Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.

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To provide for the establishment of centers to encourage demonstration and commercial application of advanced energy methods and technologies. 9/17/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on March 8, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Energy Technology Transfer Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to award grants for a five-year period to nonprofit institutions, state and local governments, cooperative extension services, or institutions of higher education to establish a geographically dispersed network of Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers, located in areas the Secretary determines have the greatest need of their services.Requires the Secretary to: (1) give priority to applicants already operating or partnered with an outreach program capable of transferring such [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S111)

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A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a National Center for Social Work Research.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

National Center for Social Work Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Social Work Research as an agency of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct, support, and disseminate targeted research on social work methods and outcomes related to problems of significant social concern.

Authorizes the Director of the Center to: (1) provide research training and instruction; (2) establish research traineeships and fellowships; (3) provide stipends and allowances; and (4) make grants to nonprofit institutions to provide such training, instruction, traineeships, and fellowships.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an advisory council for the Center.

Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

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Recognizing the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and calling on the President to engage in nonproliferation strategies designed to eliminate these weapons of mass destruction from United States and worldwide arsenals. 1/16/2007--Introduced. Requests the President to inform Congress and the Secretary General of the United Nations regarding U.S. efforts and measures taken with respect to implementation and observance of Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and certain U.N. resolutions calling for U.S. and world nuclear disarmament. Calls on the President to implement and observe all NPT obligations and commitments and to revise national policies on nuclear weapons accordingly. Urges the President, in the interests of protecting and advancing human, national, and global security, to: (1) declare that the United States will not use nuclear weapons first, and that pending their elimination, such weapons serve only to deter a [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13101)

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A concurrent resolution commending NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia on the celebration of its 90th anniversary on October 26 and 27, 2007.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Congratulates and commends the men and women of NASA Langley Research Center for their accomplishments and role in inspiring the American people.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S115)

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A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to recognize the United States Military Cancer Institute as an establishment within the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, to require the Institute to promote the health of members of the Armed Forces and their dependents by enhancing cancer research and treatment, to provide for a study of the epidemiological causes of cancer among various ethnic groups for cancer prevention and early detection efforts, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Establishes in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences the United States Military Cancer Institute, headed by a Director, to carry out research studies on: (1) the epidemiological features of cancer among populations of various ethnic origins, as well as complementary research on oncologic nursing; (2) the prevention and early detection of cancer; and (3) basic, translational, and clinical investigation matters relating to such studies. Directs [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S134)

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A bill to expand the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium to include the Transportation Technology Center.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

National Domestic Preparedness Consortium Expansion Act of 2007 - Includes the Transportation Technology Center located in Pueblo, Colorado, within the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium.

Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-39.

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A bill to establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes. 3/27/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Ocean and Coastal Exploration and NOAA Act (OCEAN Act) - Title I: National Ocean Exploration Program - National Ocean Exploration Program Act - (Sec. 102) Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in consultation with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other appropriate federal agencies, to establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program that promotes collaboration among NOAA programs. Specifies program authorities. (Sec. 104) Requires NOAA to convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force to develop and implement a specified strategy. (Sec. 105) Authorizes NOAA, NSF, and other agencies involved in the program to participate in interagency financing and share,[...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S70-72)

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A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives to improve America's research competitiveness, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Research Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the tax credit for increasing research expenses to establish a standard 20% credit rate for research expenses exceeding 50% of average expenses over the preceding three year period; (2) establish a uniform 80% reimbursement rate for all contract research expenses (100% for basic research payments); (3) make such tax credit permanent; (4) allow a tax credit for equity investments in small business innovation companies; and (5) allow the issuance of tax exempt facility bonds for research park facilities used in connection with research and experimentation.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) study and report to Congress on taxpayer compliance with the substantiation requirements for claiming the tax credit for increasing [...]

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Latest Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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Recognizing the contributions of the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in educating the people of the United States about the African-American migration experience, and for other purposes.

2/6/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes the contributions of the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in educating the people of the United States about the African-American migration experience.

Latest Action: 02/28/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for additional research into the chronic neurological condition hydrocephalus, and for other purposes. 2/27/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Commends the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for working with leading scientists and researchers to organize the first-ever NIH conference on hydrocephalus (a neurological condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain). Urges the Director to continue the current collaboration with respect to hydrocephalus among national research institutes. Calls for: (1) further research into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of hydrocephalus; and (2) increased public awareness and professional [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397.

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An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--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.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-396.

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An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--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.)Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Homeland Security Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General.Title II: Security, Enforcement, and Investigations - Makes appropriations for FY2009 for: (1) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 10:00 a.m.

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To honor the goal of the International Year of Astronomy, and for other purposes.

6/20/2008--Introduced.

Honors the goal of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) to celebrate astronomical discoveries.

Encourages the public to participate in IYA celebrations and activities, and discover more about the Universe and the science of astronomy.

Applauds the efforts of the employees, centers, and laboratories of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in promoting public understanding of the astronomical sciences during the IYA celebration.

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5529)

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A resolution recognizing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the historic touchdown of the Phoenix Mars Lander during its 50th anniversary year.

6/11/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes: (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for 50 years of scientific and technological excellence; (2) NASA for the historic landing of the Phoenix Mars Lander on May 25, 2008; (3) the importance of the Phoenix mission to NASA's long-term Mars Exploration Program; (4) the importance of contributions made by NASA Glenn Research Center to the NASA space program, including to Mars and moon missions; and (5) the importance of NASA's Human Research Program, and Glenn Research Center's contributions to such program, to the health and safety of all NASA astronauts.

Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure sufficient resources and increase efforts for research at the National Institutes of Health relating to Alzheimer's disease, to authorize an education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease (with particular emphasis on education and outreach in Hispanic populations), and for other purposes. 6/5/2008--Introduced. Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2008 or the Cura Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by: (1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups; (2) allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic centers involved in such research to increase participation of Hispanics and other underrepresented [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure sufficient resources and increase efforts for research at the National Institutes of Health relating to Alzheimer's disease, to authorize an education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease (with particular emphasis on education and outreach in Hispanic populations), and for other purposes. 6/5/2008--Introduced. Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2008 or La Cura Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by: (1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups; (2) allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic centers involved in such research to increase participation [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

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A joint resolution to provide replacement laboratory space for terrestrial research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

5/22/2008--Introduced.

Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct laboratory space to accommodate the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's terrestrial research program in Gamboa, Panama.

Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

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A joint resolution to provide a replacement laboratory and support space at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Mathias Laboratory.

5/22/2008--Introduced.

Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct laboratory and support space to accommodate the Mathias Laboratory at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland.

Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Vetoed by President. (text of veto message: CR H5535)

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To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012.Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs.Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products.Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger [...]

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Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 742.

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A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, for which certain facilities must report information regarding fossil fuels and GHGs produced and consumed; and (2) specified quantities of GHG emission allowances, which decline for each of 2012 to 2050. Requires the Administrator to establish a GHG emission allowance transfer system for the following: (1) facilities that use more than 5,000 tons of coal in a year; (2) facilities in the natural gas sector; (3) facilities that produce or entities that import petroleum- or coal-based fuel the combustion of which will emit group I GHGs; (4) facilities that produce or entities that import, in any year, more than [...]

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