Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-327.

Bill Text
An original bill to establish requirements for private lenders to protect student borrowers receiving private educational loans, and for other purposes. 4/21/2008--Introduced. Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions. Prohibits such lender from marketing loans in any way that implies the institution endorses the lender's private educational loans (co-branding). Prohibits an employee in the financial aid office of an educational institution who has responsibilities regarding financial aid, and also serves on an advisory group established by a lender, from receiving anything of value from such lender.[...]

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H.R.5715 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To ensure continued availability of access to the Federal student loan program for students and families. 5/7/2008--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 30, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase, by $2,000, the maximum annual unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts that may be provided to undergraduate students under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. Sets the aggregate limit on such loans at $31,000 for dependent undergraduates and $57,500 for independent undergraduates. (Sec. 3) Gives parent borrowers of PLUS FFELs the option to defer loan principal repayment for up to six months after the students for whom such loans are borrowed cease to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload. [...]

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H.R.5463 Sponsored by Jeb Hensarling
Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To protect investors by fostering transparency and accountability of attorneys in private securities litigation. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Securities Litigation Attorney Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Securities Act of 1933 to state that, in any private action in which the court enters a final judgment against plaintiff on the basis of a motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, or a trial on the merits, the court shall, upon defendant's motion, determine whether: (1) the position of the plaintiff was not substantially justified; (2) imposition of fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney would be just; and (3) the cost of such fees and expenses to the defendant is substantially burdensome or unjust. Requires the court to award the defendant reasonable fees and other expenses, and impose such fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney, if the court makes positive determinations in such a case. Places [...]

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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 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
To amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to prevent Government officials from accepting travel from persons having business before their agencies, and for other purposes.

11/8/2007--Introduced.

Restoring Trust in Public Officials Act of 2007 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to prohibit: (1) covered governmental officials from accepting travel paid for by a prohibited source; and (2) an agency from accepting a payment for travel that a covered official may not accept.

Defines "prohibited source" to mean: (1) any person who is seeking official action by the covered official's agency, does business or seeks to do business with the covered official's agency, conducts activities regulated by the covered official's agency, or has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the covered official's official duties; or (2) is an organization a majority of whose members are prohibited sources.

S.2315 Sponsored by Robert Menendez
Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit an entity under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency from paying for travel by employees of that agency.

11/7/2007--Introduced.

Restoring Trust in Regulator Travel Act - Prohibits a federal agency and its employees from accepting funding for travel from a nonfederal entity if such entity has been subject to the jurisdiction of that agency within two years of the travel.

S.2295 Sponsored by Bill Nelson
Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13694-13695)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot under title III of such Act, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) with respect to: (1) ballot verification and mandatory paper record audit capacity; and (2) accessibility and ballot verification of results for individuals with disabilities.Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to study, test, and develop best practices to enhance the accessibility of ballot verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, voters whose primary language is not English, and voters with difficulties in literacy.Requires laboratories to meet standards prohibiting conflicts of interest as a condition of accreditation for the testing of voting system hardware and software.Outlines additional voting system requirements [...]

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Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To protect investors by fostering transparency and accountability of attorneys in private securities litigation. 10/23/2007--Introduced. Securities Litigation Attorney Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Securities Act of 1933 to state that, in any private action in which the court enters a final judgment against plaintiff on the basis of a motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, or a trial on the merits, the court shall, upon defendant's motion, determine whether: (1) the position of the plaintiff was not substantially justified; (2) imposition of fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney would be just; and (3) the cost of such fees and expenses to the defendant is substantially burdensome or unjust. Requires the court to award the defendant reasonable fees and other expenses, and impose such fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney, if the court makes positive determinations in such a case. Places [...]

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Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To require escrows for certain mortgage loans, to improve mortgage servicing, to promote sustainable homeownership opportunities, to enhance appraisal quality and standards, to better appraisal oversight, to mitigate appraiser pressure, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Introduced. Escrow, Appraisal, and Mortgage Servicing Improvements Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor, in a consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling, to establish an escrow or impound account to pay taxes and hazard insurance, and, if applicable, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, ground rents, and any other required periodic payments or premiums. Requires written disclosures by the creditor to the consumer regarding: (1) such escrow or impound account; and (2) consumers who opt out of escrow services. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to proscribe specified practices by the servicer of a federally related mortgage,[...]

