Top Legislation - View All
Latest Action: 06/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Bill TextA joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States. 6/6/2008--Introduced. Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President. (Abolishes the Electoral College.)
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Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Signed by President. Bill TextA 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) [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Bribery, Budgets, Campaign funds, Charter airlines, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional agencies, Congressional committee membership, Congressional committees (House), Congressional elections, Congressional employees, Congressional ethics, Congressional investigations, Congressional officers, Congressional publicity, Congressional Record, Congressional reorganization, Congressional reporting requirements, Congressional travel, Corruption in politics, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Data banks, Elections, Electronic data interchange, Electronic government information, Employee training, Evidence (Law), Ex-Members of Congress, Families, Financial disclosure, Fines (Penalties), Gifts, Government employees, Government information, Government paperwork, House of Representatives, House rules and procedure, House Standards of Official Conduct, Job training, Judges, Law, Licenses, Lobbying, Married people, Members of Congress, Misconduct in office, Political action committees, Political conventions, Politics and government, Presidential elections, Presidents, Private aviation, Senate rules and procedure, Technology, Telecommunication, Transportation, Travel costs, Valuation
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Blacks, Civil rights, Civil rights workers, Commemorations, Communications, Congress, Elections, Ex-Members of Congress, House of Representatives, Minorities, Minorities in government, New York State, Politics and government, Postage stamps, Presidential elections, Presidents, Women, Women in government
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Bill TextExpressing the sense of Congress that the United States Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring former Representative Shirley Chisholm, and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring former Representative Shirley Chisholm; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
Also tagged in: Air travel, Campaign funds, Charter airlines, Congress, Congressional elections, Congressional ethics, Congressional travel, Elections, Finance, Financial disclosure, Members of Congress, Private aviation, Senate, Senate rules and procedure, Transportation, Travel costs, Valuation
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. Bill TextA bill to require disclosure and payment of noncommercial air travel in the Senate. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate to: (1) disclose a flight taken in connection with official duties on an aircraft that is not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire (unless it is owned, operated, or leased by a governmental entity); (2) reimburse the aircraft's owner or lessee for the pro rata share of the flight's fair market value; and (3) report to the Secretary of the Senate specified information about the trip, including its purpose and the persons on it (other than the pilot). Declares that the fair market value of noncommercial air travel is the fair market value of the normal and usual charter fare or rental charge for a comparable plane of appropriate size. Amends Rule XXXVIII (Prohibition of Unofficial Office Accounts) [...] show full description
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. Bill TextA bill to prohibit authorized committees and leadership PACs from employing the spouse or immediate family members of any candidate or Federal office holder connected to the committee. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any authorized committee of a candidate or any other political committee established, maintained, or controlled by a candidate or person who holds a federal office from employing the spouse or any immediate family member of such candidate or federal office holder.
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. Bill TextProposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Every Vote Counts Amendment - Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the popular election of the President and Vice President under a new electoral system. (Abolishes the electoral college.)
