| Also tagged in: Afghanistan, Armed forces, Budgets, Condominium (Housing), Counseling, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Families, Federally-guaranteed loans, Fees, Finance, Fines (Penalties), Foreclosure, Government information, Government publicity, Government trust funds Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance housing loan authorities for veterans and to otherwise assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in avoiding the foreclosure of their homes, and for other purposes.
| | Also tagged in: Air pollution, Alcohol as fuel, Alternative energy sources, Antitrust law, Armed forces, Biomass energy, Budgets, Business, Cartels, Climate change, Congress, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Defense economics, Derivative securities, Disaster relief Latest Action: 05/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3988-3989)
Bill Text
A bill to provide energy price relief and hold oil companies and other entities accountable for their actions with regard to high energy prices, and for other purposes.
| | Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3461-5362; text as passed Senate: CR S3462; text of measure as introduced: CR S3514)
Bill TextA resolution to authorize testimony and legal representation in State of Maine v. Douglas Rawlings, Jonathan Kreps, James Freeman, Henry Braun, Robert Shetterly, and Dudley Hendrick. 4/29/2008--Passed Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes: (1) Carol Woodcock to testify in the cases of State of Maine v. Douglas Rawlings, Jonathan Kreps, James Freeman, Henry Braun, Robert Shetterly, and Dudley Hendrick, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Carol Woodcock, and any other employee of the Senator from whom evidence may be sought in such cases. | | Also tagged in: American investments, Americans in foreign countries, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Business, Civil liberties, Clinics, Collection of accounts, Conferences, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congress and military policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Corporation taxes, Counterterrorism Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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 committee
Bill TextTo require the safe, complete, and fully-funded redeployment of United States Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq and to prohibit the establishment of any enduring or permanent United States military bases in Iraq, and for other purposes. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Fully-Funded United States Military Redeployment and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2008 - States that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) commence the safe and orderly redeployment of U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq; (2) pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy; (3) help preserve the territorial integrity of Iraq and establish a democratic central government there; (4) account for missing U.S. personnel and citizens in Iraq; and (5) turn over all internal security activities and military operations in Iraq to its elected government within one year after the enactment of this Act. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1145; text as passed Senate: CR S1145; text of measure as introduced: CR S1144)
Bill TextA resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of National Association of Manufacturers v. Taylor, et al. 2/25/2008--Passed Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the Secretary of the Senate in the case of National Association of Manufacturers v. Taylor, et al. | | Also tagged in: Business, Campaign funds, Class actions (Civil procedure), Competitive bidding, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Elections, Evidence (Law), Finance, Frivolous lawsuits, Law, Lawyers, Legal advertising and soliciting, Legal ethics Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Admission of nonimmigrants, Afghanistan, Air force, Air piracy, Airports, Alaska, Alien labor, Alien property, Ammunition, Anniversaries, Annuities, Appellate procedure, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Signed by President.
Bill TextTo provide for the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as previously enrolled, with certain modifications to address the foreign sovereign immunities provisions of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the attachment of property in certain judgements against Iraq, the lapse of statutory authorities for the payment of bonuses, special pays, and similar benefits for members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 1/28/2008--Public Law. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Budgets, Civil liberties, Communications, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Consent decrees, Disciplining of employees, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal employees, Federal officials, Freedom of information, Government employees, Government information Latest Action: 12/31/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-175.
Bill TextA bill to promote accessibility, accountability, and openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes. 12/31/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to revise requirements for federal agency disclosures of information requested under that Act. (Sec. 3) Provides definitions of "representative of the news media" and "news" for purposes of request processing fees. Regards a freelance journalist as working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Department of Veterans Affairs, Education, Employee selection, Executive departments, Federal employees, Government employees, Government employees' health insurance, Health policy, Higher education, Law, Licenses, Medical care, Medical education, Medical malpractice, Medicine, Negligence Latest Action: 12/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Bill TextTo amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Introduced. Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without: (1) approval [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Criminal justice, Discovery (Law), Electronic surveillance, Foreign policy, Government liability, Intelligence activities, International affairs, Law, Liability (Law), Parties to actions, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Terrorism Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-226. 10:00 a.m.