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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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H.R.3718 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to address conflicts of interest associated with use of advisory committees and technical assistance providers in the administration of such Act. 10/2/2007--Introduced. Educational Advisor and Contractor Integrity Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to establish a screening process to address conflicts of interest on the part of individuals being considered for service on advisory committees used in the Act's administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an exemption to individuals that have a conflict of interest if: (1) the conflict does not compromise the integrity, in fact or appearance, of the committee's efforts; (2) the conflict can be sufficiently mitigated; and (3) reasonable efforts were made to identify alternate conflict-free individuals. Considers such advisory committee members to [...]

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Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Public Law.    (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.)Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include postmarket safety activities within the process for the review of human drug applications or supplements, including: (1) developing and using improved adverse event data collection systems and improved analytical tools to assess potential [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction

Bill Text
To require internal ethics compliance programs by Department of Defense contractors, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Defense Contracting Ethics Oversight Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe in regulations a requirement that a Department of Defense (DOD) contracting officer may not determine a contractor to be responsible for the award of a covered contract for DOD (one in excess of $5 million) unless the contracting entity has in place, within 30 days after contract award, an internal ethics compliance program to facilitate the timely detection and disclosure of improper conduct in connection with the award or performance of the contract, and to ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken with respect to such conduct. Allows for the suspension or debarment of contractors determined not to have reported suspected improper conduct. Requires a report from the Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy to Congress on personal [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 331.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates FY2008 funds for the following Department of Agriculture (Department) programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); (2) executive operations; (3) National Appeals Division; (4) Office of Budget and Program Analysis; (5) Homeland Security Staff; (6) Office of the Chief Information Officer; (7) Office of the Chief Financial Officer; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; (9) Office of Civil Rights; (10) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (11) agriculture buildings and facilities [...]

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H.R.3043 Sponsored by David R. Obey
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the question of passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Senate receded and concurred with amendment.    (There are 4 other summaries) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY2008. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, including training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment [...]

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H.R.3000 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To establish a United States Health Service to provide high quality comprehensive health care for all Americans and to overcome the deficiencies in the present system of health care delivery. 7/11/2007--Introduced. Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act - Establishes the United States Health Service as an independent executive branch entity to provide health care and supplemental health services to all individuals within the United States. Requires the President to appoint members to a National Health Board to exercise the authority of the Service. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General for Health Services. Requires the Service to ensure that every individual is given certain basic health rights, including the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services from any facility within the Service capable of providing such services without charge and without discrimination. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 270.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. 7/11/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include postmarket safety activities within the process for the review of human drug applications or supplements, including: (1) developing and using improved adverse event data collection systems and improved analytical tools to assess potential safety problems; (2) implementing and enforcing provisions relating to postapproval studies, clinical trials, labeling changes, and risk [...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - By Senator Kennedy from Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions filed written report. Report No. 110-231.

Bill Text
A bill to extend the authorization of programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 7/24/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Higher Education Amendments of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise HEA programs and to extend the authorization of appropriations for them through FY2013. Title I: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Adds definitions of a critical foreign language, distance education, and poverty line. Provides that critical foreign languages are those contained on the list designated by the Secretary of Education in the Federal Register on August 5, 1985, but allows the Secretary to set language priorities according to the purposes of a specific program and national security, economic competitiveness, and educational needs. States that poverty line refers to the poverty line applicable to a family of the size involved. (Sec. 102) Revises [...]

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H.R.2580 Sponsored by Phil Gingrey
Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commit

Bill Text
To improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system. 6/6/2007--Introduced. Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2007 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing [...]

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Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for one or more Critical Path Public-Private Partnerships to implement the Critical Path Initiative of the Food and Drug Administration, and for other purposes. 6/6/2007--Introduced. Safe and Effective Drug Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to enter into Critical Path Public-Private Partnerships with eligible entities to implement the Critical Path Initiative of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by developing research, education, and outreach projects to foster medical product innovation, accelerate medical product development, and enhance medical product safety. Prohibits such an entity from accepting any funding for the technical programs of a Critical Path Public-Private Partnership from any individual or organization that manufactures, distributes, or sells any [...]

