S.RES.496 Sponsored by John Thune
Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2362)

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Text
Honoring the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2142)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for Kindergarten Plus programs. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Kindergarten Plus Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to provide Kindergarten Plus (K+) programs of voluntary full days of kindergarten during the summer before and the summer after their traditional kindergarten school year. Directs the Secretary to ensure, to the extent possible, that each grant is of sufficient size to enable the state to provide K+ to all eligible students served by the local educational agencies (LEAs) within the state with the highest concentrations of eligible students. Makes children eligible to participate in such programs if they are: (1) five-years old or will be eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the next school year; (2) from a family with an income at or below 185% of the poverty line; and (3) not already served by a high-quality program in the summer before or the summer after the child enters [...]

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Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Mr. Rahall moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Honoring the life and legacy of Chief Standing Bear, a pioneer in civil rights for Native Americans, on the 100th anniversary of Chief Standing Bear's death.

4/29/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Honors the life, legacy, and contributions to civil rights of Chief Standing Bear.

Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1560-1561)

Bill Text
To reauthorize and reform the national service laws. 3/10/2008--Introduced. Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service (Learn and Serve programs); (2) National Service Trust programs (AmeriCorps); (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching grants to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and [...]

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

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

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the impact aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Fair Funding for Schools Act - Amends the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies (LEAs) for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensation. Alters the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for eligible federally-connected children. Includes not only children in average daily attendance, but also those enrolled pursuant to a state open enrollment policy. Continues an LEA's eligibility for such payments while activities associated with military base closures and realignments or force structure changes or relocations are ongoing. Allows the calculation of [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for extensions of leases of certain land by Mashantucket Pequot (Western) Tribe.

2/5/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Authorizes any lease of restricted land of the Mashantucket Pequot (Western) Tribe entered into by its tribal corporation to include an option to renew the lease for not more than two additional terms of up to 25 years each, subject only to the approval of the tribal council. Provides that the United States shall not be liable for any loss resulting from such a renewal.

Prohibits any entity from conducting gaming activity on any land that is leased with an option to renew under this Act.

Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15143)

Bill Text
A resolution to designate Friday, November 23, 2007, as "Native American Heritage Day" in honor of the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

12/11/2007--Introduced.

Designates November 23, 2007, as Native American Heritage Day.

H.R.4243 Sponsored by Earl Pomeroy
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide for the issuance of bonds to provide funding for the construction of schools of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funds for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of tribal schools, including advance planning and design.Permits a tribe to use amounts received through a bond issue to enter contracts: (1) for the design and engineering of the school; and (2) with financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals to provide assistance to the tribe in issuing bonds.Makes any tribal school modernization bond issued by a tribe subject to a trust agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to deposit not more than $50 million into a tribal school modernization escrow account and to [...]

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S.2367 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the issuance of bonds to provide funding for the construction of schools of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funds for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of tribal schools, including advance planning and design.Permits a tribe to use amounts received through a bond issue to enter contracts: (1) for the design and engineering of the school; and (2) with financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals to provide assistance to the tribe in issuing bonds.Makes any tribal school modernization bond issued by a tribe subject to a trust agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to deposit not more than $50 million into a tribal school modernization escrow account [...]

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H.R.4137 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. Title I: Title I Amendments - (Sec. 101) Revises the general definition of an institution of higher education (IHE) to include schools that: (1) admit students whose secondary education was conducted in a home school setting; (2) award degrees (not necessarily bachelor's degrees) that are acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program; and (3) enroll students who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in a secondary school. Revises the definition of an IHE for purposes of title IV student assistance programs. Requires graduate medical schools located outside the country, that qualified as IHEs owing to their having a state-approved [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reinstate the current downpayment requirement in the event of increased defaults. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage.[...]

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

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

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S.2302 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Harkin. With written report No. 110-220. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

11/2/2007--Introduced.

Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 - Revises agricultural and related programs and provisions respecting: (1) producer income; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development and investment; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) livestock marketing; and (11) agricultural security.