Bill TextA bill to provide for the substitution of the United States in certain civil actions. 12/3/2007--Introduced. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Substitution Act of 2007 - Requires a federal or state court to substitute the United States for an electronic communication service provider with respect to any claim in a covered civil action if the Attorney General certifies to the court that either: (1) the service provider did not provide the alleged assistance; or (2) the assistance alleged to have been provided was in connection with an intelligence activity involving communications authorized by the President between September 11, 2001, and January 17, 2007, and designed to detect or prevent a terrorist attack, or activities in preparation for a terrorist attack, against the United States. Requires the alleged provider assistance to be described in a written request or directive from the Attorney General or the head of an element of the intelligence community to the electronic [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S14658; text as passed Senate: CR S14658; text of measure as introduced: CR S14643)
Bill TextA resolution to authorize testimony and legal representation in State of Nebraska v. Pamir J. Safi. 11/16/2007--Passed Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes: (1) Dorothy Anderson and Blayne Garth Glissman, Jr. to testify in the case of State of Nebraska v. Pamir J. Safi, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Dorothy Anderson and Blayne Garth Glissman, Jr. in such case. | | Also tagged in: Department of Veterans Affairs, Education, Employee selection, Executive departments, Federal employees, Government employees, Government employees' health insurance, Health policy, Higher education, Law, Licenses, Medical care, Medical education, Medical malpractice, Medicine, Negligence Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14624-14625)
Bill TextA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without: [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Civil liberties, Damages, Education, Educational accountability, Educational research, Educational surveys, Elementary and secondary education, Elementary education, Families, Federal aid to education, Fines (Penalties), Law, Legal fees, Liability (Law), Parent-school relationships Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to require educational institutions that receive Federal funds to obtain the affirmative, informed, written consent of a parent before providing a student information regarding sex, to provide parents the opportunity to review such information, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Parents' Rights Empowerment and Protection Act (PREP Act) - Requires each preschool and elementary and secondary school that receives federal funds to obtain the affirmative, informed, written consent of a child's parent before requesting information from, or conveying information to, such child on topics relating to sex or sexuality.Requires parents, upon their request, to be given an opportunity to review such information as well as a description of the context of, and need for, its request or conveyance.Subjects individuals and schools to civil liability and fines for violating these consent and disclosure requirements. Makes noncompliant schools ineligible [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, China, Compensation for victims of crime, Computer crimes, Consumers, Copyright, Counterfeiting, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Department of Justice, East Asia, Europe, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Export controls, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14064)
Bill TextA bill to amend titles 17 and 18, United States Code, and the Trademark Act of 1946 to strengthen and harmonize the protection of intellectual property, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Introduced. Intellectual Property Enforcement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action for copyright infringement in lieu of criminal proceedings. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) create an operational unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assist in the investigation and coordination of intellectual property crimes; (2) implement a program to train FBI agents in the investigation and prosecution of such crimes; (3) assign federal prosecutors to Department of Justice (DOJ) offices in Hong Kong and Budapest to coordinate international enforcement of intellectual property laws; and (4) create a task force to implement a plan to investigate and prosecute international organized crime syndicates involved in theft of intellectual property.Authorizes [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 12/03/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Bill TextTo amend chapter 111 of title 28, United States Code, to limit the duration of Federal consent decrees to which State and local governments are a party, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize any state or local government or related official (or successor) to file a motion to modify or terminate a federal consent decree upon the earlier of: (1) four years after the consent decree is originally entered; or (2) in the case of a civil action in which a state or state official, or a local government or local government official, is a party, the expiration of the term of office of the highest state or local government official who was a party to the consent decree; or (3) the date otherwise provided by law. Places the burden of proof with respect to such motions on the party originally filing the action to demonstrate that the denial of the motion to modify or terminate a consent [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Advertising, All terrain vehicles, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Child safety, Children, Clothing, Communications, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer education, Consumer Product Safety Commission Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Mr. Dingell moved that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference. (consideration: CR H3854-3856)