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S.1487 Sponsored by Dianne Feinstein
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10780-10781)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require an individual, durable, voter-verified paper record under title III of such Act, and for other purposes. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Ballot Integrity Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state or jurisdiction from purchasing or otherwise acquiring for use in a federal election a direct recording electronic voting system or other electronic voting system that does not produce a voter-verified paper record. Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make grants for: (1) replacing or retrofitting direct recording electronic and certain other voting systems; and (2) research on voting technology improvements for the development of completely accessible voting systems. Requires the voting system to: (1) require the use of or produce an individual, durable, voter-verified paper record of the voter's vote for inspection and verification before the voter's vote is cast and [...]

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H.R.2494 Sponsored by Nancy E. Boyda
Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H9057)

Bill Text
To amend title 18, United States Code, to increase from 1 year to 2 years the post-employment restrictions of Members and elected officers of either House of Congress.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

Amends the federal criminal code to increase from one year to two years after leaving office the period during which former Members or elected officers of Congress may not engage in certain lobbying activities.

Latest Action: 05/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the deposit in the general fund of the Treasury of fees that are collected from manufacturers of drugs and devices under chapter VII of such Act, to terminate the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to negotiate with the manufacturers on particular uses of the fees, to establish a Center for Postmarket Drug Safety and Effectiveness, to establish additional authorities to ensure the safe and effective use of drugs, and for other purposes. 5/10/2007--Introduced. Food and Drug Administration Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require that all fees collected for the review of applications for human drugs, devices, and animal drugs be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. Makes available amounts necessary for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review such applications. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into agreements with persons [...]

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H.R.2117 Sponsored by Ron Paul
Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act concerning foods and dietary supplements, to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act concerning the burden of proof in false advertising cases, and for other purposes. 5/2/2007--Introduced. Health Freedom Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to provide that a food or dietary supplement is not a drug solely because the label or labeling contains a claim to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from: (1) restricting the reprinting and distribution or sale of any U.S. government publication or any accurate quotations of such a publication, including content concerning nutrients and disease treatment or prevention; or (2) construing the distribution or sale of, or accurate quotation from, such a publication in connection with the sale of a food or dietary supplement as evidence of an intent to sell that food or dietary supplement [...]

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S.1262 Sponsored by Michael B. Enzi
Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5499-5500)

Bill Text
A bill to protect students receiving student loans, and for other purposes. 5/2/2007--Introduced. Student Loan Accountability and Disclosure Reform Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to expand prohibitions on guaranty agencies operating under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program by prohibiting their offering specified inducements to institutions of higher education (IHE) or lenders to secure business or providing certain services for such institutions without appropriate compensation. Requires lenders to provide student loan applicants with certain written information regarding: (1) loan conditions; (2) their possible qualification for title IV assistance; (3) the method for determining the applicable interest rate; and (4) whether the loans provided exceed a student's attendance costs. Directs the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Treasury to review the private educational loan [...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11149-11155)

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify Medicare physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce, and for other purposes. 6/6/2007--Introduced. Ensuring the Future Physician Workforce Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the formula for calculating payments for physicians' services. Resets to 2007 the base year for application of the sustainable growth rate formula, which shall be eliminated in 2010. Extends the current quality reporting system. Amends the Medicare Improvement and Extension Act of 2006 to extend and increase transitional bonus incentive payments. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a new physician quality incentive system; and (2) create standards for health information technology (HIT) payment incentives. Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors to antikickback and civil and [...]

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Latest Action: 07/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide more transparency in the financial aid process and to ensure that students are receiving the best information about financial aid opportunities. 4/23/2007--Introduced. Financial Aid Accountability and Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution of higher education (IHE) from recommending student loan providers unless it has a formal written recommendation policy, publicizes such policy, and recommends a minimum of three unaffiliated lenders. Requires IHEs to disclose to students: (1) that they cannot limit students to recommended lenders and must process the loan documents of any eligible lender; (2) the maximum federal grant and loan aid available; and (3) the cost of attendance. Directs the Secretary of Education to develop and prescribe an easy-to-read model disclosure form for use by IHEs and lenders in providing relevant and specified minimum information to students concerning the terms of federal and [...]

