crew who has not yet attained 60 years of age. Prohibits subjecting pilots to different medical examinations and standards on account of age unless to ensure an adequate level of safety in flight, except that no person who has attained 60 years of age may serve as a pilot unless such person has a first-class medical certificate.Requires [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Cost effectiveness, Data banks, Disaster relief, Emergency housing, Emergency management, Evacuation of civilians, Federal aid to housing, Federal-local relations, Federal-state relations, Finance, Government information, Government paperwork, Government statistics Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Lieberman. With written report No. 110-240.
Bill TextAn original bill to provide for the flexibility of certain disaster relief funds, and for improved evacuation and sheltering during disasters and catastrophes. 12/11/2007--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.)Streamlining Mitigation Actions and Recovery Tools and Regional Evacuation and Sheltering Planning of Overarching Networks for Severe Emergencies Act or the SMART RESPONSE Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting or restricting the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of specified funds designated for that state under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita based upon: (1) any Program requirement that limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Armed forces, Armed forces reserves, Budgets, Business, Business education, Capital, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Defense policy, Disabled, Distance education, Entrepreneurs, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Government lending, Governmental investigations Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Signed by President.
Bill TextTo improve and expand small business assistance programs for veterans of the armed forces and military reservists, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Public Law. (There is 1 other summary) Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008 - Title I: Veterans Business Development - (Sec. 101) Increases funding (with an offset), for FY2008-FY2009, for the Office of Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Expresses the sense of Congress that excess amounts for such Office should be used to support veterans business outreach centers. (Sec. 102) Amends the Small Business Act to direct the President to establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to improve capital and business development opportunities for, and ensure achievement of the pre-established federal contracting goals for, small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Aged, Communicable diseases, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Data banks, Department of Health and Human Services, Executive departments, Health information systems, Health policy, Health surveys, Hospital care, Hospitals, Law, Medical care, Medical research Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill TextTo improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of community and healthcare-associated infections (CHAI), with a focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop best-practices guidelines for internal infection control plans to prevent, detect, control, and treat community and healthcare-associated infections at hospitals.Requires AHRQ to: (1) establish best practices with supporting justification, including the establishment of an infection control oversight committee; (2) collaborate with other agencies and organizations whose area of expertise is the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease; (3) publish proposed guidelines; (4) provide for a comment period of not less than 90 days; and (5) establish final [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Career education, College costs, Colleges, Community and school, Community colleges, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Dropouts, Economic policy, Education, Education of the disadvantaged, Elementary and secondary education, Employee selection, Families, Federal aid to education, Higher education Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Bill TextTo amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve participation in higher education of, and increase opportunities in employment for, residents of rural areas. 11/9/2007--Introduced. College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships between rural institutions of higher education (IHEs) and rural local educational agencies, rural education service agencies, regional employers, or rural education nonprofit organizations for activities to: (1) improve the rural IHE enrollment rates of rural high school graduates and former attendees; and (2) encourage nontraditional students' participation in rural IHE degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between rural IHEs and regional employers to: (1) provide additional training to rural IHE attendees in careers relevant to the regional economy; and (2) encourage regional businesses [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Authorization, Budgets, Community health services, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Education, Elementary and secondary education, Federal aid to health facilities, Health policy, Health services administration, Medical care, Medically uninsured, Medicine, Public health personnel, Rural affairs Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Public Health Services Act to reauthorize the Community Health Centers program, the National Health Service Corps, and rural health care programs. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Health Care Safety Net Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations; (2) the National Health Service Corps; and (3) rural health care programs. Requires studies or reports on: (1) school-based health centers; (2) community health centers; and (3) integrated health system models for the delivery of health care services to medically underserved populations. | | Also tagged in: Awards, medals, prizes, Budgets, Capitol (Washington, D.C.), Commemorations, Congress, Congressional agencies, Congressional reporting requirements, Criminal justice, Department of Justice, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal libraries, Federal officials, Fraud, Fringe benefits, Government employees Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Received in the House.