Bill TextTo establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 3/6/2008--Passed Senate amended. (There are 2 other summaries) CPSC Reform Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations: (1) to carry out the Act and any other provision of law the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is authorized or directed to carry out; (2) for the office of Inspector General; (3) to make capital improvements to the research, development, and testing facility of the CPSC; and (4) for research into safety issues related to the use of nanotechnology in consumer products. (Sec. 4) Requires the CPSC, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by at least 500 the number of its full-time employees and by at least 50 the number of its port-of-entry and overseas production facility inspectors. Requires [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextA bill to amend chapter 111 of title 28, United States Code, to limit the duration of Federal consent decrees to which State and local governments are a party, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize any state or local government or related official (or successor) to file a motion to modify or terminate a federal consent decree upon the earlier of: (1) four years after the consent decree is originally entered; or (2) in the case of a civil action in which a state or state official, or a local government or local government official, is a party, the expiration of the term of office of the highest state or local government official who was a party to the consent decree; or (3) the date otherwise provided by law. Places the burden of proof with respect to such motions on the party originally filing the action to demonstrate that the denial of the motion to modify or terminate a consent [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Armed forces, Business, Congress, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Counterterrorism, Courts of special jurisdiction, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Electronic surveillance, Federal preemption, Foreign agents, Foreign policy, Governmental investigations, Intelligence activities, International affairs Latest Action: 02/12/2008 - S.AMDT.4018 Amendment SA 4018 proposed by Senator Rockefeller to Amendment SA 3911. To make technical corrections.
Bill TextAn original bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, to modernize and streamline the provisions of that Act, and for other purposes. 2/12/2008--Passed Senate amended. (There are 3 other summaries) Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 or FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - Title I: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance - (Sec. 101) Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to add a new title concerning additional procedures for acquiring the communications of certain persons outside the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to jointly authorize, for periods up to one year, the targeting (electronic surveillance) of persons located outside the United States in order to acquire foreign intelligence information, under specified limitations, including: (1) prohibiting an acquisition intentionally targeting a person reasonably [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Civil rights, Disasters, Disciplining of employees, Discrimination in employment, Dismissal of employees, Emergency management, Emergency medicine, Employee rights, Fire fighters, Government information, Government paperwork, Labor, Law, Leave of absence, Medical care, Medicine Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13452)
Bill TextA bill to prohibit termination of employment of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding to emergencies, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act - Prohibits any employee from being terminated, demoted, or discriminated against in the terms or conditions of employment because the employee is absent or late as a result of serving as a volunteer firefighter or providing volunteer emergency medical services as part of a response to an emergency or major disaster. Excludes absences for which the employee: (1) is absent for more than 14 days per calendar year; (2) responds to an emergency or major disaster without being official deployed in accordance with a coordinator national deployment system; or (3) fails to provide written verification within a reasonable period of time. Allows employers to: (1) reduce the employee's regular pay for such time as the employee is absent; and (2) [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Campaign funds, Class actions (Civil procedure), Competitive bidding, Conflict of interests, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Elections, Evidence (Law), Finance, Frivolous lawsuits, Law, Lawyers, Legal advertising and soliciting, Legal ethics Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.