H.R.4045 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To award competitive grants to minority serving institutions to establish centers of excellence for teacher education. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Improving Teacher Diversity Act - Amends title II (Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to certain minority-serving institutions of higher education (IHEs), or partnerships between such IHEs and other IHEs, to establish centers of excellence for teacher education. Requires the use of such grants to ensure that current and future teachers are highly qualified by: (1) reforming teacher preparation programs so that teachers are able to understand scientifically-based research and use advanced technology effectively in the classroom; (2) providing preservice clinical experience and mentoring to prospective teachers, and increased interaction between IHE faculty and new and experienced elementary and secondary [...]

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S.2232 Sponsored by Ted Stevens
Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a demonstration program to adapt the lessons of providing foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to certain similarly situated individuals, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Foreign Aid Lessons for Domestic Economic Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to consortia of Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination [...]

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

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

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S.2200 Sponsored by Kent Conrad
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13090)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the use of Federal funds for flexible financing of Indian tribal municipal, rural, and industrial water system construction projects by certain federally recognized Indian tribes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Tribal Water Resources Innovative Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse an Indian tribe for specified expenses and costs incurred by the tribe with respect to an eligible debt financing instrument. Defines "eligible debt financing instrument" to mean a bond or other debt financing instrument (including a note, certificate, mortgage, or lease agreement) issued by an Indian tribe, the proceeds of which are used for construction of an authorized Indian tribal municipal, rural, or industrial water project. Allows the Secretary to reimburse an Indian tribe for a project funded by an eligible debt financing instrument if the project is being carried out by the Indian tribe pursuant to a contract or cooperative [...]

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H.R.3902 Sponsored by David Loebsack
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.

Bill Text
To improve the further development of water resources in Colorado and New Mexico, and for other purposes.

10/16/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988 to require: (1) the Secretary of the Interior to assure that not less than one-third of funds appropriated for economic development through each tribe's Tribal Resource Fund be expended for municipal or rural water development; and (2) funds appropriated by this Act and placed in the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Tribal Resource Funds which have not been disbursed by December 31, 2020, to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.

H.R.3815 Sponsored by Ed Perlmutter
Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment.

Bill Text
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make full and efficient use of open source information to develop and disseminate open source homeland security information products, and for other purposes. 10/10/2007--Introduced. Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components responsible for information sharing and infrastructure protection make full and efficient use of open source information to develop and disseminate open source products.Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that DHS makes full and efficient use of such information to analyze U.S. critical infrastructure nodes from the perspective of terrorists and other activities with a nexus to terrorism using publicly available information; and (2) share the unclassified results with appropriate [...]

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H.R.3787 Sponsored by John M. McHugh
Latest Action: 10/09/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2095)

Bill Text
To require that the Secretary of the Interior hold at least one public hearing in the surrounding community where land requested to be taken into trust for an Indian tribe is located in order to ascertain the needs and interests of that surrounding community.

10/9/2007--Introduced.

Land-In-Trust Public Hearing Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, at least six months before approving any application to take land into trust for an Indian tribe, to hold at least one public hearing in the surrounding community where the land is located in order to ascertain the community's needs and interests.

Instructs the Secretary to solicit comments from the public at hearings held pursuant to such requirement and to ensure that comments received or related to such hearings are part of the record.

Latest Action: 10/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To ensure that no Federal law shall prevent the Tuscarora Nation of Indians of the Carolinas from seeking Federal recognition as an Indian tribe, and for other purposes.

10/9/2007--Introduced.

Prohibits neither the Lumbee Act of June 7, 1956, (relating to the designation of certain Indian inhabitants of North Carolina as the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina) nor the federally recognized status of any Indian tribe from preventing the Tuscarora Nation of Indians of the Carolinas from seeking or attaining federal recognition as an Indian tribe.

S.2141 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12776-12777)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and extend the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention and services program, and for other purposes. 10/4/2007--Introduced. Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention and Services Program to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a research agenda for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD); (2) facilitate surveillance, public health research, and prevention of FASD; and (3) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to states and other entities to provide services for individuals with FASD, to educate court, law enforcement, and adoption officials on how to treat and support individuals with FASD, and to provide transitional services for individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide for continuation of the Interagency Coordinating Committee [...]