Also tagged in: Air travel, Appropriations, Budgets, Campaign funds, Charter airlines, Communications, Conferences, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional agencies, Congressional committees (House), Congressional committees (Senate), Congressional conference committees, Congressional elections, Congressional employees, Congressional ethics, Congressional investigations, Congressional leadership, Congressional officers, Congressional publicity, Congressional Record, Congressional reorganization, Congressional reporting requirements, Congressional travel, Congressional voting, Data banks, Department of Veterans Affairs, Elections, Electronic data interchange, Employee rights, Employee training, Ex-Members of Congress, Executive departments, Families, Federal aid programs, Federal employees, Federal officials, Federally-guaranteed loans, Finance, Financial disclosure, Fines (Penalties), Foreign agents, Foreign policy, Fund raising, Gifts, Government employees, Government information, Government lending, House rules and procedure, House Standards of Official Conduct, Indians, Internet, Law, Legislation, Legislative amendments, Legislative calendars, Licenses, Lobbying, Members of Congress, Minorities, Parking facilities, Politics and government, Public contracts, Recreation, Senate, Senate Ethics, Senate rules and procedure, Sports, Sports facilities, Technology, Telecommunication, Transportation, Travel costs, Valuation, Web sites
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 TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Air travel, Appropriations, Auditing, Authorization, Budgets, Campaign funds, Communications, Conferences, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional agencies, Congressional committees (House), Congressional committees (Senate), Congressional conference committees, Congressional elections, Congressional employees, Congressional ethics, Congressional information resources, Congressional investigations, Congressional leadership, Congressional officers, Congressional privileges and immunities, Congressional publicity, Congressional Record, Congressional reorganization, Congressional reporting requirements, Congressional travel, Congressional voting, Data banks, Elections, Electronic data interchange, Employee training, Ex-Members of Congress, Executive departments, Families, Federal aid programs, Federal employees, Federal officials, Federally-guaranteed loans, Fees, Finance, Financial disclosure, Fines (Penalties), Foreign agents, Foreign policy, Fund raising, Gifts, Government employees, Government information, Government lending, House of Representatives, House rules and procedure, House Standards of Official Conduct, Income tax, Internet, Law, Legislation, Legislative amendments, Legislative calendars, Licenses, Lobbying, Members of Congress, Parking facilities, Political action committees, Political conventions, Political parties, Politicians' families, Politics and government, Public contracts, Senate, Senate Ethics, Senate rules and procedure, Sports, Sports facilities, Standards, Tariff, Tax credits, Tax deductions, Tax exclusion, Tax returns, Taxation, Technology, Telecommunication, Trade, Transportation, Travel costs, Web sites
Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Campaign funds, Congress, Congressional elections, Elections, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Political action committees, Political advertising, Politics and government, Presidential elections, Presidents
Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. Bill TextTo amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require political committees which are associated but not affiliated with a Federal candidate or officeholder to include in the statements of organization and the reports such committees file with the Federal Election Commission the identification of each candidate or officeholder with which the committee is associated, and for other purposes. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Leadership PAC Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require political committees which are associated but not affiliated with a federal candidate or officeholder to include in the statements of organization and the reports they file with the Federal Election Commission the identification of each candidate or officeholder with which the committee is associated.Requires the Commission to display and organize the designations, statements, reports, and notifications made accessible to the public on the Internet in a manner that [...] show full description
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Latest Legislation - View All
Latest Action: 06/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Bill TextA joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States. 6/6/2008--Introduced. Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President. (Abolishes the Electoral College.)
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3645-3646; text of measure as passed Senate: CR S3646) Bill TextA resolution recognizing that John Sidney McCain, III, is a natural born citizen. 4/30/2008--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.) States that John Sidney McCain, III, is a "natural born Citizen'' under Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution of the United States.
Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Congress, Congressional elections, Elections, Fines (Penalties), Identification devices, Injunctions, Law, Political advertising, Presidential elections, Presidents, Telecommunication, Telephone
Latest Action: 02/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S920-921) Bill TextA bill to regulate political robocalls. 2/12/2008--Introduced. Robocall Privacy Act of 2008 - Makes it unlawful for a person during specified periods before a federal primary or general election to make certain prerecorded political telephone calls with respect to a candidate for federal office without immediate disclosure of the recorded nature of the calls, the identity of the caller, and the appearance of the caller's telephone number on the recipient's caller identification service.