Bill TextTo 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 [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative remedies, Admission of nonimmigrants, Alien labor, Aliens, Armed forces, Arms control, Awards, medals, prizes, Budgets, Burma, Business, Child abuse, Child labor, Child sexual abuse, Child welfare, Children, Civil liberties Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextTo authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons, and for other purposes. 12/4/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Combatting International Trafficking in Persons - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to include the Secretary of Education on the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Current law authorizes such Office's establishment.) Revises responsibilities of the Director of the Office. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should locate the Office at the Department of State (Department) headquarters [...] show full description | | Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo provide a civil action for a minor injured by exposure to an entertainment product containing material that is harmful to minors, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Parents' Empowerment Act - Authorizes a minor, through a person acting on his or her behalf under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to bring a civil action in U.S. district court for compensatory and punitive damages for the knowing sale or distribution in interstate or foreign commerce of an entertainment product containing material harmful to minors, if: (1) a reasonable person would expect a substantial number of minors to be exposed to the material; and (2) the minor as a result of such exposure is likely to suffer personal or emotional injury or injury to mental or moral welfare.Makes it an affirmative defense to such an action that: (1) a parent or guardian of the minor owned or possessed the entertainment product containing the material to which the minor was exposed; and (2) an [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Academic performance, Administrative remedies, Books, Budgets, Business, Citizenship education, Class size, Communications, Computer software, Computers, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Curricula, Democracy, Department of Education, Education Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13000)
Bill TextA bill to provide for educational opportunities for all students in State public school systems, and for other purposes. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so by: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Damages, Emergency management, Employee rights, Employers' liability, Floods, Hours of labor, Hurricanes, Labor, Law, Louisiana, Metropolitan areas, Minimum wages, Urban affairs, Wage restitution Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Bill TextTo permit the Secretary of Labor to make an administrative determination of the amount of unpaid wages owed for certain violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act in the New Orleans region after Hurricane Katrina. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make an administrative determination of the amount of unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages owed to employees by an employer for certain violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act committed in the New Orleans region after Hurricane Katrina. Authorizes the Secretary to bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the amount of such wages and liquidated damages. | | Also tagged in: Attorneys general, Cabinet officers, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Congressional-executive relations, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Department of Justice, Executive departments, Executive Office of the President, Federal employees, Federal officials, Government employees, Government ethics, Law, Politics and government Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill TextTo provide for a reporting requirement regarding communications between the Department of Justice and the White House relating to civil and criminal investigations, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Introduced. Security from Political Interference in Justice Act of 2007 - Defines "covered communication" as any communication relating to an ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) civil or criminal investigation (regardless of whether a civil or criminal indictment or information has been filed). Excludes from such definition any communication relating to policy appointments, legislation, rulemaking, budgets, public relations, programmatic matters, intergovernmental relations, administrative or personnel matters, appellate litigation, or requests for legal advice. Defines "covered Department of Justice officer" as the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Associate Attorney General. Defines "covered White House officer" as the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Anarchism, Armed forces, Citizenship, Communications, Congress and foreign policy, Congress and military policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional-executive relations, Constitution, Constitutional law, Courts-martial and courts of inquiry, Criminal justice, Criminal procedure, Defense policy, Detention of persons, Due process of law Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Bill TextTo restore the Constitution's checks and balances and protections against government abuses as envisioned by the Founding Fathers. 10/15/2007--Introduced. American Freedom Agenda Act of 2007 - Repeals the Military Commissions Act of 2006. Authorizes the President to establish military commissions for the trial of war crimes only in places of active hostilities against the United States where an immediate trial is necessary to preserve fresh evidence or to prevent local anarchy. Prohibits the President from detaining any individual indefinitely as an unlawful enemy combatant absent proof by substantial evidence that the individual has directly engaged in active hostilities against the United States. Prohibits the detention of any U.S. citizen as an unlawful enemy combatant. Entitles any individual detained as an enemy combatant by the United States to petition for a writ of habeas corpus. Prohibits any civilian or military tribunal of the United [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Communications, Congressional reporting requirements, Damages, Employee health benefits, Employee rights, Employers' liability, Finance, Fines (Penalties), Government information, Government paperwork, Government publications, Governmental investigations, Grievance procedures, Health insurance continuation, Health policy, Interest Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 110-410.