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S.2145 Sponsored by Gordon H. Smith
Latest Action: 10/15/2007 - Star Print ordered on S.2145.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to ensure that Indian veterans are not liable for certain health care payments. 10/4/2007--Introduced. American Indian Veteran Health Care Improvement Act - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to: (1) provide for veteran-related expenses incurred by eligible Indian veterans for medical services administered at an Indian Health Service facility pursuant to a local memorandum of understanding between the HHS Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA Secretary); and (2) establish guidelines regarding the method of payments to the VA Secretary for such expenses.Requires the HHS Secretary, in negotiating such a local memorandum of understanding with the VA Secretary, to consult with each Indian tribe that would be affected.Provides that expenses incurred by the HHS Secretary while providing for eligible Indian veterans' expenses [...]

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Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To enhance the workforce investment system of the Nation by strengthening one-stop career centers, providing for more effective governance arrangements, promoting access to a more comprehensive array of employment and training, integrating existing employment and training programs to avoid duplication and overlap, establishing a targeted approach to serving youth, and improving performance accountability, and for other purposes. 10/4/2007--Introduced. Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to revise requirements and reauthorize appropriations for: (1) WIA title I, workforce investment systems for job training and employment services; and (2) WIA title II, adult basic skills and family literacy education programs (renamed as the Adult Education, Basic Skills, and Family Literacy Education Act). Revises and reauthorizes workforce investment systems with respect to: (1) state and local planning, allocation, work [...]

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H.R.3752 Sponsored by John Campbell
Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To provide that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act shall not apply to an Indian tribe or to Indian lands of an Indian tribe until that Indian tribe has been federally recognized for a period of not less than 25 continuous years.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

Bars applying the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to an Indian tribe or to Indian lands of an Indian tribe until such Indian tribe has been a federally recognized Indian tribe for a period of not less than 25 continuous years. Makes such waiting period on gaming activities nonapplicable to Indian tribes that were federally recognized before the enactment of this Act.

Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965. 10/4/2007--Introduced. College Access and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize appropriations for HEA programs. Establishes a single definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs) for purposes of their participation in all HEA programs, including title IV student aid programs. Allows IHEs to enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary school. Revises higher education consumer information and public accountability requirements. Imposes educational loan disclosure requirements on lenders and IHEs. Replaces the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program under title II with a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program for partnerships of high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), high-need schools, IHEs, and public or private educational organizations. Repeals part B (Preparing Tomorrow's [...]

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Latest Action: 12/21/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the Arizona Water Settlements Act to modify the requirements for the statement of findings.

12/21/2007--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.)

Amends the Arizona Water Settlements Act to make the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement effective as of the date the Secretary of the Interior publishes in the Federal Register a statement of findings that specified conditions apply, including that the judgment and decree attached to the Tohono O'odham settlement agreement has been approved by the state court having jurisdiction over the Gila River adjudication proceedings. (Current law requires the judgment and decree to have become final and nonappealable.)

H.R.3709 Sponsored by Bob Filner
Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To authorize inter-tribal transfers of authority in leases between the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay, and for other purposes.

10/1/2007--Introduced.

Allows the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians of Alpine, California, to lease any portion of land held in trust for the Band within the boundaries of its reservation to the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay of Alpine.

Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To provide for the use and distribution of the funds awarded to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe v. United States, Docket Nos. 19 and 188, United States Court of Federal Claims. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to distribute the funds awarded to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe v. United States, Docket Nos. 19 and 188 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims together with all interest and investment income accrued on deposit in trust account JA1041696 in equal shares to each of the following constituent bands of the Tribe: (1) the Bois Forte Band; (2) the Fond du Lac Band; (3) the Grand Portage Band; (4) the Leech Lake Band; (5) the Mille Lacs Band; and (6) the White Earth Band. Requires that the shares of such Bands be made available for use in the manner determined by the governing body of each Band, except that at least 20% of such funds shall be set aside for social and economic development,[...]

