Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/25/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-400.

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A bill to authorize the implementation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement. 6/25/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to implement the Stipulation of Settlement dated September 13, 2006, in Natural Resources Defense Council, et al. v. Kirk Rodgers, et al., in cooperation with the state of California, including measures to: (1) design and construct channel and structural improvements; (2) modify Friant Dam operations to provide Restoration Flows and Interim Flows; (3) acquire water, water rights, or options to acquire water from willing sellers; (4) implement terms and conditions related to recirculation, recapture, reuse, exchange, or transfer of water released for such flows; and (5) develop and implement the Recovered Water Account.Directs [...]

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Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - For Further Action See Title III of H.R. 2954.

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To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to enforce restrictions on employment in the United States of unauthorized aliens through the use of improved Social Security cards and an Employment Eligibility Database, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require inclusion of encrypted machine-readable electronic identification strips on Social Security cards. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) develop the strip in a manner that enables employers to access the Employment Eligibility Database (EED) established by this Act; and (2) transmit to the Secretary of Homeland Security necessary information from an individual's application for a Social Security card or number for inclusion in the EED. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain the EED. Requires the EED to [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S84-85)

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A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by establishing minimum nurse staffing ratios at certain Medicare providers, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require each participating hospital to adopt and implement a staffing system that ensures a number of registered nurses on each shift and in each unit of the hospital to ensure appropriate staffing levels for patient care; (2) provide for the public reporting of certain staffing information, including a daily posting for each shift in the hospital of the current number of licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for patient care; (3) prescribe recordkeeping, data collection, and evaluation requirements for participating hospitals; (4) specify civil monetary penalties for violations of such requirements; and [...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye without amendment. With written report No. 110-28.

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A bill to establish a United States Boxing Commission to administer the Act, and for other purposes. 3/1/2007--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.) Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize a tribal organization to establish a boxing commission to regulate professional boxing matches held on Indian land; and (2) provide that its provisions shall apply to professional boxing matches held on tribal lands to the same extent and in the same way as they apply to such matches held in any state. Requires health and safety standards and licensing requirements for matches to be at least as restrictive as: (1) standards and requirements in the state in which the Indian land is located; or (2) the guidelines established [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful to: (1) acquire or use customer proprietary network information without written consent; (2) represent that another person has consented in order to acquire such information; (3) obtain unauthorized access to certain systems or records in order to acquire such information; (4) sell or offer for sale such information; or (5) request that another person unlawfully obtain such information. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for a civil forfeiture penalty for violation of this Act. Imposes on IP-enabled voice service providers a duty to protect the confidentiality of specified proprietary information. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier [...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11158)

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Expressing 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 by not later than September 1, 2007.

3/22/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should submit to the government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement by September 1, 2007; and (2) such agreement should address the sovereign rights of Iraq, the legal status of U.S. personnel in Iraq, and establish primacy and coordinative mechanisms respecting investigations and operations involving U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian police forces.

Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1926-1927 text as passed Senate: CR S1927 text of measure as introduced: CR S1923)

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A resolution to authorize testimony, document production, and legal representation in State of Oregon v. Rebecca Michelson, Michele Darr, and Vernon Huffman

2/13/2007--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) Kellie Lute and other employees of Senator Gordon Smith's office to testify and produce documents in State of Oregon v. Rebecca Michelson, Michele Darr, and Vernon Huffman, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Kellie Lute and such other employees in those cases.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

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To reform Federal procedures relating to intercountry adoption. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Intercountry Adoption Reform Act of 2007 or the ICARE Act - Establishes an Office of Intercountry Adoptions within the Department of State to be headed by the Ambassador at Large for Intercountry Adoptions. Transfers to the Office all functions with respect to intercountry adoptions currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise: (1) conditions for automatic citizenship for children born outside the United States, including for adopted children; and (2) requirements concerning the history of parents' physical presence in the United States or its possessions. Defines the term "full and final adoption." Prescribes procedural requirements for the adoption of foreign-born children by U.S. citizens.Establishes a nonimmigrant W-visa for an adoptable child coming into the United States for adoption by [...]

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Latest Action: 05/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

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To require an employer to take action after receiving official notice that an individual's Social Security account number does not match the individual's name, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Employment Eligibility Verification and Anti-Identity Theft Act - Directs the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to notify a person or entity each time that the combination of name and Social Security account number it has submitted for an individual does not match Social Security Administration records. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (HS) to notify a person or entity each time that: (1) an immigration status or employment authorization document presented or referenced by an individual during the employment eligibility verification process was assigned to another person; or (2) there is no agency record that the document was assigned to any person. Directs the HS Secretary to establish a system, meeting specified requirements, for [...]