Bill TextTo amend the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to minimize the adverse effects of employment dislocation, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Reported to House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," "mass layoff", and "employees" for purposes of the Act. Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees (including part-time employees) and appropriate state and local governments before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; (2) notify the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) of such closing or layoff; and (3) provide affected employees with information regarding benefits and services available to them, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance,[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Americans in foreign countries, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Foreign policy, International affairs, Iraq, Iraq compilation, Jurisdiction, Law, Middle East and North Africa, Military agreements, Military occupation, Military operations Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Bill TextExpressing the sense of Congress that the Government of the United States should submit to the Government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement. 10/10/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should submit to the government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement which should: (1) address the sovereign rights of Iraq, underlining that the United States is not an occupying power; (2) address the legal status of U.S. personnel in Iraq; and (3) establish coordinative mechanisms with respect to investigations and operations involving U.S. and Iraqi forces, including civilian police forces. | | Also tagged in: Armed forces, Business, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congress and military policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Counterterrorism, Courts of special jurisdiction, Criminal justice, Declaration of war, Defense policy, Electronic surveillance, Employee training, Foreign policy, Government information Latest Action: 03/31/2008 - Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate amendment.
Bill TextTo amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence, and for other purposes. 3/14/2008--House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment. (There are 5 other summaries) Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 or FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - Title I: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance - (Sec. 101) Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to add a new title concerning additional procedures for acquiring the communications of certain persons outside the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to jointly authorize, for periods up to one year, the targeting (electronic surveillance) of persons located outside the United States in order to acquire foreign intelligence information, under specified limitations, including: (1) prohibiting an acquisition [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy courts, Consumer credit, Consumers, Counseling, Damages, Debtor and creditor, Finance, Foreclosure, Housing, Law, Mortgage interest rates, Mortgages, Parties to actions, Social services, Trusts and trustees Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Bill TextA bill to address the treatment of primary mortgages in bankruptcy, and for other purposes. 10/3/2007--Introduced. Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period. Exempts a chapter 13 debtor from the requirement for credit counseling if the court receives certification that debtor's principal residence has been scheduled for a foreclosure sale. Conditions any fees, costs, or charges that may be added to the mortgage debt during pendency of the bankruptcy case upon notice to the court within a specified deadline. Requires the court to waive such additional fees, costs, or charges if the court has not been notified on time. Permits a bankruptcy [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Advertising, Business, Charities, Communications, Deceptive advertising, Emblems, Federal incorporation, Foundations, Intellectual property, Law, Medical care, Medicine, Physical fitness, Politics and government, Signs and symbols, Social services Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.
Bill TextTo establish a National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. 10/2/2007--Introduced. National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports Establishment Act - Establishes the National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports as a charitable, nonprofit corporation to promote participation by private organizations in the activities of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Subjects any person who uses the Council's or Foundation's official seal or any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, the Council or Foundation for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services, or to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition without the Foundation's consent to a civil action for remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946. Allows [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Coal mines and mining, Counseling, Damages, Energy, Executive departments, Families, Family services, Federal advisory bodies, Government information, Government publicity, Labor, Law, Legal ethics, Liability (Law), Medical care Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12441)
Bill TextA bill to provide assistance to families of miners involved in mining accidents. 10/2/2007--Introduced. Mine Disaster Family Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the MINER Act to require the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, as soon as practicable after being notified of a mining accident involving a mine operator and resulting in a mine emergency response by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), to: (1) designate and publicize the name and phone number of a director of a family support service as a point of contact within the federal government for the families of miners involved and as a liaison between the operator and the families; and (2) designate an independent nonprofit organization with primary responsibility for coordinating the emotional care and support of the miners' families.Sets forth responsibilities of the MSHA and the designated organization in such an accident.Prohibits: (1) impeding the ability of MSHA or the [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Appellate courts, Collective bargaining, Criminal justice, Elections, Emergency management, Emergency medicine, Employee rights, Employee-management relations in government, Executive departments, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Federal preemption, Fire fighters, Government employee unions, Government employees Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextA bill to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions. 10/1/2007--Introduced. Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (Authority) to determine whether state law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the Authority to issue in accordance with the public safety employee rights and responsibilities regulations establishing collective [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Claims, Compensation for victims of crime, Concentration camps, Criminal justice, Damages, District courts, Foreign policy, History, International affairs, Jewish holocaust (1939-1945), Jurisdiction, Law, Limitation of actions, Railroads, Transportation Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo ensure that the courts of the United States may provide an impartial forum for claims brought by United States citizens and others against any railroad organized as a separate legal entity, arising from the deportation of United States citizens and others to Nazi concentration camps on trains owned or operated by such railroad, and by the heirs and survivors of such persons. 10/1/2007--Introduced. Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity.Provides that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action; and (2) no such action shall be barred because a [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Civil rights, Civil rights enforcement, Discrimination in employment, Government information, Government liability, Government paperwork, Government statistics, Homosexuality, Labor, Labor statistics, Labor unions, Law, Sexual orientation Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 479.