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Latest Action: 07/09/2007 - 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 the Reading First program. 4/19/2007--Introduced. Reading First Improvement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for the creation of a Reading First Advisory Committee, governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, to replace the peer review panel that reviews state grant applications under the Reading First program, designed to improve the reading skills of children in kindergarten through grade three. Prohibits the Committee from being composed of a majority of members selected by one individual or entity. Allows the Committee to form one or more subcommittees. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) establish a process to screen Committee or subcommittee members for potential conflicts of interest; and (2) develop guidance for how the Committee and any subcommittees will review applications, and provide feedback to states and the Secretary. Directs [...]

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H.R.1950 Sponsored by Susan A. Davis
Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to permit local public agencies to act as Medicaid enrollment brokers.

4/19/2007--Introduced.

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit local public agencies to act as Medicaid enrollment brokers.

H.R.1973 Sponsored by Dave Weldon
Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To improve vaccine safety research, and for other purposes. 4/19/2007--Introduced. Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Agency for Vaccine Safety Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Director for Vaccine Safety Evaluation to: (1) conduct or support safety research and monitor licensed vaccines; (2) develop a vaccine safety research agenda; (3) evaluate means to promote compliance with federal adverse reaction reporting requirements; (4) provide a clearinghouse for vaccine studies; (5) ensure that functions relating to vaccine monitoring or research on adverse reactions are not carried out by anyone with a conflict of interest; (6) oversee the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project; and (7) resolve U.S. conflicts of interest related to international agreements, partnerships, and activities. Allows the Director to establish a program of awarding fellowships [...]

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Latest Action: 05/10/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize drug and device user fees and ensure the safety of medical products, and for other purposes. 5/9/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Food and Drug Administration Revitalization Act - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fees - (Sec. 101) - Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to set forth as a purpose that authorized prescription drug fees be dedicated toward expediting the drug development process, the process for the review of human drug applications, and postmarket drug safety. Sets forth reporting requirements, including requiring the Secretary of Human Services (the Secretary) to present to Congress recommendations developed for achieving certain goals for the review process of human drug applications and for reauthorization of user [...]

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S.1009 Sponsored by Mel Martinez
Latest Action: 03/28/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4055-4056)

Bill Text
A bill to amend part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve supplemental educational services, and for other purposes. 3/28/2007--Introduced. Raising Achievement through Improving Supplemental Education Act of 2007 or the RAISE Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct local educational agencies (LEAs) to make supplemental educational services (SES) (after-school tutoring programs) available to eligible children attending schools identified as needing improvement because of their having failed, for two consecutive years, to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) pursuant to state academic performance standards. (Currently such services are required only after an additional year of failing to meet such standards.) Makes low-performing children from such schools who are not from low-income families eligible for SES and gives them priority, in the case of insufficient funding, over children who are poor [...]

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S.1019 Sponsored by Tom Coburn
Latest Action: 03/28/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to provide comprehensive reform of the health care system of the United States, and for other purposes. 3/28/2007--Introduced. Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act - Provides for health promotion and disease prevention activities, including requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for prevention.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow participants in high deductible health care insurance plans an increased tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account; and (2) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid.Requires states to establish and operate a qualified high risk pool or a state-designated alternative that ensures access to private health insurance for medically uninsurable individuals.Health Care Choice Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of the primary [...]

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H.R.1749 Sponsored by Peter Welch
Latest Action: 04/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To establish an Ombudsman in the Department of Defense to assist members of the Armed Forces seeking medical care at military medical treatment facilities.

3/28/2007--Introduced.

Veterans' Care Advocate Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish within each Department of Defense (DOD) military medical treatment facility an Ombudsman for Recovering Servicemembers to act as a liaison for recovering servicemembers and their families with respect to their evaluation and care under the physical disability evaluation systems.

Defines as "recovering servicemembers" those in a medical hold or holdover status due to an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty.

Latest Action: 05/11/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes. 5/9/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2008.Title II: Policy and Management Improvements - (Sec. 201) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to replace provisions establishing within DHS a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security with provisions establishing a Directorate for Policy, headed by an Under Secretary for Policy, which shall include: (1) the Office of the Private Sector; (2) the Victim Assistance Officer; (3) the Tribal Security Officer; and (4) the Border Community Liaison Officer.Makes the Under Secretary for Policy the principal policy advisor to the Secretary [...]