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S.2109 Sponsored by Barbara Boxer
Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests . Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Introduced. California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act - Designates as wilderness: (1) certain Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the Cleveland National Forest, to be part of the Agua Tibia Wilderness; (2) specified lands in the San Bernardino National Forest to be known as the Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness and the South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness and certain BLM land in such Forest as part of the Santa Rosa Wilderness; (3) certain BLM land in Riverside County, California, to be known as the Beauty Mountain Wilderness; (4) certain land in Joshua Tree National Park, to be part of the Joshua Tree Wilderness; (5) certain BLM land in the county as part of the Orocopia [...]

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H.R.3682 Sponsored by Mary Bono Mack
Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Introduced. California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act - Designates as wilderness: (1) certain Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the Cleveland National Forest, to be part of the Agua Tibia Wilderness; (2) specified lands in the San Bernardino National Forest to be known as the Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness and the South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness and certain BLM land in such Forest as part of the Santa Rosa Wilderness; (3) certain BLM land in Riverside County, California, to be known as the Beauty Mountain Wilderness; (4) certain land in Joshua Tree National Park, to be part of the Joshua Tree Wilderness; (5) certain BLM land in the county as part of the Orocopia Mountains [...]

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S.2100 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to require that Federal forfeiture funds be used, in part, to clean up methamphetamine laboratories.

9/26/2007--Introduced.

Federal Emergency Meth Lab Cleanup Funding Act of 2007- Makes funding available from the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund for payment to designated State, local, or tribal law enforcement, environmental, or health entities for experts and consultants needed to clean up areas formerly used as methamphetamine laboratories.

Allows payment of up to 90% of cleanup costs on private property if the property owner: (1) did not know of the existence or operation of the methamphetamine laboratory before law enforcement action to close it; or (2) notified law enforcement not later than 24 hours after discovering the existence of such laboratory.

S.2087 Sponsored by Byron L. Dorgan
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Dorgan without amendment. With written report No. 110-326.

Bill Text
A bill to amend certain laws relating to Native Americans to make technical corrections, and for other purposes. 9/25/2007--Introduced. Native American Omnibus Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Amends various enactments relating to Native Americans, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the Indian Tribal Justice Act, and the Indian Land Consolidation Act, to make technical corrections.Extends through FY2012 the grant programs for tribal justice training and technical assistance and for tribal justice systems. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include territories and Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients (or reaffirms such eligibility) under certain programs for combating methampethamine use. Revises legal definitions relating to interests in land and intestate descent under the Indian Land Consolidation Act. Amends the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 to: (1) authorize any federal [...]

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H.R.3585 Sponsored by Joe Baca
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To honor of the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes.

9/19/2007--Introduced.

Native American Heritage Day Act of 2007 - Makes specified findings, including that the Friday immediately succeeding Thanksgiving Day of each year would be an appropriate day to designate as Native American Heritage Day.

Encourages educational institutions to develop model educational curricula, in consultation with Native American governmental leaders, for purposes of recognizing a Native American Heritage Day, emphasizing the contributions of Native Americans to the United States and the world.

Encourages the people of the United States, as well as federal, state, and local governments and interested groups and organizations to observe a Native American Heritage Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

H.R.3570 Sponsored by Dan Boren
Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To take certain property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, into trust for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and for other purposes.

9/18/2007--Introduced.

Fountainhead Property Land Transfer Act - Transfers administrative jurisdiction over specified federal land in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, within the boundary of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (the Tribe) to the Secretary of the Interior, who shall take such land into trust for the benefit of the Tribe.

Requires: (1) the Tribe to pay fair market value for the land; and (2) all costs and administrative expenses associated with the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of the land and the taking of it into trust, including any environmental remediation costs, to be paid by the Tribe.

S.2062 Sponsored by Byron L. Dorgan
Latest Action: 02/08/2008 - Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged pursuant to the order of May 27, 1988.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to reauthorize that Act, and for other purposes. 12/7/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Block Grants and Grant Requirements - (Sec. 101) Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) to expand the authority of Indian tribes to: (1) carry out self-determined housing activities for tribal communities programs; (2) access federal sources of supply on the same basis as employees of an executive agency; and (3) follow tribal preference in contracting and employment.(Sec. 102) Revises reporting requirements for Indian tribes receiving grants under NAHASDA and the standards for review of Indian housing plans by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).(Sec. 104) Disregards [...]