Bill TextTo prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 11/7/2007--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Makes it an unlawful employment practice for covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees) to discriminate against an individual on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, including actions based on the actual or perceived sexual orientation of a person with whom the individual associates or has associated. Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. (Sec. 5) Makes it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against an individual because the individual opposed any practice made an unlawful employment practice by this Act or made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Civil rights, Civil rights enforcement, Disciplining of employees, Discrimination in employment, Dismissal of employees, Government information, Government liability, Labor, Labor statistics, Law, Sex change, Sex discrimination, Sexual harassment, State and local government, Women Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill TextTo prohibit employment discrimination based on gender identity. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims.Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran.Provides for the construction of this Act with regard to: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) the construction of new or additional facilities;[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Electronic commerce, Electronic mail systems, Internet, Law, Local taxation, State and local government, State laws, State taxation, Tax exemption, Taxation, Technology, Telecommunication Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Signed by President.
Bill TextTo amend the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend the moratorium on certain taxes relating to the Internet and to electronic commerce. 10/31/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on October 25, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend until November 1, 2014, the moratorium on state and local taxation of Internet access and electronic commerce (moratorium) and the exemption from such moratorium for states with previously enacted Internet tax laws (grandfathering provisions). Redefines, effective November 1, 2003, "Internet access" to prevent certain states from claiming an expanded exemption under the Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act from the moratorium. Delays the application of such redefinition until June 30, 2008, for a state or local [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Administrative procedure, Alien labor, Budgets, Criminal justice, Department of Labor, Employee rights, Executive departments, Fines (Penalties), Fraud, Government trust funds, Immigration, Labor, Law, Recruiting of employees, Temporary employment Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12143-12145)
Bill TextA bill to increase the wages and benefits of blue collar workers by strengthening labor provisions in the H-2B program, to provide for labor recruiter accountability, and for other purposes. 9/26/2007--Introduced. Increasing American Wages and Benefits Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize: (1) the Secretary of Labor to enforce federal labor laws with respect to employers of H-2B nonagricultural temporary workers; and (2) a private right of action against such employers. Specifies employer actions to be taken to recruit U.S. workers prior to filing for admission of H-2B workers. Prohibits H-2B worker entry until the Secretary certifies that prevailing wages will be paid to such workers or to U.S. workers. Sets forth H-2B and U.S. worker protections. Directs the Secretary to establish an H-2B (employer) labor certification application fee. Establishes in the Treasury the H-2B Employment Certification Application Fee [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Communications, Criminal justice, Damages, Forfeiture, Injunctions, Interstate commerce, Law, Postal service, Prisoners, Trade Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Bill TextTo amend chapter 87 of title 18, United States Code, to end the terrorizing effects of the sale of murderabilia on crime victims and their families. 9/25/2007--Introduced. Stop the Sale of Murderabilia to Protect the Dignity of Crime Victims Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) restrict the items that a federal prisoner may place in the mail or for delivery; and (2) provide for civil and criminal forfeiture of real or personal property used to commit a crime or obtained as a result of such crime. Provides civil remedies, including injunctions, damages, and attorney fees, for persons aggrieved by federal prisoners using the mail in violation of this Act. | | Also tagged in: Employee rights, Employers' liability, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Job training, Labor, Law, Layoffs, Plant shutdowns, Wage restitution Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
Bill TextTo amend the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to improve such Act. 9/25/2007--Introduced. Forewarn Act of 2007 - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," and "mass layoff" for purposes of the Act to, among other things, make the Act applicable to employers of 50 or more employees (under current law, 100 employees). Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees and appropriate state and government officials before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; and (2) give notice of such closing or layoff to the Secretary of Labor (including the number of employees), to U.S. and state Senators and Representatives who represent the area in which the plant is located, and to the Governor of the state in which the plant is located and to the chief elected official of the unit of local government within [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Budgets, Children, Civil liberties, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Crime prevention, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Data banks, Department of Justice, Education, Equipment and supplies, Executive departments, Families Latest Action: 09/21/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy. With written report No. 110-183. Supplemental views filed.