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Latest Action: 04/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight.

Bill Text
To provide that no entity performing lead system integrator functions in the acquisition of a major system by the Department of Homeland Security may have any direct financial interest in the development or construction of any individual system or element of any system of systems, and for other purposes. 3/22/2007--Introduced. Prohibits any entity performing lead system integrator functions in the acquisition of a major system by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from having any direct financial interest in the development or construction of any individual system or element of any system of systems with respect to contracts entered into after May 1, 2007. Makes exceptions if: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security certifies that an entity was selected by DHS as a contractor through competitive procedures and DHS took appropriate steps to prevent any organizational conflict of interest in the selection process; (2) an entity was selected by a subcontractor to [...]

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S.924 Sponsored by Maria Cantwell
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S15945-15950; text as reported in Senate: CR S15945-15947)

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen the United States Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater Program. 12/19/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act - (Sec. 2) Prohibits the Coast Guard from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for procurements under, or in support of, the Integrated Deepwater Systems Program (IDP). Requires the Coast Guard, unless otherwise excepted in accordance with the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 and the Federal Acquisition Regulations, to use full and open competition for any other procurement for which an outside contractor is used for the IDP. Sets forth various other exceptions.Limits, for certain procurements, the financial interests IDP lead systems integrators and tier 1 subcontractors may have in a subcontractor below tier 1 level.(Sec. 3) Requires, before certain procurements of major assets may be awarded, an analysis of alternatives [...]

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H.R.1591 Sponsored by David R. Obey
Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - On passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 222 - 203, 1 Present (Roll no. 276). (consideration: CR H4315-4326; text of Veto message: CR H4315)

Bill Text
Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes. 4/24/2007--Conference report filed in House.    (There are 3 other summaries) U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Title I: Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes FY2007 emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, for commodities supplied in connection with dispositions abroad under Public Law 480 Title II Grants. (Sec. 1101) Makes specified appropriations to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the release of eligible commodities for emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act, in order to replenish the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Chapter 2 - Makes FY2007 emergency supplemental appropriations [...]

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Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve drug safety and oversight, and for other purposes. 3/19/2007--Introduced. Enhancing Drug Safety and Innovation Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require an application for approval for a new drug or biological product to include a proposed risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, which must include: (1) labeling for the drug for use by health care providers; (2) submission of reports for the drug; and (3) a statement as to whether the analysis and surveillance are sufficient to assess the serious risks of the drug. Establishes a Drug Safety Oversight Board. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Reagan-Udall Institute for Applied Biomedical Research as a nonprofit corporation to advance the Critical Path Initiative to modernize medical product development, accelerate innovation, and enhance product safety.[...]

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S.869 Sponsored by Jim DeMint
Latest Action: 03/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to reform certain provisions of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to make compliance with that section more efficient, with the goal of maintaining United States capital market global competitiveness. 3/14/2007--Introduced. Competitive and Open Markets That Protect and Enhance the Treatment of Entrepreneurs Act of 2007, or the Compete Act of 2007 - Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Sarbanes-Oxley) to revise requirements for the internal control assessment component of a securities issuer's annual report.Requires the attestation and report by a registered public accounting firm on an issuer's management assessment of its internal control structure and procedures to focus upon the process and system used by management to identify and manage risks, identify and implement key controls, and come to a conclusion on the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting. Prohibits an auditor's attestation and report from including [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To reform certain provisions of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to make compliance with that section more efficient, with the goal of maintaining United States capital market global competitiveness. 3/13/2007--Introduced. Compete Act of 2007 - Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to revise requirements for the internal control assessment component of a securities issuer's annual report. Requires the attestation and report by a registered public accounting firm on an issuer's management assessment of its internal control structure and procedures to focus upon the process and system used by management to identify and manage risks, identify and implement key controls, and come to a conclusion on the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting. Prohibits an auditor's attestation and report from including a separate (pass/fail) opinion on the effectiveness of such internal controls. Requires such attestation and report to [...]