Bill TextA bill to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) to enhance the Offices of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Inspector General Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require each Inspector General to be appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations. Requires the President and other specified officials to communicate to Congress in advance the reasons for removing or transferring an Inspector General. Sets forth the annual rate of basic pay for Inspectors General. Prohibits an Inspector General from receiving cash awards or bonuses.Requires Inspectors General to obtain legal advice from a counsel either reporting directly to [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Aged, Auditing, Budgets, Collection of accounts, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Government contractors, Health policy, Medical care, Medicare, Medicine, Performance measurement, Public contracts Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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 impose a moratorium on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program. 11/7/2007--Introduced. Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program Moratorium Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to effect a one-year moratorium on the Medicare recovery audit contractor program, under which the Secretary contracts with recovery audit contractors to identify underpayments and overpayments, and recoup overpayments, with respect to all services for which payment is made under part A or B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate the program for Congress; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the use of recovery audit contractors in the Medicare Integrity program. | | Also tagged in: Access to health care, Afghanistan, Armed forces, Children, Comprehensive health care, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Counseling, Criminal justice, Day care, Defense policy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Drug abuse, Drug abuse treatment, Education, Employee training Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Bill TextTo amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Introduced. Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a long-term epidemiological study on the health of women veterans who served on active duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) assess barriers encountered by women veterans to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of comprehensive health care; (3) assess all health care services and programs provided by the VA for women veterans; (4) provide training for mental health professionals who provide counseling to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (5) develop a plan for the identification, development, and dissemination of treatments for post-traumatic [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Business, Civil liberties, Congress, Contracts, Executive compensation, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Loan defaults, Performance measurement, Right of privacy, Securities, Small business, Small business investment companies, Standards Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13689)
Bill TextA bill to establish portfolio quality standards, improve lender oversight by the Small Business Administration, create economic outcome and performance measurements, strengthen the loan programs under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act and title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Small Business Lending Oversight and Program Performance Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop and publish portfolio quality evaluation standards to evaluate the loan portfolios of lenders participating in the section 7(a) (SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses) and 504 (financing to small businesses funded by SBA-guaranteed debentures) programs of the Small Business Act. Requires the standards to measure the rates of loan liquidation, currency, recovery, and delinquency, and to be used by the Administrator to determine lender portfolio quality and to conduct lender [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Apartment houses, Budgets, Business, Casualty insurance, Collection of accounts, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Department of Homeland Security, Disaster insurance, Emergency management, Employee training, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Finance Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3946-3966)
Bill TextAn original bill to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, to restore the financial solvency of the flood insurance fund, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--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.) Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. (Sec. 5) Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make national flood insurance available for multifamily properties of more than four units. (Sec. 6) Requires the FEMA Director to estimate the exclusion of certain prospective insureds from purchasing flood insurance at risk premium rates less than those estimated for specified properties (including [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Biological warfare, Business, Casualty insurance, Chemical warfare, Compensation (Law), Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Criminal justice, Department of the Treasury, Executive departments, Finance, Insurance companies, Insurance premiums, Law, Losses Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-215.
Bill TextAn original bill to reauthorize the Federal terrorism risk insurance program, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--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.)Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act to revise the definition of an act of terrorism for terrorism risk insurance purposes to eliminate the requirement that the individual or individuals committing a terrorist act be acting on behalf of any foreign person or foreign interest.Extends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program through calendar 2014.(Sec. 4) States that no insurer may be required to make payment for insured losses in excess of its statutory deductible, combined with its statutory share of insured losses.Requires the Secretary of the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Advertising, All terrain vehicles, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Child safety, Children, Clothing, Communications, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer education, Consumer Product Safety Commission Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.