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Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

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A bill to provide appropriate protection to attorney-client privileged communications and attorney work product. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any U.S. agent or attorney, in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, from demanding, requesting, or conditioning treatment on the disclosure by an organization (or affiliated person) of any communication protected by the attorney-client privilege or any attorney work product.Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from conditioning a civil or criminal charging decision relating to an organization (or affiliated person) on one or more specified actions, or from using one or more such actions as a factor in determining whether an organization or affiliated person is cooperating with the government.Numbers among the actions a U.S. agent or attorney may not use as a charging decision condition or a cooperation-determining [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction

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To amend titles 46 and 18, United States Code, with respect to the operation of submersible vessels and semi-submersible vessels without nationality.

9/25/2008--Introduced.

Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating or attempting or conspiring to operate by any means, or for embarking in, any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating or has navigated into, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Imposes an additional civil fine of up to $1 million for violations.

Latest Action: 10/13/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-407.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles 46 and 18, United States Code, with respect to the operation of submersible vessels and semi-submersible vessels without nationality. 10/13/2008--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.) Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Title I: Criminal Prohibition - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating, attempting or conspiring to operate, or embarking in any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality in, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over an offense under [...]

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Latest Action: 09/27/2008 - Mr. Oberstar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

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To restructure the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater Program, and for other purposes. 9/27/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: Integrated Deepwater Program - Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act of 2008 - (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator (LSI) for Integrated Deepwater Program (IDP) acquisitions, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary and the IDP LSI, subject to exception, to use full and open competition for any IDP acquisition for which an outside contractor is used. Prohibits an LSI and any tier 1 subcontractor from having a financial interest in a subcontractor below the tier 1, subject to exception. (Sec. 103) Requires any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order to require, among other things, that: (1) IDP procurement certifications be conducted by the Secretary or [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

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To withhold Federal funds from schools that permit or require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem in a language other than English.

8/1/2008--Introduced.

Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement Act of 2008 - Prohibits state or local educational agencies from requiring or permitting the Pledge of Allegiance or national anthem to be recited or sung in any language other than English in any elementary or secondary school under their jurisdiction.

Withholds federal funds from state or local educational agencies that violate such prohibition, unless the funds are specifically appropriated to such agencies after they have been found to be violating the prohibition.

Establishes a private right of action for persons injured by violations of such prohibition.

Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7953-7954)

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A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to liability under State and local requirements respecting devices.

7/31/2008--Introduced.

Medical Device Safety Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that provisions preempting state and local requirements for medical devices intended for human use shall not be construed to modify or otherwise affect any action for damages or the liability of any person under state law. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 and applicable to any civil action pending or filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Signed by President.

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A bill to restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 9/25/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to redefine the term "disability," including by defining "major life activities" and "being regarded as having such an impairment." Sets forth rules of construction regarding the definition of "disability," including that: (1) such term shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under the Act; (2) an impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be a disability; (3) an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

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A bill to prevent the undermining of the judgments of courts of the United States by foreign courts, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Makes unenforceable by a federal or state agency, department, or court any judgment of a foreign court or agency under a certain kind of foreign statute that requires a U.S. plaintiff (or affiliate) to pay damages to a foreign defendant.Describes such a foreign statute as one that has the effect of nullifying all or part of a final judgment of a U.S. court under the Antidumping Act of 1916 by enabling a foreign defendant that has paid damages pursuant to such judgment to recover any portion of them from the U.S. plaintiff (or affiliate).Authorizes a U.S. plaintiff (or affiliate) held liable, or required to forfeit or pay damages, pursuant to a foreign judgment to file a civil action for the amount of such damages (plus interest and costs) against the foreign defendant that obtained damages pursuant to the foreign [...]

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Latest Action: 07/28/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7576)

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A bill to enhance drug trafficking interdiction by creating a Federal felony for operating or embarking in a submersible or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage.

7/28/2008--Introduced.

Drug Trafficking Interdiction Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for the intentional operation of, or for embarking in, any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality (as defined by federal law) and that is navigating or has navigated into, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country with the intent to evade detection.

Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend or promulgate sentencing guidelines to provide adequate penalties for such offense.

Latest Action: 10/13/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-403.

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A bill to enhance remedies for violations of intellectual property laws, and for other purposes. 10/13/2008--Public Law.    (There is 1 other summary) Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 - Title I: Enhancements to Civil Intellectual Property Laws - (Sec. 101) Amends federal copyright law to provide that copyright registration requirements apply to civil (not criminal) infringement actions and provide a safe harbor for copyright registrations that contain inaccurate information.(Sec. 102) Allows a court, while an infringement action is pending, to impound records documenting the manufacture, sale, or receipt of related things, requiring a protective order to ensure that confidential, private, proprietary, or privileged information is not improperly disclosed or used.Amends trademark seizure provisions to broaden protective order requirements.(Sec. 103) Amends the Trademark Act to revise [...]

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Latest Action: 07/15/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

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A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for improved public health and food safety through enhanced enforcement, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Introduced. Safe and Fair Enforcement and Recall for Meat, Poultry and Food Act of 2008 or SAFER Meat, Poultry and Food Act of 2008- Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat, poultry, eggs, or food products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate; (2) provide the Secretary of Agriculture with authority for voluntary (by transporters, shippers, distributors, and handlers) and mandatory (upon the failure [...]

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