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H.R.1427 Sponsored by Barney Frank
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To reform the regulation of certain housing-related Government-sponsored enterprises, and for other purposes. 5/22/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Title I: Reform of Regulation of Enterprises and Federal Home Loan Banks - Subtitle A: Improvement of Safety and Soundness - (Sec. 101) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), headed by a Director (Director) possessing general supervisory and regulatory authority over the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the federal home loan banks ("the regulated entities"). (Sec. 102) Requires the Director to establish standards for each regulated entity, especially standards relating to: (1) [...]

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H.R.1429 Sponsored by Dale E. Kildee
Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the Head Start Act, to improve program quality, to expand access, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Public Law.    (There are 5 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on November 14, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act (the Act) to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs. (Sec. 2) Includes among the aims of Head Start programs children's growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning. (Sec. 3) Includes community-based organizations and financial literacy training within the definitions of Head Start delegate agencies and family literacy services, respectively. Adds definitions of Head Start deficiencies, homeless children, institutions of higher education,[...]

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Latest Action: 03/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.

Bill Text
To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to improve the administration of elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.

3/7/2007--Introduced.

Count Every Vote Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 with respect to : (1) voter verification and mandatory auditing by state officials; (2) provisional ballots and requirements for casting and counting them; (3) shortening of voter wait lines; (4) equitable allocation of voting systems, poll workers, and election resources; (5) absentee balloting; (6) training of poll workers; (7) standards for purging voters; (8) an election day registration grant program; (9) standards for early voting; (10) voter registration and identification; (11) prohibition of deceptive practices and certain campaign activities; (12) voting rights of individuals convicted of criminal offenses; (13) election day as a public holiday; and (14) the Election Assistance Commission.

Latest Action: 03/07/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to improve the administration of elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. 3/7/2007--Introduced. Count Every Vote Act of 2005 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 with respect to : (1) voter verification and mandatory auditing by state officials; (2) provisional ballots and requirements for casting and counting them; (3) shortening of voter wait lines; (4) equitable allocation of voting systems, poll workers, and election resources; (5) absentee balloting; (6) training of poll workers; (7) standards for purging voters; (8) an election day registration grant program; (9) standards for early voting; (10) voter registration and identification; (11) prohibition of deceptive practices and certain campaign activities; (12) voting rights of individuals convicted of criminal offenses; and (13) the Election Assistance Commission. Makes appropriations to carry out this Act. Federal Election Day Act of [...]

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Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 129.

Bill Text
To improve the access to capital programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 4/25/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007 - Title I: 7(A) Program - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act relating to the 7(a) (business start-up loan) program to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offset (contribute to) borrower and lender fees associated with 7(a) loans when funds are made available to the SBA for such contributions. Requires the quarterly adjustment of any contributions made. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to carry out a rural lending outreach program to provide up to an 85 percent guaranty for loans of $250,000 or less made by lenders to small businesses in rural areas. Requires the SBA to approve or decline such loan within 36 hours. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator to carry out a permanent [...]

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Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1362 with 1 hour and 20 minutes of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read

Bill Text
To reform acquisition practices of the Federal Government. 3/15/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Accountability in Contracting Act - Title I: Improving the Quality of Contracts - (Sec. 101) Requires the revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) within one year after the enactment of this Act to restrict the contract period of certain noncompetitive federal contracts in excess of $1 million to the minimum contract period necessary to: (1) meet the urgent and compelling requirements of the work to be performed under such contract; and (2) enter into another contract through the use of competitive procedures. Requires FAR to limit noncompetitive contract periods to not more than one year unless the head of the executive agency concerned determines that the government would be seriously injured by the limitation on the contract period. (Sec. 102) Requires certain executive agency heads (including the Under [...]

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Latest Action: 04/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To amend the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to require improved disclosure of corporate charitable contributions, and for other purposes.

2/27/2007--Introduced.

Corporate Charitable Disclosure Act of 2007 - Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to require disclosure of: (1) corporate charitable contributions whose value exceeds what the issuer made during the previous year to any nonprofit organization of which a director, officer, or controlling person of the issuer (or a spouse) was a director or trustee (insider affiliated charity); (2) the name of such nonprofit organization and the value of the contribution; (3) the total value of contributions made by the issuer to nonprofit organizations during its previous fiscal year; and (4) the organization name and the value of contributions if the value to any one organization exceeds the amount designated by Securities and Exchange Commission rule.

Latest Action: 05/03/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to extend the authority to withhold from public availability a financial disclosure repo