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Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E3)

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit certain State election administration officials from actively participating in electoral campaigns.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Federal Election Integrity Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it unlawful for a chief state election administration official to take active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any election for federal office over which the official has supervisory authority.

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: 10/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11302)

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Expressing the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in the case of Buckley v. Valeo. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in the case of Buckley v. Valeo because the decision failed to recognize: (1) that the unlimited spending of large amounts of money on elections has a corrosive effect on the electoral process not simply because of direct transactions between those who give large amounts of money and candidates and elected officials but because the presence of unlimited amounts of money corrupts the process on a more fundamental level; and (2) other legitimate state interests which justify limiting money in campaigns, including the need to preserve the integrity of our republican form of government, restore public confidence in government, and ensure all citizens a more equal opportunity to participate in the political [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7494; text as passed Senate: CR S7494)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-United States dialogue and relationship. 6/11/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries should continue implementing the ASEAN-United States Enhanced Partnership; (2) should proceed with appointing a United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs; (3) should work with the ASEAN countries in developing a regional energy strategy; (4) should provide greater support toward encouraging students from ASEAN countries to study in the United States and American students to study in ASEAN countries; and (5) should continue to support the work of multilateral financial institutions assisting the ASEAN countries.[...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H9191-9192)

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to deny retirement benefits accrued by an individual as a Member of Congress if such individual is convicted of any of certain offenses. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2007 - Amends federal civil service law, with respect to both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), to require the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations that deny eligibility under CSRS or FERS for a Member convicted of certain offenses that are: (1) committed by the individual while a Member, (2) related to the individual's service as a Member, and (3) after enactment of this Act. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual. Defines Member as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S117-118)

Bill Text
A bill to give investigators and prosecutors the tools they need to combat public corruption.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Effective Corruption Prosecutions Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) extend to eight years the statute of limitations for certain public corruption offenses involving bribery, theft of government funds, mail fraud, and racketeering; and (2) permit interception of wire, oral or electronic communications in connection the crimes of theft of federal funds or bribery (federal program bribery) and include such crimes within the definition of racketeering for purposes of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Practices Act (RICO).

Authorizes appropriations for additional Department of Justice personnel to investigate and prosecute public corruption offenses.

Latest Action: 01/08/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S236-237)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to deny Federal retirement benefits to individuals convicted of certain offenses, and for other purposes.

1/8/2007--Introduced.

Congressional Pension Accountability Act - Prohibits a Member of Congress, or a survivor or beneficiary, from receiving an annuity or retired pay if such Member is: (1) convicted of bribery of public officials and witnesses, conspiracy either to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States, perjury, or subornation of perjury; or (2) indicted or has outstanding charges for such offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Latest Action: 01/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H794)

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to deny Federal retirement benefits to individuals convicted of certain offenses, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Prohibits an individual (or a survivor or beneficiary thereof) from receiving federal annuity or retired pay if such individual is convicted, indicted, or has outstanding charges against him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for specified offenses concerning: (1) bribery, graft, or conflicts of interest related to public officials and witnesses, Members of Congress, government officers or employees, or obtaining appointive public office; (2) embezzlement or theft of public money, property, or records; (3) the solicitation or use of gifts; (4) fraud and false statements or entries; (5) perjury; (6) subornation of perjury; or (7) false declarations before a grand jury or court.

Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual.

Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, 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 jurisdi

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that a Member of Congress convicted of any of certain felony offenses shall not be eligible for retirement benefits based on that individual's Member service, and for other purposes. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 2007 - Amends federal civil service law, with respect to both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), to require the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations that deny eligibility under CSRS or FERS for a Member convicted of certain offenses that are: (1) committed by the individual while a Member, (2) related to the individual's service as a Member, and (3) committed during the 111th Congress or later. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual. Defines Member as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate [...]

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Latest Action: 01/12/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, 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 jurisdi

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to deny Federal retirement benefits to individuals convicted of certain offenses, and for other purposes.

1/12/2007--Introduced.

Congressional Pension Accountability Act - Prohibits a Member of Congress, or a survivor or beneficiary, from receiving an annuity or retired pay if such Member is: (1) convicted of bribery of public officials and witnesses, conspiracy either to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States, perjury, or subornation of perjury; or (2) indicted or has outstanding charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Defines "Member of Congress" as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6670-6671; text as passed Senate: CR S6670-6671; text of measure as introduced: CR S6653-6654)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that President George W. Bush, President Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation, and other participants in the 2008 Group of Eight (G8) Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, Japan should work together to foster a more constructive relationship, and that the Government of the Russian Federation should eschew behaviors that are inconsistent with the Group's objectives of protecting global security, economic stability, and democracy. 7/14/2008--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States and the G8 nations should pursue a broad agenda of cooperation with the Russian Federation; (2) the Russian Federation should respect the rights of governments in neighboring countries and their prerogative to seek membership in Euro-Atlantic [...]