Also tagged in: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Alien property, Civil liberties, Commemorations, Communications, Congressional tributes, Criminal justice, Democracy, Diplomacy, Dissenters, Economic assistance, Elections, Ethnic relations, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Freedom of association, Freedom of the press, Human rights, Immigration, International affairs, International finance, Kenya, Negotiations, Police, Police brutality, Political parties, Political violence, Politics and government, President and foreign policy, Presidential elections, Presidents, Public demonstrations, Refugees, Right of assembly, Right to travel, Sanctions (International law), Transportation, United Nations, Voting
Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S456-457) Bill TextA resolution calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. 1/29/2008--Passed Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy, as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns: (1) the violence in Kenya; and (2) threats to civil leaders and human rights activists. Urges politicians and political parties to desist from the deactivation and use of ethnic militias. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to engage in an internationally brokered dialogue and respect the will of the Kenyan people. Calls for: (1) those who are found guilty of human rights violations to be held accountable for their actions; and (2) an end to restrictions on the media [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Alien property, Civil liberties, Clergy, Commemorations, Communications, Congressional tributes, Criminal justice, Democracy, Diplomacy, Dissenters, Economic assistance, Elections, Ethnic relations, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Freedom of association, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, International agencies, International finance, Kenya, Negotiations, Police, Police brutality, Political parties, Political violence, Politics and government, President and foreign policy, Presidential elections, Presidents, Public demonstrations, Religion, Religious liberty, Right of assembly, Right to travel, Sanctions (International law), Transportation, United Nations, Voting
Latest Action: 02/08/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill TextCalling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy and respect for the democratic process as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns the ongoing violence in Kenya and urges all parties concerned to immediately end use of violence as a means to achieve their political objectives. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to accept offers of external and internal assistance to help find a solution to the current crisis which has the support of the people of Kenya. Calls on Kenyan security forces to refrain from using excessive force and to respect the human rights of Kenyan citizens. Calls for an immediate end to the restrictions on the media, and on the rights of peaceful assembly and association. Condemns threats to civil society [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Appropriations, Budgets, Campaign funds, Checkoff, Computer software, Cost of living adjustments, Department of the Interior, Economic policy, Elections, Electronic government information, Energy, Executive departments, Fees, Foreign trade promotion, Fund raising, Geothermal resources, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Government trust funds, Grazing, Income tax, Indexing (Economic policy), Law, Licenses, Lobbying, Marketing of farm produce, Mining claims, Mining royalties, Natural resources, Oil and gas leases, Oil well drilling, Political conventions, Political parties, Politics and government, Presidential elections, Presidents, Primaries, Public lands, Range management, Soft money, Tax returns, Taxation, Technology, Telecommunication, Trade
Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14790-14791) Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Budgets, Campaign funds, Checkoff, Computer software, Cost of living adjustments, Economic policy, Elections, Electronic government information, Fund raising, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Government trust funds, Income tax, Indexing (Economic policy), Political conventions, Political parties, Politics and government, Presidential elections, Presidents, Primaries, Soft money, Tax returns, Taxation, Technology, Telecommunication
Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 comm Bill TextTo 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 in public [...] show full description
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Bill TextTo amend chapter 15 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for an additional, limited exception to the provision prohibiting a State or local officer or employee from being a candidate for elective office. 12/4/2007--Introduced. Provides that the prohibition against a state or local officer or employee being a candidate for elective office shall not apply to any local government office of an area with a population of less than 100,000.
Also tagged in: Arms sales, Assassination, Counterterrorism, Criminal justice, Democracy, Diplomacy, Elections, Embargo, Europe, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, International affairs, International cooperation, International courts, Iran, Law, Lebanon, Middle East and North Africa, Politics and government, Presidential elections, Prosecution, Sovereignty, Syria, Terrorism, Terrorists, Trade, United Nations, War relief, Weapons systems
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S13132 text as passed Senate: CR S13132 text of measure as introduced: CR S13100) Bill TextA resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of a sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon and the need for free and fair presidential elections in Lebanon without intimidation or foreign interference. 10/18/2007--Passed Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Calls for free presidential elections in Lebanon conducted according to Lebanon's constitution and free from foreign interference or the use of intimidation tactics. Supports ongoing efforts in Lebanon to reach agreement on a presidential candidate committed to upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. Condemns the governments of Syria and Iran for their interference in Lebanon's internal political affairs and for their repeated violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. [...] show full description
Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Bill TextTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the graduated income tax rates that apply to principal campaign committees of candidates for Congress shall apply to all comparable committees of candidates for State and local offices. 10/4/2007--Introduced. State and Local Candidate Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the graduated income tax rates applicable to principal campaign committees of candidates for Congress shall also apply to all comparable committees of candidates for state and local offices.
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