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 | | Also tagged in: Armed forces, Business, Business education, Congress, Defense economics, Depressed areas, Disabled, Economic policy, Employee training, Executive departments, Federal employees, Government contractors, Government employees, Government information, Government paperwork, Government procurement Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Bill TextA bill to improve the Small Business Act, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Small Business Contracting Revitalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide federal review and oversight of the practice of contract bundling (the consolidation of two or more procurement contracts into a solicitation for a single prime contract that is unlikely, because of its size or complexity, to be suitable for award to a small business). Revises or adds federal provisions or requirements concerning: (1) increased small business participation in federal procurement subcontracts, including a pilot program to provide contractual incentives to prime contractors that exceed their small business subcontracting goals; (2) Small Business Administration (SBA) certification of small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; (3) historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones) [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Aged, Communicable diseases, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Data banks, Department of Health and Human Services, Executive departments, Health information systems, Health policy, Health surveys, Hospital care, Hospitals, Law, Medical care, Medical research Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13629-13630)
Bill TextA bill to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of community and healthcare-associated infections (CHAI), with a focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop best-practices guidelines for internal infection control plans to prevent, detect, control, and treat community and healthcare-associated infections at hospitals.Requires AHRQ to: (1) establish best practices with supporting justification, including the establishment of an infection control oversight committee; (2) collaborate with other agencies and organizations whose area of expertise is the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease; (3) publish proposed guidelines; (4) provide for a comment period of not less than 90 days; and (5) establish [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Auctions, Budgets, Congress, Education, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Governmental investigations, Higher education, Interest rates, Public contracts, Student loan funds Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2292)
Bill TextTo study, pilot, and implement a comprehensive, structural, market-based reform to the Federal Family Education Loan Program to reduce costs to taxpayers and improve program efficiency. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Student Loan Auction Market Act - Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary) and the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a planning study of alternative market-based mechanisms for setting lenders' yields on Federal Family Education Loans under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Requires such study to be followed by a limited two-year pilot program testing the mechanisms which the study finds most promising in ensuring loan availability, minimizing administrative complexity, and reducing federal costs. Allows the Secretary to implement on a program-wide basis the auction-based system proven to satisfy such criteria, after an independent evaluation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of the pilot program, as well as the Competitive [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Agricultural chemicals, Agricultural conservation, Agricultural credit, Agricultural industries, Agricultural machinery, Agricultural subsidies, Agriculture, Air pollution, Alcohol as fuel, Alternative energy sources, Animals, Biomass energy, Bonds, Broadband, Brownfields, Budgets Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 446.
Bill TextAn original bill to amend the Trade Act of 1974 to establish supplemental agricultural disaster assistance and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for conservation and alternative energy sources and to provide tax relief for farmers, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--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.)Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007 - Title I: Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish a program of supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Establishes an Agriculture Disaster Relief Trust Fund to provide payments to farmers and ranchers who suffer losses in areas declared as disaster areas by the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Agriculture, Animals, Budgets, Congress, Congressional reorganization, Consumers, Federal advisory bodies, Food, Food safety, Legislation, Meat inspection, Poultry Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13457-13459)
Bill TextA bill to establish a commission to ensure food safety in the United States, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Food Safety Authority Modernization Act - Establishes the Congressional Bipartisan Food Safety Commission to: (1) review the U.S. food safety system and relevant statutes, studies, and reports; (2) prepare a report that summarizes information about the current system, makes specified recommendations (including on ways to modernize the system, improve coordination of food safety activities, emphasize preventative strategies, and provide to federal agencies funding mechanisms to carry out food safety responsibilities); and (3) draft statutory language that would implement the recommendations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the Commission specified funding and support services. Terminates budget authority to implement food and food safety provisions of the Poultry Products Inspection [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Agriculture, Animals, Brownfields, Business, Capital gains tax, Charitable contributions, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Conservation easements, Corporation taxes, Endangered species, Environmental protection, Habitat conservation, Hazardous substances, Hazardous waste sites, Income tax Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-205.