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Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to require the International Trade Commission to report on the specific impact of each free trade agreement in force with respect to the United States on a sector-by-sector basis, and for other purposes.

10/24/2007--Introduced.

Trade Agreement Assessment Act - Directs the International Trade Commission (ITC) to report periodically to Congress on each free trade agreement in force with respect to the United States, including: (1) its effect on the U.S. economy and on specific U.S. industry sectors; (2) a summary of how each country that is party to such agreement has changed its labor and environmental laws; and (3) whether the agreement is making progress in achieving the objectives of the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002.

Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 734 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule w

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the withholding of information relating to corruption in Iraq. 10/16/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) as Congress considers the President's request for over $150 billion more for the war in Iraq it is essential that Congress and the people of the United States know the extent of corruption in the Iraqi government and whether corruption is fueling the insurgency; (2) it was wrong to retroactively classify portions of the report titled "Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: U.S. Ministry Capacity Development Efforts Need an Overall Integrated Strategy to Guide Efforts and Manage Risk" which was released October 4, 2007, and other statements that do not [...]

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Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-239.

Bill Text
A bill to help Federal prosecutors and investigators combat public corruption by strengthening and clarifying the law. 12/10/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Public Corruption Prosecution Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise and expand prohibitions against bribery, theft of public money, and other public corruption offenses. (Sec. 2) Establishes a six-year limitation period for the prosecution of public corruption crimes involving bribery, extortion, theft of government property, mail fraud, and racketeering. (Sec. 3) Expands mail and wire fraud statutes to cover offenses involving any other thing of value (e.g., intangible rights and licenses). (Sec. 4) Modifies general venue rules for criminal prosecutions to allow prosecutions in any district in which an act in furtherance of an offense is committed.(Sec. 5) Reduces from $5,000 to $1,000 the threshold amount [...]

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Latest Action: 03/04/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-273.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and for other purposes. 3/4/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees through September 30, 2011.(Sec. 3) States that OPIC may insure, reinsure, guaranty, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is to be undertaken: (1) is eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and has not been determined to be ineligible for such designation based upon its record on worker rights or child labor; or (2) if not eligible for such GSP designation, the government has taken or is taking steps to afford workers internationally [...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12428)

Bill Text
A bill to implement the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group.

6/5/2007--Introduced.

Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) that the President should formulate a comprehensive plan to implement the Iraq Study Group recommendations; (2) respecting diplomatic efforts in Iraq; and (3) respecting redeployment of U.S. combat brigades not necessary for force protection and other specified duties by the first quarter of 2008.

States U.S. policy respecting: (1) security and military forces in Iraq; (2) strengthening the U.S. military; (3) police and criminal justice in Iraq; (4) the oil sector in Iraq; (5) improving assistance programs in Iraq; (6) budgetary preparation; and (7) conditions for continued U.S. assistance to Iraq based upon the government of Iraq meeting specified milestones.

Requires the President to report to Congress every 90 days respecting such policies' implementation.

Latest Action: 07/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7712)

Bill Text
To implement the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group.

6/5/2007--Introduced.

Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) that the President should formulate a comprehensive plan to implement the Iraq Study Group recommendations; (2) respecting diplomatic efforts in Iraq; and (3) respecting redeployment of U.S. combat brigades not necessary for force protection and other specified duties by the first quarter of 2008.

States U.S. policy respecting: (1) security and military forces in Iraq; (2) strengthening the U.S. military; (3) police and criminal justice in Iraq; (4) the oil sector in Iraq; (5) improving assistance programs in Iraq; (6) budgetary preparation; and (7) conditions for continued U.S. assistance to Iraq based upon the government of Iraq meeting specified milestones.

Requires the President to report to Congress every 90 days respecting such policies' implementation.

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: 06/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To establish a congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery Act - Defines "modern-day slavery." Establishes a congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-day Slavery which shall: (1) study matters relating to modern-day slavery; (2) review programs of relevant governmental agencies; (3) examine efforts by foreign countries and multilateral organizations to combat modern-day slavery; and (4) convene additional experts from nongovernmental organizations as part of the Commission's review. States that the Commission shall: (1) advise Congress on how the United States could support efforts to eradicate modern-day slavery; (2) evaluate comparative strategies to prevent modern-day slavery, rescue and rehabilitate its victims, and prosecute traffickers and increase accountability within countries; (3) examine the economic impact on communities [...]

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Latest Action: 06/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend title 18, United States Code, to deter public corruption.

5/22/2007--Introduced.

Clean Up Government Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand mail and wire fraud prohibitions to include fraudulent use of the mails or wire to obtain any thing of value (currently, limited to money or property); (2) expand venue for prosecutions of federal offenses; (3) increase prison terms for theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and for bribery of public officials and witnesses; (4) include theft of District of Columbia property in the federal crime of stealing public money, property or records; and (5) expand the definition of "official act" for purposes of the crime of bribery of public officials and witnesses.

Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements to reflect congressional intent to increase penalties for public corruption.