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S.2066 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to establish nutrition and physical education standards for schools. 9/18/2007--Introduced. Back to School: Improving Standards for Nutrition and Physical Education in Schools Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to revise the standards that set a minimal nutritional value for competitive foods and beverages (sold outside of the federally-funded school lunch and breakfast programs) so that they are consistent with those described in a report of the Institute of Medicine (Institute) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), dated April 25, 2007. Applies such standards to all competitive foods and beverages sold on school campuses during the school day. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to arrange for the Institute to develop recommendations, every five years, for updating such standards so they reflect the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and scientific knowledge. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after [...]

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H.R.3560 Sponsored by Don Young
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Committee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To provide for the completion of certain land selections under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and for other purposes. 9/18/2007--Introduced. Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act - Authorizes Sealaska Corporation to select and receive conveyance of its remaining Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) land entitlement from federal lands in southeast Alaska from each of the following categories: (1) specified economic development land; (2) specified sites with sacred, cultural, traditional, or historical significance; and (3) specified native enterprise sites with traditional and recreational use value. Requires the Secretary of Interior to complete the conveyance of land to Sealaska within 180 days of selection.Declares that upon the exhaustion of Sealaska's remaining land entitlement under ANCSA and the completion of the conveyances of the land selected, the original southeast Alaska withdrawals shall expire and the lands within the [...]

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H.R.3522 Sponsored by Tom Udall
Latest Action: 05/02/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
To ratify a conveyance of a portion of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation to Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico, pursuant to the settlement of litigation between the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico, to authorize issuance of a patent for said lands, and to change the exterior boundary of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation accordingly, and for other purposes. 9/10/2007--Introduced. States that the ratification and approval of the Jicarilla Apache Nation's deed for specified settlement lands and the issuance of a patent pursuant to this Act shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior finds the following events have occurred: (1) the Board of Commissioners of the Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, has enacted a resolution permanently abandoning a specified disputed county road and has submitted a copy of that resolution to the Secretary; and (2) the Jicarilla Apache Nation has executed a quitclaim deed to Rio Arriba County for specified [...]

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S.2032 Sponsored by Patty Murray
Latest Action: 09/07/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11270)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality. 9/7/2007--Introduced. Puget Sound Watershed Comprehensive Conservation Project Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with state and local governments, Indian tribes, or non-governmental entities with a history of working with agricultural producers to carry out projects under the program.Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide project demonstration grants, provide technical assistance, and carry out information and education programs to improve water quality in the area by reducing soil erosion and improving sediment control; and (2) provide a priority for projects and activities that [...]

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Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
To transfer administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands from the Bureau of Land Management to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to take such lands into trust for Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians of the Tuolumne Rancheria, and for other purposes.

9/6/2007--Introduced.

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Land Transfer Act of 2007 - Declares that specified federal lands are to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians of the Tuolumne Rancheria of California for nongaming purposes.

Subjects: (1) such lands to the same terms and conditions as those lands described in the California Indian Land Transfer Act of 2000; and (2) specified lands taken or to be taken into trust for the Tribe's benefit to the Act's requirements regarding the applicability of laws governing lands which are to be held in trust for the benefit of a tribe, band, or group of Indians pursuant to the Act.

Latest Action: 09/06/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 633.

Bill Text
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2786) to reauthorize the programs for housing assistance for Native Americans.

9/6/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries)

Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.R. 2786 (Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007).

S.J.RES.17 Sponsored by Ted Stevens
Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
A joint resolution directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean. 10/4/2007--Passed 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.) Declares that: (1) the United States should initiate discussions to negotiate international agreements for managing migratory, transboundary, and straddling fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean and establishing new international fisheries management organizations for the region; (2) such agreements should conform with the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and contain mechanisms for establishing elements necessary for sustaining future Arctic fish stocks; (3) as international fisheries agreements are negotiated and [...]