Bill TextAn original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide additional tax incentives to promote habitat conservation and restoration, and for other purposes. 10/24/2007--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.)Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Auditing, Awards, medals, prizes, Budgets, Business, Commemorations, Communicable diseases, Congress, Cost effectiveness, Drug approvals, Drug industry, Finance, Intellectual property, Marketing, Medical care, Medical innovations, Medicine Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to provide incentives for investment in research and development for new medicines, to enhance access to new medicines, and for other purposes. 10/19/2007--Introduced. Medical Innovation Prize Act of 2007 - Prohibits any person from having the right to exclusively manufacture, distribute, sell, or use in interstate commerce a drug, a biological product, or a drug or biological product manufacturing process, including the exclusive right to rely on health registration data or the 30-month stay-of-effectiveness period for Orange Book patents under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, notwithstanding provisions of that Act and other specified laws. Establishes the Fund for Medical Innovation Prizes. Requires the Board of Trustees for the Fund to award prize payments for medical innovations relating to a drug, biological product, or manufacturing process. Requires an eligible award recipient to be either the first person to receive market clearance or the holder [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Budgets, Children, Confidential communications, Congress, Criminal justice, Department of Homeland Security, Deportation, Education, Executive departments, Federal aid to education, Fines (Penalties), Fraud, Higher education, Illegal aliens Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S13300-13306)
Bill TextA bill to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2007 or DREAM Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Architecture and the disabled, Asbestos, Bonds, Budgets, Building construction, Business, Charter schools, Children, Competitive bidding, Congressional reporting requirements, Construction costs, Cost accounting, Data banks, Disabled, Education, Education of the disadvantaged Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Bill TextTo amend part D of title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants for the renovation of schools. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Public School Repair and Renovation Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states for competitive school repair and renovation grants to local educational agencies (LEAs). Requires each state, in awarding such grants, to: (1) award high-need and rural LEAs, in the aggregate, at least the same proportion of this Act's LEA funds for the state that they received of total LEA school improvement funds for the state under part A of title I of the ESEA; and (2) consider the percentage of poor children LEAs serve, the condition of their public schools, and their fiscal capacity to cover repairs and renovations without such a grant. Directs each state to reserve a portion of their allocation for a state-level database of [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Afghanistan, Armed forces, Avionics, Congress, Congress and military policy, Congressional reporting requirements, Defense economics, Defense policy, Defense procurement, Governmental investigations, Iraq, Iraq compilation, Middle East and North Africa, Military aircraft, Military airlift, Military operations Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces.
Bill TextTo require a report on the size and mixture of the Air Force intertheater airlift force. 10/18/2007--Introduced. United States Airlift Requirements Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to study alternatives for the asset size and mix for the Air Force intertheater airlift force, focusing on current and planned capabilities and costs of the C-5 and C-17 fleets. Requires that the study be conducted through a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) in concert with the United States Transportation Command. | | Also tagged in: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Armed forces, Auditing, Civil liberties, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Criminal justice, Debt relief, Defense budgets, Defense economics, Democratic Republic of Congo, Developing countries, Development credit institutions, Drug abuse, Drug law enforcement, Economic policy Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Hearings held.
Bill TextA bill to provide for greater responsibility in lending and expanded cancellation of debts owed to the United States and the international financial institutions by low-income countries, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Introduced. Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions, to: (1) provide for debt cancellation of eligible low-income countries (as defined by this Act) to such institutions and to the United States; (2) provide for establishment of frameworks for creditor transparency and responsible lending; and (3) provide that such debt cancellation is not conditioned on harmful economic or environmental conditions.Directs the Government [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Bank accounts, Budgets, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer credit, Consumer education, 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: Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Budgets, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional hearings, Congressional oversight, Congressional-executive relations, Corruption in politics, Defense budgets, Defense economics, Defense policy, Federal officials, Foreign policy, Government employees, Government information Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 734 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule w
Bill TextExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the withholding of information relating to corruption in Iraq. 10/16/2007--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.) Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) as Congress considers the President's request for over $150 billion more for the war in Iraq it is essential that Congress and the people of the United States know the extent of corruption in the Iraqi government and whether corruption is fueling the insurgency; (2) it was wrong to retroactively classify portions of the report titled "Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: U.S. Ministry Capacity Development Efforts Need an Overall Integrated Strategy to Guide Efforts and Manage Risk" which was released October 4, 2007, and other statements that do not [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Civil liberties, Communication in medicine, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Curricula, Data banks, Department of Health and Human Services, Education, Electronic data interchange, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal advisory bodies, Federal aid to education, Federal aid to health facilities, Government procurement Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2108-2109)
Bill TextTo advance the adoption of nationwide interoperable health information technology and to improve health care quality and reduce health care costs in the United States. 10/10/2007--Introduced. Promoting Health Information Technology Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Provides for the adoption by the federal government of standards for the electronic exchange of health information.Establishes the American Health Information Community to provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of any relevant federal agencies concerning the policy considerations related to health information technology.Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the: (1) purchase [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy courts, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Counseling, Debtor and creditor, Finance, Foreclosure, Housing, Law, Mortgage interest rates, Mortgages, Real estate appraisal, Social services Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.
Bill TextTo authorize bankruptcy courts to take certain actions with respect to mortgage loans in bankruptcy, and for other purposes. 10/9/2007--Introduced. Home Owners Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or t |
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