Bill TextAn original bill to promote school safety, improved law enforcement, and for other purposes. 9/21/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)School Safety and Law Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: School Safety Enhancements Act - School Safety Enhancements Act - Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education Safety Enhancements - (Sec. 111) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) allow the placement and use of surveillance equipment in schools under the matching grant program for school security; (2) allow the use of grant funds to establish hotlines or tiplines for reporting potentially dangerous students and situations and for making capital improvements to make school facilities more secure; (3) set the federal matching share [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Alien labor, Criminal justice, Employee selection, Employers' liability, Federal preemption, Federal-local relations, Federal-state relations, Fines (Penalties), Illegal aliens, Immigration, Labor, Law, Licenses, Local laws, Punitive damages, Recruiting of employees Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
Bill TextTo amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for no preemption of certain State and local laws regarding employment eligibility verification requirements. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Local Law Enforcement Restoration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to state that specified unlawful alien employment provisions shall not preempt any state or local law that imposes: (1) employment eligibility verification requirements imposed upon employers or employees consistent with or in addition to employment eligibility verification requirements; (2) civil or criminal penalties for violation of such state or local employment eligibility verification requirements; (3) civil or criminal penalties for prohibited acts; (4) licensing sanctions for violation of such state or local employment eligibility verification requirements; (5) licensing sanctions for prohibited acts; or (6) limitations on the private right to sue for up to treble damages. (Current law provides that [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Citizen lawsuits, Civil rights, Collection of accounts, Communications, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer complaints, Consumer education Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Bill TextTo establish a comprehensive program to ensure the safety of food products intended for human consumption which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Consumer Food Safety Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) administer a national program to protect human health by ensuring that the food industry has effective programs to assure the safety of food; (2) prescribe regulations regarding harmful substances in food, registration of facilities, sanitary food processing, proper labeling, processing controls, and inspections of registered facilities; (3) establish tolerances to limit the quantity of contaminants in food; (4) establish a system to ensure the safety of imported food; (5) include food in an active surveillance system; (6) establish guidelines for a sampling system of food products; (7) rank food categories based on their health hazard and identify approaches to minimize such hazards; and (8) design [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Civil liberties, Damages, Land use, Law, Limitation of actions, Natural resources, Public lands, Railroads, Right of property, Right-of-way, Trails, Transportation Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
Bill TextA bill to amend the National Trails System Act relating to the statute of limitations that applies to certain claims. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Trails Act Technical Correction Act of 2007 - Prescribes the times for filing a suit and for commencing a civil action by the owner of property subject to an interim use of railroad right-of-way for damage claims brought against the United States. | | Also tagged in: Budgets, Consumers, Counseling, Credit bureaus, Federal aid to housing, Federally-guaranteed loans, Fees, Finance, Financial planning, Financial statements, Foreclosure, Government information, Government lending, Government paperwork, Housing, Income Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Bill TextTo establish a program to assist homeowners experiencing unavoidable, temporary difficulty making payments on mortgages insured under the National Housing Act. 9/19/2007--Introduced. Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a mortgage emergency assistance program for qualifying homeowners with National Housing Act-insured mortgages who are temporarily unable to meet their obligations due to financial hardship beyond their control. Requires: (1) homeowner repayment of such assistance and interest; and (2) certain conditions to be met before legal action may be taken against a qualifying homeowner, including providing the homeowner with program notice. | | Also tagged in: Arrest, Artists, Authors and authorship, Business, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Copyright, Counterfeiting, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Customs administration, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Federal employees Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Bill TextTo safeguard the economic health of the United States and the health and safety of United States citizens by improving the management, coordination, and effectiveness of domestic and international intellectual property rights enforcement, and for other purposes. 9/18/2007--Introduced. Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Act - Amends the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000 to repeal provisions establishing the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council.Establishes the Intellectual Property Enforcement Network (IPEN), consisting of specified representatives of various government agencies, to: (1) establish policies, objectives, and priorities concerning international intellectual property protection and law enforcement; (2) coordinate and facilitate implementation of such policies, objectives, and priorities; and (3) protect U.S. intellectual property rights overseas, including by creating an international task force.[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Claims, Communications, Congress, Congressional hearings, Congressional investigations, Federal employees, Fraud, Government employees, Government information, Government liability, Jurisdiction, Law, Limitation of actions, Public meetings, Qui tam actions, Reporters and reporting Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Bill TextA bill to amend the False Claims Act. 9/12/2007--Introduced. False Claims Act Correction Act of 2007 - Amends the False Claims Act to make any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for government money or property for payment or approval liable for a civil penalty. (Repeals the requirement that false claims be presented to a government employee.)Allows the government, under specified circumstances, to move to dismiss from such an action by a private person a qui tam relator who is a federal employee.Declares that: (1) no claim for a violation may be waived or released by any action of any person, except insofar as such action is part of a court approved settlement of a false claim civil action; and (2) nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the ability of the United States to decline to pursue any claim.Authorizes a court, upon the motion of the Attorney General, to dismiss an action or claim if the allegations relating to [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Accident prevention, Administrative procedure, Advertising, Air pollution, All terrain vehicles, Authorization, Budgets, Business, Business records, Carbon monoxide, Child health, Child safety, Children, Cigarettes, Communications, Congress Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - By Senator Inouye from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 110-265.
Bill TextA bill to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide greater protection for children's products, to improve the screening of noncompliant consumer products, to improve the effectiveness of consumer product recall programs, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) CPSC Reform Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations: (1) to carry out the Act; (2) for the office of Inspector General; (3) to make capital improvements to the research, development, and testing facility of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); and (4) for research into safety issues related to the use of nanotechnology in consumer products.(Sec. 4) Requires the CPSC, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by at least 500 the number of its full time employees and by at least 50 the number of its port of entry and overseas production facility inspectors.[...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Business, Damages, Emergency management, Emergency medicine, Finance, Good samaritan laws, Insurance companies, Juries, Law, Legal fees, Liability (Law), Limitation of actions, Medical care, Medical malpractice, Medicine, Negligence Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11149-11155)
Bill TextTo provide health care liability reform, and for other purposes. 9/10/2007--Introduced. Medical Justice Act of 2007 - Sets forth provisions regulating civil actions for an injury or death as the result of health care.Limits the non-economic damages that an individual may recover to: (1) $250,000 from health care practitioners; (2) $250,000 from any single health care institution; and (3) $500,000 from the class of liable health care institutions.Limits the total damages, including compensatory damages, that a person may recover from any single liable health care practitioner to $1,400,000. Provides that an insurer of a health care practitioner or health care institution is not liable for damages in excess of the liability of the insured for rejecting a reasonable settlement offer within policy limits.Sets forth requirements for qualified expert reports.Allows periodic or accrual payment for future damages.Prohibits a jury from awarding [...] show full description | | Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Advertising, Armed forces, Armed forces abroad, Business, Business records, Communications, Consumer education, Consumer protection, Consumers, Contracts, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held.
Bill TextA bill to provide for greater disclosure to, and empowerment of, consumers who have entered into a contract for cellular telephone service. 9/7/2007--Introduced. Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007 - Requires that a wireless telephone service provider disclose, in a plain and conspicuous way, contract information regarding terms, charges, minutes, taxes and surcharges, and E-911 service in any publication of the contract, before a consumer enters into the contract, and in advertising. Requires wireless service bills to be clearly organized and use plain language, have taxes and fees in a separate section, and itemize roaming charges. Requires each provider to make available a map showing the wireless telephone service area of the provider and the wireless telephone service area of the provider in each state. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to monitor the quality of wireless telephone service provided in the United States by [...] show full description | | |
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