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Latest Action: 08/04/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Bill Text
To fund capital projects of State and local governments, and for other purposes.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Rebuilding America's Infrastructure - Establishes the Federal Bank for Infrastructure Modernization. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to any state, local government, Indian tribe, and regional or multistate organization for the development of certain transportation- and educational- and water and hazardous treatment-related capital infrastructure facility projects. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) loan and borrower eligibility; and (2) compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Buy American Act, and the Davis-Bacon Act (wages) as they relate to the development of such projects.

H.R.3413 Sponsored by John Kline
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To clarify the rights of Indians and Indian tribes on Indian lands under the National Labor Relations Act.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2007 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian tribe and located on its Indian lands is not considered an employer for purposes of such Act.

S.1993 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to modify the boundary of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in the State of Ohio, and for other purposes.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary Adjustment Act - Modifies the boundary of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Ohio to include certain lands marked for inclusion in the Park. Permits the acquisition of lands added under this Act only from willing sellers.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10908-10909, S10928-10929)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. All Students Can Achieve Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and augment programs created or amended under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Requires states to implement: (1) data systems capable of tracking individual student performance over time and linking such performance to teachers, programs, and services; and (2) highly effective teacher and principal rating systems based primarily on objective measures of student achievement. Allows states that meet these requirements to use a growth model in calculating students' adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward academic performance standards. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) provide professional development and support to teachers and principals not rated as highly effective; and (2) remove them if they fail to attain such rating over specified periods.[...]

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H.R.3349 Sponsored by Don Young
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1711)

Bill Text
To authorize the Alaska Native Self-Governance in Housing Demonstration Program.

8/2/2007--Introduced.

Alaska Native Self-Governance in Housing Demonstration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish and implement an Alaska Native Housing Assistance Demonstration Program according to the provisions of this Act.

H.R.3351 Sponsored by Don Young
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Committee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To adapt the lessons of foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to similarly situated remote Native American communities, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to eligible entities that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts with the United States pursuant to this Act. Requires that Compacts establish a multi-year plan for achieving development objectives in furthering the purposes of this Act, including to adapt the lessons of foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of federal economic development assistance to similarly situated remote Native [...]

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H.R.3301 Sponsored by Ed Pastor
Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To authorize and direct the exchange and conveyance of certain National Forest land and other land in southeast Arizona. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to convey to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, all and interest of the United States in and to specified federal land in Pinal County, Arizona, in exchange for Resolution Copper conveying to the United States title to: (1) the Secretary to specified non-federal land in Gila, Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, and Coconino Counties, Arizona, and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to specified non-federal land in Pinal and Gila Counties, Arizona. Directs the Secretary to convey specified land in Pinal County to the town of Superior, Arizona. Instructs Resolution Copper to deliver to the Secretary an executed document reviewed by, and acceptable to, the Secretary which grants a permanent conservation easement to the easement [...]

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Latest Action: 01/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to ensure improved access to employment opportunities for low-income people. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Earning and Living Opportunities Act - Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to set forth as a condition of federal housing and community development assistance that: (1) a public or Indian housing agency or contractor shall require that at least 20% of employee hours be performed by low- or very low-income persons; and (2) a recipient of assistance for housing rehabilitation, construction, or other public construction projects and their contractors shall require that at least 20% of new employee hours be performed by low- or very low-income persons. Directs the Secretary to require a public or Indian housing agency and other recipients of federal housing and community development assistance to: (1) establish a section 3 committee of interested parties to oversee all aspects of compliance with section [...]

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Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve early education. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2007 or the PRE-K Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to enhance or improve state-funded preschool programs. Sets forth a grant formula favoring states that: (1) have curricula aligned with state early learning standards; (2) follow nationally-established best practices for class size and teacher-to-student ratios; (3) require each teacher to hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field; and (4) have a plan for meeting the requirement, within five years of receiving such grant, that teachers hold at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a related field. Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive process for awarding grants to other states that demonstrate [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
To amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Passed House without amendment.   &n