Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to reform the ethics process, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Accountability and Transparency in Ethics Act - Establishes an independent Investigations Commission within the legislative branch. Requires annual ethics training for Members and employees of the House of Representatives and for registered lobbyists. Amends Rule XXV (Limitations on Outside Earned Income and Acceptance of Gifts) of the Rules of the House to require advance authorization by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of any privately-funded trip by any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Amends such Rule and Rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate with respect to: (1) the market value of a flight on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire; (2) a ban on gifts worth less than $50; and (3) disbursements for a national party convention [...]

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Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 9/14/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 31, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 - Title I: Closing the Revolving Door - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal criminal code to extend from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) very senior executive personnel with any Member, officer, or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated; and (2) Senators with any Member, officer or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office.Continues the one-year ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) Members of the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require the disclosure of the original source of funds made payable to a lobbyist who is subcontracted to engage in lobbying activities on behalf of a third person or entity, and the disclosure of the identity of that third person or entity. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Full Disclosure in Lobbying Act - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require a registered lobbyist's semiannual disclosure report, in the case of a registrant (subcontractor) retained by another person or entity to engage in lobbying activities on behalf of a third person or entity, to include: (1) the name, address, and principal place of business of the other person or entity that retained the subcontractor; (2) the name, address, and principal place of business of the third person or entity on whose behalf the lobbying activities were performed; and (3) the amount of funds paid, during such reporting period, to the subcontractor as well as to the other [...]

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Latest Action: 01/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H948)

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify and make corrections to the House ban on air travel. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the new prohibition against the use by a Member, Delegate or Resident Commissioner of personal funds, official funds, or campaign funds for a flight on a nongovernmental plane that is not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Changes the prohibition to one against the use of such funds for a flight on a nongovernmental plane that is owned or operated by a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal (or from a private entity retaining or employing such individuals), except for flights: (1) on regularly scheduled air carriers; (2) at the public rate on chartered aircraft where seats are generally available to the public; and (3) on aircraft used in support of official duties [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to increase the penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to increase from $50,000 to $200,00 the civil fine for noncompliance with LDA disclosure requirements.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit the spouse of a Member of Congress previously employed as a lobbyist from lobbying the Member after the Member is elected.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends the federal criminal code to subject to criminal penalties the spouse of a Member of Congress who knowingly lobbies on behalf of a client for compensation any Member of Congress, or is associated with any such lobbying activity by the spouse's employer, if that spouse was not serving as a registered lobbyist at least one year before the spouse Member's election.

Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Tenth Congress. 1/5/2007--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.) Title I: Adoption of Rules of One Hundred Ninth Congress - (Sec. 101) Adopts the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 109th Congress as the Rules for the 110th Congress, with amendments. Title II: Ethics - (Sec. 202) Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) to prohibit Members, with the intent to influence on the basis of partisan political affiliation an employment decision or practice of private entities, from: (1) taking or withholding, or offering or threatening to to take or withhold, an official act; or (2) influencing, or offering or threatening to influence, the official act of another. (Sec. 203) Amends Rule [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill providing greater transparency with respect to lobbying activities, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Lobbying, Ethics, and Earmarks Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) with respect to lobbying disclosures reports, including electronic filing and mandatory free availability to the public over the Internet. Amends Rule XXXVII (Conflict of Interest) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to impose a one-year lobbying moratorium on departing Member or committee staff. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to allow U.S. officers and employees assigned to an Indian tribe, and former U.S. officers and employees employed by Indian tribes, to act as agents or attorneys for, or appear on behalf of, such tribes in connection with any matter pending before any department, agency, court, or commission. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act of 2007 - Revises the Standing Rules of the Senate or prescribes requirements with respect to: (1) conference reports; (2) elimination of certain floor privileges and other benefits and privileges for former Members, Senate officers, and Speakers of the House who are lobbyists or seek financial gain; (3) a ban on gifts from lobbyists; (4) travel restrictions and disclosure; (5) post-employment restrictions; (6) public disclosure by Members of employment negotiations; (7) conflicts of interest with respect to a Member's spouse or immediate family members; (8) a Member's use of influence on certain hiring decisions; and (9) notices of intent to object to proceeding to a measure or matter. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) and the Foreign Agents Registration Act with respect to various specified disclosures by registered lobbyists [...]

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Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S695)

Bill Text
A bill to require persons seeking approval for a liquefied natural gas facility to identify employees and agents engaged in activities to persuade communities of the benefits of the approval.

1/17/2007--Introduced.

Instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) require an applicant for approval under the Natural Gas Act or the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (DPA) of the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a liquefied natural gas facility (including an off-shore facility under DPA), to identify each employee or agent engaged in activities to persuade communities of the benefits of such approval; and (2) maintain a publicly available database listing all such employees and agents.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/08/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 8/1/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2009 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) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense [...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to require lobbyists who represent foreign politicians or political parties and foreign entities to register under Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938.

6/12/2008--Introduced.

Closing the Foreign Lobbying Loophole Act - Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to repeal the exemption of agents of foreign principals from mandatory registration with the Attorney General if they are already registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.

Redefines "agent of a foreign principal" to extend its meaning to agents who through any other person outside the United States represents the interests of a foreign principal before any agency or official of the federal government.

Latest Action: 07/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To amend the charter of the Gold Star Wives of America to remove the restriction on the federally chartered corporation, and directors and officers of the corporation, attempting to influence legislation.

5/21/2008--Introduced.

Amends provisions of federal law relating to patriotic and national organizations to remove language restricting the Gold Star Wives of America from attempting to influence legislation.

Latest Action: 04/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require the disclosure of political intelligence activities. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Political Intelligence Disclosure Act - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to require the disclosure of political intelligence activities. Requires political intelligence consultants to register with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and make quarterly reports on political intelligence activities. Requires any person or entity that makes an oral political intelligence contact with a covered legislative branch or executive branch official on the official's request to: (1) state whether such person or entity is registered under this Act; (2) identify the client on behalf of whom the contact is made; and (3) state whether such client is a foreign entity, and make any related disclosures. Requires any person making a written political intelligence contact with a covered legislative [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide increased accountability and transparency in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the composition of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Requires Committee members to be appointed jointly by the Speaker of the House and the minority leader: three from the majority party, three from the minority party, and four former Members who have not been registered lobbyists for the last two years. (Currently the Speaker picks five and the minority leader picks five.) Limits chairmanship of the Committee to a current Member only. Rotates chairmanship of the Committee between the two parties from Congress to Congress after the 111th Congress, regardless of which party is in the majority. Requires the chairmanship for the 111th Congress to be held by a member of the majority [...]

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Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1145; text as passed Senate: CR S1145; text of measure as introduced: CR S1144)

Bill Text
A resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of National Association of Manufacturers v. Taylor, et al.

2/25/2008--Passed Senate 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.)

Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the Secretary of the Senate in the case of National Association of Manufacturers v. Taylor, et al.

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1031, H. Res. 895 is considered passed House as amended. (consideration: CR H1534-1537; text as passed: CR H1534-1536)

Bill Text
Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) (Sec. 1) Establishes an independent Office of Congressional Ethics in the House of Representatives. Establishes a board to govern the Office, consisting of six individuals, three of them nominated by the Speaker of the House, subject to the Minority Leader's concurrence, and three by the Minority Leader, subject to the Speaker's concurrence. Requires the Speaker and the Minority Leader each to nominate an alternate board member, subject to their respective concurrence. Sets forth: (1) procedures for filling vacancies on the board; and (2) eligibility qualifications of board members. Requires the Speaker to designate one member of the board as chairman, and the Minority Leader to designate one as cochairman. Declares that selection and appointment of [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14790-14791)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform the system of public financing for Presidential elections, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Introduced. Presidential Funding Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to public financing of presidential election campaigns to: (1) quadruple (1:1 to 4:1) the matching rate for contributions to primary election candidates; (2) lower from $250 to $200 the limit on individual campaign contributions; (3) increase the presidential primary qualifying threshold from $5,000 to $25,000 in 20 states; (4) require presidential candidates to participate in the primary payment system to be eligible for general election payments; (5) move the starting date for payments to primary candidates from January 1 of a presidential election year to six months before the earliest state primary election; (6) allow additional payments and increased expenditure limits for candidates who face opponents who do not participate [...]

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Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restructure and replace the income tax system of the United States to meet national priorities, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--Introduced. Simplified USA Tax Act of 2007 - Repeals, after 2006, income tax and estate and gift tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Replaces such Code with a new tax system, to be known as the Simplified USA Tax. Establishes three income tax brackets at 15, 25, and 30% for individual taxpayers. Redefines "gross income" and allows certain exclusions from gross income, including previously-taxed benefits, tax-exempt bond interest, compensation for injuries and sickness, and gain from the sale of a principal residence. Allows tax deductions for alimony and child support, home mortgage interest, certain higher education expenses, and charitable contributions. Allows a tax credit for employee social security payroll taxes.Revises rules for Roth individual retirement [...]

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